KR20010069357A - Pen type camera having personal computer mouse function - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE: A combination pen-type camera and mouse is provided to easily read the text or graphic data printed on a business card, enable regulation and printing of the character size and characteristics while offering a PC camera and optical mouse functions. CONSTITUTION: A video detection sensor(12) is installed inside a case(10). A signal processor(14) processes the video data input from the video detection sensor(12) and outputs it in a text form. A capture switch(16) sets a starting point and an end point of the video capture action. A selection switch(20) selects a camera or mouse function. A sensor(26) detects the position by the light emitted from a light emitting element(28) at the other end of the case(10). A mouse signal processor processes the data input from the sensor(26) and the input signal of a button(22) on the surface of the case(10).

Description

Pen type camera having personal computer mouse function}

The present invention relates to a mouse-type pen-type camera that is easy to input information, and more specifically, it is possible to easily input the character or figure information described in the business card, it is possible to adjust and print the character size and characteristics, The present invention relates to a pen-type camera for a mouse that provides a computer image camera function and can also be used as an optical mouse.

Background Art [0002] Image cameras used in conventional computers are mainly used for video communication. Although video communication provides a convenient function for both parties to perform voice communication while viewing images displayed on a computer monitor screen, there are limitations in using them for other functions than video communication.

That is, most image cameras transfer portrait information by capturing portrait images at a distance of 50 cm or more from the camera lens. Therefore, the outline and straightness of the object to be photographed are not correct to take pictures or business cards and store them on a PC. Is displayed on the screen. Therefore, in order to focus on the letters of the object is required a separate fixing device that can maintain a constant distance between the lens of the image camera and the object.

In addition, in order to save the data (name, company name, address, contact, etc.) recorded in the conventional business card, it is inconvenient to take a long time because the program for inputting the business card is operated and the user must manually input the contents of the business card. There was this. In order to alleviate this inconvenience, a video camera may be used to input characters or face data written on a business card.In addition to the character information such as company name, name and address on the business card, product marks, other logos, and the background color of the business card may be displayed simultaneously. Stored as. Therefore, in order to extract only the necessary data such as company name, name, address, e-mail address, etc., it was inconvenient to go through work using graphic processing program. In addition, since unnecessary data is included, there is a problem of occupying a lot of storage capacity of a computer.

The present invention has been made to solve the above problems, an object of the present invention is to easily input the character or figure information described in the business card, and to adjust and print the character size and characteristics, and the image for a computer The present invention provides a pen-type camera for a mouse that provides a camera function.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a mouse-type pen-type camera that can be used as an optical mouse when not used as a camera for video communication or business card data input.

Mouse combined pen type camera of the present invention for achieving the above object, the case 10 is formed in the space, the image sensor 12 is installed inside the case 10, the image sensor ( A signal processor 14 for processing and outputting image data input from 12) in text form, a capture switch 16 for setting the start point and the end point of the image capturing operation, and a selection switch for selecting a camera or mouse function. 20, a light emitting element 28 installed at the other end of the case 10, a sensor 26 for detecting a position using light emitted from the light emitting element 28, and the sensor 26. And a mouse signal processing unit 25 for processing a signal input from the () and processing the input signal of the button 22 attached to the surface of the case 10 and inputting it to the PC 30.

According to another feature of the present invention, the mouse-type pen-type camera is attached to the front end of the image sensor 12, the fixed cap 18 for maintaining a constant distance from the object, and the image sensor 12 Increasing the readability of the infrared irradiation means 19 for light irradiation further includes.

1 is a cross-sectional view of a dual-use pen type camera according to the present invention,

2 is a block circuit diagram of a signal processing unit of the present invention;

3 is a block circuit diagram of a mouse signal processing unit of the present invention;

Figure 4 is a flow chart of the operating state of the pen-type camera combined with the present invention,

5a to 5b is a character input / output state display according to the present invention.

