WO2012127985A1

WO2012127985A1 - Information display system

Info

Publication number: WO2012127985A1
Application number: PCT/JP2012/054669
Authority: WO
Inventors: Yusuke Shimizu; Kei Nakamura; Akito NINOMIYA; Yasuko Tabuchi; Toru Mizutani
Original assignee: Nitto Denko Corp
Current assignee: Nitto Denko Corp
Priority date: 2011-03-24
Filing date: 2012-02-17
Publication date: 2012-09-27
Anticipated expiration: 2013-09-24

Abstract

An information display system is provided which allows an input operation using a conventional writing implement, and which allows an appropriate input operation adapted to a large-sized display. This system includes a computer, a large-sized display, and an optical input means including at least one pair of light-emitting and light-receiving elements mounted to a rectangular frame, the optical input means sensing the interception of light beams caused in association with an input element within the frame to thereby output information on the position of the input element within the frame. When a note is written with a writing implement by using a print on a printed material within the frame of the optical input means as a guide, new information such as the note is displayed in superimposed manner in an appropriate position corresponding to the large-sized display.

Description

INFORMATION DISPLAY SYSTEM

Technical Field

The present invention relates to an information display system used for displaying information such as documents in presentations, meetings and the like.

Background Art

In presentations, meetings and the like, information such as documents previously stored in an information storage medium such as a USB memory device is displayed on a large-sized display such as a liquid crystal panel through the use of a computer and the like, and explanations and the like are given on the displayed documents and the like. During the explanations, a pen-type input device such as a tablet and a touch panel is used as an input means (device) to add new information such as characters, drawings, marks and the like to the aforementioned displayed documents and the like (see, for example, Japanese Published Patent Application No. 2004-206613) .

The aforementioned pen-type input device includes a purpose-built stylus and a purpose-built board.

Information such as characters can be inputted to the pen-type input device by moving the aforementioned purpose-built stylus on the purpose-built board.

Specifically, the pen-type input device is adapted to detect the path of the tip of the purpose-built stylus (the input information such as characters) on the purpose-built board through the use of electromagnetic induction, a resistive method, a capacitive method and the like, and to display the path (electronic data) as new information which is superimposed on the

aforementioned information such as documents (images) through the computer and the like.

Summary of Invention

The pen-type input device as mentioned above is convenient in allowing a user to intuitively enter characters, drawings, marks and the like, but involves the need for the purpose-built stylus and the

purpose-built board. For this reason, when a large number of people at a meeting and the like use the purpose-built board, it is necessary to pass a single purpose-built stylus around or to prepare a large number of purpose-built styli.

Also, to add new information such as a character to a document and the like appearing on the large-sized display, an inputter cannot clearly find the position on the purpose-built board corresponding to the position where the new information is to be added. This causes the inputter to perform time- and labor-consuming operations of roughly guessing the position of the purpose-built stylus on the purpose-built board temporarily, causing the position to appear on the large-sized display on a trial basis, then intuitively correcting the deviation from an intended position on the large-sized display, and determining the position of the purpose-built stylus again to perform the input operation .

Additionally, there is still a strong demand mainly from users unskilled in the manipulation of computers, electronic information devices and the like and from elderly people to leave notes and the like so that their handwriting is left directlyon media suchaspaper sheets, rather than to produce such virtual display that their handwriting, characters and the like appear on a display and the like.

An information display system is provided which allows an input operation using a conventional writing implement, and which allows an appropriate input operation adapted to a display produced on a large-sized display even when such a large-sized display is used.

The information display system invention comprises: a computer; a display for displaying information outputted from the computer; and a frame-shaped input means, the optical input means including a rectangular frame, and at least one pair of light-emitting and light-receiving elements mounted to the rectangular frame, the optical input means sensing the interception of light beams traveling from the light-emitting element to the light-receiving element which is caused in association with an input element positioned within the frame to thereby output information on the position of the input element within the frame, wherein the path of the input element within the frame of the input means is inputted as new information to the computer, and the new information is displayed in addition to information appearing on the display.

The information display system includes the aforementioned frame-shaped optical input means as a means for sensing the path (touch position) of the input element. This eliminates the need for any purpose-built stylus for input operation. An elongated object such as a human finger, a pen for use in ordinary writing, and the like may be used as the input element for use in the input operation of a note and the like. The input operation may be performed by moving the aforementioned input element within the frame of the aforementioned input means disposed at a position separated from a large-sized display. Additionally, a high writing pressure as in an electromagnetic induction process is not required during the writing operation with a writing implement. Thus, the writing operation is performed in a natural manner without concern for the means for sensing the touch position. Further, the aforementioned optical input means has advantages in having neither electrical nor physical contacts within the frame (on the detecting surface of the touch posit ion) , in having high durability , and in being less susceptible to dust, contamination, and the like.

In the information display system, the frame of the frame-shaped input means includes first and second sections opposed to each other; light-emitting elements are arranged in the first section and light-receiving elements are arranged in the second section; the light -emitting elements and the light-receiving elements are positioned to face inwardly of the frame; and light beams emitted from the light-emitting elements toward the light-receiving elements produce a lattice of vertical and horizontal light beams crossing each other within the frame. Such an information display system may include general-purpose components, for example, light-emitting diodes (LEDs) serving as the light-emitting element s ( a light source ) and photodiodes (PDs) serving as the light-receiving elements. This advantageously allows the formation of the optical input means in the information display system at low costs. Additional advantages lie in high impact resistance and in high durability.

