JP4592085B2 - Information processing apparatus, control method therefor, and program - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention calculates the coordinates of the indicated position on the coordinate input area based on the change in the light amount distribution obtained from at least two sensor means that receive the incoming light provided at the corner of the coordinate input area. The present invention relates to an information processing apparatus, a control method thereof, and a program.

  A coordinate input device used to control a connected computer or to write characters, figures, etc. by inputting coordinates on a coordinate input surface by pointing with a pointing tool (for example, a dedicated input pen, finger, etc.) Exists.

  Conventionally, as this type of coordinate input device, various types of touch panels have been proposed or commercialized, and it is easy to operate terminals such as personal computers on the screen without using special equipment. Since it can be used, it is widely used.

  There are various coordinate input methods such as those using a resistive film and those using ultrasonic waves. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a method using light. In Patent Document 1, a retroreflective sheet is provided outside the coordinate input effective area, and the coordinate input is performed by the illumination unit that illuminates the light disposed at the corner end of the coordinate input effective area and the light receiving unit that receives the light. A configuration is disclosed in which an angle between a light shielding unit and a light shielding unit that shields light such as a finger within an effective region is detected, and an indication position of the light shielding object is determined based on the detection result.

  In addition, as disclosed in Patent Documents 2 and 3 and the like, a coordinate input device is disclosed in which a retroreflective member is configured around the coordinate input effective area and detects the coordinates of a portion (light-shielded portion) where the retroreflected light is blocked. Yes.

  In these apparatuses, for example, in Patent Document 2, the angle of the light-shielding part relative to the light-receiving part is detected by detecting the peak of the light-shielding part by the shielding object received by the light-receiving part by waveform processing calculation such as differentiation, and the detection The coordinates of the shielding object are calculated from the result. Patent Document 3 discloses a configuration in which one end and the other end of a light shielding part are detected by comparison with a specific level pattern, and the center of those coordinates is detected.

  Here, a method of detecting coordinates and calculating coordinates as in Patent Documents 1 to 3 is hereinafter referred to as a light shielding method.

  In addition, in such a light-shielding type coordinate input device, particularly when the size of the coordinate input effective area is large, a plurality of operators can be simultaneously input to improve convenience. There is a need for more efficient applications such as meetings. Therefore, a coordinate input device corresponding to a plurality of simultaneous inputs has been devised.

  In Patent Documents 4 to 6, in order to input a plurality of coordinates simultaneously, the angles of a plurality of light shielding portions are detected by one light receiving sensor, and several input coordinate candidates are calculated from combinations of the angles of the respective sensors. Furthermore, a technique for discriminating the actually input coordinates from the input coordinate candidates is disclosed.

  For example, in the case of two-point input, the coordinates of a maximum of four points are calculated as input coordinate candidates, and two of the four points actually input are determined and output. That is, in this determination, actual input coordinates and false input coordinates are selected from a plurality of input coordinate candidates, and the final input coordinates are determined. This determination is referred to herein as a true / false determination.

  As a concrete method of this truth determination, Patent Document 5 and Patent Document 6 are sufficient to accurately calculate the coordinates indicated in the coordinate input effective area at both ends of one side of the conventional coordinate input effective area. In addition to the first and second sensors installed at a distance, the first and second sensors are also separated by a distance sufficient to accurately calculate the coordinates indicated in the input area from the first and second sensors. A third sensor is provided at a position between the second sensors. And the technique which performs this truth determination with respect to several angle information detected by the 1st and 2nd sensor based on the angle information different from the angle information of the 1st and 2nd sensor in this 3rd sensor is disclosed. Has been.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,507,557 JP 2000-105671 A JP 2001-142642 A JP 2002-055570 A JP 2003-303046 A Patent registration No. 2896183

  However, the angle is detected from the center of the light quantity distribution defined by the peak of the light quantity distribution of the light shielding part or both ends of the light quantity distribution related to the light shielding shadow, as in the conventional light shielding method, and the angle detected from each light receiving unit. In the technique of calculating the designated coordinates from the combination, when a plurality of coordinates are input simultaneously at a plurality of at least two locations, the input points at the two locations may overlap on a substantially straight line (light shielding shadows overlap) from the light receiving unit.

  Therefore, when the light-shielding shadows for the two input points overlap at the light receiving unit, the respective light-shielding shadows are separated, and the angle of each input point cannot be detected, making input impossible.

  A specific example will be described with reference to FIG.

  For example, when the pointing tool A and the pointing tool B are used to indicate the position of the coordinate input effective area as shown in FIG. 23, respectively, they correspond to the pointing tool A and the pointing tool B at the position of the light receiving unit S2 in the drawing. The light quantity distributions are as shown in A and B of FIG. 28B, respectively, and the light shielding shadows corresponding to the two light shielding positions of the indicator A and the indicator B are detected separately.

  Note that the light quantity distribution when no instruction is input as reference data is as shown in FIG. In FIG. 28A, the valley of the light amount distribution at the position C is the shape of the retroreflective member provided around the coordinate input effective area (depending on the aspect ratio of the coordinate input effective area), and the retroreflection of the retroreflective member. This is a light amount distribution that is output depending on factors such as reflectance, incident angle characteristics, angle dependency of the light projecting unit, and the distance from the light projecting unit to the retroreflective member.

  On the other hand, the light quantity distribution corresponding to the pointing tool A and the pointing tool B in the case of the light receiving unit S1 shown in FIG. 23 is as shown in FIG. 28 (c), and corresponds to the positions of two points of the pointing tool A and the pointing tool B. The shaded shadows detected are overlapped and detected. That is, as is apparent from the light beam connecting the positions of the light receiving unit S1 and the indicators A and B, when the light-shielding shadow partially overlaps (so-called partial eating state), each indicator Only the edge information of one light shielding range of (or a finger) can be obtained. For this reason, it is impossible to calculate the coordinates of the pointing tool A and the pointing tool B by the conventional method of calculating the position (angle) from the center or the pixel number of the center from the information on both ends of the light shielding range.

  In addition, when the shadow of one indicator completely includes the shadow of the other indicator (so-called total eating state), the center position (angle) of one indicator from the information at both ends of the light shielding range ) Can be calculated, but no information about the other pointing device can be obtained.

  Therefore, in the preceding example, the number of shading shadows generated by simultaneous input of a plurality of pointing tools is detected in advance. For example, when the number detected by the light receiving unit is “2” in the second light receiving unit and “1” in the first light receiving unit, the light shielding shadow corresponding to the pointing tool in the first light receiving unit. Are overlapped in the light amount distribution detected by the light receiving unit.

  And in such a case, in patent document 6, it is set as the structure which issues the warning which shows that the occurrence of such a state, alerts a user, and avoids the state. In Patent Documents 4 and 5, the first light-receiving unit is switched to another third light-receiving unit that can detect two separated light-shielding shadows that do not overlap, and the light-receiving unit that can detect the two light-shielding shadows (in this case) The first light receiving unit and the third light receiving unit) detect the angle. Then, it is necessary to perform the above-described true / false determination on the input coordinate candidates obtained from each light receiving unit and determine the final two actual input coordinates.

  In this case, since the true / false determination can be sufficiently performed by the angle information of the light receiving unit that detects the light shielding overlap, in Patent Documents 5 and 6, the angle information of the light receiving unit that detects the light shielding overlap is used. In this case, when the relationship between the light-shielding overlap in the first light-receiving unit and the third light-receiving unit is arranged, in the two light-receiving units in the light-receiving unit switching relationship, in at least one of the light-receiving units in the coordinate input effective region It is understood that it is necessary on the premise that two shaded shadows can be separated and detected.

  In other words, in the state where the two light receiving units in this switching relationship both have a light shielding overlap, there is no point in switching in the first place, and coordinate calculation becomes impossible. This relationship is because the two light receiving portions in this switching relationship are separated from each other in at least one of the light receiving portions in the coordinate input effective region. This includes the premise that there is a need for a restriction in the arrangement relationship that the arrangement is arranged at a certain distance or more.

  In practice, the above-mentioned Patent Documents 4 to 6 do not clearly mention the limitation. However, in order for the means for selecting other light receiving parts to work effectively while avoiding the light receiving parts that detect the light shielding overlap, in fact, any one of the two light receiving parts is required at the distance between the first to third light receiving parts. Also in the set of parts, it is necessary that two light shielding shadows are separated and detected in at least one of the light receiving parts in the coordinate input effective region. For this reason, the restriction of being arranged at a predetermined distance or more away from the other light receiving part is a minimum precondition in addition to securing the distance between the light receiving parts for calculating the coordinates with sufficient accuracy.

  Strictly speaking, in all coordinate input effective areas, the condition for separating and detecting two shading shadows by at least one of the two light receiving sections of the first to third light receiving sections is selected. There is a possible distance between the light receiving parts. In addition to this, the distance between the light receiving unit and the coordinate input effective area, the dimension of the coordinate input effective area, the distance between two input points, and the like must also be satisfied.

  This will be further described with reference to FIGS.

  Now, as shown in FIG. 23 described above, when the pointing tool A and the pointing tool B are used to indicate two positions in the coordinate input effective area, the light receiving unit S1 detects a light-blocking overlap in the partial eclipse state. Here, as shown in FIG. 28 (c), the light-shielding distribution corresponding to the pointing tool is not separated into two points, so that the positions of the two points cannot be calculated.

  Therefore, as shown in FIG. 24, it is assumed that a light receiving unit S3-1 and a light receiving unit S3-2 that can detect the light shielding state of the pointing tool A and the pointing tool B from different directions instead of the light receiving unit S1 are arranged. To do. In the light receiving unit S3-1, as shown in FIG. 25, the pointing tool A and the pointing tool B are detected as separated shading shadows. This is because the light receiving part S3-1 is arranged at a distance D2 sufficiently away from the light receiving part S1.

