JPS61255463A - Information processing device and information processing system - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To use a coordinate input device by processing specifications common to other input device by using the coordinate input device to be able to exchange a input information with a data format corresponding to the input format of an existing input device. CONSTITUTION:An area setting table 27 sets a coordinate position input means 6 as a handwriting input character recognizing area 23 ad a function input area 25 corresponding to the key of a key input means, the input to a function input area 25 set by this is detected by a code generating means 28, the code information is generated, a character recognizing means 32 recognizes the input character from input position coordinate data to the handwriting input character recognizing area 23 and the code information corresponding to the recognizing character is generated by a character code information generating means 33.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION [Field of Industrial Application] The present invention relates to an information processing device and an information processing system in which a coordinate input device can be used with the same processing specifications as other input devices.

BACKGROUND ART AND PROBLEMS] Conventionally, humans have used keyboard devices, tablets, and the like to input data into computers, and recently it has become possible to input graphical information using a mouse and the like.

However, in general, except for large computer systems, etc.
Input devices are often equipped with only a keyboard device, a CRT display device, and an external storage device. Among word processing devices, which are attracting attention as office automation equipment, some models are equipped with a printer that outputs document information to the above three devices. Almost. It is desired that these models can be used by a wide range of people in general offices, not just people who have been specially trained to operate them.

However, since it is necessary to spend time practicing the keyboard to get used to its operation, there is considerable resistance to mastering the use of computers as an extension of human daily activities. In addition, in order to reduce the above-mentioned resistance as much as possible, the use of a mouse as an auxiliary method to alleviate the pain of key input is gradually becoming common. However, the mouse is only an auxiliary device to the keyboard, and when non-standard input is required, the keyboard must be used.

In addition, Japanese input is essential for Japanese people, and the keyboard, which consists of a combination of simple key switches, has to be used in a more special way to input kanji. This causes even more confusion for users who are not familiar with computers.

In order to input Japanese text using a keyboard, you must first memorize the JIS key layout for "English characters" or "Katakana" on the keyboard, and then select kanji by converting kana to kanji. It requires considerable training to become proficient in its use.

Furthermore, in recent years, there are some writers who write directly into word processors when they need the creativity to create sentences by facing the keyboard, but the majority of people do not type by hitting the keys while thinking about the sentences. It's easy to get distracted by the act of hitting the keys, which can end up inhibiting your creativity.

For this reason, looking at how word processors are normally used in offices, document creators create a draft on regular paper, then have a dedicated female operator enter the text into the word processor. It is common to use a complicated process of inspecting the document, pointing out any errors or corrections, having the operator make corrections again, and then creating the final document.

This is because people are used to writing text information by hand when creating sentences on a daily basis, and the act of handwriting does not inhibit the creativity of writing sentences, so there is no need to operate an unfamiliar keyboard. It's for good.

In addition, in view of such difficulties in keyboard operation, handwritten character input devices have appeared. However, conventional handwritten character input devices require the development of a special interface and special handwritten character input device processing program, and require a dedicated computer system. For this reason, users who have already installed a computer system may have to purchase a new computer system or spend a large amount of development costs to develop a connection interface for the handwritten character input device and to operate the handwritten character input device. Creating a new program was unavoidable.

[Object of the Invention] The present invention has been made in order to solve the above-mentioned problems of the prior art, and enables the connection of a coordinate position input means without imposing any special burden on the information processing system, and enables the connection of handwritten characters. An object of the present invention is to provide an information processing device and an information processing system that can easily connect the input of the user and perform handwritten input processing.

[Summary of the invention J The first object of the present invention is achieved by the following configuration.

That is, a processing means for processing input information from the key input means, a coordinate position input means, and a setting for setting the coordinate position input means as a handwritten input character recognition area and a function input area corresponding to the keys of the key input means. code generating means for generating code information corresponding to the input position when an input to the function input area set by the setting means is detected; Data that is compatible with the input format of an existing input device, comprising a character recognition means that recognizes input characters from input position coordinate data, and a character code information generation means that generates code information corresponding to the characters recognized by the character recognition means. This can be achieved by an information processing device equipped with a coordinate input device that can exchange input information in a format.

