JP2015162161A - Information processing apparatus, information processing program, and information processing method - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To enable a plurality of users to share an electronic pen easily.SOLUTION: An information processing apparatus (10) displays a management information display area (410) including a first display area (412) for displaying attribute information set to an electronic pen (200) and at least for performing drawing, a first operation area (414) for receiving a display operation for displaying the attribute information on the first display area, and a second operation area (416) for receiving a setting operation for setting the attribute information to the electronic pen, on a display screen of a display device (100A) (S5), displays the attribute information set to the electronic pen on the first display area of the management information display area when the first operation area of the management information display area is indicated by the electronic pen (S29), and sets the attribute information displayed on the first display area to the electronic pen when the second operation area of the management information area is indicated by the electronic pen (S35).

Description

  The present invention relates to an information processing apparatus, an information processing program, and an information processing method, and in particular, for example, indicates a position on a display surface of a display unit using an electronic pen and draws on the display surface based on the instructed position. The present invention relates to an information processing apparatus, an information processing program, and an information processing method.

  An example of a conventional information processing apparatus of this type is disclosed in Patent Document 1. In the electronic blackboard system disclosed in Patent Document 1, a dedicated menu is assigned to each of a plurality of digitizers (electronic pens), and a plurality of users can use them simultaneously.

JP 2008-118301 A [H04N 1/00, B43L 1/04, G06F 3/041]

  However, in the electronic blackboard system of Patent Document 1, a situation in which a plurality of users share one digitizer is not assumed. In such a situation, each user, when using a digitizer used by another user, does not know the line color, line type, line width, and other attributes set for the digitizer. Or reset the attribute in the dedicated menu. For this reason, it is inconvenient.

  Further, in the electronic blackboard system of Patent Document 1, copy and paste is not taken into consideration, and contents copied by a certain user are updated with contents copied by another user, and unintended contents are pasted. Such inconvenience can occur.

  Therefore, a main object of the present invention is to provide an information processing apparatus, an information processing program, and an information processing method that allow a plurality of users to easily share an electronic pen.

  Another object of the present invention is to provide an information processing apparatus, an information processing program, and an information processing method that allow a plurality of users to copy and paste without problems.

  The present invention employs the following configuration in order to solve the above-described problems.

  A first invention is an information processing apparatus that uses an electronic pen to indicate a position on a display surface of a display unit and draws on the display surface based on the specified position, and is set in the electronic pen A first display area for displaying at least attribute information for drawing, a first operation area for receiving a display operation for displaying the attribute information in the first display area, and setting the attribute information in the electronic pen. Management information display means for displaying a management information display area including a second operation area for accepting a setting operation to be performed on the display surface, and when the first operation area of the management information display area is instructed by the electronic pen, Attribute information display means for displaying the set attribute information in the first display area of the management information display area, and when the second operation area of the management information display area is instructed by the electronic pen, the management information display The attribute information displayed in the first display area of the band provided with attribute information setting means for setting an electronic pen.

  In the first invention, the information processing apparatus uses the electronic pen to indicate the position on the display surface of the display unit, and performs drawing on the display surface based on the instructed position. That is, when the information processing apparatus is touched on the display screen of the display unit with the electronic pen, the touched position is detected by the touch panel device, and drawing is performed on the display surface based on the detected position coordinates. Here, using the electronic pen to indicate the position on the display surface of the display means that the electronic pen touches the display surface and the touch panel device detects the position coordinates of the electronic pen. In such an information processing apparatus, for example, the CPU executes processing according to a program stored in the memory, thereby realizing management information display means, attribute information display means, and attribute information setting means. The management information display means is set on the electronic pen and has a first display area for displaying at least attribute information for drawing and a first operation for receiving a display operation for displaying the attribute information in the first display area. A management information display area including an area and a second operation area for accepting a setting operation for setting attribute information in the electronic pen is displayed on the display surface. When the first operation area of the management information display area is instructed by the electronic pen, the attribute information display means displays the attribute information set for the electronic pen in the first display area of the management information display area. When the second operation area of the management information display area is instructed by the electronic pen, the attribute information setting means sets the attribute information displayed in the first display area of the management information display area to the electronic pen.

  According to the first aspect, the first operation area and the second operation area in the management information display area are indicated with the electronic pen, so that the attributes set for the electronic pen are displayed in the management information display area or managed. Since the attributes set in the information display area can be set in the electronic pen, each user can easily check the attributes set in the electronic pen, and easily change the attributes of the electronic pen. be able to. Therefore, a plurality of users can easily share the electronic pen.

  The second invention updates the display of the attribute information displayed in the first display area when the change operation receiving means that receives the change operation of the attribute information by the electronic pen and the change operation is received by the change operation receiving means Attribute updating means.

  In the second invention, for example, when the CPU executes a process according to a program stored in the memory, the change operation accepting means and the attribute updating means are further realized. The change operation accepting unit receives an attribute information change operation using the electronic pen. The attribute updating unit updates the display of the attribute information displayed in the first display area when the changing operation is received by the changing operation receiving unit.

  According to the second invention, each user can change the attribute information and copy the changed attribute information to the electronic pen.

  In the third invention, the management information display means displays a plurality of management information display areas.