In the information display system, modules each including a light-receiving element array composed of a plurality of light-receiving elements and the light-emitting element in vertically stacked relation are disposed on two corners, respectively, on opposite ends of a first side among the four sides of the frame of the frame-shaped input means; a tape-like

retroreflector is provided on the inner side surface of the second, third and fourth sides of the frame between the modules; and light beams emitted from the

light-emitting element of one of the modules are reflected from the retroreflector to travel back into the light-receiving element array of the one module. Such an information display system is capable of specifying thepositionofthetipofthe aforementioned input element by triangulation through the use of a smaller number of components. The optical input means of this information display system also has the advantage of being formed at low costs by using general-purpose components. When a printed material on which information identical with that to be displayed on the aforementioned large-sized display is printed or a second display such as a liquid crystal panel for displaying the information is placed within the frame of the aforementioned optical input means in the information display system, new information to be added to the display produced on the aforementioned large-sized display may be inputted by using the aforementioned printed material or the display produced on the second display as a guide. This allows the new information to be inputted to an appropriate position in corresponding relation to the display produced on the large-sized display.

When the aforementioned optical input means in the information display system includes a storage means for storing information on the path of movement of the aforementioned input element in the form of electronic data, the information may be taken (reproduced) again by means of a computer and the like.

Brief Description of Drawings

FIG. 1 is a view illustrating a configuration of an information display system according to a first embodiment .

FIG. 2 is a view illustrating a configuration of the information display system according to a second embodiment .

FIG. 3(a) is a plan view illustrating a configuration of a first example of an optical input means for use in the information display system, and (b) is a partially enlarged sectional view of a portion of (a) .

FIG. 4(a) is a plan view illustrating a configuration of a second example of the optical input means for use in the information display system, and (b) is a partially enlarged view of a portion indicated by Z of (a) .

Description of Embodiments

Next, embodiments according to the present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the drawings. It should be noted that the present invention is not limited to the embodiments.

FIG. 1 is an overall view illustrating an information display system comprised of a minimum number of basic components according to a first embodiment. This information display system is a system for transmitting information to a large number of people to share the information in presentations, meetings and the like. As shown in FIG. 1, the information display system includes the basic components of a personal computer PC, a large-sized display Dl for displaying information outputted from this personal computer PC, an optical input means S for inputting new information (such as a note) to be superimposed on the information appearing on the aforementioned large-sized display Dl, and a writing implement P for use in the input operation. The aforementioned optical input means S includes a rectangular frame-shaped (rectangular) frame 1, and at least one pair of light-emitting and light-receiving elements (both not shown) mounted to this frame 1. The optical input means S senses the interception of light beams traveling from the aforementioned light-emitting element to the light-receiving element which is caused in association with an input element (the writing implement P and the like) within the aforementioned frame 1 to thereby output information on the position of the aforementioned writing implement P and the like within the frame. This outputted information is displayed through the aforementioned personal computer PC while being superimposed on the information appearing on the large-si zed display Dl . In this manner , a characteristic of the information display system lies in that the optical input means S which senses input information by an optical technique is used as an input means for the information display system. The aforementioned optical input means S includes the rectangular frame-shaped frame 1, and a thick-walled thick-frame section 2 formed integrally with this frame 1. The optical input means S is provided with a touch position detecting means for detecting the position of the tip of the writing implement P and the like in a sensing region (a work area) within the frame 1 by means of the at least one pair of light-emitting and light-receiving elements incorporated in the aforementioned frame 1. With reference to FIG. 1, a printed material W on which information (a document) to be displayed on the large-sized display Dl is printed or a second display D2 for displaying an information screen similar to that of the aforementioned large-sized display Dl is shown as placed under the aforementioned rectangular frame-shaped frame 1.

The aforementioned optical input means S further includes a storage means for storing information on the position ( the path of movement ) of the aforementioned writing implement P and the like within the frame 1. Further, the thick-walled thick-frame section 2 or the like in the aforementioned optical input means S incorporates an input operation stop switch Q for manually stopping the input operation, an input inhibit switch R for disabling the input operation when the optical input means S is lifted, a lamp L for indicating an anomaly, a warning and the like, a battery for driving the lamp L, a control means such as a driver for the aforementioned light-emitting element and the light-receiving element, a communication means (wired or wireless) for

communicating with information devices such as computers , and the like, all of which are not shown.

The aforementioned personal computer PC outputs information such as a document for use in explanation in a presentation, a meeting and the like to the aforementioned large-sized display Dl, and outputs information from the aforementioned optical input means S (information such as a character and the like inputted to the optical input means S) to the aforementioned large-sized display Dl . This causes the information such as a character and the like inputted to the optical input means S which is superimposed on the aforementioned information such as a document to appear on the aforementioned large-sized display Dl. The

transmission of the information (signals) between the aforementioned personal computer PC and the devices may be made through a connecting cable or by radio. In this embodiment, the transmission of information between the personal computer PC and the large-sized display Dl is made through a connecting cable B, and the transmission of signals between the personal computer PC and the optical input means S is made by radio communication F.

