JPH11232025A - Optical scanning touch panel - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To improve the resolution of detection while a sufficient S/N is secured without deteriorating display quality and to enlarge a screen by receiving light transmitted through a light transmission body and executing measurement and an operation in accordance with the received light signal. SOLUTION: Optical scanning units 1a and 1b angle-scan light which a light emitter emits in a face which is substantially parallel to the range of a plane regulated as a target area for touching it with an indicator S and receive scanned light by light receiving elements 13a-13h. The light receiver receives not the reflected light of scanning light but light transmitted through a light transmission body 7. The body 7 is substantially continuously provided for the periphery of the range of the plane and it introduces light scanned by an optical scanning part to the light receiver. A measuring means measures the interruption range of scanning light by the indication object S when it exists in the range of the plane based on the light reception result by the light receiver. The position in the range of the plane of the object S is operated in an operation means based on a measured result by the measuring means.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a plane defined as a target area for touching a display screen or the like of a computer, and a blockage (indicator) within the plane.
The present invention relates to an optical scanning type touch panel for inputting information by touching the touch panel.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art When an input operation is performed on information displayed on a screen of a personal computer or the like by a touch method, it is necessary to detect a contact position (designated position) on the display screen with high accuracy. is there. As a method of detecting a designated position on a display screen serving as such a coordinate plane, a “Carroll method” (US Pat. No. 4,267,443) is known. In this method, a light matrix is formed on the front surface of the display screen by arranging a light emitting element and a light receiving element in a frame on the front surface of the display screen to detect a light blocking position due to contact of a finger or a pen. . In this method, high S /
N can be obtained and the application can be extended to a large display device. However, since the detection resolution is proportional to the arrangement interval of the light emitting element and the light receiving element, the arrangement interval is increased in order to increase the detection resolution. Must be narrow. Therefore, even when a large screen is touched by a thin object such as a pen tip, in order to accurately detect the contact position, the number of light emitting elements and light receiving elements to be arranged increases, and the configuration is large. There is a problem that the signal processing becomes complicated and signal processing becomes complicated.

Another optical position detecting method is disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 57-211637. According to this method, a focused light such as a laser beam is angularly scanned from the outside of a display screen, an angle at which a dedicated pen is present is obtained from two timings of reflected light from a dedicated pen having a reflector, and the obtained angle is obtained. Is applied to the principle of triangulation to detect position coordinates by calculation. With this method, the number of parts can be significantly reduced, and high resolution can be achieved. However, there is a problem in operability such as the necessity of using a dedicated reflecting pen, and the position of a finger, an arbitrary pen, or the like cannot be detected.

[0004] Still another optical position detecting method is proposed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 62-5428. This method
Light retroreflectors are arranged on both side frames of the display screen, and the return light from the light retroreflectors of the angularly scanned light beams is detected,
The existence angle of the finger or the pen is determined from the timing at which the light beam is blocked by the finger or the pen, and the position coordinates are detected from the determined angle by the principle of triangulation. In this method, the number of parts is small, the detection accuracy can be maintained, and the position of a finger, an arbitrary pen or the like can be detected.

[0005]

In the above-described optical position detection method, the position of a finger, an arbitrary pen or the like can be detected without deteriorating the display quality of the display screen. In order to improve the resolution and realize a large screen, it is necessary to increase the number of light transmitting and receiving elements.
This leads to an increase in manufacturing cost and complication of signal processing.

In a configuration using a light retroreflector, the amount of reflected scanning light is reduced with an increase in the screen size, and it is difficult to secure an S / N ratio.

The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and realizes a large screen without deteriorating the display quality and improving the detection resolution while securing a sufficient S / N. It is an object of the present invention to provide a possible optical scanning type touch panel.

[0008]

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided an optical scanning type touch panel which is substantially parallel to an area of a plane defined as a target area for touching a light emitted from a light emitter with an indicator. At least two sets of optical scanning units that perform angular scanning in a certain plane, a light receiving unit that receives light scanned by the optical scanning unit, and a light receiving unit that is provided substantially continuously around a plane area;
A light guide that guides light scanned by the light scanning unit to the light receiver,
Based on the result of light reception by the light receiver, when there is an indicator in the range of the plane, the measuring means for measuring the cutoff range of the scanning light due to the indicator, and the range of the plane of the indicator based on the measurement result by the measuring means Computing means for computing a position in the inside.

In the first aspect of the invention, the photodetector receives not the reflected light of the scanning light but the light propagated through the light guide, and the measurement by the measuring means and the calculation by the calculating means are performed according to the result.

[0010] In the optical scanning touch panel according to a second aspect of the present invention, in the first aspect, the calculating means calculates the size of the pointer within the plane based on the measurement result by the measuring means. It is characterized by the following.

In the second aspect, the calculating means calculates not only the position of the pointing object but also the size of the pointing object including the change.

[0012] In a third aspect of the present invention, in the light scanning type touch panel according to the first or second aspect, the light guide has a flat surface substantially continuous with one or a plurality of rod-shaped light guides in the longitudinal direction thereof. It is characterized by being arranged around the range.

[0013] In the third aspect of the invention, the scanning light is propagated to the light receiver by the light guide composed of the rod-shaped light guide.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the light scanning type touch panel according to the third aspect, the light guide means has a round bar shape, and a portion of the light guide means facing a plane of the outer periphery receives scanning light from the light scanning unit. It is characterized in that it is configured to be possible.

In the fourth aspect of the invention, scanning is performed from a portion facing a plane area defined as a target area to be touched with an indicator on the outer periphery of the light guide composed of round bar-shaped light guides. Light enters and propagates to the receiver.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in the light scanning type touch panel according to the third or fourth aspect, the light guide means is configured to have a cross section in which a portion where light can enter is smaller than other portions. It is characterized by.

In the fifth aspect of the present invention, since a portion having a cross-sectional shape into which light can enter is smaller than other portions, light leakage of the scanning light from the optical scanning portion to the outside once entered is suppressed. .

According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, in the optical scanning touch panel according to the third or fourth aspect, the light guiding means is constituted by a fiber sheet in which a plurality of optical fibers are arranged in a sheet in parallel. Features.

In the sixth aspect of the invention, the scanning light from the optical scanning unit is incident on the light guide means constituted by a fiber sheet formed by bundling a plurality of optical fibers in parallel and propagating to the light receiver. Is done.

According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, there is provided an optical scanning type touch panel according to the first or second aspect, wherein the light receiver is provided at an end of the light guide.

[0021] In the seventh aspect, the scanning light from the optical scanning unit that has propagated in the light guide enters the light receiving device at the end.

According to an eighth aspect of the present invention, in the light scanning type touch panel according to the first or second aspect, the light guide is constituted by continuous light guide means surrounding a plane area. I do.

According to the eighth aspect of the present invention, the light scanning unit supplies the light guide composed of continuous light guides surrounding the area of the plane defined as the target area to be touched by the pointer with the indicator. Is incident and propagated to the light receiver.

A ninth aspect of the present invention is directed to the optical scanning type touch panel according to any one of the third to eighth aspects, wherein the light guide has scattering means for scattering incident light.

According to the ninth aspect, the scanning light from the optical scanning unit that has entered the light guide is scattered by the scattering means and propagates through the light guide.

An optical scanning type touch panel according to a tenth aspect of the present invention is:
An eleventh invention is characterized in that the scattering means is formed on the surface of the light guide as a region which is optically rougher than other portions.

In the tenth aspect of the present invention, after the scanning light from the optical scanning unit is scattered in a region which is optically rougher than other portions formed on the surface of the light guide, the light guide is used. It enters the body.

An optical scanning type touch panel according to an eleventh aspect of the present invention comprises:
A ninth invention is characterized in that the scattering means is formed inside the light guide.

According to the eleventh aspect, the scanning light from the optical scanning unit that has entered the light guide is scattered in the light guide and propagates through the light guide.

An optical scanning type touch panel according to a twelfth aspect is
In any one of the third to eighth inventions, the scattering means is:
It is a diffraction grating provided on the surface of the light guide.

In the twelfth aspect, the scanning light from the optical scanning unit is scattered by the diffraction grating and enters the inside.

An optical scanning type touch panel according to a thirteenth aspect of the present invention comprises:
In a twelfth aspect, the diffraction grating is characterized in that the arrangement intervals are set corresponding to the incident angles of the scanning light at the positions of the light guides provided with the respective diffraction gratings.

In the thirteenth aspect, since the arrangement intervals of the diffraction gratings are set in accordance with the incident angles of the scanning light at the positions of the light guides provided in the respective light guides, the light scanning section is provided with Is incident on the light guide at an optimum incident angle.

An optical scanning type touch panel according to a fourteenth aspect of the present invention is:
A twelfth aspect of the present invention is characterized in that the scattering means varies the degree of scattering in accordance with the incident angle of the scanning light at the position of the light guide provided therein.

According to the fourteenth aspect, when scanning light from the optical scanning unit enters the light guide, light leakage to the outside is suppressed to a minimum.

An optical scanning type touch panel according to a fifteenth aspect of the present invention comprises:
In any one of the third to eighth inventions, the light guide is characterized in that a region other than a region on the outer surface of the light guide where the scanning light is incident is covered with a reflecting means for reflecting light toward the light guide. .

According to the fifteenth aspect, the scanning light from the optical scanning unit that has entered the light guide propagates to the light receiver while being reflected inside the light guide.

A sixteenth aspect of the present invention provides an optical scanning type touch panel,
In any one of the third to eighth aspects, the light guide may be configured such that a width of the outer surface of the light guide in a direction orthogonal to a plane of a region where the scanning light is incident is substantially equal to a beam diameter of the scanning light. Features.

In the sixteenth aspect, the scanning light from the optical scanning unit efficiently enters the light guide.

An optical scanning type touch panel according to a seventeenth aspect of the present invention comprises:
In the first or second invention, it is preferable that the light guide is constituted by a fiber array opposed to a range of a plane defined as a target area for touching end faces of the plurality of optical fibers with an indicator. Features.

According to the seventeenth aspect, the scanning light from the optical scanning section incident on the end face of each optical fiber constituting the fiber array propagates through the optical fiber with high efficiency.

An optical scanning type touch panel according to an eighteenth aspect of the present invention is
A seventeenth aspect of the present invention is characterized in that each optical fiber of the fiber array is arranged such that each end face is substantially orthogonal to the optical axis of the scanning light.

In the eighteenth aspect, the scanning light from the optical scanning section is incident on each optical fiber with high efficiency on the end face of each optical fiber constituting the fiber array.

