WO2009107903A1 - Apparatus for generating input signal and input system and method using the same - Google Patents

Apparatus for generating input signal and input system and method using the same Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2009107903A1
WO2009107903A1 PCT/KR2008/003447 KR2008003447W WO2009107903A1 WO 2009107903 A1 WO2009107903 A1 WO 2009107903A1 KR 2008003447 W KR2008003447 W KR 2008003447W WO 2009107903 A1 WO2009107903 A1 WO 2009107903A1
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WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
input
signal
time period
information
generating device
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/KR2008/003447
Other languages
French (fr)
Inventor
Do Young Ko
Hwan-Kyu Min
Original Assignee
Pnf Co., Ltd
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Pnf Co., Ltd filed Critical Pnf Co., Ltd
Publication of WO2009107903A1 publication Critical patent/WO2009107903A1/en

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Classifications

    • G—PHYSICS
    • G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR 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
    • G06F3/0354—Pointing devices displaced or positioned by the user, e.g. mice, trackballs, pens or joysticks; Accessories therefor with detection of 2D relative movements between the device, or an operating part thereof, and a plane or surface, e.g. 2D mice, trackballs, pens or pucks
    • G06F3/03542—Light pens for emitting or receiving light
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR 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
    • G06F3/0354—Pointing devices displaced or positioned by the user, e.g. mice, trackballs, pens or joysticks; Accessories therefor with detection of 2D relative movements between the device, or an operating part thereof, and a plane or surface, e.g. 2D mice, trackballs, pens or pucks
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR 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
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR 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

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to an input signal generating device, and more particularly, to an input signal generating device used in an input system and the input system and method using the input signal generating device.
  • PC there is a method of implementing a signal generating device which generates a reference signal and an ultrasonic signal and is implemented in an input pen or a wireless mouse for inputting messages of users, measuring an absolute position of the signal generating device by using a time difference between the reference signal implemented as an infrared signal or a radio frequency (RF) signal and the ultrasonic signal, and inputting selection information by using buttons provided to the signal generating device.
  • a signal generating device which generates a reference signal and an ultrasonic signal and is implemented in an input pen or a wireless mouse for inputting messages of users
  • buttons (corresponding to a left button of a mouse) provided to the input pen and a right button (corresponding to a right button of the mouse), times for which signals are pressed when the user presses the buttons are compared. Therefore, types of information that can be input by the user are limited. In addition, the signals have to be continuously generated, so that there is a problem in that high energy consumption is required.
  • FIG. 1 is a view for explaining the problem of the conventional technology.
  • durations of the signals are used to identify the types of the information.
  • a wireless device driven by a battery high power is consumed to continuously generate the signals. Therefore, there are problems in that a battery replacement period is decreased, and types of the information that can be input are limited.
  • the present invention provides a signal generating device capable of inputting various types of information using ultrasonic signals with minimized power consumption and an input system and method using the signal generating device.
  • an input signal generating device including: a signal generator generating a reference signal and an ultrasonic signal when receives a control signal; an information input unit generating information input by a user according to manipulation of the user; and a signal generation controller controlling and outputting a time period by which the control signal is generated according to a type of the information input from the information input unit to the signal generator.
  • the input signal generating device is implemented as an input pen
  • the information input unit includes a pressure measurer for measuring a writing pressure exerted to the input pen
  • the signal generation controller changes the time period by which the control signal is generated according to a level of the writing pressure
  • the information input unit includes one or more buttons provided to the input signal generating device, and wherein the signal generation controller generates and outputs a control signal by a time period corresponding to a button pressed by the user to the signal generator.
  • a input system including: an input signal generating device generating a reference signal and an ultrasonic signal by a time period changed according to a type of information generated according to manipulation of a user; and an information input device measuring a position of the input signal generating device by using the reference signal and the ultrasonic signal, and identifying the type of information generated by the input signal generating device by using the time period by which the reference signal is received.
  • the input signal generating device generates the reference signal and the ultrasonic signal simultaneously by the time period
  • the information input device measures and inputs the position of the input signal generating device by using a difference between times at which the reference signal and the ultrasonic signal are received.
  • the information input device checks the time period by which the reference signal is received and identifies and inputs information corresponding to the checked time period from types of information stored in advance.
  • the input signal generating device is implemented as an input pen, and wherein the signal generating device changes the time period by which the reference signal and the ultrasonic signal are generated according to a level of a writing pressure exerted to the input pen.
  • the input signal generating device includes one or more buttons and generates the reference signal and the ultrasonic signal by a time period corresponding to a button pressed by the user.
  • a input method including: (a) an input signal generating device generating a reference signal and an ultrasonic signal by a time period changed according to a type of information generated by manipulation of a user; and (b) an information input device receiving the reference signal and the ultrasonic signal, measuring a position of the input signal generating device by using a difference between times at which the reference signal and the ultrasonic signal are received, checking the time period by which the reference signal is received, and inputting information corresponding to the checked time period.
  • the input signal generating device is implemented as an input pen, wherein in (a), the time period is changed according to a level of a writing pressure exerted to the input pen to generate the reference signal and the ultrasonic signal, and wherein in (b), the writing pressure corresponding to the time period is input by checking the time period by which the reference signal is received.
