JP2014021620A - Coordinate output device - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To appropriately switch a coordinate output method without making an operator aware of it.
In a coordinate output device 1, a coordinate detection unit 11 detects the coordinates of one or more points indicated on an operation surface 10. When the coordinates of a single point are detected independently, the control unit 12 individually outputs the coordinates of the detected single point using a mouse format that individually outputs the coordinates of the single point. When the coordinates of a plurality of points are detected at the same time, the control unit 12 outputs the detected coordinates of the plurality of points simultaneously using a digitizer format that outputs the coordinates of the plurality of points at once. As a result, the coordinate output format is appropriately switched according to the number of points designated on the operation surface 10 at a time, so that the usability of the coordinate output device 1 is improved.
[Selection] Figure 1

Description

  The present invention relates to a coordinate output device for outputting coordinates of a point designated on an operation surface.

  A conventional coordinate output apparatus is realized by a so-called pointing device represented by a mouse and a touch panel. In the conventional coordinate output device, when an operator designates an arbitrary point in a predetermined operation surface, the coordinate of the designated point is detected and the detected coordinate is output. Such a coordinate output device is used, for example, as an input device for inputting the user's instruction to the information device by outputting the coordinates of the specified point to the information device such as a personal computer and a mobile phone terminal. .

  As an operation method of the coordinate output device, there are a multi-touch operation and a single touch operation. Single touch operation is an operation method that has been used in the past, and is an operation method in which an operator designates a single point in the operation surface. In an information device using a conventional coordinate output device having an operation surface as an input device, a single touch operation is used for a line drawing operation, an operation for moving a mouse cursor using a touch panel, or the like. Multi-touch operation is an operation method that is newly used in recent years, and is an operation method in which an operator instructs a plurality of points on the operation surface at the same time. The multi-touch operation is used in a so-called gesture operation or the like in the above-described information device.

  In order to accept a single touch operation using a mouse or the like, an information device using a conventional coordinate output device is equipped with a single touch operation driver as standard equipment. The driver for single touch operation accepts and processes the coordinate data given one point at a time from the coordinate input device using a mouse format for outputting the coordinates of a single point. In order for the information device to accept an operation by multi-touch operation, the information device needs to be equipped with a driver for multi-touch operation. The driver for multi-touch operation accepts and processes coordinate data collectively given for each of a plurality of points from a coordinate output device using a digitizer format for outputting the coordinates of a plurality of points at once.

  In a conventional coordinate output device, a technique for changing the behavior in response to the number of points designated at a time by an operator is disclosed in Patent Document 1.

  The pointing device of Patent Document 1 is a pointing device that supports multi-touch operation that can individually detect on / off of a first input point and a second input point independently. That is, the pointing device disclosed in Patent Document 1 can individually detect the instruction / non-instruction of the first input point and the second input point. In the pointing device of Patent Document 1, the one-point input mode is selected in the initial state. When both the first input point and the second input point are turned on substantially simultaneously, the mode is switched from the one-point input mode to the two-point input mode. When both the first input point and the second input point are turned off, the two-point input mode is switched to the one-point input mode. In the one-point input mode, the coordinates of points to be instructed thereafter are determined based on the absolute position of the first input point. In the two-point input mode, the coordinates of points to be instructed later are determined based on the relative positional relationship between the first input point and the second input point. As a result, in the pointing device of Patent Document 1, the method for determining the coordinate of the point is switched in accordance with the first input point and the second input point that are instructed first.

JP 2009-276819 A

  When the information device using the conventional coordinate output device as described above is equipped with only the driver for single touch operation and not the driver for multi-touch operation, the coordinate output device of the conventional technology Regardless of the number of points designated at the same time, the coordinates of the designated point are output only for one point in the mouse format. That is, even if the operator designates a plurality of points in the operation surface at the same time, the coordinate output device of the prior art outputs the coordinates of any one of the plurality of points. Therefore, in the above-described case, it is difficult to use a multi-touch operation that simultaneously indicates a plurality of points in the above-described information device.

  In addition, when an information device using a conventional coordinate output device is equipped with a driver for multi-touch operation, the conventional coordinate output device uses the digitizer format to coordinate the point indicated on the operation surface. Are output for multiple points. In this case, even if the operator intends to perform a single touch operation instead of a multi-touch operation and sequentially designates a plurality of points as time elapses, the point moving distance exceeds a predetermined distance from the first point indication. During this period, the information device processes the coordinates assuming a multi-touch operation, so that an operation delay occurs.

  For example, in the above-described information device, when the operator touches one point in the operation surface with a jig for a line drawing operation and moves the touched point while maintaining the instruction state, the information device Processing for the gesture operation is performed until the moving distance of the point exceeds the predetermined distance for the gesture operation, and processing for the line drawing operation is performed after the moving distance of the point exceeds the predetermined distance. As a result, although the operator intends to perform a line drawing operation, the display process for drawing the line is stopped until the predetermined distance is moved from the time when the operation surface is touched. Will cause a delay in the drawing process.

  Further, in the above-described pointing device of Patent Document 1, the method of determining the coordinates of the point to be instructed thereafter is switched according to the on / off of the first input point and the second input point to be instructed first. However, in the pointing device of Patent Document 1, only the coordinate determination method of the point is switched to the absolute position coordinate or the relative position coordinate, and the detected coordinates are output individually one by one or collectively. The output is not switched. Therefore, it is difficult to eliminate the operation delay and the avoidance of the operation unavailability due to the mismatch between the desired operation and the coordinate output method.

  An object of the present invention is to provide a coordinate output device capable of appropriately switching between an output format suitable for a single touch operation and an output format suitable for a multi-touch operation without making the operator aware of it.

The present invention includes a touch panel having an operation surface;
A coordinate detection unit that detects the coordinates of one or more points indicated in the operation surface;
When only the coordinates of a single point are detected by the coordinate detection unit, the coordinates of the detected single point are output in a predetermined first output format, and the coordinates of a plurality of points are simultaneously output by the coordinate detection unit. And a control unit that outputs the coordinates of the detected points in a predetermined second output format different from the first output format.

Further, according to the present invention, the coordinate detection unit repeatedly performs coordinate detection of a point indicated in the operation surface as time passes,
When the coordinates of a point are detected at the time of coordinate detection, the control unit causes the coordinate detection unit to execute the next coordinate detection within a predetermined range including the detected coordinates, and at the time of coordinate detection, When no coordinate is detected, the coordinate detection unit is caused to execute the next coordinate detection for the entire operation surface.

  According to the present invention, the first output format is a mouse format, and the second output format is a digitizer format.

  According to the present invention, the coordinate output device includes a touch panel, a coordinate detection unit, and a control unit. The touch panel has an operation surface, and the coordinate detection unit detects the coordinates of one or more points indicated on the operation surface. When only the coordinates of a single point are detected, the control unit outputs the coordinates of the detected single point in a predetermined first output format. When the coordinates of a plurality of points are detected at the same time, the control unit detects The coordinates of the plurality of points are output in a predetermined second output format different from the first output format.

  Thereby, the coordinate output device of the present invention can switch the output format of the coordinate of the point according to the number of points at which the coordinate detection unit simultaneously detects the coordinate. As a result, the coordinate output device of the present invention does not require the operator to switch the output format in accordance with the number of points designated at the same time, thereby improving usability. In other words, the coordinate output device of the present invention can be input simultaneously even if the operator appropriately performs an operation with different suitable output formats, such as a single touch operation and a multi-touch operation, as necessary. Since the output format suitable for the number of points to be selected is selected by the control unit, the usability is further improved.

  Further, according to the present invention, the coordinate detection unit of the coordinate output device of the present invention repeatedly performs coordinate detection of the point indicated in the operation surface as time elapses. When the coordinates of a point are detected at the time of coordinate detection, the control unit causes the coordinate detection unit to execute the next coordinate detection within a predetermined range including the detected coordinates, and the coordinates of the point at the time of coordinate detection are detected. Is not detected, the coordinate detection unit is caused to execute the next coordinate detection for the entire operation surface.

  As a result, the coordinate output device of the present invention repeatedly performs coordinate detection of the indicated point in the operation surface as time elapses, and therefore corresponds to an operation in which the indicated point in the operation surface moves as time elapses. Is possible. The coordinate output device according to the present invention, when a point designated at the time of coordinate detection is detected, performs next coordinate detection within a predetermined range including the detected coordinate, and the point designated at the time of coordinate detection If not detected, coordinate detection is performed on the entire operation surface. As a result, when the designated points are continuously designated, the coordinate detection target range is limited to a range narrower than the entire operation surface, so that the time required for coordinate detection of the latest point is shortened. As a result, the usability of the coordinate output device of the present invention is further improved.

  According to the invention, in the coordinate output device of the invention, the first output format is a mouse format, and the second output format is a digitizer format.

  Accordingly, the coordinate output device of the present invention includes a mouse format that is an output format suitable for a so-called single touch operation such as a line drawing operation, and a digitizer format that is an output format suitable for a so-called multi-touch operation such as a gesture motion. Are switched according to the number of points designated at the same time. As a result, an information device equipped with the coordinate output device of the present invention can use a single touch operation and a multi-touch operation together without excess or deficiency, so that the usability of the coordinate output device of the present invention is further improved.

It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the information equipment 2 provided with the coordinate output device 1 which is embodiment of this invention. It is a schematic diagram which shows the structure of the coordinate detection part 11 of the coordinate output device 1 of FIG. It is a schematic diagram for demonstrating the switching method of the output format of the coordinate in the coordinate output device 1 of FIG. It is a flowchart for demonstrating the whole coordinate detection process in the coordinate output device 1 of FIG. It is a flowchart for demonstrating the whole coordinate detection process in the coordinate output device 1 of FIG. It is the first half part of the flowchart for demonstrating the whole scan process in the coordinate detection process of the coordinate output device 1 of FIG. FIG. 6 is a second half of a flowchart for explaining the entire scan process in the coordinate detection process of the coordinate output device 1 of FIG. 1. It is a flowchart for demonstrating the local scan process of the 1st point in the coordinate detection process of the coordinate output device 1 of FIG. It is a flowchart for demonstrating the local scan process of the 2nd point in the coordinate detection process of the coordinate output device 1 of FIG. It is the first half part of the flowchart for demonstrating the whole coordinate output process in the coordinate output device 1 of FIG. It is the latter half part of the flowchart for demonstrating the whole coordinate output process in the coordinate output device 1 of FIG.

  FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of an information device 2 including a coordinate output device 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The coordinate output device 1 detects the coordinates of a point designated by the operator in the preset operation surface 10 and outputs the coordinates of the detected point. The coordinate output device 1 is combined with the information device main body 3 and the display device 4 to constitute the information device 2. In the information device 2, the coordinate output device 1 is used as an input device for inputting the coordinates of the point indicated in the operation surface 10 to the information device main body 3.

  The coordinate output device 1 of the present embodiment includes a coordinate detection unit 11 and a control unit 12. The coordinate detection unit 11 detects the coordinates of one or more points designated by the operator within the predetermined operation surface 10. The control unit 12 controls components in the coordinate output device 1. That is, the control unit 12 causes the coordinate detection unit 11 to detect the coordinates of the designated point in the operation surface 10. Furthermore, when the coordinates of a single point are detected based on the detection result of the coordinate detection unit 11, the control unit 12 individually determines the coordinates of the detected single point using a predetermined first output format. Output to. In addition, when the coordinates of a plurality of points are detected at the same time, the control unit 12 collectively outputs the coordinates of the detected points using a second output format that is different from the first output format.

  Thereby, the coordinate output device 1 of the present embodiment can switch the output format of the point coordinates according to the number of points at which the coordinate detection unit 11 has detected the coordinates at one time. As a result, the coordinate output device 1 of the present embodiment does not require the operator to switch the output format in accordance with the number of points designated at a time, so that the usability of the device is improved.

  That is, in the coordinate output device 1 of the present embodiment, the coordinates of the points are indicated when a single point such as a so-called single touch operation is indicated and when a plurality of points are indicated simultaneously such as a so-called multi-touch operation. The output format is switched. As a result, the coordinate output apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment can execute operations with different suitable output formats such as single touch operation and multi-touch operation by appropriately changing the operation as necessary. Since an output format suitable for the number of input points is selected, an output format suitable for a single touch operation and an output format suitable for a multi-touch operation can be appropriately switched without making the operator aware of the output format.

