WO2015093095A1

WO2015093095A1 - Input device

Info

Publication number: WO2015093095A1
Application number: PCT/JP2014/071521
Authority: WO
Inventors: 裕介清水; 良真吉岡; 内藤　俊樹
Original assignee: 日東電工株式会社
Priority date: 2013-12-16
Filing date: 2014-08-18
Publication date: 2015-06-25
Also published as: TW201525816A; CN105706031A; KR20160098177A; JP2015135655A

Abstract

This invention provides an input device whereby information such as inputted text can be erased. Said input device is provided with the following: a tetragonal sheet-shaped optical waveguide (W) comprising a grid-forming core (2) sandwiched between a tetragonal sheet-shaped bottom cladding layer (1) and top cladding layer (3); a light-emitting element (4) connected to one end face of the core (2) of the optical waveguide (W); a light-receiving element (5) connected to another end face of said core (2); and an erase-mode button (6). When pressure is applied at a given position within an input region consisting of the section of the surface of the top cladding layer (3) corresponding to the section where the grid-forming core (2) is, said position is detected via the resulting attenuation of the light received by the light-receiving element (5), yielding input information. If the erase-mode button (6) has been pressed, previously inputted information corresponding to a position within the input region where pressure is applied is identified as erasure information and erased.

Description

Input device

The present invention relates to an input device provided with an optical position detecting means.

Conventionally, an input system including an input device including a pressure-sensitive touch panel and a display connected to the input device has been proposed (for example, see Patent Document 1). When a character or the like is input on the pressure-sensitive touch panel of the input device with a pen, the pressure-sensitive touch panel detects the pressure position of the pen tip and outputs it to the display. Etc. are displayed.

On the other hand, a position sensor that optically detects the pressed position has been proposed (see, for example, Patent Document 2). In this, a plurality of cores serving as optical paths are arranged in the vertical and horizontal directions, and the peripheral portions of the cores are covered with a clad to form a sheet, and light from the light emitting element is incident on one end surface of each of the cores, The light transmitted through each core is detected by the light receiving element at the other end surface of each core. When a part of the surface of the sheet-like position sensor is pressed with a finger or the like, the core of the pressed portion is deformed, and the light detection level at the light receiving element from the core of the pressed portion is reduced. Therefore, the pressing position can be detected.

JP 2006-172230 A JP-A-8-234895

However, the input device disclosed in Patent Document 1 does not include means for deleting information such as input characters. For this reason, if there is an error, etc., the error cannot be erased, and it is only possible to input a double line, a cross, etc. so as to overlap the error displayed on the display and display it on the display. Absent. If a double line or a cross is displayed on the display, it looks bad. Even if the input device of Patent Document 1 is replaced with the position sensor of Patent Document 2, the same applies.

The present invention has been made in view of such circumstances, and an object thereof is to provide an input device capable of erasing information such as inputted characters.

In order to achieve the above object, an input device of the present invention includes a sheet-like optical waveguide in which a plurality of linear cores formed in a lattice shape are sandwiched between a sheet-like underclad layer and an overclad layer, and the optical waveguide. A light emitting element connected to one end face of the core of the waveguide; and a light receiving element connected to the other end face of the core, and the light emitted by the light emitting element passes through the core of the optical waveguide, and The surface portion of the over clad layer corresponding to the lattice-shaped core portion of the optical waveguide is defined as an input region, and an arbitrary pressing point in the input region is determined by attenuation of the light receiving intensity at the light receiving element due to the pressing. An input device for identifying as input information, comprising: information erasing means for recognizing and erasing input information corresponding to a place to be pressed in the input area as erasure information A configuration that is e.

That is, in the input device of the present invention, when a character or the like is written in the input area, for example, with a writing instrument, the input area is pressed by the tip of the writing instrument. At the pressed portion, the optical waveguide is deformed, and the light propagation amount of the core at the pressed portion is reduced. Therefore, the light receiving element senses the attenuation of the received light intensity from the core of the pressing portion, and thereby the pressing portion (characters written with the writing instrument) is specified. In addition, the input device of the present invention includes information erasing means. As the information erasing means, for example, an erasing mode button is provided, and when the erasing mode button is pressed, a program for recognizing and erasing input information corresponding to the location of the input area to be pressed is erased. System. Using such information erasing means (system), when erasing at least a part of the input characters, etc., after pressing the erasing mode button and then pressing the input part in the input area, The input information corresponding to the pressed location is recognized as erase information and erased.