<Explanation of symbols for main parts of drawing>

10: case 12: image detection sensor

14 signal processing unit 16 capture switch

18: fixed cap 19: infrared lighting means

20: selector switch 22: button

24: mouse signal processor 26: sensor

28: light emitting element 30: PC

141: signal processing IC 142: USB IC

143 memory 241 input terminal

242 converter 243 controller

244: USB IC 245: Input terminal

Hereinafter, with reference to the accompanying drawings, a mouse-type pen-type camera of the present invention will be described in detail.

1 is a cross-sectional view showing the structure of a pen-type camera for a mouse of the present invention, and is mounted inside the case 10 except for the button 22, the selection switch 20, and the capture switch 16.

As shown in the pen-type camera of the present invention, a device for performing an image camera function is provided on one side of a pen-type case 10 of a type such as a pencil or a fountain pen, and a mouse function at an opposite position thereof. It can be seen that the elements for performing the arrangement.

The part performing the image camera function is located in the lower part of the case 10 in the drawing, the image sensor 12, a signal processor 14 for processing the signal input from the image sensor 12, A capture switch 16 for command input for capturing an image, a fixed cap 18 positioned at the lower side of the image detection sensor 12 to maintain a constant distance from a character to be captured, and In order to improve readability, it includes an infrared lighting means 19 for irradiating infrared rays to the character portion.

The image sensor 12 protects the detection unit of the image sensor 12 using a lens on the surface. The image detection sensor 12 can be configured using a VGA sensor of a 1/3 "CMOS type, and the image sizes output from the image detection sensor 12 are 640x480, 320x240, and 160x120. Of course, the image size is image detection. Obviously, it can be changed depending on the type of sensor.

In order to maintain the distance from the object (business card) to the image detection sensor 12, the fixing cap 18 is fitted to the front end of the case 10 as shown in the figure. The fixing cap 18 may be fixed in a detachable manner. In addition, the lower end of the fixing cap 18 is cut in a slightly inclined form rather than a horizontal state. Therefore, the contact angle is slightly inclined when contacting the business card, it is possible to smoothly move the case 10 in contact with the ground of the business card. The fixed cap 18 may be manufactured using a soft material such as plastic of transparent material.

The surface of the case 10 is also provided with a capture switch 16 for inputting a command signal for capturing an image. The capture switch 16 generates a command signal for informing the starting point and the end point when the user inputs information such as a letter or a logo from a business card. The capture switch 16 may be configured using a push button type switch in which a signal is generated only while the switch is pressed.

An image capture operation using the capture switch 16 will be described below. The user places the fixing cap 18 at the corresponding position of the business card on which the character data to be input is recorded using a pen type camera. The location is usually text such as company name, full name, address, telephone number, email address, etc. After placing the fixed cap 18 in the first letter of the character to be input, the user moves the case 10 over the character while pressing the capture switch 16. As the case 10 moves, characters are read by the image sensor 12 and input as images. When the last position of the character to be input is reached, the user releases the character by pressing the capture switch 16.

In order to increase the readability of the character, the infrared illuminating means 19 may be further provided on the side of the image detection sensor 12. The infrared illuminating means 19 may be configured using, for example, an infrared ray-generating LED. In the drawing, the infrared lighting means 19 is provided only on one side, but this can be provided in plural along the lens periphery of the image detection sensor 12.

On the surface of the case 10 is also attached a selector switch 20 for selecting a pen-type camera or mouse. The selection switch 20 is for switching a function as necessary, and may be configured by using a slide-type switch or by using a push-button type switch so that the function is switched according to the pressed state. The signal input source (camera or mouse) is changed in accordance with the selection position of the selection switch 20 so that the corresponding signal is input to the PC 30.

Opposite positions of the pen-type camera are mouse signals for processing the signals input from the elements for the optical mouse function, the sensor 26, the light emitting element 28, and the sensor 26 and inputting them to the PC 30. A processing unit 24 (not shown) and a button 22 for inputting a mouse function are provided on the surface of the case 10. The sensor 26, the light emitting element 28, and the mouse signal processing unit 24 are actually installed inside the case 10 and cannot be visually identified.

The sensor 26 senses light emitted from the light emitting element 28 and inputs it to the sensing unit of the sensor 26. The sensor 26 and the light emitting element 28 may be configured using the sensor 26 and the light emitting element 28 used in a conventional optical mouse.