  • the input signal generating device includes one or more buttons, wherein in (a), the reference signal and the ultrasonic signal are generated by a time period corresponding to a button pressed by the user, and wherein in (b), button information corresponding to the time period is input by checking the time period by which the reference signal is received.
  • the reference signal and the ultrasonic signal are generated by a time period corresponding to a type of information generated by the input signal generating device for inputting the information
  • a position of the signal generating device is measured by using a difference between times at which the reference signal and the ultrasonic signal are received by the information input device
  • the time period (frequency) by which the reference signal is received is measured to identify information generated by the signal generating device and input the information. Therefore, as compared with a conventional method in which information is identified according to duration of a signal, power consumption can be minimized and various types of information can be input.
  • FIG. 1 is a view for explaining a problem of a conventional art.
  • FIG. 2 is a view illustrating a construction of an input system according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
  • FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating detailed constructions of an input signal generating device and an information input device according to the exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
  • FIG. 4 is a view illustrating an example of time periods corresponding to types of information generated by the input signal generating device.
  • FIG. 5 is a timing diagram illustrating a time period that is changed in a case where a user presses a left button.
  • FIG. 6 is a timing diagram illustrating a time period that is changed in a case where a user inputs handwritings. Best Mode for Carrying out the Invention
  • FIG. 2 is a view illustrating a construction of an input system according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
  • the input system according to the present invention includes an input signal generating device 100 and an information input device 200.
  • the input signal generating device 100 is implemented as a stylus, a wireless mouse, an input pen, or the like and has functions of changing a time period according to a type (for example, button-pressing, writing pressure, and the like) of information generated by the input signal generating device 100 due to manipulation of a user and generating an ultrasonic signal and a reference signal at the same time to transmit the generated ultrasonic signal and the reference signal to the information input device 200.
  • a type for example, button-pressing, writing pressure, and the like
  • the input signal generating device 100 in a case where the input signal generating device 100 is implemented as the input pen such as the stylus, the input signal generating device 100 generates a pressure value measured when the user moves the input pen to touch a surface and input letters or the like, and generates and transmits a reference signal and an ultrasonic signal to the information input device 200 by a time period corresponding to a pressure level to which the generated input value belongs.
  • the information input device 200 includes a reference signal receiver 222 and a plurality of ultrasonic signal receivers 224a and 224b and has functions of measuring a position of the input signal generating device 100 using time difference between the received reference and ultrasonic signals that are simultaneously transmitted from the input signal generating device 100 and generating and inputting position information.
  • the information input device 200 perceives the time period by which the reference signal is received, identifies the type of the information corresponding to the time period, and inputs the identified information.
  • the information input device 200 may be implemented as software used in a desktop computer, a notebook, a personal digital assistant (PDA), or the like.
  • FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating detailed constructions of the aforementioned input signal generating device 100 and the information input device 200.
  • FIGS. 4 to 6 are views for explaining the concept of the present invention for inputting information by changing the time period and generating the reference signal. The present invention will be described in detail with reference to FIGS. 3 to 6.
  • the input signal generating device 100 includes a signal generator 110, a signal generation controller 120, and an information input unit 140.
  • the signal generator 110 includes a reference signal generator 112 and an ultrasonic signal generator 114
  • the information input unit 140 includes a button unit 142 and a pressure measurer 144.
  • the input signal generating 100 may further include a power supply implemented as a battery to supply power to the aforementioned elements.
  • the ultrasonic signal generator 114 when the ultrasonic signal generator 114 receives a control signal for instructing to generate an ultrasonic signal from the signal generation controller 120, the ultrasonic signal generator 114 generates and transmits the ultrasonic signal to the information input device 200.
  • the reference signal generator 112 When the reference signal generator 112 receives a control signal for instructing to generate a reference signal from the signal generation controller 120, the reference signal generator 112 generates and transmits the reference signal to the information input device 200.
  • a control signal for instructing to generate a reference signal from the signal generation controller 120
  • the reference signal generator 112 generates and transmits the reference signal to the information input device 200.
  • an infrared signal or a radio frequency (RF) signal is used as the reference signal.
  • the information input unit 140 outputs various types of information generated by the input signal generating device 100 due to manipulation of the user to the signal generation controller 120.
  • the input signal generating device 100 is implemented as the input pen so as to be used to input letters or the like for the user
  • the information input unit 140 includes button unit 142 which is implemented as one or more buttons provided to the input pen for generating selection information as the user presses the buttons and the pressure measurer 144 for measuring pressure exerted to a tip of the input pen.
  • the signal generation controller 120 generates and outputs a control signal for instructing to generate the reference signal and the ultrasonic signal for the same information by predetermined time periods to the signal generator 110 in order to generate the reference signal and the ultrasonic signal simultaneously.
  • the signal generation controller 120 outputs the control signals for instructing to generate the reference signal to the reference signal generator 112 and the control signal for instructing to generate the ultrasonic signal to the ultrasonic signal generator 114 respectively with the predetermined time interval.
  • the signal generation controller 120 changes a signal generation period according to a type of information generated by the signal generating device 100 to generate the reference signal and the ultrasonic signal. For example, when information is input from the information input unit 140 as the user presses a button or the pen tip touches the surface, the signal generation controller 120 checks the time period corresponding to the input information and generates and outputs the control signal to the signal generator 110 by the corresponding time period, and the signal generator 110 generates the reference signal and the ultrasonic signal after receiving the control signal.
