JPH05257594A - Input unit - Google Patents

Abstract

(57) [Summary] [Purpose] To provide an input device which does not have the drawbacks of a mouse and which allows even an unskilled person to instruct coordinate movement by a simple operation. [Structure] The electrode 1y in the Y direction is arranged on the lower surface of the upper sheet,
The tablet 1 in which the electrodes 1x in the X direction are arranged on the upper surface of the lower sheet is used. If you touch your tablet 1 with your hand,
The electrodes 1y and 1x are in contact with each other corresponding to the pressing portion. The electrodes 1y and 1x of the tablet 1 are connected to the scanning circuit 2 to form the electrode 1
The contact information of y and 1x is detected, and the contact information of each frame is stored in the RAM 3. RAM3 by CPU5,6
The coordinate movement input and the switch input are determined based on the contact information of the current frame and the previous frame stored in 1., and the result is transferred to the computer main body or the keyboard via the interface circuit 8. All that is required is to bring the hand into contact with the tablet 1 and move the finger, and even an unskilled person can easily operate it. It does not have the drawbacks of a mouse, such as the ball becoming dirty and making it slow to move.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an input device suitable for applying a predetermined input to a computer.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art As an input device for making a predetermined input to a computer, a keyboard, a mouse or the like is conventionally known.

The keyboard is suitable for inputting predetermined characters and numbers. On the other hand, a mouse is used to move the cursor to a predetermined position. By rotating the rotating part of the mouse on the desk,
The cursor can be moved in a predetermined direction by a predetermined amount corresponding to the relative amount of rotation, and two or three switch inputs can be performed at the same time.

[0004]

However, the mouse has the drawback that it requires some skill to perform its operation. In addition, the contact type mouse has a drawback that the operation becomes dull due to dirt on the ball. On the other hand, the optical mouse requires a dedicated board and has a disadvantage that it requires a flat space for placing the board.

Further, a tablet which gives an instruction by designating one point with a pen or a fingertip is also generally used, and is easy for a beginner to familiarize with. However, with a tablet, it is impossible to simultaneously perform coordinate movement input while pressing a switch like a mouse.

Therefore, the present invention provides an input device which does not have the drawbacks of the mouse and the tablet described above, and which allows an unskilled person to perform coordinate movement and switch on / off instructions by a simple operation.

[0007]

An input device according to a first aspect of the present invention includes a tablet, a memory for storing coordinate data indicating a contact state of an operating body on the tablet for each frame, and the memory for storing the coordinate data in the memory. The data processing means for obtaining the movement vector information of the operating body by using the current frame and the coordinate data of the preceding frame.

An input device according to a second aspect of the present invention includes a tablet, a memory that stores coordinate data indicating a contact state between a palm and a finger on the tablet for each frame, and a current frame stored in the memory. Data processing means for obtaining the movement vector information corresponding to the movement of the finger in continuous contact using the coordinate data of one frame before and the switch information corresponding to the contact / separation of each finger are provided. It is a thing.

According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a pressure-sensitive tablet, a memory for storing, for each frame, data indicating a contact state of a fingertip on the tablet and pressure of a contact portion, and the memory. Data that obtains movement vector information corresponding to the movement of the fingertip that is continuously touching by using the touch data of the current frame and the previous frame that have been touched, and also obtains corresponding switch information from the pressure at the touching portion of the fingertip. And a processing means.

An input device according to a fourth aspect of the present invention includes a pressure-sensitive tablet, a memory that stores data indicating a contact state between a palm and a fingertip on the tablet for each frame.
Using the contact data of the current frame and the previous frames stored in this memory, the movement vector information corresponding to the movement of the fingertip in continuous contact is obtained, and which finger is detected from the positional relationship between the palm and the fingertip. It is provided with a data processing unit that determines whether or not the finger is in contact and enables switch input corresponding to the finger.

[0011]

In the invention according to claim 1, the tablet 1
By moving the finger in contact with, it is possible to obtain a coordinate movement input from the data processing means along with the movement of the finger. Therefore, the coordinate movement can be instructed by a simple operation.

According to the second aspect of the present invention, by moving the finger in contact with the tablet 1, it becomes possible to obtain the coordinate movement input from the data processing means along with the movement of the finger. Further, by bringing a predetermined finger into contact with or away from the tablet 1, it becomes possible to obtain a switch input corresponding to the finger. Therefore, it is possible to instruct the movement of the coordinates and the on / off of the switch by a simple operation.

According to the third aspect of the present invention, by moving the fingertip in contact with the tablet 1, it becomes possible to obtain the coordinate movement input from the data processing means along with the movement of the fingertip. Further, by bringing a fingertip into contact with a predetermined position of the tablet 1 and pushing with a force stronger than the pressure of the contact portion necessary for coordinate movement, it becomes possible to obtain a switch input corresponding to that position. Therefore, it is possible to instruct the movement of the coordinates and the on / off of the switch by a simple operation.

According to the fourth aspect of the present invention, by moving the fingertip in contact with the tablet 1, it becomes possible to obtain a coordinate movement input from the data processing means in accordance with the movement of the fingertip. Also, the palm and fingertips are at the same time on the tablet 1.
When it is in contact with, it is possible to determine which finger is in contact based on the positional relationship between the palm and the fingertip, and obtain the on / off information of the switch corresponding to the finger. Therefore, it is possible to instruct the movement of the coordinates and the on / off of the switch by a simple operation.

[0015]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS An embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to FIG.

In the figure, 1 is a tablet, and FIG. 2 shows its appearance. The tablet 1 has, for example, a contact type configuration. The tablet 1 is configured by arranging an upper sheet and a lower sheet so as to face each other with a predetermined gap. As shown in FIG. 3, electrodes 1y in the vertical direction (Y direction) are arranged at equal intervals on the lower surface 1A of the upper sheet, and electrodes (scanning lines) 1x in the horizontal direction (X direction) are arranged on the upper surface 1B of the lower sheet.
Are evenly spaced.