An optical scanning type touch panel according to a nineteenth aspect of the present invention
In the seventeenth or eighteenth aspect, each of the optical fibers of the fiber array is formed to have a shape in which each end face is outwardly convex.

According to the nineteenth aspect, the scanning light from the optical scanning section is incident on each optical fiber with high efficiency on the end face of each optical fiber constituting the fiber array.

The optical scanning type touch panel according to the twentieth aspect is
In the first or second invention, the light guide is constituted by a light guide means formed in a cylindrical shape having a mirror-finished inner surface in a cross-sectional shape in which a portion facing a range of a plane on the outer periphery is cut out. It is characterized by being.

In the twentieth aspect, the light enters the light guide means formed in a cylindrical shape from the cutout portion, and is propagated while being reflected inside.

The optical scanning type touch panel according to the twenty-first aspect is
In the twentieth aspect, the light guiding means is provided with a scattering means for scattering light at a position facing the cut-out portion inside the light guiding means.

According to the twenty-first aspect, the scanning light from the optical scanning unit which has entered the light guide means is scattered and propagated by the internal scattering means.

The optical scanning type touch panel according to the twenty-second aspect is
A twenty-first aspect of the present invention is characterized in that the light guiding means includes a reflecting means for reflecting light at a wide angle at a position facing the cut-out portion inside the light guiding means.

According to the twenty-second aspect, the scanning light from the light scanning unit that has entered the light guide means is reflected by the internal reflection means and propagated.

The optical scanning type touch panel according to the twenty-third aspect is
In any one of the first to twenty-second aspects, a plurality of light receivers are provided for individually receiving scanning light scanned from each of the optical scanning units, and the light guide is provided for each of the plurality of light receivers. A plurality of light scanning units for individually guiding scanning light scanned from each of the light scanning units.

In the twenty-third aspect, since the scanning light scanned from each of the optical scanning units is individually guided to the plurality of light receivers by the light guide, the scanning light from any one of the optical scanning units is used. Is easy to distinguish.

An optical scanning touch panel according to a twenty-fourth aspect of the present invention
In any one of the first to twenty-second aspects, the optical scanning unit scans each of the scanning lights having different wavelengths, and the optical scanning unit corresponds to the wavelength of the scanning light scanned by each of the optical scanning units between the light guide and the light receiver. An optical filter is provided.

In the twenty-fourth aspect, the scanning light from each optical scanning unit is provided by the optical filter corresponding to the wavelength of the scanning light scanned by each of the optical scanning units provided between the light guide and the light receiver. Are separated.

An optical scanning touch panel according to a twenty-fifth aspect of the present invention is
At least two sets of light scanning units for angularly scanning the light emitted by the light emitter in a plane substantially parallel to a range of a plane defined as a target area for touching with the indicator; A light receiver that receives the scanned light and outputs a light reception signal, and a light guide that is provided substantially continuously around a plane area and guides the light scanned by the light scanning unit to the light receiver, Based on the light receiving signal output by the light receiver, when there is an indicator in the range of the plane, a measuring unit that measures the cutoff range of the scanning light by the indicator, and the plane of the indicator based on the measurement result by the measuring unit Computing means for computing at least a position within the range of at least two switching means for switching the scanning light by at least two sets of light scanning units at different frequencies, and these switching means At least two band-pass filters that pass frequencies including the switching frequency, and a light-receiving signal of scanning light by at least two sets of light scanning units by filtering a light-receiving signal output from the light receiver with the band-pass filter. Are characterized by being separated.

According to the twenty-fifth aspect, at least two switching units switch the scanning light beams from the at least two sets of optical scanning units at different frequencies, and the light receiving signal output from the light receiving unit is subjected to the band pass filter. The filtering separates the light receiving signals of the scanning light by the at least two optical scanning units.

An optical scanning touch panel according to a twenty-sixth aspect of the present invention is
At least two sets of light scanning units for angularly scanning the light emitted by the light emitter in a plane substantially parallel to a range of a plane defined as a target area for touching with the indicator; A light receiver that receives the scanned light and outputs a light reception signal, and a light guide that is provided substantially continuously around a plane area and guides the light scanned by the light scanning unit to the light receiver, Based on the light receiving signal output by the light receiver, when there is an indicator in the range of the plane, a measuring unit that measures the cutoff range of the scanning light by the indicator, and the plane of the indicator based on the measurement result by the measuring unit Calculating means for calculating at least the position within the range, switching means for switching control of the scanning light by the optical scanning unit, and control signal for controlling the switching means so that the scanning light by the optical scanning unit is not simultaneously turned on. Characterized by comprising and.

In the twenty-sixth aspect, the switching control is performed so that the scanning lights by the at least two optical scanning units are not simultaneously turned on, so that the light receiving signals of the scanning lights by the at least two optical scanning units are distinguished. Becomes possible.

An optical scanning touch panel according to a twenty-seventh aspect of the present invention
At least two sets of light scanning units for angularly scanning the light emitted by the light emitter in a plane substantially parallel to a range of a plane defined as a target area for touching with the indicator; A light receiver that receives the scanned light and outputs a light reception signal, and a light guide that is provided substantially continuously around a plane area and guides the light scanned by the light scanning unit to the light receiver, Based on the light receiving signal output by the light receiver, when there is an indicator in the range of the plane, a measuring unit that measures the cutoff range of the scanning light by the indicator, and the plane of the indicator based on the measurement result by the measuring unit Calculating means for calculating at least the position within the range of at least two switching means for switching the scanning light beams by the at least two sets of optical scanning units at the same frequency, and each of these switching means. Phase conversion means for performing phase conversion so that switching is performed at a different phase; and detection means for detecting a light reception signal output by the light receiver in synchronization with the phase converted by the phase conversion means. The light receiving signal is detected by the detecting means to separate the light receiving signals of the scanning light by at least two sets of the optical scanning units.

According to the twenty-seventh aspect, the scanning lights by at least two sets of light scanning units are switched so as to have the same frequency and different phases, and the light receiving signal is detected in synchronization with each phase. By at least 2
The light receiving signals of the scanning light by the pair of optical scanning units are separated.

An optical scanning type touch panel according to a twenty-eighth aspect of the present invention
At least two sets of light scanning units for angularly scanning the light emitted by the light emitter in a plane substantially parallel to a range of a plane defined as a target area for touching with the indicator; A light receiver that receives the scanned light and outputs a light reception signal, and a light guide that is provided substantially continuously around a plane area and guides the light scanned by the light scanning unit to the light receiver, Based on the light receiving signal output by the light receiver, when there is an indicator in the range of the plane, a measuring unit that measures a cutoff range of the scanning light by the indicator, and a plane of the indicator based on the measurement result by the measuring unit. And a light receiver for directly receiving scanning light from at least two sets of optical scanning units prior to scanning on a plane.

In the twenty-eighth aspect, scanning light from at least two sets of light scanning units is directly received by the light receiver prior to scanning on a plane defined as a target area for touching with the pointer. Therefore, the start timing of each single optical scan is detected.

[0064]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS The present invention will be specifically described below with reference to the drawings showing the embodiments.

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing a basic configuration of an example of an embodiment of the optical scanning type touch panel of the present invention.

In FIG. 1, reference numeral 10 denotes a display screen of a CRT or a flat display panel (PDP, LCD, EL, etc.) in an electronic device such as a personal computer, or a projection type video display device. 92.0 cm in the direction x 51.8 cm in the vertical direction, diagonal 10
It is configured as a display screen of a PDP (plasma display) having a display size of 5.6 cm.

Both corners of one short side (right side in the present embodiment) of this rectangular display screen 10 which is a range of a plane defined as a target area to be touched by the obstacle (pointer) S Optical scanning units 1a and 1b each having an optical system including a light-emitting element, a light-receiving element, a polygon mirror, and the like are provided on the outside. Light guides 7 are provided on three sides of the display screen 10 except for the right side, that is, outside the upper and lower sides and the left side. In addition,
Reference symbol S indicates a cross section of a human finger as an obstacle (pointer).

FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing the internal configuration and optical paths of the optical scanning units 1a and 1b. Double optical scanning unit 1
Reference numerals a and 1b denote light emitting elements 11a and 11b each formed of a laser diode for emitting an infrared laser, and light emitting elements 11a and 11b.
The collimator lenses 12a and 12b for converting the laser light from the light-emitting element 11b into parallel light, and the polygon mirrors 16a and 16b in the present embodiment for angularly scanning the laser light from the light-emitting elements 11a and 11b are provided. Have.

Reference numerals 18a and 18b denote timing detecting light-receiving elements, which determine the timing of a synchronization signal by receiving laser light scanned from the polygon mirrors 16a and 16b at the start of each scan. It is used to generate information for correcting the rotational speed of the polygon mirrors 16a and 16b.

The laser light emitted from the light emitting elements 11a and 11b is converted into parallel light by the collimator lenses 12a and 12b, and the rotation of the polygon mirrors 16a and 16b turns the laser light substantially parallel to the display screen 10 into an angle. The light is scanned and enters the light guide 7. However, as shown in FIG. 1, when an obstruction (indicator) S exists in the optical path of the projection light, the projection light is blocked, so that the projection light may not enter the light guide 7. Absent.

The rotation of the polygon mirrors 16a and 16b realizes the angular scanning of the laser beam by 90 degrees or more.

Returning to FIG. 1, each optical scanning unit 1a, 1
b, a light emitting element driving circuit 2a, 2b for driving the light emitting elements 11a, 11b and a polygon control circuit 4 for controlling the operation of the polygon mirrors 16a, 16b are connected.

In the present embodiment, three light guides 7 are installed substantially continuously on two long sides (upper and lower sides in FIG. 1) and short sides (on FIG. 1). On the left side), two are installed substantially continuously, and they are respectively called light guides 7a to 7h. When a material having a higher light guide is used as the light guide 7, the total number of the light guides 7 is reduced, and for example, two long sides (upper and lower sides in FIG. 1) are used. Only one light guide may be provided on the short side (the left side in FIG. 1). If a material having a higher light guide is used, only one light guide 7 may be used. The display screen 10 may be installed so as to surround the display screen 10 in a U-shape.

Light receiving elements 13a to 13h are connected to the light guides 7a to 7h, respectively. These light receiving elements 1
3a to 13h are light guides 7a to which each is connected.
7h is output as a light receiving signal converted into an analog signal. The light receiving signals output from the light guides 7a to 7h and the light receiving elements 18a and 18b for timing detection are added and given to the light receiving signal detecting circuit 3. The light receiving signal detection circuit 3 performs a logical processing on signals given from the light guides 7a to 7h and the timing detecting light receiving elements 18a and 18b to detect a light receiving signal, and supplies the signal to the MPU 5.

