Classifications

• • G—PHYSICS
  • G06—COMPUTING OR CALCULATING; COUNTING
  • G06F—ELECTRIC DIGITAL DATA PROCESSING
  • G06F3/00—Input arrangements for transferring data to be processed into a form capable of being handled by the computer; Output arrangements for transferring data from processing unit to output unit, e.g. interface arrangements
  • G06F3/01—Input arrangements or combined input and output arrangements for interaction between user and computer
  • G06F3/03—Arrangements for converting the position or the displacement of a member into a coded form
  • G06F3/033—Pointing devices displaced or positioned by the user, e.g. mice, trackballs, pens or joysticks; Accessories therefor
  • G06F3/038—Control and interface arrangements therefor, e.g. drivers or device-embedded control circuitry
  • G06F3/0386—Control and interface arrangements therefor, e.g. drivers or device-embedded control circuitry for light pen

Definitions

• the invention relates to a device for data input with a selection device for selecting at least one information unit that can be displayed in the area of a display device, in which the display device is made up of a projection unit and a projection surface that maps the information unit and can be arranged spatially separately from the projection unit det.
• Such devices are used, for example, to make data entries in the area of digital computers. In particular, these data entries are also required to determine the program flow of menu-driven software.
• devices are known as input devices for menu-guided software which are used as "mouse”, “joystick”, “trackball” or "light pen” be designated. With the exception of the light pen, these devices are based on the conversion of a mechanical positioning of the operating element into a cursor positioning in the area of the screen. With the help of the light pen, it is immediately possible to optically select a screen area.
• these known input units have the disadvantage that a person operating them is in in the immediate vicinity of the screen.
• the marking areas in the area of the screen can either be illuminated with a suitable blinking sequence to assign special selection information, it is also possible to generate a bar code pattern which either has special orientations of the bars or in accordance with the usual ones Marking bar codes has differently shaped marking bars. Finally, it is also possible to use different color assignments. According to each The optical sensor makes a distinction in the marking assignment in the area of the pointer stick, and the selection information detected in each case is made available to the projection unit or a connected control unit. It is therefore necessary on the one hand to use a special pointer and on the other hand to use a special signal generator which generates the detectable optical profiles in the area of the screen.
• a pointer rod for detecting a coded light sequence in the area of a display surface, which is equipped with a photodiode in the area of one end thereof.
• the pointer can be coupled to a control unit either via a connecting line or wirelessly via a radio link, via which suitably coded signals, for example frequency-modulated signals, can be transmitted.
• a special signal generator is provided which transmits suitably coded light signals which can be recognized with the aid of the sensor and converted into control signals.
• WO 90/07 150 AI it is known to design a drawing board in the form of a large electronic wall board.
• Suitable pressure or optical sensors are arranged in the area of the blackboard, which can detect a trace of a pointer, a marking pen, or an eraser and convert the movements made in the area of the blackboard into an optical projection without remaining traces is transferred to the blackboard with the aid of a projection device.
• a control device is provided which is connected to the electronic wall panel via a control cable.
• a lens optic is used to adapt the optical system intended. With the aid of this device, it is thus comparatively easy to generate pictorial representations in the area of the wall panel and to make them available to a subsequent electronic system. However, this device does not allow control operations to be carried out.
• a brightness distribution evaluating a brightness distribution in the region of the projection surface is arranged, which has at least one photosensor which transmits the brightness distribution optically transmitted from the projection surface in the opposite direction of projection to the projection unit having.
• -b- The subdivision of the display device into a projection unit and a freely positionable projection surface enables the projection surface to be positioned in an area which, for example, can be arranged in the direction of the listener from the point of view of a lecturer. With the help of an optical marking device, the lecturer can generate in the area of the projection surface a brightness distribution which characterizes the information unit to be selected and which is evaluated by the brightness detector arranged in the area of a projection unit.
• the lecturer can move freely on the podium and is not subject to any undesired restrictions.
• slides or foils for overhead projections can alternatively also be imaged.
• the projection unit has a display surface and an image optical system which transmits an image displayed in the region of the display surface in the direction of the projection surface.
• the display surface is designed as a liquid crystal display.
• the projection optics have at least one lens optic and a deflecting mirror.
• the brightness detector is automatically aligned with the image shown in the region of the projection surface in that the brightness detector analyzing the brightness distribution in the region of the projection surface is arranged in the region of the deflecting mirror.
• the brightness detector is essentially designed as a position-sensitive photodiode.
• a narrow-band spectral filter be arranged in the area of the brightness detector.
• the spectral filter enables a selective evaluation of a light marking used in the area of the projection surface for the selection of functions if a light source is used for the marking which only emits narrowband energy.
• a selection with a switch function is ensured in that a control unit is arranged in the area of the selection device, which switches on an evaluation unit for analyzing the brightness distribution in the area of the projection area after receiving a trigger signal.
• the dependency on the trigger signal makes it possible to cover different areas with an optical selection device in the area of the projection surface, and only after the Triggering the trigger signal to use the brightness distribution then generated to select the information unit.