The input device according to the present invention includes information erasing means for recognizing and erasing input information corresponding to a location to be pressed in the input area as erasure information. When pressed, the information erasure unit can recognize and erase the input information corresponding to the pressed position as erasure information.

In particular, the pressing portion is specified when the attenuation rate of the received light intensity at the light receiving element exceeds a predetermined set value by pressing, and the information erasing means reduces the set value, thereby reducing the pressing force. If it is possible to identify the pressed part even if the pressure of the character is low, use eraser etc. whose tip is thicker than the writing instrument generally used for inputting characters, etc. Can be erased properly. That is, if the input region is pressed using an eraser having a thick tip, the pressure is reduced and the deformation amount of the optical waveguide is reduced even if the input region is pressed with the same load. Therefore, the received light intensity at the light receiving element may not be attenuated to the extent that pressing can be detected. However, even if this is the case, as described above, by reducing the set value of the attenuation rate that serves as a reference for specifying the pressing location, the pressing location can be specified appropriately, and the corresponding pressing location can be specified. The entered information can be deleted.

Furthermore, when the reduced set value is set within a range of 30 to 70% of the original set value, when the input area is pressed using the eraser having a thick tip, The pressing location can be specified more appropriately.

An embodiment of the input device of the present invention is shown typically, (a) is the top view, and (b) is the principal section expanded sectional view. (A) is a graph which shows the light reception intensity | strength in the light receiving element of the said input device of a normal state, (b) is a graph which shows the state which pressed the input area | region. It is explanatory drawing which shows the flowchart of the input and deletion in the said input device. (A)-(d) is explanatory drawing which shows typically the manufacturing method of the optical waveguide which comprises the said input device. In other embodiment of the input device of this invention, it is a graph which shows the light reception intensity | strength in a light receiving element in the state which pressed the input area | region. It is explanatory drawing which shows the flowchart of an input and deletion in the input device of said other embodiment. It is a principal part expanded sectional view which shows the modification of the said optical waveguide typically. (A) to (f) are enlarged plan views schematically showing a crossing form of lattice-like cores in the input device. (A), (b) is an enlarged plan view which shows typically the course of the light in the cross | intersection part of the said grid | lattice-like core.

Next, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

FIG. 1 (a) is a plan view showing an embodiment of the input device of the present invention, and FIG. 1 (b) is an enlarged view of the cross section of the central portion thereof. The input device according to this embodiment includes a rectangular sheet-shaped optical waveguide W in which a lattice-shaped core 2 is sandwiched between a rectangular sheet-shaped underclad layer 1 and an overclad layer 3, and the lattice-shaped core 2. A light emitting element 4 connected to one end face of the linear core 2 and a light receiving element 5 connected to the other end face of the linear core 2. The light emitted from the light emitting element 4 passes through the core 2 and is received by the light receiving element 5. Further, the surface portion of the over clad layer 3 corresponding to the lattice-like core 2 is an input region. In FIG. 1A, the core 2 is indicated by a chain line, and the thickness of the chain line indicates the thickness of the core 2. In FIG. 1A, the number of cores 2 is omitted. Moreover, the arrow of Fig.1 (a) has shown the direction where light travels.

Further, the input device includes a circuit board E on which the light emitting element 4 and the light receiving element 5 are mounted. In addition to the light emitting element 4 and the light receiving element 5, the circuit board E includes an erasing mode button 6 to be pressed when erasing information input to the input area, and a CPU (Central Processing Unit) (not shown) for controlling the input device. 1), an output module (not shown) for outputting input information and erasure information in the input area, a storage means (memory) (not shown) for storing the information, and a power source for the light emitting element 4 and the CPU. A battery (not shown) is mounted.

The CPU has a built-in input information specifying program for specifying the pressed position in the input area as input information from the attenuation of the received light intensity at the light receiving element 5, and when the erasing mode button 6 is pressed, An erasing program for recognizing and erasing input information corresponding to the location of the input area to be pressed is erased. That is, the input device includes an information erasing system (information erasing means) including the erasing mode button 6 for issuing an erasing command and the erasing program executed by the erasing command.