The MPU 5 is a MPU that measures and calculates the position and size of a blocking object (indicator) S such as a finger or a pen, and controls the operation of the entire apparatus. Display device. The display screen of the display device 6 can also be used as the display screen 10 as a matter of course.

In such an optical scanning type touch panel according to the present invention, as shown in FIG. 1, for example, the optical scanning unit 1b will be described.
b from the light receiving element 18 for timing detection.
The scanning is performed in the counterclockwise direction in FIG. 1 from the position where the light enters the light guide member b through the position where the light is blocked by the light shielding member 70, and the scan starts when the light reaches the position (Ps) where the light enters the tip of the light guide 7 (7h). Position. Then, the light enters the light guide 7 (7h, 7g) up to the position (P1) reaching one end of the blocking object S, but is blocked until reaching the position (P2) reaching the other end of the blocking object S. Accordingly, the light is not incident on the light guide 7 (7g) and is incident on the light guide 7 (7g, 7f, 7e, 7d) until the subsequent scanning end position (Pe).

However, in the optical scanning unit 1a, light is scanned clockwise in FIG. Here, the optical scanning unit 1a sets the lower side of the display screen 10 clockwise in FIG. 1 as the scanning start direction, and the optical scanning unit 1b sets the upper side of the display screen 10 counterclockwise in FIG. Will be described as the scanning start direction.

For example, in the case of the optical scanning unit 1b,
Either the upper side or the left side of the display screen 10 may be the scanning start direction. However, when viewed from the optical scanning unit 1b, the upper side of the display screen 10 is closer in distance than the lower side, so that the light guide 7 (7h) the amount of incident light is large;
Since the incident surface of the light guide 7 (7h) is substantially perpendicular to the upper side of the display screen 10, the amount of incident light is large, so that the upper side of the display screen 10 is set as the scanning start direction.
In other words, in the case of the optical scanning unit 1b, the display screen 10
If the lower side is the scanning start direction, the lower side of the display screen 10 is farther from the upper side than the upper side, so that the amount of incident light at the start of scanning becomes smaller.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a configuration for signal processing of the optical scanning type touch panel of the present invention. The polygon control circuit 4 includes a pulse motor 21 for rotating the polygon mirrors 16a and 16b at a constant speed, and a pulse motor 2
And a pulse motor drive circuit 22 for driving the pulse motor 1.

The MPU 5 includes light emitting element drive circuits 2a, 2b
, And the light emitting element driving circuits 2 a and 2 b are driven in accordance with the driving control signal, and the light emitting element 11
The light emission operations of a and 11b are controlled. The light emitting element driving circuits 2a and 2b include oscillators 20a and 20b and drivers 2Da and 2Db, respectively.

In the present embodiment, the oscillator 20a of the light emitting element drive circuit 2a drives the driver 2Da at a switching frequency of 100 MHz to cause the light emitting element 11a to emit light.
On the other hand, in the present embodiment, the oscillator 20b of the light emitting element drive circuit 2b drives the driver 2Db at a switching frequency of 200 MHz to cause the light emitting element 11b to emit light.

The light receiving signal detection circuit 3 inputs, as a light receiving signal, a signal to which an analog signal indicating the amount of light incident on the light receiving elements 13a to 13h shown in FIG. And sends the result to MPU5.

The MPU 5 sends a drive control signal for driving the pulse motor 21 to the pulse motor drive circuit 22. Further, the MPU 5 measures the position and size of the obstacle (indicator) based on the signal given from the light receiving signal detection circuit 3 and displays the measurement result on the display device 6. The display screen of the display device 6 can also serve as the display screen 10. The MPU 5 has a read-only memory (ROM) 2 for storing a program for signal processing and measuring the position and size of an obstacle (indicator).
5 and a writable memory (RAM) 26 used for temporary storage of various data.

Next, the light receiving signal detecting circuit 3 will be described. In FIG. 3, the light receiving elements 13a to 13h are collectively represented by reference numeral 13 for the sake of simplicity. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 3, the light receiving elements 18a and 18b for timing detection are not used.

The light receiving element 13 outputs a current / voltage (I / V) as a light receiving signal in which the amount of received light is proportional to the current value.
Output signal (current) from the light receiving element 13 by the converter 30
Into a voltage signal. The voltage signal output from the current / voltage converter 30 is sent to bandpass filters 31a and 31b.

The light emitting element 11a is connected to the oscillator 20a
100 MHz, the light emitting element 11b is connected to the oscillator 20b
Is driven at a switching frequency of 200 MHz, the band-pass filter 31a passes a frequency of 100 MHz, and the band-pass filter 31b
It is set to pass a frequency of MHz. Therefore, the light passing through the band-pass filter 31a is the light receiving signal of the scanning light by the light emitting element 11a, and the light passing through the band pass filter 31b is the light receiving signal of the scanning light by the light emitting element 11b.

The signal that has passed through the band-pass filter 31a (the light receiving signal of the scanning light by the light emitting element 11a) is input to the comparator 32a as a signal to be compared. The output of the comparator 32a is input to a first timer 34a. On the other hand, a signal that has passed through the bandpass filter 31b (a light receiving signal of the scanning light by the light emitting element 11b) is input to the comparator 32b as a signal to be compared. The output of the comparator 32b is input to a second timer 34b.

The comparators 32a and 32b include:
A predetermined reference voltage Vref is input as a comparison threshold. The reference voltage Vref is the lowest value of the voltage value output from the current / voltage converter 30 when the light receiving element 13 is receiving the scanning light from the optical scanning units 1a and 1b, and does not receive the scanning light. Current / voltage converter 3
It is set to an intermediate value from the voltage value output from 0. Therefore, the comparators 32a and 32b
3 outputs a signal "1" only during a period in which scanning light from the optical scanning units 1a and 1b is received, and outputs a signal "0" in other periods.

The first timer 34a is provided by the comparator 3
The second timer 34b measures the duration of the signal "1" or "0" output from the comparator 32b, and outputs the measurement result to the MPU 5 respectively. give.

With the configuration of the light receiving signal detection circuit 3, the MPU 5 performs the following processing, that is, the position detection processing by the optical scanning type touch panel of the present invention. Hereinafter, a description will be given with reference to a schematic diagram of FIG. 4 illustrating the principle and a time chart of FIG. 5 illustrating a waveform of a light receiving signal when the pointer S does not exist. However, in FIG. 4, the optical scanning units 1a, 1
The components other than b, the light guides 7a to 7h, and the display screen 10 are not shown. Also, a case where a finger is used as the pointer S is shown.

The MPU 5 controls the polygon control circuit 4 to rotate the polygon mirrors 16a and 16b in the optical scanning units 1a and 1b, thereby causing the light emitting elements 11a and 1b to rotate.
The laser beam from 1b is angularly scanned. At this time, MPU5
Is the oscillator 2 of the light emitting element driving circuit 2a in the light emitting element 11a.
The light emitting element 11b is caused to emit light at a switching frequency of 200 MHz by the oscillator 20b of the light emitting element driving circuit 2b, respectively. As a result, the scanning light from both optical scanning units 1a and 1b enters the light guide 7 (7a to 7h) and is guided to the light receiving elements 13 (13a to 13h). The light receiving signals indicating the amounts of incident light of the scanning light on the light guides 7 (7a to 7h) are added and provided to the light receiving signal detecting circuit 3.

In FIG. 4, θ00 and φ00 denote the angles from the reference line connecting the optical scanning units 1a and 1b to the light-receiving elements 18a and 18b for timing detection, and θ0 and φ0.
Is the angle from the reference line connecting both optical scanning units 1a and 1b to the ends of the light guides 7a to 7h, and .theta.1 and .phi.1 are the angles from the reference line to the reference line side end of the obstruction (indicator) S. And θ
2 and φ2 indicate the angles from the reference line to the reference line of the obstacle (indicator) S and the opposite end. Where θ00,
φ00 is not used here.

FIG. 5 is a waveform chart showing a time chart in the case where there is no obstacle (indicator) S. FIG. 5A shows a light receiving signal (output signal of the current / voltage converter 30), and FIG.
Is the output signal of the comparator 32a (the optical scanning unit 1a
5C shows the timing of the output signal of the comparator 32b (the light receiving signal of the scanning light by the optical scanning unit 1b).

As shown in FIG. 5A, the current / voltage converter 30 outputs the scanning light reception results of both optical scanning units 1a and 1b without distinction. Allows only the scanning light from the optical scanning unit 1a to pass, and the bandpass filter 31b allows only the scanning light from the optical scanning unit 1b to pass. For this reason, as shown in FIG. 5 (b), the output signal of the comparator 32a represents the result of receiving the scanning light by the optical scanning unit 1a, and as shown in FIG.
The output signal b indicates the result of receiving the scanning light by the optical scanning unit 1b.

When an obstruction (indicator) S is present on the display screen 10, the scanning light projected from the optical scanning units 1a and 1b is blocked by the obstructor (indicator) S. Light receiving element 13 via light guides 7a to 7h
No scanning light is incident on the. Therefore, in the state as shown in FIG. 4, when the scanning angle of the optical scanning unit 1a is between 0 ° and θ0, no scanning light is incident on the light receiving element 13 and the scanning angle is between 0 ° and θ1. In between, scanning light is incident on the light receiving element 13 and the scanning angle is changed from θ1 to θ2.
The scanning light does not enter the light receiving element 13 up to this point.

The incidence of the scanning light on the light receiving element 13 as described above is applied to the comparator 3 via the band pass filter 31a.
2a becomes "1" or "0" output, the first timer 34a counts the respective continuation time and outputs the result to the MPU5.
Give to.

Similarly, when the scanning angle of the optical scanning unit 1b is between 0 ° and φ0, the scanning light does not enter the light receiving element 13 via the light guides 7a to 7h, and the scanning angle is changed from φ0 to φ0. The scanning light is incident on the light receiving element 13 up to φ1, and the scanning light is not incident on the light receiving element 13 when the scanning angle is between φ1 and φ2.

The scanning light is incident on the light receiving element 13 as described above via the band-pass filter 31b.
2b is "1" or "0" output, the second timer 34b measures the respective continuation time and outputs the result to the MPU5.
Give to.

Note that such an angle can be obtained from the rising or falling timing of the light receiving signal, as shown in the time chart of FIG. Therefore, the blocking range of the finger of the person as the indicator is
dθ = θ2−θ1 and dφ = φ2−φ1.

In FIG. 4, θ0 and φ0 are the reference line connecting both optical scanning units 1a and 1b and the light guide 7 (7
Needless to say, it is known from the positional relationship between the end portions a) to h).

FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing another embodiment of the configuration for signal processing of the optical scanning type touch panel of the present invention. In this example, the configurations of the light emitting element drive circuits 2a and 2b and the light reception signal detection circuit 3 are different from the example shown in FIG.

The MPU 5 includes light emitting element drive circuits 2a, 2b
, And the drivers 2Da and 2Db in the light emitting element drive circuits 2a and 2b are driven in accordance with the drive control signal, and the light emitting operation of the light emitting elements 11a and 11b is controlled. The MPU 5 adjusts the drive timing of the drivers 2Da and 2Db to control the two light emitting elements 11a and 11b not to emit light at the same time.

Next, the light receiving signal detecting circuit 3 shown in FIG. 7 will be described. In FIG. 7, the light receiving elements 13a to 13h are collectively represented by reference numeral 13 for the sake of simplicity. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 7, the light receiving elements 18a and 18b for timing detection are not used.

The light receiving element 13 outputs the light receiving amount as a light receiving signal in proportion to the current value.
Output signal (current) from the light receiving element 13 by the converter 30
Into a voltage signal. The voltage signal output from the current / voltage converter 30 (the light receiving signal of the scanning light by both the light emitting elements 11a and 11b, but both are controlled by the MPU 5 so that they do not overlap) is compared by the comparator 32. Is input as a signal. The output of the comparator 32 is input to the timer 34, and the output is input to the MPU 5.

Note that a predetermined reference voltage Vref similar to that described above is input to the comparator 32 as a threshold value for comparison. Therefore, the comparator 32 outputs the signal "1" only during the period when the light receiving element 13 is receiving the scanning light from the optical scanning units 1a and 1b, and outputs the signal "0" during the other periods.

The timer 34 measures the duration of the signal “1” or “0” output from the comparator 32 and supplies the measurement result to the MPU 5.

In the configuration of the light reception signal detection circuit 3 shown in FIG. 7, the MPU 5 performs the following processing, that is, the position detection processing using the optical scanning touch panel of the present invention. Hereinafter, a description will be given with reference to the above-described schematic diagram of FIG. 4 showing the principle and the time charts of FIGS. 8 and 9 showing the waveform of the light receiving signal.

The MPU 5 controls the polygon control circuit 4 to rotate the polygon mirrors 16a and 16b in the optical scanning units 1a and 1b, thereby causing the light emitting elements 11a and 1b to rotate.
The laser beam from 1b is angularly scanned. At this time, MPU5
Controls so that the light emitting element 11a and the light emitting element 11b do not emit light at the same time. As a result, the light guide 7 (7a-7)
The scanning light from both optical scanning units 1a and 1b enters h) and is guided to the light receiving elements 13 (13a to 13h). The light receiving signals indicating the amounts of incident light of the scanning light on the light guides 7 (7a to 7h) are added and provided to the light receiving signal detecting circuit 3.

FIG. 8 is a waveform chart showing a time chart in the case where there is no obstacle (indicator) S. FIG. 8A shows the light emission timing of the light emitting element 11a, and FIG.
FIG. 8C shows the light emission timing of the comparator 32.
(The light receiving signal of the scanning light by the light emitting elements 11a and 11b).

As shown in FIGS. 8 (a) and 8 (b), both light emitting elements 11a and 11b are controlled by the MPU 5 and do not emit light at the same time, and therefore are shown in FIG. 8 (c). The MPU 5 compares the time measurement result of the output signal of the comparator 32 by the timer 34 with any of the optical scanning units 1a and 1
It is possible to discriminate whether it is due to the scanning light from b.

When an obstruction (indicator) S is present on the display screen 10, the scanning light projected from the optical scanning units 1a and 1b is blocked by the obstructor (indicator) S. Light receiving element 13 via light guides 7a to 7h
No scanning light is incident on the. Therefore, in the state as shown in FIG. 4, when the scanning angle of the optical scanning unit 1a is between 0 ° and θ0, no scanning light is incident on the light receiving element 13 and the scanning angle is between 0 ° and θ1. In between, scanning light is incident on the light receiving element 13 and the scanning angle is changed from θ1 to θ2.
The scanning light does not enter the light receiving element 13 up to this point.

Similarly, when the scanning angle of the optical scanning unit 1b is between 0 ° and φ0, the scanning light does not enter the light receiving element 13 via the light guides 7a to 7h, and the scanning angle is changed from φ0 to φ0. The scanning light is incident on the light receiving element 13 up to φ1, and the scanning light is not incident on the light receiving element 13 when the scanning angle is between φ1 and φ2. Such an angle can be obtained from the rising or falling timing of the light receiving signal, as shown in the time chart of FIG. Therefore, the blocking range of the finger of the person as the indicator is dθ = θ2-θ1, dφ = φ2-φ
It can be obtained as 1.

FIG. 10 is a block diagram showing still another embodiment of the configuration for signal processing of the optical scanning type touch panel of the present invention. In this example, the light emitting element drive circuit 2a,
The configurations of 2b and the light receiving signal detection circuit 3 are different from the example shown in FIG.

The MPU 5 controls the oscillator 36 to oscillate an appropriate frequency, and supplies it to the phase converters 2Pa and 2Pb of the light emitting element drive circuits 2a and 2b. Double phase converter 2Pa,
2Pb gives signals of the same frequency and different phases to the drivers 2Da and 2Db, respectively, to cause the light emitting elements 11a and 11b to emit light. Thus, the light emitting elements 11a and 11b generate optical signals having the same frequency and different phases, and these are scanned by the optical scanning units 1a and 1b.

Next, the light receiving signal detecting circuit 3 shown in FIG. 10 will be described. In FIG. 7, the light receiving elements 13a to 13h are collectively represented by reference numeral 13 for the sake of simplicity. Further, in the embodiment shown in FIG. 10, the light receiving elements 18a, 18
b shall not be used.

Since the light receiving element 13 outputs a light receiving signal in which the amount of received light is proportional to the current value, the current / voltage (I / V)
Output signal (current) from the light receiving element 13 by the converter 30
Into a voltage signal. The voltage signal output from the current / voltage converter 30 is provided to the synchronization detection circuits 35a and 35b. The synchronization detection circuits 35a and 35b are supplied with signals synchronized with the converted phases from the phase converters 2Pa and 2Pb, respectively.
Are sampled and held in synchronization with the light emission timing of the light emitting elements 11a and 11b.

As a result of the sampling and holding by the above-mentioned synchronization detection circuits 35a and 35b, a light reception signal of the scanning light emitted from the light emitting element 11a of the optical scanning unit 1a is separated and outputted from the synchronization detection circuit 35a. 35
From b, the light receiving signal of the scanning light emitted from the light emitting element 11b of the optical scanning unit 1b is separated and output. Therefore, by inputting the output signal from the synchronization detection circuit 35a to the comparator 32a and the output signal from the synchronization detection circuit 35b to the comparator 32b, the output signal from the light reception signal detection circuit 3 shown in FIG. The same time measurement result by the first timer 34a and the second timer 34b is obtained.

FIG. 11 is a block diagram showing still another embodiment of the configuration for signal processing of the optical scanning type touch panel of the present invention. In this example, a configuration using the timing detection light-receiving elements 18a and 18b shown in FIG. 1 is shown. Note that the configuration shown in FIG. 11 has a configuration in which the timing detection light-receiving elements 18a and 18b are added to the configuration shown in FIG.
Of course, it is also possible to apply to the configuration shown in FIG. 3 and FIG.

Hereinafter, portions different from the configuration shown in FIG. 7 will be described. The scanning light emitted by the light emitting elements 11a and 11b and scanned by the optical scanning units 1a and 1b is applied to the timing detecting light receiving element 18 shown in FIG.
a, 18b are respectively received by the current / voltage converter (I
/ V) are converted into voltage signals by 30c and 30d and input to comparators 32c and 32d, respectively.

A predetermined reference voltage Vrefm is input to the comparators 32c and 32d as a comparison threshold. This reference voltage Vrefm is set to a value slightly higher than the reference voltage Vref. The reason is that the timing detection light-receiving elements 18a, 1b directly transmit light from the optical scanning units 1a, 1b, rather than the amount of light when the scanning light from the optical scanning units 1a, 1b enters the light guide 7 and enters the light-receiving element 13.
This is because the amount of light when incident on 18b is larger.

The output signals of the comparators 32c and 32d are directly input to the MPU 5. The timing chart of FIG. 12 shows the timing detecting light-receiving elements 18a and 18b.
Shows the state of the light receiving signal level change obtained by the above. FIG.
2 (a) shows the light receiving signal of the timing detecting light receiving element 18a together with the light receiving signal of the scanning light by the optical scanning unit 1a shown by a broken line. FIG. 12B shows the light receiving signal of the timing detecting light receiving element 18b together with the light receiving signal of the scanning light by the optical scanning unit 1b shown by a broken line.

As shown in FIG. 12, the start timing of each scan by the optical scanning units 1a and 1b is set to M by the timing detecting light-receiving elements 18a and 18b.
PU5 becomes recognizable. Accordingly, it is possible to easily distinguish which of the two optical scanning units 1a and 1b has been scanned by the scanning light that has entered the light guide 7 indicated by the broken line in FIG. Further, the adjustment of the rotation speed of the polygon mirrors 16a and 16b is also facilitated.

It should be noted that θ00 and φ00 and θ0 and φ0 are
Needless to say, it is known from the positional relationship between the reference line connecting the optical scanning units 1a and 1b and the light receiving elements 18a and 18b for timing detection and the positional relationship between the ends of the light guides 7a to 7h.

Next, the center position (pointing position) of the pointing object (in this example, the finger) is determined from the cut-off range of the scanning light, which is determined from the result of counting the light receiving signal obtained as described above by each timer.
The process of obtaining the coordinates of will be described. First, conversion from an angle to rectangular coordinates based on triangulation will be described. FIG.
As shown in the figure, the position of the optical scanning unit 1a is set to the origin O, the upper side and the left side of the display screen 10 are set to the X axis and the Y axis, and the length of the reference line (the distance between the optical scanning units 1a and 1b) is set to L. And Further, the position of the optical scanning unit 1b is B. The center point P (Px, Py) indicated by the pointer on the display screen 10
Are θ and φ from the optical scanning units 1a and 1b with respect to the X axis.
, The X coordinate P of the point P
The values of the x and Y coordinates Py can be obtained by the following equations (1) and (2), respectively, based on the principle of triangulation.