  The coordinates of the points in the operation surface 10 may be, for example, absolute coordinates defined by a coordinate system set in advance on the operation surface 10, and the mutual positional relationship between the instructed points and the reference points may be determined. The relative coordinates shown may be used, and may be expressed by other methods.

  In the coordinate output device 1 of this embodiment, a mouse format for individually outputting the coordinates of a single point is selected as the first output format. In addition, as the second output format, a digitizer format for collectively outputting the coordinates of a plurality of points is selected. The mouse format is suitable for a so-called single touch operation such as a line drawing operation. The digitizer format is suitable for so-called multi-touch operations such as gesture operations.

  As a result, the coordinate output apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment can switch between the mouse format and the digitizer format according to the number of points designated in the operation surface 10 at a time. Therefore, the coordinate output apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment can switch between a mouse format suitable for single touch operation and a digitizer method suitable for multi-touch operation without making the operator aware of the switching of the output format.

  As a result, the information device 2 provided with the coordinate output device 1 of the present embodiment can switch between the single touch operation and the multi-touch operation without making the operator aware of the switching of the touch operation. Therefore, the information device 2 can switch to the multi-touch operation only when necessary without making the operator aware of the switching of the touch operation in an environment where the single touch operation can be used. In addition, the information device 2 can prevent the occurrence of delay due to the use of the digitizer format during the single touch operation in an environment where the single touch operation and the multi touch operation can be used together.

  As a result, the information device 2 including the coordinate output device 1 of the present embodiment can use a single touch operation and a multi-touch operation in combination without excess or deficiency.

  The coordinate output device 1 according to the present embodiment collectively outputs the coordinates of a plurality of designated points at once using a digitizer format when a plurality of points are simultaneously designated on the operation surface by a gesture operation or the like. . In the case described above, if there is a deviation in the instruction timing of a plurality of points, preferably, the coordinate output device 1 of the present embodiment is in a mouse format while the instruction of the first point continues from the time when the first point is indicated. Outputs a single coordinate. When the coordinates of the next point designated while the designation of the first point is detected, the coordinate output device 1 of the present embodiment switches the output method to the digitizer format, and coordinates of a plurality of points using the digitizer format. At the same time. As a result, the multi-touch operation can be performed after the next point is designated. As a result, the output method is switched from the mouse format to the digitizer format even if the instruction timings of a plurality of points are slightly shifted, so that the usability of the coordinate output device 1 of this embodiment is further improved.

  The control unit 12 preferably causes the coordinate detection unit 11 to repeatedly detect the coordinates of the point indicated in the operation surface 10 as time elapses. And the control part 12 detects the coordinate of the newest point in the coordinate detection part 11 from the predetermined range containing the detected coordinate in the operation surface 10, when the coordinate of the point was detected at the time of the previous coordinate detection. Let Further, the control unit 12 causes the coordinate detection unit 11 to detect the coordinates of the latest point from the entire operation surface 10 when the coordinates of the point are not detected at the time of the previous coordinate detection.

  As a result, the coordinate output device 1 according to the present embodiment repeatedly performs coordinate detection of a point indicated on the operation surface 10 (hereinafter, also referred to as “pointing point”) over time. It is possible to cope with an operation in which the indicated point in the operation surface 10 moves with the passage of time, such as a line drawing operation by a gesture or a gesture operation by a multi-touch operation. In addition, when the pointing point is detected at the time of the previous coordinate detection, the coordinate output device 1 of the present embodiment detects the coordinates of the latest point limited to a predetermined range including the detected coordinates, and the previous coordinates If the indication point is not detected at the time of detection, the coordinates of the latest point are detected from the entire operation surface 10. As a result, when the designated point is continuously designated, the target range for coordinate detection of the latest point is limited to a range narrower than the entire operation surface 10, and thus the time required for coordinate detection of the latest point is shortened.

  Specifically, the coordinate output device 1 of the present embodiment further includes an internal storage unit 13 and a communication unit 14. The internal storage unit 13 of the coordinate output device 1 stores data generated in accordance with the operations of the coordinate detection unit 11 and the control unit 12 of the coordinate output device 1. For example, the internal storage unit 13 of the coordinate output device 1 includes the latest detected coordinate value information OZ and the previous detected coordinate value information OZbk indicating the coordinates of the points detected by the coordinate detection unit 11, and the information output device main body 3 from the coordinate output device 1. The output coordinate value information PZ to be sent to is stored. The communication unit 14 of the coordinate output device 1 transmits and receives data and control signals to and from various devices outside the coordinate output device 1.

  In the information device 2 of FIG. 1, the display device 4 combined with the information device main body 3 is an output device for visualizing and outputting information to be presented to the operator in the information device 2. Preferably, the points on the display surface on which the display device 4 displays the visualized information correspond one-to-one with the points on the operation surface 10 of the coordinate output device 1.

  The information device main body 3 combined with the coordinate output device 1 includes a control unit 22, an internal storage unit 23, a communication unit 24, and a video signal output terminal 25. The control unit 22 of the information device main body 3 controls various components 23 to 25 in the information device main body 3. The internal storage unit 23 of the information device main body 3 stores, for example, various programs to be executed by the control unit 22 of the information device main body 3. The control unit 22 of the information device main body 3 appropriately reads and executes various programs stored in the internal storage unit 23 of the information device main body 3 based on a predetermined operation system. The internal storage unit 23 of the information device main body 3 includes an application program, an interface driver program corresponding to the mouse format described above, and an interface driver program corresponding to the digitizer format. The communication unit 24 of the information device main body 3 transmits and receives data and control signals to and from various devices outside the information device main body 3. The video signal output terminal 25 is a terminal for outputting a video signal indicating the visualized information to the display device 4. The control unit 22 of the information device main body 3 gives a video signal indicating the visualized information to the display device 4 via the video signal output terminal 25 and causes the display device 4 to visualize the video signal.

  Data transmission / reception between the coordinate output device 1 and the information device main body 3 according to the present embodiment is performed via the communication unit 14 of the coordinate output device 1 and the communication unit 24 of the information device main body 3. Communication between the coordinate output device 1 and the information device main body 3 is realized by, for example, wired connection or wireless connection based on the USB (Universal_Serial_Bus) standard. In this case, the communication unit 14 of the coordinate output device 1 and the communication unit 24 of the information device main body 3 are realized by USB standard terminals. Of course, the communication between the coordinate output device 1 and the information device main body 3 may be realized by a wired connection or a wireless connection based on a standard other than the USB standard.

  The control unit 12 of the coordinate output apparatus 1 includes, for example, a microprocessor, an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array) which is a programmable LSI (Large Scale Integration), and an integrated circuit designed and manufactured for a specific application. It may be realized by either an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit) which is a circuit or a circuit having other arithmetic functions.

  The information equipment main body 3 is realized by a computer main body including a personal computer, a workstation, and the like, for example. The operating system is realized by an operating system such as Windows (registered trademark). The application program is realized by spreadsheet software, for example.

FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram illustrating a configuration of the coordinate detection unit 11 of the coordinate output device 1 of FIG.
Specifically, the coordinate output device 1 of the present embodiment is realized by an infrared light shielding touch panel device capable of detecting XY two-dimensional coordinates. Therefore, the coordinate detection unit 11 includes an X-axis light emitting element 31 and an X bearing optical element 32, a Y axis light emitting element 33 and a Y bearing optical element 34, a light emission control unit 35, and a light reception control unit 36. A rectangular plane surrounded by the X-axis light emitting element 31 and the X-bearing optical element 32, the Y-axis light-emitting element 33 and the Y-bearing optical element 34 corresponds to the operation surface 10. The infrared light shielding touch panel device detects the position coordinates of the light shielding object placed in the operation surface 10 as the coordinates of the designated point. The light shield 39 is an indicating tool realized by a stylus pen or an operator's finger.

  The X-axis light emitting element 31 and the X-bearing optical element 32 are each along a pair of sides of the rectangular operation surface 10 facing each other so as to face each other with the rectangular operation surface 10 in between. Are arranged in one row. The Y-axis light-emitting element 33 and the Y-bearing optical element 34 are arranged along a pair of sides that face each other on the rectangular operation surface 10 so as to face each other with the rectangular operation surface 10 in between. Are arranged in one row. A pair of sides on which the X-axis light emitting elements 31 and the X-bearing optical elements 32 are arranged in one row and a pair of sides on which the Y-axis light emitting elements 33 and the Y-bearing optical elements 34 are arranged in a row are mutually Orthogonal.

  The X-axis light-emitting element 31 and the X-bearing optical element 32 are used for detecting the X coordinate value of the XY two-dimensional coordinate of the light shield 39. The Y-axis light emitting element 33 and the Y-bearing optical element 34 are used for detecting the Y coordinate value of the XY two-dimensional coordinate of the light shield 39. That is, the direction in which the X axis light emitting elements 31 and the X bearing optical elements 32 arranged in one row are parallel to the X axis line of the XY two-dimensional coordinate system, and the Y axis light emitting elements 33 and the Y bearing optical elements 34 arranged in one row. Are aligned in parallel with the Y-axis of the XY two-dimensional coordinate system. In response to the control from the control unit 12, the light emission control unit 35 specifically controls turning on and off of the X-axis light emitting element 31 and the Y-axis light emitting element 33. The light reception control unit 36 controls the light reception of the X bearing optical element 32 and the Y bearing optical element 34, and gives the light reception results of the X bearing optical element 32 and the Y bearing optical element 34 to the control unit 12.

  The plurality of X-axis light emitting elements 31 each emit detection light 37 for detecting the position of the light shield 39 in response to control by the light emission control unit 35. If there is no light shield 39 between the pair of X-axis light emitting elements 31 and the X-bearing light element 32, the X-bearing light element 32 receives the detection light 37 from the X-axis light-emitting element 31. Similarly, the plurality of Y-axis light emitting elements 33 each emit detection light 38 for detecting the position of the light shield 39 in response to control by the light emission control unit 35. If there is no light shield 39 between the pair of Y-axis light emitting elements 33 and the Y-bearing light element 34, the Y-bearing light element 34 receives the detection light 38 from the Y-axis light-emitting element 33. The light reception results of the X bearing optical element 32 and the Y bearing optical element 34 are given to the control unit 12 through the light reception control unit 36.

  In the infrared cut-off type touch panel device, the indication state in which a point in the operation surface 10 is indicated is detection light transmitted / received between any pair of the light emitting elements 31, 33 and the light receiving elements 32, 34. 37 and 38 indicate a state where light is shielded by the light shield 39. In a non-instruction state where a point on the operation surface 10 is not designated, detection light 37 and 38 from all the light emitting elements 31 and 33 are received by the pair of light receiving elements 32 and 34. After the transition from the non-instruction state to the instruction state, the state in which the detection lights 37 and 38 are blocked while the pair of the light emitting elements 31 and 33 and the light receiving elements 32 and 34 where the detection lights 37 and 38 are blocked is changed continuously. As long as the point indicated is moving, the indication state is continued.

  In the coordinate output device 1 of this embodiment, the coordinate detection of the point in the coordinate detection part 11 is repeatedly performed with progress of time. If the coordinates of the point are not detected at the previous coordinate detection, it is not possible to know where the light shielding object 39 to be shielded appears at the next coordinate detection, so that the entire operation surface 10 is targeted as shown in FIG. As a result, a scan for detecting the next coordinate is executed. When the coordinates of one or more points are detected at the time of the previous coordinate detection, even if the point indicated by the pointing tool moves while maintaining the pointing state, the pointing tool does not move within a predetermined time interval in which the point coordinate detection is repeated. It is considered that the moving distance of the indicated point is not large. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 2B, when the next coordinate is detected, the next coordinate detection is performed only for the scan range 30 around the latest detected coordinate without scanning the entire operation surface 10. It is only necessary that a scan for is performed. As a result, the scan range 30 for detecting the coordinates of the operation surface 10 is limited while the instruction state is continuing, so that the time required for coordinate detection is shortened.

  The coordinate output device 1 of the present embodiment is realized by an infrared blocking touch panel device. Since the coordinate output device 1 of the present embodiment does not depend on the touch panel scanning method, the coordinate output device 1 can be applied to other types of touch panel devices other than the infrared shielding method, such as a capacitive touch panel device. Further, the coordinate output device 1 of the embodiment may be realized by a configuration other than the touch panel device, as long as the output format is appropriately switched.