Embodiment Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

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

In the figure, 1 is a central processing unit (hereinafter referred to as CP) that is in charge of overall control.
(referred to as U), 2 is a read-only memory (ROM) that stores CPU control processing procedures, etc., 3 is a read-only memory (ROM) that stores temporary information during CPUI processing, information from other input devices, etc. Random e-access memory (R
AM), 4 is a keyboard equipped with full keys of JIS layout and various other function keys, 5 is a keyboard controller, 6 is a coordinate input device for converting input position information into a predetermined data format and outputting it, 7 confirms whether the input is key input data, graphic data, or handwritten character input data from the input position coordinate information from the coordinate input device 6, and if it is key input data, converts it into corresponding key code data, In the case of handwritten character input data, a handwritten character recognition device recognizes and outputs input handwritten characters, and 8 is an I10 controller for connecting the handwritten character recognition device 7 to the embodiment device. The I10 controller 8 is connected to the embodiment device using a data transmission interface (eg, R5-232C interface) that is standard in this type of system.

Further, 9 is a display device for displaying input data, processing data, etc., 10 is an external storage device, and ROM 2 or RAM 3
It stores data that cannot be processed by
In this embodiment, a large-capacity magnetic disk storage device is used. 11 is an external storage device control device that controls the external storage device IO, and 12 is a system that connects each of the above components to each other.

The details of the coordinate input device 6 and the handwritten character recognition device 7 are shown in the second page.
As shown in the figure.

In FIG. 2, 6 is a tablet as a coordinate input device, and 21 is a stylus pen for indicating input coordinate positions, which has the form of a writing instrument.

22 to 25 are input areas on the tablet 6, 22 is a local area for directly controlling the handwritten character recognition device 7, and 23 is a handwritten character input area. Coordinate data is recognized as corresponding character input. Further, 24 is a graphic data input area, and the coordinate data input into this area is directly sent from the handwritten character recognition device to the CPUI as graphic data input. 25 is a key input area, in which key input positions corresponding to keys on the keyboard 4 are set, and inputs to this area correspond to key codes assigned to input coordinate positions by the remote area processing unit 28. A code used as data is generated, formatted into a predetermined format by a data formatter, and output to the I10 controller 8.

26 is an input analysis unit that detects the coordinate input position on the tablet 6, detects the input of each area on the tablet set in the area setting table 27, analyzes the data, and then hands it over to each processing unit; 27 is the area setting table (hereinafter referred to as A
TL table), which stores the set positions of each area of the tablet 6J. 28 is a remote area processing unit, which has a key input area 25 stored in the ATL table 27.
A corresponding code is generated from each key setting position data and input coordinate data from the input analysis section 26. 29 is a local area processing unit, and the local area 22
The processing mode of the handwritten character recognition device is set according to the input data. Reference numeral 30 denotes an internal code switch section that selects more effective data from among the data from each processing section based on the mode setting of the local area processing section 29.

Reference numeral 31 denotes a pattern dictionary that stores patterns of characters inputted by handwriting, and 32 denotes a character recognition unit, which selects one of the stored patterns in the pattern dictionary 31 from a set of coordinate position data input into the handwritten character input area 23. recognize. 33
is a data formatter that formats the recognition data etc. from the character recognition section 32 into a predetermined format and outputs it to the I10 controller 8.

Processing control of input data from the coordinate input device of this embodiment having the following configuration will be explained below with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

First, in step S1, it waits for an input from the stylus pen 21, and when there is an input, the process proceeds to step S2, where the input analysis section 26 refers to the area setting data in the ATL table 27 to obtain input coordinate position information on the tablet 6. is detected and delivered to each area processing unit to be processed corresponding to the input position.

If step S2 is local area data, step S
3, the local area processing unit 29 determines whether it is a graphic mode input or a character mode input, and if it is a graphic mode input, the flag G' is set in step S4.
is set and the process returns to step S1. If the 0-character mode is input, a flag "T" is set in step S5, and it is checked in step S6 if a mode conversion instruction has been input, and if it is a mode conversion instruction input, the flag "T" is set in step S5. Then, a mode flag corresponding to each mode of kanji, hiragana, katakana, alphanumeric characters, and symbols is set.The process then returns to step Sl. From this, input to the character recognition area in subsequent inputs is performed at step S10. In S11, recognition is performed by referring to a dictionary according to each mode.

Although not shown, the local area data is data used only in the handwritten character recognition device 7, but it is used to notify the host of the processing mode of the handwritten character recognition device 7. Data is sent out through the formatter 33.