  According to the third aspect, the management information display area can be properly used for each user. In that case, each user can also set necessary attribute information in the electronic pen from the management information display area of other users. In addition, when a single user uses multiple management information display areas, the desired attribute information is set in the electronic pen from the multiple management information display areas, and drawing is performed while frequently switching multiple attributes with a simple operation. can do.

  In the fourth invention, there are a plurality of electronic pens, and each of the plurality of electronic pens includes at least transmitting means for transmitting its own identification information. An information processing apparatus according to a fourth aspect of the invention is a receiving means for receiving identification information transmitted from an electronic pen, and pen position detection for detecting the position of the electronic pen when the position on the display surface is indicated by the electronic pen. The attribute information display means is transmitted from the first electronic pen and the position of the first electronic pen detected by the pen position detecting means when the first operation area is instructed by the first electronic pen. Based on the identification information, the attribute information setting means associates the first electronic pen with the management information display area including the designated first operation area, and the attribute information setting means is instructed by the second electronic pen. Management information including the second operation area designated by the second electronic pen based on the position of the second electronic pen detected by the pen position detecting means and the identification information transmitted from the second electronic pen. Associate and a display area.

  In the fourth invention, the electronic pen includes a plurality of electronic pens, and each of the plurality of electronic pens includes at least transmission means for transmitting its own identification information, and the information processing apparatus further includes reception means and pen position detection means. . The receiving means receives the identification information transmitted from the electronic pen, and the pen position detecting means detects the position of the electronic pen when the position on the display surface is instructed by the electronic pen. The attribute information display means is based on the position of the first electronic pen detected by the pen position detection means and the identification information transmitted from the first electronic pen when the first operation area is instructed by the first electronic pen. The first electronic pen is associated with the management information display area including the designated first operation area. The attribute information setting means is based on the position of the second electronic pen detected by the pen position detecting means and the identification information transmitted from the second electronic pen when the second operation area is instructed by the second electronic pen. The second electronic pen is associated with the management information display area including the designated second operation area.

  According to the fourth invention, the electronic pen that has performed an operation on the first operation area or the second operation area is specified and associated with the management information display area including the first operation area or the second operation area. It is not necessary to associate the electronic pen with the management information display area in advance. Therefore, each user may use any electronic pen and may use any management information display area, so that usability is improved.

  In the fifth invention, when the first operation area is instructed by the first electronic pen, the attribute information display means displays the attribute set in the first electronic pen touching the first operation area in the first operation area. When the second operation area is instructed by the second electronic pen, the attribute information setting means sets the second operation area to the second electronic pen touching the second operation area. Set the attributes set in the management information display area including.

  According to the fifth aspect, attribute display and attribute setting can be performed via one or a plurality of management information display areas.

  An information processing apparatus according to a sixth aspect of the invention provides an individual temporary storage area in a memory corresponding to an electronic pen, and when a copy operation is performed using the electronic pen, part or all of the contents drawn on the display surface First copy means for copying the image to the individual temporary storage area, and when the paste operation is performed using the electronic pen, the contents temporarily stored in the individual temporary storage area provided corresponding to the electronic pen Paste means for pasting on the display surface is further provided.

  In the sixth invention, an individual temporary storage area is provided in the memory corresponding to the electronic pen, and the first copying unit and the pasting unit are further realized, for example, when the CPU executes a process according to a program stored in the memory. The The first copying means copies a part or all of the contents drawn on the display surface to the individual temporary storage area when a copying operation is performed using the electronic pen. When the paste operation is performed using the electronic pen, the paste unit pastes the content temporarily stored in the individual temporary storage area provided corresponding to the electronic pen on the display surface.

  According to the sixth invention, by providing the individual temporary storage area, the content copied by one user is updated with the content copied by another user, and the confusion of pasting unintended content is avoided. Is done. Therefore, a plurality of users can copy and paste without confusion.

  In the seventh invention, the electronic pen is composed of a plurality, the memory has a plurality of individual temporary storage areas corresponding to the plurality of electronic pens, and each of the plurality of electronic pens has at least identification information of itself. Transmitting means for transmitting is included. The information processing apparatus according to the seventh aspect of the invention further includes receiving means for receiving the identification information transmitted from the electronic pen, and the first copying means performs the copying operation from the identification information received by the receiving means. And copying to the individual temporary storage area associated with the electronic pen, the paste unit specifies the electronic pen that performed the paste operation based on the identification information received by the receiving unit, and The contents temporarily stored in the individual temporary storage area provided corresponding to the electronic pen are pasted on the display surface.

  According to the seventh aspect, by providing the individual temporary storage area for each electronic pen, the content copied by one electronic pen is updated with the content copied by another electronic pen, and the unintended content is pasted. Such inconvenience is avoided. Therefore, a plurality of users can copy and paste without problems with their electronic pens.

  In the eighth invention, the memory further has a common temporary storage area common to the plurality of electronic pens, and the first copy means specifies the electronic pen that performed the copy operation from the identification information received by the receiving means. Copying to the individual temporary storage area and the common temporary storage area associated with the electronic pen, and the paste means is provided corresponding to the electronic pen when the individual paste operation is performed by the electronic pen. The content temporarily stored in the individual temporary storage area is pasted on the display surface, and when a common paste operation is performed by the electronic pen, the content temporarily stored in the common temporary storage area is pasted on the display surface.