In the tablet 1 having such a structure,
When the hand is not brought into contact with the tablet 1, the lower surface 1A of the upper sheet and the upper surface 1B of the lower sheet are separated from each other, and the electrodes 1y and 1x are in a non-contact state. On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 4, when the tablet 1 is touched and pressed by the hand, the upper sheet lower surface 1A and the lower sheet upper surface 1 correspond to the pressing portions.
B and B are in contact with each other, and the corresponding electrodes 1y and 1x are in contact with each other. The hatched portion in FIG. 5 shows an example of the contact portion when the tablet 1 is brought into contact with the hand.

Returning to FIG. 1, all electrodes 1y in the Y direction and all electrodes (scanning lines) 1x in the X direction of the tablet 1 are connected to the scanning circuit 2. The scanning circuit 2 detects contact information (coordinate data) of the electrodes 1y and 1x. The detection of contact information is performed as follows.

That is, a predetermined voltage is applied to the X-direction electrodes 1x corresponding to the coordinates where contact should be detected, the other X-direction electrodes 1x are set to a high impedance state, and the voltages of all the electrodes 1y in the Y direction are detected. .. Approximately 0V when not in contact
Is detected, and in the case of one-side contact, the above-mentioned predetermined voltage is detected. As a result, contact information of all points on the X-direction electrode (scanning line) 1x corresponding to the coordinates at which contact should be detected is detected. Then, the above processing is performed for all X-direction electrodes 1x.
The contact information at all points on the tablet 1 is detected.

From the scanning circuit 2, contact information (coordinate data) at all points on the tablet 1 obtained by the above-described processing is repeatedly output as contact information of a frame at a predetermined cycle.

Coordinate data indicating the contact information of each frame output from the scanning circuit 2 is supplied to and stored in the RAM 3. The RAM 3 is connected to the bus 4. CPUs 5, 6 and a ROM 7 and an interface circuit 8 are further connected to the bus 4.

The CPU 5 detects the start and end positions of the contact portion of each X-direction electrode 1x based on the contact information output from the scanning circuit 2 and stored in the RAM 3, and the contact of a plurality of X-direction electrodes 1x. A process of detecting a block (lump) from the information and attaching a label is performed, and the detection process result is stored in the RAM 3.

Further, the CPU 6 processes the processing result of the CPU 5 with respect to the frame, and determines which finger is in contact with the position information of the contacting portion of the palm. Then, the current frame and the data one frame before are compared, the coordinate movement input and the switch input are determined,
The result is transferred to the interface circuit 8.

From the interface circuit 8, the movement direction and movement amount of the coordinate movement input and the switch on / off instruction input are transferred in accordance with the interface standard with the computer main body or the keyboard.

The ROM 7 stores programs for the CPUs 5 and 6.

Next, using the flowchart of FIG.
The processing procedure of the CPU 5 will be described in detail.

First, the scanning line (X-direction electrode 1x) No. n
1 and frame No. Set f to 1 (step 11).

Next, No. The contact information (coordinate data) on the scanning line of No. (N
The scanning line detection processing result of -1) is fetched from the RAM 3 (step 12). When n = 1, No.
The process of fetching the scanning line detection process result of (n-1) from the RAM 3 is omitted.

Next, No. The end points (start point position and end point position) of the contact portion on the scanning line of n are detected, and the block (lump) to which the contact portion belongs is determined and labeled (step 13). As described above, in step 12, No. It is No. 1 that the scanning line detection processing result of (n-1) is fetched. This is because it is necessary to determine which block the contact portion on the scanning line of n belongs to.

Next, the No. obtained in step 13 is used. The detection processing result of the n scanning lines is stored in the RAM 3 (step 14).

Next, it is judged whether or not n ≧ N (N is the total number of scanning lines) (step 15). If n ≧ N is not satisfied, No. Since the processing of all the scanning lines of the frame of f has not been completed, n = n + 1 is set in step 16 and step 1 is executed.
Returning to step 2, the next scan line is processed. On the other hand, when n ≧ N, No. Since the processing of all the scanning lines of the frame of f has been completed, n = 1 and f = f + 1 are set in step 17, and the process returns to step 12 to process the scanning lines of the next frame.

Next, using the flow chart of FIG.
The processing procedure of the CPU 6 will be described in detail.

First, the frame No. f is set to 1 (step 21).

Next, No. The detection processing result of the CPU 5 of the frame of f is fetched from the RAM 3 and the No. (F
-1) The finger detection result (information indicating which finger is at which position) is fetched from the RAM 3 (step 22).

Next, it is judged whether or not the hand is in contact with the tablet 1 (step 23). No. Based on the detection processing result of the CPU 5 of the frame of f, the presence or absence of the block of the contact portion is determined.

When the hand is in contact with the tablet 23 in step 23, No. Based on the detection processing result of the CPU 5 of the frame of f, it is determined which finger is in contact with which position from the direction of the palm (step 24).

Next, the finger detection result obtained in step 24 is No. Compare with the finger detection result of the frame of (f-1),
Judgment of coordinate movement input and switch input (Step 2
5). When the position of the same finger is moved, it is determined that the input is coordinate movement. The movement of the finger position is judged by the movement of the center of gravity of the block at the contact portion of the finger.

FIG. 8 shows a block of the contact portion of the finger when the finger (fingertip) is in contact with the tablet 1,
“O” is the starting point position of the contact portion of each scanning line, and “□” is the end point position of the contact portion of each scanning line. Position of center of gravity "x"
Can be obtained, for example, by averaging these end point positions (start point and end point positions).

No. When the finger detection result of the frame (f-1) is not stored in the RAM 3 and the finger detection result is not captured in step 22, or when the finger is changed to a different finger, it is determined to be a switch input. To do. In the case of switch input, it is possible to first learn which finger is which switch.

Next, the coordinate movement input (movement direction, movement amount) and switch input detected in step 25 are transferred to the interface circuit 8 (step 26).

