JPH0415489B2 - - Google Patents

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to a device for inputting characters, symbols, figures, etc. into a computer, etc., and relates to a so-called direct handwritten input method.

There are so-called XY tablets. This device is designed in such a way that when you draw on the writing surface with a predetermined pen-like object, the handwriting drawn is input into a computer or the like in some form. Its typical application is the direct input of characters, symbols, and figures without using a keyboard, and the computer uses the input handwriting pattern, or additionally information such as stroke order and pressure, to determine what character it is. etc., and performs the necessary processing.

Not using a keyboard will put a heavy burden on the computer in terms of the above recognition process, but on the other hand, it will also put a heavy burden on the computer, especially when using non-alphabetic scripts that cannot be handled using a keyboard. For people of this ethnic group, this will be an extremely easy input task. In short, all you have to do is write the characters, symbols, and sometimes figures you want to input on the writing surface of the tablet in the usual way.

However, this type of XY tablet is a little difficult to use. In other words, the application will not be accepted unless it is written on the writing surface. Preferably, such an input task can be performed by simply moving a finger in space, and it is also preferable that it can be performed without being particular about a particular location.

2. Description of the Related Art Input devices that measure the position of a sensor every moment in a three-dimensional space and input the position and trajectory of the sensor are already known. For example, JP-A-63-
5289 etc. belong to that category. However, these are means for measuring the position and dimensions of objects, and are not input devices for inputting characters, symbols, figures, etc. for the purpose of direct manual operation as mentioned here. In particular, it is characterized by its coordinate system being fixed to the ground.

Some XY tablets, especially those using electromagnetic fields or ultrasonic waves, can be operated by sensing the appropriate position if you approach the writing receiving surface to a certain extent, even if you do not make direct contact with it. However, in these cases, the coordinate system is fixed to the sensing device.

The present invention relates to a novel handwriting input device, and is characterized in that it senses the relative position between the wrist or palm of the inputter and the fingers. According to the device of the present invention, it is possible not only to perform an input operation by performing an action similar to writing a character in space, but also to detect the input person's intention for such purpose. Since the process is based only on the movement of the wrist, in short, it has no bearing on the task no matter where the hand is placed, and in extreme cases, input can be performed even with the hand in the pocket. It has the characteristic of being able to perform work. Therefore, the input device according to the present invention has the feature that input can be performed without being noticed by other people's gaze if the input device is used with one's hand in one's pocket. This feature provides excellent effectiveness when the device according to the present invention is connected to a computer or the like via wireless means.

Note that this type of spatial sensing device lacks an effective means for detecting in principle whether the data starts or ends. A switch means is additionally provided to the sensor on the inserted side, and the start and end points are indicated by applying or not applying pressure to this switch instead of putting the pen down on the paper. It is structured in such a way that it can be done.

A preferred embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. Figure 1 shows an example of this, Figure 2 shows how it is used, Figures 3 and 4 a and b are diagrams for explaining its operating principle, and Figure 5 shows the book. Figure 3 illustrates different embodiments of the invention.

In FIG. 1, 1 is the main body of the device according to the present invention, 2 is a belt for attaching it to the wrist, and 3 is a belt for attaching the device to the wrist.
4a and 4b are slits for receiving light emitted from the light-emitting elements 7 of the finger-fitting portion;
8 is a pressure-sensitive switch that is opened and closed by applying pressure between fingers, and 9 is a flexible cable that connects the finger fitting part and the main body. Further, 5 is another cable leading to a connector 6, which is coupled to a subsequent device (not shown) which utilizes the device of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a sketch showing the actual use of the apparatus of the present invention explained in FIG. 1, and the numbers for each part are the same as in FIG. 1 except as described below. In this case, the finger fitting part 3 is fitted on the middle finger 14, but this is at the discretion of the user, and it may be fitted on the index finger 13 instead, or on another finger. 12 is the thumb; in this case, by pressing the pressure-sensitive switch 8 with this finger, information having the same meaning as placing a writing instrument on paper is generated. Reference numeral 11 shows the part of the right wrist where the device of the present invention is attached, but it may of course be worn on the left wrist.

FIG. 3 shows the operating principle of an example of the device of the present invention shown above. That is, visible light or infrared light emitted from the finger fitting part 3 is transmitted to the one-dimensional CCD in the main body.
The sensor 14 detects the light emitting element (e.g. light emitting diode) 7 and the CCD
There are two slits 4a and 4b between the sensor 14 and the sensor 14.
intervenes. This structure embodies the principle of a one-dimensional degenerate needle-hole camera, and as shown in the figure, light is incident on small areas represented by two locations on a one-dimensional array of CCD sensors through each slit. The light beam emitted by the light emitting element 7 reaches. In other words, due to this structure, the body 1 of the finger fitting part 3 has almost no sensitivity in the direction perpendicular to the plane of the drawing in FIG. 3, but is sensitive to movement in the direction parallel to the drawing. A relative position detection system is configured. Sensitivity is omitted in the vertical direction, i.e. in the direction above and below the drawing in FIG.
are vertically elongated.

Figures 4a and 4b explain the operating principle of the above relative position detection system. First, as shown in figure 4, if the light source is infinitely far away and the incident light beam is parallel, the CCD sensor will be illuminated. The spacing between the small regions is equal to the spacing between the slits, and both have the same value d. This fact can be detected by observing a pulsed signal having a time difference equivalent to d on the time axis of the video signal s obtained by serially reading out the CCD sensor. This inter-pulse time difference does not depend on the azimuth angle of the light source, at least in principle. However, the azimuth angle can be determined based on where the two pulses are centered in the entire range readout result of the CCD sensor. However, as shown in b, when the light source is at a finite or close distance as shown in L ₁ , L ₂ , and L ₃ , the pulse interval of the signal read out from the CCD sensor is equal to the above a. It is significantly larger than the value of d shown, and its value can be determined by a simple principle of geometrical optics. Also, as a whole, slit,
CCD sensor and position L ₁ (in each case) of each light source,
The relative positional relationship in each case corresponding to L ₂ and L ₃ is always
Video signal S (L ₁ ) of the readout result of the CCD sensor,
This can be known from the positional relationship on the time axis of the pulsed signals seen in S(L ₂ ) and S(L ₃ ).