In the case of input to the text area and the graphic area in step S2, the process advances to step S8, and step S
8, it is checked whether the T flag is set. This is because the text area 23 and the graphics area 24 do not necessarily have to be separate areas, and if possible, they can be made to overlap, so that the operating area on the tablet can be used more effectively. This is because even if the input data is at the same position, it is possible to distinguish between character data and graphic data using a flag. here,
If the T flag is set, the input is to the character recognition area and the input is a handwritten character, so the input position coordinates are input to the character recognition unit 32 via the internal code switch unit 30. The character recognition unit 32 starts character recognition processing in step S9. In step SIO, the character recognition unit 30 checks the setting status of each mode flag set in steps 34 to S7, and in step S11, the character recognition unit 30 checks the setting status of each mode flag set in steps 34 to S7, and in step Sll, stores information in the pattern dictionary according to the set mode flag among the dictionaries in the pattern dictionary 31. Compare with the pattern and start character recognition.

Furthermore, if the T flag is not set in step S8, that is, the G flag is set, and if graphic data is being input, the process proceeds to step 512, and it is determined whether or not the mode is a graphic trace input mode, which is performed to check for typographical errors. Determine whether

In the case of normal graphic input, which is not in the graphic input mode, the data is outputted as-is to the data formatter 33 as graphic data. If step S12 is the graphic trace input mode for checking for typographical errors, step 513 combines the input information with the recognized character code and outputs it to the data formatter.

On the other hand, if the input is to the remote area 25 in step S2, the remote area processing unit 28 detects an input instruction similar to a key input on the keyboard 4 based on the input position coordinates. On the remote area 25, all key input positions corresponding to the key switches of the keyboard 4) are shown, and by pressing this input position with the pen 21, the keyboard 4)
The same effect as when inputting the above key is obtained, and the remote area processing unit 28 calculates and determines which key on the keyboard 4 the positional coordinates input in step 514 corresponds to, and selects the corresponding key on the keyboard 4. A key code identical to the key is generated and output to the data formatter 33.

The data formatter 33 converts each sent data into a format according to the setting mode and outputs it to the I10 controller 8. Then, the process returns to step Sl and waits for the next pen input.

In the above explanation, the keyboard 4 is used in the handwritten character recognition device 7.
Although the code is converted into the same code as the original input code, this code conversion can also be performed by the CPUI and the CPUI processing program. In this case, the handwritten character recognition device 7 is connected directly to the system bus 15 or through a data transmission interface (for example, R3-232C interface), and the character recognition device 7 outputs a unique recognition code. Optionally, the keyboard interface is connected directly to the system bus.

With this method, the handwritten character recognition device can be connected to existing computer systems, word processors, etc. without any hardware changes. FIG. 4 shows a diagram of the relationship between the software configuration and hardware configuration in this case.

In the figure, 40 is an application software area, which can be used and changed freely by the user. 41 is the operating system (O5) for running the device
This is an area that cannot be changed by the user.

There is a logical driver 42 below this 0341, which includes a kana/kanji conversion driver 42&, performs kana/kanji conversion according to key input data from the keyboard 4, and delivers the converted data to 0541.

Further, below this logical driver 42, there is a physical driver for actually operating the hardware, and this physical driver part is open to the user and can be changed as necessary. FIG. 4 shows an example of a physical driver that controls each I10 shown in FIG. 1.

In this embodiment, it is connected to a data transmission (R3-232C) interface, the data transmission driver 43b is modified for the handwritten character recognition device 7, and the data from the key input area 25 is converted into data corresponding to key operations on the keyboard 4. The input data from the handwritten character input area 23 (for example, code data corresponding to a kanji pattern) can be sent directly to the logic driver 42a.At this time, from the application software's perspective, it is exactly the same as input data from the keyboard 4. can be handled.

By replacing the keyboard 4 with the handwritten character recognition device 7 as described below, even a user who is not accustomed to operating a computer or keyboard can use it naturally.

Figure 5 is a graphical representation of this point based on the arrangement of existing experimental data and some additional experiments.

The relationship between the horizontal and vertical axes on the lower left side is the number of training days required and the input speed (number of characters per minute), but the associative code on the right side,
Kana-Kanji conversion is an example of keyboard input. Pen touch is an input device whose sole purpose is to input special kanji characters.

In either case, many days of training are required, and even after training, there is a large difference in input speed between those who use it occasionally and those who use it all the time.

For example, in the case of associative codes, no matter how well trained a person is,
It is said that if a person is shifted to another job for two to three weeks and does not use it, or if he or she is away from work due to illness, the incoming scum bead will definitely drop. In contrast to these keyboard systems, handwriting is something that humans have been trained to do since childhood.
Since it is a natural input method, the number of training days is extremely small as shown in the figure. However, since the input speed is limited by handwriting, it will never reach the level of a key input expert.