  According to the eighth invention, each user can paste the content stored in the individual temporary storage area by his / her copy operation by the individual paste operation, and is stored in the common temporary storage area by the copy operation of another user. Can be pasted by common paste operation.

  According to a ninth aspect of the present invention, there is provided an information processing apparatus comprising: a plurality of individual temporary storage areas and a common temporary storage area in response to a designation operation for specifying a copy source and a copy destination between a plurality of individual temporary storage areas and a common temporary storage area; Second copy means for copying the contents temporarily stored in the copy source to a copy destination among the plurality of individual temporary storage areas and the common temporary storage area is further provided.

  In the ninth invention, for example, the CPU executes a process according to a program stored in the memory, thereby further realizing the second copy means. The second copy means is configured to copy a source of the plurality of individual temporary storage areas and the common temporary storage area in accordance with a designation operation for specifying a copy source and a destination between the plurality of individual temporary storage areas and the common temporary storage area. The contents temporarily stored in are copied to a copy destination among the plurality of individual temporary storage areas and the common temporary storage area.

  According to the ninth aspect, each user can store the contents stored in the individual temporary storage area associated with the electronic pen of the other user by using the designation operation, and the individual temporary storage area associated with his / her electronic pen. By copying to, you can paste the copy image. In addition, each user can copy the contents stored in the individual temporary storage area associated with his / her electronic pen to the common temporary storage area by a specified operation so that other users can paste it. become.

  According to a tenth aspect of the present invention, there is provided an information processing program, wherein an electronic pen is used to indicate a position on a display surface of a display unit, and a computer that performs drawing on the display surface based on the instructed position is an electronic pen. A first display area for displaying at least attribute information for drawing, a first operation area for receiving a display operation for displaying attribute information in the first display area, and attribute information for an electronic pen. Management information display means for displaying a management information display area including a second operation area for accepting a setting operation to be set on the display surface, and when the first operation area of the management information display area is instructed by the electronic pen, Attribute information display means for displaying the attribute information set in the pen in the first display area of the management information display area, and the second operation area of the management information display area is instructed by the electronic pen It can, to function attribute information displayed in the first display area of the management information display area as attribute information setting means for setting an electronic pen.

  An eleventh aspect of the invention is an information processing method by a computer that uses an electronic pen to indicate a position on a display surface of a display unit and draws on the display surface based on the instructed position. ) A first display area that is set on the electronic pen and displays at least attribute information for drawing, a first operation area for receiving a display operation for displaying attribute information in the first display area, and attribute information A management information display area including a second operation area for accepting a setting operation for setting the electronic pen on the display surface, and (b) when the first operation area of the management information display area is instructed by the electronic pen The attribute information set in the electronic pen is displayed in the first display area of the management information display area, and (c) the management information is displayed when the second operation area of the management information display area is instructed by the electronic pen. display The attribute information displayed in the first display region of the range set in the electronic pen.

  According to the tenth and eleventh inventions, as in the first invention, each user can easily check the attributes set for the electronic pen, and easily change the attributes of the electronic pen. can do. Therefore, a plurality of users can easily share the electronic pen.

  According to the present invention, a plurality of users can easily share an electronic pen.

1 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a drawing system according to a first embodiment of the present invention. It is a block diagram which shows an example of an electrical configuration of the electronic blackboard shown in FIG. FIG. 3 is an illustrative view for explaining arrangement of light emitting elements included in the light emitting circuit shown in FIG. 2 and light receiving elements included in the light receiving circuit and detection operation of the touch panel device. (A) is an illustrative view for explaining an external configuration of the electronic pen shown in FIG. 1, and (B) is a block diagram showing an example of an electrical configuration of the electronic pen shown in FIG. FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating an example of an electrical configuration of the PC illustrated in FIG. 1. (A) is an illustration figure which shows an example of the drawing screen displayed on the electronic blackboard shown in FIG. 1, (B) is an illustration figure for demonstrating the content of the palette contained in the drawing screen of (A). . (A)-(C) is an illustration figure for demonstrating the procedure which changes the attribute information of a palette. (A)-(C) is an illustration figure for demonstrating the procedure which copies the attribute information of an electronic pen to a palette. FIG. 6 is an illustrative view showing one example of a memory map of the memory shown in FIG. 5. It is a flowchart which shows a part of drawing process of CPU shown in FIG. FIG. 11 is another part of the drawing process of the CPU shown in FIG. 5, and is a flowchart subsequent to FIG. 10. In 2nd Example of this invention, it is an illustration figure which shows an example of the screen displayed on an electronic blackboard. FIGS. 12A to 12C show changes in display contents of the common display area, the first individual display area, and the second individual display area when the selection target is copied with the first electronic pen on the screen of FIG. FIG. (A)-(C) are diagrams illustrating changes in display contents of the common display area, the first individual display area, and the second individual display area when the selection target is copied with the second electronic pen, following FIG. 13. FIG. (A) And (B) is an illustration figure for demonstrating the procedure which copies information between a common display area, a 1st separate display area, and a 2nd separate display area. It is an illustration figure which shows an example of the memory map of the memory incorporated in PC in 2nd Example. It is a flowchart which shows a part of copy and paste process of CPU built in PC in 2nd Example. FIG. 19 is another part of the copy and paste process of the CPU built in the PC in the second embodiment, and is a flowchart subsequent to FIG. 18. (A) is an illustration figure which shows the external appearance structure of the electronic pen in 3rd Example, (B) is a block diagram which shows an example of the electrical structure of the electronic pen in 3rd Example.

