KR20120093761A - Apparatus and method for inputting information - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE: Information input device automatically switching between an information input mode using a touch panel and an information input mode using a ultrasonic signal and a method thereof are provided to supply elaborate information input using an electronic pen emitting a ultrasonic signal not only information input using a touch panel by combining a portable electronic device with a receiver. CONSTITUTION: A ultrasonic receiver(120) receives a ultrasonic signal generated by an electronic pen. A standard signal receiver(110) receives a standard signal generated by the electronic pen. A position measuring unit(130) measures a position of the electronic pen by using a time difference between the standard signal and the ultrasonic signal and inputs second position information indicating the position of the electronic pen. An input method selecting unit(140) outputs first position information inputted from a touch panel or the second position information by sensing the contact of a user according to the intention of the user.

Description

Information input device and method capable of automatically switching between information input method using touch panel and information input method using ultrasonic signal {Apparatus and method for inputting information}

The present invention relates to an information input apparatus and method, and more particularly, to an information input apparatus and method that can input information using a touch panel and an electronic pen.

With the development of information and communication technology, the performance of portable electronic devices is rapidly developing. Mobile phones, which were limited to the ability to make and receive phone calls in the past, have evolved rapidly into smartphones that can connect to the Internet, perform high-performance calculations, and execute various application programs. In order to solve the narrow space, the portable tablet PC which is easy to carry and is also spreading.

In the case of such portable electronic devices, in order to improve portability, it is necessary to reduce volume and weight. To this end, keyboards and keypads used in conventional portable notebooks and mobile phones are increasingly used as touch panels that can simultaneously display and input information. In recent years, capacitive touch panels, rather than pressure sensitive touch panels, are mainly used in portable electronic devices.

However, recently, a capacitive touch panel which is used a lot has a problem in that precise input is impossible because information can be input only when it is in contact with a human body. In other words, when a user touches his or her hand on the touch panel to input handwriting, the space where the hand touches the touch panel is so large that it is impossible to input detailed handwriting. Even in the case of selection, there is a problem in that an area touched by a hand touches another button adjacent to a button to be selected at the same time and selects an unwanted item.

The problem to be solved by the present invention is to combine a portable electronic device having a touch panel and an information input device capable of precise information input using an ultrasonic signal, the information input using a conventional touch panel and precise information input using an ultrasonic signal At the same time, it is possible to provide an information input device and method.

Another object of the present invention is to provide an information input method and apparatus capable of automatically switching between an information input method using a touch panel and an information input method using an ultrasonic signal by grasping a user's intention.

The information input device of the present invention for solving the above problems, the ultrasonic receiving unit for receiving the ultrasonic signal generated from the electronic pen; A reference signal receiver configured to receive a reference signal generated from the electronic pen; A position measuring unit configured to measure a position of the electronic pen using a time difference received from the reference signal and the ultrasonic signal by the reference signal receiver and the ultrasonic receiver, and input second position information indicating the position of the electronic pen; And an input means selection unit configured to output the first location information or the second location information input from the touch panel which senses a user's contact and outputs first location information according to the user's intention of using the user.

The input means selector may determine the contact area of the user on the touch panel by using the first location information, and output the second location information when the contact area exceeds a first predetermined threshold. The first location information may be output when the contact area does not exceed the first threshold.

The input means selector may determine whether the electronic pen is positioned on the touch panel using the second position information, and output the second position information when the electronic pen is positioned on the touch panel. can do.

In addition, the position measuring unit measures the three-dimensional position of the electronic pen to output the second position information to the input means selector, the input means selector is located on the touch panel, the electronic pen from the touch panel When the second position information is located within a predetermined height, the second position information may be output.

The information input device may further include a proximity signal receiver configured to receive and output a proximity signal from the electronic pen, wherein the input means selector is configured to have a second threshold value of a signal intensity received from the proximity signal receiver defined in advance. When exceeding, the second location information may be output.

In addition, the electronic pen may emit an ultrasonic signal toward the touch panel so that the ultrasonic signal may travel along the surface of the touch panel.

The electronic pen may further include: a main body unit in which an ultrasonic signal generator for generating an ultrasonic signal; And a guide unit coupled to the main body unit while accommodating the ultrasonic signal generator in such a manner that the ultrasonic signal generated by the ultrasonic signal generator is emitted to the touch panel.

In addition, the thickness of the outer wall of the guide portion may be formed so thick as not to generate a fine ultrasonic signal by the vibration transmitted when the ultrasonic signal is generated in the main body portion.

In addition, a vibration absorbing unit may be installed around the guide unit to prevent the ultrasonic signal from being generated by the vibration of the guide unit.

In addition, the vibration absorbing unit may be made of a material that can absorb or prevent vibration.

In addition, the vibration absorbing unit may be formed of any one of rubber, silicone, high density synthetic sponge, metal, and plastic.