  On the other hand, the light distribution of the light-shielding shadow detected by the light receiving unit S3-2 disposed at a relatively short distance D3 from the light receiving unit S1 is a partial eclipse as shown in FIG. In this case, in the light receiving unit S3-2, the end portions of the light shielding range of the pointing tool A and the pointing tool B are detected only one side at a time. Therefore, even if the result and the detection result are used by switching from the light receiving unit S1 to the light receiving unit S3-2, the position cannot be detected.

  In addition, generalize.

  As shown in FIG. 27, basically, when coordinates are detected by the light receiving unit S1 and the light receiving unit S2, when the light receiving unit S1 detects a light shielding overlap, the light receiving unit S1 is used by switching the light receiving unit S1. Consider where the position of the portion S3 is the optimum condition for not detecting the light-shielding overlap. This is a basic case where the light shielding overlap is first detected when the indicator A and the indicator B are arranged on a straight line indicated by a broken line in the drawing from the light receiving unit S1.

  27, when two points of the pointing positions of the pointing tool A and pointing tool B point to positions 1 to 4 in FIG. 27, the light receiving unit S1 disposed in the vicinity of the left and right ends of the coordinate input effective area. And the light receiving unit S3-1 disposed in the center of the coordinate input effective region in the middle of the light receiving unit S2 over the entire coordinate input effective region at positions 1 to 4, The shading shadow from B is separated and detected. On the other hand, for the light receiving unit S3-2 disposed at a distance D3 (D3 <D2) from the light receiving unit S3-1, in particular, the pointing tool A instructed to the coordinate input effective areas at the position 3 and the position 4. And the shading shadow with respect to the pointing tool B detects a shading overlap.

  In other words, the position of the light receiving unit that is most suitable for separating and detecting the light shielding shadows of the pointing tool A and the pointing tool B is essentially a straight line connecting the light receiving unit for detecting the light shielding overlap with the pointing tool A and the pointing tool B ( It is a position that exists vertically from the indicated position with respect to the broken line in the figure. Here, on the basis of this relationship, when considering the positions of the light receiving portions that are ensured to detect and isolate the shading shadow over the widest area in the coordinate input effective area, two light receiving elements arranged at both ends of the coordinate input effective area are considered. It is clear that this is the case where it is arranged at the approximate center of the part.

  In other words, as the arrangement position of the third light receiving part (light receiving part S3-1 or S3-2) is brought closer to one of the left and right light receiving parts (light receiving part S1 or S2) from the substantially central part of the third light receiving part, It can be seen that the frequency of occurrence of light shielding overlap increases.

  That is, in the conventional prior example, in order to avoid detection of the light-shielding overlap in the light receiving unit disposed near both ends (left and right) of one side of the coordinate input effective region, when configuring the third light receiving unit, for example, The coordinate input effective area is arranged at a position sufficiently distant from the light receiving sections (light receiving sections S1 and S2) near both ends (left and right) in the vicinity of the intermediate position of the light receiving section arranged near the both ends (left and right) of one side of the coordinate input effective area.

  Here, when detecting the light shielding overlap, the angle information of the light receiving unit is not used, and the coordinates are calculated by switching from the light receiving unit detecting the light shielding overlap to another third light receiving unit arranged at a predetermined distance. In such a case, the following inconvenience occurs.

  First, there is a problem of discontinuity in calculated coordinates due to switching of the light receiving unit. For example, the coordinate value when the position coordinates of the pointing tool are calculated using the light receiving part S1 and the light receiving part S2, and the position coordinate of the pointing tool are calculated using the light receiving part S3 and the light receiving part S2. This is a phenomenon that occurs when the coordinate values are calculated differently even though the pointing tool is pointed at the same position. The main cause of this phenomenon is that the optical characteristics (angular characteristics) of each light receiving section are different, the position mounting error of the light receiving section, or the distance between the light receiving sections used for coordinate calculation (the value of the Variation).

  In addition, when the light shielding overlap is detected, the angle information of the light receiving portion is not used, and the coordinates are changed by switching from the light receiving portion where the light shielding overlap is detected to another third light receiving portion disposed at a predetermined distance. A further problem in the calculation is a problem of deterioration in coordinate detection accuracy caused by the relationship between the light receiving unit position and the coordinate input effective area.

  For example, as shown in FIG. 29, the position 1 of the coordinate input effective region is obtained by combining the angle information of each of the light receiving unit 1 and the light receiving unit 2 arranged in the vicinity of the left and right ends of one side of the coordinate input effective region by a single instruction. When the coordinates are input at the position 2, a certain error related to the angle of each light receiving unit does not remarkably increase, and the degree of influence on the calculated coordinates is small.

  Further, even in the case of a plurality of simultaneous inputs, when a light shielding overlap is detected in the light receiving portion S1 that is far from the indicated position as shown in FIG. 23, the light receiving portion S1 that detects the light shielding overlap is It switches to light-receiving part S3-1 like FIG. As a result, as in the case of FIG. 29, the problem of deterioration in coordinate detection accuracy caused by the relationship between the light receiving portion position and the coordinate input effective area does not occur.

  However, as shown in FIG. 30, in the light receiving unit S2 that is close to the indicated position, when light shielding overlap is detected, switching from the light receiving unit S2 to the light receiving unit S3 is performed as shown in FIG. Do. In this case, in particular, regarding the instruction at the position of the pointing tool A, the angle formed by the light receiving part S1, the pointing tool A, and the light receiving part S3 indicated by a thick line passing through the center of the pointing position becomes extremely small, and geometrically obvious. However, the influence of the error becomes large, and the possibility that the coordinate calculation accuracy is significantly deteriorated increases.

  Furthermore, depending on the structure and specifications of the display unit that is integrated with the coordinate input device, light reception for switching when light shielding overlaps with the central portion of the light receiving unit on both the left and right sides of the conventional coordinate input effective area above and below It may be difficult to secure a space for arranging the parts.

  In addition, the light receiving portion provided in the central portion must have a wider detection range than the light receiving portion provided in the corner portion, and in order to ensure a viewing angle close to 180 ° optically with a single light receiving portion, It is necessary to lengthen the substantial optical path length with the coordinate input effective region by a mirror configuration or the like, or to divide the visual field range into a plurality of light receiving portions. In the case of this mirror configuration, in any case of a plurality of light receiving units, there is a problem that an installation space around the display is further required, and a so-called frame is enlarged.

  Of course, an increase in the cost due to the increase in the number of light receiving parts is inevitable, and in order to ensure highly accurate coordinate calculation performance, the position of the light receiving part must be accurately grasped, and the inspection process during manufacturing An increase in the area cannot be avoided.

  The present invention has been made to solve the above-described problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide a coordinate input device, a control method thereof, and a program capable of accurately detecting an instruction input by a plurality of pointing tools.

In order to achieve the above object, an information processing apparatus according to the present invention comprises the following arrangement. That is,
An information processing apparatus for calculating the coordinates of an indicated position on the coordinate input area based on a change in light amount distribution obtained from at least two sensor means for receiving incoming light, provided at a corner of the coordinate input area. There,
Setting means for setting a work area in the coordinate input area;
When a second work area is newly set in a state where the first work area is set by the setting means, the position information of the sensor means with respect to the coordinate input area, the size of the coordinate input area Control means for controlling the setting of the second work area based on the area information of the first work area;
Calculating means for calculating the coordinates of the designated position based on the first and second work areas.

  Preferably, the display unit arranged so as to overlap the coordinate input area further includes display control means for controlling display of the area set by the setting means as a display window.

  Preferably, the apparatus further includes an assigning unit that assigns a pointer indicating the indicated position displayed on the display unit to a display window displayed by the display control unit.

Preferably, the image processing apparatus further includes a cutting unit that cuts out a specific area in the display area of the display unit based on the position of the pointer.
The display control means controls display of the contents of the specific area cut out by the cutting means in the display window.

Preferably, the display control means includes
Changing means for changing at least one of the size and position of the specific area displayed in the display window;
Coordinate conversion means for converting position coordinates in the specific area to be displayed in the display window based on the change contents of the change means.

  Preferably, the cutout means cuts out a specific area in the display area of the display unit based on the position of the pointer and the size of the display window to which the pointer is assigned by the assignment means.

In order to achieve the above object, a method for controlling an information processing apparatus according to the present invention comprises the following arrangement. That is,
An information processing apparatus that calculates coordinates of an indicated position on the coordinate input area based on a change in light amount distribution obtained from at least two sensor units that receive incoming light provided at a corner of the coordinate input area. A control method,
A setting step of setting a work area in the coordinate input area;
When a second work area is newly set in a state where the first work area is set by the setting step, the position information of the sensor unit with respect to the coordinate input area, the size of the coordinate input area A control step for controlling the setting of the second work area based on the area information of the first work area;
A calculation step of calculating coordinates of the designated position based on the first and second work areas.

In order to achieve the above object, a program according to the present invention comprises the following arrangement. That is,
An information processing apparatus that calculates the coordinates of the indicated position on the coordinate input area based on a change in light amount distribution obtained from at least two sensor units that receive incoming light, provided at a corner of the coordinate input area. A program for controlling,
A program code of a setting process for setting a work area in the coordinate input area;
When a second work area is newly set in a state where the first work area is set by the setting step, the position information of the sensor unit with respect to the coordinate input area, the size of the coordinate input area , Based on the area information of the first work area, the program code of the control process for controlling the setting of the second work area,
And a program code of a calculation step for calculating the coordinates of the designated position based on the first and second work areas.

  ADVANTAGE OF THE INVENTION According to this invention, the coordinate input device which can detect the instruction | indication input by a some indicating tool accurately, its control method, and a program can be provided.

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

<Overview of device configuration>
First, the overall configuration of the coordinate input device will be described with reference to FIG.

  FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of a light shielding type coordinate input apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.