When the user wants to use the mouse, after selecting the mouse function using the selection switch 20, the part in which the sensor 26 and the light emitting element 28 are located (the corresponding part of the case 10 has a hole formed therein). The mouse function can be performed by moving the case 10 after placing it on the surface of the mouse pad used exclusively for the optical mouse. The input of the necessary command, such as a click or a double click, during the movement of the case 10 is executed by pressing one of the buttons 22 attached to the surface of the case 10. The button 22 functions essentially the same as the three buttons of a conventional mouse. In addition, since the mouse function also operates essentially the same as the conventional optical mouse, a detailed description thereof will be omitted. The part performing the mouse function will be described later with reference to the drawings.

In the present invention, the signals generated by the pen-type camera unit or the mouse are all input to the PC 30. The PC 30 performs a specific operation according to the input signal, and when a signal processed by the mouse signal processing unit 24 of the mouse function is input, performs a mouse function in a specific program being executed in the PC, and a pen type camera. When a signal processed by the negative signal processing unit 14 is input, the input character is input into a corresponding column of a business card input program, and when using as an image camera, continuous image information is input.

As a method for inputting a signal from a pen-type camera for both mouse and mouse of the present invention, both a USB method and a wireless method for transmitting and receiving data through a wired USB port can be used. USB (Universal Serial Bus) is a standard for data transfer between a computer and peripheral devices such as printers, keyboards, mice, scanners, etc., so that 127 peripheral devices can be used simultaneously. It was developed. The USB interface is currently used in most computers.

In the present invention, in addition to the wired USB interface, it is possible to wirelessly transmit and receive data from a pen-type camera for a mouse using a Bluetooth module. The Bluetooth module is a near field wireless transmission / reception device that satisfies the Bluetooth communication standard. The Bluetooth 1.0 specification was announced and published by the Bluetooth SIG in July 1999. Within the standard, the ISM (Industrial, Scientific, Medical) band in the 2.46 GHz band is used for worldwide use without a license.

The frequency band used in Bluetooth is 2400 ~ 2483.5MHz, spectrum hopping is frequency hopping, hopping channel is 97 waves (2402 ~ 2480MHz) at 1MHz interval, hopping speed is 1600 hops / sec, information modulation is G. -Gaussian Frequency Shift Keying (FSK), transmission speed is 1MHz in the physical layer, the output power has a specification of 1mW (0dBm).

The Bluetooth module is performed by the communication between a pair of modules, the Bluetooth communication module that started communication is the master, and the other Bluetooth communication module becomes a slave to perform mutual wireless data transmission and reception.

2 and 3 are block circuit diagrams of an embodiment of the signal processing unit 14 and the mouse signal processing unit 24 used in the present invention, in which a connection scheme using a Bluetooth module in addition to the USB method is further displayed.

Referring again to FIG. 2, the signal processor 14 includes a signal processing IC 141, a USB (interface) IC 142 for transmitting and receiving data in a USB manner, and a memory 143. . Since the operation state of the image detection sensor 12 and the capture switch 16 is as described above, it is omitted.

The signal processing IC 141 processes an image (character or logo, etc.) input through the image sensing sensor 12. The signal processing IC 141 processes the input image data in an image state or text form, and then through the USB IC 142. Transfer to PC 30 directly. As for the image data input through the image sensor 12, one character string is sequentially input (from left to right) as described above. The signal processing IC 141 is configured to select and process the input image data in a form convenient for a business card input operation (that is, an image or text character format (using the OCR function)) as necessary. The image data input through the image sensor 12 is converted into a text format that can be directly displayed on the screen of the PC 30 by the signal processing IC 141 for inputting a business card, and then to the PC 30. Is sent.

In the mouse-type pen type camera according to the present invention, the capture switch 16 uses a capture switch 16 to simultaneously input the image for a certain time, and to use it as a general image camera. Circuits, automatic gain control (AGC) circuits to amplify the input signal at a constant signal level, gamma circuits to adjust the linearity of the video signal, white clip circuits, set-up circuits, SAG correction circuits, sync. It is desirable to incorporate a mix circuit, an output drive circuit, and the like. However, in the case of driving by using the capture switch 16, the image data is input and processed during the start and end of the input. Of course, it also includes a character conversion function that can convert an image into text.