The guide unit may include an ultrasonic emitter configured to emit the ultrasonic signal in one direction, and the ultrasonic signal generated by the ultrasonic signal generator may guide a guide path formed between an inner surface of the guide unit and the ultrasonic signal generator accommodated therein. Therefore, it can proceed and be discharged through the ultrasonic emitter.

In addition, the main body portion may be provided in close contact with the inner surface of the guide unit to block the ultrasonic signal so that the ultrasonic signal proceeds in only one direction.

On the other hand, the information input method of the present invention for solving the above problems, in the information input device coupled to a portable electronic device equipped with a touch panel, a method for inputting information to the portable electronic device, (a) the information Determining, by the input device, input means which the user intends to use for inputting information among the touch panel and the electronic pen; (b) when it is determined that the user wants to input information by using the touch panel, the information input device inputs first position information indicating a position where the user touches the touch panel, inputted from the touch panel. Outputting to the portable electronic device; And (c) if it is determined that the user wants to input information using the electronic pen, the information input device outputs second position information indicating the position of the electronic pen to the portable electronic device. .

The step (a) may include: (a1) receiving an area (contact area) from which the user contacts the touch panel; And (a2) comparing the contact area with a predefined first threshold to determine an input means that the user wants to use for inputting the information, and (a3) the user inputs the electronic pen to the information input. When using, the method may further include generating the second position information by measuring the position of the electronic pen using a time difference between the ultrasonic signal generated by the electronic pen and the reference signal.

In addition, in the step (a), (a1) the information input device measures the position of the electronic pen using the time difference between the ultrasonic signal generated by the electronic pen and the reference signal to generate the second position information. Making; And (a2) identifying, by the information input device, an input means to be used by a user by identifying a region where the electronic pen is located.

Also, in the step (a2), when the electronic pen is positioned on the touch panel, it may be determined that the user intends to input information using the electronic pen.

In addition, the step (a1) is to measure the three-dimensional position of the electronic pen, and the step (a2) is the user when the electronic pen is located on the touch panel, within a predetermined height from the touch panel, It may be determined that information input is to be performed using the electronic pen.

In addition, the step (a), (a1) receiving a proximity signal indicating that the electronic pen is in operation from the electronic pen; And (a2) comparing the strength of the proximity signal with a predefined threshold to determine an input means to be used by the user, and (a3) the user intends to use the electronic pen for information input. In this case, the method may further include generating the second position information by measuring the position of the electronic pen by using a time difference between the ultrasonic signal generated by the electronic pen and the reference signal.

According to the information input device and the information input method of the present invention, by combining a portable electronic device having a touch panel with a receiver capable of receiving an ultrasonic signal and a reference signal, not only the information input using the touch panel but also the ultrasonic signal is emitted. It is possible to input precise information using an electronic pen.

In addition, the present invention can grasp the intention of the user, it is possible to automatically switch between the information input method using the touch panel and the information input method using the ultrasonic signal.

In addition, the present invention can minimize the height of the receiver module coupled to the portable electronic device by allowing the electronic pen used for information input to emit ultrasonic waves only in the direction of the touch panel.

1A is a block diagram showing the configuration of an information input apparatus according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.
1B to 1D are diagrams showing examples of implementing the information input device 100 according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention.
2A to 2C are diagrams for describing a method of identifying an input means that a user wants to use.
3 is a flowchart illustrating an information input method according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.
4A to 4C are flowcharts illustrating a method of determining an input unit that a user intends to use in operation S310 of FIG. 3.
5A is a diagram illustrating an example in which a signal receiving module of the information input device of the present invention is coupled to a portable electronic device.
5B is a diagram illustrating a problem that occurs when using a conventional electronic pen.
6 is a diagram illustrating a structure of an electronic pen according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.
7 is a diagram illustrating an example in which an electronic pen according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention is used for information input.
FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating waveforms of an ultrasonic signal emitted from an ultrasonic wave emitter and an ultrasonic signal generated by vibration of the guide unit.
9A to 9D are diagrams for describing a method of measuring a three-dimensional position of an electronic pen.

Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

1A is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of an information input apparatus 100 according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, and FIGS. 1B to 1D are examples of implementing the information input apparatus 100 according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. It is a figure which shows.

First, referring to FIG. 1A, the information input device 100 of the present invention basically includes an ultrasonic receiver 120, a reference signal receiver 110, a position measuring unit 130, and an input means selector 140. The ultrasonic receiver 120 includes two or more ultrasonic sensors 120-1, 120-2, 120-3.

In addition, the above-described information input apparatus 100 may further include at least one proximity signal receiver 150, a first wireless transceiver 160, and a second wireless transceiver 165 according to an embodiment. .

First, an example in which the information input device 100 of the present invention is implemented in combination with a portable electronic device will be described with reference to FIGS. 1B to 1D.

Referring to FIG. 1B, each component of the above-described information input device 100 of the present invention may be implemented by being embedded in a portable electronic device 400 such as a tablet PC.