Px = (tan φ) ÷ (tan θ + tan φ) × L (1) Py = (tan θ · tan φ) ÷ (tan θ + tan φ) × L (2)

By the way, since the blocking object (finger) S has a size, when the detection angle at the rising / falling timing of the detected light receiving signal is adopted, as shown in FIG. ) S at four edges (P in FIG. 14)
1 to P4). These four points are different from the designated center point (Pc in FIG. 14).
Therefore, the coordinates of the center point Pc (Pc
x, Pcy). Px = Px (θ, φ), Py =
When Py (θ, φ) is used, Pcx and Pcy can be expressed by the following equations (3) and (4), respectively.

Pcx = Pcx (θ1 + dθ / 2, φ1 + dφ / 2) (3) Pcy = Pcy (θ1 + dθ / 2, φ1 + dφ / 2) (4)

Therefore, θ1 expressed by the equations (3) and (4)
By substituting + dθ / 2, φ1 + dφ / 2 as θ, φ in the above equations (1) and (2), the designated center point P
The coordinates of c can be obtained.

In the example described above, first, the average value of the angle is obtained, and the average value of the angle is substituted into the conversion formulas (1) and (2) of the triangulation to obtain the center point Pc which is the designated position.
First, the orthogonal coordinates of the four points P1 to P4 are obtained from the scanning angles according to the conversion formulas (1) and (2) of the triangulation, and the average of the obtained coordinate values of the four points is calculated. Thus, the coordinates of the center point Pc can be determined. In addition, it is also possible to determine the coordinates of the center point Pc, which is the designated position, in consideration of the parallax and the visibility of the designated position.

If the scanning angular velocity of the rotation of the polygon mirrors 16a and 16b is constant, the scanning angle is proportional to the rotation time, so that information on the scanning angle can be obtained by measuring the time. FIG. 15 shows a light receiving signal detecting circuit 3a.
And the scanning angle θ of the polygon mirror 16a
6 is a timing chart showing the relationship between the scanning time T and the scanning time T. When the scanning angular velocity of the polygon mirror 16a is constant, and the scanning angular velocity is ω, the scanning angle θ and the scanning time T have a proportional relationship as shown in the following equation (5).

Θ = ω × T (5)

Therefore, the angles θ1 and θ2 at the time of the falling and rising of the light receiving signal are determined by the respective scanning times t1 and t2.
2 and the following equations (6) and (7) hold.

Θ1 = ω × t1 (6) θ2 = ω × t2 (7)

Therefore, when the scanning angular velocities of the polygon mirrors 16a and 16b are constant, the time information is used to calculate
It is possible to measure the cutoff range and coordinate position of the pointer (finger).

In the light-scanning touch panel of the present invention, it is also possible to obtain the cross-sectional length of the obstacle (pointer) from the measured interruption range. FIG. 16 is a schematic view showing the principle of this cross-section length measurement. In FIG. 16, D1, D2
Is an obstruction S viewed from the optical scanning units 1a and 1b, respectively.
Is the cross-sectional length. First, from the positions O (0,0) and B (L, 0) of the optical scanning units 1a and 1b, the center point P of the obstacle S
Distance OPc (r1) to c (Pcx, Pcy), BP
c (r2) is obtained as in the following equations (8) and (9).

OPc = r1 = (Pcx ² + Pcy ² ) ^1/2 (8) BPc = r2 = {(L−Pcx) ² + Pcy ² } ^1/2 (9)

Since the section length can be approximated by the product of the distance and the sine value of the cutoff angle, the section lengths D1 and D2 are given by the following (1).
It can be measured according to equations (0) and (11).

D1 = r1 · sindθ = (Pcx ² + Pcy ² ) ^1/2 · sinθ (10) D2 = r2 · sindφ = ｛(L−Pcx) ² + Pcy ² ｝ ^1/2 · sinφ (11)

If θ, φ ≒ 0, sin
dθ ≒ dθ ≒ tan θ, sinφ ≒ dφ ≒ tand
Since it can be approximated to φ, s in equations (10) and (11)
Instead of indθ and sinφ, dθ or tan
θ, dφ or tanφ may be used.

FIG. 17 is a schematic diagram showing a basic configuration of another embodiment relating to the arrangement of the light guide 7 of the optical scanning type touch panel of the present invention.

In this embodiment, the display screen 10
Each of the light guides 7 (hereinafter, light guides 7a, 7b) is provided on each of three sides where the light scanning units 1a, 1b are not disposed.
b, 7c) are arranged. Also, the light guide 7
A light receiving element is provided at each end of each of a, 7b, and 7c. Specifically, a light receiving element 13a is provided at an end of the light guide 7a on the side of the optical scanning unit 1b, and a light receiving element 13b is provided at the other end.
The light receiving element 13c is provided at the lower end of the
3d are provided, and a light receiving element 13f is provided at an end of the light guide 7c on the side of the optical scanning unit 1a, and a light receiving element 13f is provided at the other end.

The output signal of each of the light receiving elements 13a to 13f, that is, an analog signal indicating the amount of received light is output together with the output signals of the timing detecting light receiving elements 18a and 18b.
Is similar to the embodiment shown in the schematic diagram of FIG. 1 described above. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 17, light receiving elements are denoted by reference numerals 13a to 13f.
You only need to do this.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 17, light receiving elements are arranged at both ends of each of the light guides 7a, 7b, 7c. 7
Needless to say, the light-receiving element may be arranged only at one end of c. In this case, only three light receiving elements are required.

FIG. 18 is a schematic diagram showing a basic configuration of still another embodiment relating to the arrangement of the light guide 7 of the optical scanning type touch panel of the present invention.

In this embodiment, the display screen 10
One light guide 7 is arranged so as to surround three sides where the light scanning units 1a and 1b are not arranged in a U-shape.
One light receiving element is provided at each end of the light guide 7. Specifically, a light receiving element 13a is provided at an end of the light guide 7 on the side of the optical scanning unit 1b, and a light receiving element 13b is provided at the other end, that is, at an end of the light scanning unit 1a.

The output signal of each of the light receiving elements 13a and 13b, that is, the analog signal indicating the amount of received light is output together with the output signal of the timing detecting light receiving elements 18a and 18b.
Is similar to the embodiment shown in the schematic diagram of FIG. 1 described above. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 18, light receiving elements are denoted by reference numerals 13a and 13b.
You only need to do this.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 18 described above, the light receiving elements are arranged at both ends of the U-shaped light guide 7, but only at one end of the light guide 7. It goes without saying that a light receiving element may be provided. In this case, only one light receiving element is required.

FIG. 19 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the configuration of the prismatic rod-shaped light guide 7. FIG. 19 (a) is a plan sectional view (a sectional view taken on a plane parallel to the display screen 10). 19 (b) is an elevation view as viewed from the scanning direction of the scanning light, and FIG. 19 (c) is c-
The sectional side views taken along the line c are shown.

In the prismatic rod-shaped light guide 7, only the surface of the prismatic rod-shaped light guide material 140 facing the scanning light SL, that is, the surface on which the scanning light SL is incident is formed as the scattering surface 141. The other three surfaces (the surface in contact with the display screen 10 and the surface facing the display screen 10 and the surface facing the scattering surface 141) are all configured as a reflection surface 142 coated with a reflection.

At both ends of the light guide 7, a condenser lens 131 and a light receiving element 130 are arranged, respectively. These light receiving elements 130 are light receiving elements 1 shown in FIG.
3a to 13h.

In such a configuration of the prismatic rod-shaped light guide 7, the scanning light SL enters the light guide material 140 in the light guide 7 from the scattering surface 141 and is reflected by the three reflection surfaces 142. While being guided, the light is guided to both ends in the light guide material 140 and enters the light receiving element 130 via the condenser lens 131. Thereby, light leakage to the outside of the light guide 7 is reduced and efficiency (optical coupling + transmission) is improved.

Further, as shown in FIG. 19 (b),
By making the size (diameter) in the vertical direction (direction perpendicular to the display screen 10) of the scattering surface 141 on which the scanning light SL enters the light guide 7 substantially equal to the beam size of the scanning light SL,
It is possible to minimize light leakage under conditions where the amount of light incident on the light guide 7 is maximum. Also, the S / N can be improved.

FIG. 20 is a schematic view showing an example of the configuration of a grading light guide. FIG. 20 (a) is a plan sectional view (sectional view in a plane parallel to the display screen 10), and FIG. And (c)
Shows elevation views as viewed from the scanning direction of the scanning light.

The light guide 7 shown in FIG. 20 has a scanning light S of a prismatic rod-shaped light guide 7 in which all four surfaces of a light guide material 140 formed in a prismatic rod shape are reflection-coated.
The configuration is such that a slit-like diffraction grating 143 is provided only on the surface on which L is incident. However, in the example shown in FIG. 20B, the diffraction gratings 143 are provided so that the arrangement intervals are equal. Further, in the example shown in FIG. 20C, the arrangement intervals of the diffraction gratings 143 are unequal according to the incident angle of the scanning light SL, specifically, the incident angle of the scanning light SL is 90 °. In the case of (1), the width is narrowest, and the width is increased as the angle becomes larger than 90 °.

As in the case of the prismatic rod-shaped light guide 7 shown in FIG. 19, the grading light guide 7 shown in FIG. An element 130 is arranged.

In such a configuration of the grading light guide 7, the scanning light SL is applied to the slit-like diffraction grating 14.
3, the light enters the light guide 7, is guided through the light guide material 140 to both ends while being reflected by the three reflection surfaces 142, and enters the light receiving element 130 via the condenser lens 131. This is the same as the example shown in FIG. But,
From the slit-like diffraction grating 143 of the scanning light SL to the light guide 7
At the time of incidence into the inside, the incidence efficiency in the light guide direction, that is, in the direction toward both ends of the light guide 7 is improved. Thereby, the S / N is improved.

FIG. 21 is a schematic view showing an example of the configuration of a cylindrical rod-shaped light guide 7. FIG. 21 (a) shows the cylindrical rod-shaped light guide 7, and FIG. FIG. 21 of the light body 7
FIG. 21D shows the light guide 7 in the form of a cylindrical rod with a V-shaped groove.
3 is a side sectional view of each of the internal scattering type cylindrical rod-shaped light guides 7. FIG.

The light guide 7 having a cylindrical rod shape shown in FIG. 21A is a light guide material 140 formed in a cylindrical rod shape.
Only the portion facing the light scanning units 1a and 1b on the outer periphery, i.e., the portion where the scanning light SL is incident, is formed as the scattering surface 151, and the other portions are configured as the reflection surface 152 coated with reflection.