• a marking means designed as a laser pointer is provided for the optical marking of an information unit in the area of the projection surface.
• the projection surface is designed as a screen.
• the manufacturing costs can be reduced by the fact that the projection unit is essentially designed as an overhead projector.
• the information unit be designed as a screen display of a digital computer.
• the information unit be designed as a control function for operating menu-driven software of the digital computer.
• the marking agent be in the region at least one function key for triggering switching functions is arranged.
• At least one optical transmission path be provided between the marking means and the brightness detector for the transmission of switching signals of the function key.
• the switching function transmission can be implemented inexpensively by the transmission path being designed as an infrared transmission path.
• this design makes it possible to use, for example, components which are known from the field of television technology and are inexpensive to manufacture in large numbers.
• Short system response times and a display behavior known from the use of wired operating elements can be generated by providing a synchronous transmission path which transmits coordination signals and to which synchronous transmission elements are assigned.
• a permanent update of a cursor positioning that can be recognized in the area of a screen can be carried out by providing an essentially permanent position evaluation.
• a display and operating behavior known from the use of a "mouse" or comparable operating elements is reproduced almost identically.
• a highly precise position analysis of the optical marking in the area of the display device by a The brightness distribution can also be evaluated by designing the brightness detector as a surface sensor.
• Such an area sensor can be designed, for example, as a CCD sensor known from the field of camera technology.
• FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a device for data input and a person marking an information unit in the area of a projection surface
• FIG. 2 shows a block diagram of the essential components for evaluating the brightness distribution in the region of the projection surface.
• FIG. 3 shows a block diagram of a device with an infrared transmission link
• Fig. 4 is a block diagram of a marker n d
• Fig. 5 components of a selection device.
• a device for data input essentially consists of a selection device (1) and a display device (2).
• the display device (2) is formed from a projection unit (3) and a projection surface (4) that can be arranged spatially separate from the projection device (3).
• the projection surface (4) it is contemplated to design the projection surface (4) as a screen (5), which is also suitable for imaging slides or foils for overhead projectors.
• the projection unit (3) has a display area - _O- (6) and one in the area of the display area
• the deflecting mirror (7) and the lens optics (8) are arranged at a distance from the display surface (6) in the area of a support arm (9), which essentially extends over its extent with a component running perpendicular to the display surface (6) extends.
• the display surface (6) is designed as a liquid crystal display (10). In particular, it is also possible to design the projection unit (3) essentially as an overhead projector.
• a brightness detector (11) is arranged in the area of the deflecting mirror (7) and is essentially designed as a "" position-sensitive photodiode. In the area of this photodiode, the image generated on the projection surface (4) is imaged and analyzed with regard to the brightness distribution.
• the photodiode is flat. This has the advantage over a segment-like design that the entire active surface is available for determining the position of an incident light beam.
• the junction resistance in the region of the photodiode is influenced as a function of the brightness distribution. Electrical contacts can be generated by contacts arranged in the region of edges or corners of the photodiode, the relationship of which to one another enables localization of an incident light beam and the respective sizes of which depend on the local distribution of the current junction resistance.
• a marking means (12) designed as a laser pointer.
• the light generated by the laser pointer has a frequency range which is clearly detectable in the frequency range of the image transmitted from the projection unit (3) to the projection surface (4).
• a spectral filter (13) in the area of the brightness detector (11), which only allows light waves to pass in the area of the laser light, but essentially filters out the projection light and thus increases the contrast of the selection information .
• a lens (14) is connected upstream of the brightness detector (11) for focusing. After the optical information has been converted into an electrical signal, it is narrowly electrically filtered in the area of a filter (15).
• An optical trigger signal is generated in the area of the marking means (12) in order to enable a selective acceptance of selection information by the selection device (1).
• a control device in the area of the marking means (12), which makes it possible to switch between constant light operation and one that generates the trigger signal and one that is modulated with a frequency f >> 50 Hz, such as 5 kHz to switch generating operation.
• a frequency f >> 50 Hz, such as 5 kHz to switch generating operation instead of constant light operation, however, it is also possible to provide for a change of operation between different modulation frequencies.
• the trigger signal is detected in the area of an evaluation unit (16) and corresponding information is forwarded to a control unit (17).
• control unit (17) in the area of the evaluation unit (16) analyzes the position information of the home - .2- Detector (11) switched on and a detected position signal transmitted using an interface (18) to an interface (19) of a digital computer (20). Depending on the position information transmitted, a selected program sequence takes place in the area of the digital computer (20).
• the marking means (12) To visually check the selection with the aid of the marking means (12), it is particularly intended to generate laser light in the visible range.
• the generated laser light is fed to a collimator lens before it is emitted.
• an accumulator supplying it with energy is arranged in the area of the marking means (12).