As illustrated in FIG. 1B, two or more ultrasonic sensors 120-1, 120-2, 120-3 and 120-4 constituting the ultrasonic receiver 120 are installed at a plurality of positions of the portable electronic device 400 (example shown). Installed at each corner) may receive an ultrasonic signal generated from the electronic pen 300. Similarly, one or more proximity sensors 150-1, 150-2, 150-3, and 150-4 that form the proximity signal receiver 150 are also installed at a plurality of locations of the portable electronic device 400 to generate the proximity generated by the electronic pen 300. You can also receive a signal. In addition, the one or more proximity sensors 150-1, 150-2, 150-3, and 150-4 may be installed as sensors having directivity, and may be installed to detect the electronic pen 300 approaching in a specific direction.

As illustrated in FIG. 1C, the ultrasonic receiver 120, the reference signal receiver 110, and the proximity signal receiver 150 of the above-described information input apparatus 100 of the present invention are included in the signal receiving module 160. The signal receiving module 160 may be inserted into an input / output port such as a USB port of the portable electronic device 400 such as a tablet PC and combined with the portable electronic device 400. The position measuring unit 130 and the input means selector 140 may be installed and implemented in a microprocessor of the portable electronic device 400 by software.

In the example shown in FIG. 1C, since the position of the signal receiving module 160-1 coupled with the portable electronic device 400 is fixed with respect to the portable electronic device 400, the initial position setting is performed by the information input device ( It may be set in advance by the manufacturer of 100).

As shown in FIG. 1D, the ultrasonic receiver 120, the reference signal receiver 110, the proximity signal receiver 150, and the first wireless transceiver of the components of the information input device 100 according to the present invention described above. 160 is included in the signal receiving module 160-2, and the remaining components are included in the portable electronic device 400, so that information on the signals received by the signal receiving module 160-2 may be, for example, Bluetooth. By a short-range communication method, it may be wirelessly transmitted to the position measuring unit 130 and the input means selector 140 installed in software on the portable electronic device 400.

In the example shown in FIG. 1D, the user can place and use the signal receiving module 160-2 anywhere in the vicinity of the portable electronic device 400, so the user must perform initial positioning of the signal receiving module, Initial position setting is possible by designating a corresponding area (eg, a corner of the touch panel) of the touch panel 200 with the electronic pen 300.

Description of the information input device 100 of the present invention, which will be described later, is to describe only the part related to the information input process performed by the information input device 100 of the present invention in combination with the original configuration of the portable electronic device, It should be noted that the first position information and the second position information output from the input means selection unit 140 are used as input signals of the portable electronic device in the same manner as the position information output from the touch panel 200.

Referring again to FIG. 1, the functions of the components of the information input device of the present invention will be described. The ultrasonic receiver 120 and the reference signal receiver 110 may receive the ultrasonic signals and the reference signals emitted from the electronic pen 300. Receive each.

The electronic pen 300 generates an ultrasonic signal and a reference signal such as an infrared signal or an RF signal simultaneously or with a predetermined time difference.

The ultrasonic receiver 120 includes a plurality of ultrasonic sensors 120-1, 120-2, 120-3... Which are spaced apart from each other by a predetermined distance from each other, and the ultrasonic signal emitted from the electronic pen 300. Receives and outputs to the position measuring unit 130.

The reference signal receiving unit 110 receives the reference signal generated by the electronic pen 300 and outputs it to the position measuring unit 130.

The proximity signal receiver 150 receives and inputs a proximity signal generated separately in the ON state of the electronic pen 300 to indicate that the electronic pen 300 is in operation in addition to the ultrasonic signal and the reference signal in the electronic pen 300. Output to the means selector 140. As described above, the proximity signal receiver 150 may be included as a component or omitted according to an embodiment.

The first wireless transceiver 160 and the second wireless transceiver 165 include the signal receiver module 160 described above with reference signal receiver 110, the ultrasonic receiver 120, and the proximity signal receiver 150 shown in FIG. 1D. When included in the -2), the components included in the information input device 100, the first wireless transceiver 160 is included in the signal receiving module 160-2, the signals received at each receiver Information is transmitted to the second wireless transceiver 165 wirelessly, and the second wireless transceiver 165 inputs information on the proximity signal received from the first wireless transceiver 160 to the input means selector 140. ) And outputs information about the ultrasonic signal and the reference signal to the position measuring unit 130. Such a wireless transceiver may be omitted when the wire is configured.

The position measuring unit 130 includes a time when a reference signal is received by the reference signal receiving unit 110 and an ultrasonic signal by each ultrasonic sensor 120-1, 120-2, 120-3, or 120-4 of the ultrasonic receiving unit 120. The coordinates of the electronic pen 300 are measured using the received time difference.