[First embodiment]
Referring to FIG. 1, a drawing system 10 according to a first embodiment of the present invention functions as an information processing apparatus, and includes an electronic blackboard 100 and a plurality of electronic pens 200 (here, a first electronic pen 200a and a second electronic pen). It is composed of a pen 200b) and a PC 300. The electronic blackboard 100 includes a display device 100A and a touch panel device 100B. The display device 100A is connected to the PC 300 via an HDMI (High-Definition Multimedia Interface, registered trademark) cable 502, and the touch panel device 100B is connected to the PC 300 via a USB (Universal Serial Bus) cable 504. The interface (I / F) between the PC 300, the display device 100A, and the touch panel device 100B is not limited to HDMI and USB, and other methods may be used.

  Hereinafter, in this specification, when it is not necessary to distinguish the first electronic pen 200a and the second electronic pen 200b, they are simply referred to as the electronic pen 200.

  Although not shown, the display device 100A is composed of, for example, an LCD (liquid crystal panel) or an EL (electroluminescence) panel, and displays an image corresponding to the image data output from the PC 300. However, in the first embodiment, the video data is a screen for a drawing application executed on the PC 300. The video data output from the PC 300 includes data on characters, line drawings, and the like received from the user via the touch panel 100B and the PC 300.

  Touch panel device 100B is an infrared shielding touch panel, includes an infrared light emitting element and a light receiving element arranged to surround the display surface of display device 100A, and the user touches the display surface with electronic pen 200 or a fingertip. Is detected by blocking infrared rays, and coordinate data indicating the touch position on the display surface is output.

  Note that the touch panel device is not limited to the infrared shielding type, and may be any configuration that can detect a user's touch operation on the display surface. For example, resistive film method, surface capacitance method, projection capacitance method, ultrasonic surface acoustic wave method, acoustic pulse recognition method, vibration detection method, electromagnetic induction method, image recognition method, or LCD method with built-in optical sensor May be used.

  FIG. 2 shows an example of the electrical configuration of the electronic blackboard 100. As described above, the electronic blackboard 100 includes the display device 100A and the touch panel device 100B. Video data output from the PC 300 is input to the display device 100A.

  The touch panel device (position detection means) 100B includes a CPU. A ROM 104, a RAM 106, a touch panel signal I / F 108, a wireless communication circuit 110, and a scanning circuit 120 are connected to the CPU 102 via a bus 130. The CPU 102 governs overall control of the touch panel device 100B. The ROM 104 stores in advance a control program (not shown) for realizing the functions of the touch panel device 100B via the CPU 102, specifically, a detection program, a coordinate calculation program, and a light shielding object management program.

  The detection program is a program for detecting a light shielding object (in other words, a touch operation on the display surface) located on the display surface of the display device 100A based on the output of the scanning circuit 120. The coordinate calculation program is a program for calculating the position (coordinate data) on the display surface of the light shielding object detected by the detection program. The shade object management program is a program for managing the position (coordinate data) of the shade object calculated by the coordinate calculation program.

  When the electronic blackboard 100 is activated, the control program stored in the ROM 104 is loaded into the RAM 106, and the CPU 102 executes the control program stored in the RAM 106. The RAM 106 is also used as a work area and a buffer area for the CPU 102.

  The touch panel signal I / F 108 converts the coordinate data indicating the touch position calculated by the CPU 102 based on the output of the scanning circuit 120 into a format that can be transmitted by the USB cable 504. The wireless communication circuit 110 performs wireless communication with the electronic pen 200 using radio waves or infrared rays.

  The scanning circuit 120 includes an address decoder 122, a light emitting circuit 124, a light receiving circuit 126, and an A / D converter 128. The address decoder 122 controls address data for sequentially driving the plurality of light emitting elements 1241 and the plurality of light receiving elements 1261 arranged in the horizontal and vertical scanning directions under the control of the CPU 102, as shown in FIG. This is applied to each of the light emitting circuit 124 and the light receiving circuit 126.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the display surface of the display device 100A is rectangular, and in the touch panel device 100B, the plurality of light emitting elements 1241 are arranged along the bottom side and the right side of the display surface, and the plurality of light receiving elements 1261 are displayed. A plurality of light emitting elements 1241 are arranged along the upper side and the left side of the surface so as to face each other. The X-axis direction is defined in the direction from the upper right end of the display surface to the upper left end, and the Y axis direction is defined in the direction from the lower left end of the display surface to the upper left end. The operation of sequentially driving the pair of light emitting elements 1241 and light receiving elements 1241 facing each other is performed along the X-axis direction and the Y-axis direction.

