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
  • G06F3/041—Digitisers, e.g. for touch screens or touch pads, characterised by the transducing means
  • G06F3/042—Digitisers, e.g. for touch screens or touch pads, characterised by the transducing means by opto-electronic means
  • G06F3/0421—Digitisers, e.g. for touch screens or touch pads, characterised by the transducing means by opto-electronic means by interrupting or reflecting a light beam, e.g. optical touch-screen
• • 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
  • G06F3/041—Digitisers, e.g. for touch screens or touch pads, characterised by the transducing means
  • G06F3/042—Digitisers, e.g. for touch screens or touch pads, characterised by the transducing means by opto-electronic means
  • G06F3/0428—Digitisers, e.g. for touch screens or touch pads, characterised by the transducing means by opto-electronic means by sensing at the edges of the touch surface the interruption of optical paths, e.g. an illumination plane, parallel to the touch surface which may be virtual

Definitions

• the present invention relates to an electronic book device including an optical input means.
• a display for displaying the aforementioned characters and the like in the book is provided with a touch sensor (to constitute a touch panel) so as not only to display the aforementioned characters and the like in the book but also to allow a user or an inputter to enter notes and the like (see, for example, Japanese Published Patent Application No. 2007-147871).
• such a device allows a user to bring a fingertip, a purpose-built stylus and the like into contact with the display (the touch panel) displaying the aforementioned characters and the like in the book and to move the fingertip and the like, thereby outputting the movement path of the fingertip and the like in the form of a note, a sticky note and the like to the aforementioned display.
• the display (the touch panel) of an electronic book reader as described above includes a touch position detecting means for detecting the touch position of a finger of a person who manipulates a device, a purpose-built stylus and the like two-dimensionally (in x- and y-directions ) .
• the display is capable of displaying a note, a sticky note and the like inputted thereto on the aforementioned display in cooperation with information (a display) about an electronic book, as well as allowing a user to manipulate the aforementioned electronic book reader and the like.
• examples of this touch position detecting means used in many cases include those employing a resistive method, a capacitive method, an electromagnetic induction method and the like from the - viewpoint s of costs, performance, durability and the like.
• the touch panels based on these methods have a structure such that a large number of electrical contacts are arranged in a matrix near the surface of each of the panels.
• sticky note and the like can be stored as digital data (electronic data) in the aforementioned electronic book reader, 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 anote, a sticky note and the like so that their handwriting is left directly on media such as paper sheets, rather than their handwriting, characters and the like virtually appearing on the display and the like.
• An electronic book device which allows a user to enter a note and the like without directly touching a display, and which is capable of inputting the path of the note and the like at the same time while leaving the handwriting of the note and the like on a paper sheet with a conventional writing implement.
• the electronic book device comprises an electronic book reader including a display; and a frame-shaped optical input means, the optical input means including a rectangular frame, and at least one pair of
• 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 about the position of the input element within the frame, wherein the input element is moved within the frame of the input means, whereby the movement path of the input element is displayed and is superimposed on information about an electronic book appearing on the display.
• the electronic book device includes the aforementioned frame-shaped optical input means as a means for sensing the path (the 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 is performed by moving the aforementioned input element within the frame of the aforementioned input means configured as a member separate from the display. For this reason, this input element does not come into direct contact with the display of the aforementioned electronic book reader during the input operation. This prevents the aforementioned display from being scratched during the input of a note and the like in the electronic book device. Further, the electronic book device has no electrical (physical) contacts on the detecting surface of the touch position, has high durability, and is less susceptible to dust, contamination, and the like.
• the aforementioned optical input means is in the form of a frame.
• paper a paper sheet
• a user may directly write a note or the like on the aforementioned paper sheet with a writing implement.
• the note or the like written on the aforementioned paper sheet can be stored, of course, as a paper medium with information recorded thereon.