That is, assuming that the electronic pen 300 simultaneously generates the reference signal and the ultrasonic signal, since the reference signal proceeds at the speed of light, the electronic pen 300 is received by the reference signal receiver 110 at the same time as the generation of the electronic pen 300. Is considered the time at which the ultrasonic signal is generated. Since the ultrasonic signal proceeds at a speed of 340 m / s, the time difference between the time when the reference signal is received and the time when the ultrasonic signal is received is that the ultrasonic signal is transmitted from the electronic pen 300 to the ultrasonic sensors 120-1, 120-2, 120-3, 120. Since it can be regarded as time taken to proceed to -4), the distance from the electronic pen 300 to each of the ultrasonic sensors 120-1, 120-2, 120-3, and 120-4 can be calculated. In addition, the distance between the ultrasonic sensors 120-1, 120-2, 120-3, and 120-4 is a predefined distance. Therefore, since the positions of the electronic pen 300 and the positions of the respective ultrasonic sensors 120-1, 120-2, 120-3, and 120-4 are known as the lengths of the three sides of the triangle with the three vertices of the triangle, the trigonometric formula When applied, it is possible to simply determine the two-dimensional coordinates or three-dimensional coordinates of the electronic pen 300.

Since the method of measuring the two-dimensional position of the electronic pen 300 is described in detail in the applicant's published prior patent applications, a detailed description thereof will be omitted, and with reference to FIGS. 9A to 9D, the electronic pen 300 will be described. Describes how to measure three-dimensional position.

First, as shown in FIG. 9A, each of the three sensors implementing the ultrasonic signal receiver 120 is called S1, S2, and S3, and each sensor is installed at right angles to each other in the same plane as shown in FIG. 9A. Each coordinate is set as (0,0,0), (Lx, 0,0), and (Lx, Ly, 0) for convenience, and the position P of the electronic pen 300 in the three-dimensional space P is The coordinate is called (x, y, z).

At this time, the distance Lx between S1 and S2, and the Ly between the sensors S2 and S3 are known values, the distance L1 between the electronic pen 200 and S1, the distance L2 between the electronic pen 200 and S2, and the electronic pen ( As described above, the distance L3 between the 200) and S3 can be obtained by using the reception time difference between the reference signal and the ultrasonic signal.

In this case, as shown in FIG. 9B, the x coordinate of the electronic pen 200 is set by obtaining a triangle having lengths L1, L2, and Lx as one side of a triangle, and the following equation 1 is established. Solving 1 for x yields the x-coordinate value as shown in Equation 2 below.

Meanwhile, as shown in FIG. 9C, the y coordinate of the electronic pen 200 is set to a triangle having lengths L2, L3, and Ly as one side of a triangle, and is obtained in the same manner as in Equation 1 above. We can get y coordinate value as in Equation 3.

In addition, when viewed in the direction A in FIG. 9A, as shown in FIG. 9D, a triangle having lengths of L4, y, and z, respectively, may be set, and z may be set as shown in Equation 4 below. You can get the value.

As described above, coordinate values in the three-dimensional space of the electronic pen 200 can be obtained according to Equations 1 to 4. In addition, it is a matter of course that the position coordinates of the electronic pen 200 may be measured in various ways in addition to the methods described with reference to Equations 1 to 4 described above.

The input means selector 140 receives first position information from the touch panel 200 and second position information from the position measuring unit 130. In addition, the input means selector 140 determines a user's intention of which input means the user inputs information using, among the touch panel 200 and the electronic pen 300, so that the user touches the touch panel 200. When the user wants to input the information using the), the first location information is output. When the user wants to input the information using the electronic pen 300, the second location information is output as the location information for the input.

The touch panel 200 input method and the electronic pen 300 input method may be switched by determining the user's intention by using any one of the following three methods of the input means selector 140.

2A to 2C are diagrams for explaining three methods of outputting location information by switching input methods by grasping a user's intention. In FIGS. 2A to 2C, the signal receiving module 160-1 of the present invention is illustrated based on an example in which the portable electronic device 400 is coupled to the portable electronic device 400 through an input / output port (see FIG. 1C). Of course, the illustrated example can be applied in the same manner.

First, referring to FIG. 2A, the first input method switching method is described. The input means selector 140 determines whether an area in which a human body contacts the touch panel 200 exceeds a predetermined threshold. Can understand the intention of

For example, when a user wants to input information by touching the touch panel 200 with his or her hand, it is common to touch the touch panel 200 using a fingertip, as shown in FIG. The area where the finger touches the touch panel 200 is only a very small area, as shown at 22.

On the other hand, if the user wants to input information using the electronic pen 300, the electronic pen 300 should touch the touch panel 200 to input handwriting or select a button. As shown in the figure, the user places the palm on the touch panel 200, and as shown in reference numeral 27, the touch is relatively touched when inputting information using the touch panel 200 (see reference numeral 22). Many areas of the panel 200 come into contact with the human body.