  In FIG. 1, 1L and 1R are sensor units each having a light projecting unit and a detecting unit (light receiving unit). In the case of this embodiment, the coordinate input effective area 3 is the X axis of the coordinate input effective area 3 as shown in the figure. They are arranged in parallel and at a position that is symmetric with respect to the Y axis and separated by a predetermined distance. The sensor units 1L and 1R are connected to the control / arithmetic unit 2, receive a control signal from the control / arithmetic unit 2, and transmit the detected signal to the control / arithmetic unit 2.

  Reference numeral 4 denotes a retroreflective portion having a retroreflective surface that reflects incident light in the direction of arrival, and is disposed on the outer three sides of the coordinate input effective area 3 as shown in the drawing, and within a range of approximately 90 ° from the left and right sensor units 1L and 1R. Is retroreflected toward the sensor units 1L and 1R.

  Incidentally, the retroreflective member 4 has a three-dimensional structure as viewed microscopically. At present, the retroreflective member 4 is regularly arranged by regularly arranging bead-type retroreflective tape or corner cubes by machining or the like. Retroreflective tape to wake up is known.

  Reference numeral 8 denotes a light transmitting member that can transmit only light of a specific wavelength. The light transmitting member 8 prevents unnecessary light from being transmitted and prevents the retroreflective member 4 from being directly exposed to the exterior. Parts. With this configuration, when used as a product, the “dust” and “dust” accumulated on the light transmitting member 8 can be easily obtained by the user “wiping” the light transmitting member 8. Can be removed. Therefore, it becomes easy to maintain the optical characteristics of the retroreflective member 4 semipermanently, and a highly reliable device can be realized.

  The light retroreflected by the retroreflective member 4 is detected one-dimensionally by the sensor units 1L and 1R, and the light quantity distribution is transmitted to the control / arithmetic unit 2.

  The coordinate input effective area 3 is configured as a display screen of a display device 10 (connected to an external terminal as a coordinate output destination) such as a PDP, a rear projector, and an LCD panel, and can be used as an interactive input device. ing.

  In such a configuration, when an input instruction is made to the coordinate input effective area 3 by a finger or the pointing tool 5, light projected from the light projecting portions of the sensor units 1L and 1R is blocked (light-shielding portion), and the sensor unit Since the 1L and 1R detectors cannot detect light from the light-shielding part (reflected light by retroreflection), it is possible to determine from which direction the light could not be detected.

  Therefore, the control / arithmetic unit 2 detects the light-shielding range of the portion instructed to be input by the pointing tool 5 from the light amount change detected by the left and right sensor units 1L and 1R. And the direction (indicator angle) of the light shielding position with respect to each of the sensor units 1L and 1R is calculated from the information on the light shielding range.

  Then, the light shielding position of the pointing tool on the coordinate input effective area 3 is geometrically calculated from the calculated direction (angle), distance information between the sensor units 1L and 1R, and the like. The coordinate value corresponding to the calculated light shielding position is output to the display control unit 11 connected to the display device, or output to an external terminal such as a host computer via the interface 7 (for example, USB, IEEE 1394, etc.). To do.

  The display control unit 11 operates to perform a predetermined operation (information processing) based on the obtained coordinate values and display the result. Furthermore, control for displaying an image when a work area is set as described later and control for converting detected coordinate values are performed. An external computer is configured to perform this control. Also good.

  In this way, the pointing tool 5 enables the operation of the external terminal such as drawing a line on the screen or operating an icon displayed on the display device.

<Detailed explanation of sensor unit>
First, the structure of the light projection part in sensor unit 1L and 1R is demonstrated using FIG.

  FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of a light projecting unit of the sensor unit according to the embodiment of the present invention.

  FIG. 2A shows a case where the light projecting unit 30 is viewed from above (perpendicular to the input surface of the coordinate input effective area 3). Reference numeral 31 denotes an infrared LED that emits infrared light for coordinate detection. The light emitted from the infrared LED 31 is projected in a range of approximately 90 ° by a light projection lens 32.

  FIG. 2B shows a case where the light projecting unit 30 is viewed from the side (horizontal with respect to the input surface of the coordinate input effective area 3). In this direction, the light from the infrared LED 31 is projected as a light beam restricted in the vertical direction, and the light is mainly projected to the retroreflective member 4.

  Next, the structure of the detection part of sensor unit 1L and 1R is demonstrated using FIG.

  FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of the detection unit and the sensor unit of the sensor unit according to the embodiment of the present invention.

  3A shows a case where the detection units 40 of the sensor units 1L and 1R are viewed from a direction perpendicular to the input surface of the coordinate input effective area 3. FIG. 3B, the light projecting unit 30 in FIG. 2B and the detection unit 40 in FIG. 3A are overlapped with each other when viewed from the horizontal direction with respect to the input surface. ) Is shown.

  A broken line portion 203 in FIG. 3A indicates the arrangement of the light projecting units shown in FIG. In the case of this embodiment, the light projecting unit 30 and the detection unit 40 are arranged so as to overlap each other. Further, the distance L between the optical axes is sufficiently smaller than the distance from the light projecting unit 30 to the retroreflective member 4. Thereby, even if it has the distance L, it becomes the structure which can detect sufficient retroreflection light with the detection part 40. FIG.

  The detection unit 40 includes a one-dimensional line CCD 41 composed of a plurality of light receiving elements (pixels), condensing lenses 42 and 43 as a condensing optical system, a diaphragm 44 for limiting the incident direction of incident light, and extra light such as visible light. It comprises an infrared filter 45 that prevents light from entering.

  The light from the light projecting unit 30 is reflected by the retroreflecting member 4, passes through the infrared filter 45 and the diaphragm 44, and the light in the range of approximately 90 ° on the input surface is collected by the condenser lenses 42 and 43 from the line CCD 41. An image is formed on the pixel depending on the incident angle on the detection surface. Thereby, the light quantity distribution for each angle of the incident angle is obtained. That is, the pixel number of each pixel constituting the line CCD 41 represents angle information.

<Description of control / arithmetic unit>
Between the control / arithmetic unit 2 and the sensor units 1L and 1R, the CCD control signal for the line CCD 41 in the detection unit 40, the clock signal and output signal for the CCD, and the drive signal for the infrared LED 31 of the light projecting unit 30 are mainly used. Are being exchanged.

  Here, a detailed configuration of the control / arithmetic unit 2 will be described with reference to FIG.

  FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing a detailed configuration of the control / arithmetic unit of the embodiment of the present invention.

  The CCD control signal is output from an arithmetic control circuit (CPU) 83 constituted by a one-chip microcomputer or the like, and shutter timing of the line CCD 41, data output control, and the like are performed.

  The arithmetic control circuit 83 operates in accordance with the clock signal from the main clock generation circuit 86. The clock signal for the CCD is transmitted from the clock generation circuit (CLK) 87 to the sensor units 1L and 1R, and arithmetic control is performed in order to perform various controls in synchronization with the line CCD 41 in each sensor unit. It is also input to the circuit 83.

  The LED drive signal for driving the infrared LED 31 of the light projecting unit 30 is sent from the arithmetic control circuit 83 to the infrared LED 31 of the light projecting unit 30 of the corresponding sensor units 1L and 1R via the LED drive circuits 84L and 84R. Have been supplied.

  Detection signals from the line CCD 41 of the detection unit 40 of each of the sensor units 1L and 1R are input to the corresponding A / D converters 81L and 81R of the control / arithmetic unit 2, and converted into digital values by control from the arithmetic control circuit 2. Converted. The converted digital value is stored in the memory 82 and used for calculating the angle of the pointing tool. Then, a coordinate value is calculated from the calculated angle, and is output to an external terminal via a serial interface 88 (for example, USB, RS232C interface, etc.).

<Explanation of light intensity distribution detection>
FIG. 5 is a timing chart of control signals according to the embodiment of the present invention.

  In FIG. 5, reference numerals 91 to 93 denote CCD control signals, and the shutter release time of the line CCD 41 is determined by the interval of the SH signal 91. The ICGL signal 92 and the ICGR signal 93 are gate signals to the sensor units of the sensor units 1L and 1R, and are signals for transferring the charge of the photoelectric conversion unit of the internal line CCD 41 to the reading unit.

  Reference numerals 94 and 95 denote drive signals for the light projecting units 30 of the sensor units 1L and 1R, respectively. Here, in order to turn on the light projecting unit 30 of the sensor unit 1L (light projecting period 96L) in the first cycle of the SH signal 91, the LEDL signal 94 is supplied to the light projecting unit 30 via the LED drive circuit 84L. . Further, in order to turn on the light projecting unit 30 of the sensor unit 1R (light projecting period 96R) at the next cycle of the SH signal 91, the LEDR signal 95 is supplied to the light projecting unit 30 via the LED drive circuit 84R.

  Then, after the driving of the light projecting units 30 of both the sensor units 1L and 1R is completed, the detection signals of both the detection units (line CCD 41) of the sensor units 1L and 1R are read.

  Here, the detection signals read from both the sensor units 1L and 1R are output from the respective sensor units as shown in FIG. 6A when there is no input to the coordinate input effective area 3 by the pointing tool. Light intensity distribution can be obtained. Of course, such a light quantity distribution is not necessarily obtained in any system, and the characteristics of the retroreflective member 4 (for example, the retroreflective characteristics depending on the incident angle of the retroreflective member 4), the characteristics of the light projecting unit 30, The light quantity distribution changes due to changes over time (such as dirt on the reflecting surface).

  In FIG. 6A, level A is the maximum light amount and level B is the minimum light amount.

  That is, in a state where there is no reflected light from the retroreflective member 4, the light quantity level obtained by the sensor units 1L and 1R is near level B, and the light quantity level transitions to level A as the reflected light quantity increases. In this way, the detection signals output from the sensor units 1L and 1R are sequentially A / D converted by the corresponding A / D converters 81L and 81R, and taken into the arithmetic control circuit 83 as digital data.