Next, the No. detected in step 24. f
After the finger detection result of the frame is stored in the RAM 3 (step 27), f = f + 1 is set in step 28 and the process returns to step 22 to process the next frame.

Even when the hand is not in contact with the tablet 1 in step 23, f = f + 1 is set in step 28 and the process returns to step 22 to process the next frame.

Thus, in this example, the tablet 1
By placing a hand on the top and moving a contacting finger or moving a predetermined finger in and out, coordinate movement input (movement direction, movement amount) or switch input from the interface circuit 8 is performed by the computer main body or It can be supplied to a keyboard and can have the same function as a mouse.

According to this example, only the operation of bringing the tablet 1 into contact with the hand to move the finger or bringing the predetermined finger into and out of contact with the tablet 1 can be easily performed by an unskilled person.

Also, unlike the contact type mouse, it does not have the drawback that the operation becomes dull due to dirt on the ball, and it requires a dedicated board like the optical mouse and has a flat space for placing the board. There is also no drawback that requires.

Further, by changing the software, it is easy to specify the finger to be used for switch input according to the user's preference and to change the coordinate movement input amount corresponding to the finger movement amount. Can be done to.

Further, in the present embodiment, the tablet 1 is operated by bringing the hand into contact with the tablet 1, but it is easily conceivable to use other operating body other than the hand.

Further, in this example, a contact type tablet is used.
It is also possible to adopt a configuration in which the coordinate position is judged by a scanner or the like as described in No. 90822.

Further, the tablet 1 of the present example shows that the space between the top sheet and the bottom sheet is vacant, but an anisotropic pressure-sensitive conductive rubber which conducts when pressure is applied to this portion is inserted and input. The space between the top sheet and the bottom sheet may be stably maintained.

Another example of the processing procedure of the CPU 6 will be described in detail with reference to the flowcharts of FIGS. 9 and 10.

The processing shown in the flowchart of FIG. 9 will be described.

First, the frame No. f is set to 1 (step 31).

Next, No. The detection processing result of the CPU 5 of the frame of f is fetched from the RAM 3 and the No. (F
-1) The finger detection result (information such as which finger is at which position) is fetched from the RAM 3 (step 32).

Next, after the processing corresponding to the current input mode is performed (step 33), f = at step 34.
The processing returns to step 32 as f + 1 and captures the detection processing result of the next frame.

The processing shown in the flowchart of FIG. 10 will be described. FIG. 10 illustrates the state transition between the input modes depending on the hand contact state.

First, it is determined whether or not the hand touches the tablet 1 (step 41). Whether or not they are in contact
The current frame No. Based on the detection processing result of the frame of f by the CPU 5 (acquired in step 32 of the flowchart of FIG. 9), it is determined whether or not there is a block at the contact portion. In this case, the size of the block or the like is used to determine whether only the finger is in contact or both the finger and the palm are in contact.

In step 41, when only the finger is in contact, the coordinate movement input mode is set (step 42). In the state of the coordinate input mode, it is determined whether or not the fingertip is in contact (step 43), and the coordinate movement input mode is maintained until the contact of the fingertip is released. In step 43,
When the contact of the fingertip is released, the process returns to step 41.

When both the finger and the palm are in contact with each other in step 41, the switch input mode is set (step 4).
4). In this switch input mode state, it is determined whether the fingertip is touching or moving (step 4
5) The switch input mode is maintained as long as the fingertips are in contact with each other at the same point. When the contact of the fingertip is released in step 45, the process returns to step 41. In step 45, when the fingertip is moving without releasing the contact of the fingertip, the coordinate movement input and switch input simultaneous operation mode is set (step 46).

Whether the fingertip is moving or not is determined by the No. of the current frame. f and No. 1 which is one frame before. (F-1)
Judgment is made by moving the center of gravity of the block at the contact part of the fingertip. No. The data of the center of gravity of the block of the contact portion of the fingertip of (f-1) is obtained in step 32 of the flowchart of FIG.
No. loaded from RAM3 with. It is included in the finger detection result of (f-1). On the other hand, No. The data of the center of gravity of the block of the contact portion of the fingertip of f is the No. It is formed from the detection processing result of the CPU 5 of f.

In the coordinate movement input / switch input simultaneous operation mode, it is determined whether the fingertip is in contact or is moving (step 47). When the contact of the fingertip is released, the process returns to step 41. In step 47, when the fingertips are in contact, but they are in contact at the same point, the process returns to step 44 and the switch input mode is set.

In step 47, when the fingertip is moving without being released, it is determined whether or not the fingertip position is at the end of the coordinates of the tablet 1 (step 48). If it is not the end of the coordinate, the process returns to step 46 and the coordinate movement input and switch input simultaneous operation mode is maintained. If it is the end of the coordinate in step 48, the coordinate movement input / switch input simultaneous operation continuation mode is set (step 49). In this mode, it is determined whether or not the fingertip is in contact (step 50), and if not, step 49.
Then, the coordinate movement input and switch input simultaneous operation continuation mode is maintained. In step 50, when the fingertip is in contact, the process returns to step 46, and shifts again to the coordinate movement input / switch input simultaneous continuation mode.

In the coordinate movement input mode described above,
In step 32 of the flowchart of FIG. The barycentric position of the fingertip is calculated based on the detection processing result of the CPU 5 of the frame of f, and similarly, step 32
No. loaded from RAM3 with. The coordinate movement input is determined by comparing with the barycentric position of the fingertip included in the finger detection result of the frame (f-1).

Then, the CPU 6 transfers the coordinate movement input (movement direction, movement amount) to the interface circuit 8 and supplies the coordinate movement input from the interface circuit 8 to the computer main body or the keyboard.

In the coordinate movement input mode, the position of the center of gravity of the fingertip calculated by the CPU 6 is No. It is stored in the RAM 3 as the finger detection result of the frame of f. Note that, even if not described above, once the coordinate movement input mode is entered, even if the palm comes into contact with the tablet 1 in the middle, until the contact with the fingertip is released,
The coordinate movement input mode is maintained.