Software (a program) which converts the coordinates of the tip of the writing implement P and the like within the work area (sensing region) of the optical input means S into coordinates on the screen of the large-sized display Dl to provide an instruction to produce a display on the large-sized display Dl is incorporated in the aforementioned personal computer PC for the purpose of displaying new information such as characters, drawings, marks and the like inputted to the aforementioned optical input means S in a screen position on the large-sized display Dl corresponding to the input position. The personal computer PC (in FIG. 1, a notebook-si zed personal computer) , which itself includes a sub-display SD for operation, is capable of causing information similar to that on the aforementioned large-sized display Dl to appear on this sub-display SD.

Information such as a meeting document to be displayed on the aforementioned large-sized display Dl is, in general, previously stored in an information storage medium such as a memory and a hard disk in the personal computer PC, and an external USB memory device, and is outputted from the information storage medium. The aforementioned information such as a meeting document displayed on the aforementioned large-sized display Dl and the information such as characters inputted to the aforementioned optical input means S are stored either in superimposed relation or in separated relation in the aforementioned information storage medium.

Examples of the aforementioned large-sized display Dl used herein include a liquid crystal panel, an organic electroluminescence panel, a plasma panel, a projector, and a cathode-ray tube monitor.

For the use of the information display system (FIG.

1) according to the aforementioned first embodiment in a presentation, a meeting and the like, preparations to be described below are performed. First, information identical with that on a meeting document and the like to be displayed on the large-sized display Dl is previously printed on a paper sheet and the like (the aforementioned printed material W) so as to be sized to fall within the frame of the optical input means S. Then, the printed material W is placed under the optical input means S so that a printed part of the printed material W corresponding to a document part to be displayed on the aforementioned large-sized display Dl is revealed within the frame of the optical input means S (within the frame 1) . When a display produced on the aforementioned large-sized display Dl is changed (a page is turned) or a display position in the document is moved, the printed material W to be placed under the optical input means S is accordingly changed to a corresponding one or the position of the frame 1 is changed.

Then, when new information (a note or the like) is written in this state on part of the aforementioned printed material W revealed within the frame of the optical input means S with the writing implement P and the like by using the print (a character, a pattern and the like) as a guide, the new information to be added to the display produced on the aforementioned large-sized display Dl is inputted to an appropriate position in corresponding relation to the current display produced on the large-sized display Dl. Further, this input method allows the aforementioned note and the like to be recorded and left directly on a paper medium (the printed material ) , and also allows the printed material W with the new information written thereon to be stored and utilized.

In the information display system according to the aforementioned first embodiment, a second display (D2 described above) of a small size may be prepared which is capable of displaying information identical with that on a meeting document and the like to be displayed on the aforementioned large-sized display Dl in accordance with the size within the frame of the aforementioned optical input means S. The second display (D2) is placed under the optical input means S so that a display part (that is, an information screen identical with that on the aforementioned large-sized display Dl) of this second display (D2) is revealed within the frame of the optical input means S. In such a case, new information (a note or the like) may be written on the revealed part within the frame with a finger, the writing implement P and the like by using the display produced on the aforementioned second display (D2) asaguide, whereby the new information to be added to the display produced on the aforementioned large-sized display Dl is inputted to an appropriate position in corresponding relation to the current display produced on the large-sized display Dl.

Next, an instance in which the information display system described above is configured on a larger scale will be described.

FIG. 2 shows an instance (a second embodiment) in which the information display system is constructed using a plurality of computers (PCI and PC2), and a plurality of tablet-type optical input means (SI, S2, S3 and S4) each configured such that an optical input means and the second display D2 of a small size are provided as a set. Like reference numerals and characters are used in the second embodiment to designate components similar to those of the first embodiment having the aforementioned basic system configuration, and detailed description thereon will not be given. In this instance of configuration, the transmission of signals between the computers PCI and PC2 and the large-sized display Dl is shown as made by wired connection (through connecting cables B and B' ) , and the transmission of signals between the computers PCI and PC2 and the optical input means SI, S2, S3 and S4 is shown as made by wireless connection (radio communication F) . However, the connections between these devices may be either wired or wireless.

This information display system is a large-scale system designed to enable all participants at separated places such as other rooms and remote places to share information inputted by the participants in a meeting and the like. The information display system includes: the large-sized display Dl for placement at a main venue of the meeting; the host computer PCI connected to the aforementioned large-sized display Dl and principally controlling images to be displayed on the large-sized display Dl, inputted information and the like; the relay computer PC2 for placement at a location distant from the aforementioned large-sized display Dl and the host computer PCI; the large number of tablet-type optical input means SI, S2, S3 and S4 for wireless connection to the aforementioned host computer PCI, the relay computer PC2 or the like; writing implements P for use in the input to the optical input means SI, S2, S3 and S4; and the like.