• the note or the like is automatically converted into electronic data by a means for detecting the path (the touch position) of the input element in the aforementioned optical input means.
• the note or the like in the form of electronic data is displayed on the display of the aforementioned electronic book reader while being superimposed on information about the electronic book, and is stored in the input means or a storage means and the like in the electronic book device.
• the electronic book device automatically converts the movement path of a conventional writing implement into electronic form by merely writing a note, a sticky note or the like directly on the paper sheet placed within the frame with the conventional writing implement without giving special consideration to the conversion into electronic form. Also, the
• aforementioned information in electronic form may be easily taken (reproduced) from the input means or the storage means and the like in the electronic book device.
• the sharing of the information with others and the storing of knowledge, records and the like are accomplished easily . This provides convenience.
• the frame of the frame-shaped input means includes first and second sections opposed to each other in the form of the frame; 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
• Such an electronic book device may employ general-purpose components, for example, light-emitting diodes (LEDs) serving as the light-emitting elements (a light source) and photodiodes (PDs) serving as the light-receiving elements.
• LEDs light-emitting diodes
• PDs photodiodes
• 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 one 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 three sides other than the one side lying between these 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 electronic book device is capable of specifying the position of the tip of the aforementioned writing implement by triangulat ion through the use of a smaller number of components.
• This electronic book device also has the advantage of being formed at low costs by using general-purpose components.
• FIG. 1 is a view illustrating an overall configuration of an electronic book device according to embodiments .
• FIG. 2 is a plan view illustrating a schematic configuration of an optical input means for the electronic book device according to a first embodiment.
• FIG. 3(a) is a plan view illustrating a schematic configuration of an optical input means for the electronic book device according to a second embodiment, and (b) is an enlarged view of a portion indicated by Z thereof. Description of Embodiments
• FIG. 1 is a view illustrating an overall configuration of an electronic book device according to the embodiments.
• an electronic book reader E having a display D is disposed on a left-hand inner surface B L of a book jacket B of a double spread type, and an optical input means S having a rectangular frame-shaped frame 1 is disposed on a right-hand inner surface B R of the aforementioned double spread.
• This electronic book device is configured to allow a user to move an object (an input element) for use in an input operation, such as a finger and a writ ing implement , within the frame of this optical input means S, whereby the movement path of this input element is displayed and is superimposed on information about an electronic book appearing on the aforementioned display D. As shown in FIG.
• the aforementioned optical input means S includes the rectangular frame-shaped (rectangular) frame 1, and at least one pair of light-emitting and light-receiving elements (both not shown) mounted to the 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 by the input element within this frame 1 to thereby output information about the position of the input element within the frame 1.
• a characteristic of the electronic book device lies in that the optical input means S which senses input information by an optical technique is provided for the electronic book reader E.
• the aforementioned optical input means S is removably attached to the surface of the double spread of the aforementioned book jacket B.
• a touch area T for detecting the touch position of a finger or the like is typically defined within the frame (the frame 1) of the optical input means S, and a film or the like for causing the finger or the like to slide thereover easily and smoothly and for preventing scratches is affixed to the touch area T.
• the aforementioned optical input means S further includes a storage means M for storing information about the position (the movement path) of the input element within the frame 1.
• the aforementioned optical input means S which is removable from the aforementioned book jacket B, facilitates the operation of inserting and fixing a paper sheet for writing (paper capable of being written upon by a conventional writing implement) between this optical input means S and the book jacket B (the right-hand inner surface B R ) , and the operation of replacing a paper sheet with a new one, for example.
• This allows a user to write a note and the like directly on a paper sheet fixed or placed within the aforementioned frame-shaped optical input means S with a writing implement. Even if the paper sheet is replaced with a new one, the information (the movement path) stored in the
• aforementioned storage means M may be displayed again (reproduced) on the display D of the aforementioned electronic book reader E, and be taken out to an external information device by the use of a personal computer and the like.