In the switch input mode described above, the RAM 3 is used in step 32 of the flow chart of FIG.
No. to be taken in more Based on the detection processing result of the CPU 5 of the frame of f, it is determined which finger is in contact from the direction of the palm, and the barycentric position of the fingertip is calculated.

Then, the CPU 6 determines a switch input corresponding to the finger, transfers the switch input to the interface circuit 8, and supplies an instruction to turn on the switch corresponding to the finger to the computer main body or the keyboard.

In the switch input mode, the judgment result of which finger is judged by the CPU 6 and the calculated center of gravity of the fingertip are No. It is stored in the RAM 3 as the finger detection result of the frame of f.

Further, in the coordinate movement input / switch input simultaneous operation mode described above, the No. 1 fetched from the RAM 3 in step 32 of the flowchart of FIG. Based on the detection processing result of the CPU 5 of the frame of f, the center of gravity position of the fingertip is calculated, and similarly in step 32, No. (F
The coordinate movement input is determined by comparing with the barycentric position of the fingertip included in the finger detection result of frame -1).

Then, the CPU 6 transfers the switch input corresponding to the touching finger to the interface circuit 8 as in the switch input mode described above, and issues an instruction to turn on the switch corresponding to the finger to the computer main body. Alternatively, the coordinate movement input (movement direction, movement amount) is transferred to the interface circuit 8 while being supplied to the keyboard, and the coordinate movement input is supplied to the computer main body or the keyboard.

Even in this simultaneous operation mode, the judgment result as to which finger is in contact and the calculated barycentric position of the fingertip are No. RAM3 as the finger detection result of the frame of f
Stored in.

Incidentally, even if not mentioned above, once the switch input mode or the simultaneous operation mode is set, even if the palm is separated from the tablet 1 on the way, the mode is maintained as long as the fingertip is in contact.

Even when the processing of the CPU 6 is performed as shown in the flowcharts of FIGS. 9 and 10, the hand is brought into contact with the tablet 1 to move the finger, and the predetermined finger is brought into contact with or separated from the finger. By doing so, coordinate movement input (movement direction, movement amount) and switch input from the interface circuit 8 can be supplied individually or in parallel to the computer main body or the keyboard, and the same function as a mouse can be provided. it can.

In this case, in the coordinate movement input / switch input simultaneous operation mode, when the fingertip moves beyond the edge of the coordinates of the tablet 1, the continuation mode is set, and even if the finger is once separated from the tablet 1, the finger is again pressed. By bringing the tablet 1 into contact with the tablet 1, the simultaneous operation mode can be restored, and there is an advantage that the tablet 1 can be operated satisfactorily even if it is small.

Next, another embodiment of the present invention will be described. This example also has the same circuit configuration as the example of FIG.
FIG. 11 shows the external appearance of the tablet 1 in this example, which is the same as the example of FIG. 2 described above except that the portions corresponding to the switches are circled. By marking the portion corresponding to the switch, it becomes easy to know which portion of the tablet 1 is pushed and which switch is turned on.

Further, the tablet 1 of this example is of a pressure sensitive type. The electrode arrangement of the tablet 1 is similar to that of the example of FIG. 3 described above, but a pressure-sensitive ink whose resistivity changes in inverse proportion to pressure is applied on each electrode 1y, 1x.

In the tablet 1 having such a structure,
When the hand is not brought into contact with the tablet 1, the pressure-sensitive ink between the lower surface 1A of the upper sheet and the upper surface 1B of the lower sheet has a sufficiently high resistance value, and the electrodes 1y and 1x are in a state similar to non-contact. On the other hand, when the tablet 1 is touched with a hand as shown in FIG. 12, the resistance between the upper sheet lower surface 1A and the lower sheet upper surface 1B at the pressed portion changes.
When a voltage is applied to the electrode 1x and the electrode 1y is grounded, a current that is inversely proportional to the resistance of the contact portion, that is, proportional to the pressing pressure, flows through the electrode 1y.

In the present example, the scanning circuit 2 (see FIG. 1) detects the contact information (contact position and pressure of the contact portion) on the tablet 1 by measuring the resistance value at the intersection of the electrodes 1y and 1x. It The detection of contact information is performed as follows.

FIG. 13 shows a tablet 1 using the scanning circuit 2.
The detection principle of the above contact information is shown.

When the coordinates of the X-direction electrode 1x (corresponding to the X-direction electrode 1xb) corresponding to the coordinates whose contact should be detected by the X-direction electrode selector 36 are input to the multiplexer 35,
Selected X-direction electrode 1x via the operational amplifier APxb
The voltage (-Vx) is applied only to b. Since the operational amplifier APxa is virtually grounded by the resistor Rc, the other X-direction electrode 1xa becomes approximately 0V.

On the other hand, the X-direction electrode 1xa and the Y-direction electrode 1ya
At the intersections with and, the ink is in contact with the ink whose resistivity changes depending on the pressure, and the resistance value changes depending on the pressure applied to each intersection. This is the X-direction electrode 1 due to the variable resistance Ra.
It can be considered that xa and the Y-direction electrode 1ya are connected. For example, in order to detect the pressure at the intersection of the X-direction electrode 1xb and the Y-direction electrode 1yb in FIG. 13, the value of the resistance Rb may be measured. This is done by measuring the current flowing through the corresponding Y-direction electrode 1yb.

Each Y-direction electrode 1y is an operational amplifier APya.
(Re is a feedback resistor) and is virtually grounded.
Since all the current flowing through the direction electrode 1yb flows through the resistor Rd, if the output voltage of the operational amplifier APyb is measured, the resistance Rd
The current flowing through b is known, and therefore the resistance value reveals the pressure on the intersection. That is, the output of the operational amplifier APyb is approximately 0V when the hand is not in contact with the tablet on the tablet at the intersection corresponding to the X-direction electrode 1xb and the Y-direction electrode 1yb. Further, since a negative voltage (-Vx) is applied to the X-direction electrode 1xb, the output voltage becomes a value larger than 0V as the hand comes into contact and the pressure applied by the hand increases.