Like the optical input means (S) in the system having the basic configuration (according to the first embodiment), each of the aforementioned tablet-type optical input means SI, S2, S3 and S4 includes the rectangular frame-shaped frame 1 and the thick-walled thick-frame section 2 formed integrally with this frame 1, and is provided with a touch position detecting means for detecting the position of the tip of the writing implement P, a finger or the like in a sensing region (a work area) within the frame 1 by means of the at least one pair of light-emitting and light-receiving elements incorporated in the aforementioned frame 1. Each of the optical input means SI, S2, S3 and S4 used in this second embodiment, as shown in FIG. 2, is an optical input means (what is called a "tablet" type) configured such that the second display D2 for displaying an information screen similar to that on the aforementioned large-sized display Dl is removably mounted to the lower side (back surface side) of the rectangular frame-shaped frame 1 of each of the optical input means SI, S2, S3 and S4.

The reason for this is as follows. There are a large number of input terminals (the optical input means SI, S2, S3 and S4) in the system configuration of the aforementioned second embodiment. To update

information at each terminal, it is hence difficult to adopt "the method of replacing a printed material (W) placed under the optical input means (S) each time information is inputted" as described in the

aforementioned first embodiment due to distance- and facility-related limitations, time lags in printing and the like. For this reason, a display means capable of updating information in real time such as the

aforementioned second display D2 is preferably used for the display of information from the optical input means SI, S2, S3 and S4 according to the second embodiment having the aforementioned large-scale system configuration. Of course, when the rapid replacement of the printed material ( ) or the like is allowed, the method of placing the printed material (W) under the aforementioned optical input means (SI, S2, S3 and S4) may be adopted.

Specific examples of the second display D2 mounted to each of the aforementioned tablet-type optical input means SI, S2, S3 and S4 include flat and thin panel-shaped display devices such as an organic EL display, a liquid crystal display, and a plasma display. Like the optical input means (S) of FIG. 1 described above, each of the aforementioned optical input means SI, S2 , S3 and S4 further includes a storagemeans M for storing information on the position (the path of movement) of the writing implement P, a finger and the like within the frame 1. Further, the thick-walled thick-frame section 2 or the like in each of the optical input means SI, S2, S3 and S4 incorporates an input operation stop switch Q for manually stopping the input operation, an input inhibit switch R for disabling the input operation when the optical input means (S or SI, S2, S3 and S4) is lifted, a lamp L for indicating an anomaly, a warning and the like, a battery for driving the lamp L, a control means such as a driver for the aforementioned light-emitting element and the light-receiving element, a communication means (wired or wireless) for communicating with information devices such as computers, and the like, all of which are not shown.

Like the personal computer (PC) in the first embodiment (FIG. 1) described above, the aforementioned host computer PCI outputs information such as a document for use in explanation in a presentation, a meeting and the like from a storage medium such as a USB memory device with the document stored therein to the aforementioned large-sized display Dl, and outputs information provided from the aforementioned tablet-type optical input means SI and S2 (S3 and S4) (information such as an inputted character and the like) to the aforementioned large-sized display Dl. This causes the information such as a character and the like inputted to the aforementioned optical input means SI and S2 (S3 and S4) which is superimposed on the aforementioned information such as a document to appear on the aforementioned large-sized display Dl .

The aforementioned relay computer PC2 is placed in another room or a remote place distant from the room (venue) in which the aforementioned large-sized display Dl, the host computer PCI and the like are placed, and relays and transmits information provided from the optical input means S3 and S4 placed therearound (information such as an inputted character and the like) to the aforementioned host computer PCI. Thus, the information such as a character and the like inputted to the optical input means S3 and S4 at a location distant from the large-sized display Dl, the host computer PCI and the like appears on the aforementioned large-sized display Dl while being superimposed on the aforementioned information such as a document.

Software (a program) which converts the coordinates of the tip of the aforementioned writing implements P, a finger and the like within the work area (sensing region) of the optical input means SI, S2, S3 and S4 into corresponding coordinates on the screen of the large-sized display Dl is incorporated in the aforementioned host computer PCI and the relay computer PC2 for the purpose of displaying new information such as characters, drawings, marks and the like inputted to the aforementioned tablet-type optical input means SI, S2, S3 and S4 connected to the host computer PCI and the relay computer PC2 in a screen position on the large-sized display Dl corresponding to the input position.

With this configuration in the second embodiment employing the aforementioned plurality of tablet-type optical input means SI, S2, S3 and S4, new information (a note or the like) may be written with a finger, the writing implement P and the like by using the display produced on the second display D2 mounted to each of the aforementioned optical input means SI, S2, S3 and S4 as a guide, whereby the new information to be added to the display produced on the aforementioned large-sized display Dl is inputted to an appropriate position in suitably corresponding relation to the current display produced on the large-sized display Dl.

It should be noted that the new information such as characters, drawings, marks and the like inputted to the aforementioned tablet-type optical input means SI, S2, S3 and S4 is adapted to appear not only on the second display D2 mounted to one of the optical input means used for the input operation, on the aforementioned large-sized display Dl and on the sub-displays SD of the computers PCI and PC2 but also on the second displays D2 mounted to the remaining optical input means not used for the input operation at the same time. This enables all of the participants at separated places such as other rooms and remote places to share information in real time. In this case, for the purpose of identifying the terminal (optical input means) to which the aforementioned new information is inputted or the inputter of the new information, different colors may be used for inputted information (handwriting) displayed on the respective displays depending on the optical input means SI, S2, S3 and S4. Additionally, programming may be done so that the terminal (optical input means) to which the aforementioned new information is inputted or

identification information (such as a full name) on the inputter of the new information is identified by a comment (such as a pop-up comment) in a balloon and the like on the display.