Accordingly, the input means selector 140 measures the contact point and the area of the touch panel 200, and when the contact area or the contact point exceeds a predefined threshold, the user uses the electronic pen 300. It is determined that the user wants to input the information, and outputs the second position information input from the position measuring unit 130, and if the threshold value is not exceeded, the first position information is output again, so that the touch panel input is easily made according to the user's intention. You can switch between the method and the electronic pen input method.

Referring to FIG. 2B, a second input method switching method will be described. The input means selector 140 may allow a user to touch the panel using second position information of the electronic pen 300 input from the position measurer 130. It is determined whether or not to use 200 or to input information using the electronic pen 300.

When the user wants to input precise information using the electronic pen 300 while inputting information using the touch panel 200, the user turns on the electronic pen 300 to generate a reference signal and an ultrasonic signal. The electronic pen 300 is moved inside the touch panel 200 from the outside of the touch panel 200.

Therefore, as shown in FIG. 2B, the input means selector 140 outputs first position information input from the touch panel 200 when the electronic pen 300 is located outside the touch panel 200. When the electronic pen 300 moves inside the touch panel 200, it is determined that the user wants to input information using the electronic pen 300, and the second position information input from the position measuring unit 130. Outputs

In this case, when the ultrasonic receiver 120 includes three or more ultrasonic sensors, the position measuring unit 130 may measure the three-dimensional position of the electronic pen 300 and output it to the input means selector 140. When the two-dimensional position of the electronic pen 300 enters the touch panel 200 and the height of the electronic pen 300 is within a predetermined distance from the touch panel 200. (For example, when it is located within a height of 1 cm from the touch panel 200), it is determined that the user wants to input information using the electronic pen 300, and the second input from the position measuring unit 130. Location information can be output.

Referring to FIG. 2C, a third input switching method is described. In addition to the ultrasonic signal and the reference signal, the electronic pen 300 according to the present invention has separate proximity signals indicating that the electronic pen 300 is operating (sound waves, electromagnetic waves, Implemented using light quantity, etc.).

Since the intensity of the signal generated by the electronic pen 300 decreases away from the electronic pen 300, the input means selector 140 measures the strength of the proximity signal to measure the strength of the electronic pen 300 and the proximity signal receiver ( If the distance between the 150 and the strength of the proximity signal is greater than a predetermined threshold, the user touches the electronic pen 300 to input information using the electronic pen 300 touch panel 200 The second position information input from the position measuring unit 130 is output instead of the first position information input from the touch panel 200. In FIG. 2C, the distance where the strength of the proximity signal is greater than or equal to the threshold is indicated by a dotted line.

3 is a flowchart illustrating an information input method according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. Referring to FIG. 3, the information input method according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention will be described. First, when the portable electronic device is driven, the touch panel 200 is driven together to input information using the touch panel 200. It becomes a state (S310).

Thereafter, the information input device 100 checks whether the user wants to input information by using an input means of the touch panel 200 and the electronic pen 300 (S310) and uses the touch panel 200. In this case, information is input using the touch panel 200 by outputting first location information generated by the touch panel 200 (S320).

On the other hand, if it is determined in the above-described step S310 that the user wants to input information using the electronic pen 300, the information input apparatus 100 may provide second position information indicating the position of the electronic pen 300. Input the information using (S330).

4A to 4C are flowcharts illustrating a method of determining an input unit to be used by a user in step S310 of FIG. 3.

First, referring to FIG. 4A, after the touch panel 200 is driven, the information input apparatus 100 measures the point where the user touches on the touch panel 200 and the contact area (S311). Thereafter, it is determined whether the contact area or the number of contact points exceeds a predefined threshold, and if the threshold is not exceeded, the process proceeds to step S320 (S312).

In operation S312, when it is determined that the threshold value is exceeded, it is determined that the user grips the electronic pen 300 and put his hand on the touch panel 200 to receive a reference signal and an ultrasonic signal to position the electronic pen 300. Measure and proceed to step S330 (S313).

Meanwhile, referring to FIG. 4B, another method of determining a user's intention is described. After the touch panel 200 is driven, the information input apparatus 100 examines whether an ultrasound signal and a reference signal are received, If the signal and the ultrasonic signal are not input, the process proceeds to step S320 to perform information input using the touch panel 200 (S314). When the ultrasonic signal and the reference signal are received, the electronic signal is received as described above using the received signals. The position of the pen 300 is measured (S315).

Thereafter, it is examined whether the position of the electronic pen 300 is located in the touch panel area, and if the position of the electronic pen 300 is inside the touch panel 200 area, the process proceeds to step S330 and the electronic pen 300 is moved. Information is input using the location information of the electronic pen 300. If the location of the electronic pen 300 is not inside the touch panel 200, the process proceeds to step S320 to perform information input using the touch panel 200. (S316-1).