  • the information input device 200 includes a signal receiver 220, an information input controller 230, an information identifier 240, an output unit 250, and a position measurer 260.
  • the signal receiver 220 includes a reference signal receiver 222 and an ultrasonic signal receiver 224.
  • the reference signal receiver 222 receives the reference signal transmitted from the input signal generating device 100 and outputs the received reference signal to the information input controller 230. As described above, the reference signal receiver 222 receives the infrared signal or the RF signal.
  • the ultrasonic signal receiver 224 is implemented as two or more ultrasonic sensors disposed at a predetermined interval, and each of the ultrasonic sensors receives and outputs the ultrasonic signal to the information input controller 230. In order to measure a 2D position of the input signal generating device 100, two or more ultrasonic sensors are needed, and in order to measure a 3D position of the input signal generating device 100, three or more ultrasonic sensors are needed.
  • the position measurer 260 measures a position of the input signal generating device
  • a method of measuring a 2D position of the input signal generating device 100 by the position measurer 260 is described as follows.
  • the reference signal generated by the input signal generating device 100 is received to the reference signal receiver 222, and the ultrasonic signal is received to the ultrasonic signal receivers 224a and 224b disposed at an interval C.
  • the reference signal receiver 222 and the ultrasonic signal receiver 224 output the received signals to the information input controller 230, and the information input controller 230 outputs times at which the reference signal and the ultrasonic signal are received to the position measurer 260.
  • the position measurer 260 measures the position of the input signal generating device 100 by using the following Equation 1.
  • (x,y) coordinates of the input signal generating device 100 can be obtained by solving the following Equation 1 for x and y.
  • the position measurer 260 outputs measured position information on the input signal generating device 100 to the information input controller 230 by the time periods by which the information on the times at which the reference signal and the ultrasonic signal are received is input from the information input controller 230.
  • the information identifier 240 of the information input device 200 stores time periods and types of input information corresponding to each time period in advance, and when receives a changed time period from the information input controller 230, the information identifier 240 inquires about input information corresponding to the received time period and outputs the time period to the information input controller 230.
  • the information identifier 240 inquires about a time period by calculating a difference between the time at which the previous reference signal is received and the time at which the current reference signal is received. In a case where the time period is changed, the information identifier 240 inquires about input information corresponding to the changed time period and outputs the input information to the information input controller 230.
  • different time periods are designated to buttons provided to the input signal generating device 100 or writing pressure levels from each other and stored.
  • the information identifier 240 When a time period by which the reference signal is input corresponds to information on a particular button, the information identifier 240 outputs input information representing that the particular button is input to the information input controller 230.
  • the information identifier 240 When the time period corresponds to one of a plurality of the pressure levels, the information identifier 240 outputs pressure information representing that handwriting is performed in the corresponding pressure level to the information input controller 230.
  • the time period and functions of the information identifier 240 are described in detail with reference to FIG. 4.
  • the information input controller 230 outputs times at which the reference signal and the ultrasonic signal are received to the position measurer 260 at every time period to receive position information on the input signal generating device 100 from the position measurer 260 and outputs the received position information to the output unit 250.
  • the information input controller 230 inputs information on a time at which the reference signal is received to the information identifier 240 in real time. Otherwise, in a case where a time period by which the reference signal is generated is changed according to a result of calculating differences between the times at which the reference signal is received, the information input controller 230 outputs the changed time period to the position measurer 260 to receive position information on the input signal generating device 100 from the position measurer 260 and output the received position information to the output unit 250. In addition, as described above, the information input controller 230 receives input information corresponding to the time period from the information identifier 240.
  • the information input controller 230 provides the position information input from the position measurer 260 and the input information input from the information identifier 240 to an external electronic device or as an input value for an application program executed by an electronic device having a signal receiver such as a computer through the output unit 250. Specifically, by using coordinate values of the moving input signal generating device, handwritings of the user such as letters or mouse selection signals according to positions can be input to other application programs.
  • FIG. 4 is a view illustrating an example of time periods corresponding to types of information generated by the input signal generating device 100.
  • the input signal generating device 100 generates the reference signal and the ultrasonic signal at a frequency of 70Hz, that is, by a time period of 14.28ms in a state where the input signal generating device 100 is held in the air and does not generate any information (hereinafter, referred to as a hovering state).
  • the input signal generating device 100 generates the reference signal and the ultrasonic signal by a time period of 12.50ms, that is, at a frequency of 80Hz, and while the user presses the left button, the input signal generating device 100 generates the reference signal and the ultrasonic signal by a time period of 11.1 lms, that is, at a frequency of 90Hz.
  • the input signal generating device 100 measures a writing pressure and generates the reference signal and the ultrasonic signal by the time period corresponding to the writing pressure level.
  • the input signal generating device 100 in a pressure level 1 that is the first pressure level of a plurality of pressure levels, the input signal generating device 100 generates the reference signal and the ultrasonic signal by a time period of 10.00ms (at a frequency of 100Hz), and as the input level is increased to a pressure level 2 and a pressure level 3, the time period is set to decrease to 9.09ms and 8.33ms, that is, the frequency is set to increase to HOHz and 120Hz.