The output of the operational amplifier APyb is selected by inputting the coordinates corresponding to the Y-direction electrode 1yb to the multiplexer 37 by the Y-direction electrode selector 38, and this output is sent to the A / D converter 39. A / D converter 39
Then, the output voltage of the operational amplifier, which is an analog value, is converted into a digital value and transferred to the RAM 3.

By fixing the X-direction electrode 1x and performing the above processing on all the Y-direction electrodes 1y, the X-direction electrode 1x can be obtained.
The pressure at the intersection with all Y-direction electrodes 1y on x can be detected. Further, by performing this processing on all the X-direction electrodes 1x, the contact information at all the intersections of the electrodes on the tablet 1 can be detected.

In the CPU 5 of this example, each X is output based on the contact information output from the scanning circuit 2 and stored in the RAM 3.
A process of detecting the start point and the end point of the contact portion of the directional electrode 1x is performed. Further, a block (lump) is detected from the contact information of the plurality of X-direction electrodes 1x, and it is determined from the size and shape of the block whether or not the block is a fingertip (whether it is a palm other than the fingertip, for example). If it is determined that the label is attached, the label is attached, the center of gravity of the label, the pressure to be pressed, and the like are processed, and the processing result is stored in the RAM 3.

Next, the CPU 6 processes the processing result of the CPU 5 with respect to the frame. The data of the fingertip in the current frame is compared with the data of the previous frame, the coordinate movement input and the switch input are judged, and the result is transferred to the interface circuit 8.

Next, the processing of the CPU 5 will be described in detail with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

First, scanning line (X-direction electrode 1x) No. n
1 and frame No. f is set to 1 (step 51).

Next, No. The contact information (contact position and pressure of the contact portion) on the scanning line of No. n is fetched from the RAM 3, and No. The (n-1) scanning line detection processing result is stored in the RAM.
Capture from 3 (step 52). When n = 1, No. The detection processing result of the scanning line of (n-1) is R
The process of loading from AM3 is omitted.

Next, No. Processing such as detecting the end points (start point position and end point position) of the contact portion on the scanning line of n, determining which block (lump) the contact portion belongs to and performing labeling, and further obtaining the center of gravity of the block Is performed (step 53). When the detection of one block is completed, it is determined from the shape and area that the block is a fingertip. Step 52 as described above
No. from RAM3. It is No. 1 that the scanning line detection processing result of (n-1) is fetched. This is because it is necessary to determine which block the contact portion on the scanning line of n belongs to.

When the fingertip is detected, the coordinates of the center of gravity of the detected fingertip and the pressure value pressed by the fingertip are written in the RAM 3 (step 54). The pressure value pressed by the fingertip is, for example, the average value of the pressures detected in the portion in contact with the fingertip.

Next, it is judged whether or not n ≧ N (N is the total number of scanning lines) (step 55). If n ≧ N is not satisfied, No. Since the processing of all the scanning lines of the frame of f has not been completed, n = n + 1 is set in step 56 and step 5 is executed.
Returning to step 2, the next scan line is processed. On the other hand, when n ≧ N, No. Since the processing of all the scanning lines of the frame of f has been completed, n = 1 and f = f + 1 are set in step 57 and the process returns to step 52 to process the scanning lines of the next frame.

Next, the processing of the CPU 6 will be described in detail with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

First, the three modes appearing in the flowchart will be described.

The switch input mode is a mode in which the switch input is turned on, and when it is judged that the pressure of the fingertip exceeds the threshold Pth and there is a switch corresponding to the pressed position. Switch input mode is set. Once in the switch input mode, even if the fingertip moves to a position where the corresponding switch does not exist or the pressure becomes equal to or lower than the threshold Pth, this mode continues unless the fingertip is released from the tablet.

The switch input continuation mode and the coordinate movement continuation mode, which will be described below, are provided in order not to feel inconvenience in operation even when the size of the tablet is small.

First, in the switch input continuation mode, in the switch input mode, when it is determined that the fingertip has moved to the edge of the tablet and then separated from the tablet, the corresponding switch is turned on even after the fingertip is separated from the tablet. Mode.

The coordinate movement continuation mode is a mode in which when the coordinates are to be continuously moved in the same direction, it is possible to move the fingertip without moving the movement amount. When it is determined that the fingertip is continuously moved in a certain direction at a speed (Vth) or more and then kept in contact with the same position for a certain time (Tth) or more without releasing the fingertip from the tablet, the detected fingertip is at the same position. Despite that, coordinate movement input is performed in the direction and speed at which the fingertip was moved before the stop. Once the coordinate movement continuation mode is entered, this mode is continued until it is determined that the fingertip has left the tablet or the fingertip has moved.

First, the frame No. f is set to 1 (step 61).

Next, No. The detection processing result of the frame f by the CPU 5 is fetched from the RAM 3 (step 6
2), No. Fingertip detection results of f-1 and frames before f-1 (center of gravity of fingertip, pressure, mode, movement vector, etc.)
Is fetched from the RAM 3 (step 63).

Further, the No. of the current frame. Whether or not the fingertip is in contact with the tablet 1 is determined based on the presence / absence of the fingertip, which is the detection processing result of the CPU 5 in the frame of f (step 64).

When it is determined in step 64 that the fingertip is in contact with the tablet, it is first determined in step 65 whether the pressure applied by the fingertip exceeds the threshold Pth. If it exceeds, the parameter P is set to 1 (step 66), and if not, the parameter P is set to 0 (step 67). Thereafter, coordinate movement detection processing (step 68) and switch input detection processing (step 69) are performed.

FIG. 16 shows a flow chart of the coordinate movement detection process, and FIG. 17 shows a flow chart of the switch input detection process.