  Returning to FIG. 2, the light emitting circuit 124 causes the light emitting element 1241 specified by the given address data to emit light, and the light receiving circuit 126 receives the intensity of infrared rays received by the light receiving element 1261 specified by the given address data. Is output to the A / D converter 128. The A / D converter 128 converts the analog signal output from the light receiving circuit 126 into, for example, an 8-bit digital signal.

  Thus, the A / D converter 128 repeatedly outputs digital signals obtained by sequentially driving the plurality of light emitting elements 1241 and the plurality of light receiving elements 1261. The CPU 102 calculates the position (coordinates) of the light shielding object on the display surface based on the digital signal output from the A / D converter 128 and outputs the coordinate data. The coordinate data output from the CPU 102 is input to the PC 300 after being converted into a format that can be transmitted by the USB cable 504 through the touch panel I / F 108.

  As shown in FIG. 4A, the electronic pen 200 includes a pen body 202 and a pen tip switch 204. The pen tip switch 204 is turned on when the user brings the pen tip of the electronic pen 200 into contact with an instruction target (in this embodiment, the display surface of the display device 100A), and nothing touches the pen tip. When not, it is a mechanical switch that is turned off. However, the pen point switch 204 is not necessarily limited to a mechanical switch, and an optical switch or the like is used as long as it can detect that the pen point is in contact with the pointing object. You can also

  FIG. 4B is a block diagram illustrating an electrical configuration of the electronic pen 200. As shown in FIG. 4B, the electronic pen 200 is provided with a switch state detection circuit 224 that detects the on state and the off state of the pen tip switch 204 as described above. A control circuit 220, a memory 222, and a wireless communication circuit (transmission means) 226 are connected to the switch state detection circuit 224 via a bus 240. The memory 222 is a nonvolatile memory such as a ROM or an EEPROM (registered trademark), and stores identification information set in the electronic pen 200 in which the memory 222 is built. For example, when the switch state detection circuit 224 detects that the pen tip switch 204 is turned on, the control circuit 220 uses the wireless blackboard 100 to transmit the identification information stored in the memory 222 via the wireless communication circuit 226. Send to.

  Returning to FIG. 2, the CPU 102 of the electronic blackboard 100 (touch panel device 100 </ b> B) receives the identification information transmitted from the electronic pen 200 via the wireless communication circuit (reception unit) 110. Therefore, in conjunction with the output from the scanning circuit 120, the electronic pen 200 that touches the display surface of the display device 100A and the touch position can be specified. Therefore, identification information of the electronic pen 200 that is currently touching the display surface of the display device 100A is added to the coordinate data output from the CPU 102 toward the PC 300.

  In the first embodiment, since a plurality of electronic pens 200 are used, they may touch the display surface of the display device 100A at the same time. Therefore, in the touch panel device 100B, when touch-on (pen-down) is performed, the coordinate data output from the scanning circuit 120 and the identification information transmitted from the electronic pen 200 are stored in association with each other and touch-off (pen-up) is performed. By tracking (storing) the coordinate data up to this point, it is possible to determine which electronic pen 200 is operated by the coordinate data detected at the same time.

  A PC 300 shown in FIG. 1 is a general-purpose computer and functions as a control device for the electronic blackboard 100. As shown in FIG. 5, the PC 300 includes a CPU 302, and the CPU 302 is connected to a memory 304, a video signal I / F 306, and a touch panel signal I / F 308 via a bus 320.

  The CPU 302 governs overall control of the PC 300. The memory 304 includes an HDD 304a, a ROM 304b, and a RAM 304c. The HDD 304a is a main storage device of the PC 300, and stores programs such as an operating system and other application programs, and various data. The ROM 304b stores a boot program executed when the PC 300 is activated. The RAM 304c is used as a work area and a buffer area for the CPU 302.

  The touch panel signal I / F 308 is an interface for receiving coordinate data with identification information (with identification information) output from the touch panel device 100B of the electronic blackboard 100. The coordinate data with identification information received by the touch panel signal I / F 308 is given to the CPU 302. The CPU 302 generates image data such as characters and line drawings input to the electronic blackboard 100 by the user with the electronic pen 200 based on the given coordinate data with identification information.

  The video signal I / F 306 is an interface for outputting video data generated in the PC 300 or stored in advance in the PC 300 to the display device 100 </ b> A of the electronic blackboard 100 via the HDMI cable 502. Therefore, for example, the display device 100 </ b> A displays images such as characters and line drawings input by the user with the electronic pen 200.

  In the drawing system 10 having such a configuration, attributes (line color, line width, etc.) for drawing an image are set for each electronic pen 200, and characters, line drawings, etc. are drawn according to the set attributes ( Is displayed. That is, characters, line drawings, and the like handwritten on the display surface using the first electronic pen 200a are drawn (displayed) with the attributes set for the first electronic pen 200a. Similarly, characters, line drawings, and the like handwritten on the display surface using the second electronic pen 200b are drawn (displayed) with the attributes set for the second electronic pen 200b.

  However, in a general electronic blackboard system, a dedicated menu is assigned to each of the plurality of electronic pens, and attributes can be set for each electronic pen. However, when the electronic pen is shared, the attributes set by the previous user are used. Since the next user does not know, it is necessary to test-write and set the attribute from scratch. For this reason, it is inconvenient.