  On the other hand, when there is an input to the coordinate input effective area 3 by the pointing tool, a light amount distribution as shown in FIG. 6B is obtained as an output from the sensor units 1L and 1R.

  In part C of this light quantity distribution, the reflected light from the retroreflecting member 4 is blocked by the pointing tool, so it can be seen that the quantity of reflected light is reduced only in that part (light shielding range).

  In the first embodiment, the sensor unit 1L is based on the change in the light amount distribution in FIG. 6A when there is no input by the pointing tool and the change in the light amount distribution in FIG. 6B when there is an input by the pointing tool. And the angle of the indicator with respect to 1R is calculated.

  Specifically, the light amount distribution of FIG. 6A is stored in advance in the memory 82 as an initial state, and the detection signal sampling period of each of the sensor units 1L and 1R is as shown in FIG. 6B. Whether there is a change in the light amount distribution is detected by a difference between the light amount distribution during the sample period and the light amount distribution in the initial state (hereinafter, data obtained in the initial state is referred to as initial data). Then, when there is a change in the light amount distribution, an operation for determining the input angle with the changed portion as the input point of the pointing tool is performed.

<Description of angle calculation>
In calculating the angle of the pointing tool with respect to the sensor units 1L and 1R, first, it is necessary to detect a light shielding range by the pointing tool.

  As described above, since the light quantity distribution detected by the sensor units 1L and 1R is not constant due to factors such as changes over time, the initial light quantity distribution is stored in the memory 82 every time the system is started, for example. Is desirable.

  In other words, if initial data is set at the time of shipment from a factory or the like and the initial data is not updated sequentially, for example, if dust adheres to the retroreflective surface at a predetermined position, the retroreflective efficiency at that part is increased. descend. In this case, the coordinate input operation is performed at that position (direction seen from the sensor unit), that is, it causes a serious result of erroneous detection.

  Therefore, by storing the initial data at the time of starting the system or the like, even if the retroreflective surface becomes dirty due to dust over time and the retroreflective efficiency falls, the state can be reset as the initial state. . As a result, it is possible to obtain an excellent advantage that no malfunction occurs.

  Of course, if the signal from the retroreflective member 4 via the light transmissive member 8 cannot be received by the attached portion due to the influence of dust or the like on the light transmissive member 8 or the retroreflective member 4, the coordinates cannot be detected. A situation arises, and the garbage must be removed in some way. Further, in a state where the optical signal from the retroreflective member 8 is greatly reduced, the reliability of the signal is lowered due to the S / N ratio (for example, the coordinates are set regardless of only indicating the same point). A fluctuation phenomenon occurs, and the coordinate calculation resolution is lowered). Therefore, even in such a case, it is preferable to remove dust or the like adhering to the light transmission member 8 or the retroreflective member 4.

  Hereinafter, although the angle calculation of the pointing tool by one of the sensor units 1L and 1R (for example, the sensor unit 1L) will be described, it goes without saying that the same angle calculation is performed by the other (the sensor unit 1R).

  When the power is turned on, there is no input (there is no light-shielding portion), and first, the light quantity distribution that is the output of the detection unit 40 is A when the light projection from the light projection unit 30 in the sensor unit 1L is stopped. This value is stored in the memory 82 as Bas_data [N].

  This value is data including variations in bias of the detection unit 40 (line CCD 41), and is data near level B in FIG. Here, N is a pixel number of a pixel constituting the line CCD 41, and a pixel number corresponding to an effective input range (effective range) is used.

  Next, in a state in which light is projected from the light projecting unit 30, the light amount distribution that is the output of the detection unit 40 is A / D converted, and this value is stored in the memory 82 as Ref_data [N].

  This value is, for example, data indicated by a solid line in FIG.

  Then, using Bas_data [N] and Ref_data [N] stored in the memory 82, first, the presence / absence of input by the pointing tool and the presence / absence of the light shielding range are determined.

  Here, the pixel data of the Nth pixel within the sample period of the output of the sensor unit 1L (line CCD 41) is Norm_data [N].

  First, in order to specify the light shielding range, the presence or absence of the light shielding range is determined based on the absolute amount of change in the pixel data. This is to prevent erroneous determination due to noise or the like and to detect a certain amount of reliable change.

  Specifically, the absolute amount of change in the pixel data is calculated for each pixel of the line CCD 41 and compared with a predetermined threshold value Vtha.

Norm_data_a [N] = Norm_data [N] − Ref_data [N] (1)
Here, Norm_data_a [N] is an absolute change amount in each pixel of the line CCD 41.

  This process only calculates the absolute change amount Norm_data_a [N] of each pixel of the line CCD 41 and compares it with the threshold value Vtha. Therefore, it is possible to determine the presence or absence of input at high speed without requiring much processing time. In particular, when the number of pixels exceeding the threshold value Vtha for the first time is detected exceeding a predetermined number, it is determined that there is an input from the pointing tool.

  Next, a method for determining the input point by calculating the change ratio of the pixel data in order to detect the input by the pointing tool with higher accuracy will be described with reference to FIG.

  In FIG. 7, reference numeral 910 denotes a retroreflective surface of the retroreflective member 4. Here, it is assumed that the reflectance of the α region is lowered due to dirt or the like. In the pixel data distribution (light quantity distribution) of Ref_data [N] at this time, as shown in FIG. In this state, as shown in FIG. 7, if the indicator 5 is inserted and substantially covers the upper half of the retroreflective surface 910, the amount of reflected light is substantially halved, which is indicated by the thick line in FIG. 8B. The distribution Norm_data [N] will be observed.

  When the expression (1) is applied to this state, the pixel data distribution is as shown in FIG. Here, the vertical axis represents the differential voltage from the initial state.

  If the threshold value Vtha is applied to this pixel data, the original input range may be deviated (broken line area in FIG. 9A). Of course, if the value of the threshold value Vtha is lowered, detection is possible to some extent, but the possibility of being affected by noise or the like increases, and the coordinate calculation performance may be degraded.

  Therefore, if the amount of light blocked by the indicator 5 is calculated by calculating the ratio of change in pixel data, the amount of reflected light is the first half in both the α region and the β region (corresponding to the level V1 in the α region and the level V2 in the β region Therefore, the ratio can be calculated by the following equation.

Norm_data_r [N] = Norm_data_a [N] / (Bas_data [N]-Ref_data [N]) (2)
If this calculation result is shown, since the change of pixel data is represented by a ratio as shown in FIG. 9B, even if the reflectance of the retroreflective member 4 is different, it can be handled equally, and high accuracy Detection becomes possible.

  A threshold value Vthr is applied to this pixel data to obtain pixel numbers corresponding to rising and falling portions of the pixel data distribution corresponding to the light shielding range. And the center of both of these is made into the pixel corresponding to the input by an indicator, and the more accurate input position of an indicator can be determined.

  Note that FIG. 9B is schematically drawn for explanation, and does not actually rise like this, but shows a different data level for each pixel. The details are shown in FIG.

  Hereinafter, details of the detection result when Expression (2) is applied to the pixel data will be described with reference to FIG.

  FIG. 10 is a diagram showing details of the detection result of the embodiment of the present invention.

In FIG. 10, it is assumed that the rising portion of the pixel data distribution crossing the threshold value Vthr is the Nrth pixel and the falling portion is the Nfth pixel with respect to the threshold value Vthr for detecting the light shielding range by the pointing tool. In this case, the center pixel Np of both pixels is
Np = Nr + (Nf-Nr) / 2 (3)
It is possible to calculate. However, in this calculation, the pixel interval of the line CCD 41 becomes the resolution of the output pixel number.

  Therefore, in order to detect more finely, a virtual pixel number crossing the threshold value Vthr is calculated using the data level of each pixel and the data level of the immediately preceding adjacent pixel.

Here, the data level of the Nrth pixel is Lr, and the data level of the Nr-1th pixel is Lr-1. The data level of the Nf-th pixel is Lf, and the data level of the Nf-1th pixel is Lf-1. In this case, the respective virtual pixel numbers Nrv and Nfv are
Nrv = Nr-1 + (Vthr-Lr-1) / (Lr-Lr-1) (4)
Nfv = Nf-1 + (Vthr-Lf-1) / (Lf-Lf-1) (5)
Can be calculated.

And the virtual center pixel Npv of these virtual pixel numbers Nrv and Nfv is
Npv = Nrv + (Nfv-Nrv) / 2 (6)
Determined by

  Thus, detection with higher resolution can be performed by calculating a virtual virtual pixel number that crosses the threshold Vthr from the pixel number of the pixel of the data level exceeding the threshold Vthr and the adjacent pixel number and the data level. Can be realized.

<Conversion from pixel number to angle information>
Next, in order to calculate the actual coordinate value of the pointing tool from the center pixel number indicating the center point of the light shielding range, it is necessary to convert this center pixel number into angle information (θ).

  Here, the relationship between the pixel number and θ will be described with reference to FIG.

  FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating the relationship of the θ value with respect to the pixel number according to the embodiment of the present invention.

Based on this FIG. 11, if an approximate expression for obtaining θ from the pixel number is defined,
θ = f (N) (7)
Thus, it is possible to convert the pixel number to θ using the approximate expression (conversion expression).

  In the present embodiment, the lens group of the detection unit 40 in the sensor unit 1L (1R) described above is configured so that it can be approximated using a first-order approximation formula. It may be possible to obtain angle information with higher accuracy by using the following approximate expression.

  Here, what lens group is adopted is closely related to the manufacturing cost. In particular, when correcting optical distortion generally generated by lowering the manufacturing cost of the lens group using a higher-order approximate expression, a certain amount of calculation capability (calculation speed) is required. Therefore, both may be set as appropriate in consideration of the coordinate calculation accuracy required for the target product.