  In the following description, communication between the coordinate output device 1 and the information device main body 3 is realized by wired connection according to the USB standard, and the output format is a standard established by USB-IF (USB-Implementers Forum, Inc). It is assumed that the format is specified in the certificate. USB-IF is a non-profit organization (NPO) that develops and manages USB specifications.

In addition, “Usage_Page: Degitizers, Usage: Touch_Screen”, “
Terms such as “Usage_Page: Generic_Desktop, Usage: Mouse” are terms used in the USB standard document formulated by USB-IF, and mean format classification. These terms may be written in English because the original text of the standard is English and there is no Japanese translation. Further, “Tip_Switch”, “In_Range”, and “Touch_Valid” are elements defined for the digitizer driver. “Tip_Switch” and “In_Range” are elements for devices that support the Z axis. However, since the Z axis is not supported in the following examples, the elements are defined but not used. .

  FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram of the information device 2 for explaining in detail the output format switching method in the coordinate output apparatus 1 of FIG. In the example of FIG. 3, communication between the coordinate output device 1 and the information device main body 3 is realized by a wired connection according to the USB standard, and the output format can be switched at any time between the mouse format and the digitizer format. ing.

  FIG. 3A shows a situation where a single touch operation is used in the information device 2. The single touch operation is an operation method in which a single point is designated on the operation surface 10 by the operator. The single touch operation is, for example, a mouse operation for appropriately moving a mouse cursor in the display surface of the display device 4 using a mouse, or a line drawing operation for drawing a line in the display surface of the display device 4 using an indicator. Used.

  When a single point on the operation surface 10 is instructed by the operator from the non-instruction state during the single touch operation, line drawing is started. After the transition from the non-instructed state to the instructed state, if the point indicated with the instruction state maintained is moved over time, a line equivalent to the locus of the indicated point is displayed on the display surface of the display device 4. be painted. When the instruction state is changed to the non-instruction state after the instruction state is continued, the line drawing is finished.

  In such a single touch operation, the coordinate output device 1 has a single coordinate of a point in the operation surface 10 detected at a predetermined detection timing, and the detected coordinate of the single point over time. Move. In this case, the coordinate output device 1 outputs the coordinates of the points detected at the detection timing individually for each point in the mouse format.

Table 1 shows a specific configuration of one-time output coordinate value information PZ output in the mouse format. As shown in Table 1, the output coordinate value information PZ in the mouse format includes an X coordinate and a Y coordinate of a detected single point, and an instruction state element (L button) indicating whether the instruction state is right or wrong. The mouse format is specifically the USB HID (Human Interface Device) standard, and UsagePage is Generic_
Desktop and Usage are realized by the communication format in Mouse mode.

  FIG. 3B shows a situation where the multi-touch operation is used in the information device 2. The multi-touch operation is an operation method in which a plurality of points are instructed simultaneously on the operation surface 10 by the operator. The multi-touch operation is used, for example, in a so-called gesture operation.

  When a plurality of points in the operation surface 10 are instructed by the operator from the non-instruction state during the multi-touch operation, the gesture operation is started. After the transition from the non-instruction state to the instruction state, a plurality of points that are instructed while the instruction state is maintained are respectively moved with the passage of time. The information device 2 executes various operations according to the pattern and size of the trajectory. For example, when two distant points in the operation surface 10 are instructed, the instructed two points move toward each other, and the instruction is canceled after the movement, the points are drawn in advance on the display surface of the display device 4. The figure is reduced.

  In such a multi-touch operation, the coordinate output device 1 has a plurality of coordinates of points in the operation surface 10 detected at a predetermined detection timing, and the coordinates of the detected plurality of points move with time. To do. In this case, the coordinate output device 1 collectively outputs the coordinates of a plurality of points detected at the detection timing in a digitizer format.

Table 2 shows a specific configuration of one-time output coordinate value information PZ output in the digitizer format. As shown in Table 2, the output coordinate value information PZ in the digitizer format includes an X state and a Y coordinate of a plurality of detected points and indication state elements ( Touch_Valid). Specifically, the digitizer format is USB HID (Human
This is a standard of Interface Device), which is realized with a communication format in which UsagePage is Degitizers and Usage is in Touch Screen mode.

  4 to 9 are flowcharts for explaining the coordinate input processing executed by the control unit 12 of the coordinate output device 1 in the coordinate output device 1 of the present embodiment. The coordinate output processing in the coordinate output device 1 of the present embodiment is performed by using the coordinate detection processing shown in FIGS. 4 to 8 for detecting the coordinates of the designated point in the operation surface 10 and information indicating the detected coordinates. 9 for outputting to the outside. Definitions of variables and the like used in the coordinate detection process of FIGS. 4 to 9 and the coordinate output process of FIG. 9 are as follows.

  The latest detected coordinate value information OZ is a variable for information related to the coordinate value of the latest point designated by the operator. The previous detected coordinate value information OZbk is a variable for information related to the coordinate value of the point designated by the operator one time before the latest coordinate detection timing. The detected coordinate value information for output is a variable for information related to the coordinate value to be sent from the coordinate output device 1 to the information device main body 3.

  The latest detected coordinate value information OZ indicating the coordinates of the latest detected point includes a flag OZaF1 indicating whether or not the latest first point is detected, the latest X coordinate value OZaX1 of the first point, and the latest first point. It includes a Y coordinate OZaY1, a flag OZaF2 indicating whether or not the latest second point is detected, a latest second X coordinate value OZaX2, and a latest second Y coordinate value OZaY2.

  The previous detected coordinate value information OZbk includes a flag OZaF1bk indicating whether the previous first point has been detected, the previous first X coordinate value OZaX1bk, the previous first Y coordinate value OZaY1bk, and the previous second point. A flag OZaF2bk indicating the presence or absence of detection, a previous second X coordinate value OZaX2bk, and a previous second Y coordinate value OZaY2bk.

  The output coordinate value information PZ includes a flag PZaF1 indicating whether or not the first output point is detected, the first X coordinate value PZaX1 for output, the first Y coordinate value PZaY1 for output, It includes a flag PZaF2 indicating whether or not the second point is detected, an X coordinate value PZaX2 for the second point for output, and a Y coordinate value PZaY2 for the first point for output.

  In each coordinate value information, flags OZaF1, OZaF2, OZaF1bk, OZaF2bk, PZaF1, and PZaF1 indicating the presence / absence of detection of the first and second points are “0” when the coordinates of the points are not detected, and the coordinates of the points are When it is detected, it is “1”.

  The flag SendFlg indicating the presence / absence of output coordinate value information PZ to be sent to the information device main body 3 indicates that the initial value is “0” and “0” indicates that there is no output coordinate value information PZ to be sent, “1” indicates a state where there is output coordinate value information PZ to be sent.

  The mouse format buffer Sendbuf_MS stores mouse format output coordinate value information PZ shown in Table 1. In the mouse format buffer Sendbuf_MS, the instruction state element (L button) indicating the right or wrong of the instruction state is “1” when the instruction state is light-shielded, and is “0” when the instruction state is not light-shielded.

The digitizer format buffer Sendbuf_DE stores the digitizer format output coordinate value information PZ shown in Table 2. In the digitizer format buffer Sendbuf_DE, an instruction state element Touch_ indicating each of the first and second point instruction states.
Valid is “1” in the instruction state with light shielding, and “0” in the non-instruction state without light shielding.

  In the mouse-format output coordinate value information PZ and the digitizer-format output coordinate value information PZ, while the instruction state element (L button) and (Touch_Valid) are “1”, the points on the operation surface continue. It is in the state instructed. In the case of the touch panel device, the instruction state element is kept at “1” while the pointing tool touches the operation surface and moves within the operation surface without leaving the operation surface.

  The previous transmission data format buffer SendFmt records the output format used when sending the previous output coordinate value information PZ. The previous transmission data format buffer SendFmt is “0” when there is no transmission, “1” when the mouse format is selected, and “2” when the digitizer format is selected.

  4A and 4B are flowcharts showing the overall flow of coordinate detection processing executed by the control unit 12 of the coordinate output device 1 of the present embodiment.

  After the apparatus starts, the process proceeds from step P0 to step P1. In step P1, various variables and buffers related to the coordinate input process are initialized.

  In step P2, it is determined whether or not the first and second coordinates are detected in the previous detected coordinate value information OZbk. That is, it is determined whether or not both the flag OZaF1bk indicating whether or not the first point of detection coordinate value information OZbk is detected and the flag OZaF2bk indicating whether or not the second point is detected are “0”. The When both flags are 0, the process proceeds from step P2 to step P3.

  In step P3, a full scan process described later with reference to FIGS. 5A and 5B is executed. The whole scan process is a process for detecting the coordinates of one or more points designated by the operator from the entire operation surface 10. As a result, the latest detected coordinate value information OZ is updated. If at least one of the first point and the second point is detected, at least one of the flags OZaF1 and OZaF2 indicating whether or not the first point and the second point are detected in the latest detected coordinate value information OZ. Is changed to “1”. If both the first point and the second point are not detected, both the flags OZaF1 and OZaF2 indicating whether or not the first point and the second point are detected are kept “0” in the latest detected coordinate value information OZ. Be drunk.

  After completion of the entire scan process in step P3, in step P4, it is determined whether or not at least the first coordinate is detected in the latest detected coordinate value information OZ. That is, it is determined whether or not the flag OZaF1 indicating whether or not the first point of the latest detected coordinate value information OZ is detected is “1”. If the flag OZaF1 indicating the presence / absence of detection of the first point of the latest detected coordinate value information OZ is “0”, no point coordinates have been detected in the entire scan process of Step P3, and therefore Steps P4 to P4 are performed. Returning to P3, the entire scan process in step P3 is executed again. As a result, the processes of Step P3 and Step P4 are repeated until the coordinates for at least one point are detected in the latest detected coordinate value information OZ. When at least the first coordinate is detected in the latest detected coordinate value information OZ, the process proceeds from step P4 to step P5.

  In step P5, “0” indicating “no delivery” is substituted into the previous transmission data format buffer SendFmt.

  Next, in step P6, the latest detected coordinate value information OZ detected in steps P3 and P4 is set in the previous detected coordinate value information OZbk. That is, the flag OZaF1 indicating the presence / absence of the detection of the first point of the latest detected coordinate value information OZ is substituted for the flag OZaF1bk indicating the presence / absence of the detection of the first point of the previous detection coordinate value information OZbk. The first X coordinate value OZaX1 of the latest detected coordinate value information OZ is substituted into the first X coordinate value OZaX1bk of the information OZbk, and the latest Y coordinate value OZaY1bk of the previous detected coordinate value information OZbk. The first Y coordinate OZaY1 of the detected coordinate value information OZ is substituted. Similarly, a flag OZaF2 indicating whether or not the second point of the latest detected coordinate value information OZ is detected is substituted for the flag OZaF2bk indicating whether or not the second point of the previous detected coordinate value information OZbk is detected.

  As described above, by the processing of Step P3 to Step P6, at least “1” is assigned to the flag OZaF1bk indicating the presence or absence of the detection of the first point of the previous detection coordinate value information OZbk, and the X coordinate of the first point The latest detection result is substituted into the value OZaX1 and the Y coordinate OZaY1.

  After the processing of Step P3 to Step P6, the process proceeds to Step P7. In Step P2, if at least one of the first and second coordinates is detected in the previous detected coordinate value information OZbk, Step P2 to Step P3 to Step P6 are skipped and the process proceeds to Step P7. . As a result, at the time of proceeding to Step P7, at least one of the first point and the second point is detected in the previous detected coordinate value information OZbk.

  In step P7, it is determined whether or not the first coordinate is detected in the previous detected coordinate value information OZbk. That is, it is determined whether or not the flag OZaF1bk indicating whether or not the first point of the previous detected coordinate value information OZbk is detected is “1”. When the above-described flag OZaF1bk is “1”, the first coordinate is present in the previous detected coordinate value information OZbk, so the process proceeds from Step P7 to Step P8.

  In step P8, a local scan process for the first point described later with reference to FIG. 6 is executed. The local scan process for the first point is a process for detecting the latest coordinates of the first point designated by the operator from a predetermined range including the coordinates of the first point in the operation surface 10. As a result, in the latest detected coordinate value information OZ, the flag OZaF1, the first X coordinate value OZaX1, and the first Y coordinate OZaY1 indicating whether or not the first point is detected are updated.