On the other hand, when the ultrasonic receiver 120 includes three or more ultrasonic sensors to measure the three-dimensional position of the electronic pen 300, the position of the electronic pen 300 as a result of the irradiation in step S316-1 described above In the case of the inside of the touch panel 200 area, it is determined whether the height of the electronic pen 300 is within a predetermined height from the touch panel 200, and within a predetermined height (for example, the height of the electronic pen is within 1 cm from the touch panel). If only, and proceeds to step S330 to perform information input using the location information of the electronic pen 300, the height of the electronic pen 200 is out of a predetermined height (for example, the height of the electronic pen touch panel If more than 1cm from) to proceed to the step S320 may be input information using the touch panel 200 (S316-2).

Meanwhile, referring to FIG. 4C, another method of determining a user's intention is described. The information input apparatus 100 determines whether a proximity signal of the electronic pen 300 is received, and thus the proximity signal of the electronic pen 300. Is not received, the process proceeds to step S320 and information is input using the first location information output from the touch panel 200 (S317). When the proximity signal of the electronic pen 300 is received, the strength of the proximity signal is preset. If it is determined whether the threshold is exceeded, and the signal strength does not exceed the threshold, the process proceeds to step S320 (S318).

In operation S318, when the strength of the proximity signal exceeds the threshold, the position of the electronic pen 300 is measured by using the reference signal and the ultrasonic signal, and the flow proceeds to operation S330 to perform the second operation of the electronic pen 300. Information input is performed using the location information (S319).

So far, the information input device 100 and the information input method according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention have been described. Hereinafter, the electronic pen 300 used in the preferred embodiment of the present invention will be described.

5A illustrates an example in which the signal receiving module 160-1 is coupled to a portable electronic device.

Looking at the structure of the electronic pen 500 that emits the currently commercialized ultrasonic signal, as shown in Figure 5, the ultrasonic generator 510 implemented with a piezo film or the like to wrap the pen core on the lower end of the electronic pen 500 ) Is installed, and the ultrasonic generator 510 is protected by the cap unit 520 so that the ultrasonic generator 510 is not contacted by the user. The ultrasonic signal generated by the ultrasonic generator may be emitted to the cap unit 520. The discharge groove 522 is formed to be able to.

However, as shown in FIG. 5A, the ultrasonic signals emitted through the emission grooves 522 are spread upward and downward, so that only some of the ultrasonic signals are ultrasonic sensors 120-1 and 120 of the signal receiving module 160. -2) directly received. In addition, if the ultrasonic generator is driven slightly, sound waves are emitted to another set of receivers nearby, which affects the interference easily. Therefore, it should be driven at a small intensity, but accordingly, the ultrasonic receiving sensors 120-1 and 120-2 should be installed at positions much higher than the height of the touch panel 200 to receive more ultrasonic signals. The signal receiving module 160 installed to protrude higher than the surface of the 200 is expected to cause inconvenience to the user.

In addition, when the conventional electronic pen 500 is used, the user may contact the pen core 530 with the touch panel 200 to input information and perform handwriting input. By the way, in the user's writing process, the pen core 530 of the electronic pen 500 is located at the same point, but according to the direction of the touch panel 200 of the electronic pen 500 and the degree of tilting, the ultrasonic generator ( The position of the 510 may be moved together with the P1 position, the P2 position, and the P3 position. In this case, as shown, although the distance between the electronic pen 300 and the ultrasonic receiver 120 based on the pen core is the same, the distance of the electronic pen 500 recognized by the information input device 100 is electronic. Depending on the direction of the pen 500 and the degree of tilting, the pen 500 is recognized as L1 in the P1 position, L2 in the P2 position, and L3 in the P3 position. This error in distance results in incorrect input.

In particular, when the user sharply changes the direction in which the electronic pen 500 is tilted while writing, the distance between the ultrasonic wave generator 510 and the information input device 100 changes rapidly, and thus the information input device 100 The position of the recognized electronic pen 500 is rapidly changed, causing incorrect information input that is different from the user's intention.

Therefore, in an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the problem of the electronic pen 500 is changed to change the structure of the electronic pen 500 to be directed toward the touch panel 200 as described below.

6 is a view showing the structure of an electronic pen 300 according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, Figure 7 shows an example in which the electronic pen 300 according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention is used for information input One drawing.

First, referring to FIG. 6, the electronic pen 300 according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention includes a main body 3200 and a guide 3300 coupled to the main body 3200.

The main body 3200 is basically provided with a power supply 3230, an ultrasonic signal generator 3240, a reference signal generator 3220, a controller 3210, and a pen core 3250. The signal generator 3250 may be further included.

The power supply unit 3230 supplies power to the ultrasonic signal generator 3240, the reference signal generator 3220, the proximity signal generator 3250, and the controller 3210, and the reference signal generator 3220 supplies power. In response to the control signal input from the control unit 3210 generates a reference signal. As the reference signal of the present invention, various signals such as an infrared signal (IR) or a radio frequency (RF) signal may be used.