In the coordinate movement detecting process shown in the flowchart of FIG. 16, first, the detected position of the fingertip is compared with the previous frame to determine whether or not the coordinate has been moved (step 81). If it is determined that the coordinate movement has occurred, it is determined whether or not the coordinate movement continuation mode is set (step 82). Step 84 if the coordinate movement continuation mode is not set
Proceed to. On the other hand, if it is the coordinate movement continuation mode, the mode is cleared (step 83) and the process proceeds to step 84. In step 84, the coordinate movement amount is calculated and the coordinate movement vector is transferred to the interface circuit 8.

If there is no coordinate movement in step 81, it is judged whether or not the mode is the coordinate movement continuation mode (step 8).
5). In the coordinate movement continuation mode, the same coordinate movement vector as before the stop is transferred to the interface circuit 8 even if there is no coordinate movement (step 90). If it is determined in step 85 that the mode is not the coordinate movement continuation mode, it is determined whether or not the condition for the coordinate movement continuation mode is satisfied (step 86).
If the conditions are satisfied, the coordinate movement continuation mode is set (step 89), and the same coordinate movement vector as before the stop is transferred (step 90).

In the switch input detection processing shown in the flow chart of FIG. 17, it is first checked whether or not the switch input continuation mode is set (step 91). If it is in the switch input continuation mode, it is returned to the switch input mode (step 92), and the corresponding switch-on signal is transferred to the interface circuit 8 (step 97). Step 9
If the switch input continuation mode is not selected in step 1, it is checked whether the switch input mode is set (step 93). In the switch input mode, the corresponding switch-on signal is transferred to the interface circuit 8 (step 9).
7).

In step 93, if the condition is not satisfied in the switch input mode when the switch input mode is not satisfied, it is determined whether or not the conditions are satisfied (steps 94 and 95). 9
6) Transfer the corresponding switch-on signal to the interface circuit 8 (step 97).

Returning to the flowchart of FIG. 15, if it is determined in step 64 that the fingertip is not in contact with the tablet, switch input continuation mode processing is performed (step 70). FIG. 18 shows a flow chart of the switch input continuation mode process.

Here, it is first determined whether or not the switch input continuation mode is set (step 101). If the switch input continuation mode is set, a corresponding switch-on signal is transferred to the interface circuit 8 (step 10).
7). If it is determined in step 101 that the mode is not the switch input continuation mode, it is determined whether or not the condition for the switch input continuation mode is satisfied (steps 102 to 104). If even one condition is not satisfied, if the current mode is the coordinate movement continuation mode or the switch input mode, the mode is cleared (step 105). on the other hand,
If all the conditions are satisfied, the switch input continuation mode is set (step 106), and the corresponding switch-on signal is transferred to the interface circuit 108 (step 1).
07).

Returning to the flowchart of FIG. 15, after performing the above processing on the frame f, the frame number is set to 1
Frame number. Is set to f + 1 (step 7
1) When the processing of the CPU 5 for the next frame is completed, the same processing is performed.

As described above, in this example, the tablet 1
By moving or moving your fingertip up or down, coordinate movement input or switch input from the interface circuit 8
It can be supplied individually or in parallel to the computer main body or the keyboard, and can have the same function as a mouse.

According to this example, only the operation of moving the fingertip on the tablet 1 or bringing it into contact with or leaving the fingertip can be performed by an unskilled person.

Also, unlike the contact type mouse, it does not have the drawback of slowing the movement due to dirt on the ball, and requires a dedicated board like the optical mouse and has a flat space for placing the board. There is also no drawback that requires.

Further, the switch input continuation mode and the coordinate movement continuation mode are prepared, and there is an advantage that the tablet 1 can be operated satisfactorily even if it is small.

Further, by changing the software, it is possible to easily change the position of the switch according to the user's preference or change the coordinate movement input amount corresponding to the movement amount of the fingertip. You can

In the description of the processing of the CPU 6 in this example, the number of fingertips to be detected is one, but the processing can be performed even when a plurality of fingertips are in contact with the tablet 1 by the same algorithm.

Next, still another embodiment of the present invention will be described. This example also has the same circuit configuration as the example of FIG. The appearance of the tablet 1 is similar to that of the example of FIG. The tablet 1 has a size such that when the user holds his / her hand lightly like holding a mouse, the hand is placed on the tablet. Further, the tablet 1 of this example is also a pressure-sensitive type, and its electrode arrangement is the same as that of the example of FIG. 3, but as described above, on the respective electrodes 1y and 1x, it is felt that the resistivity changes in inverse proportion to the pressure. Pressure ink is applied.

In the tablet 1 having such a structure,
When the hand is not brought into contact with the tablet 1, the pressure-sensitive ink between the lower surface 1A of the upper sheet and the upper surface 1B of the lower sheet has a sufficiently high resistance value, and the electrodes 1y and 1x are in a state similar to non-contact. On the other hand, when the tablet 1 is brought into contact with and pressed by the hand as shown in FIG. 4, the resistance between the upper sheet lower surface 1A and the lower sheet upper surface 1B at the pressed portion changes. When a voltage is applied to the electrode 1x and the electrode 1y is grounded, a current that is inversely proportional to the resistance of the contact portion, that is, proportional to the pressing pressure, flows through the electrode 1y.

Also in this example, the scanning circuit 2 (see FIG. 1)
Then, the contact information (contact position and pressure of the contact portion) on the tablet 1 is detected by measuring the resistance value at the intersection of the electrode 1y and the electrode 1x. The detection of contact information is performed as described above (see FIG. 13 and its description).

In the CPU 5 of the present example, each X is output based on the contact information output from the scanning circuit 2 and stored in the RAM 3.
A process of detecting the start point and the end point of the contact portion of the directional electrode 1x is performed. Further, blocks (lumps) are detected from the contact information of the plurality of X-direction electrodes 1x, labeling is performed, and it is determined whether the fingertip or the palm is determined. In the case of the fingertip, the coordinates of the center of gravity, and in the case of the palm, the processing of the CPU 6 is performed. The necessary information is stored in the RAM 3.