  In step P9, information related to the latest coordinates of the first point updated in step P8 is set in the output coordinate value information PZ. That is, out of the latest detected coordinate value information OZ, the flag OZaF1, the first X coordinate value OZaX1, and the first Y coordinate OZaY1 indicating whether or not the first point is updated updated in step P8 are output. This is substituted for the flag PZaF1, the first X coordinate value PZaX1, and the first Y coordinate PZaY1, each indicating whether or not the first point of the coordinate value information PZ is detected. After the substitution, the process proceeds from step P9 to step P11.

  In step P7, when the flag OZaF1bk indicating whether or not the first point of the previous detected coordinate value information OZbk is detected is “0”, the first point coordinate does not exist in the previous detected coordinate value information OZbk. In this case, the process proceeds from step P7 to step P10. In step P10, for the detection of the second point, a full scan process described later with reference to FIGS. 5A and 5B is executed. As a result, the latest detected coordinate value information OZ is updated. After the entire scan process is executed, the process proceeds from step P10 to step P11.

  In Step P11, “1” indicating that the output coordinate value information PZ is present is substituted for the flag SendFlg indicating the presence or absence of the output coordinate value information PZ to be sent to the information device main body 3. The flag SendFlg indicating whether or not the updated output coordinate value information PZ is present is used in the coordinate output processing of FIGS. 8A and 8B described later.

  As described above, the flags OZaF1, PZaF1, and the first X coordinate value OZaX1 indicating the presence / absence of detection of the first point in the latest detected coordinate value information OZ and the output coordinate value information PZ by the processing of Step P7 to Step P11. , PZaX1, and the first Y coordinate OZaY1, PZaY1 are updated using the local scan process, and the flag SendFlg indicating the presence / absence of the output coordinate value information PZ is updated to “present”.

  In step P12, it is determined whether or not the second coordinate is detected in the previous detected coordinate value information OZbk. That is, it is determined whether or not the flag OZaF2bk indicating the presence / absence of detection of the second point of the previous detected coordinate value information OZbk is “1”. When the aforementioned flag OZaF2bk is “1”, the second coordinate is present in the previous detected coordinate value information OZbk, and therefore the process proceeds from Step P12 to Step P13.

  In step P13, a local scan process for the second point described later with reference to FIG. 7 is executed. The local scan process for the second point is a process for detecting the latest coordinates of the second point designated by the operator from a predetermined range including the previous coordinates of the second point in the operation surface 10. As a result, in the latest detected coordinate value information OZ, the flag OZaF2, the second X coordinate value OZaX2, and the second Y coordinate OZaY2 indicating whether or not the second point is detected are updated.

  In step P14, information related to the latest coordinates of the second point updated in step P13 is set in the output coordinate value information PZ. That is, out of the latest detected coordinate value information OZ, the flag OZaF2, the second X coordinate value OZaX2, and the second Y coordinate OZaY2 indicating whether or not the second point has been detected updated in step P13 are output. Is substituted for a flag PZaF2, which indicates whether or not the second point of the coordinate value information PZ is detected, the second X coordinate value PZaX2, and the second Y coordinate PZaY2. After the substitution, the process proceeds from step P14 to step P16.

  In step P12, when the flag OZaF2bk indicating whether or not the previous second point has been detected is “0”, there is no second point coordinate in the previous detected coordinate value information OZbk. In this case, the process proceeds from step P12 to step P15. In step P15, for the detection of the first point, a full scan process described later with reference to FIGS. 5A and 5B is executed. As a result, the latest detected coordinate value information OZ is updated. After the entire scan process is executed, the process proceeds from step P15 to step P16.

  In Step P16, “1” indicating that the output coordinate value information PZ is present is substituted for the flag SendFlg indicating the presence or absence of the output coordinate value information PZ to be sent to the information device main body 3. The flag SendFlg indicating whether or not the updated output coordinate value information PZ is present is used in the coordinate output processing of FIGS. 8A and 8B described later.

  As described above, the flags OZaF2 and PZaF2 indicating the presence / absence of detection of the second point out of the latest detected coordinate value information OZ and the output coordinate value information PZ by the processing of Step P12 to Step P16, and the second X coordinate value OZaX2 , PZaX2, and the second Y coordinate OZaY2, PZaY2 are updated using the local scan process, and the flag SendFlg indicating the presence / absence of the output coordinate value information PZ is updated to “present”.

  As described above, in the coordinate input processing of FIGS. 4A and 4B, the latest detected coordinate value information OZ is updated by the processing of Step P7 to Step P16, and the updated latest detected coordinate value information OZ is used for output. Set to coordinate value information PZ. The updated output coordinate value information PZ is used in the coordinate output processing of FIGS. 8A and 8B described later.

  Next, in step P17, the latest detected coordinate value information OZ detected in steps P7 to P16 is set in the previous detected coordinate value information OZbk. That is, the flag OZaF1 indicating the presence / absence of the latest detection of the first point is substituted for the flag OZaF1bk indicating the presence / absence of the detection of the previous first point, and the latest first point is substituted for the X coordinate value OZaX1bk of the previous first point. The X coordinate value OZaX1 is substituted, and the latest first Y coordinate OZaY1 is substituted for the previous first Y coordinate value OZaY1bk. Similarly, the flag OZaF2 indicating whether or not the latest second point is detected is substituted for the flag OZaF2bk indicating whether or not the previous second point is detected, and the latest second point is assigned to the previous X coordinate value OZaX2bk. X coordinate value OZaX2 is substituted, and the latest second Y coordinate value OZaY2 is substituted for the previous second Y coordinate value OZaY2bk.

  After updating the previously detected coordinate value information, the process proceeds from step P17 to step P2. The processing of Step P2 to Step P17 is repeated as appropriate with the passage of time.

  Through the above processing, the coordinate output device 1 according to the present embodiment can periodically detect the coordinates of the designated point in the operation surface 10. Further, the coordinate output device 1 according to the present embodiment performs a local scan process on the detected point if at least one of the first point and the second point is detected in the latest detected coordinate value information OZ. For this reason, detection of the coordinates of the designated point in the operation surface 10 under the situation where the point designated while maintaining the designated state after the transition to the designated state, such as a line drawing operation or a gesture operation, moves within the operation surface 10. Processing can be simplified and detection time can be shortened.

  5A and 5B are flowcharts for explaining the entire scan process executed in the coordinate detection process of FIGS. 4A and 4B executed by the control unit 12 of the coordinate output apparatus 1 of the present embodiment. The whole scan process is executed in step P3, step P10, and step P15 in the image detection process of FIGS. 4A and 4B.

  When the entire scan process is executed, the process proceeds from step A0 to step A1. In step A1, various variables and buffers related to the entire scan process are initialized. That is, “0” that is the minimum value is assigned to the X-axis counter X and Y-axis counter Y, and “−0xffff” that is the minimum value of the X coordinate is assigned to the temporary variable TmpX for holding the X coordinate. , And “−0 yffff”, which is the minimum value of the Y coordinate, is assigned to the temporary variable TmpY for holding the Y coordinate. In the example of FIGS. 5A and 5B, the scan is performed from the smaller X coordinate to the larger X coordinate and from the smaller Y coordinate to the larger Y coordinate, so the initial value is the minimum value.

  In the coordinate output device 1 of the present embodiment, the X coordinate value and the Y coordinate value correspond to the row number and the column number from one end of the X axis light emitting element 31 and the Y axis light emitting element 33 arranged in a line. . That is, the XY two-dimensional coordinates of the points interposed between the Xth X-axis light emitting element 31 and the X bearing optical element 32 and between the Yth Y axis light emitting element 33 and the Y bearing optical element 34 are (X, Y ).

  Steps A <b> 2 to A <b> 9 are processes for detecting the X coordinate of the point designated on the operation surface 10.

  In step A2, it is determined whether or not the latest value of the X-axis counter X is less than the total number of X-axis light emitting elements 31. If the latest value of the X-axis counter X is less than the total number of X-axis light emitting elements 31, the process proceeds from step A2 to step A3.

  In step A <b> 3, the control unit 12 of the coordinate detection device causes the light emission control unit 35 to turn on the same number of X axis light emitting elements 31 as the latest value of the X axis counter X. Next, in step A4, the control unit 12 of the coordinate detection device acquires the light reception value of the X-bearing optical element 32 that is the same number as the latest value of the X-axis counter X via the light reception control unit 36.

  In step A5, it is determined whether or not the light reception value of the Xth X bearing optical element 32 is smaller than a predetermined reference value. When the received light value of the X-th X-bearing optical element 32 is less than the reference value, the X-th X-axis light-emitting element 31 is placed between the X-th X-axis light-emitting element 31 and the X-th X-bearing optical element 32. It is determined that there is a light blocking object that blocks the light. That is, when the received light value of the Xth X bearing optical element 32 is less than the reference value, a point in the operation surface 10 is set between the Xth X axis light emitting element 31 and the Xth X bearing optical element 32. It is determined that an indicator for instructing is interposed. In this case, the latest value of the X-axis counter X corresponds to the X coordinate of the point indicated by the light shield 39. When the received light value of the Xth X-bearing optical element 32 is less than the reference value, the process proceeds from step A5 to step A6.

  In step A6, if the first point of the latest detected coordinate value information OZ has been detected, is the latest value of the X-axis counter X equivalent to the first X coordinate of the latest detected coordinate value information OZ? It is determined whether or not. That is, the flag OZaF1 indicating the presence / absence of detection of the first point of the latest detected coordinate value information OZ is “1” indicating detection, and the latest value of the X-axis counter X is the latest detected coordinate value information OZ. It is determined whether or not it is equivalent to the first X coordinate OZaX1. In the example of FIG. 5A, in order to prevent detection errors and the like, in consideration of a predetermined margin, specifically, the latest value of the X-axis counter X is greater than the first X coordinate OZaX1 of the latest detected coordinate value information OZ. It is also determined whether or not the number is smaller than the smaller number by the margin and less than the smaller number larger by the margin than the first X coordinate OZaX1 of the latest detected coordinate value information OZ. In the example of FIG. 5A, the margin is “3”.

  In step A6, when the flag OZaF1 indicating the presence / absence of detection of the first point of the latest detected coordinate value information OZ is “0”, the latest value of the X-axis counter X is the first point of the latest detected coordinate value information OZ. If the X coordinate OZaX1 is less than the number smaller than the margin, and the latest value of the X-axis counter X is smaller than the smaller number larger than the first X coordinate OZaX1 of the latest detected coordinate value information OZ In any case, it is determined that the latest value of the X-axis counter X is different from the first X coordinate OZaX1 of the latest detected coordinate value information OZ. In this case, the process proceeds from step A6 to step A7.

  In step A7, if the second point of the latest detected coordinate value information OZ has been detected, is the latest value of the X-axis counter X equivalent to the second X coordinate of the latest detected coordinate value information OZ? It is determined whether or not. That is, the flag OZaF2 indicating the presence or absence of detection of the second point of the latest detected coordinate value information OZ is “1” indicating detection, and the latest value of the X-axis counter X is the latest detected coordinate value information OZ. It is determined whether or not it is equivalent to the second X coordinate OZaX2. In the example of FIG. 5A, the process of step A7 considers a predetermined margin in order to prevent detection errors and the like, similarly to step A6. In the example of FIG. 5A, the margin is “3”.

  In step A7, when the flag OZaF2 indicating the presence / absence of detection of the second point of the latest detected coordinate value information OZ is “0”, the latest value of the X-axis counter X is the second point of the latest detected coordinate value information OZ. If the X coordinate OZaX2 is less than the number smaller than the margin, and the latest value of the X-axis counter X is smaller than the smaller number larger than the second X coordinate OZaX2 of the latest detected coordinate value information OZ In any case, it is determined that the latest value of the X-axis counter X is different from the second X coordinate OZaX2 of the latest detected coordinate value information OZ. In this case, the process proceeds from step A7 to step A8.

  When the determination is made in step A8, the light shield 39 exists between the Xth X-axis light emitting element 31 and the X-bearing optical element 32 equivalent to the latest value of the X-axis counter X, and the latest value of the X-axis counter X is present. The value is different from the first and second X coordinates OZaX1, OZaX2 of the latest detected coordinate value information OZ. As a result, since the latest value of the X-axis counter is determined to be the X coordinate of the newly designated point, the latest value of the X-axis counter is substituted for the temporary variable TmpX for holding coordinates. After the substitution, the X coordinate detection process in steps A2 to A9 ends, and the process proceeds from step A8 to step A10.