<Description of coordinate calculation method>
Next, a coordinate calculation method for calculating the position coordinates of the pointing tool from the angle data (tan θ) converted from the pixel number will be described.

  Here, the positional relationship between the coordinates defined on the coordinate input effective area 3 and the sensor units 1L and 1L will be described with reference to FIG.

  FIG. 12 is a diagram showing the positional relationship between the coordinates defined on the coordinate input effective area and the sensor units 1L and 1L according to the embodiment of the present invention.

  In FIG. 12, the X-axis is defined in the horizontal direction and the Y-axis is defined in the vertical direction of the coordinate input effective area 3, and the center of the coordinate input effective area 3 is defined as the origin position O (0, 0). The sensor units 1L and 1R are attached symmetrically with respect to the Y axis on the left and right sides of the coordinate input range of the coordinate input effective area 3, and the distance between them is Ds.

  The light receiving surfaces of the sensor units 1L and 1R are arranged such that the normal direction forms an angle of 45 degrees with the X axis, and the normal direction (reference direction) is defined as 0 degrees.

  At this time, the sign of the angle is the clockwise direction in the case of the sensor unit 1L arranged on the left side, and the counterclockwise direction in the case of the sensor unit 1R arranged on the right side. Is defined as the “+” direction.

Furthermore, Po is the intersection position in the normal direction of the sensor units 1L and 1R. Further, the distance from the origin in the Y-axis direction is defined as Poy. At this time, if the angles obtained by the sensor units 1L and 1R are θL and θR, the coordinates P (x, y) of the point P to be detected are
x = Ds / 2 * (tanθR-tanθL) / (1-(tanθR * tanθL)) (8)
y = Ds / 2 * (tanθR + tanθL + (2 * tanθR * tanθL)) /
(1-(tanθR * tanθL)) + P0y (9)
Calculated by

  The coordinate calculation process of the coordinate input device based on the above configuration will be described with reference to FIG.

  FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing coordinate calculation processing executed by the coordinate input device according to the embodiment of the present invention.

  First, when the power of the coordinate input device is turned on, various initializations relating to the coordinate input device such as port setting and timer setting of the control / arithmetic unit 11 are performed in step S202.

  In step S203, the CCD pixel effective range of the line CCD 41 is set from a set value stored in advance in the memory 82, for example.

  In step S204, the initial reading count of the initial reading operation of the line CCD 41 is set.

  This initial reading operation is an operation for removing unnecessary charges from the line CCD 41 when the coordinate input device is activated. In the line CCD 41, unnecessary charges may be accumulated when the line CCD 41 is not operated. If the coordinate input operation is executed in a state where the charges are accumulated, detection becomes impossible or erroneous detection is caused. . Therefore, in order to avoid this, in step S203, a predetermined number of reading operations are executed in a state where the light projection by the light projecting unit 30 is stopped. Thereby, unnecessary charges are removed.

  In step S205, the reading operation of the line CCD 41 is executed. In step S206, it is determined whether reading has been executed a predetermined number of times or more. If reading has not been performed a predetermined number of times or more (NO in step S206), the process returns to step S205. On the other hand, when the reading has been executed a predetermined number of times or more (YES in step S206), the process proceeds to step S207.

  In step S207, pixel data (Bas_data [N]) of the line CCD 41 in a state where the light projection by the light projecting unit 30 is stopped is captured as the first reference data. In step S208, the first reference data is stored in the memory 82.

  Next, in step S209, pixel data (Ref_data [N]) of the line CCD 41 in a state where light is emitted from the light projecting unit 30 is fetched as second reference data. In step S210, the second reference data is stored in the memory 82.

  The processing so far is the initial operation when the power is turned on. It goes without saying that this initial setting operation may be configured to operate according to the operator's intention using a reset switch or the like configured in the coordinate input device. After this initial setting operation, the state shifts to a coordinate input operation state by the normal coordinate input pen 1.

  In step S211, the normal reading operation of the line CCD 41 is executed in the coordinate input sampling state, and pixel data (Norm_data [N]) is captured.

  In step S212, a difference value between the second reference data (Ref_data [N]) and the pixel data (Norm_data [N]) is calculated. In step S213, based on the difference value and the above-described threshold value Vthr, the presence / absence of input (light-shielding portion) by the pointing tool 5 is determined. If there is no input (NO in step S213), the process returns to step S211. On the other hand, if there is an input (YES in step S213), the process proceeds to step S214.

  In step S214, the pixel data change ratio is calculated using equation (2).

  In step S215, the falling and rising of the pixel data distribution corresponding to the light shielding range by the pointing tool 5 are detected with respect to the calculated change ratio of the pixel data. And the virtual center pixel number used as the center of a light-shielding range is determined using the detected fall and rise, and (4), (6), and (7) Formula.

  In step S216, Tan θ is calculated from the determined center pixel number and the approximate polynomial. In step S217, the input coordinates P (x, y) of the pointing tool 5 are calculated from the Tan θ values for the sensor units 1L and 1R using the equations (8) and (9).

  In step S218, the calculated coordinate value is output to the external terminal. This output may be transmitted by serial communication such as a USB interface or RS232C interface, or may be transmitted by wireless communication such as a wireless LAN or Bluetooth.

  In the external terminal, the device driver that controls the coordinate input device interprets the received data, moves the cursor, and changes the mouse button state, thereby realizing the operation of the display screen.

  When the process of step S218 is completed, the process returns to step S211, and thereafter, the above process is repeated until the power is turned off or a reset state is set according to the operator's intention.

  Here, if the repetition cycle is set to about 10 [msec], the coordinate input device can output the coordinate indicated by the finger or the pointing tool 5 to an external device or the like at a cycle of 100 times / second.

  Next, in the coordinate input device of the present invention, a case where coordinate input operations by a plurality of pointing tools are performed simultaneously will be considered. As described in the section “Problems to be Solved by the Invention”, for example, if a coordinate input operation is performed by two pointing tools and the distance between the pointing tools is maintained at a predetermined value or more, the sensor unit 1L and In any one of 1R, at least two shading shadows should be detected (corresponding to the signal in FIG. 28B).

  Further, if the two pointing tools are not “partially eaten” or “totally eaten” with respect to any one of the sensor units, two shading shadows are detected by both sensor units.

  However, if the arrangement of the two pointing tools and the sensor units 1L and 1R is “partially eaten” or “totally eaten”, the position detection becomes impossible. In this case, in order to calculate the positions of the plurality of pointing tools in the entire coordinate input effective area 3, at least the third sensor units arranged at different positions are indispensable.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 14A, when the coordinate input operation is performed on the two pointing tools at the position A and the position B, the positional relationship between the sensor unit 1L and the sensor unit 1R and the pointing tools is “partial eating state”. “It ’s not a total diet”. For this reason, as shown in FIG. 14B, two light-shielding shadows α and light-shielding shadows β are observed in each sensor unit.

  Accordingly, the light shielding object can be detected in the direction (1) and the direction (2) with respect to the sensor unit 1L, and the direction (3) and the direction (4) with respect to the sensor unit 1R. However, since it cannot be determined by which pointing tool the light-shielding object in the direction (1) is generated, there are four position candidates of position A, position B, position C, and position D as position coordinate candidates for the pointing tool. Calculated.

  That is, even though the indicator is actually located at position A and position B, the sensor unit outputs the same signal waveform even if it is assumed that the indicator is located at position C and position D. End up. Actually, the shaded shadow at positions A and B where the pointing tool is located is a real image, and the shaded shadow obtained when the pointing tool is at position C and position D when there is actually no pointing tool is a virtual image. In other words, the exact position coordinates of the pointing tool cannot be calculated unless it is determined whether the shaded shadow is a real image or a shaded shadow due to a virtual image (this determination is referred to as “virtuality determination”).

  As a method for determining the truth, a third sensor unit 1C is further provided, and the direction (5) and the direction (6) are calculated from the shaded shadows generated at the position A and the position B by the pointing tool. It is possible to calculate position A, position B, position E, and position F as position candidates from the unit 1R.

  As described above, the position A and the position B are determined by comparing the four position candidates calculated by the sensor unit 1L and the sensor unit 1R with the four position candidates calculated by the sensor unit 1C and the sensor unit 1R. It becomes possible. However, in order to execute the true / false determination in such a configuration, the third sensor unit 1C becomes an essential configuration, resulting in an increase in the size of the apparatus and an increase in cost.

  Therefore, in the present invention, a configuration is realized in which two sensor units can be operated simultaneously by two pointing tools.

  In order to achieve simultaneous operation with two indicator tools with two sensor units, the position of the sensor unit and the positional relationship between the two indicator tools are prevented from becoming “partially eaten” or “totally eaten”. There is a need.

  Therefore, in the present invention, as shown in FIG. 15, an input / output integrated device in which a display device is arranged on a coordinate input device in which sensor units 1L and 1R are arranged in the coordinate input effective region 3 is assumed. By configuring in this way, for example, by inputting characters and figures with the pointing tool, the handwriting is displayed on the display device, and it is possible to provide the same operability as if drawing with a pen on paper. become.

  Furthermore, if a large display device is used, it is possible to realize the same usability as a whiteboard currently used in a normal conference room. In addition, since the handwriting data for the whiteboard is digitized, an excellent advantage that information management is easy can be obtained.

Now, it is assumed that, for example, in the lower left part of the coordinate input effective area 3, an explicit area 51 is displayed on the display device 10, and the work area of the first pointing tool by the operator is set. If a coordinate input operation is performed in the explicit area 51 with the first pointing tool, the angle direction θ _L1 of the light shielding shadow detected by the sensor unit 1L is
a ≦ θ _L1 ≦ b (10)
It becomes.

On the other hand, the angle direction θR1 of the light shielding shadow detected by the sensor unit 1R is
c ≦ θ _R1 ≦ d (11)
It becomes.