Next, the CPU 6 processes the processing result of the CPU 5 with respect to the frame. Which finger is in contact is determined based on the positional relationship between the block determined to be the palm and the block determined to be the fingertip. The coordinate movement input and the switch input are determined by comparing the data of the fingertip in the current frame with the data of the previous frame, and the result is transferred to the interface circuit 8.

Next, the processing of the CPU 5 will be described in detail with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

First, the scan line (X-direction electrode 1x) No. n
1 and frame No. f is set to 1 (step 111). Next, No. The contact information (contact position and pressure of the contact portion) on the scanning line of No. n is fetched from the RAM 3, and No. The (n-1) scanning line detection processing result is stored in the RAM.
Capture from 3 (step 112). When n = 1, No. The process of fetching the scanning line detection process result of (n-1) from the RAM 3 is omitted.

Next, No. Processing such as detecting the end points (start point position and end point position) of the contact portion on the scanning line of n, determining which block (lump) the contact portion belongs to and performing labeling, and further obtaining the center of gravity of the block Is performed (step 113). Step 1 as described above
No. 12 from RAM3. It is No. 1 that the scanning line detection processing result of (n-1) is fetched. This is because it is necessary to determine which block the contact portion on the scanning line of n belongs to.

When the detection of one block is completed, it is determined whether the block is a fingertip or a palm. If it is a fingertip, the coordinates of its center of gravity are determined. Otherwise, the coordinates and area of the center of gravity are determined. Information necessary for the processing of the CPU 6 such as is written in the RAM 3 (step 114).

Next, it is determined whether or not n ≧ N (N is the total number of scanning lines) (step 115). If n ≧ N is not satisfied, No. Since the processing of all the scanning lines of the frame of f has not been completed, n = n + 1 is set in step 116 and the process returns to step 112 to process the next scanning line. On the other hand, n ≧ N
If it is No. Since the processing of all the scanning lines of the frame of f has been completed, n = 1 and f = f + in step 117.
The processing returns to step 112 as 1 and the scanning line of the next frame is processed.

Next, the processing of the CPU 6 will be described in detail with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

First, the three modes appearing in the flowchart will be described.

The switch input mode is a mode in which the switch input is turned on. The palm is detected, it is determined from the positional relationship between the palm and the fingertip which finger is in contact, and the finger is touched. If there is a switch input corresponding to (for example, if there are two switch inputs, the index finger and the ring finger are detected, and if there are three switch inputs, the index finger, the middle finger, or the ring finger is detected). .. Once in the switch input mode, this mode continues regardless of whether the palm is in contact with the tablet 1 or not, unless the fingertip is released from the tablet 1.

The switch input continuation mode and the coordinate movement continuation mode described below are modes provided for the purpose of improving usability.

First, in the switch input continuation mode, in the switch input mode, when it is determined that the fingertip has moved to the edge of the tablet and then separated from the tablet, the corresponding switch is turned on even after the fingertip is separated from the tablet. Mode.

The coordinate movement continuation mode is a mode in which when it is attempted to move the coordinates continuously in the same direction, it is possible to move the fingertip without moving the fingertip. When it is determined that the fingertip is continuously moved at a speed (Vth) or more in a certain direction and then the fingertip is kept in contact with the same position for a certain time (Tth) or more without releasing the tablet, the detected fingertip is at the same position. Despite that, coordinate movement input is performed in the direction and speed at which the fingertip was moved before the stop. Once the coordinate movement continuation mode is entered, this mode is continued until it is determined that the fingertip has left the tablet 1 or the fingertip has moved.

First, the frame No. f is set to 1 (step 121).

Next, in No. The detection processing result of the CPU 5 of the frame of f is fetched from the RAM 3 (step 1
22), No. RAM for detection processing results of f-1 and frames before f-1 (block center of gravity, area, mode, etc.)
Capture from 3 (step 123).

Further, No. which is the current frame. Based on the block detection result of the CPU 5 in the frame of f, it is determined whether or not the fingertip is in contact with the tablet 1 (step 12).
4).

If it is determined in step 124 that the fingertip is in contact with the tablet, coordinate movement detection processing (step 125) and switch input detection processing (step 1).
26) is performed.

FIG. 21 shows a flow chart of coordinate movement detection processing, and FIG. 22 shows a flow chart of switch input detection processing.

In the coordinate movement detecting process shown in the flowchart of FIG. 21, first, the detected position of the fingertip is compared with the previous frame to determine whether or not the coordinate has been moved (step 131). When it is determined that the coordinate movement has occurred, it is determined whether or not the coordinate movement continuation mode is set (step 132). If it is not in the coordinate movement continuation mode, the process proceeds to step 134. On the other hand, if it is the coordinate movement continuation mode, the mode is cleared (step 133) and step 134
Proceed to. Then, in step 134, the coordinate movement amount is calculated and the coordinate movement vector is transferred to the interface circuit 8.

If there is no coordinate movement in step 131, it is determined whether the mode is the coordinate movement continuation mode (step 135). In the coordinate movement continuation mode, the same coordinate movement vector as before the stop is transferred to the interface circuit 8 (step 139). If it is determined in step 135 that the coordinate movement continuation mode is not set, it is determined whether or not the condition for the coordinate movement continuation mode is satisfied (step 13).
6, 137). When the condition is satisfied, the coordinate movement continuation mode is set (step 138), and the same coordinate movement vector as before the stop is transferred to the interface circuit 8 (step 139).

In the switch input detection processing shown in the flowchart of FIG. 22, it is first judged whether or not the switch input continuation mode is set (step 141). If the switch input continuation mode is set, the switch input mode is returned to (step 14
2) Transfer the corresponding switch-on signal to the interface circuit 8 (step 147). Step 141
If it is not in the switch input continuation mode, it is judged whether or not it is in the switch input mode (step 143). In the switch input mode, the corresponding switch-on signal is transferred to the interface circuit 8 (step 14).
7).