• a calibration is carried out in which the internal coordinates of the brightness detector (11) are assigned to the screen coordinates of a screen (21) connected to the digital computer (20).
• the digital computer (20) When the digital computer (20) is operating, the same information can be displayed in the area of the screen (21) as is shown in the area of the projection surface (4).
• the evaluation unit (16) automatically converts the coordinates of the brightness detector (11) into screen coordinates.
• information units can be selected with the aid of the marking means (12). This will operate the Digital computer (20) during the performance of lectures or software demonstrations, but also during the execution of other application programs, for example video games.
• the switching information triggered by the function keys is expediently transmitted via an optical transmission path.
• Both reliable and inexpensive data transmission can be achieved by using infrared transmission elements.
• the components required for this can be selected from those used in the field of television technology and from those used in the field of other consumer technology. Integrated circuits with a high level of transmission security for pulse code transmissions in various designs are available there. It is already part of the prior art for these components that more than 1000 distinguishable switching functions can be transmitted and detected.
• a further approximation to the display and operating behavior known from the use of wired operating elements can be made possible by the fact that additional synchronization signals are transmitted. - .4.- This transmission can also take place with the aid of an infrared link.
• a suitable infrared element can, for example, be arranged in the area of the projection device (3) or in the area of the projection area (4).
• a cursor which is visible in the area of a screen can constantly follow the light spot of the marking means (12) in the area of the projection surface (4).
• a step-by-step cursor positioning can take place with such a high clock frequency that an approximately analogous behavior is conveyed to an observer.
• the brightness detector (11) As an alternative or in addition to forming the brightness detector (11) from a position-sensitive photodiode, it is also possible to use an array of discrete photodiodes. In addition, it is also possible to provide a design as a surface sensor which is designed, for example, as an image sensor known from the field of camera technology. Suitable tubes, CCD sensors or CID sensors can thus be used. - ⁇ S - For extended implementation with several function keys, it is provided that, according to FIG. 3, a block diagram of an arrangement is shown, which consists of marking means (12), selection device (1), projection unit (3), projection surface (4th ) and digital computer (20). In addition to the visible, directed laser light bundle (22), the marking means (12) (laser pointer) also emits non-directed infrared radiation (23), with the aid of which the information about selected function keys is transmitted.
• marking means (12) laser pointer
• the marking means (12) also emits non-directed infrared radiation (23), with the aid of which the information about selected
• a laser (28) is controlled via a modulation unit (27).
• the selection device contains a function key unit (24) with one or more function keys, a coding unit (25) and a modulatable infrared radiation source (26). This is preferably implemented as an infrared light-emitting diode.
• the position of the laser light spot which is generated by the light beam (22) on the projection surface (4), is determined by a position-sensitive photodetector (11). This will preferably be a PSD diode, but can also be a CCD or CID image sensor. A spectral filter tuned to the wavelength of a laser (28)
• the imaging lens (13) reduces extraneous light.
• the demodulated signal contains the information about the current position of the laser light spot on the projection surface.
• the infrared radiation is evaluated by an infrared detector (31). This will preferably be an IR photodiode.
• the imaging lens (30) is optimal, depending on the spatial arrangement of the selection device relative to the projection surface and the marking means.
• the signal from the IR photodetector is amplified by the amplifier (32) and decoded by the decoding unit (33) matched to the coding unit (25).
• the decoded signal contains the information as to whether a function key of the marking means (12) has been pressed and, if so, which.
• a logic logic (35) converts the output signals of the demodulator (16) and a decoder (33) into data words which are transmitted via the interface (18) to the interface (19) of the digital computer (20).
• the evaluation takes place in the computer via software.
• the selection device (1) can be accommodated in a housing which is positioned anywhere in the room, provided that the display area of the projection surface (4) can be mapped onto the position-sensitive photodetector (11) .
• the positioning will preferably take place in the area of the projection unit (3).
• the components of the selection device (1) can also be arranged spatially separated, whereby a division into three assemblies can be useful due to the functional interaction: __:? - Optical channel, consisting of spectral filter (13), lens (14), position-sensitive photo detector (11), electronic filter (34) and demodulation device (16),
• Infrared channel consisting of spectral filter (29), lens (30), IR detector (31), amplifier (32) and decoding device (33),
• the "optical channel” assembly is preferably arranged in the region of the projection device (3) and the "infrared channel” assembly is preferably arranged in the region of the projection surface (4).

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• Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
• General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
• Theoretical Computer Science (AREA)
• Human Computer Interaction (AREA)
• Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
• General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
• Position Input By Displaying (AREA)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Publications (1)

Family

ID=6414344

Family Applications (1)

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Cited By (4)

Families Citing this family (9)

Citations (3)

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• 1991
  • 1991-09-06 WO PCT/DE1991/000716 patent/WO1992005483A1/de unknown
  • 1991-09-06 DE DE19914129602 patent/DE4129602A1/de active Granted

Patent Citations (3)

Non-Patent Citations (1)

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