  • FIG. 5 is a timing diagram illustrating the time period that is changed in a case where the user presses the left button.
  • the input signal generating device 100 in the hovering state in which the user holds the input signal generating device 100, the input signal generating device 100 generates the reference signal and the ultrasonic signal by the time period of 14.28ms (at the frequency of 70Hz), and while the user presses the left button, the input signal generating device 100 changes the time period to 11.11ms (change the frequency to 90Hz) and generates the reference signal and the ultrasonic signal.
  • the input signal generating device 100 changes the time period to 14.28ms (change the frequency to 70Hz) and generates the reference signal and the ultrasonic signal.
  • FIG. 6 is a timing diagram illustrating the time period changed in a case where the user inputs handwritings.
  • the input signal generating device 100 implemented as a natural handwriting input pen is in the hovering state
  • the input signal generating device 100 generates the reference signal and the ultrasonic signal by the time period of 14.28ms (at the frequency of 70Hz), and when the user exerts a writing pressure with the input signal generating device 100 on the surface, the input signal generating device 100 generates the reference signal and the ultrasonic signal by a time period corresponding to the writing input level.
  • the method of the present invention can also be embodied as computer readable codes on a computer readable recording medium.
  • the computer readable recording medium is any data storage device that can store data which can be thereafter read by a computer system. Examples of the computer readable recording medium include readonly memory (ROM), random-access memory (RAM), CD-ROMs, magnetic tapes, floppy disks, optical data storage devices, and carrier waves (such as data transmission through the Internet).
  • ROM readonly memory
  • RAM random-access memory
  • CD-ROMs compact discs
  • magnetic tapes magnetic tapes
  • floppy disks optical data storage devices
  • carrier waves such as data transmission through the Internet
  • the signal generation period is changed in units of 10Hz.
  • the unit may be set to be increased or decreased.

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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)

Abstract

Provided are an input signal generating device used to input information and an input system and method using the input signal generating device. Accordingly, a reference signal and an ultrasonic signal are generated by a time period corresponding to a type of information generated by an input signal generating device for inputting the information, a position of the signal generating device is measured by using a difference between times at which the reference signal and the ultrasonic signal are received by an information input device, the time period (frequency) by which the reference signal is received is measured to identify information generated by the signal generating device and input the information. Therefore, as compared with a conventional method in which information is identified according to duration of a signal, power consumption can be minimized and various types of information can be input.

Description

Description
APPARATUS FOR GENERATING INPUT SIGNAL AND INPUT SYSTEM AND METHOD USING THE SAME
Technical Field
[1] The present invention relates to an input signal generating device, and more particularly, to an input signal generating device used in an input system and the input system and method using the input signal generating device. Background Art
[2] As electronic devices such as computers and personal digital assistants (PDAs) have been widely used, users generally record important memos or addresses or the like of friends on the electronic devices instead of pocketbooks.
[3] Particularly, as electronic devices such as tablet personal computers (PCs) and PDAs have been popularized, the users input and record their handwritings on the electronic devices such as the tablet PCs and the PDAs using pens instead of keyboards. In addition, the users can make simple drawings in addition to notes using application programs such as Paintbrush.
[4] As a method of inputting users handwritings without using a touchscreen or a tablet
PC, there is a method of implementing a signal generating device which generates a reference signal and an ultrasonic signal and is implemented in an input pen or a wireless mouse for inputting messages of users, measuring an absolute position of the signal generating device by using a time difference between the reference signal implemented as an infrared signal or a radio frequency (RF) signal and the ultrasonic signal, and inputting selection information by using buttons provided to the signal generating device.
[5] However, in a conventional manner, in order to distinguish between a left button
(corresponding to a left button of a mouse) provided to the input pen and a right button (corresponding to a right button of the mouse), times for which signals are pressed when the user presses the buttons are compared. Therefore, types of information that can be input by the user are limited. In addition, the signals have to be continuously generated, so that there is a problem in that high energy consumption is required.
[6] FIG. 1 is a view for explaining the problem of the conventional technology.
Referring to FIG. 1, in a case where information is generated and input from a left button, a right button provided to the conventional input pen, or a touch sensing unit that senses whether or not the input pen touches a surface in order for the user to input characters, as illustrated in FIG. 1, durations of the signals are used to identify the types of the information. [7] In this case, if a wireless device driven by a battery is used, high power is consumed to continuously generate the signals. Therefore, there are problems in that a battery replacement period is decreased, and types of the information that can be input are limited.
Disclosure of Invention Technical Problem
[8] The present invention provides a signal generating device capable of inputting various types of information using ultrasonic signals with minimized power consumption and an input system and method using the signal generating device. Technical Solution
[9] According to an aspect of the present invention, there is provided an input signal generating device including: a signal generator generating a reference signal and an ultrasonic signal when receives a control signal; an information input unit generating information input by a user according to manipulation of the user; and a signal generation controller controlling and outputting a time period by which the control signal is generated according to a type of the information input from the information input unit to the signal generator.
[10] In the above aspect of the present invention, wherein the input signal generating device is implemented as an input pen, wherein the information input unit includes a pressure measurer for measuring a writing pressure exerted to the input pen, and wherein the signal generation controller changes the time period by which the control signal is generated according to a level of the writing pressure.