  In step A5 described above, when the light reception value of the Xth X-bearing optical element 32 is equal to or greater than the reference value, the light shield 39 is placed between the Xth X-axis light emitting element 31 and the Xth X-bearing optical element 32. Judged not. In this case, the process proceeds from step A5 to step A9.

  In step A6, the flag OZaF1 indicating whether or not the first point of the latest detected coordinate value information OZ is detected is “1”, and the latest value of the X-axis counter X is the latest detected coordinate value information. When the number smaller than the first X coordinate OZaX1 of OZ by the margin is exceeded and less than the smaller number larger by the margin than the first X coordinate OZaX1 of the latest detected coordinate value information OZ, A light shield 39 exists between the Xth X-axis light emitting element 31 and the Xth X-bearing optical element 32, but the latest value of the X-axis counter X is the first X of the latest detected coordinate value information OZ. It is determined that it is equivalent to the coordinate OZaX1. In this case, the process proceeds from step A6 to step A9.

  In step A7, the flag OZaF2 indicating whether or not the second point of the latest detected coordinate value information OZ is detected is “1”, and the latest value of the X-axis counter X is the latest detected coordinate value. When the number smaller than the second X coordinate OZaX2 of the information OZ by the margin is exceeded and less than the smaller number larger by the margin than the second X coordinate OZaX2 of the latest detected coordinate value information OZ The light shield 39 exists between the Xth X-axis light emitting element 31 and the Xth X-bearing optical element 32, but the latest value of the X-axis counter X is the second point of the latest detected coordinate value information OZ. It is determined to be equivalent to the X coordinate OZaX2. In this case, the process proceeds from step A7 to step A9.

  In step A9, 1 is added to the latest value of the X-axis counter X, and the addition result is substituted into the X-axis counter X. That is, the X-axis counter X is incremented by 1. After updating the X-axis counter X, the process returns from step A9 to step A2, and the processing of steps A2 to A9 is executed using the latest value of the updated X-axis counter X. The X coordinate detection process of Step A2 to Step A9 is performed until the temporary variable TmpX for holding coordinates is updated in Step A8 or until the latest value of the X axis counter X exceeds the total number of X axis light emitting elements 31 in Step A2. , Repeated.

  When the latest value of the X-axis counter X exceeds the total number of the X-axis light emitting elements 31 in step A2 described above, the presence or absence of the light shield 39 is present in all pairs of the X-axis light emitting elements 31 and the X bearing light elements 32. It is determined that the determination is complete. In this case, the X coordinate detection process in steps A2 to A9 ends, and the process proceeds from step A2 to step A10.

  Steps A <b> 10 to A <b> 17 are processes for detecting the Y coordinate of the point indicated on the operation surface 10. Since each step A10 to step A17 of the Y coordinate detection process is substantially equivalent to each step A2 to step A9 of the X coordinate detection process when the X coordinate is replaced with the Y coordinate, detailed description thereof will be omitted. There is.

  In step A10, it is determined whether or not the latest value of the Y-axis counter Y is less than the total number of Y-axis light emitting elements 33. If the latest value of the Y-axis counter Y is less than the total number of Y-axis light emitting elements 33, the process proceeds from step A10 to step A11.

  In step A11, the control unit 12 of the coordinate detection device causes the light emission control unit 35 to turn on the same number of Y-axis light emitting elements 33 as the latest value of the Y-axis counter Y. Next, in step A12, the control unit 12 of the coordinate detection apparatus acquires the same number of received light values of the Y bearing optical elements 34 as the latest value of the Y-axis counter Y via the light reception control unit 36.

  In step A13, it is determined whether or not the light reception value of the Yth Y bearing optical element 34 is smaller than a predetermined value. When the received light value of the Yth Y bearing optical element 34 is less than a predetermined reference value, the Yth Y axis light emitting element is interposed between the Yth Y axis light emitting element 33 and the Yth Y bearing optical element 34. It is determined that there is a light blocking object 39 that blocks light from 33. In this case, the latest value of the Y-axis counter Y corresponds to the Y coordinate of the point indicated by the light shield 39. Note that the reference value in step A5 and the reference value in step A13 may be the same or different for each of the X axis and the Y axis. When the received light value of the Y-th Y bearing optical element 34 is less than the reference value, the process proceeds from step A13 to step A14.

  In step A14, if the first point of the latest detected coordinate value information OZ has been detected, is the latest value of the Y-axis counter Y equal to the first Y coordinate of the latest detected coordinate value information OZ? It is determined whether or not. That is, the flag OZaF1 indicating the presence or absence of detection of the first point of the latest detected coordinate value information OZ is “1” indicating detection, and the latest value of the Y-axis counter Y is the latest detected coordinate value information OZ. It is determined whether or not it is equivalent to the first Y coordinate OZaY1. In the example of FIG. 5A, in order to prevent detection errors and the like, in consideration of a predetermined margin, specifically, the latest value of the Y-axis counter Y is greater than the first Y coordinate OZaY1 of the latest detected coordinate value information OZ. It is also determined whether or not the number is smaller than the smaller number by the margin and less than the smaller number larger by the margin than the first Y coordinate OZaY1 of the latest detected coordinate value information OZ. In the example of FIG. 5A, the margin is “3”.

  In step A14, when the flag OZaF1 indicating whether or not the first point of the latest detected coordinate value information OZ is detected is “0”, the latest value of the Y-axis counter Y is the first point of the latest detected coordinate value information OZ. Or less than a number that is smaller than the Y coordinate OZaY1 by the margin, or more than a smaller number that is larger by the margin than the first Y coordinate OZaY1 of the first detected coordinate value information OZ. In any case, it is determined that the latest value of the Y-axis counter Y is different from the first Y coordinate OZaY1 of the latest detected coordinate value information OZ. In this case, the process proceeds from step A14 to step A15.

  If the second point of the latest detected coordinate value information OZ has been detected in step A15, is the latest value of the Y-axis counter Y equal to the second Y coordinate of the latest detected coordinate value information OZ? It is determined whether or not. That is, the flag OZaF2 indicating the presence / absence of detection of the second point of the latest detected coordinate value information OZ is “1” indicating detection, and the latest value of the Y-axis counter Y is the latest detected coordinate value information OZ. It is determined whether or not it is equivalent to the second Y coordinate OZaY2. In the example of FIG. 5A, the process of step A15 considers a predetermined margin in order to prevent detection errors and the like, similarly to step A14. In the example of FIG. 5A, the margin is “3”.

  In step A15, when the flag OZaF2 indicating whether or not the second point of the latest detected coordinate value information OZ is detected is “0”, the latest value of the Y-axis counter Y is the second point of the latest detected coordinate value information OZ. If the Y coordinate OZaY2 is less than the number smaller than the margin, and the latest value of the Y-axis counter Y is smaller than the smaller number larger than the second Y coordinate OZaY2 of the latest detected coordinate value information OZ In any case, it is determined that the latest value of the Y-axis counter Y is different from the second Y coordinate OZaY2 of the latest detected coordinate value information OZ. In this case, the process proceeds from step A15 to step A16.

  When the determination is made at step A16, there is a light shield 39 between the Y-th Y-axis light emitting element 33 and the Y-bearing optical element 34, the latest value of the Y-axis counter Y being equal to, and the Y-axis counter Y The latest value is different from the first and second Y coordinates OZaY1, OZaY2 of the latest detected coordinate value information OZ. As a result, since the latest value of the Y-axis counter is determined to be the Y coordinate of the newly designated point, the latest value of the Y-axis counter is substituted for the temporary variable TmpY for holding the Y coordinate. After the substitution, the Y coordinate detection process in steps A10 to A17 ends, and the process proceeds from step A16 to step A18.

  In step A5 described above, when the light reception value of the Y-th Y-bearing optical element 34 is greater than or equal to the reference value, the light shield 39 is placed between the Y-th Y-axis light-emitting element 33 and the Y-th Y-bearing optical element 34. Judged not. In this case, the process proceeds from step A13 to step A17.

  In step A14, the flag OZaF1 indicating whether or not the first point of the latest detected coordinate value information OZ is detected is “1”, and the latest value of the Y-axis counter Y is the latest detected coordinate value information. When the number smaller than the first Y coordinate OZaY1 of OZ by a margin is exceeded and less than the smaller number larger by the margin than the first Y coordinate OZaY1 of the latest detected coordinate value information OZ, A light shield 39 exists between the Yth Y-axis light emitting element 33 and the Yth Y-bearing optical element 34, but the latest value of the Y-axis counter Y is the first Y of the latest detected coordinate value information OZ. It is determined that it is equivalent to the coordinate OZaY1. In this case, the process proceeds from step A14 to step A17.

  In step A15, the flag OZaF2 indicating whether or not the second point of the latest detected coordinate value information OZ is detected is “1”, and the latest value of the Y-axis counter Y is the latest detected coordinate value. When the number is smaller by a margin than the second Y coordinate OZaY2 of the information OZ and is less than the smaller number larger by the margin than the second Y coordinate OZaY2 of the latest detected coordinate value information OZ The light shield 39 exists between the Yth Y-axis light emitting element 33 and the Yth Y-bearing optical element 34, but the latest value of the Y-axis counter Y is the second point of the latest detected coordinate value information OZ. It is determined to be equivalent to the Y coordinate OZaY2. In this case, the process proceeds from step A15 to step A17.

  In step A17, the Y-axis counter Y is incremented by 1. After the Y-axis counter Y is updated, the process returns from step A17 to step A10, and the processes from step A10 to step A17 are executed using the latest value of the updated Y-axis counter Y. The Y-coordinate detection process in steps A10 to A17 is performed until the temporary variable TmpY for holding the Y-coordinate is updated in step A16 or the latest value of the Y-axis counter Y exceeds the total number of Y-axis light emitting elements 33 in step A10. Repeat until.

  If the latest value of the Y-axis counter Y exceeds the total number of Y-axis light emitting elements 33 in the above-described step A10, the presence or absence of the light shield 39 is present in all pairs of the Y-axis light emitting elements 33 and the Y bearing light elements 34. It is determined that the determination is complete. In this case, the Y coordinate detection process in steps A10 to A17 ends, and the process proceeds from step A10 to step A18.

  Steps A18 to A31 update the latest detected coordinate value information OZ based on the temporary variable TmpX for holding the X coordinate, the temporary variable TmpY for holding the Y coordinate, and the latest detected coordinate value information OZ.

  In step A18, it is determined whether or not both the first point and the second point of the latest detected coordinate value information OZ have been detected. That is, it is determined whether or not both the flag OZaF1 indicating the presence / absence of detection of the first point of the latest detected coordinate value information OZ and the flag OZaF2 indicating the presence / absence of detection of the second point are “1” indicating the presence of detection. Is done. When at least one of the flags OZaF1 and OZaF2 indicating the presence / absence of detection of the first and second points of the latest detected coordinate value information OZ is “0” indicating no detection, the process proceeds from step A18 to step A19.

  In step A19, it is determined whether or not both the first point and the second point of the latest detected coordinate value information OZ are undetected. That is, it is determined whether or not both the flag OZaF1 indicating the presence / absence of detection of the first point of the latest detected coordinate value information OZ and the flag OZaF2 indicating the presence / absence of detection of the second point are “0” indicating no detection. Is done. When both the flags OZaF1 and OZaF2 indicating the presence / absence of detection of the first point and the second point of the latest detected coordinate value information OZ are “0”, the process proceeds from step A19 to step A20.

  In step A20, it is determined whether or not the light shield 39 is detected between both the pair of the X-axis light emitting element 31 and the X-bearing optical element 32 and the pair of the Y-axis light-emitting element 33 and the Y-bearing optical element 34. Is done. That is, it is determined whether or not the temporary variable TmpX for holding the X coordinate does not match the initial value 0xffff, and whether the temporary variable TmpY for holding the Y coordinate does not match the initial value 0yffff. When both temporary variables TmpX and TmpY do not coincide with the initial values 0xffff and 0yffff, it is determined that the light shield 39 is detected, and the process proceeds from step A20 to step A23.

  When only one of the flags OZaF1 and OZaF2 indicating the presence / absence of detection of the first point and the second point of the latest detected coordinate value information OZ is “0” indicating no detection in step A19 described above, step A19 is performed. To step A21.

  In step A21, it is determined whether or not the first point of the latest detected coordinate value information OZ has been detected. That is, it is determined whether or not the flag OZaF1 indicating the presence / absence of detection of the first point of the latest detected coordinate value information OZ is “1” indicating the presence of detection. If the flag OZaF1 indicating the presence / absence of detection of the first point of the latest detected coordinate value information OZ is “0”, the first point is not detected, and the process proceeds from step A21 to step A22.