To avoid confusion such that some participants (inputters) in a meeting and the like perform the input operations at the same time, the capability of assigning input priorities (input priority levels) to the optical input means SI, S2, S3 and S4 may be provided, for example, to the aforementioned host computer PCI, the relay computer PC2 and the like. This allows the participants (inputters) to smoothly perform writ ing operations (make statements ) .

To prevent the inputters and the like from making unintended erroneous entries or no entries in the aforementioned two embodiments, a switch or the like capable of disabling only the input to each of the optical input means S, SI, S2, S3 and S4 (detection using the touch position detecting means) while power to each of the optical input means S, SI, S2, S3 and S4 is ON may be provided on the aforementioned frame 1 or the thick-walled thick-frame section 2 in each of the optical input means S, SI, S2, S3 and S4 where the inputters can operate (with reference to the "input operation stop switch Q" in FIG. 3(a) to be described later) . In each of the opt ical input means SI , S2, S3 and S4 (orS) provided with the aforementioned second display D2, a display produced on the aforementioned second display D2 continues without being influenced by an input operation stop condition caused by operating the aforementioned input operation stop switch Q.

To prevent the input to or the operation of each of the optical input means S, SI, S2, S3 and S4 which is not properly placed in position on the second display D2 or on the printed material W and the like with the aforementioned information written thereon, a switch or the like for sensing the lift of each of the optical input means S, SI, S2, S3 and S4 may be provided on the back surface side (on the side which comes in contact with the second display D2 or the printed material W) of the aforementioned frame 1, the thick-frame section 2 and the like (with reference to the "input inhibit switch R" in FIG. 3(b) to be described later) .

Next, two types of optical input means will be described as specific examples of the optical input means (S, or SI, S2, S3 and S4) for use in the aforementioned embodiments. The two types are as follows: an optical input means Sa of the type which detects an object touch position, based on the interception of light beams traveling in the form of an orthogonal lattice; and an optical input means Sb of the type which determines the position where light beams are intercepted by an object, based on triangulation .

As a first specific example of the optical input means for use in the aforementioned information display system, the optical input means Sa will be first described in which a large number of light-emitting diodes (LEDs) serving as the light-emitting elements (a light source) and a large number of photodiodes (PDs) serving as the light-receiving elements are arranged in the frame 1 of the optical input means (SI) to form a lattice of light beams for the detection of the tip (T) of the writing implement P within the frame of the optical input means SI .

FIG. 3(a) is a plan view illustrating the first example (Sa) of the optical input means for use in the information display system, and (b) is a partially enlarged sectional view of a portion of (a) . For ease of description in this figure, the direction of the long sides XI and X2 of the frame 1 is defined as a horizontal direction ( x-direction ) whereas the direction of the short sides Yl and Y2 of the frame 1 is defined as a vertical direction ( y-direction ) , and light beams (invisible infrared light) in a lattice form within the frame 1 are indicated by dash-double-dot lines. The number of LEDs and PDs and the number of light beams in a lattice form are shown as abbreviated, and electrical interconnect lines and the like within this frame 1 are indicated by dotted lines. A battery for driving the optical input means SI, a communication means (a cable or a radio antenna) for communicating with information devices such as computers, and the like are not shown (the same applies to FIG. 4 to be described later) .

As shown in FIG. 3 (a) , the optical input means Sa in the information display system according to this first example includes: a touch position detecting means for detecting the position (x and y coordinates) of the tip (touch position T) of the writing implement P in the rectangular region (work area) within the frame-shaped frame 1 ; a storage means (built-in) for storing movement path information (change in x and y positions) on the tip position of the writing implement P obtained by this touch position detecting means and also serving as a control means for the light-emitting elements and the light-receiving elements; an input operation stop switch Q capable of manually stopping the input operation with the aforementioned writing implement P; an input inhibit switch R for automatically disabling the input operation with the aforementioned writing implement P when the optical input means Sa is lifted; and a plurality of lamps L for indicating anomalies in devices, warnings and the like.

As shown in FIG. 3(a), a light source including the large number of LEDs 3 serving as a light-emitting section of the aforementioned touch position detecting means and arranged within the frame 1 are provided in part of the frame 1 of the optical input means Sa. A light-receiving section including the large number of PDs 4 corresponding to the respective LEDs 3 is provided in part (the sides X2 and Y2) of the frame 1 opposed to the part (the sides XI and Yl) of the frame 1 where the aforementioned LEDs 3 are arranged. These LEDs 3 and the PDs 4 are arranged and positioned along the inner edges of the aforementioned frame-shaped frame 1 so that the tips thereof face inward. Under the storage means M serving as a controller (control means) for both the LEDs 3 and the PDs 4, the aforementioned LEDs 3 are caused to emit light beams simultaneously or sequentially in a scanning direction, thereby forming a lattice of vertical and horizontal light beams orthogonal to each other ( dash-double-dot lines ) in the rectangular sensing region within the frame 1.