[11] In the above aspect of the present invention, wherein the information input unit includes one or more buttons provided to the input signal generating device, and wherein the signal generation controller generates and outputs a control signal by a time period corresponding to a button pressed by the user to the signal generator.
[12] According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a input system including: an input signal generating device generating a reference signal and an ultrasonic signal by a time period changed according to a type of information generated according to manipulation of a user; and an information input device measuring a position of the input signal generating device by using the reference signal and the ultrasonic signal, and identifying the type of information generated by the input signal generating device by using the time period by which the reference signal is received.
[13] In the above aspect of the present invention, wherein the input signal generating device generates the reference signal and the ultrasonic signal simultaneously by the time period, and wherein the information input device measures and inputs the position of the input signal generating device by using a difference between times at which the reference signal and the ultrasonic signal are received.
[14] In the above aspect of the present invention, wherein the information input device checks the time period by which the reference signal is received and identifies and inputs information corresponding to the checked time period from types of information stored in advance.
[15] In the above aspect of the present invention, wherein the input signal generating device is implemented as an input pen, and wherein the signal generating device changes the time period by which the reference signal and the ultrasonic signal are generated according to a level of a writing pressure exerted to the input pen.
[16] In the above aspect of the present invention, wherein the input signal generating device includes one or more buttons and generates the reference signal and the ultrasonic signal by a time period corresponding to a button pressed by the user.
[17] According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a input method including: (a) an input signal generating device generating a reference signal and an ultrasonic signal by a time period changed according to a type of information generated by manipulation of a user; and (b) an information input device receiving the reference signal and the ultrasonic signal, measuring a position of the input signal generating device by using a difference between times at which the reference signal and the ultrasonic signal are received, checking the time period by which the reference signal is received, and inputting information corresponding to the checked time period.
[18] In the above aspect of the present invention, wherein in (a), the reference signal and the ultrasonic signal are simultaneously generated at each period, and wherein in (b), the position of the input signal generating device is measured and input by using the difference between the times at which the reference signal and the ultrasonic signal are received.
[19] In the above aspect of the present invention, wherein in (b), a time period by which the reference signal is received is checked, and information corresponding to the checked time period is identified and input from types of information stored in advance.
[20] In the above aspect of the present invention, wherein the input signal generating device is implemented as an input pen, wherein in (a), the time period is changed according to a level of a writing pressure exerted to the input pen to generate the reference signal and the ultrasonic signal, and wherein in (b), the writing pressure corresponding to the time period is input by checking the time period by which the reference signal is received.
[21] In the above aspect of the present invention, wherein the input signal generating device includes one or more buttons, wherein in (a), the reference signal and the ultrasonic signal are generated by a time period corresponding to a button pressed by the user, and wherein in (b), button information corresponding to the time period is input by checking the time period by which the reference signal is received. Advantageous Effects
[22] According to the present invention, the reference signal and the ultrasonic signal are generated by a time period corresponding to a type of information generated by the input signal generating device for inputting the information, a position of the signal generating device is measured by using a difference between times at which the reference signal and the ultrasonic signal are received by the information input device, the time period (frequency) by which the reference signal is received is measured to identify information generated by the signal generating device and input the information. Therefore, as compared with a conventional method in which information is identified according to duration of a signal, power consumption can be minimized and various types of information can be input. Brief Description of Drawings
[23] FIG. 1 is a view for explaining a problem of a conventional art.
[24] FIG. 2 is a view illustrating a construction of an input system according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
[25] FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating detailed constructions of an input signal generating device and an information input device according to the exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
[26] FIG. 4 is a view illustrating an example of time periods corresponding to types of information generated by the input signal generating device.
[27] FIG. 5 is a timing diagram illustrating a time period that is changed in a case where a user presses a left button.
[28] FIG. 6 is a timing diagram illustrating a time period that is changed in a case where a user inputs handwritings. Best Mode for Carrying out the Invention
[29] Exemplary embodiments of the present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.
[30] FIG. 2 is a view illustrating a construction of an input system according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. Referring to FIG. 2, the input system according to the present invention includes an input signal generating device 100 and an information input device 200.
[31] The input signal generating device 100 is implemented as a stylus, a wireless mouse, an input pen, or the like and has functions of changing a time period according to a type (for example, button-pressing, writing pressure, and the like) of information generated by the input signal generating device 100 due to manipulation of a user and generating an ultrasonic signal and a reference signal at the same time to transmit the generated ultrasonic signal and the reference signal to the information input device 200.
[32] Here, in a case where the input signal generating device 100 is implemented as the input pen such as the stylus, the input signal generating device 100 generates a pressure value measured when the user moves the input pen to touch a surface and input letters or the like, and generates and transmits a reference signal and an ultrasonic signal to the information input device 200 by a time period corresponding to a pressure level to which the generated input value belongs.
[33] The information input device 200 includes a reference signal receiver 222 and a plurality of ultrasonic signal receivers 224a and 224b and has functions of measuring a position of the input signal generating device 100 using time difference between the received reference and ultrasonic signals that are simultaneously transmitted from the input signal generating device 100 and generating and inputting position information.