• a communication (power) cable for connection to the electronic book reader E (optional), a battery for driving the communication (power) cable, a control means such as a driver for the aforementioned light-emitting element and the light-receiving element, and a communication means (wired or wireless ) for communicating with information devices such as personal computers are incorporated (not shown) in a thick-frame section lc wider thanother sides and the like inthe aforementioned optical input means S .
• the aforementioned book jacket B Bis substantially rectangular in shape, and is of a double spread type foldable into two along substantially the middle thereof.
• the left-hand inner surface B L with respect to the middle of the book jacket B is a section in which the aforementioned electronic book reader E is fixed, and the right-hand inner surface B R with respect to the middle of the book jacket B is a section in which the aforementioned optical input means S is removably fixed.
• the main body of the electronic book reader E is incorporated within the left-hand inner surface B L , and only a display section (the display D) of the electronic book reader E is exposed through a large opening in the surface thereof.
• the aforementioned electronic book reader E displays information about a book, a picture and the like in electronic form on the display D, and displays information from the aforementioned optical input means S (information such as a note and a sticky note) on the display D.
• the information such as a note inputted by means of the aforementioned optical input means S which is superimposed on the aforementioned information such as a character and the like in the book is displayed on the aforementioned display D .
• Software which converts the touch position (information about coordinates) of the input element sensed by the optical input means S into coordinates on the screen of the display D to produce a display is incorporated in the electronic book reader E to cause the note and the like inputted bymeans of the optical input means S to appear in a position of the display D corresponding to the input position.
• the aforementioned information such as a character in the book is, in general, previously stored in an information storage medium such as a memory in the aforementioned electronic book reader E, a hard disk and a memory card, and is outputted from the information storage medium.
• the aforementioned information such as a character in the book and the information such as a note inputted by means of the aforementioned optical input means S which are displayed on the aforementioned display D may be stored in superimposed manner in the aforementioned information storage medium.
• Examples of the display D used herein for the aforementioned electronic book reader E include a liquid crystal panel , an organic electroluminescence panel, and electronic paper.
• the display D may or may not be a touch panel .
• the electronic book device as mentioned above includes the frame-shaped optical input means S as a means for sensing the path (the touch position) of the input element, the frame-shaped optical input means S being configured as a separate member from the electronic book reader E (the display D) .
• the input operation is performed by moving, the aforementioned input element within the frame (the frame 1) of the aforementioned optical input means S.
• this input element does not come into direct contact with the display D of the aforementioned electronic book reader E during the input operation.
• the electronic book device according to this embodiment has advantages in having no electrical contacts on the detecting surface of the touch position (the touch area T), in having high durability, and in being less susceptible to dust, contamination, and the like.
• the electronic book device As a specific example of the optical input means for the aforementioned electronic book device, the electronic book device according to a first embodiment will be described next in which a large number of light-emitting diodes (LEDs) serving as light-emitting elements (a light source ) and a large number of photodiodes (PDs) serving as light-receiving elements are arranged in the frame 1 of an optical input means SI to form a lattice of vertical and horizontal light beams orthogonal to each other within the frame (the touch area T) of this optical input means SI.
• LEDs light-emitting diodes
• PDs photodiodes
• FIG. 2 is a plan view illustrating a schematic configuration of the optical input means SI for the electronic book device according to the first embodiment .
• the direction of the short sides XI and X2 of the frame 1 is defined as a horizontal direction (x-direction) whereas the direction of the long sides Yl and Y2 of the frame 1 is defined as a vertical direction ( y-direction )
• light beams invisible infrared light
• dash-double-dot lines in visible infrared light
• 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 personal computers, and the like are not shown (the same applies to FIG. 3 to be described later) .