At this time, when the coordinate input is performed with the second pointing tool, the area where the first pointing tool is not in the “partially eaten state” or the “total eating state” is the shading shadow of the sensor unit 1L by the second pointing tool. As the angle direction θ _L2 and the angle direction θ _R2 of the shading shadow of the sensor unit 1R, it is within the coordinate input effective area 3, and the area I: θ _L2 ≦ a, θ _R2 ≦ c (12)
Region II: θ _L2 ≦ a, d ≦ θ _R2 (13)
Region III: b ≦ θ _L2 , θ _R2 ≦ c (14)
As long as the region satisfies the above.

  Of course, depending on the position of the explicit region, it is possible to obtain a region that can be satisfied even under other conditions, but this is a simple geometric condition setting. Therefore, the description is omitted here, and the description is continued on the assumption that the explicit area 51 is set at the lower left corner of the coordinate input effective area 3 as shown in FIG.

  Now, the second area 52 is displayed in the area satisfying the conditional expressions (12) to (14), for example, the area II, and the operation area of the first pointing tool is the first area 51 and the second instruction. The operation area of the tool is a second area 52. In this case, even if the coordinate input operation is performed simultaneously using the first indicator and the second indicator, the “partial eclipse state” and the “total eclipse state” do not occur. It is obtained by.

  Furthermore, by setting the first region 51 and the second region 52 so that the above conditions are satisfied, it becomes clear what positional relationship the region has with respect to the coordinate input effective region 3. . Thereby, the above-described truth determination can be easily performed.

  That is, the first indicator is always in the first region 51. For this reason, it is only necessary to configure the position coordinates in the area from the four position candidates detected from the sensor unit as the input position by the first pointing tool and output the coordinate value (second). The same applies to the pointing tool.)

  A large display as a display apparatus in the present situation is becoming a mainstream of a horizontally long display having an aspect ratio of 16: 9. Further, a display area having a size of 60 inches or more (approximately 1300 mm in width and approximately 750 mm in length) is starting to be commercialized.

  Here, assuming that such a display device and a coordinate input device are integrated to be used as a whiteboard and, for example, two people perform simultaneous work, the following two types of work modes are conceivable. The work form shown in FIG. 16 (a) is a work form with favorable positioning and posture (two operators can work side by side). Further, the work form shown in FIG. 16B is a work form in which the work area cannot be secured and the posture is restricted. That is, in the case of this work mode, the operation is difficult.

  Accordingly, the first area 51 and the second area 52 are arranged as shown in FIG. 15, that is, the work area, the first area 51, and the second area in the left and right portions of the coordinate input effective area 3. Setting 52 is a reasonable configuration.

  Next, the setting method of the 1st area | region 51 and the 2nd area | region 52 is demonstrated.

  FIG. 17 is a diagram for explaining the setting of the work area for the coordinate input effective area of the coordinate input device according to the embodiment of the present invention.

  In FIG. 17A, for the coordinate input effective area 3, a display area 50 of a display device (provided in an external terminal (for example, a personal computer) serving as an output destination of coordinate values) is included in the area, and a command is generated. Switch areas 53 to 56 are configured. The switch areas 53 to 56 detect which switch area is pressed based on the coordinate value obtained by designating the area. And it is comprised so that operation | movement of a coordinate input device may be controlled based on the detected switch area | region.

  Needless to say, instead of these switch areas, a separate mechanical switch may be provided to function similarly.

  Further, among the switch areas 53 to 56, the switch areas that can be operated are surrounded by a thick line, for example, in order to indicate the state. FIG. 17A shows that the switch area 53 is operable.

  In the state shown in FIG. 17A, only one cursor 57 (pointer indicating the pointing position) whose movement is controlled by the pointing tool is displayed, and information displayed in the display area 50 by this cursor 57 is displayed. Can be operated.

  If this state is described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. 18, it corresponds to the routine of steps S301 to S304. Specifically, the flag is set to 1 (flag = 1) (YES in step S302).

The flag values 1 to 5 described below are respectively
1: Single input state (single input mode)
2: Multiple input state (multiple input mode) / work area setting mode 3: First work area reset mode 4: Second work area reset mode 5: State of coordinate input mode.

  In this case, since the flag is 1, it is determined in step S303 whether or not a coordinate value is detected, that is, whether or not there is an input by the pointing tool. If there is no input (NO in step S301), the process returns to step S302. On the other hand, if there is an input (YES in step S303), the process proceeds to step S304, a coordinate calculation process (FIG. 13) is executed for the input, and the processing result is displayed, for example, a personal computer controlling the display device. Output to the external terminal. Thereby, display control based on the processing result is performed by the display device.

  Note that this state does not assume a plurality of inputs by an indicator or the like. For example, when a signal as shown in FIG. It is configured to ignore and not output coordinates.

  From this state, for example, when performing joint work by simultaneous input (multiple inputs) by two operators, first, in step S305, the flag is set by operating the switch area 53 in FIG. 2 (flag = 2) is set (YES in step S305). As a result, another cursor 58 is displayed at a predetermined position on the screen, and a transition is made to a mode for setting a first work area 51 and a second work area 52 that can be input simultaneously.

  First, in FIG. 15, the coordinates of an arbitrary position P1 (X1, Y1) and an arbitrary position P2 (X2, Y2) are input with the pointing tool as area information for setting the first work area 51 ( Step S306, Step S307). As a result, a first work area 51 composed of a rectangular area is generated so that the two input points are in the diagonal direction.

  Here, as described above, when the set first work area 51 is instructed within the second work area 52 to be set next, the “partially eaten state” and the “totally eaten state” do not occur. As described above, the setting condition of the second work area 52 is calculated from the set positions P1 and P2, the coordinate input effective area 3, and the positional relationship of the sensor units 1L and 1R (step S308).

  At this time, in order to set which of the cursor 57 that has been displayed in advance and the cursor 58 that has been newly displayed by transitioning to a state where a plurality of inputs can be performed, which one is assigned to the first work area 51, By designating one of the cursor positions, the assignment is completed (step S309).

  When the setting of the first work area 51 is completed, the display control unit 11 displays a corresponding display window at a corresponding position on the display area 50.

  Next, as area information for setting the second work area 52, the coordinates of the arbitrary position P3 (X3, Y3) and the arbitrary position P4 (X4, Y4) are input by the pointing tool (step S310, Step S311).

  If the input position P3 and position P4 satisfy the setting condition for setting the previously calculated second work area 52 (see FIG. 15), the two points become diagonal directions. A second work area 52 composed of a rectangular area is generated. Thus, the setting of the first and second work areas is completed. As shown in FIG. 19, when the designated position coordinates do not satisfy the setting conditions, the correction is performed.

  In the present embodiment, the position of the position P3 ′ satisfying the setting condition on the line segment connecting the position P3 and the position P4 is redefined as the correction position, and the setting of the second work area 52 is completed (step). S312). The correction method is not limited to this, and in FIG. 19, if the position of P4 is translated by an amount corresponding to the position P3 becoming position P3 ′ (step S313), the size of the work area intended by the operator is increased. Can be secured.

  When the setting of the second work area 52 is completed, the display control unit 11 displays a corresponding display window at a corresponding position on the display area 50.

  In step S314, a flag indicating the state is set to 5 (flag = 5). Thereafter, the process returns to step S302, and if the value of the flag is not changed (that is, none of the conditions in steps S302 to S322 is satisfied), the processes in steps S329 to S333 are repeated.

  Specifically, in step S329, the presence / absence of coordinate input is determined. If there is no coordinate input (NO in step S329), the process returns to step S302. On the other hand, if there is a coordinate input (YES in step S329), the process proceeds to step S330 to perform coordinate calculation.

  In step S331, it is determined whether the calculated coordinate value is in the first work area 51 or the second work area 52. If it is in any of the areas (YES in step S331), the process proceeds to step S332, and the coordinate value is converted by an after-mentioned method as an effective coordinate value. In step S333, the coordinate conversion result is output.

  On the other hand, when it is outside the area (NO in step S331), the output of the calculated coordinate value is stopped and a warning for notifying that the operation outside the area has been performed is output. This may be, for example, an audio output indicating that, or a message screen may be displayed and output.

  As described above, by inputting the coordinates in the first work area 51 and the second work area 52 set as described above, the occurrence of “partially eaten state” and “total eaten state” is suppressed, Judgment is also possible. As a result, it is possible to accurately calculate the coordinate values of both of the input points that are input in plural.

  Next, as shown in FIG. 17B, in a mode in which a plurality of inputs are possible, the switch areas 54 to 56 are in an operable state.

  In this state, for example, when the flag is set to 3 (flag = 3) by operating the switch area 54 (YES in step S315), the following processing is executed in the same manner as in the case of the switch area 53 described above. To do.

  First, the first work area 51 is (re-) set by the arbitrary positions P1 and P2 (steps S316 and S317). Next, setting conditions are calculated (step S318). Next, the positions P1 and P2 are corrected according to the setting conditions (steps S319 and S320). Then, a flag indicating the state is set to 5 (flag = 5) (step S321). Thereby, the size and shape of the first work area 51 once set can be changed.

  Further, for example, when the flag is set to 4 (flag = 4) by operating the switch area 55 (YES in step S322), the following processing is executed in the same manner as in the above-described switch area 53.

  First, the second work area 52 is (re-) set by the arbitrary positions P3 and P4 (steps S323 and S324). Next, setting conditions are calculated (step S325). Next, the positions P3 and P4 are corrected according to the setting conditions (steps S326 and S327). Then, a flag indicating the state is set to 5 (flag = 5) (step S328). Thereby, the size and shape of the second work area 52 once set can be changed.

  Further, for example, when the flag is set to 1 (flag = 1) by operating the switch area 56, the state changes from a state where a plurality of inputs are possible to a state where a normal single input is possible.