  Therefore, in the first embodiment, the attributes set for the electronic pen 200 are displayed, the attributes set for the electronic pen 200 are changed, and the attributes set for other electronic pens 200 are displayed on the electronic pen 200. By setting (copying) or providing a screen for managing attributes, each electronic pen 200 is shared by a plurality of users without particularly distinguishing (identifying) each of the plurality of electronic pens 200. The usability in case has been improved.

  FIG. 6A shows an example of a drawing screen 400 displayed on the electronic blackboard 100 (display surface of the display device 100A). A drawing screen 400 illustrated in FIG. 6A includes a drawing area 402 and an operation area 404 other than the drawing area. For example, the drawing area 402 is an area surrounded by a one-dot chain line in FIG. 6A, and is an area for receiving an input with the electronic pen 200 and drawing an image including input characters, line drawings, and the like. The operation area 404 is an area for receiving an input from the electronic pen 200 and executing an attribute setting for drawing and a command for drawing.

  The operation area 404 is provided with a plurality of areas 410 (referred to as “pallets” in this embodiment) for managing attributes set in the electronic pen 200 and the like. In the example shown in FIG. 6A, two pallets 410 (here, the first pallet 410a and the second pallet 410b) are provided. In the operation area 404, a toolbar 460 is provided. The toolbar 460 displays buttons or icons for selecting various tools for drawing processing and executing various commands. For example, tools such as pen, eraser, and range specification can be selected, and commands such as drawing end, file saving, canceling, cutting, copying and pasting can be executed.

  Note that the number of pallets 410 may be at least one regardless of the number of electronic pens 200, and may be the same as or more than that of electronic pens 200. However, even if the number of pallets 410 is the same as the number of electronic pens 200, they are not associated one-on-one.

  In this specification, when there is no need to distinguish between the first pallet 410a and the second pallet 410b, the pallet 410 is simply referred to.

  Note that the palette 410 is normally hidden in order to make the drawing area 402 wider, and the drawing screen is displayed by a specific operation (such as an operation of touching a specific portion of the operation screen 400 such as the upper right corner of the operation area 404). 400 may be displayed.

  As shown in FIG. 6B, the palette (management information display area) 410 includes a display area (first display area) 412, an attribute display button (first operation area) 414, and an attribute setting button (second operation area). 416. In the display area 412, buttons 412 a, 412 b, and 412 c for displaying attributes set on the electronic pen 200 that touched the attribute display button 414 of the palette 410 and changing the attributes are displayed. . In the first embodiment, the attribute of the electronic pen 200 that has touched the attribute display button 414 is copied to the palette 410, and the contents of the copied attribute are displayed in the display area 412.

  The button 412a is given the line color currently set in the palette 410. FIG. 6B shows that a predetermined color is given by filling the square frame with black. The same applies to the following, and when a different color is expressed, a pattern such as a diagonal line is attached to the square frame.

  In addition, an image of a line segment having a line width currently set in the palette 410 is displayed on the button 412b. When expressing other line widths, the line widths are increased or decreased.

  Further, detailed information such as other attributes currently set in the palette 410 can be displayed by touching the button 412c, and can be changed as will be described later. As detailed information, information on line type, control of line thickness according to writing pressure, and the like is applicable.

  The attribute change button 414 is a button for displaying (copying) the attributes set in the electronic pen 200 on the palette 410, and displays a symbol and a character string indicating that. For example, in the attribute change button 414, a pen and palette symbol and an arrow from the pen to the palette are drawn, and a character string “copy pen properties to this palette” is described.

  The attribute setting button 416 is a button for setting (copying) the attribute set on the palette 410 (displayed in the display area 412 of the palette 410) on the electronic pen 200, and a symbol and a character indicating that. A column is displayed. For example, in the attribute setting button 416, a pen and palette symbol and an arrow pointing from the palette to the pen are drawn, and a character string “Copy this palette property to the pen” is described.

  That is, when the palette 410 is touched with the electronic pen 200, the electronic pen 200 and the palette 410 are associated with each other. Specifically, according to the touched button (414, 416), the attribute set in the electronic pen 200 is set in the touched palette 410, or the attribute set in the palette 410 is touched. Or set to

  Therefore, when the user touches the attribute display button 412 of the desired palette 410 with the electronic pen 200 used by the user, as shown in FIG. 7A, the attribute set to the electronic pen 200 is changed to the palette 410. To be copied. Then, as shown in FIG. 7B, in the palette 410, the color of the button 412a and the design of the button 412b are displayed according to the copied attribute. Although not represented in the palette 410, the detailed information is also changed. Therefore, the user can know the attributes set for the electronic pen 200 by looking at the buttons 412a and 412b or by viewing the detailed information displayed by touching the button 412c.

  Here, the description is made on the assumption that the attributes of the palette 410 are changed. However, when the attributes before copying and the copied attributes are the same, the display contents of the buttons 412a and 412b are not changed. .