Furthermore, the reason why some training is required even with the handwriting input method is that there is currently a limit on the number of strokes, and many people do not remember the order of strokes accurately. Looking at the horizontal and vertical axes on the upper right side of this graph, we can see that handwriting, which is a natural input method, has a higher rate of input speed compared to the keyboard method, both in terms of the rate of people who can achieve input speed and the rate of people who want to use it. has been shown to be advantageous for non-skilled users,
The effect is enormous in that it opens up computers to many unskilled people.

In recent years, there has been a movement toward integration in the two fields of graphics and document processing, but graphics
The current situation is that it specializes in drawing functions, as typified by CAM, and has almost no document functions, and document processing is specialized in document input, iaz, output, and other functions, as typified by OA. However, when it comes to embedding graphics into a document, it is hard to say that there is anything in the world with sufficient functionality. However, by adding keyboard functions and kanji input functions to the tablet, which is a coordinate input device for graphic input, document processing,
It has also become possible to develop new software that integrates graphics, and the effects are enormous.

In this way, on the tablet, which is a coordinate input device, there are an area for recognizing characters corresponding to the handwriting, an area for generating figures corresponding to the handwriting, and an area for generating the key code for the board.
Areas that generate fixed character strings, keyboards, mice, graphic input devices, kanji input devices, etc. where mouse movements are performed by running a stylus pen on the tablet when changing modes. A handwritten character recognition device was developed to provide a tablet with all the input functions in one.

Further, as for the position designation (stroke) input on the tablet 1 using the pen 21 described above, in addition to manual input by a human hand, the same effect can be obtained by automatic input by a pseudo hand by a robot or the like. At this time, the human can also check the input result by the pseudo hand later.

Effects of the Invention As explained above, according to the present invention, it is possible to interact with a computer in a manner that is closer to human daily activities, and anyone can use it easily.

Furthermore, according to the present invention, since the coordinate input means can be used under the same control as other input means, it can be easily connected to existing devices.

[Brief explanation of the drawing]

Fig. 1 is a block diagram of an embodiment of the present invention; Fig. 2 is a detailed block diagram of the coordinate input device and handwritten character recognition device of the embodiment; Fig. 3 is a detailed block diagram of the coordinate input device and handwritten character recognition device of the embodiment; FIG. 4 is a block diagram of another embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 5 is a state diagram of input processing in the input device. In the figure, 1-CPU, 2-ROM, 3-RAM,
4... Keyboard, 5... Keyboard interface, 6... Coordinate input device, 7... Handwritten character recognition device, 8... I10 controller, 9... Display device,
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10... External storage device, 11... External storage device controller, 21... Input pen, 22... Low cuff area, 23... Text area, 24... Graphic area, 25... Remote Area, 26... Input analysis section, 27... ATL table, 28... Remote area processing section, 29... Local area processing section, 30... Internal code switch section, 31... Pattern dictionary , 32・
. . . Character recognition unit, 33 . . . Data formatter. Figure 2

Claims (6)

[Claims] (1) An information processing device connected to a system to which multiple input means can be connected, which includes a coordinate position input means and sets the coordinate position input means as a local area, an input character recognition area, a graphic area, and a remote area. and setting means for setting a data format necessary in addition to area specification; mode processing means for selecting a mode corresponding to the input position when an input to the local area set by the setting means is detected; an internal switch unit that selects a destination of input position coordinate data input to the character recognition area and input position coordinate data input to the graphic area according to a data format set by the setting means; and selection data from the internal switch unit. a recognition means for recognizing input characters;
code generating means for generating a code corresponding to a key of the key input means corresponding to the input position when an input to the remote area is detected, and data from the character recognition means, the code switch unit and the code generating means; An information processing device comprising: an output unit that converts data into a predetermined data format and outputs the converted data. (2) The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the coordinate position input means is a tablet capable of handwritten input, and input is performed with an input pen. (3) a coordinate position input means, a setting means for setting the coordinate position input means as an input character recognition area and a key input area corresponding to the key position of the key input means, and the key input area set by the setting means code generation means for generating key code information corresponding to the input position when an input is detected; and character recognition means for recognizing input characters from input position coordinate data in the input character recognition area set by the setting means. , character code information generation means for generating character code information corresponding to characters recognized by the character recognition means. (4) The information processing system according to claim 3, wherein the coordinate position input means is a tablet capable of handwritten input, and input is performed with an input pen. (5) The information processing system according to claim 3 or 4, which includes both a key input means and a coordinate input means, and is capable of parallel processing of inputs from both input means. . (6) The third aspect of the present invention is characterized by comprising a selection means for selecting whether the input from the coordinate input means is graphical information input or input information corresponding to the area set by the setting means. The information processing system described in Items 5 to 5.