[34] In addition, the information input device 200 perceives the time period by which the reference signal is received, identifies the type of the information corresponding to the time period, and inputs the identified information. The information input device 200 may be implemented as software used in a desktop computer, a notebook, a personal digital assistant (PDA), or the like.
[35] FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating detailed constructions of the aforementioned input signal generating device 100 and the information input device 200. FIGS. 4 to 6 are views for explaining the concept of the present invention for inputting information by changing the time period and generating the reference signal. The present invention will be described in detail with reference to FIGS. 3 to 6.
[36] Referring to FIG. 3, the input signal generating device 100 includes a signal generator 110, a signal generation controller 120, and an information input unit 140. The signal generator 110 includes a reference signal generator 112 and an ultrasonic signal generator 114, and the information input unit 140 includes a button unit 142 and a pressure measurer 144. Here, in a case where the input signal generating device 100 is constructed to be separated from the information input device 200, it should be noted that the input signal generating 100 may further include a power supply implemented as a battery to supply power to the aforementioned elements.
[37] First, when the ultrasonic signal generator 114 receives a control signal for instructing to generate an ultrasonic signal from the signal generation controller 120, the ultrasonic signal generator 114 generates and transmits the ultrasonic signal to the information input device 200.
[38] When the reference signal generator 112 receives a control signal for instructing to generate a reference signal from the signal generation controller 120, the reference signal generator 112 generates and transmits the reference signal to the information input device 200. Here, according to the present invention, an infrared signal or a radio frequency (RF) signal is used as the reference signal.
[39] The information input unit 140 outputs various types of information generated by the input signal generating device 100 due to manipulation of the user to the signal generation controller 120. According to the exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the input signal generating device 100 is implemented as the input pen so as to be used to input letters or the like for the user, and the information input unit 140 includes button unit 142 which is implemented as one or more buttons provided to the input pen for generating selection information as the user presses the buttons and the pressure measurer 144 for measuring pressure exerted to a tip of the input pen.
[40] The signal generation controller 120 generates and outputs a control signal for instructing to generate the reference signal and the ultrasonic signal for the same information by predetermined time periods to the signal generator 110 in order to generate the reference signal and the ultrasonic signal simultaneously.
[41] However, in a case where the reference signal and the ultrasonic signal are implemented to be generated at a predetermined time interval, the signal generation controller 120 outputs the control signals for instructing to generate the reference signal to the reference signal generator 112 and the control signal for instructing to generate the ultrasonic signal to the ultrasonic signal generator 114 respectively with the predetermined time interval.
[42] The signal generation controller 120 changes a signal generation period according to a type of information generated by the signal generating device 100 to generate the reference signal and the ultrasonic signal. For example, when information is input from the information input unit 140 as the user presses a button or the pen tip touches the surface, the signal generation controller 120 checks the time period corresponding to the input information and generates and outputs the control signal to the signal generator 110 by the corresponding time period, and the signal generator 110 generates the reference signal and the ultrasonic signal after receiving the control signal.
[43] The information input device 200 includes a signal receiver 220, an information input controller 230, an information identifier 240, an output unit 250, and a position measurer 260. The signal receiver 220 includes a reference signal receiver 222 and an ultrasonic signal receiver 224.
[44] First, the reference signal receiver 222 receives the reference signal transmitted from the input signal generating device 100 and outputs the received reference signal to the information input controller 230. As described above, the reference signal receiver 222 receives the infrared signal or the RF signal. [45] The ultrasonic signal receiver 224 is implemented as two or more ultrasonic sensors disposed at a predetermined interval, and each of the ultrasonic sensors receives and outputs the ultrasonic signal to the information input controller 230. In order to measure a 2D position of the input signal generating device 100, two or more ultrasonic sensors are needed, and in order to measure a 3D position of the input signal generating device 100, three or more ultrasonic sensors are needed.
[46] The position measurer 260 measures a position of the input signal generating device
100 by using a difference between a time at which the reference signal is received by the reference signal receiver 222 and a time at which the ultrasonic signal is received from each of the ultrasonic sensors.
[47] Returning to FIG. 2, a method of measuring a 2D position of the input signal generating device 100 by the position measurer 260 is described as follows. The reference signal generated by the input signal generating device 100 is received to the reference signal receiver 222, and the ultrasonic signal is received to the ultrasonic signal receivers 224a and 224b disposed at an interval C.
[48] The reference signal receiver 222 and the ultrasonic signal receiver 224 output the received signals to the information input controller 230, and the information input controller 230 outputs times at which the reference signal and the ultrasonic signal are received to the position measurer 260.
[49] The position measurer 260 measures the position of the input signal generating device 100 by using the following Equation 1. Here, (x,y) coordinates of the input signal generating device 100 can be obtained by solving the following Equation 1 for x and y.
[50] [Equation 1]
2 2 2
[51] a =x +y
[52] b2=(c-x)2+y2
[53] Since the infrared or RF signal that is the reference signal propagates at the speed of light, in Equation 1, it can be assumed that the reference signal is generated by the input signal generating device 100 and received by the reference signal receiver 222 at the same time. Therefore, distances a and b can be obtained by multiplying differences between the time at which the reference signal is received and the times at which the ultrasonic signal is received to the ultrasonic sensor 224b on the left and the ultrasonic sensor 224a on the right by the speed of sound. In addition, since a distance c is a value set in advance, by applying the values a, b, and c to Equation 1, the (x,y) coordinates can be obtained.