The control unit 3210 may control the ultrasonic signal generator 3240 and the reference signal generator 3220 to generate the ultrasonic signal and the reference signal at predetermined time periods, respectively. When the proximity signal generator 3250 is installed, the proximity signal generator 3250 is controlled to generate a proximity signal. However, the proximity signal generation period may be set longer than the period in which the reference signal and the ultrasonic signal are generated to reduce power consumption.

The pen core 3250 may be formed at an end of the ultrasonic signal generator 3240 to provide only a writing feeling using a general pen.

Meanwhile, the ultrasonic signal generator 3240 includes a core portion 3422, an ultrasonic wave generator 3244, an ultrasonic wave blocker 3246, and a support portion 3248, and is configured to control signals input from the controller 3210. Therefore, an ultrasonic signal is generated.

The core portion 3242 of the ultrasonic signal generator 3240 has a cylindrical space formed at the center thereof to accommodate the pen core portion 3250, and the ultrasonic shield 3246 has a constant height on the outer circumferential surface of the core portion 3322. It is formed to protrude to be in close contact with the inner surface of the guide unit 3300 to be described later so that the ultrasonic signal is emitted in only one direction.

The ultrasonic generator 3244 is installed to surround the outer circumferential surface of the core portion 3322 or is installed in a predetermined region of the outer circumferential surface of the core portion 3322 to convert electrical energy applied from the power supply unit 3230 into vibration in accordance with a control signal. It is preferable to generate an ultrasonic wave and to implement it as a piezoelectric element such as a piezo film. In addition, a plurality of ultrasonic generators may be installed to increase the size of the signal.

The support part 3248 is in close contact with the inner surface of the guide part 3300 to perform a function of fixing the position of the ultrasonic signal generator 3240 in the guide part 3300.

As illustrated in FIG. 6, the ultrasonic signal generator 3240 is positioned close to the surface of the touch panel 200 when the user performs writing using the electronic pen 300 (eg, the “bottom of the electronic pen 300”). The position of the controller 3210, the reference signal generator 3220, and the power supply 3230 may be arbitrarily disposed within the main body 3200.

On the other hand, the guide portion 3300 is a direction in which the ultrasonic signal generated by the ultrasonic signal generator 3240, the pen core 3250 abuts the surface of the touch panel 200 (hereinafter referred to as "touch panel 200 direction") It is coupled to the main body 3200 while surrounding the ultrasonic signal generator 3240 so as to be emitted.

The guide part 3300 has a space formed therein so as to accommodate the ultrasonic signal generator 3240 therein, and is formed in a cone or cylinder shape as a whole. In addition, one end surface of the guide portion 3300 is formed with a fitting portion or a thread to be coupled with the main body portion 3200 in a manner of fitting, screwing or adhesively bonding with the main body portion 3200, the opposite end surface The ultrasonic emitter 3310 is formed to emit an ultrasonic signal.

In addition, a vibration absorbing part 3320 is provided around the guide part 3300. In the case of the electronic pen 300 according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the ultrasonic signal impinges on the inner surface of the guide part 3300 and proceeds toward the touch panel 200 along the ultrasonic guide path 3340 which will be described later. At this time, the intensity of the ultrasonic signal is weakened by the collision with the inner surface of the guide unit 3300.

Therefore, in order to receive the ultrasonic signal of a predetermined size or more capable of position measurement in the ultrasonic receiver 120, it is necessary to increase the output of the ultrasonic signal. However, when the output of the ultrasonic signal is increased, more energy is transmitted to the inner surface of the guide unit 3300 due to the collision of the ultrasonic signal, which causes the guide unit 3300 to vibrate to generate a fine ultrasonic signal. The ultrasonic signal is received by the ultrasonic receiver 120 to act as noise. 8 illustrates waveforms of the ultrasonic signal 810 generated by the ultrasonic signal 810 emitted from the ultrasonic emitter 3310 and the vibration of the guide 3300.

Therefore, in order to more accurately measure the position of the electronic pen 300, it is necessary to block the generation of the ultrasonic signal generated by the vibration of the guide unit 3300, and in the preferred embodiment of the present invention, around the guide unit 3300. The vibration absorbing unit 3320 was installed to cause the vibration absorbing unit 3320 to block the generation of the ultrasonic signal by the vibration of the guide unit 3300. The vibration absorbing part 3320 may be formed of a material capable of absorbing or preventing vibration such as rubber, silicon, a high density synthetic sponge, and a metal. In addition, the thickness of the outer wall of the guide unit 3300 instead of the vibration absorbing unit 3320 is not affected by the vibration transmitted when generating the ultrasonic signal in the ultrasonic generator 3244 of the main body 3200 (that is, In addition, the guide portion may be formed to be thick enough to vibrate so as not to generate a fine ultrasonic signal. Depending on the size of the touch panel to be used, at least 0.7 mm of diagonal 10 inches or less polycarbonate or transparent ABS may cause problems. Therefore, it should be formed at least 0.7 mm.