Similarly, the elliptic cylindrical rod-shaped light guide 7 shown in FIG. 21B is opposed to the optical scanning units 1a and 1b on the outer periphery of the elliptic cylindrical rod-shaped light guide material 140. The portion, that is, only the portion where the scanning light SL is incident is the scattering surface 1
The other part is configured as a reflective surface 152 having a reflective coating.

It is shown in FIG. 19 that both the light guides 7 shown in FIGS. 21 (a) and 21 (b) are provided with a condenser lens and a light receiving element at both ends. This is the same as the example.

In the cylindrical rod-shaped light guide 7 shown in FIG. 21A, the light guide material 140 formed in a cylindrical rod shape is used.
Only the portion corresponding to the beam size in the outer periphery of
And the other part is the reflection surface 152, so that the transmission efficiency can be improved. Further, in the elliptic rod-shaped light guide 7 shown in FIG. 21B, the ratio of the reflection surface 152 to the scattering surface 151 is larger, so that the transmission efficiency can be further improved.

The cylindrical rod-shaped light guide 7 shown in FIG. 21C is a light guide material 140 formed in a cylindrical rod shape.
A groove in which a portion facing the optical scanning units 1a and 1b on the outer periphery, that is, a portion where the scanning light SL is incident, is cut in a V-shape is formed, and a scatterer 153 is provided on the surface of the groove. . The other portion is configured as a reflective surface 152 coated with a reflective coating. FIG. 21 (b)
The elliptic rod light guide 7 shown in FIG.
It is of course possible to apply the configuration shown in (d).

In the configuration shown in FIG. 21C, the incident loss of the scanning light SL into the light guide 7 is reduced, so that the coupling efficiency is improved and the S / N is improved. .

The light guide 7 having a cylindrical rod shape shown in FIG. 21D is a light guide material 140 formed in a cylindrical rod shape.
A portion facing the optical scanning units 1a and 1b on the outer periphery, that is, a portion other than a portion where the scanning light SL is incident is configured as a reflection surface 152 coated with reflection,
A scatterer 153 is provided inside the reflection surface 152 at a portion facing the optical scanning units 1a and 1b. In addition,
Of course, it is also possible to apply the configuration shown in FIG. 21D to the elliptic rod light guide 7 shown in FIG. 21B.

In the configuration shown in FIG. 21D, the scanning light SL incident on the light guide 7 is scattered by the scatterer 153.
, The transmission efficiency is improved and the S / N is improved.

Incidentally, the light guide 7 shown in FIG.
In each of the examples, the light guide 7 is formed by processing the light guide material 140, but a C-shaped cross section partially cut away along the longitudinal direction without using the light guide material 140 It is also possible to configure the light guide 7 using a hollow rod of a shape.

FIG. 22 is a schematic view showing an example of the configuration of the hollow rod-shaped light guide 7. FIG. 22 (a) shows the hollow rod-shaped light guide 7, and FIG. 22 (b) shows a reflector inside. FIG. 22C is a side sectional view of the hollow rod-shaped light guide 7 provided with a rod-shaped reflection therein.

The hollow rod-shaped light guide 7 shown in FIG. 22A has a C-shaped cross section in which a portion facing the optical scanning units 1a and 1b, that is, a portion where the scanning light SL is incident is cut out. Is formed by a hollow rod 161 formed at the bottom. The inner peripheral surface of the hollow rod 161 is mirror-finished.

In the hollow rod-shaped light guide 7 shown in FIG. 22 (a), only a portion corresponding to the beam size of the hollow rod 161 is cut out to form an opening, so that the scanning light SL enters from this opening. Then, the light is guided to both ends while being reflected on the inner peripheral surface of the hollow rod 161 that has been mirror-finished.

The hollow rod-shaped light guide 7 shown in FIG. 22 (b) has a C-shaped cross section in which a portion facing the optical scanning units 1a and 1b, that is, a portion where the scanning light SL is incident is cut out. And the optical scanning unit 1 inside the hollow rod 161.
A reflector 162 is provided at a portion facing a and 1b. The inner peripheral surface of the hollow rod 161 is mirror-finished as in the example shown in FIG.

In the configuration shown in FIG. 22B, the scanning light SL incident on the inside of the light guide 7 is
2 and is scattered in the hollow rod 161, thereby improving transmission efficiency and improving S / N.

The hollow rod-shaped light guide 7 shown in FIG. 22 (c) has a C-shaped cross section in which a portion facing the optical scanning units 1a and 1b, that is, a portion where the scanning light SL is incident is cut out. And the optical scanning unit 1 inside the hollow rod 161.
A reflection rod 163 is provided along a longitudinal direction of the hollow rod 161 at a portion facing the a and 1b. The inner peripheral surface of the hollow rod 161 is mirror-finished as in the example shown in FIG.

In the configuration shown in FIG. 22C, the scanning light SL entering the light guide 7 is reflected by the reflecting rod 163 and scattered in the hollow rod 161. The S / N can be improved.

The hollow rod 161 shown in FIG. 22 (a) has an elliptical cross section, and the hollow rod 161 shown in FIGS. 22 (b) and (c) has a circular cross section. It is needless to say that a rectangular hollow rod 161 may be used without limitation.

Next, an embodiment using an optical fiber as the light guide 7 will be described with reference to the schematic diagram of FIG. FIG. 23 shows only the members related to the present embodiment among the constituent members of the optical scanning type touch panel of the present invention, and other constituent members are omitted.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 23, a plurality of optical fibers are arranged in parallel as a light guide 7 with one end face parallel to each side of the display screen 10 and bundled into a sheet. Fiber arrays 7fa, 7fb, 7fc are arranged. Then, the other ends of the optical fibers of the optical fiber arrays 7fa, 7fb, 7fc are connected to the light receiving elements 130a, 130a via a condenser lens (not shown) for each side of the display screen 10.
They are arranged to guide light to 30b and 130c, respectively. Needless to say, each of the light receiving elements 130a, 130
The output signals b and 130c are given to the light receiving signal detection circuit 3.

In the example shown in FIG. 23, light receiving elements 130a, 130f are provided on optical fiber arrays 7fa, 7fb, 7fc arranged on three sides of display screen 10, respectively.
Although b and 130c correspond to each other, it is of course possible to adopt a configuration in which all optical fibers are connected to one light receiving element.

FIG. 24 is a schematic diagram showing an arrangement state of optical fibers. Here, an example of the optical fiber array 7fa arranged along the lower side of the display screen 10 is shown.
Each optical fiber of the optical fiber array 7fa is arranged so as to change its direction such that one end surface thereof is orthogonal to the incident direction of the scanning light SL from the optical scanning unit 1a. Specifically, the optical scanning unit 1 in the optical fiber array 7fa
b, in other words, in the portion near the right side of the display screen 10, the optical fiber is arranged with one end surface thereof substantially parallel to the lower side of the display screen 10, but as the optical fiber approaches the left side, the optical fiber unit side They are arranged at different angles to face.

FIG. 25 shows the optical fiber arrays 7fa and 7f.
FIG. 25 (a) is a schematic perspective view showing the state of the tip of each optical fiber constituting b, 7fc, and FIG.
(b) shows a side sectional view, respectively. The tip of each optical fiber 7F is formed in a hemispherical shape to form a lens portion 7L. By configuring the distal ends of the individual optical fibers 7F in this manner, the coupling efficiency is improved, and the S / N is also improved.

When an optical fiber is used as the light guide 7, a configuration as shown in the schematic diagram of FIG. 26 is also possible. That is, the perspective view of FIG.
As shown in the plan view, an optical fiber sheet 7f in which a plurality of optical fibers are arranged in a direction orthogonal to the display screen 10 so as to have a width about the beam size of the scanning light SL.
s is folded back into a U-shape to form two layers, arranged in parallel to each side of the display screen 10 and both ends connected to the light receiving element 130 via the condenser lens 131.

In the configuration shown in FIG. 26, the scanning light SL is applied to the display screen 1 of the optical fiber sheet 7fs.
While being incident on the 0-side layer, it passes through the optical fiber on the incident side of the scanning light SL and also enters the optical fiber on the back side. Then, the scanning light SL incident on both of them propagates through the optical fiber and is received by the light receiving element 130 through the condenser lens 131.

By the way, in the configuration of the optical scanning type touch panel of the present invention shown in FIG. 1, the signal of the scanning light SL incident on the light guide 7 is detected by one light receiving signal detecting circuit 3 and is converted into a light receiving signal. MPU5. For this reason, software processing is required to distinguish which scanning light SL of the two optical scanning units 1a and 1b the light receiving signal provided from the light receiving signal detection circuit 3 to the MPU 5 requires, and the load on the MPU 5 is reduced. growing.

For this reason, if it is possible to distinguish which of the two optical scanning units 1a and 1b the light receiving signal given to the MPU 5 is caused by hardware, the MPU 5
Burden is reduced. Hereinafter, such an embodiment will be described.

FIG. 27 shows two optical scanning units 1a and 1b.
FIG. 27 (a) is a schematic diagram showing an example of a configuration in which light receiving signals caused by the two scanning planes can be distinguished by hardware by making the scanning planes different from each other.
FIG. 7 (b) is a schematic vertical sectional view of a main part.

In this example, the first scanning plane SF1 is set at a relatively close position on the display screen 10, and the second scanning plane SF2 is set at a position farther from the display screen 10 than the first scanning plane SF. I do. Also, the first light scanning unit 1a
The light guides 701a and 701b for receiving the scanning light SL1 on the scanning surface SF1 of the light guide 701a are arranged along a side near the optical scanning unit 1b, and the light guide 701b is formed by the light scanning units 1a and 1b. All are arranged on the same plane as the first scanning surface SF1 along the side opposite to the side of the display screen 10 provided. A light receiving element 13 is provided in the light guide 701a.
1a, the light receiving element 131b is connected to the light guide 701b. Further, the second light scanning unit 1b
The light guides 701c and 701d for receiving the scanning light SL2 on the scanning surface SF2 of the light guide 701d are arranged along the side near the optical scanning unit 1a, and the light guide 701c is formed by the light scanning units 1a and 1b. Both are arranged on the same plane as the second scanning surface SF2 along the side opposite to the side on which they are installed. A light receiving element 131c is connected to the light guide 701c, and a light receiving element 131d is connected to the light guide 701d.

As a result, as shown in FIG. 27A, on the side opposite to the side of the display screen 10 on which both optical scanning units 1a and 1b are arranged, scanning from the optical scanning unit 1a is performed. The light SL1 is incident only on the light guide 701b and is received by the light receiving element 131b.
The scanning light SL2 from b enters only the light guide 701c and is received by the light receiving element 131c.