  In addition, the attributes of the electronic pen 200 can be changed using the palette 410. As described above, the attribute display button 414 of a desired palette 410 (here, palette 410a) is touched with the electronic pen 200, and the attribute of the electronic pen 200 is copied to the palette 410a. Next, by operating the buttons 412a, 412b, and 412c displayed in the display area 412, the attributes set (displayed) on the palette 410a are changed. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 7C, when a button 412 a is touched, a pull-down menu 418 for selecting a line color is displayed, and a desired line color can be selected from the pull-down menu 418. When a desired line color is selected as shown in FIG. 8A, the selected line color is set, and as shown in FIG. 8B, the color of the button 412a is changed to the set color. .

  Although illustration is omitted, when the button 412b is touched, a pull-down menu for selecting a line width is displayed as in the case of the line color, and a desired line width can be selected. When the button 412c is touched, a menu for selecting a line type and writing pressure is displayed, and a desired line type and writing pressure can be selected.

  Then, as shown in FIG. 8C, when the attribute setting button 416 is touched with the electronic pen 200, the attribute of the palette 410a is copied to the electronic pen 200.

  Thus, the attribute of the electronic pen 200 can be changed by using the palette 410a.

  Similarly, the attribute of the electronic pen 200 can be changed when using the other palette 410b.

  7A to 7C and FIGS. 8A to 8C, the attributes of the electronic pen 200 are copied to the palette 410, the attributes are changed on the palette 410, and the changed attributes are changed to the electronic pen. Although the method of copying to 200 has been described, the present invention is not limited to this.

  For example, the attribute set for the electronic pen 200 may be simply copied to the palette 410 and the attribute set for the electronic pen 200 may be confirmed. Further, the attributes set in the palette 410 may be simply copied to the electronic pen 200. In this case, for example, attributes set for the other electronic pen 200 can be set via the palette 410. Alternatively, the attributes set in the palette 410 may be changed and copied to the electronic pen 200. In such a case, a desired attribute can be set using the palette 410 regardless of the attribute currently set for the electronic pen 200.

  Note that at the beginning of the drawing system 10, default attributes are set in the electronic pen 200 and the palette 410. Therefore, when the drawing screen 400 is initially displayed, the palette 410 is displayed according to the default attribute. For example, in the default setting, the line color is black and the line width is thin. In the detailed information, the line type is a solid line, and the writing pressure is set to normal (medium).

  FIG. 9 shows the memory map 40 of the RAM 304c shown in FIG. The RAM 304 c includes a program storage area 50 and a data storage area 70. The program storage area 50 stores an information processing program. For example, the information processing program is a drawing control processing program for drawing software (application). The drawing control processing program includes an operation detection program 52, a drawing program 54, a display program 56, an attribute management program 58, and the like.

  Based on the coordinate data output from the touch panel device 100B of the electronic blackboard 100, the operation detection program 52 draws characters, line drawings, and the like using the electronic pen 200 on the display surface of the display device 100A of the electronic blackboard 100. This is a program for detecting an operation on a drawing screen 400 displayed on the display surface of the display device 100A of the electronic blackboard 100, and detecting operations on various icons and buttons.

  The drawing program 54 is a program for drawing characters, line drawings, and the like input by the user with the electronic pen 200 on the display surface of the display device 100A based on the coordinate data output from the touch panel device 100B.

  The display program 56 is a program for outputting video data generated using screen generation data, which will be described later, or video data stored in advance in the PC 300 to the display device 100A.

  The attribute management program 58 copies the attributes set in the electronic pen 200 to the palette 410, changes the attributes using the palette 410, and sets the attributes set in the palette 410 to the electronic pen 200 according to the user's operation. This is a program for copying.

  Although illustration is omitted, the program storage area 50 also stores other programs necessary for executing the drawing control process (information processing).

  The data storage area 70 includes a first palette attribute storage area 72, a second palette attribute storage area 74, a first electronic pen attribute storage area 76, a second electronic pen attribute storage area 78, a coordinate data storage area 80, and screen generation data. A storage area such as the storage area 82 is provided.

  The first pallet attribute storage area 72 stores data (attribute information) about attributes set in the first pallet 410a. In the second palette attribute storage area 74, data (attribute information) about the attributes set in the second palette 410b is stored. The first electronic pen attribute storage area 76 stores data (attribute information) about attributes set for the first electronic pen 200a. In the second electronic pen attribute storage area 78, data (attribute information) about attributes set in the second electronic pen 200b is stored.

  The coordinate data storage area 80 is a data buffer for storing the coordinate data output from the touch panel device 100B in time series, and identification information of the electronic pen 200 is added to each coordinate data. The screen generation data storage area 82 stores screen generation data used when generating various screens to be displayed on the display screen of the display device 100A. The screen generation data includes data such as polygon data and texture data.

  Although illustration is omitted, the data storage area 70 stores other data necessary for executing the drawing control process, and is provided with a counter (timer) and a flag necessary for information processing.

  10 and 11 are flowcharts of the drawing control process executed by the CPU 302 of the PC 300. When the drawing system 10 is activated, as shown in FIG. 10, the CPU 302 starts a drawing control process, and initializes attribute information of all the electronic pens 200 in step S1. Specifically, the CPU 302 writes default attribute information in each of the first electronic pen attribute storage area 72 and the second electronic pen attribute storage area 74.