[54] The position measurer 260 outputs measured position information on the input signal generating device 100 to the information input controller 230 by the time periods by which the information on the times at which the reference signal and the ultrasonic signal are received is input from the information input controller 230.
[55] The information identifier 240 of the information input device 200 stores time periods and types of input information corresponding to each time period in advance, and when receives a changed time period from the information input controller 230, the information identifier 240 inquires about input information corresponding to the received time period and outputs the time period to the information input controller 230.
[56] In addition, in a case where the information identifier 240 receives the information on the time at which the reference signal is received from the information input controller 230 in real time, the information identifier 240 inquires about a time period by calculating a difference between the time at which the previous reference signal is received and the time at which the current reference signal is received. In a case where the time period is changed, the information identifier 240 inquires about input information corresponding to the changed time period and outputs the input information to the information input controller 230.
[57] According to the exemplary embodiment of the present invention, different time periods are designated to buttons provided to the input signal generating device 100 or writing pressure levels from each other and stored. When a time period by which the reference signal is input corresponds to information on a particular button, the information identifier 240 outputs input information representing that the particular button is input to the information input controller 230. When the time period corresponds to one of a plurality of the pressure levels, the information identifier 240 outputs pressure information representing that handwriting is performed in the corresponding pressure level to the information input controller 230. The time period and functions of the information identifier 240 are described in detail with reference to FIG. 4.
[58] The information input controller 230 outputs times at which the reference signal and the ultrasonic signal are received to the position measurer 260 at every time period to receive position information on the input signal generating device 100 from the position measurer 260 and outputs the received position information to the output unit 250.
[59] In addition, the information input controller 230 inputs information on a time at which the reference signal is received to the information identifier 240 in real time. Otherwise, in a case where a time period by which the reference signal is generated is changed according to a result of calculating differences between the times at which the reference signal is received, the information input controller 230 outputs the changed time period to the position measurer 260 to receive position information on the input signal generating device 100 from the position measurer 260 and output the received position information to the output unit 250. In addition, as described above, the information input controller 230 receives input information corresponding to the time period from the information identifier 240.
[60] The information input controller 230 provides the position information input from the position measurer 260 and the input information input from the information identifier 240 to an external electronic device or as an input value for an application program executed by an electronic device having a signal receiver such as a computer through the output unit 250. Specifically, by using coordinate values of the moving input signal generating device, handwritings of the user such as letters or mouse selection signals according to positions can be input to other application programs.
[61] A method of inputting information by changing the signal generation time period according to the present invention is described in detail with reference to FIGS. 4 to 6. FIG. 4 is a view illustrating an example of time periods corresponding to types of information generated by the input signal generating device 100.
[62] Referring to FIG. 4, the input signal generating device 100 according to the exemplary embodiment of the present invention generates the reference signal and the ultrasonic signal at a frequency of 70Hz, that is, by a time period of 14.28ms in a state where the input signal generating device 100 is held in the air and does not generate any information (hereinafter, referred to as a hovering state).
[63] In addition, while the user presses the right button, the input signal generating device
100 generates the reference signal and the ultrasonic signal by a time period of 12.50ms, that is, at a frequency of 80Hz, and while the user presses the left button, the input signal generating device 100 generates the reference signal and the ultrasonic signal by a time period of 11.1 lms, that is, at a frequency of 90Hz.
[64] In addition, when the user starts writing with the input signal generating device 100 implemented as the input pen so as to allow the input pen to touch the surface, the input signal generating device 100 measures a writing pressure and generates the reference signal and the ultrasonic signal by the time period corresponding to the writing pressure level. In FIG. 4, in a pressure level 1 that is the first pressure level of a plurality of pressure levels, the input signal generating device 100 generates the reference signal and the ultrasonic signal by a time period of 10.00ms (at a frequency of 100Hz), and as the input level is increased to a pressure level 2 and a pressure level 3, the time period is set to decrease to 9.09ms and 8.33ms, that is, the frequency is set to increase to HOHz and 120Hz.
[65] FIG. 5 is a timing diagram illustrating the time period that is changed in a case where the user presses the left button. Referring to FIG. 5, in the hovering state in which the user holds the input signal generating device 100, the input signal generating device 100 generates the reference signal and the ultrasonic signal by the time period of 14.28ms (at the frequency of 70Hz), and while the user presses the left button, the input signal generating device 100 changes the time period to 11.11ms (change the frequency to 90Hz) and generates the reference signal and the ultrasonic signal.
[66] Thereafter, when the user stops pressing the left button and holds the input signal generating device 100, the input signal generating device 100 changes the time period to 14.28ms (change the frequency to 70Hz) and generates the reference signal and the ultrasonic signal.
[67] FIG. 6 is a timing diagram illustrating the time period changed in a case where the user inputs handwritings. Referring to FIG. 6, when the input signal generating device 100 implemented as a natural handwriting input pen is in the hovering state, the input signal generating device 100 generates the reference signal and the ultrasonic signal by the time period of 14.28ms (at the frequency of 70Hz), and when the user exerts a writing pressure with the input signal generating device 100 on the surface, the input signal generating device 100 generates the reference signal and the ultrasonic signal by a time period corresponding to the writing input level.