In the configuration shown in FIG. 27, the optical scanning unit 1a scans on the first scanning surface SF1, and the optical scanning unit 1b scans on the second scanning surface SF2. As a result, the scanning light SL1 from the optical scanning unit 1a that has scanned the first scanning surface SF1 is not applied to the first scanning surface S1.
The scanning light SL2 from the optical scanning unit 1b, which is incident on the light guide 701a and the light guide 701b arranged in the same plane as F1 and scans the second scan surface SF2, is applied to the second scan surface SF.
Light guide 701c and light guide 7 arranged in the same plane as 2
01d. Then, the light guides 701a and 701
b, the scanning light SL1 enters the light receiving elements 131a and 131a.
1b, the scanning light SL2 incident on the light guides 701c and 701d can be extracted by the light receiving elements 131c and 131d, respectively, so that the MPU 5 can easily distinguish them.

FIG. 28 shows two optical scanning units 1a and 1b.
FIG. 28 (a) is a schematic diagram showing an example of a configuration in which light receiving signals caused by the two can be distinguished in terms of hardware by making the wavelengths of scanning light different from each other. (b) is a schematic vertical sectional view of a main part.

In this example, the optical scanning units 1a and 1b scan the scanning lights SL1 and SL2 having different wavelengths, respectively. More specifically, the light emitting elements 11a and 11b emit laser beams having different wavelengths. I have. Further, a light guide 702a for receiving the scanning light SL1 from the optical scanning unit 1a is provided along a side near the optical scanning unit 1b, and a light guide 702c for receiving the scanning light SL2 from the optical scanning unit 1b. Along the side near the optical scanning unit 1a, and further define a light guide 702c for receiving the scanning lights SL1 and SL2 from the optical scanning units 1a and 1b with the side where the optical scanning units 1a and 1b are installed. Place along the opposing sides.

The light receiving element 132a is provided on the light guide 702a.
Light receiving elements 132b and 132c are provided on the light guide 702b.
The light receiving element 132d is connected to the light guide 702c. As shown in FIG. 28 (b), the light receiving element 132b is a first optical filter OF1 that passes the wavelength of the scanning light SL1 scanned from the optical scanning unit 1a.
, The light receiving element 132c is connected to the light guide 702b via a second optical filter OF2 that passes the wavelength of the scanning light SL2 scanned from the optical scanning unit 1b.

In the configuration shown in FIG. 28, the scanning light SL1 from the optical scanning unit 1a is
02a, is received by the light receiving element 132a, and then is incident on the light guide 702b.
And is received by the light receiving element 132b. On the other hand, the scanning light SL2 from the optical scanning unit 1b enters the light guide 702c and is received by the light receiving element 132d.
02b, and further passes through the second optical filter OF2 and is received by the light receiving element 132c. Therefore, the MPU 5 can easily distinguish which of the scanning lights SL1 and SL2 has been received.

[0192]

As described in detail above, according to the first aspect of the optical scanning type touch panel of the present invention, the light receiver receives not the reflected light of the scanning light but the light propagated through the light guide. Since the measurement by the measuring means and the calculation by the calculating means are performed in accordance with the received light signal, the S / N does not decrease even though the number of light receivers can be reduced.

According to the second aspect of the present invention, since the calculating means calculates not only the position of the pointing object but also the size of the pointing object, including its change, various applications are possible.

According to the third aspect of the present invention, since the scanning light is propagated to the light receiving device by the light guide composed of the rod-shaped light guiding means, the amount of the scanning light received by the light receiving device is reduced. Therefore, the S / N does not decrease.

According to the fourth aspect of the present invention, the light guide formed of the round bar-shaped light guide faces the range of the plane defined as the target area to be touched by the indicator on the outer periphery. Since the scanning light enters from the part and propagates to the light receiver,
The amount of scanning light received by the light receiver does not decrease, and therefore, the S / N does not decrease.

According to the fifth aspect of the present invention, since a portion having a cross-sectional shape into which light can enter is smaller than other portions, the light leaked from the optical scanning portion to the outside once the light has entered. As a result, the amount of scanning light received by the photodetector does not decrease, and therefore the S / N does not decrease.

According to the sixth aspect described above, the scanning light from the optical scanning unit is incident on the light guide means constituted by a fiber sheet in which a plurality of optical fibers are bundled in a sheet in parallel, and the light is received. Since the light is propagated to the light receiving device, the amount of scanning light received by the light receiving device does not decrease, and thus the S / N does not decrease.

According to the above-described seventh aspect, the scanning light from the optical scanning unit that has propagated in the light guide enters the light receiving device at its end, so that the amount of scanning light received by the light receiving device is reduced. There is no reduction, and therefore the S / N does not decrease.

According to the eighth aspect described above, the light guide is constituted by continuous light guide means surrounding a plane area defined as a target area to be touched by the pointer. Since the scanning light from the scanning unit enters and propagates to the light receiving device, the amount of the scanning light received by the light receiving device does not decrease, and therefore, the S / N does not decrease.

According to the ninth aspect, the scanning light incident on the light guide from the light scanning unit is scattered by the scattering means and propagates through the light guide. The amount of received light does not decrease, and therefore, the S / N does not decrease.

According to the tenth aspect, the scanning light from the optical scanning unit is scattered in a region optically rougher than other portions formed on the surface of the light guide. Since the light enters the light guide, the amount of scanning light received by the photodetector does not decrease, and therefore the S / N does not decrease.

According to the eleventh aspect of the present invention, since the scanning light from the optical scanning unit that has entered the light guide is scattered in the light guide and propagates through the light guide, the scanning by the light receiver is performed. The amount of light received does not decrease, and therefore the S / N does not decrease.

According to the twelfth aspect, since the scanning light from the optical scanning unit is scattered by the diffraction grating and enters the inside, the amount of the scanning light received by the light receiving device does not decrease. Therefore, the S / N does not decrease.

According to the thirteenth aspect, the arrangement intervals of the diffraction gratings are set in accordance with the incident angles of the scanning light at the positions of the light guides provided for the respective light guides. Since the scanning light from the scanning unit is incident on the light guide at an optimum incident angle, the amount of the scanning light received by the light receiving device does not decrease, and thus the S / N does not decrease.

According to the fourteenth aspect, when the scanning light from the optical scanning unit enters the light guide, light leakage to the outside is suppressed to a minimum. Does not decrease, and therefore the S / N does not decrease.

According to the fifteenth aspect, the scanning light from the light scanning unit that has entered the light guide propagates to the light receiver while being reflected inside the light guide. Does not decrease, and therefore the S / N does not decrease.

According to the sixteenth aspect, the scanning light from the optical scanning section efficiently enters the light guide, so that the amount of scanning light received by the light receiving device does not decrease. Therefore, the S / N does not decrease.

According to the seventeenth aspect described above, the scanning light from the optical scanning section, which has entered the end face of each optical fiber constituting the fiber array, propagates through the optical fiber with high efficiency without any change. Of the scanning light does not decrease, and therefore the S / N does not decrease.

According to the eighteenth aspect, the scanning light from the optical scanning section is incident on each optical fiber with high efficiency on the end face of each optical fiber constituting the fiber array. The amount of light received does not decrease, and therefore the S / N does not decrease.

According to the nineteenth aspect, the scanning light from the optical scanning unit is incident on each optical fiber with high efficiency on the end face of each optical fiber constituting the fiber array. The amount of light received does not decrease, and therefore the S / N does not decrease.

According to the twentieth aspect described above, since the light enters the tubular light guide means from the cutout portion and propagates while being reflected internally, the amount of scanning light received by the light receiver Does not decrease, and therefore the S / N does not decrease.

According to the twenty-first aspect, the scanning light incident on the light guide means from the light scanning unit is scattered and propagated by the internal scattering means, so that the light receiver receives the scanning light. The amount does not decrease, and therefore the S / N does not decrease.

According to the twenty-second aspect, since the scanning light from the light scanning unit which has entered the light guide means is reflected and propagated by the internal reflection means, the light receiving unit receives the scanning light. The amount does not decrease, and therefore the S / N does not decrease.

According to the twenty-third aspect, the scanning light scanned from each of the optical scanning units is individually guided by the light guide to each of the plurality of light receivers. It is easy to distinguish whether the scanning light is the scanning light, and software processing is reduced.

According to the twenty-fourth aspect, each of the optical scanning units provided between the light guide and the photodetector is separated from each of the optical scanning units by the optical filter corresponding to the wavelength of the scanning light scanned by the optical scanning unit. Are separated, so that software processing is reduced.

According to the twenty-fifth aspect, the at least two switching means switch the scanning light beams from the at least two sets of optical scanning units at different frequencies, and switch the light receiving signal output from the light receiving unit to the band. By filtering (filtering) with the pass filter, the light receiving signals of the scanning light by at least two optical scanning units are separated, so that software processing is reduced.

According to the twenty-sixth aspect, the switching control is performed so that the scanning lights from the at least two optical scanning units are not simultaneously turned on, so that the scanning light is received by the at least two optical scanning units. Since the signals can be distinguished, software processing is reduced.

According to the twenty-seventh aspect, the scanning light beams from at least two sets of optical scanning units are switched so as to have the same frequency and different phases, and the output of the light receiver is synchronized with each phase. Is detected, the light receiving signals of the scanning light by at least two sets of optical scanning units are separated, so that software processing is reduced.

According to the twenty-eighth aspect, the scanning light from at least two sets of light scanning units is directly applied to the light receiver prior to scanning on a plane defined as a target area for touching with the pointer. Since the light is received, the start timing of each light scanning is detected, so that the software processing is reduced.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing a basic configuration of an optical scanning type touch panel of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram illustrating an internal configuration and an optical path of an optical scanning unit.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a configuration for signal processing of the optical scanning type touch panel of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram showing an embodiment of an optical scanning type touch panel according to the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a time chart showing a waveform of a light receiving signal when an indicator does not exist.

FIG. 6 is a time chart showing a waveform of a light receiving signal when an indicator exists.

FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing another configuration for signal processing of the optical scanning type touch panel of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a time chart showing a waveform of a light receiving signal when an indicator does not exist.

FIG. 9 is a time chart showing a waveform of a light receiving signal when an indicator is present.

FIG. 10 is a block diagram showing still another configuration for signal processing of the optical scanning touch panel of the present invention.

FIG. 11 is a block diagram showing still another configuration for signal processing of the optical scanning touch panel of the present invention.

FIG. 12 is a timing chart showing a level change of a light receiving signal.

FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram showing the principle of triangulation for coordinate detection.

FIG. 14 is a schematic diagram showing a blocking object and a blocking range.