  In step A22, as in step A20, it is determined whether the temporary variable TmpX for holding the X coordinate does not match the initial value 0xffff, and whether the temporary variable TmpY for holding the Y coordinate does not match the initial value 0yffff. The When both temporary variables TmpX and TmpY do not coincide with the initial values 0xffff and 0yffff, it is determined that the light shield 39 is detected, and the process proceeds from step A22 to step A23.

  In step A23, the latest value of the temporary variable TmpX for holding the X coordinate is substituted into the first X coordinate OZaX1 of the latest detected coordinate value information OZ, and the first Y coordinate OZaY1 of the latest detected coordinate value information OZ. Is assigned the latest value of the temporary variable TmpY for holding the Y coordinate. In addition, “1” indicating the presence of detection is assigned to the flag OZaF1 indicating the presence / absence of detection of the first point of the latest detected coordinate value information OZ. After the latest detected coordinate value information OZ is updated, the process proceeds from step A23 to step A32, and the entire scan process in FIGS. 5A and 5B is completed. As a result, the first X coordinate and Y coordinate of the latest detected coordinate value information OZ are updated according to the latest detection result.

  In step A22 described above, when at least one of the temporary variable TmpX for holding the X coordinate and the temporary variable TmpY for holding the Y coordinate matches the initial values 0xffff and 0yffff, the process proceeds from step A22 to step A24.

  In step A24, it is determined whether or not a light-shielding object is detected between the pair of the X-axis light emitting element 31 and the X-bearing optical element 32. That is, it is determined whether or not the temporary variable TmpX for holding the X coordinate matches the initial value 0xffff. When the temporary variable TmpX for holding the X coordinate matches the initial value 0xffff, the process proceeds from step A24 to step A25. If the temporary variable TmpX for holding the X coordinate does not match the initial value 0xffff, the process proceeds from step A24 to step A26.

  In step A25, the second X coordinate OZaX2 of the latest detected coordinate value information OZ is substituted for the first X coordinate OZaX1 of the latest detected coordinate value information OZ, and the first point of the latest detected coordinate value information OZ. The latest value of the temporary variable TmpY for holding the Y coordinate is substituted into the Y coordinate OZaY1. In addition, “1” indicating the presence of detection is assigned to the flag OZaF1 indicating the presence / absence of detection of the first point of the latest detected coordinate value information OZ.

  In step A26, the latest value of the X coordinate holding temporary variable TmpX is substituted into the first X coordinate OZaX1 of the latest detected coordinate value information OZ, and the first Y coordinate OZaY1 of the latest detected coordinate value information OZ. Is substituted with the second Y coordinate OZaY2 of the latest detected coordinate value information OZ. In addition, “1” indicating the presence of detection is assigned to the flag OZaF1 indicating the presence / absence of detection of the first point of the latest detected coordinate value information OZ.

  After the latest detected coordinate value information OZ is updated, the process proceeds from step A25 and step A26 to step A32, and the whole scan process of FIGS. 5A and 5B is completed. As a result, the first X coordinate and Y coordinate of the latest detected coordinate value information OZ are updated according to the latest detection result and the second X coordinate and Y coordinate of the latest detected coordinate value information OZ. .

  In step A21 described above, when the flag OZaF1 indicating the presence / absence of detection of the first point of the latest detected coordinate value information OZ is “1”, the process proceeds from step A21 to step A27. In this case, since the first point of the latest detected coordinate value information OZ is detected, the temporary variable TmpX for holding the X coordinate and the temporary variable TmpY for holding the Y coordinate are two points of the latest detected coordinate value information OZ. Assigned to the eye.

  In step A27, as in step A20, it is determined whether or not the temporary variable TmpX for holding the X coordinate does not match the initial value 0xffff and whether the temporary variable TmpY for holding the Y coordinate does not match the initial value 0yffff. The If both temporary variables TmpX and TmpY do not coincide with the initial values 0xffff and 0yffff, it is determined that the light shield 39 is detected, and the process proceeds from step A27 to step A28.

  In step A28, the latest value of the temporary variable TmpX for holding the X coordinate is substituted into the second X coordinate OZaX2 of the latest detected coordinate value information OZ, and the second Y coordinate OZaY2 of the latest detected coordinate value information OZ. Is assigned the latest value of the temporary variable TmpY for holding the Y coordinate. In addition, “1” indicating the presence of detection is assigned to the flag OZaF2 indicating the presence / absence of detection of the second point of the latest detected coordinate value information OZ. After the latest detected coordinate value information OZ is updated, the process proceeds from step A28 to step A32, and the whole scan process of FIGS. 5A and 5B is completed. As a result, the X coordinate and the Y coordinate of the second point of the latest detected coordinate value information OZ are updated according to the latest detection result.

  In step A27 described above, if at least one of the temporary variables TmpX and TmpY for holding the X coordinate and the Y coordinate matches the initial values 0xffff and 0yffff, the process proceeds from step A27 to step A29.

  In step A29, as in step A24, it is determined whether or not the light shield 39 is not detected between the pair of the X-axis light emitting element 31 and the X bearing optical element 32. When the temporary variable TmpX for holding the X coordinate matches the initial value 0xffff, the process proceeds from step A29 to step A30. If the temporary variable TmpX for holding the X coordinate does not coincide with the initial value 0xffff, the process proceeds from step A29 to step A31.

  In step A30, the first X coordinate OZaX1 of the latest detected coordinate value information OZ is substituted for the second X coordinate OZaX2 of the latest detected coordinate value information OZ, and the second point of the latest detected coordinate value information OZ. The latest value of the temporary variable TmpY for holding the Y coordinate is substituted into the Y coordinate OZaY2. In addition, “1” indicating the presence of detection is assigned to the flag OZaF2 indicating the presence / absence of detection of the second point of the latest detected coordinate value information OZ.

  In step A31, the latest value of the temporary variable TmpX for holding the X coordinate is substituted for the second X coordinate OZaX2 of the latest detected coordinate value information OZ, and the second Y coordinate OZaY2 of the latest detected coordinate value information OZ. Is substituted with the first Y coordinate OZaY1 of the latest detected coordinate value information OZ. In addition, “1” indicating the presence of detection is assigned to the flag OZaF2 indicating the presence / absence of detection of the second point of the latest detected coordinate value information OZ.

  After the latest detected coordinate value information OZ is updated, the process proceeds from step A30 and step A31 to step A32, and the entire scan process in FIGS. 5A and 5B is completed. As a result, the second X coordinate and Y coordinate of the latest detected coordinate value information OZ are updated according to the latest detected result and the first X coordinate and Y coordinate of the latest detected coordinate value information OZ. .

  When both the flags OZaF1 and OZaF2 indicating the presence / absence of detection of the first point and the second point of the latest detected coordinate value information OZ are “1” in step A18 described above, the process proceeds from step A18 to step A32. The whole scan process of FIGS. 5A and 5B is completed. In this case, the detection results of steps A1 to A16 are discarded.

  In step A20, when at least one of the temporary variable TmpX for holding the X coordinate and the temporary variable TmpY for holding the Y coordinate matches the initial value 0xffff, the pair of the X-axis light emitting element 31 and the X bearing optical element 32 is It is determined that the light shield 39 has not been detected on at least one of the pair of the Y-axis light emitting element 33 and the Y-bearing optical element 34. In this case, since both the first point and the second point are not detected in Step A20, the coordinates of the axis line where the light shielding object 39 is not detected cannot be determined. Therefore, the process proceeds from step A20 to step A32, and the whole scan process of FIGS. 5A and 5B is completed. Also in this case, the detection results of step A1 to step A16 are discarded.

  With the above processing, the coordinate output device 1 of the present embodiment can update the first and second points of the latest detected coordinate value information OZ according to the detection result of the entire operation surface 10.

  In a situation where the second coordinate is already detected in the latest detected coordinate value information OZ, a pair of the X-axis light emitting element 31 and the X-bearing optical element 32 and a pair of the Y-axis light-emitting element 33 and the Y-bearing optical element 34 are detected. When the light shielding object 39 is detected only in one of the pair, the coordinates on the axis side of the X axis and the Y axis where the light shielding object 39 is not detected are the second detected points. It is assumed that it overlaps the axis side coordinates that are not detected. Therefore, in the processing of step A24 to step A26, the detected second coordinate of the undetected axis is used as the axis where the first shield object 39 of the latest detected coordinate value information OZ has not been detected. It is regarded as the coordinates on the side, and is substituted into the coordinates.

  Similarly, in the situation where the first coordinate is already detected in the latest detected coordinate value information OZ, the pair of the X-axis light emitting element 31 and the X-bearing optical element 32, the Y-axis light-emitting element 33, and the Y-bearing optical element. When the light shield 39 is detected only in one of the 34 pairs, the coordinate on the axis side of the X axis and the Y axis where the light shield 39 is not detected is the detected one point. It is assumed that the eye overlaps the undetected axis side coordinates. Therefore, similarly to step A24 to step A26, in the processing of step A29 to step A31, the detected first coordinate of the undetected axis side is used as the second detected coordinate value information OZ. It is regarded as the coordinate on the axis side where the light shield 39 is not detected, and is substituted for the coordinate.

  As a result, even if the X coordinate or Y coordinate overlaps between the first point and the second point, coordinate detection is possible.

  FIG. 6 is a flowchart for explaining a first local scan process executed in the coordinate detection process of FIGS. 4A and 4B executed by the control unit 12 of the coordinate output device 1 of the present embodiment. The first local scan process is executed in step P8 in the image detection process of FIGS. 4A and 4B.

  When the first local scan process is executed, the process proceeds from step C0 to step C1. In step C1, various variables and buffers related to the first local scan process are initialized. That is, among the latest detected coordinate value information OZ, the flag OZaF1 indicating the presence / absence of detection of the latest first point, the latest X coordinate value OZaX1 of the first point, and the latest first Y coordinate OZaY1 are initialized. The value “0” is substituted respectively. The initial value “0” is also assigned to the peripheral scan number counter ct. In the X-axis counter X, as an initial value, a difference “OZaX1bk− (number of peripheral scans) / 2 "is substituted. The number of X-axis and Y-axis peripheral scans corresponds to the widths in the X-axis direction and Y-axis direction of the range 30 to be detected in the local scan processing. In the example of FIG. 6, the numbers of peripheral scans on the X axis and the Y axis are equal to each other.

  Steps C2 to C7 are X coordinate detection processing for detecting the latest first X coordinate value OZaX1. In step C2, it is determined whether or not the latest value of the peripheral scan number counter ct is less than the peripheral scan number. If the latest value of the peripheral scan number counter ct is less than the peripheral scan number, the process proceeds from step C2 to step C3.

  In step C3, as in step A3 of FIG. 5A, the control unit 12 of the coordinate output device causes the light emission control unit 35 to turn on the X-axis light emitting elements 31 that are the same number as the latest value of the X-axis counter X. Next, in step C4, as in step A4 in FIG. 5A, the control unit 12 of the coordinate output device receives light of the X bearing optical elements 32 of the same number as the latest value of the X-axis counter X via the light reception control unit 36. Get the value.

  In step C5, as in step A5 of FIG. 5A, it is determined whether or not the received light value of the Xth X-bearing optical element 32 is less than a predetermined reference value. In step C5, when the received light value of the Xth X-bearing optical element 32 is greater than or equal to the reference value, the process proceeds from step C5 to step C6.

  In step C6, 1 is added to the latest value of the peripheral scan number counter ct, and the addition result is substituted into the peripheral scan number counter ct. That is, the peripheral scan number counter ct is incremented by one. In step C6, the X-axis counter X is incremented by 1 as in step A9 in FIG. 5A. After updating the peripheral scan number counter ct and the X-axis counter X, the process returns from Step C6 to Step C2, and the processing of Step C2 to Step C6 is executed using the latest value of the updated X-axis counter X.

  In step C5 described above, when the light reception value of the Xth X-bearing optical element 32 is less than the reference value, the process proceeds from step C5 to step C7. In this case, a light shield 39 exists between the Xth X-axis light emitting element 31 and the X-bearing optical element 32 equivalent to the latest value of the X-axis counter X. Therefore, it is determined that the latest value of the X-axis counter X is the X coordinate of the newly designated point.