Infrared LEDs ( infrared light-emitting diodes ) of the type which emits near-infrared light beams (at a wavelength of 700 to 2500 nm) are preferable as the LEDs 3 used as the aforementioned light-emitting elements (light source) . A linear sensor array including a large number of light-receiving elements arranged in a line in the form of a bar or an array, an image sensor, and the like in addition to the aforementioned photodiodes (PDs) may be used as the light-receiving elements.

The detection of the touch position T of the writing implement P using the optical input means Sa in the aforementioned first example is done by the following procedure. For calibration, while the LEDs 3 of the aforementioned light-emitting section are caused to emit light beams sequentially one by one (from the end), the intensity of light beams (lattice light beams) reaching the PDs 4 corresponding to (opposed to) the LEDs 3 is measured when the light beams are emitted and when the light beams are not emitted, and threshold values for the detection and non-detection of an object based on the interception of light beams are determined for each of the PDs 4, and are stored in the form of a table and the like in the aforementioned storage means M. Then, the optical input means Sa including the storage means M serving also as the aforementioned controller is lifted, and is placed on a printed material W so that a printed part corresponding to a document part appearing on the large-sized display (Dl) is revealed within the frame thereof .

Next, the storage means M serving also as the aforementioned controller causes the aforementioned LEDs 3 to sequentially emit light beams. While the sensing region of the optical input means Sa is scanned, the tip of the writing implement P is brought down onto part of the aforementioned printed material W revealed within the frame of this optical input means Sa. Then, as shown in FIG. 3(a), some of the light beams travelling in a lattice form within the aforementioned frame are intercepted by the tip of the writing implement P. Such an intercepted location is detected by corresponding ones ofthe PDs 4 of the aforementioned touch position detecting means, whereby the coordinate positions (x and y axes; with reference to the "touch position T" in FIG. 3(a)) of the tip of the aforementioned writing implement P within the frame are specified. The coordinates are sent to the computer (PC) and the like. The scanning of the aforementioned sensing region is stopped and the aforementioned lamps L turn on to provide notification (a warning) about a sensing anomaly, when the coordinates of the tip of the writing implement P cannot be specified, for example when the presence of a plurality of (two or more) light intercepted locations described above within the sensing region is detected or when the aforementioned light intercepted location is not correctly detected under the influence of sunlight, lamp light and the like.

Then, when a user moves the aforementioned writing implement P to write an additional note, comment or the like, the path (written information on the note or the like) of the tip of the aforementioned writing implement P in accordance with the movement is detected, and the coordinates of the path are outputted to the

aforementioned computer (PC) and the like. At the same time, information obtained by conversion for the large-sized display (Dl) in this computer (PC) appears on the screen of the large-sized display (Dl)

corresponding to the input position while being superimposed on information such as a meeting document and the like. The information such as a note may be recorded in a memory and the like in the storage means M serving also as the aforementioned controller at the same time that the user writes the note or the like with the aforementioned writing implement P.

The switch Q for stopping the input operation as mentioned above is provided on the upper surface of a portion (the thick-walled thick-frame section 2) of the aforementioned frame 1 (with reference to FIG. 3(a)). This input operation stop switch Q is provided to disable the detection of the tip and the like of the writing implement Pbythe use of the aforementioned touch position detecting means. The ON-OFF operation of the input operation stop switch Q may be performed to stop the light emission from the aforementioned LEDs 3 or the light reception of the aforementioned PDs 4 or to stop the computation in the aforementioned storage means M, thereby stopping the input of information with the aforementioned writing implement P and the like at any time intended by an inputter. Examples of the aforementioned input operation stop switch Q used herein may include electromagnetic or optical switches such as a touch switch and a pressure-sensitive switch, in addition to various mechanical switches such as push, button, tact and slide switches. A warning indication may be provided, for example, by turning on the aforementioned lamps L to clearly show that "the input operation is now being stopped" when the aforementioned input operation stop switch Q is operated.

The input inhibit switch R as mentioned above is provided on the back surface side of the portion (the thick-walled thick-frame section2) ofthe aforementioned frame 1. As shown in sectional view in FIG. 3(b), this input inhibit switch R is provided in a recess 2a provided in the thick-frame section 2 of the aforementioned frame 1 and opening toward the back surface side so as to face toward the lower side of the frame. By lifting the aforementioned frame 1, as shown in phantom lines

(dash-double-dot lines) in the figure, the tip of the aforementioned input inhibit switch R protrudes from the back surface of the frame in the direction of the arrow to come into operation. This operation of the input inhibit switch R (automatically) disables the input of information with the aforementioned writing implement P and the like by one of the following methods: stopping the light emission from the aforementioned LEDs 3 or the light reception of the aforementioned PDs 4; stopping the computation in the aforementioned storage means M; and turning off power to the entire optical input means. This prevents the aforementioned new information from being inputted to (stored in) the optical input means Sa in a condition unsuitable for input operation, for example in a condition where the aforementioned optical input means Sa hangs in the air or in a condition where the optical input means Sa is not properly placed in position on the printed material W and the like. Also, when a large number of people sequentially use the single optical input means Sa, the input inhibit switch R is convenient because an erroneous input operation does not occur during the transfer of this optical input means Sa from one person to another and the input operation is restarted immediately at a site where the frame 1 is placed. Examples of the aforementioned input inhibit switch Rused herein may include electromagnetic switches such as a pressure-sensitive switch, and optical switches for sensing a reflectivity, light and dark and the like, in addition to mechanical switches such as a push switch. As in the case of the aforementioned input operation stop switch Q, a warning indication may be provided by using the lamps L and the like on the aforementioned frame 1 to clearly show that "input is now being inhibited." A warning using an alarm sound and the like may be added to call further attention.