In this embodiment, the sheet-like optical waveguide W has a lattice-like core 2 embedded in the surface portion of the sheet-like underclad layer 1 as shown in a sectional view in FIG. Thus, the surface of the under cladding layer 1 and the top surface of the core 2 are formed flush with each other, and the sheet-like over cladding layer 3 is covered with the surface of the under cladding layer 1 and the top surface of the core 2. Is formed. Since the optical waveguide W having such a structure can make the over clad layer 3 have a uniform thickness, it is easy to detect the pressing portion by the tip of the writing instrument in the input region. In the case of the optical waveguide W having the above structure, the thickness of each layer is, for example, in the range of 10 to 500 μm for the under cladding layer 1, in the range of 5 to 100 μm for the

core

2, and 1 to 1 for the over cladding layer 3. It is set within the range of 200 μm.

Next, an example of an input method using the input device will be described.

In the input device in which the input area is not pressed (not input), the light receiving intensity from each core 2 in the light receiving element 5 is normally as shown in a graph in FIG. In addition, the horizontal side portion (X axis) and the vertical side portion (Y axis) on the light receiving side show substantially constant strength. Here, each core 2 is connected to each pixel of the light receiving portion of the light receiving element 5 in the parallel order.

In this state, when a character or the like is input to the input area with a writing tool, the input area is pressed by the tip of the writing tool. The optical waveguide W is deformed at the pressed portion, and the light propagation amount of the core 2 at the pressed portion is reduced due to the deformation. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 2B, the light receiving intensity at the light receiving element 5 from the core 2 passing through the pressed portion is attenuated. When the attenuation rate of the received light intensity (the rate at which the received light intensity is attenuated) exceeds a predetermined set value A set in advance, the input location specifying program of the CPU converts the pressed location (coordinates) as input information. Identified and entered.

When the pressing by the writing instrument is released (input is completed), the under clad layer 1, the core 2 and the over clad layer 3 are restored to their original state by their own restoring force (see FIG. 1B). Return to.

Next, an example of a method for erasing information input as described above will be described.

When erasing at least a part of the input information, first, the erasing mode button 6 provided in the input device is pressed to enter the erasing mode. Thereafter, when the input portion in the input area is rubbed with an eraser, the rubbed portion is pressed. The pressing location (coordinates) is specified by the attenuation of the light receiving intensity at the light receiving element 5 as in the case of the input, but since the erasing mode button 6 is pressed, the erasing program is executed. Then, the input information corresponding to the pressed part is recognized as erase information and erased.

Here, the set value A of the attenuation factor is preferably in the range of 15 to 50%. When the set value A of the attenuation rate is set to less than 15%, even a slight pressure unintended for input by a fingertip or the like holding the input device tends to exceed the set value A, and the pressure may be detected. . When the set value A of the attenuation rate is set to a value exceeding 50%, even if the pressing value is strongly pressed with a writing instrument or an eraser, it tends to be difficult to reach the set value A, and the pressing may not be detected. That is, when the set value A of the attenuation rate is out of the above range, there is a possibility that information cannot be properly input or deleted.

In this way, the input device can erase not only the information but also at least a part of the input information. An example of the flowchart in this case is as shown in FIG.

Note that, when the erasing operation is stopped (erasing mode is canceled), for example, the erasing mode button 6 is pressed again to cancel the erasing mode. Thereafter, characters and the like can be input in the same manner as described above. In this case, a program that enters an input enabled state (input mode) when the erase mode button 6 is pressed again is incorporated in the CPU.

The input device is preferably connected to a display by wire or wirelessly, and the input information and the erasure information are output and displayed on the display. Examples of the display include a liquid crystal display and an organic EL display. The display may be a display provided in a computer such as a notebook personal computer, a tablet terminal, or a smartphone. As described above, when the input device is connected to a computer in a wired manner, the power required for the input device can be supplied from the computer. Therefore, even if the power supply is not mounted on the circuit board E of the input device. Good.