Instead of the USB IC 142 connected to the PC 30 by wire in the signal processing unit 14, it is obvious that the wireless communication method may be replaced with an infrared communication or a Bluetooth module. Detailed description of the infrared communication or Bluetooth module is omitted.

3 is a block circuit diagram for implementing an optical mouse function, an input terminal 241 which is an interface of a signal input from a sensor 26, and a converter for modulating an analog signal input through the input terminal 241 into a digital signal ( 242, an input terminal 245 which is an interface connected to a button 22 for inputting a specific command, a CPU 243 for processing signals input from the converter 242 and the input terminal 245, and the CPU ( A USB (interface) IC 244 for transmitting the signal from 243 to the PC 30. Since the operation state of the optical mouse is similar to that of a conventional mouse, an operation state other than the optical element (the light emitting element 28 and the sensor 26) is similar to that of a conventional mouse. In order to use the mouse, the user places the sensor 26 and the light emitting element 28 in the case 10 on the surface of the mouse pad (optical mouse pad for optical mouse), and then moves the case 10. Is displayed on the monitor screen of the PC 30. After moving the position of the mouse, a predetermined button in the button 22 provided on the surface of the case 10 is clicked or double-clicked to operate the function. If you want to use it as an image camera or a pen type camera for text input instead of a mouse, the image detection sensor 12 is attached to the object to operate.

As described above, the pen-type camera of the present invention can be used in the same manner as a normal image camera in addition to character input. In other words, after the fixing means is provided on the upper surface of the monitor screen as in the conventional image camera, the image sensor 12 of the pen-type camera is fixed toward the front of the user (face) and image communication is performed. In this case, if the video communication program is controlled without the use of a separate capture switch 16, or a contact for video communication is formed on the selection switch 16, or the capture switch 16 is not pressed, the video camera is used as a default setting state. It is possible to use.

The fixing means for fixing the pen-type camera of the present invention is located on the upper front of the monitor, and adjusts the pen-type case 10 to a horizontal or slightly lower position (position facing the user's face). This should be configured using a rotating mechanism. Therefore, if you normally use a pen-type camera with a mouse and set it as a mouse mode, and you need to enter the company name, name, address, phone number, e-mail address, etc. recorded on the business card, activate the corresponding input program. . After that, the pen-type camera for a mouse is switched to the camera mode, and the portion of the business card is scanned like a line while the fixing cap 18 is attached. At this time, in the business card input program, the mouse cursor is placed in advance in the input portion. Therefore, the image data captured using the capture switch 16 is displayed at a specific position on the monitor screen. The captured image can be converted from image data to text data using a character conversion program. This conversion (image ↔ image) can be selected according to the purpose.

4 and 5 illustrate a working state flowchart and an input state using a mouse-type pen-type camera of the present invention.

It is assumed that the pen-type camera for both mice according to the present invention operates in the same state as the business card input software in the state connected with the PC 30. After the initial software is activated, it detects whether the image input mode (camera selection) is performed in the standby state. If the mouse mode is selected, signal input detection and a corresponding command are performed as in the normal mouse operation.

If the image input mode is selected, the pen-type camera for both mice transfers the image data input through the image sensor 12 to the PC 30 as image data without any modulation. The transmitted image data is output or disappeared from the PC 30 as a moving image. At this time, if the user turns on the capture switch 16, the image input time point is set and the image data is stored. The storage of the image data continues until the capture switch 16 is turned off. When the storing of the image data is completed, the stored image data is converted into character (text) data and stored. On the monitor screen, data based on text is output.

The storage of the image data and the conversion into text data are terminated when the character input from the business card is completed. After the image input is completed as described above, the user can sort by the reference field or output the stored contents in a form suitable for mail.

5A and 5B illustrate one embodiment of an input displayed on the monitor screen of the PC 30. In the present invention, when set to the "image mode", since the mouse is disabled, the mouse cursor automatically moves to the next input field when the one-time operation of the capture switch 16 is completed. Of course, if an error occurs during input, it can be configured to move the mouse cursor by using a key combination (for example, ALT + left arrow key) on the keyboard instead of the mouse to move to the previous input field again.