  Thereby, it can be configured such that the operator can select the optimum use (single input / multiple input) and operating environment according to the purpose.

  According to the above description, a configuration in which the coordinate value can be accurately calculated even when two coordinates are input simultaneously is realized with only two sensor units. However, as viewed from the operator, the work area is the entire display area 50 set substantially equal to the coordinate input effective area 3, and it is preferable that the information displayed in the entire display area 50 can be processed and processed. It is a form. From this point of view, a method of controlling the calculated coordinate value that can control the entire display screen even in a specific work area will be described.

  FIG. 17C is a detailed view of the first work area 51.

  As shown in the figure, a scroll bar 60 for scrolling the screen in the left-right direction and a scroll bar 61 for scrolling the top and bottom screens are provided adjacent to the first work area 51. . The first work area 51 is also provided with a setting control 59 for controlling the screen size (magnification (enlargement / reduction ratio)).

  Therefore, the set first work area 51 is configured so that an arbitrary place of the display area 50 displayed by the display device can be trimmed. For example, in FIG. 17B, an image obtained by cutting out a desired position is displayed in the first work area 51, and a reduced view of the entire image is displayed in the second work area 52.

  When the above-described various screen display control controls for setting screen scrolling, screen enlargement or reduction are configured, it is preferable to configure the scroll bars 60 and 61 so that they can be moved by the pointing tool.

  Therefore, in that case, in order to achieve a configuration that does not result in a “partially eaten state” or a “totally eaten state”, the region including the scroll bars 60 and 61 is the first work region 51 or the second work. The area 52 is set. Further, these screen display control controls are not limited to this, and it goes without saying that a separate control unit such as a switch may be provided.

  Next, a coordinate value processing method of the coordinate input device according to the present embodiment will be described.

  FIG. 20 is a diagram for explaining the coordinate system of the coordinate input device arranged so as to overlap the display screen of the display device according to the embodiment of the present invention.

  In FIG. 20A, if the center of the screen is the origin, the horizontal direction is the X axis, and the vertical direction is the Y axis, the coordinates of the lower right corner of the display screen are (+ X0, + Y0), and the remaining three corners. The coordinate values of the parts are set to (+ X0, -Y0), (-X0, + Y0) and (-X0, -Y0), as shown.

  In this state, when a signal for transition to the multiple input mode is generated, the routine after step S306 in FIG. 18 described above is executed. At this time, the set range of the first work area 51 is set by P1 (X1, Y1) and P2 (X2, Y2). Then, a and b corresponding to the horizontal and vertical widths that define the size of the first work area 51 are defined as follows (see FIG. 20B).

a = X1−X2 (15)
b = Y2-Y1 (16)

  If it is assumed that the cursor 58 is selected in step S309, as shown in FIG. 20C, an image having a horizontal length a and a vertical length b is extracted with the specified position of the cursor as the center. (Cut / trim).

  Strictly speaking, since the scroll bar area described above must be secured in the first work area 51, the size of the image to be cut out becomes smaller by that amount. The description will be continued without considering the area of the scroll bar.

  Next, if the position of the selected cursor is G0 (Gx0, Gy0), the region of the image to be cut out is given by the following equation.

Gx1 = Gx0 + a / 2 (17)
Gy1 = Gy0-b / 2 (18)
Gx2 = Gx0-a / 2 (19)
Gy2 = Gy0 + b / 2 (20)

  Therefore, when the assignment of the cursor 58 is completed in step S309, a trimmed (cut out) image is displayed in the first work area 51 as shown in FIG. Parameters a and b based on the position coordinates G0 (Gx0, Gy0) of the selected cursor 58 and the size of the first work area 51 are set. These values are used at the time of coordinate conversion in step S332.

  A specific operation method will be described. When the cursor 58 at the position coordinate G0 (Gx0, Gy0) is moved to the position coordinate G1 (Gx1, Gy1) to start some work, the first operation is performed. This is realized by operating the work area 51. Now, the display data trimmed in the first work area 51 and the display data in the area 64 are exactly the same. Therefore, the cursor 58 is moved to a desired position when the operator indicates the position of the point P1 in the first work area 51.

That is, the coordinate input device detects P1 (X1, Y1) as the coordinate value, but detects the position G1 (Gx1, Gy1) and outputs the coordinate value to the image control unit in the output destination external terminal. Then, the cursor 58 can be moved to a desired position by an operation in the first work area 51. Therefore, if the detected coordinate value is P (X, Y) and the output coordinate value is S (x, y), x = X + Gx1-X1
= X + (Gx0 + a / 2)-X1
= X + (Gx0 + (X1-X2) / 2) -X1
= X + Gx0-(X1 + X2) / 2 (21)
It becomes.

Similarly,
y = Y + Gy0- (Y1 + Y2) / 2 (22)
It becomes.

  In the routine from step S306 to step S309, the trimmed information displayed in the first work area 51 and the method of coordinate value conversion are described. However, the second routine from step S310 to step S313 is performed continuously. The setting of the second work area 52 and the coordinate value conversion parameters are similarly set.

  When setting the second work area 52, one of the two cursors is assigned to the first work area 51. Therefore, the cursor is automatically assigned to the second work area 52, and parameters are set using the cursor position information.

  Furthermore, the main point of the present invention is to be able to detect the position coordinates of the two pointing tools using the two sensor units 1L and 1R. Therefore, the parameter setting is executed based on the position coordinates of P3 whose position has been corrected and the position coordinates of P4 whose position has been corrected.

Consider a case where the operator scrolls, enlarges, or reduces the display data in the work area as necessary (that is, changes the size and position of the display data). First, if the operator tries to trim a region moved by ΔX in the X-axis direction from the currently trimmed display using the scroll bar according to the intention, the coordinates G1 ′ (Gx1 ′) of the trimming region 64 are used. , Gy1 ') using the original coordinates G1 (Gx1, Gy1)
Gx1 '= Gx1 + ΔX (23)
It becomes. Therefore, from equation (21), the coordinate conversion equation is as follows.

x = X + Gx0− (X1 + X2) / 2 + ΔX (24)
Similarly, when ΔY is moved in the Y-axis direction,
y = Y + Gy0− (Y1 + Y2) / 2 + ΔY (25)
It becomes.

  Also, when the trimmed image is reduced to display a wider range, or when the image is enlarged so that a finer work can be performed, the conversion formula is reset similarly. Here, assuming that the parameter is γ, for example, γ = 2, a display area that is twice as long and wide as the size of the work area is trimmed and displayed in the work area. In this case, the displayed image data is reduced by half. Further, if γ = 0.5, the display area 0.5 times larger and smaller than the size of the work area is trimmed and displayed in the work area. In this case, the displayed image data is doubled.

  The size of the display area 64 to be trimmed is γ × a and γ × b using the parameter γ with respect to the size a and b of the work area set as shown in FIG. Substituting the values into the equations (21) and (22), the following equation is obtained.

x = X + (Gx0 + γa / 2) −X1
= X + (Gx0 + .gamma. (X1-X2) / 2) -X1 (26)
y = Y + (Gx0 + γb / 2) −Y1
= Y + (Gx0 + γ (Y2-Y1) / 2) -Y2 (27)

  With the configuration described above, it is possible to trim display information at a desired position in the display area 50 displayed on the display device 10 in each work area and display it in the work area. . In addition, since the coordinate value in the work area output from the coordinate input device can correspond to which coordinate value in the display area 50 is converted, the input operation by the pointing tool in the work area can be used for the entire display area. It becomes possible to process and control information.

  Hereinafter, the parameter setting process for coordinate conversion at this time will be described with reference to FIG.

  FIG. 21 is a flowchart showing parameter setting processing for coordinate conversion according to the embodiment of the present invention.

  First, in step S402, the cursor position is read into the memory 82 at the time of cursor allocation in step S309, which is performed when the mode is shifted to the multiple input mode described above. Next, in step S403, the coordinate information of the set work area (for example, step S306, step S307) is read into the memory 82.

  In step S404, a display area to be displayed in the work area is calculated, and the image is displayed in the work area. In step S405, a parameter conversion formula for converting the detected coordinate value is set, and the process is completed. Thereafter, this parameter is used for coordinate conversion (step S332) of the input coordinate value.

  Step S406 is processing for returning to step S404 and resetting the conversion parameters when the image displayed in the work area is enlarged or reduced or the display area is moved by work using a scroll bar or the like. . That is, here, it is determined whether or not the display area has been changed.

  If there is a change in the display area (YES in step S406), the process returns to step S404. On the other hand, if there is no change in the display area (NO in step S406), the process proceeds to step S407.

  In step S407, when resetting the size of the work area itself (the process after step S316 or the process after step S323), the process returns to step S402, and the trimming positions of the work area and the display area to be reset are set. This is a process for resetting the relationship. That is, here, it is determined whether or not the work area has been changed.

  If there is a change in the work area (YES in step S407), the process returns to step S402. On the other hand, if there is no change in the work area (NO in step S407), the process returns to step S406.

  In the above description, the set work area is a rectangular area. However, the work area is not limited to this, and may be another shape such as a circle or a polygon.

  Furthermore, if it demonstrates using FIG. 22, if the setting of the 1st work area | region 51 is completed, the area | region which can avoid a "partial eclipse state" and a "total eclipse state" will perform geometric calculation. Can be sought. For example, the area I, the area II, and the area III in the figure defined by the boundary direction of the first work area 51 and the coordinate input effective area 3 are highlighted (hatched in the figure), for example. The operator may recognize an area where the second work area can be set.

  In the above explanation, after setting the first work area, when setting the second work area, the area set by the operator may be “partially eaten” or “totally eaten” If there is, the area is corrected so as not to be “partially eaten” or “totally eaten”, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the first work area may be corrected so that the area set later is prioritized and the “partially eaten state” and “totally eaten state” are not caused.