Furthermore, information such as documents may be displayed on the display, and in this state, information such as characters may be input or deleted in the input area of the input device as described above. Thereby, the information such as the characters input or erased by the input device is displayed on the display in a state where the information such as the material is superimposed. The displayed contents may be stored in an information storage medium such as a hard disk in the computer or an external USB memory.

Next, a method for manufacturing the optical waveguide W will be described. Examples of the forming material of the under cladding layer 1, the core 2 and the over cladding layer 3 constituting the optical waveguide W include a photosensitive resin, a thermosetting resin, and the like, and the optical waveguide W is manufactured by a manufacturing method corresponding to the forming material. Can be produced. That is, first, as shown in FIG. 4A, the over clad layer 3 is formed into a sheet having a uniform thickness. Next, as shown in FIG. 4B, the core 2 is formed in a predetermined pattern on the upper surface of the over clad layer 3 in a protruding state. Next, as shown in FIG. 4C, the under cladding layer 1 is formed on the upper surface of the over cladding layer 3 so as to cover the core 2. Then, as shown in FIG. 4D, the obtained structure is turned upside down so that the under cladding layer 1 is on the lower side and the over cladding layer 3 is on the upper side. In this way, the optical waveguide W is obtained. The refractive index of the core 2 is set to be larger than the refractive indexes of the under cladding layer 1 and the over cladding layer 3. The refractive index can be adjusted by, for example, selecting the type of each forming material and adjusting the composition ratio.

Next, another embodiment of the input device of the present invention will be described. When the erasing mode button 6 is pressed when erasing at least part of the input information in the above embodiment shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B, the input device of this embodiment is shown in FIG. As shown in the graph, the set value of the attenuation rate that serves as a reference for specifying the pressing location is lowered (in FIG. 5, the setting value is changed from A to B), so that even if the pressing pressure is low, the pressing location (coordinates) ) Can be identified. That is, for example, when an eraser whose tip is thicker than the writing instrument is used for the erasing press, the pressure decreases even when pressed with the same load, and the deformation amount of the optical waveguide W is reduced. Less. Therefore, the received light intensity at the light receiving element 5 may not be attenuated to the extent that pressing can be detected. However, even if this is the case, in this embodiment, as described above, it is possible to appropriately specify the pressing location by reducing the set value of the attenuation rate that serves as a reference for specifying the pressing location. Thus, the input information corresponding to the pressed location can be erased. Other parts are the same as those of the above embodiment shown in FIGS. An example of a flowchart in this case is as shown in FIG.

In this embodiment, when the input area is pressed using the eraser, the reduced set value B is equal to the original set value A from the viewpoint of being able to more appropriately identify the pressed portion. A range of 30 to 70% is preferable. If it is less than 30% of the original set value A, the set value B is likely to be exceeded even by a slight press with a fingertip or the like that holds down the input device, and information may be erased unintentionally. If it exceeds 70% of the original setting value A, the normal setting with an eraser having a thick tip tends to make it difficult to reach the setting value B, and information may not be erased properly.

In each of the above embodiments, the erase mode button 6 is provided to issue an erase command when erasing input information. However, other modes may be used as long as the erase command can be issued. , A changeover switch for switching between the input mode and the erase mode may be used.

In each of the above embodiments, a writing instrument is used for input to the input area. However, the writing instrument only needs to be able to detect pressing in the input area of the optical waveguide W as described above. A simple rod or the like that does not appear may be used. Similarly, the eraser used for erasing the input information only needs to be able to detect the pressing in the input region of the optical waveguide W. Instead of the eraser, a human fingertip, a stick, a writing instrument used for input, etc. It may be used.

In each of the above embodiments, the cross-sectional structure of the optical waveguide W is as shown in FIG. 1B, but may be other, for example, as shown in the cross-sectional view of FIG. The under clad layer 1 is formed in a predetermined pattern with the core 2 protruding, and the over clad layer 3 is formed on the surface of the under clad layer 1 with the core 2 covered. It may be a thing.

Further, in each of the above embodiments, an elastic layer such as a rubber layer may be provided on the lower surface of the under cladding layer 1 as necessary. In this case, even if the restoring force of the under-cladding layer 1, the core 2 and the over-cladding layer 3 is weak or they are originally made of a material having a weak restoring force, the elastic force of the elastic layer is utilized. Thus, the weak restoring force is assisted, and after the pressing portion is released, the original state can be restored.