[68] In FIG. 6, as the writing pressure level is increased from the pressure level 1 to the pressure level 4, the time period by which the reference signal and the ultrasonic signal are generated is gradually decreased to 10.00ms, 9.09ms, 8.33ms, and 7.69ms (that is, the frequency is increased to 100Hz, HOHz, 120Hz, and 130Hz), and when the writing input level is decreased from the pressure level 4 to the pressure level 3, the time period is increased from 7.69ms to 8.33ms (that is, the frequency is decreased from 130Hz to 120Hz).
[69] The method of the present invention can also be embodied as computer readable codes on a computer readable recording medium. The computer readable recording medium is any data storage device that can store data which can be thereafter read by a computer system. Examples of the computer readable recording medium include readonly memory (ROM), random-access memory (RAM), CD-ROMs, magnetic tapes, floppy disks, optical data storage devices, and carrier waves (such as data transmission through the Internet). The computer readable recording medium can also be distributed over network coupled computer systems so that the computer readable code is stored and executed in a distributed fashion.
[70] While the present invention has been particularly shown and described with reference to exemplary embodiments thereof, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes in form and details may be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims. The exemplary embodiments should be considered in descriptive sense only and not for purposes of limitation.
[71] For example, according to the exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the signal generation period is changed in units of 10Hz. However, according to the number of pieces of information generated by the signal generating device, the unit may be set to be increased or decreased.
[72] Therefore, the scope of the invention is defined not by the detailed description of the invention but by the appended claims, and all differences within the scope will be construed as being included in the present invention.

Claims

Claims
[1] An input signal generating device comprising: a signal generator generating a reference signal and an ultrasonic signal when receives a control signal; an information input unit generating information input by a user according to manipulation of the user; and a signal generation controller controlling and outputting a time period by which the control signal is generated according to a type of the information input from the information input unit to the signal generator.
[2] The input signal generating device of claim 1, wherein the input signal generating device is implemented as an input pen, wherein the information input unit includes a pressure measurer for measuring a writing pressure exerted to the input pen, and wherein the signal generation controller changes the time period by which the control signal is generated according to a level of the writing pressure.
[3] The input signal generating device of claim 1 or 2, wherein the information input unit includes one or more buttons provided to the input signal generating device, and wherein the signal generation controller generates and outputs a control signal by a time period corresponding to a button pressed by the user to the signal generator.
[4] An input system comprising: an input signal generating device generating a reference signal and an ultrasonic signal by a time period changed according to a type of information generated according to manipulation of a user; and an information input device measuring a position of the input signal generating device by using the reference signal and the ultrasonic signal, and identifying the type of information generated by the input signal generating device by using the time period by which the reference signal is received.
[5] The input system of claim 4,
*wherein the input signal generating device generates the reference signal and the ultrasonic signal simultaneously by the time period, and wherein the information input device measures and inputs the position of the input signal generating device by using a difference between times at which the reference signal and the ultrasonic signal are received.
[6] The input system of claim 4 or 5, wherein the information input device checks the time period by which the reference signal is received and identifies and inputs information corresponding to the checked time period from types of information stored in advance.
[7] The input system of claim 6, wherein the input signal generating device is implemented as an input pen, and wherein the signal generating device changes the time period by which the reference signal and the ultrasonic signal are generated according to a level of a writing pressure exerted to the input pen.
[8] The input system of claim 6, wherein the input signal generating device includes one or more buttons and generates the reference signal and the ultrasonic signal by a time period corresponding to a button pressed by the user.
[9] An input method comprising:
(a) an input signal generating device generating a reference signal and an ultrasonic signal by a time period changed according to a type of information generated by manipulation of a user; and
(b) an information input device receiving the reference signal and the ultrasonic signal, measuring a position of the input signal generating device by using a difference between times at which the reference signal and the ultrasonic signal are received, checking the time period by which the reference signal is received, and inputting information corresponding to the checked time period.
[10] The input method of claim 9, wherein in (a), the reference signal and the ultrasonic signal are simultaneously generated at each period, and wherein in (b), the position of the input signal generating device is measured and input by using the difference between the times at which the reference signal and the ultrasonic signal are received.
[11] The input method of claim 9, wherein in (b), a time period by which the reference signal is received is checked, and information corresponding to the checked time period is identified and input from types of information stored in advance.
[12] The input method of claim 9, wherein the input signal generating device is implemented as an input pen, wherein in (a), the time period is changed according to a level of a writing pressure exerted to the input pen to generate the reference signal and the ultrasonic signal, and wherein in (b), the writing pressure corresponding to the time period is input by checking the time period by which the reference signal is received.
[13] The input method of claim 9, wherein the input signal generating device includes one or more buttons, wherein in (a), the reference signal and the ultrasonic signal are generated by a time period corresponding to a button pressed by the user, and wherein in (b), button information corresponding to the time period is input by checking the time period by which the reference signal is received.
[14] A computer-readable medium having embodied thereon a computer program for the input method of any one of claims 9 to 13.
PCT/KR2008/003447 2008-02-25 2008-06-18 Apparatus for generating input signal and input system and method using the same WO2009107903A1 (en)

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