In other words, as a practical matter, the contents of the main body 1 shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 are mainly occupied by this CCD sensor and its peripheral circuit, although detailed explanation is omitted. The video signal of the readout result and additionally a signal indicating the contact state of the finger-fit pressure-sensitive switch 8 continue to be sent to subsequent devices. these
CCD peripheral circuits, etc. can be realized using completely known techniques. Further, the operating power for this device may be supplied from the device to be used via the connector 6 and cable 5, or may be powered by a battery housed within the main body 1.

Although detailed explanation will be omitted, typically in the subsequent equipment used above, the video signal resulting from the readout of the CCD sensor is binarized, etc., and then processed by a microcomputer or the like to determine the interval and relative position of the pulses. Continue working to determine the position of the light source. At the same time, the pressure-sensitive switch on the finger
Know the start and end points of each stroke of the brush stroke by relying on the on/off status. It is obvious to experienced or skilled people that the data obtained from the results of these operations is a good representation of the shape and stroke order of handwritten characters.

That is, according to the embodiment shown above, the person using the device can lower the writing instrument onto the paper by pressing the pressure-sensitive switch 8 in the finger fitting after using the device, as shown in FIG. By ``imitating'' writing characters, etc. by moving the fingers in space while conveying to the device what it means, it is possible to input the desired handwritten characters, graphic symbols, etc. As is obvious, once the device is attached to the wrist and fingers, such handwritten graphic symbols can be entered wherever the hand goes, for example, even if it is kept in the pocket.
In other words, even while standing on a commuter train, it is possible to create and input sentences using a pocket computer, etc. The devices described below are useful in implementing the present invention. First, regarding the access method for the pressure-sensitive switch in the finger-fit part, instead of pressing it with the finger next to it, you put it on the tip of your finger and actually rub the tip of your finger against paper or at least a hard object. It is also preferable to turn it on/off.
Also, instead of transmitting the on/off state to the main body 1 via the cable 9 in a separate electric circuit, it is preferable to simply input it in series to the circuit of the light emitting element (light emitting diode) 7. After all, CCD
This is because it is easy to know from the video signal of the sensor readout result whether or not there is a pair of pulse signals as explained above, and if you want to separately monitor this situation, use the contact signal of the switch as a substitute. That's easy.

On the other hand, instead of using the light emitting element 7, the light source means may be provided near the slits 4a and 4b on the main body side, and a means for reflecting the light may be used. Small-sized white discs, corner reflectors, convex mirrors, or concave mirror-backed lenses serve this purpose.

In the above explanation, an embodiment of the present invention using optical means has been described, but the example shown in FIG. 5 shows an embodiment of the present invention using pulsed ultrasonic waves traveling through the air instead of using light. . That is, the finger fitting part 3 has an ultrasonic transducer 7'', and the main body also has ultrasonic transducers 4''a, b, c.
are arranged respectively. It is obvious to those with experience and knowledge that the distance between them can be determined by transmitting and receiving ultrasonic pulses. Either the finger side or the main body side can be the sending or receiving side. However, with this method, two transducers on the main body side are sufficient as long as both the transmitting time and the receiving time are known, but it is also possible to determine the finger position based only on the relative propagation time difference. requires three transducers on the main body side. Note that the directivity of each transducer must be sufficiently wide. The ultrasonic frequency that should be used is approximately 100KHz to 500KHz, depending on the actual size of the hand and fingers and the properties of sound waves traveling through the air, especially the speed of sound.
It is in the area of The transducers that should be used range from the widely used PZT board or a reflective shade attached to it, to PVDF membranes, simple condenser microphones (for wave reception only), or spark discharge (wave transmission means). It can be done.

As explained above, the apparatus of the present invention provides a degree of freedom unprecedented in the past when manually inputting characters, symbols, figures, etc. into a computer. The essence of the present invention lies in the application of means for detecting the relative position or temporal changes in the relative position between the fingers and the tip of the upper limb other than the fingers, such as the wrist or palm. Any possible means other than those described herein may be applied to carry out the invention.

[Brief explanation of drawings]

FIG. 1 shows the configuration of an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2 shows its actual use, and FIGS. 3 and 4 a and 4 b show its operating principle. Further, FIG. 5 shows the main part of the configuration of yet another embodiment of the present invention.

Claims (1)

[Claims] 1. Means for detecting the relative position between the fingers and the tip of the upper limb other than the wrist or the equivalent finger of the hand, and means for generating digital data based on the relative position signal from the means and inputting it into a computer, etc. In a device for inputting characters, symbols, figures, etc., composed of
and a main body configured to be worn on the wrist and receive light from the light source, and the main body has at least two slits through which the light from the light source passes through at predetermined positions; It has a one-dimensional CCD sensor which is a means for detecting images of two light sources formed by the principle of a needle-hole camera in which the light from the light sources that have passed through the slits is one-dimensionally degenerated. The first dimension of the image of two light sources
A device for manually inputting characters, symbols, figures, etc. into a computer, etc., characterized in that the relative positional relationship between the light source and the main body can be determined by knowing each position on a CCD sensor.