JPS6349820A - Digitizer - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To contrive to improve operability of a digitizer by securing such constitution where a pointer contains plural types of coordinate reading parts, and uses these reading parts in plural types of forms. CONSTITUTION:A pointer main body 8 is supported rotatably between two arm parts 7a and 7a of a support member 7 via a shaft 11. A pen point 9a set on the face of an end of the main body 8 to secure the function of a coordinate reading part 9. While the other end of the main body 8 serves as a coordinate reading part 10 including a crossed cursor 10a formed on a transparent plate. Both parts 9 and 10 are alternatively connected to a cable 6 via a changeover switch 14. The form of a pointer 1 is changed in response to the purpose of application, i.e., the input of coordinate or the input of patterns. Thus an input job is performed in an extremely accurate and efficient way in both types of input.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION [Field of Industrial Application] The present invention relates to a digitizer that indicates and reads specific coordinates on a coordinate reading plane of a tablet using a pointer.

[Prior Art] In recent years, the above-mentioned digitizer has been widely used to input coordinates and figures to computers in the fields of computer image processing, computer graphics, CAD (computer-aided design), and various computer-applied electronic devices. There is.

The digitizer includes a tablet with a coordinate reading surface,
It consists of a pointer for indicating and reading specific coordinates on the coordinate reading surface, and the magnetostriction detection method is widely adopted as the coordinate reading method.

The first function of the digitizer is coordinate input; move the pointer to an arbitrary position on the coordinate reading surface of the tablet to indicate a specific coordinate on the coordinate reading surface, and read and input this. Furthermore, a cursor is moved on the CRT screen in conjunction with the pointer, and specific coordinates on the CRT screen are similarly indicated and input. In addition, as an application, multiple menu items displayed on a CRT screen or a tablet surface are selected, and instructions and input are also performed.

The second function of the digitizer is graphic input, and this is done by inputting the coordinates continuously or at a plurality of locations along the lines of the figure in a drawing or picture.

On the other hand, two types of digitizer pointers are used: a stylus pen type and a cursor type.

In the case of a stylus pen type, it has the shape of a normal pen, and the tip of the pen serves as a coordinate reading section that indicates and reads coordinates. In addition, instruction input is turned on and off by pressing or releasing the pen tip against the coordinate reading surface, that is, by moving the pen tip up or down.

On the other hand, the cursor type is formed into a box shape with a flat bottom, and the coordinate reading section is provided with a cross-shaped line indicator, that is, a cursor, formed on a transparent plate. Coordinates are input by aligning the intersection of the crosses of this cursor with the indicated coordinates. Instruction input is turned on and off by operating a button switch provided on the top of the pointer with your fingertips.

[Problems to be solved by the invention] By the way, in the case of a stylus pen-type pointer, it can be used in the same way as a pencil or a regular pen, so it can be used for graphic input (drawing).
suitable for However, when inputting coordinates, which requires pointing at specific coordinates for a certain amount of time, when the pen tip moves away from the specified coordinates, input is turned off, which can cause fatigue to the user as they must continue to hold the pointer in their hand. Also, the accuracy of the indicated position is impaired because the pen tip moves easily.

On the other hand, a cursor type is suitable for coordinate input because its position does not shift even if the user removes his or her hand from the reading surface. However, since the feeling of handling it is significantly different from that of a pen or pencil, it has the disadvantage that it is difficult to move it according to the user's will when inputting figures, making it difficult to draw accurate figures.

As described above, both types of pointers are suitable or unsuitable depending on the purpose of use, and if they are unsuitable for the purpose, the work efficiency of the user will be significantly reduced. Therefore, the conventional method has been to prepare both types of pointers and use them by changing the markings depending on the purpose of use, but if you frequently use both types alternately, changing the markings is extremely troublesome. becomes.

In the end, whether the user replaces the type of attachment that is troublesome or does not replace the attachment and puts up with work that is unsuitable for that type, the desired state of use will be interrupted or hindered, and the quality of the user's work will deteriorate. There was a problem in that it wasted time and labor and reduced work efficiency.

[Means for Solving Distance Points] In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, the present invention provides a digitizer that uses a pointer to indicate and read specific coordinates on a coordinate reading surface of a tablet, in which the pointer can read multiple types of coordinates. The device is equipped with a reading section, and is configured to be used in a plurality of types using the plurality of types of reading sections.

[Function] According to this configuration, the digitizer can be used in a form suitable for the intended use, such as a stylus pen type for inputting figures, or a cursor type for coordinate input. Since there is no need to attach or replace pointers as in the past, coordinates and figures can be input efficiently and accurately.

[Embodiments] Hereinafter, details of embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the attached drawings.

FIG. 1 shows the configuration of a computer system for inputting coordinates and figures using a digitizer according to this embodiment.

As shown in the figure, a digitizer 20 consisting of a tablet 2 and a pointer 1 connected to the tablet 2 by a cord 6 is connected to a computer system 4 consisting of a CRT 3, a computer body 4, and a keyboard 5. Then, as mentioned earlier, the digitizer 20 is used to input specific coordinates on the coordinate reading surface on the top surface of the tablet 2, or the graphic 2 cursor 13 is input on the screen of the CRT 3.
By moving , specific coordinates on the CRT screen can be input to the computer main body 4, and graphics can also be input as described above.

The digitizer 20 is, for example, of a magnetostriction detection type. Although not shown, on the tablet 2 side, there is a magnetostrictive plate provided directly below the coordinate reading surface, and the X of this strain plate.
A coil that generates magnetostrictive waves in the axial and Y-axis directions!
A known configuration is provided, such as a control unit including a microcomputer that controls the drive of this coil via a driver, detects indicated coordinates via a counter based on magnetostrictive wave detection input from pointer l, and outputs the detected coordinates to computer main body 4. ing.