If it is not in the switch input mode in step 143, it is judged which finger is based on the positional relationship between the palm position and the fingertip (step 144), and it is judged whether the finger corresponding to the switch input can be detected (step 145). When the finger corresponding to the switch input is detected, the switch input mode is set (step 146), and the corresponding switch-on signal is transferred to the interface circuit 8 (step 147).

Returning to the flowchart of FIG. 20, if it is determined in step 124 that the fingertip is not in contact with the tablet, switch input continuation mode processing is performed (step 127). This switch input continuation mode process is similar to that described above (see the flowchart of FIG. 18 and its description).

After the above processing is performed on the frame f, the frame number is incremented by 1 and the frame No. F + 1
(Step 128), the CPU for the next frame
Similar processing is performed when the processing of 5 is completed.

As described above, in this example, the tablet 1
By moving the fingertip on the top or moving the fingertip and the palm away from each other, coordinate movement input and switch input can be supplied to the computer main body or the keyboard individually or in parallel from the interface circuit 8. It can have similar functions.

According to the present example, only the operation of moving the fingertip on the tablet 1 or bringing the fingertip and the palm into and out of contact with each other can be performed easily by an unskilled person.

Also, unlike the contact type mouse, it does not have the drawback of slowing the movement due to dirt on the ball, and it requires a dedicated board like the optical mouse and has a flat space for placing the board. There is also no drawback that requires.

Further, the switch input continuation mode and the coordinate movement continuation mode are prepared, and the operability is superior to that of the mouse.

Further, by changing the software, it is possible to easily change the finger used for switch input according to the preference of the user or change the coordinate movement input amount corresponding to the movement amount of the fingertip. Can be done.

In the above description, the number of fingertips to be detected is one, but the same algorithm can be used for processing even when a plurality of fingertips are in contact with the tablet.

In the above embodiment, the CPU 5,
Although the processing is performed by 6,
The functions of the CPUs 5 and 6 may be shared so that a plurality of processors can perform the processing. On the contrary, the functions of the CPUs 5 and 6 may be integrated so that the processing is performed by one processor.

[0150]

According to the first aspect of the present invention, the coordinate movement input accompanying the movement of the finger can be obtained from the data processing means only by bringing the hand into contact with the tablet and moving the finger. Even an inexperienced person can give an instruction for coordinate movement by a simple operation. In addition, it does not have the disadvantage that the movement becomes dull due to dirt on the ball like a contact mouse, it requires a dedicated board like an optical mouse and a flat space for placing that board. There is no fault to do.

According to the invention described in claims 2 to 4, by simply moving the fingertip on the tablet or bringing it into and out of contact with the tablet,
From the data processing means, coordinate movement input and switch input accompanying the movement of the finger can be obtained individually or in parallel, and even an unskilled person can perform coordinate movement and switch on / off instructions by a simple operation. You can In addition, it does not have the disadvantage that the movement becomes dull due to dirt on the ball like a contact mouse, it requires a dedicated board like an optical mouse and a flat space for placing that board. There is no fault to do.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of an embodiment.

FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an appearance of a tablet.

FIG. 3 is a diagram for explaining an electrode arrangement of a tablet.

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a state in which a hand is brought into contact with the tablet.

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a contact example of a tablet.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing the processing of the CPU 5.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing the processing of the CPU 6.

FIG. 8 is a diagram showing a block of a contact portion of each scanning line when a fingertip is in contact with the tablet.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing the processing of the CPU 6.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing the processing of the CPU 6 (state transition of input mode).

FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an appearance of a tablet.

FIG. 12 is a diagram showing a state in which a hand is brought into contact with the tablet.

FIG. 13 is a connection diagram for explaining a principle of detecting contact information on a tablet.

FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing the processing of the CPU 5.

FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing the processing of the CPU 6.

FIG. 16 is a flowchart showing coordinate movement detection processing.

FIG. 17 is a flowchart showing a switch input detection process.

FIG. 18 is a flowchart showing a switch input continuation mode process.

FIG. 19 is a flowchart showing the processing of the CPU 5.

FIG. 20 is a flowchart showing the processing of the CPU 6.

FIG. 21 is a flowchart showing coordinate movement detection processing.

FIG. 22 is a flowchart showing a switch input detection process.

[Explanation of symbols]

 1 tablet 2 scanning circuit 3 RAM 5,6 CPU 7 ROM 8 interface circuit

Claims (4)

[Claims] 1. A tablet, a memory for storing coordinate data indicating a contact state of an operating body on the tablet for each frame, and a coordinate data for the current frame and one frame before stored in the memory, An input device comprising: data processing means for obtaining movement vector information of the operating body. 2. A tablet, a memory for storing coordinate data indicating a contact state of a palm and a finger on the tablet for each frame, and a current frame and coordinate data for one frame before stored in the memory, An input device, comprising: data processing means for obtaining movement vector information corresponding to movement of a finger in continuous contact, and for obtaining switch information corresponding to contact / separation of each finger. 3. A pressure-sensitive tablet, a memory that stores, for each frame, data indicating a contact state of a fingertip on the tablet and pressure of a contact portion, and a current frame and a previous frame stored in the memory. An input device comprising: contact data is used to obtain movement vector information corresponding to movement of a fingertip in continuous contact, and data processing means to obtain corresponding switch information from pressure at a contact portion of the fingertip. 4. A pressure-sensitive tablet, a memory that stores, for each frame, data indicating a contact state between a palm and a fingertip on the tablet, and contact data for a current frame and a previous frame stored in the memory. Used to obtain movement vector information corresponding to the movement of the fingertip that is in continuous contact, determine which finger is in contact based on the positional relationship between the palm and fingertip, and enable switch input corresponding to that finger And an input device comprising a data processing means.