Further, in each of the above embodiments, each of the intersecting portions of the lattice-like core 2 is normally formed in a state in which all of the four intersecting directions are continuous as shown in the enlarged plan view in FIG. There are others. For example, as shown in FIG. 8B, only one intersecting direction may be divided by the gap G and discontinuous. The gap G is formed of a material for forming the under cladding layer 1 or the over cladding layer 3. The width d of the gap G exceeds 0 (zero), and is usually set to 20 μm or less. Similarly, as shown in FIGS. 8C and 8D, two intersecting directions (two directions facing each other in FIG. 8C and two adjacent directions in FIG. 8D) are discontinuous. As shown in FIG. 8 (e), the three intersecting directions may be discontinuous, or as shown in FIG. 8 (f), all the four intersecting directions may be discontinuous. It may be discontinuous. Furthermore, a lattice shape having two or more types of the intersections shown in FIGS. 8A to 8F may be used. That is, in the present invention, the “lattice shape” formed by the plurality of linear cores 2 means that a part or all of the intersections are formed as described above.

In particular, as shown in FIGS. 8B to 8F, if at least one intersecting direction is discontinuous, the light crossing loss can be reduced. That is, as shown in FIG. 9 (a), in an intersection where all four intersecting directions are continuous, if one of the intersecting directions (upward in FIG. 9 (a)) is noted, the light incident on the intersection Part of the light reaches the wall surface 2a of the core 2 orthogonal to the core 2 through which the light has traveled, and is transmitted through the core 2 because the reflection angle at the wall surface is large [two points in FIG. (See chain line arrow). Such transmission of light also occurs in the direction opposite to the above (downward in FIG. 9A). On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 9B, when the intersecting one direction [upward in FIG. 9B] is discontinuous by the gap G, the interface between the gap G and the core 2 is A part of the light formed and transmitted through the core 2 in FIG. 9A is reflected at the interface without passing through the core 2 because the reflection angle at the interface becomes small, and continues to travel through the core 2 [FIG. 9 (b), see the two-dot chain line arrow]. From this, as described above, if at least one intersecting direction is discontinuous, the light crossing loss can be reduced. As a result, it is possible to increase the detection sensitivity of the pressed portion by the tip portion of the writing instrument or the like.

Next, examples will be described. However, the present invention is not limited to the examples.

[Formation material of under clad layer and over clad layer]
Component a: 75 parts by weight of an epoxy resin (Mitsubishi Chemical Corporation, YL7410).
Component b: 25 parts by weight of an epoxy resin (manufactured by Mitsubishi Chemical Corporation, JER1007).
Component c: 2 parts by weight of a photoacid generator (manufactured by Sun Apro, CPI101A).
By mixing these components a to c, materials for forming the under cladding layer and the over cladding layer were prepared.

[Core forming material]
Component d: 75 parts by weight of an epoxy resin (manufactured by Daicel Corporation, EHPE3150).
Component e: 25 parts by weight of epoxy resin (KI-3000-4, manufactured by Tohto Kasei Co., Ltd.)
Component f: 1 part by weight of a photoacid generator (manufactured by ADEKA, SP170).
Component g: 50 parts by weight of ethyl lactate (manufactured by Wako Pure Chemical Industries, Ltd., solvent).
A core forming material was prepared by mixing these components d to g.

[Production of optical waveguide]
First, an over clad layer was formed on the surface of a glass substrate by spin coating using the above-mentioned over clad layer forming material. The over clad layer had a thickness of 25 μm and an elastic modulus of 3 MPa. The elastic modulus was measured using a viscoelasticity measuring device (TA instruments Japan Inc., RSA3).

Next, a lattice-like core was formed on the surface of the over clad layer by photolithography using the core forming material. The core had a width of 30 μm, a thickness of 50 μm, and an elastic modulus of 2 GPa.

Next, an under clad layer was formed on the upper surface of the over clad layer by spin coating using the under clad layer forming material so as to cover the core. The under cladding layer had a thickness of 300 μm and an elastic modulus of 3 MPa.