Next, details of the structure of pointer 1 will be explained.

2 to 4 show the external structure of the pointer 1. FIG.

In these figures, reference numeral 8 indicates a pointer body, and the two wooden arms 7a of the pointing member 7 are formed in the shape of a crow's beak.
, 7a via a shaft 11.

One end side of the pointer main body 8 is configured as a coordinate reading section 9 similar to the coordinate reading section of a conventional stylus pen type pointer having a pen tip 9a on the end surface. As shown in FIG. 5, which is a block diagram of the circuit configuration of the pointer 1, the coordinate reading section 9 includes a magnetic detection section composed of a coil that detects magnetostrictive waves generated in the magnetostrictive plate of the tablet mentioned above. 91 and a position determination button 92 that is turned on and off by pressing the pen tip against the coordinate reading surface and +lI to control the generation of magnetostrictive waves and turning on and off the reading input.

The other end of the printer main body 8 is configured as a coordinate reading section 10 similar to the coordinate reading section of a conventional cursor type pointer having a cross-shaped cursor 10a formed on a transparent plate. As shown in FIG. 5, the coordinate reading unit 10 has a magnetic detection unit that performs the same function as the magnetic detection unit 91 described above. B101 and a button 12 that performs the same function as the position determination button 92 are provided. Button button 1
2 is located near the rear of the cursor 10a on the upper surface of the printer main body 8 in FIG.

Further, as shown in FIG. 5, the coordinate reading sections 9 and 10 are alternatively connected to the cable 6 via the changeover switch 14, and are connected to the tablet 2 side via the cable 6. The changeover switch 4 is shown in Figs. 2 and 3.
As shown in the figure, it is disposed in a hole 7b formed between the proximal ends of the arm portions 7a, 7a of the indicating member 7.

In the above structure, the pointer main body 8 is temporarily fixed by being locked to the support member 7 via a locking means (not shown) at the position shown in FIG. You can change the posture by rotating it as shown, and the pen tip 9
By fitting the hole 7b into the hole 7b, the hole 7b is locked and temporarily fixed at the position shown in FIG.

In the state shown in FIG. 2, the changeover switch 14 does not receive any force;
As shown by the solid line in FIG. 5, it is switched to the coordinate reading section 9 side, and the coordinate reading section 9 side is connected to the tablet 2, so that input can be made. In addition, in the state shown in FIG. 2, the arm portions 7a, 7 of the support member 7
a Projects forward, and the entire pointer 1 is shaped like a conventional stylus pen. In this state, as shown in FIG. 6, the user can hold and use the pointer 1 in the same way as a normal pen, and can input figures accurately and efficiently using the coordinate reading section 9.

On the other hand, in the state shown in FIG. 4, the changeover switch 14 is pressed by the pen tip 9a and is switched to the coordinate reading section 10 side as shown by the dotted line in FIG. 5, and the coordinate reading section 10 side is connected to the tablet 2 and input is possible. Become. Further, in the state shown in FIG. 4, the coordinate reading section 9 side is folded into the space between the arm sections 7a, and the entire pointer 1 has a short flat plate shape, which is a conventional cursor type. And in this state, the seventh
As shown in the figure, the user holds and uses the pointer 1 in the same way as a conventional cursor type, and uses the coordinate reading section 10 to input coordinates accurately and efficiently.

As described below, the pointer 1 of this embodiment can be used by switching between a stylus pen type and a cursor type. By switching the pointer 1 to a form suitable for the purpose of use, whether coordinate input or graphic input, input work can be performed accurately and extremely efficiently in either case. In addition, switching can be performed extremely easily with a single touch, and the burden on the user is significantly less compared to the conventional method of attaching and switching pointers.

Note that if there is no risk of erroneous input in the above-described configuration, it is not necessary to switch the coordinate reading sections 9 and 10, and both may be kept in a state in which input is possible at all times.

[Effect] As is clear from the above description, according to the present invention, in a digitizer that indicates and reads specific coordinates on a coordinate reading surface of a tablet using a pointer, the pointer is provided with a plurality of types of coordinate reading sections, and the plurality of Since the structure is configured so that it can be used in multiple types using different types of reading sections, the pointer can be used in the form suitable for the purpose of use, and both coordinate input and figure input can be performed accurately and extremely efficiently, and the digitizer can be used in multiple ways. Operability can be greatly improved by WJ.

[Brief explanation of the drawing]

The figures provide a detailed explanation of the present invention, in which Figure 1 is an explanatory diagram of the configuration of a computer system using a digitizer according to an embodiment, and Figure 2 is a perspective view showing the external appearance of a digitizer pointer in the form of a stylus pen. , FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the pointer in the middle of switching modes, FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the pointer in cursor type form, FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing the circuit configuration of the pointer, and FIGS. 6 and 7 are respectively FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram of how the pointer is used in a stylus pen type form and a cursor type form. 1... Pointer 2... Tablet 7...
・Support body 8... Pointer body 9.10...
・Coordinate reading section 14... changeover switch

Claims (1)

[Claims] 1) A digitizer that uses a pointer to indicate and read specific coordinates on a coordinate reading surface of a tablet, wherein the pointer includes a plurality of types of coordinate reading sections, and uses the plurality of types of reading sections to read a plurality of types of coordinates. A digitizer configured to be used in a configuration. 2) The pointer includes first and second coordinate reading parts of a stylus pen type and a cursor type, respectively, and using the first and second reading parts, the pointer has a stylus pen type shape,
The digitizer according to claim 1, wherein the digitizer is configured to be used in a cursor-type form.