The optical input means Sa in the information display system in the first example as mentioned above eliminates the need for any purpose-built stylus for input operation, and causes no inconveniences when used by a large number of people . Also , new information to be added to a display produced on the large-sized display (Dl) is inputted to an appropriate position in corresponding relation to the display by using the printed material W or the display produced on the second display D2 which is revealed within the frame of the optical input means Sa as a guide. Further, the optical input means Sa is provided with an erroneous input avoiding means including the input operation stop switch Q, the input inhibit switch R and the like. This reduces misoperations and the like even when a large number of people use the single optical input means Sa. Moreover, the optical input means Sa in the aforementioned first example includes

general-purpose components, for example the

light-emitting diodes (LEDs) serving as the

light-emitting elements (the light source) and the photodiodes (PDs) serving as the light-receiving element s . This allows the formation of the information display system at low costs.

Next, the optical input means Sb according to a second example will be described which includes modules (CI and C2) disposed on two corners, respectively, of the frame 1 of the optical input means and each including a light-emitting element and a light-receiving element array, and which specifies the position of the tip of the writing implement P within the frame by a triangulation method by means of the two modules.

FIG. 4(a) is a plan view illustrating the configuration of the second example (Sb) of the optical input means for use in the information display system, and (b) is a partially enlarged view of a portion indicated by Z of (a) . Also in these figures, the direction of the long sides XI and X2 of the frame 1 is defined as a horizontal direction ( x-direction ) whereas the direction of the short sides Yl and Y2 of the frame 1 is defined as a vertical direction ( y-direction ) , and a battery, a communication means and the like which are provided in the aforementioned thick-frame section 2 are not shown.

The optical input means Sb in the information display system according to this second example includes : a touch position detecting means for detecting the position (x and y coordinates) of the tip (touch position T) of the writing implement P in the rectangular region (work area) within the frame-shaped frame 1; a storage means M (built-in) for storing movement path information (change in x and y positions) on the tip position of the writing implement P obtained by this touch position detecting means and also serving as a control means for the light-emitting elements and the light-receiving element arrays; an input operation stop switch Q capable of manually stopping the input operation with the aforementioned writing implement P; an input inhibit switch R for automatically disabling the input operation with the aforementioned writing implement P when the optical input means Sb is lifted; and a plurality of lamps L for indicating anomalies in devices, warnings and the like .

The optical input means Sb according to the aforementioned second example differs from the optical input means Sa according to the first example in that the light-receiving and -emitting modules ( camera modules CI and C2) each including a vertical combination of the light-emitting element (LED 3) and the light-receiving element array (image sensor 5) as shown in FIG. 4(b) are disposed on the corners la and lb, respectively, on opposite ends of a first side (in this example, XI) among the four sides of the frame 1 of the optical input means Sb, and in that a tape-like retroreflector

( retroreflective tape 6) is affixed to the inner side surface of three sides (X2, Yl and Y2) other than the aforementioned one side (XI) lying between these camera modules CI and C2, as shown in FIG. 4(a). The storage means M serves as a controller (control means) for both the LEDs 3 and the image sensors 5, as in the aforementioned first example.

In the optical input means Sb in the aforementioned second example having this configuration, light beams emitted from the LEDs 3 in the respective camera modules CI and C2 are reflected from the aforementioned retroreflective tape 6 to travel back toward the camera modules CI and C2 from which the light beams are emitted, so that crossing of radial light beams occurs within the frame in such a manner that the light beams from each of the camera modules CI and C2 diverge in a ripple or wave pattern, as shown in FIG. 4 (a) .

Infrared LEDs ( infrared light-emitting diodes ) of the type which emits near-infrared light beams (at a wavelength of 700 to 2500 nm) are preferable as the light-emitting elements (light source) for the aforementioned camera modules CI and C2. An image sensor such as CCD and CMOS image sensors, a CMOS linear sensor array including a large number of light-receiving elements arranged in a line, and the like may be used as the light-receiving elements.

The retroreflector attached to the inner side surface of the three sides (X2, Yl and Y2) of the aforementioned frame 1 may be either of a microprism type or of a glass bead type. For ease of handling, the tape-like form is used as the retroreflector in the aforementioned example. Instead, a coating having a retroreflective property may be applied to the inner side surface of the aforementioned three sides (X2, Yl and Y2) .

The detection of the touch position T of the writing implement P using the optical input means Sb in the aforementioned second example is done by the following procedure. For calibration, while the LEDs 3 of the aforementioned respective camera modules CI and C2 are caused to emit light beams, the intensity of light beams ( retroreflected light beams) traveling back to the image sensors 5 of the respective camera modules CI and C2 is measured when the light beams are emitted and when the light beams are not emitted, and threshold values for the detection and non-detection of an object based on the interception of light beams are determined for each of the camera modules CI and C2, and are stored in the form of a table and the like in the aforementioned storage means M. Then, the optical input means Sb including the storage means M serving also as the aforementioned controller is lifted, and is placed on a printed material W so that a printed part corresponding to a document part appearing on the large-sized display (Dl) is revealed within the frame thereof.