  Furthermore, in order to enable simultaneous operation by a plurality of pointing tools, a plurality of cursors serving as operation indices are displayed. Here, similarly to the state in which a normal single cursor is displayed, in the state in which a plurality of cursors are displayed, the position information of each cursor and the ID for cursor identification are managed. The assignment of the work area and the cursor is executed in the initial setting operation when transitioning to the multiple input state (step S309).

  At this time, in order to make the assignment explicit, for example, the display control unit 11 performs display control so that the frame of the work area and the color of the cursor are the same color for each assignment, and allows the operator to recognize the combination. You may comprise as follows.

  Also, in the initial setting when transitioning to a state where multiple inputs are possible, the display area display data is trimmed and displayed in the work area based on the cursor position assigned to the work area. It is not limited. For example, a trimming area may be separately created and assigned to the work area at the time of setting. In other words, any configuration that can recognize and manage the position of the trimming area in the coordinate system of the coordinate input device can perform the same operation as described above, and thus is limited to the method for selecting the trimming area. It is not something.

  As described above, according to the present embodiment, in the coordinate input device that can simultaneously detect the position coordinates of at least two pointing tools with two sensor units, a plurality of work areas are provided in the coordinate input effective area. Set. Here, the setting of the work area sets and controls a new work area based on the position of the sensor unit, the shape of the coordinate input effective area, and the area information of one of the set work areas.

  With this configuration, it is possible to prevent the “partially eaten state” and the “totally eaten state” from occurring, and further, it is possible to determine whether the truth is true. That is, the position coordinates of the input means (for example, the pointing tool) operating in the respective work areas can be accurately calculated by the two sensor units. Thereby, simultaneous work by a plurality of people can be performed at low cost.

  Also, by trimming the display data based on the cursor position information displayed in the display area and displaying it in the work area, the operability is improved, and scroll means provided in the work area or enlargement / reduction is controlled. The switch means enables the information operation in the entire coordinate input effective area (display area) by the operation in the set work area. Thereby, an easy-to-use information processing apparatus (consisting of a coordinate input device and a display device) can be provided at low cost.

  Although the embodiments have been described in detail above, the present invention can take an embodiment as, for example, a system, an apparatus, a method, a program, or a storage medium, and specifically includes a plurality of devices. The present invention may be applied to a system that is configured, or may be applied to an apparatus that includes a single device.

  In the present invention, a software program (in the embodiment, a program corresponding to the flowchart shown in the drawing) that realizes the functions of the above-described embodiment is directly or remotely supplied to the system or apparatus, and the computer of the system or apparatus Is also achieved by reading and executing the supplied program code.

  Accordingly, since the functions of the present invention are implemented by computer, the program code installed in the computer also implements the present invention. In other words, the present invention includes a computer program itself for realizing the functional processing of the present invention.

  In that case, as long as it has the function of a program, it may be in the form of object code, a program executed by an interpreter, script data supplied to the OS, or the like.

  As a recording medium for supplying the program, for example, floppy (registered trademark) disk, hard disk, optical disk, magneto-optical disk, MO, CD-ROM, CD-R, CD-RW, magnetic tape, nonvolatile memory card ROM, DVD (DVD-ROM, DVD-R) and the like.

  As another program supply method, a client computer browser is used to connect to an Internet homepage, and the computer program of the present invention itself or a compressed file including an automatic installation function is downloaded from the homepage to a recording medium such as a hard disk. Can also be supplied. It can also be realized by dividing the program code constituting the program of the present invention into a plurality of files and downloading each file from a different homepage. That is, the present invention includes a WWW server that allows a plurality of users to download a program file for realizing the functional processing of the present invention on a computer.

  In addition, the program of the present invention is encrypted, stored in a storage medium such as a CD-ROM, distributed to users, and key information for decryption is downloaded from a homepage via the Internet to users who have cleared predetermined conditions. It is also possible to execute the encrypted program by using the key information and install the program on a computer.

  In addition to the functions of the above-described embodiments being realized by the computer executing the read program, the OS running on the computer based on an instruction of the program is a part of the actual processing. Alternatively, the functions of the above-described embodiment can be realized by performing all of them and performing the processing.

  Furthermore, after the program read from the recording medium is written to a memory provided in a function expansion board inserted into the computer or a function expansion unit connected to the computer, the function expansion board or The CPU or the like provided in the function expansion unit performs part or all of the actual processing, and the functions of the above-described embodiments are also realized by the processing.

It is a figure which shows schematic structure of the coordinate input device of the light-shielding system of embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the structural example of the light projection part of the sensor unit of embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the structural example of the detection part and sensor unit of the sensor unit of embodiment of this invention. It is a block diagram which shows the detailed structure of the control and arithmetic unit of embodiment of this invention. It is a timing chart of a control signal of an embodiment of the present invention. It is a figure which shows an example of the light quantity distribution obtained by the sensor unit of embodiment of this invention. It is a figure for demonstrating the input example of embodiment of this invention. It is a figure for demonstrating the light quantity change of the light quantity distribution obtained by the sensor unit of embodiment of this invention. It is a figure for demonstrating the light quantity change amount and light quantity change ratio in the light quantity distribution obtained by the sensor unit of embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the detail of the detection result of embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the relationship of (theta) value with respect to the pixel number of embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the positional relationship of the coordinate defined on the coordinate input effective area | region of embodiment of this invention, and sensor units 1L and 1L. It is a flowchart which shows the coordinate calculation process which the coordinate input device of embodiment of this invention performs. It is a figure for demonstrating the truth determination of embodiment of this invention. It is a figure for demonstrating the work area setting method of embodiment of this invention. It is a figure for demonstrating the operativity in the coordinate input environment of embodiment of this invention. It is a figure for demonstrating the setting of the work area with respect to the coordinate input effective area | region of the coordinate input device of embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the area | region setting process of embodiment of this invention. It is a figure for demonstrating correction | amendment of the working area of embodiment of this invention. It is a figure for demonstrating the coordinate system of the coordinate input device arrange | positioned so that it might overlap with the display screen of the display apparatus of embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the parameter setting process for the coordinate transformation of embodiment of this invention. It is a figure for demonstrating the work area setting possible range of embodiment of this invention. It is a figure for demonstrating the relationship between the sensor unit position at the time of two-point input in a prior art, and the light-shielding range. It is a figure for demonstrating the relationship between the sensor unit position at the time of two-point input in a prior art, and the light-shielding range. It is a figure for demonstrating the relationship between the sensor unit position at the time of two-point input in a prior art, and the light-shielding range. It is a figure for demonstrating the relationship between the sensor unit position at the time of two-point input in a prior art, and the light-shielding range. It is a figure for demonstrating the relationship between the sensor unit position at the time of two-point input in a prior art, and the light-shielding range. It is a figure for demonstrating the light quantity distribution received with the sensor unit in a prior art. It is a figure for demonstrating an example of the coordinate calculation in a prior art. It is a figure for demonstrating the combination and detection accuracy of a sensor unit in a prior art. It is a figure for demonstrating the combination and detection accuracy of a sensor unit in a prior art.

Explanation of symbols

1L, 1R Sensor unit 2 Control / arithmetic unit 3 Coordinate input effective area 4 Retroreflective member 5 Indicator 8 Light transmitting member 10 Display device 11 Display control unit

Claims (8)

An information processing apparatus for calculating the coordinates of an indicated position on the coordinate input area based on a change in light amount distribution obtained from at least two sensor means for receiving incoming light, provided at a corner of the coordinate input area. There,
Setting means for setting a work area in the coordinate input area;
When a second work area is newly set in a state where the first work area is set by the setting means, the position information of the sensor means with respect to the coordinate input area, the size of the coordinate input area Control means for controlling the setting of the second work area based on the area information of the first work area;
An information processing apparatus comprising: calculating means for calculating the coordinates of the designated position based on the first and second work areas. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising display control means for controlling display of the area set by the setting means as a display window on a display unit arranged so as to overlap the coordinate input area. The information processing apparatus according to claim 2, further comprising: an assigning unit that assigns a pointer indicating the indicated position displayed on the display unit to a display window displayed by the display control unit. A cutting means for cutting out a specific area in the display area of the display unit based on the position of the pointer;
The information processing apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the display control unit controls display of the contents of the specific area cut out by the cutout unit in the display window. The display control means includes
Changing means for changing at least one of the size and position of the specific area displayed in the display window;
The information processing apparatus according to claim 4, further comprising: coordinate conversion means for converting position coordinates in the specific area to be displayed in the display window based on the change contents of the change means. The cut-out means cuts out a specific area in the display area of the display unit based on the position of the pointer and the size of the display window to which the pointer is assigned by the assignment means. 5. The information processing apparatus according to 4. An information processing apparatus that calculates coordinates of an indicated position on the coordinate input area based on a change in light amount distribution obtained from at least two sensor units that receive incoming light provided at a corner of the coordinate input area. A control method,
A setting step of setting a work area in the coordinate input area;
When a second work area is newly set in a state where the first work area is set by the setting step, the position information of the sensor unit with respect to the coordinate input area, the size of the coordinate input area A control step for controlling the setting of the second work area based on the area information of the first work area;
A control method for an information processing apparatus, comprising: a calculation step of calculating coordinates of a designated position based on the first and second work areas. An information processing apparatus that calculates the coordinates of the indicated position on the coordinate input area based on a change in light amount distribution obtained from at least two sensor units that receive incoming light, provided at a corner of the coordinate input area. A program for controlling,
A program code of a setting process for setting a work area in the coordinate input area;
When a second work area is newly set in a state where the first work area is set by the setting step, the position information of the sensor unit with respect to the coordinate input area, the size of the coordinate input area , Based on the area information of the first work area, the program code of the control process for controlling the setting of the second work area,
And a program code of a calculation step for calculating the coordinates of the designated position based on the first and second work areas.

Images