FIG. 15 is a timing chart showing a relationship between a light receiving signal, a scanning angle, and a scanning time.

FIG. 16 is a schematic diagram showing the principle of measuring the cross-sectional length.

FIG. 17 is a schematic diagram showing a basic configuration of another embodiment relating to the arrangement of the light guide of the optical scanning type touch panel of the present invention.

FIG. 18 is a schematic diagram showing a basic configuration of still another embodiment relating to the arrangement of the light guide of the optical scanning touch panel of the present invention.

FIG. 19 is a schematic view illustrating a configuration example of a prismatic rod-shaped light guide.

FIG. 20 is a schematic diagram illustrating a configuration example of a grading light guide.

FIG. 21 is a schematic diagram illustrating a configuration example of a cylindrical rod-shaped light guide.

FIG. 22 is a schematic diagram showing a configuration example of a hollow rod-shaped light guide.

FIG. 23 is a schematic diagram showing an embodiment of an optical scanning type touch panel of the present invention using an optical fiber as a light guide.

FIG. 24 is a schematic diagram showing an arrangement state of optical fibers.

FIG. 25 is a schematic diagram showing a state of a tip portion of an optical fiber.

FIG. 26 is a schematic view showing another configuration example when an optical fiber is used as a light guide.

FIG. 27 is a schematic view showing another configuration example of the light guide of the optical scanning touch panel of the present invention.

FIG. 28 is a schematic diagram showing still another configuration example of the light guide of the optical scanning touch panel of the present invention.

[Explanation of symbols]

 1a, 1b Optical scanning unit 2a, 2b Light emitting element driving circuit 3a, 3b Light receiving signal detecting circuit 5 MPU 7 (7a to 7h) Light guide 7fs Optical fiber sheet 7fa Optical fiber array 10 Display screen (coordinate plane) 11a, 11b Light emission Element 13 (13a to 13h) Light receiving element 16a, 16b Polygon mirror 18a, 18b Light receiving element for timing detection 20a, 20b Oscillator 31a, 31b Band pass filter 35a, 35b Synchronous detection circuit 36 Oscillator

Continuation of the front page (72) Inventor Iida Yasushi 4-1-1, Kamiodanaka, Nakahara-ku, Kawasaki-shi, Kanagawa Prefecture Inside Fujitsu Limited (72) Inventor Nobuyasu Yamaguchi 4-1-1, Kamiodanaka, Nakahara-ku, Kawasaki-shi, Kanagawa No. 1 Fujitsu Limited (72) Inventor Fumitaka Abe 4-1-1 Kamikodanaka, Nakahara-ku, Kawasaki-shi, Kanagawa Prefecture Fujitsu Limited

Claims (28)

[Claims] 1. At least two sets of light scanning units for angularly scanning light emitted by a light emitter in a plane substantially parallel to a plane area defined as a target area for touching with an indicator. A light receiver that receives light scanned by the light scanning unit; and a light guide that is provided substantially continuously around a range of the plane and guides light scanned by the light scanning unit to the light receiver. Body, based on the light reception result by the light receiver, when there is an indicator in the range of the plane, measuring means for measuring the cutoff range of the scanning light by the indicator, and based on the measurement result by the measuring means Calculating means for calculating the position of the pointer within the plane. 2. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the calculating means calculates a size of the pointer within the plane based on a measurement result by the measuring means.
3. The optical scanning touch panel according to claim 1. 3. The light guide according to claim 1, wherein one or a plurality of rod-shaped light guides are arranged substantially continuously in a longitudinal direction of the light guide around a range of the plane. Or the optical scanning touch panel according to 2. 4. The light guide means is shaped like a round bar, and a portion of the outer periphery thereof facing the plane is configured to receive light scanned by the light scanning unit. The optical scanning type touch panel according to claim 3. 5. The light-scanning touch panel according to claim 3, wherein the light guide section has a section where the light can enter, and has a cross-sectional shape smaller than other sections. . 6. The optical scanning type touch panel according to claim 3, wherein said light guide means is constituted by a fiber sheet in which a plurality of optical fibers are bundled in a sheet shape in parallel. 7. The optical scanning touch panel according to claim 1, wherein the light receiver is provided at an end of the light guide. 8. The optical scanning type touch panel according to claim 1, wherein the light guide is constituted by continuous light guide means surrounding the periphery of the plane. 9. The optical scanning type touch panel according to claim 3, wherein the light guide has a scattering means for scattering incident light. 10. The light scanning type according to claim 11, wherein the scattering means is formed on the surface of the light guide as a region which is optically rougher than other portions. Touch panel. 11. The light-scanning touch panel according to claim 9, wherein the scattering means is formed inside the light guide. 12. The optical scanning type touch panel according to claim 3, wherein said scattering means is a diffraction grating provided on a surface of said light guide. 13. The diffraction grating according to claim 12, wherein an arrangement interval of the diffraction grating is set in accordance with an incident angle of the scanning light at a position of the light guide provided with each of the diffraction gratings. 3. The optical scanning touch panel according to claim 1. 14. The scattering means according to claim 12, wherein the scattering means varies the degree of scattering in accordance with the incident angle of the scanning light at the position of the light guide provided. 3. The optical scanning touch panel according to claim 1. 15. The light guide according to claim 3, wherein a region other than a region on the outer surface of the light guide where the scanning light is incident is covered with a reflection unit that reflects light toward the light guide.
The optical scanning type touch panel according to any one of the above. 16. The light guide, wherein a width of a region on the outer surface of the light guide where the scanning light is incident in a direction perpendicular to the plane is substantially equal to a beam diameter of the scanning light. Item 10. An optical scanning touch panel according to any one of Items 3 to 8. 17. The optical scanning type touch panel according to claim 1, wherein the light guide comprises a fiber array in which end faces of a plurality of optical fibers face each other in the plane. . 18. The light according to claim 17, wherein each optical fiber of the fiber array is arranged so that its end face is substantially orthogonal to the optical axis of the scanning light. Scanning touch panel. 19. The optical scanning type touch panel according to claim 17, wherein each of the optical fibers of the fiber array has a shape in which each end face is outwardly convex. 20. The light guide, comprising: a light guide means formed in a cylindrical shape having a mirror-finished inner surface with a cross-sectional shape in which a portion of the outer surface facing the plane is cut off. The optical scanning type touch panel according to claim 1, wherein: 21. The optical scanning type touch panel according to claim 20, wherein the light guiding means includes a scattering means for scattering light at a position facing the cut-out portion inside the light guiding means. 22. The optical scanning device according to claim 21, wherein said light guide means has a reflection means for reflecting light at a wide angle at a position facing said cut-out portion inside thereof. Type touch panel. 23. A plurality of light receivers are provided to individually receive scanning light scanned from each of the light scanning units, and the light guide is provided to each of the plurality of light receivers by the light scanning. 23. The light-scanning touch panel according to claim 1, wherein a plurality of light-scanning touch panels are provided for individually guiding scanning light scanned from each of the units. 24. The optical scanning unit scans scanning light of different wavelengths, and an optical filter corresponding to the wavelength of the scanning light scanned by each of the optical scanning units is provided between the light guide and the light receiver. 2. The device according to claim 1, wherein
23. An optical scanning type touch panel according to any one of claims to 22. 25. At least two sets of light scanning units for angularly scanning the light emitted by the light emitter in a plane substantially parallel to a plane area defined as a target area for touching with the indicator. A light receiver that receives light scanned by the light scanning unit and outputs a light reception signal; and a light receiver that is provided substantially continuously around a range of the plane and scans the light scanned by the light scanning unit. A light guide for guiding to a light receiver, and measuring means for measuring, based on a light reception signal output by the light receiver, a cut-off range of the scanning light when an indicator is present in the range of the plane, Calculating means for calculating at least the position of the pointer within the plane based on the measurement result by the means; and at least two for switching scanning light by the at least two sets of light scanning units at different frequencies. Switching means, and at least two band-pass filters that pass frequencies including the switching frequency of each of the switching means. The light-receiving signal output by the light receiver is filtered by the band-pass filter so that the at least two An optical scanning type touch panel, wherein a light receiving signal of scanning light by a set of optical scanning units is separated. 26. At least two sets of light scanning units for angularly scanning the light emitted by the light emitter in a plane substantially parallel to a plane area defined as a target area for touching with an indicator. A light receiver that receives light scanned by the light scanning unit and outputs a light reception signal; and a light receiver that is provided substantially continuously around a range of the plane and scans the light scanned by the light scanning unit. A light guide for guiding to a light receiver, a measuring means for measuring, based on a light reception signal output by the light receiver, a cutoff range of the scanning light when an indicator is present within the plane, and the measurement Calculating means for calculating at least the position of the pointer within the plane based on the measurement result by the means; switching means for controlling switching of the scanning light by the light scanning unit; and scanning light by the light scanning unit. But And a control signal for controlling the switching means so as not to be turned on at the same time. 27. At least two sets of optical scanning units for angularly scanning the light emitted by the light emitter in a plane substantially parallel to a plane area defined as a target area for touching with the indicator. A light receiver that receives light scanned by the light scanning unit and outputs a light reception signal; and a light receiver that is provided substantially continuously around a range of the plane and scans the light scanned by the light scanning unit. A light guide for guiding to a light receiver, and measuring means for measuring, based on a light reception signal output by the light receiver, a cut-off range of the scanning light when an indicator is present in the range of the plane, Calculating means for calculating at least the position of the pointer within the plane based on the measurement result by the means, and at least two switches for switching scanning light by the at least two sets of light scanning units at the same frequency Sui Switching means, phase conversion means for performing phase conversion such that switching by each of the switching means has a different phase, and detection means for detecting the output of the light receiver in synchronization with the phase converted by the phase conversion means. An optical scanning type touch panel, comprising: detecting a light receiving signal output by the light receiving device with the detecting means to separate light receiving signals of scanning light by the at least two sets of optical scanning units. . 28. At least two sets of light scanning units for angularly scanning the light emitted by the light emitter in a plane substantially parallel to a plane area defined as a target area for touching with an indicator. A light receiver that receives light scanned by the light scanning unit and outputs a light reception signal; and a light receiver that is provided substantially continuously around a range of the plane and scans the light scanned by the light scanning unit. A light guide for guiding to a light receiver, and measuring means for measuring, based on a light reception signal output by the light receiver, a cut-off range of the scanning light when an indicator is present in the range of the plane, Calculating means for calculating at least the position of the pointer within the plane based on the measurement result by the means; and directly receiving scanning light from the at least two sets of light scanning units prior to scanning on the plane. Having a receiver Optical scanning type touch panel according to claim.