FIG. 7 illustrates a cross-sectional view of the guide part 3300 when the guide part 3300 is coupled to the main body part 3200 according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. Referring to FIG. 7, when the ultrasonic signal generator 3240 is inserted into the guide unit 3300, the pen core 3250 protrudes outwards through the ultrasonic emitter 3310, and the ultrasonic signal generator 3240 of the ultrasonic signal generator 3240 is separated from each other. The ultrasonic blocking unit 3246 is in close contact with the inner surface of the guide unit 3300 to block the ultrasonic wave generated by the ultrasonic generating unit 3244 from flowing out to the opposite side of the ground direction.

In addition, in a state where the ultrasonic signal generator 3240 is inserted into the guide unit 3300, a predetermined space (hereinafter, referred to as a "guide path") is provided between the core portion 2324 of the ultrasonic signal generator 3240 and the inner surface of the guide unit 3300. 3340), and the ultrasonic waves generated by the ultrasonic generator 3344 travel along the guide path 3340 and are emitted to the ultrasonic emitter 3310.

The information input method of the present invention can also be embodied as computer readable codes on a computer readable recording medium. A computer-readable recording medium includes all kinds of recording apparatuses in which data that can be read by a computer system is stored. Examples of computer-readable recording media include ROM, RAM, CD-ROM, magnetic tape, floppy disk, optical data storage, and the like, which are also implemented in the form of a carrier wave (for example, transmission over the Internet). It also includes. The computer readable recording medium may also be distributed over a networked computer system so that computer readable code can be stored and executed in a distributed manner.

So far I looked at the center of the preferred embodiment for the present invention. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the present invention can be implemented in a modified form without departing from the essential features of the present invention. Therefore, the disclosed embodiments should be considered in an illustrative rather than a restrictive sense. The scope of the present invention is shown in the claims rather than the foregoing description, and all differences within the scope will be construed as being included in the present invention.

100 information input device
110 reference signal receiver
120 ultrasonic receiver
120-1, 120-2, 120-3, 120-4 ultrasonic sensor
130 position measuring unit
140 Input means selector
150 proximity signal receiver
150-1, 150-2, 150-3, 150-4 proximity sensor
160 signal receiving module
200 touch panel
300 electronic pen
3200 main body
3210 control unit
3220 reference signal generator
3230 power supply
3240 ultrasonic signal generator
3242 core
3244 ultrasonic generator
3246 ultrasonic cutouts
3248 support
3250 pen core
3300 guide
3310 ultrasonic emitters
3320 vibration absorber

Claims (7)

An ultrasonic receiver for receiving an ultrasonic signal generated from the electronic pen;
A reference signal receiver configured to receive a reference signal generated from the electronic pen;
A position measuring unit configured to measure a position of the electronic pen using a time difference received from the reference signal and the ultrasonic signal by the reference signal receiver and the ultrasonic receiver, and input second position information indicating the position of the electronic pen; And
And an input means selection unit configured to output the first position information or the second position information input from the touch panel which detects a user's touch and outputs first position information according to the user's intention of using the user. Information input device. The method of claim 1, wherein the input means selection unit
An information input device, wherein the electronic pen is examined whether the electronic pen is positioned on the touch panel using the second position information, and the second position information is output if the electronic pen is positioned on the touch panel; . The method of claim 2,
The position measuring unit measures the three-dimensional position of the electronic pen to output the second position information to the input means selection unit,
And the input means selector outputs the second position information when the electronic pen is positioned on the touch panel and located within a predetermined height from the touch panel. The method of claim 1,
Further comprising a proximity signal receiving unit for receiving and outputting the proximity signal from the electronic pen,
And the input means selector outputs the second position information when the strength of the signal received from the proximity signal receiver exceeds a predefined second threshold. In the information input device combined with a portable electronic device having a touch panel, a method for inputting information into the portable electronic device,
(a) determining, by the information input device, input means which the user intends to use for inputting information among the touch panel and the electronic pen;
(b) when it is determined that the user wants to input information by using the touch panel, the information input device inputs first position information indicating a position where the user touches the touch panel, inputted from the touch panel. Outputting to the portable electronic device; And
(c) if it is determined that the user intends to input information using the electronic pen, the information input device outputting second position information indicating the position of the electronic pen to the portable electronic device. Characteristic information input method. The method of claim 5, wherein step (a)
(a1) receiving a proximity signal indicating that the electronic pen is in operation from the electronic pen; And
and (a2) determining the input means to be used by the user by comparing the strength of the proximity signal with a predefined threshold. The method of claim 6, wherein step (a)
(a3) When the user intends to use the electronic pen for inputting information, the second electronic device generates the second position information by measuring the position of the electronic pen using a time difference between the ultrasonic signal generated by the electronic pen and the reference signal. Information input method further comprising the step of.

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