As shown in Fig. 5A, when an image input is initially set, a mouse cursor is positioned in an input field for input. In this state, the user sets the storing time and ending time of the image input by using the capture switch 16. The image input during the image input time is processed in the signal processing section of the mouse-type pen-type camera and then displayed in a corresponding input field on the monitor screen of the PC 30 in text form. At the same time, the mouse cursor automatically moves to the next field.

In the state where the mouse cursor is moved, the user inputs the contents to be inputted again using the pen-type camera. Through this process, necessary text data is stored in the input box. When the input is completed, input the end command to the card management program and end the input. After the input is completed, the user can switch the mode of the mouse-type pen-type camera to the "mouse mode" and perform a necessary task using a normal mouse function.

The business card management software can be classified and stored in the order of the name of the person to be managed and the consonant of the first letter of the company name. It is desirable to. You can also save the contents of the note, giving enough space.

In addition, referring to FIG. 5B, in the case of outputting the stored contents for use in a mail item, the business card management software can output the size of the letter in accordance with the size of the envelope. That is, if the envelope size of the mail is input, the name, address, postal code, etc. are printed based on a letter suitable for the envelope size (set in advance by the user or determined by default). It is also possible to change the attribute of the letter so that the size of the "name" of the recipient is printed on the business card, bold, or about one to three points larger than other letters.

As described above, the present invention can easily input the character or figure information described in the business card, and can adjust and print the character size and characteristics, and provide a conventional computer image camera function, and also use as an optical mouse. There is a possible advantage.

Although the invention has been described in detail only with respect to the described embodiments, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that modifications and variations can be made within the spirit and scope of the invention, and such variations or modifications will belong to the appended claims. .

Claims (7)

A case 10 having a space formed therein, an image sensing sensor 12 installed inside the case 10, and image data input from the image sensing sensor 12 for processing and outputting in text form. The signal processor 14, the capture switch 16 for setting the start point and the end point of the image capturing operation, the selection switch 20 for selecting the camera or mouse function, and the light emission provided at the other end of the case 10. The device 28, a sensor 26 for detecting a position by using light emitted from the light emitting device 28, and a signal input from the sensor 26 are processed, and the surface of the case 10 is processed. Mouse-type pen-type camera, characterized in that it comprises a mouse signal processing unit 25 for processing the input signal of the attached button 22 to be input to the PC (30). The method of claim 1, The pen-type camera for a mouse is attached to the front end of the image sensor 12, the fixed cap 18 for maintaining a constant distance with the object, and for improving the readability of the image sensor 12 for light irradiation It further comprises an infrared illumination means (19), the combined pen type camera, characterized in that the fixing cap (18) and infrared illumination means (19) is detachably attached. The method of claim 1, The mouse combined pen-type camera is detachably fixed by a fixing means that can be rotated on the upper portion of the monitor screen of the PC 30 in a horizontal or slightly lower state, so that it can be used as a video communication camera. Mouse combined use pen type camera to say. The method of claim 1, The signal processing unit 14 and the mouse signal processing unit 24 is connected to the PC (30) by a USB port, the mouse combined pen type camera, characterized in that the data transmission and reception is performed. The method of claim 1, The signal processing unit 14 and the mouse signal processing unit 24 is connected to the PC 30 by the RF wireless transmission method or Bluetooth method, the mouse combined pen type camera, characterized in that the data transmission and reception is performed. Input data input from the signal processing unit 14 and stored in an input box displayed by the corresponding software of the PC 30 is converted into image data and stored in the text data, and is automatically Mouse-type pen type camera, characterized in that the order is set based on the consonant of the first letter of the name or company name to move the mouse cursor to the input field set in the order. The method of claim 6, When outputting text data stored in the input box and sorted in order for use in a mail item, if the envelope size of the mail is input, the name, address, zip code, etc. are set to be printed with letters of a preset size for the envelope size. The combined use pen type camera characterized by the above-mentioned.