• the optical input means SI for the electronic book device includes: a touch position detecting means for detecting the position (x and y coordinates) of the tip of a finger and the like in the rectangular region (the touch area T) within the frame-shaped frame 1; and a storage means M (built-in) for storing movement path information (change in x and y positions) about the tip position of the finger and the like obtained by this touch position detecting means and also serving as a control means for the light-emitting elements and the
• aforementioned touch position detecting means and arranged within the frame 1 is provided in part of (inside) the frame 1 of the aforementioned optical input means SI.
• a light-receiving section including a large number of PDs 3 corresponding to the respective LEDs 2 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 2 are arranged.
• These LEDs 2 and the PDs 3 are arranged and positioned along the inner edges of the aforementioned frame-shaped frame 1 so that the tips thereof face inward.
• the storage means M serving also as a controller (control means) for both the LEDs 2 and the PDs 3 , the aforementioned LEDs 2 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
• LEDs 2 used as the aforementioned light-emitting element s (the 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 of a finger and the like by means of the optical input means SI according to the aforementioned first embodiment is done by the following procedure. First, for calibration, while the LEDs 2 of the aforementioned light-emitting section are caused to emit light beams sequentially one by one (from the end), the intensity of light beams
• the storage means M serving also as the aforementioned controller causes the aforementioned LEDs 2 to sequentially emit light beams.
• the tip of the input element such as a finger is brought down onto part of the touch area T revealed within the frame of this optical input means SI.
• some of the light beams traveling in a lattice form within the aforementioned frame are intercepted by the tip of the input element.
• Such an intercepted location is sensed by corresponding ones of the PDs 3 of the aforementioned touch position detecting means.
• the coordinate positions (x and y axes; with reference to the "touch position" in FIG. 2) of the input element within the aforementioned frame are specified.
• the coordinates are outputted to the aforementioned electronic book reader E (or displayed on the display D) , and are also stored in the aforementioned storage means M.
• the path (written information such as the note and the like) of the tip of the aforementioned input element in accordance with the movement is detected, and the path is outputted as digital data (electronic data) to the aforementioned electronic book reader E and is also stored in the aforementioned storage means .
• a writing implement such as a pen
• a paper sheet for writing is first placed and fixed under the aforementioned optical input means SI (on the back side of the paper) or within the frame of the frame 1. While the sensing region is scanned, the tip of the writing implement such as a pen is brought down onto part of the touch area T revealed within this frame.
• the input of a note and the like is done within the frame (the touch area T) of the aforementioned optical input means S. This prevents the display D of the aforementioned electronic book reader E from being scratched during the input operation. Further, the electronic book device according to the first embodiment has advantages in having no electrical contacts on the aforementioned touch area T, in having high durability, and in being less susceptible to dust, contamination, and the like.
• optical input means SI may employ general-purpose components, for example the
• LEDs light-emitting diodes
• PDs photodiodes
• FIG. 3(a) is a plan view illustrating a schematic configuration of the optical input means S2 for the electronic book device according to the second embodiment
• FIG. 3(b) is an enlarged view of a portion indicated by Z thereof.
• the direction of the short sides XI and X2 of the frame 1 is defined as a horizontal direction (x-direction) whereas the direction of the long 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 disposed within the thick-frame section lc which is a lower part of the frame 1 are not shown.
• the optical input means S2 for the electronic book device also includes : a touch position detecting means for . detect ing the position (x and y coordinates) of the tip of a finger and the like in the rectangular region (the touch area T) within the frame-shaped frame 1; and a storage means M (built-in) for storing movement path information (change in x and y positions) about the tip position of the finger and the like obtained by this touch position detecting means and also serving as a control means for the aforementioned modules CI and C2.
• a touch position detecting means for . detect ing the position (x and y coordinates) of the tip of a finger and the like in the rectangular region (the touch area T) within the frame-shaped frame 1
• a storage means M built-in for storing movement path information (change in x and y positions) about the tip position of the finger and the like obtained by this touch position detecting means and also serving as a control means for the aforementioned modules CI and C2.
• the optical input means S2 according to the aforementioned second embodiment differs from the optical input means SI according to the previous first embodiment in that light-receiving and -emitting modules (camera modules CI and C2) each including a vertical combination of the light-emitting element (LED 2) and the