  In step C7, the latest value of the X-axis counter X is substituted into the first X coordinate value OZaX1 of the latest detected coordinate value information OZ. After the substitution, the X coordinate detection process in steps C2 to C7 ends, and the process proceeds from step C7 to step C8. The X-coordinate detection process in steps C2 to C7 is performed until the first X-coordinate value OZaX1 of the latest detected coordinate value information OZ is updated in step C7, or the latest value of the peripheral scan number counter ct in step C2. Is repeated until the number of peripheral scans is exceeded.

  Steps C8 to C14 are Y coordinate detection processing for detecting the latest first Y coordinate value OZaY1. In step C8, an initial value “0” is substituted into the peripheral scan number counter ct for initialization.

  In step C9, it is determined whether or not the latest value of the peripheral scan number counter ct is less than the peripheral scan number. If the latest value of the peripheral scan number counter ct is less than the peripheral scan number, the process proceeds from step C9 to step C10.

  In Step C10, as in Step A11 of FIG. 5A, the control unit 12 of the coordinate output device causes the light emission control unit 35 to turn on the same number of Y axis light emitting elements 33 as the latest value of the Y axis counter Y. Next, in step C11, as in step A12 of FIG. 5A, the control unit 12 of the coordinate output device receives light of the Y bearing optical elements 34 of the same number as the latest value of the Y-axis counter Y via the light reception control unit 36. Get the value.

  In step C12, as in step A13 of FIG. 5A, it is determined whether or not the light reception value of the Yth Y bearing optical element 34 is less than a predetermined reference value. If the received light value of the Y-th Y-bearing optical element 34 is greater than or equal to the reference value, the process proceeds from step C12 to step C13.

  In step C13, the peripheral scan number counter ct is incremented by one. In step C13, the Y-axis counter Y is incremented by 1 as in step A17 of FIG. 5A. After the peripheral scan number counter ct and the Y-axis counter Y are updated, the process returns from Step C13 to Step C9, and the processes of Step C9 to Step C13 are executed using the latest value of the updated Y-axis counter Y.

  In Step C12 described above, when the light reception value of the Y-th Y bearing optical element 34 is less than the reference value, the process proceeds from Step C12 to Step C14. In this case, a light shield 39 exists between the Y-th Y-axis light emitting element 33 and the Y-bearing optical element 34 equivalent to the latest value of the Y-axis counter Y. Therefore, it is determined that the latest value of the Y-axis counter Y is the Y coordinate of the newly designated point.

  In step C14, the latest value of the Y-axis counter Y is substituted into the first Y coordinate value OZaY1 of the latest detected coordinate value information OZ. After the substitution, the Y coordinate detection process in steps C9 to C14 ends, and the process of the flowchart of FIG. 6 ends in step C15. The Y coordinate detection process in steps C9 to C14 is performed until the first Y coordinate value OZaY1 of the latest detected coordinate value information OZ is updated in step C14 or the latest value of the peripheral scan number counter ct in step C9. Is repeated until the number of peripheral scans is exceeded.

  If the latest value of the peripheral scan number counter ct is equal to or larger than the peripheral scan number in step C2, the latest designated point does not exist in the first peripheral range of the previous detected coordinate value information OZbk. Therefore, in this case, the process proceeds from step C2 to step C15, and the process of the flowchart of FIG. Similarly, when the latest value of the peripheral scan number counter ct is equal to or larger than the peripheral scan number in step C9, the process proceeds from step C9 to step C15, and the process of the flowchart in FIG.

  Through the above processing, the coordinate output apparatus 1 of the present embodiment detects the first coordinate of the latest detected coordinate value information OZ from the vicinity of the first detected coordinate value information OZbk in the operation surface 10. Thus, the latest detected coordinate value information OZ can be updated. As a result, the time required to detect the first coordinate of the latest detected coordinate value information OZ is shortened.

  FIG. 7 is a flowchart for explaining a second local scan process executed in the coordinate detection process of FIGS. 4A and 4B executed by the control unit 12 of the coordinate output apparatus 1 of the present embodiment. The second local scan process is executed in step P13 in the image detection process of FIGS. 4A and 4B. Steps D1 to D15 in FIG. 7 are substantially the same as steps C1 to C15 in FIG. 6 if “first point” is replaced with “second point”, and thus detailed description thereof is omitted. Sometimes.

  When the second local scan process is executed, the process proceeds from step D0 to step D1. In step D1, various variables and buffers related to the second local scan process are initialized. That is, among the latest detected coordinate value information OZ, the flag OZaF2 indicating the presence / absence of detection of the latest second point, the latest second X coordinate value OZaX2, and the latest second Y coordinate OZaY2 are initialized. The value “0” is substituted respectively. The initial value “0” is also assigned to the peripheral scan number counter ct. In the X-axis counter X, as an initial value, the difference “OZaX2bk− (number of peripheral scans) / 2 "is substituted.

  Steps D2 to D7 are X coordinate detection processing for detecting the latest second X coordinate value OZaX2. In step D2, it is determined whether or not the latest value of the peripheral scan number counter ct is less than the peripheral scan number. If the latest value of the peripheral scan number counter ct is less than the peripheral scan number, the process proceeds from step D2 to step D3.

  In Step D3, as in Step A3 of FIG. 5A, the control unit 12 of the coordinate output device causes the light emission control unit 35 to turn on the X-axis light emitting elements 31 that are the same number as the latest value of the X-axis counter X. Next, in step D4, as in step A4 of FIG. 5A, the control unit 12 of the coordinate output device receives the light reception of the X bearing optical elements 32 of the same number as the latest value of the X-axis counter X via the light reception control unit 36. Get the value.

  In step D5, as in step A5 of FIG. 5A, it is determined whether or not the light reception value of the Xth X-bearing optical element 32 is less than a predetermined reference value. If the received light value of the Xth X-bearing optical element 32 is greater than or equal to a predetermined reference value, the process proceeds from step D5 to step D6.

  In step D6, the peripheral scan number counter ct is incremented by one. In step D6, the X-axis counter X is incremented by 1 as in step A9 in FIG. 5A. After the peripheral scan number counter ct and the X-axis counter X are updated, the process returns from step D6 to step D2, and the processing of steps D2 to D6 is executed using the latest value of the updated X-axis counter X.

  In step D5, when the received light value of the Xth X bearing optical element 32 is less than the reference value, the process proceeds from step D5 to step D7. In this case, a light shield 39 exists between the X-th X-axis light emitting element 31 and the X-bearing optical element 32 whose X-axis counter X is equal to the latest value. Therefore, it is determined that the latest value of the X-axis counter X is the X coordinate of the newly designated point.

  In step D7, the latest value of the X-axis counter X is substituted into the second X coordinate value OZaX2 of the latest detected coordinate value information OZ. After the substitution, the X coordinate detection process in steps D2 to D7 ends, and the process proceeds from step D7 to step D8. The X coordinate detection process in steps D2 to D7 is performed until the second X coordinate value OZaX2 of the latest detected coordinate value information OZ is updated in step D7, or the latest value of the peripheral scan number counter ct in step D2. Is repeated until the number of peripheral scans is exceeded.

  Steps D8 to D14 are Y coordinate detection processing for detecting the latest second Y coordinate value OZaY2. In step D8, an initial value “0” is assigned to the peripheral scan number counter ct for initialization.

  In step D9, it is determined whether or not the latest value of the peripheral scan number counter ct is less than the peripheral scan number. If the latest value of the peripheral scan number counter ct is less than the peripheral scan number, the process proceeds from step D9 to step D10.

  In step D10, as in step A11 of FIG. 5A, the control unit 12 of the coordinate output device causes the light emission control unit 35 to turn on the same number of Y-axis light emitting elements 33 as the latest value of the Y-axis counter Y. Next, in step D11, as in step A12 of FIG. 5A, the control unit 12 of the coordinate output device receives light of the same number of Y bearing optical elements 34 as the latest value of the Y-axis counter Y via the light reception control unit 36. Get the value.

  In Step D12, as in Step A13 of FIG. 5A, it is determined whether or not the light reception value of the Yth Y bearing optical element 34 is less than a predetermined reference value. If the received light value of the Y-th Y-bearing optical element 34 is greater than or equal to the reference value, the process proceeds from step D12 to step D13.

  In step D13, the peripheral scan number counter ct is incremented by one. In step D13, the Y-axis counter Y is incremented by 1 as in step A9 of FIG. 5A. After the peripheral scan number counter ct and the Y-axis counter Y are updated, the process returns from step D13 to step D9, and the processes of steps D9 to D13 are executed using the latest value of the updated Y-axis counter Y.

  If the received light value of the Y-th Y bearing optical element 34 is less than the reference value in step D12 described above, the process proceeds from step D12 to step D14. In this case, a light shield 39 exists between the Y-th Y-axis light emitting element 33 and the Y-bearing optical element 34 having the same latest value of the Y-axis counter Y. Therefore, it is determined that the latest value of the Y-axis counter Y is the Y coordinate of the newly designated point.

  In step D14, the latest value of the Y-axis counter Y is substituted into the second Y coordinate value OZaY2 of the latest detected coordinate value information OZ. After the substitution, the Y coordinate detection process in steps D9 to D14 ends, and the process of the flowchart of FIG. 7 ends in step D15. The Y coordinate detection process in steps D9 to D14 is performed until the second Y coordinate value OZaY2 of the latest detected coordinate value information OZ is updated in step D14 or the latest value of the counter ct for the peripheral scan number in step D9. Is repeated until the number of peripheral scans is exceeded.

  If the latest value of the peripheral scan number counter ct is equal to or greater than the peripheral scan number in step D2, the latest specified point does not exist in the second peripheral range of the previous detected coordinate value information OZbk. Therefore, in this case, the process proceeds from step D2 to step D15, and the process of the flowchart of FIG. Similarly, when the latest value of the peripheral scan number counter ct is equal to or larger than the peripheral scan number in step D9, the process proceeds from step D9 to step D15, and the process of the flowchart in FIG.

  Through the above processing, the coordinate output device 1 of the present embodiment detects the second coordinate of the latest detected coordinate value information OZ from the vicinity of the second point of the previous detected coordinate value information OZbk in the operation surface 10. Thus, the latest detected coordinate value information OZ can be updated. As a result, the time required for detecting the second coordinate of the latest detected coordinate value information OZ is shortened.

  8A and 8B are flowcharts for explaining the entire coordinate output processing executed by the control unit 12 of the coordinate output device 1 of FIG. The coordinate output process in FIGS. 8A and 8B is an interrupt process that is called periodically. After the interrupt process starts, the process proceeds from step Q0 to step Q1.

  In step Q1, it is determined whether or not there is output coordinate value information PZ to be sent to the information device main body 3. That is, it is determined whether or not the latest value of the flag SendFlg indicating the presence / absence of the output coordinate value information PZ is “1” indicating the presence of information. When the latest value of the flag SendFlg indicating the presence / absence of the output coordinate value information PZ is “1”, the process proceeds from step Q1 to step Q2.

  In step Q1, when the latest value of the flag SendFlg indicating the presence / absence of the output coordinate value information PZ is “0” indicating no information, the process proceeds from step Q1 to step Q20, and the flowcharts of FIGS. 8A and 8B are ended. In this case, coordinates are not output from the coordinate output device 1.

  In step Q2, the first X coordinate value PZaX1 and Y coordinate value PZaY1 and the second X coordinate value PZaX2 and Y coordinate value PZaY2 of the output coordinate information are corrected in accordance with a predetermined touch panel resolution. The X coordinate value and Y coordinate value of the first point after correction, and the X coordinate value and Y coordinate value of the second point are the X coordinate value OZaX1CV and Y coordinate value OZaY1CV of the first point of the corrected output coordinate information. And the second X coordinate value OZaX1CV and the Y coordinate value OZaY1CV, respectively. For example, the resolution in the X-axis direction is “65536”, the resolution in the X-axis direction is “65536”, and the touch panel resolution is defined as “65536 × 6553” for the entire operation surface 10.

Coordinate value of transmission output coordinate information = coordinate value of output coordinate information × {(touch panel resolution) / (number of light emitting elements)} (1)
The specific correction method for the output coordinate information in step Q2 is shown in the above equation 1. That is, in the correction method, the X coordinate values OZaX1CV, OZaX2CV and the Y coordinate values OZaY1CV, OZaY2CV of the output output coordinate information after correction are the X coordinate values PZaX1, PZaX2, and the Y coordinate values PZaY1, This is realized by multiplying PZaY2 by the quotient obtained by dividing the touch panel resolution in the X-axis direction and the Y-axis direction by the total number of light emitting elements in the X-axis direction and the Y-axis direction.