Then, the over clad layer was peeled off from the glass substrate. Next, the under cladding layer was bonded to the surface of the aluminum plate via an adhesive. In this manner, an optical waveguide [see FIG. 1B] was produced on the surface of the aluminum plate via an adhesive.

[Example 1]
[Production of input device]
Erase mode button, light emitting element (Optowell, XH85-S0603-2s), light receiving element (Hamamatsu Photonics, s10226), CPU for controlling the input device (Microchip, dsPIC33FJ128MC706), wireless output module, memory, A circuit board on which a lithium ion battery (3.7 V) or the like was mounted was produced. Then, the light emitting element was connected to one end face of the core of the optical waveguide, and the light receiving element was connected to the other end face of the core. The program shown in the flowchart of FIG. 3 was incorporated into the CPU. Thus, the input device of Example 1 was produced.

[Operation check of input device]
A personal computer (hereinafter referred to as “PC”) was prepared. The personal computer incorporates software (program) that converts the coordinates of the input area of the input device into the coordinates of the display screen of the personal computer, and displays characters and the like input by the input device on the display. . And the setting value of the attenuation factor used as the reference | standard which pinpoints a press location was 30%. Further, the personal computer is provided with receiving means so as to receive radio waves (information) from the wireless output module of the input device, and the personal computer and the input device are connected so as to be able to transmit information wirelessly.

And a character was written in the input area of the input device with a pen (tip width 1 mm). As a result, the character was displayed on the display. Next, after pressing the erasing mode button, the input portion in the input area was rubbed with an eraser (width of tip portion 5 mm). As a result, on the display, the inputted character portion corresponding to the rubbed portion disappeared.

In Example 1, the same result as in Example 1 was obtained even if the set value of the attenuation rate serving as a reference for specifying the pressed location was changed to 15% and 50%.

[Example 2]
In the first embodiment, when the erasing mode button is pressed, the setting value of the attenuation factor that serves as a reference for specifying the pressing position is set to 50% of the original setting value. That is, the set value of the reduced attenuation rate was set to 15%. The other parts were the same as in Example 1 above.

In Example 2, as in Example 1 above, characters could be entered and deleted. Moreover, in the second embodiment, the input information can be erased even when the pressure applied by the eraser is weaker than that in the first embodiment.

In the second embodiment, the attenuation rate setting value, which serves as a reference for specifying the pressed position, is changed to 30% and 70% of the original setting value (the reduced attenuation rate setting value is 9% and 21%). However, the same result as in Example 2 was obtained.

In the first and second embodiments, the optical waveguide is shown in a sectional view in FIG. 1B. However, the optical waveguide is shown in the sectional view in FIG. An evaluation result showing the tendency was obtained.

In the above embodiments, specific forms in the present invention have been described. However, the above embodiments are merely examples and are not construed as limiting. Various modifications apparent to those skilled in the art are contemplated to be within the scope of this invention.

The input device of the present invention can be used not only to input information such as characters but also to erase at least a part of the input information.

W Optical waveguide 1 Under clad layer 2 Core 3 Over clad layer 4 Light emitting element 5 Light receiving element 6 Erase mode button

Claims

A sheet-like optical waveguide having a plurality of linear cores formed in a lattice shape sandwiched between a sheet-like under-cladding layer and an over-cladding layer; a light-emitting element connected to one end surface of the core of the optical waveguide; and A light receiving element connected to the other end surface of the core, and the light emitted by the light emitting element is received by the light receiving element through the core of the optical waveguide and corresponds to the lattice-shaped core portion of the optical waveguide An input device for specifying, as input information, a surface portion of an overcladding layer as an input region, and specifying an arbitrary pressing point in the input region as input information by attenuation of light reception intensity at the light receiving element due to the pressing. 2. An input device comprising information erasing means for recognizing and erasing input information corresponding to a portion to be pressed as erasure information.
The pressing portion is specified when the attenuation rate of the received light intensity at the light receiving element exceeds a predetermined set value by pressing, and the information erasing means decreases the set value, thereby reducing the pressure of the pressing. The input device according to claim 1, wherein the pressed portion can be specified even when the height is low.
The input device according to claim 2, wherein the lowered set value is set within a range of 30 to 70% of the original set value.