• the light-receiving element array (image sensor 4) as shown in FIG. 3(b) are disposed on the corners la and lb, respectively, on opposite ends of one side ( in this example, X2) among the four sides of the frame 1 of the optical input means S2, and in that a tape-like retroreflector ( retroreflective tape 5) is affixed to the inner side surface of three sides (XI, Yl and Y2) other than the aforementioned one side (X2) lying between these camera modules CI and C2, as shown in FIG. 3(a) .
• the storage means M serves also as a controller (control means) for the LEDs 2 andthe image sensors 4 , as in the aforementioned first embodiment.
• Infrared LEDs infrared light-emitting diodes
• the light-emitting elements the light source
• 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 element array.
• the retroreflector attached to the inner side surface of the three sides (XI, Yl and Y2) of the aforementioned frame 1 may be either of a microprism type or of a glass bead type.
• the tape-like form is used as the ret oreflector in the aforementioned example.
• a coating and the like having a retroreflective property may be applied to the inner side surface of the aforementioned three sides (XI, Yl and Y2) .
• the detection of the touch position of a finger and the like by means of the optical input means S2 according to the aforementioned second embodiment is done by the following procedure.
• the storage means M serving also as the aforementioned controller causes the aforementioned LEDs 2 to emit light beams
• the tip of the input element such as a finger is brought down onto part of the touch area T revealed within the frame of this optical input means S2.
• FIG.3(a) some of the crossing light beams traveling within the aforementioned frame are intercepted by the tip of the input element.
• Such an intercepted location is sensed by corresponding light-receiving elements in the aforementioned camera modules CI and C2.
• a computation device and the like not shown
• the (light-intercepted) position is determined by the triangulat ion method.
• the coordinate positions (x and y axes; with reference to the "touch position" in FIG. 3 (a) ) of the input element within the aforementioned frame are specified.
• the coordinates are stored in the storage means M.
• the path (written information such as the note and the like) of the tip of the aforementioned input element in accordance with the movement is detected and computed, and the path is outputted as digital data (electronic data) to the aforementioned electronic book reader E and is also stored in the aforementioned storage means M.
• a writing implement such as a pen
• a paper sheet for writing is first placed and fixed under the aforementioned optical input means S2 (on the back side of the paper) or within the frame of the frame 1, as in the first embodiment. Then, while the sensing region is scanned, the tip of the writing implement such as a pen is brought down onto part of the touch area T revealed within this frame . hen, some of the crossing light beams traveling within the aforementioned frame are intercepted by the tip of the writing implement. Such an intercepted location is sensed by corresponding light-receiving elements in the aforementioned camera modules CI and C2.
• the path (written information such as the note and the like) of the tip is detected at the same time as the aforementioned writing operation, and the path is outputted as digital data (electronic data) to the aforementioned electronic book reader E and is also stored in the aforementioned storage means M.
• the display D of the aforementioned electronic book reader E is prevented from being-scratched during the input operation, as in the electronic book device according to the first embodiment.
• the electronic book device according to the second embodiment has no electrical contacts on the aforementioned touch area T, has high durability, and is less susceptible to dust, contamination, and the like.
• the aforementioned optical input means S2 may employ general-purpose components, for example the
• LEDs light-emitting diodes
• the light-emitting elements (the light source) and the image sensors such as CCD and CMOS image sensors serving as the light-receiving element array .
• the image sensors such as CCD and CMOS image sensors serving as the light-receiving element array .
• the electronic book device is capable of inputting information such as a note and a sticky note to an electronic book reader without scratching a display of the electronic book reader.

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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)
• User Interface Of Digital Computer (AREA)
• Liquid Crystal Display Device Control (AREA)
• Control Of Indicators Other Than Cathode Ray Tubes (AREA)
• Devices For Indicating Variable Information By Combining Individual Elements (AREA)

Applications Claiming Priority (4)

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Cited By (2)

Citations (3)

• 2011
  • 2011-03-24 JP JP2011066608A patent/JP2012203577A/ja not_active Withdrawn
• 2012
  • 2012-03-08 WO PCT/JP2012/056611 patent/WO2012128158A1/en active Application Filing
  • 2012-03-21 TW TW101109686A patent/TW201243655A/zh unknown

Patent Citations (3)

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