  In step Q3, it is determined whether or not both the first point and the second point of the output coordinate value information PZ have been detected. That is, it is determined whether or not both the flag PZaF1 indicating whether or not the first point of the output coordinate value information PZ is detected and the flag PZaF2 indicating whether or not the second point is detected are “1” indicating that there is detection. The When both the flags PZaF1 and PZaF2 indicating whether or not the first point and the second point of the output coordinate value information PZ are detected are “1”, the process proceeds from step Q3 to step Q4.

  In step Q4, it is determined whether or not the output format used at the previous sending of the output coordinate value information PZ is a mouse format. That is, it is determined whether or not the latest value of the previous transmission data format buffer SendFmt is “1” indicating the mouse format. When the latest value of the previous transmission data format buffer SendFmt is not “1”, the process proceeds from step Q4 to step Q5.

  In step Q5, the first and second coordinate values of the corrected output coordinate value information PZ are added to the first and second coordinate values of the digitizer format buffer Sendbuf_DE storing the digitizer format output coordinate value information PZ. The coordinate value of the eye is substituted. If necessary, other elements of the digitizer format buffer Sendbuf_DE are also set based on the corrected output coordinate value information PZ. Next, in step Q6, “2” indicating the digitizer format is assigned to the previous transmission data format buffer SendFmt. After updating the previous transmission data format buffer SendFmt, the process proceeds from step Q6 to step Q7.

  At step Q7, the digitizer format output coordinate value information PZ in the digitizer format buffer Sendbuf_DE is transferred from the coordinate output device 1 to the information device via the communication unit 14 of the coordinate output device 1 and the communication network according to the USB standard. It is sent to the main body 3.

  In step Q8, “0” indicating that there is no information to be sent is substituted for the flag SendFlg indicating the presence or absence of the output coordinate value information PZ. In step Q8, the output coordinate value information PZ and the latest detected coordinate value information OZ are initialized. As a result, the initial value “0” is assigned to the flags PZaF1 and PZaF2 indicating whether or not the first and second points of the output coordinate value information PZ are detected, and the first point of the latest detected coordinate value information OZ. In addition, an initial value “0” is assigned to the flags OZaF1 and OZaF2 indicating whether or not the second point is detected. The previous detected coordinate value information OZbk is retained as it is. After the initialization of the flag and the like, the process proceeds from step Q8 to step Q20, and the processes of the flowcharts of FIGS. 8A and 8B are completed.

  If the coordinates of a plurality of points have already been detected in the output coordinate value information PZ by the processing of step Q2 to step Q8, the digitizer format is selected, and the coordinates of the plurality of points are output in the selected digitizer format.

  If the latest value of the previous transmission data format buffer SendFmt is “1” in step Q4 described above, the process proceeds from step Q4 to step Q9. In step Q9, “0” indicating that the non-instruction state without light shielding is assigned to the instruction state element (L button) indicating the right or wrong of the instruction state of the mouse format buffer Sendbuf_MS.

  Next, in step Q10, the mouse format output coordinate value information PZ stored in the mouse format buffer Sendbuf_MS is transmitted to the coordinate output device 1 via the communication unit 14 of the coordinate output device 1 and the communication network according to the USB standard. 1 to the information device main body 3. As a result, along with the end of the line drawing operation or the like, the coordinate output device 1 notifies the information device main body 3 of switching from the instruction state to the non-instruction state.

  Next, in step Q11, “2” indicating the digitizer format is assigned to the previous transmission data format buffer SendFmt. After the previous transmission data format buffer SendFmt is updated, the process proceeds from step Q11 to step Q20, and the processing of the flowcharts of FIGS. 8A and 8B ends.

  When the coordinates of a plurality of points have already been detected in the output coordinate value information PZ by the processing of steps Q2 to Q4 and Q9 to Q11, and the mouse format has been selected as the previous transmission data format, The coordinate output format is switched from the mouse format to the digitizer format. In the above processing, since the output coordinate value information PZ and the latest detected coordinate value information OZ are not initialized, one point of the output coordinate value information PZ is executed at the next execution of the interrupt processing of FIGS. 8A and 8B. The coordinate values of the eyes and the second point are sent together by the digitizer method.

  If at least one of the flags PZaF1 and PZaF2 indicating the presence / absence of detection of the first point and the second point of the output coordinate value information PZ is “0” indicating no detection in step Q3, the steps Q3 to Q12 are performed. Proceed to

  In step Q12, it is determined whether or not the output format used when sending the previous output coordinate value information PZ is the digitizer format. That is, it is determined whether or not the latest value of the previous transmission data format buffer SendFmt is “2” indicating the digitizer format. When the latest value of the previous transmission data format buffer SendFmt is “2”, the process proceeds from step Q12 to step Q13.

Next, in step Q13, an instruction state element Touch_ indicating each of the instruction states of the first point and the second point in the digitizer format buffer Sendbuf_DE.
“0” indicating a non-instruction state without light shielding is substituted for Valid.

  Next, in step Q14, the output coordinate value information PZ in the digitizer format stored in the digitizer format buffer Sendbuf_DE is transmitted to the coordinate output device via the communication unit 14 of the coordinate output device 1 and the communication network according to the USB standard. 1 to the information device main body 3. As a result, along with the end of the gesture operation, the coordinate output device 1 notifies the information device main body 3 of the switching from the instruction state to the non-instruction state.

  Next, in step Q15, “1” indicating the mouse format is assigned to the previous transmission data format buffer SendFmt. After updating the previous transmission data format buffer SendFmt, the process proceeds from step Q15 to step Q20, and the processes of the flowcharts of FIGS. 8A and 8B are completed.

  If a single coordinate has been detected in the output coordinate value information PZ by the above-described processing of Step Q2 to Step Q3 and Step Q12 to Step Q15, and the digitizer format has been selected as the previous transmission data format, The output format is switched from digitizer to mouse format. In the above processing, since the output coordinate value information PZ and the latest detected coordinate value information OZ are not initialized, one point of the output coordinate value information PZ is executed at the next execution of the interrupt processing of FIGS. 8A and 8B. The coordinate values of the eyes and the second point are sent together by the digitizer method.

  If the latest value of the previous transmission data format buffer SendFmt is other than “2” in step Q12 described above, the process proceeds from step Q12 to step Q16.

  In step Q16, it is determined whether one of the first point and the second point of the output coordinate value information PZ is the second point. That is, it is determined whether or not the flag PZaF2 indicating the presence / absence of detection of the second point of the output coordinate value information PZ is “1” indicating the presence of detection. When the flag PZaF2 indicating whether or not the second point of the output coordinate value information PZ is detected is “0”, the process proceeds from step Q16 to step Q17. When the flag PZaF2 indicating whether or not the second point of the output coordinate value information PZ is detected is “1”, the process proceeds from step Q16 to step Q18.

  In Step Q17, the X coordinate value OZaX1CV of the first point of the corrected output coordinate value information PZ is added to the X coordinate value and the Y coordinate value of the mouse format buffer Sendbuf_MS that stores the mouse format output coordinate value information PZ. The Y coordinate value OZaY1CV is substituted. In step Q18, the X coordinate value and the Y coordinate value of the mouse format buffer Sendbuf_MS that stores the mouse format output coordinate value information PZ are added to the X coordinate value of the second point of the corrected output coordinate value information PZ. OZaX2CV and Y coordinate value OZaY2CV are substituted. In step Q17 and step Q18, if necessary, other elements of the mouse format buffer Sendbuf_MS are also set based on the corrected output coordinate value information PZ. After substituting the coordinate values, the process proceeds from step Q17 and step Q18 to step Q19.

  In step Q19, “1” indicating the mouse format is assigned to the previous transmission data format buffer SendFmt. After the previous transmission data format buffer SendFmt is updated, the process proceeds from step Q19 to step Q7.

  When step Q19 is reached from step Q7, in step Q7, the mouse format output coordinate value information PZ in the mouse format buffer Sendbuf_MS passes through the communication unit 14 of the coordinate output device 1 and the communication network according to the USB standard. Then, it is sent from the coordinate output device 1 to the information equipment main body 3. Next, in step Q8, “0” indicating that there is no information to be sent is substituted into the flag SendFlg indicating the presence / absence of the output coordinate value information PZ. In step Q8, the output coordinate value information PZ and the latest detected coordinate value information OZ are initialized.

  After the initialization of the flag and the like, the process proceeds from step Q8 to step Q20, and the processes of the flowcharts of FIGS. 8A and 8B are completed. If the coordinates of a single point have already been detected in the output coordinate value information PZ by the processes of Step Q2 to Step Q3, Step Q12, Step Q16 to Step Q19, and Step Q7 to Step Q8, the mouse format is selected. The coordinates of a single point are output in the selected mouse format.

  By the above processing, the coordinate output device 1 of the present embodiment switches the output format of the output coordinate value information PZ according to the number of detected points in the output coordinate value information PZ.

  The coordinate output device 1 of this embodiment is one of the best embodiments of the components of this embodiment. The detailed configuration of the constituent elements of the present embodiment is not limited to the above-described configuration as long as the above-described effects can be exhibited, and various other configurations may be used.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Coordinate output apparatus 2 Information apparatus 3 Information apparatus main body 4 Display apparatus 10 Operation surface 11 Coordinate detection part of coordinate output apparatus 12 Control part of coordinate output apparatus 13 Internal storage part of coordinate output apparatus 14 Communication part of coordinate output apparatus 21 Information apparatus Coordinate detection unit of main body 22 Control unit of main body of information device 23 Internal storage unit of main body of information device 24 Communication unit of main body of information device 31 X axis light emitting element 32 X bearing light element 33 Y axis light emitting element 34 Y bearing light element 35 Light emission control Unit 26 Light reception control unit OZ Latest detected coordinate value information OZaF1 Flag indicating whether or not the first point of the latest detected coordinate value information is detected OZaX1 First X coordinate value of the latest detected coordinate value information OZaY1 Latest detected coordinate Y coordinate value of the first point of the value information OZaF2 Flag indicating whether or not the second point of the latest detected coordinate value information is detected OZaX2 of the latest detected coordinate value information X coordinate value of the second point OZaY2 Y coordinate value of the second point of the latest detected coordinate value information OZbr Previously detected coordinate value information OZaF1bk Flag indicating whether or not the first point of the previously detected coordinate value information has been detected OZaX1bk X coordinate value of first point of detected coordinate value information OZaY1bk Y coordinate value of first point of previous detected coordinate value information OZaF2bk Flag indicating presence / absence of detection of second point of previous detected coordinate value information OZaX2bk Previous detected coordinate X coordinate value of the second point of the value information OZaY2bk Y coordinate value of the second point of the previous detected coordinate value information PZ output coordinate value information PZaF1 Flag indicating whether or not the first point of the detected coordinate value information for output is detected PZaY1 Y coordinate value PZaF2 of the first point of detection coordinate value information for output PZaF2 Flag indicating whether or not the second point of detection coordinate value information for output is detected PZaX2 Output detection coordinate X coordinate value of second point of information PZaY2 Y coordinate value of second point of detected coordinate value information for output Sendbuf_MS buffer for mouse format Sendbuf_DE buffer for digitizer format SendFlg Flag indicating presence / absence of coordinate value information PZ for output SendFmt Previous transmission data Format buffer

Claims (3)

A touch panel having an operation surface;
A coordinate detection unit that detects the coordinates of one or more points indicated in the operation surface;
When only the coordinates of a single point are detected by the coordinate detection unit, the coordinates of the detected single point are output in a predetermined first output format, and the coordinates of a plurality of points are simultaneously output by the coordinate detection unit. And a control unit that outputs the coordinates of the detected points in a predetermined second output format different from the first output format. The coordinate detection unit repeatedly performs coordinate detection of a point designated in the operation surface as time passes,
When the coordinates of a point are detected at the time of coordinate detection, the control unit causes the coordinate detection unit to execute the next coordinate detection within a predetermined range including the detected coordinates, and at the time of coordinate detection, 2. The coordinate output apparatus according to claim 1, wherein when the coordinates are not detected, the coordinate detection unit is caused to execute the next coordinate detection for the entire operation surface.   The coordinate output apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the first output format is a mouse format and the second output format is a digitizer format.

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