Next, while the storage means M serving also as the aforementioned controller causes the aforementioned LEDs 3 to emit light beams, the tip of the writing implement P is brought down onto part of the aforementioned printed material W revealed within the frame of this optical input means Sb. Then, as shown in FIG.4 (a) , some of the crossing light beams travelling within the aforementioned frame are intercepted by the tip of the writing implement P. Such an intercepted location is detected by corresponding light-receiving elements in the aforementioned camera modules CI and C2. Using a computation device and the like (not shown), the intercepted (light-intercepted) position detected by the storage means M serving also as the aforementioned controller is determined by the triangulat ion method, and the coordinate positions (x and y axes; with reference to the "touch position T" in FIG. 4(a)) of the tip of the aforementioned writing implement P within the frame are specified. The coordinates are sent to the computer (PC) and the like. As in the case of the optical input means Sa which detects the coordinates by using the light beams in the aforementioned lattice form, the scanning of the aforementioned sensing region is stopped and the aforementioned lamps L turn on to provide notification (a warning) about a sensing anomaly, when the coordinates of the tip of the writing implement P cannot be specified, for example when the presence of a plurality of (two or more) light intercepted locations described above within the sensing region is detected or when the aforementioned light intercepted location is not correctly detected under the influence of sunlight, lamp light and the like.

Then, when a user moves the aforementioned writing implement P to write a note, comment or the like, the path (written information on the note or the like) of the tip of the aforementioned writing implement P in accordance with the movement is detected and computed, and the coordinates of the path are outputted to the aforementioned computer (PC) and the like. At the same time, information obtained by conversion for the large-sized display (Dl) in this computer (PC) appears on the screen of the large-sized display (Dl)

This optical input means Sb includes the input operation stop switch Q and the input inhibit switch R which are similar to those of the optical input means Sa in the aforementioned first example. The optical input means Sb is identical with the optical input means Sa in that a warning indication is provided by turning on the aforementioned lamps L or by producing an alarm sound to clearly show that "the input operation is now being stopped" or "input is now being inhibited" when the aforementioned input operation stop switch Q and the input inhibit switch R are operated.

Like the optical input means Sa in the aforementioned first example, the optical input means Sb in the information display system in the second example as mentioned above eliminates the need for any purpose-built stylus for input operation, and causes no inconveniences when used by a large number of people. Also, new information to be added to a display produced on the large-sized display (Dl) is inputted to an appropriate position in corresponding relation to the display by using the printed material W or the display produced on the second display D2 which is revealed within the frame of the optical input means Sb as a guide . Further, the optical input means Sb is provided with the input operation stop switch Q, the input inhibit switch R and the like. This reduces erroneous input operations and the like even when a large number of people use the single optical input means Sb. Moreover, the optical input means Sb in the aforementioned second example includes general-purpose components, for example the

light-emitting diodes (LEDs) serving as the

light-emitting elements (the light source) and the image sensors such as CCD and CMOS sensors serving as the light-receiving elements. Combined with a small number of optical components constituting the optical input means Sb, this allows the formation of the information display system at low costs.

Although a specific form of embodiment of the instant invention has been described above and

illustrated in the accompanying drawings in order to be more clearly understood, the above description is made by way of example and not as a limitation to the scope of the instant invention. It is contemplated that various modifications apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art could be made without departing from the scope of the invention which is to be determined by the following claims .

The information display system according to the present invention allows an input operation using a conventional writing implement , andallowsan appropriate input operation adapted to a display produced on a large-sized display even when such a large-sized display is used.

Claims

1. An information display system comprising:

a computer;

a display for displaying information outputted from the computer; and

a frame-shaped input means,

wherein the optical input means includes a rectangular frame, andat least onepair of light-emitting and light-receiving elements mounted to the rectangular frame, the optical input means sensing the interception of light beams traveling from the light-emitting element to the light-receiving element which is caused in association with an input element positioned within the frame to thereby output information on the position of the input element within the frame, and

wherein the path of the input element within the frame of the input means is inputted as new information to the computer, and the new information is displayed in addition to information appearing on the display.

2. The information display system according to claim

1,

wherein the frame of the frame-shaped input means includes first and second sections opposed to each other;

wherein light-emitting elements are arranged in the first section and light-receiving elements are arranged in the second section;

wherein the light-emitting elements and the light-receiving elements are positioned to face inwardly on the frame; and

wherein light beams emitted from the

light-emitting elements toward the light-receiving elements produce a lattice of vertical and horizontal light beams crossing each other within the frame.

3. The information display system according to claim 1,

wherein modules each including a light-receiving element array composed of a plurality of the

light-receiving elements and the light-emitting elements in a vertically stacked relation are disposed on two corners, respectively, on opposite ends of a first side among the four sides of the frame of the frame-shaped input means;

wherein a tape-like retroreflector is provided on the inner side surface of the second, third and fourth sides of the frame between the modules; and

wherein light beams emitted from the

light -emitting element of one of the modules are reflected from the retroreflector to travel back into the light-receiving element array of the one module.