  Next, in step S3, attribute information of all pallets 410 is initialized. Specifically, the CPU 302 writes default attribute information in each of the first electronic pen attribute storage area 76 and the second electronic pen attribute storage area 78. Thereafter, in step S5, the drawing screen 400 is displayed. Specifically, under the instruction of the CPU 302, a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit) uses the screen generation data to generate the video data of the drawing screen 400 as shown in FIG. The image is output to the display device 100A of the electronic blackboard 100 via the video signal I / F 306. When generating the video data of the drawing screen 400, the attribute information (72, 74) of the palette 410 is referred to, and the palette 410 according to the default attribute information is drawn.

  Next, in step S7, it is determined whether or not there is an end operation. Here, the CPU 302 detects the coordinate data output from the touch panel device 100B of the electronic blackboard 100 via the touch panel signal I / F 308, and determines whether the end button of the tool bar 460 has been touched.

  In addition, although illustration is abbreviate | omitted, the detection process of the coordinate data output from the touch panel apparatus 100B is performed separately from the drawing control process.

  If “YES” in the step S7, that is, if there is an end operation, the drawing control process is ended. If “NO” in the step S7, that is, if there is no ending operation, it is determined whether or not there is a touch operation on the pallet 410 in a step S9. Here, the CPU 302 determines whether or not the first palette 410a or the second palette 410b is touched based on the detected coordinate data.

  If “NO” in the step S9, that is, if any pallet 410 is not touched, a process other than the attribute management is performed in a step S11, and the process returns to the step S7. In step S11, drawing processing using the electronic pen 200 is executed. At this time, handwritten characters, line drawings, and the like are drawn according to the attributes set in the electronic pen 200.

  On the other hand, if “YES” in the step S9, that is, if any one of the pallets 410 is touched, the process proceeds to a step S13 to determine whether or not the attribute change button (buttons 412a to 412c) of the pallet 410 is touched. to decide. Here, based on the detected coordinate data, the CPU 302 determines whether various buttons (412a-412c) displayed in the display area 412 of the palette 410 have been touched. If “NO” in the step S13, that is, if the attribute change button is not touched, the process proceeds to a step S23 shown in FIG.

  Although detailed description is omitted, if it is determined that a plurality of pallets 410 (here, the first pallet 410a and the second pallet 410b) are touched, step S13 is performed for each of the plurality of pallets 410. The subsequent processing is executed.

  If “YES” in the step S13, that is, if the attribute change button is touched, a menu (such as a pull-down menu 418) about the attribute to be changed is displayed in a step S15, and the attribute is changed in accordance with a user operation in a step S17. change. Next, in step S19, the attribute information set in the palette 410 is updated, and in step S21, the display content of the palette 410 is changed, and the process returns to step S7.

  As shown in FIG. 11, in step S23, it is determined whether or not the attribute display button 414 of the palette 410 is touched. Here, the CPU 302 determines whether or not coordinate data indicating coordinates included in the area where the attribute display button 414 is displayed has been input. The same applies to the case where it is determined whether or not the button has been touched.

  If “NO” in the step S23, that is, if the attribute display button 414 of the palette 410 is not touched, the process proceeds to a step S31 as it is. On the other hand, if “YES” in the step S23, that is, if the attribute display button 414 of the palette 410 is touched, the touched electronic pen 200 is specified in a step S25. Here, the CPU 302 identifies the electronic pen 200 with reference to the identification information added to the coordinate data determined to have touched the attribute display button 414. In addition, when specifying the electronic pen 200 below, it is performed similarly to the above.

  In the next step S27, the attribute set in the electronic pen 200 specified in step S25 is copied (set) to the palette 410 having the touched attribute display button 414. For example, when the attribute display button 414 of the second palette 410b is touched with the first electronic pen 200a, the CPU 302 stores the attribute information of the first electronic pen 200a stored in the first electronic pen attribute storage area 76 as the second attribute information. Copy (overwrite) to the palette attribute storage area 74. The same applies to other cases. In step S29, the display contents of the palette 410 are changed, and the process returns to step S7 shown in FIG. That is, in step S29, the display of the buttons 412a and 412b of the palette 410 is changed according to the attribute copied from the electronic pen 200.

  In step S31, it is determined whether or not the attribute setting button 416 of the palette 410 has been touched. If “NO” in the step S31, that is, if the attribute setting button 416 of the palette 410 is not touched, the process returns to the step S7 as it is. On the other hand, if “YES” in the step S31, that is, if the attribute setting button 416 of the palette 410 is touched, the touched electronic pen 200 is specified in a step S33, and the palette 410 is set in the step S35. Are copied to the electronic pen 200 identified in step S33, and the process returns to step S7. For example, when the attribute setting button 416 of the first palette 410a is touched with the second electronic pen 200b, the CPU 302 uses the attribute information of the first palette 410a stored in the first palette attribute storage area 72 as the second electronic pen. Copy (overwrite) to the attribute storage area 78. The same applies to other cases.

According to the first embodiment, by touching the palette with the electronic pen, the attributes set on the electronic pen can be copied and displayed on the palette, or the attributes set on the palette can be copied onto the electronic pen. Therefore, each user can easily check the attributes set in the electronic pen 200, and can easily change the attributes of the electronic pen 200. Therefore, a plurality of users can easily share the electronic pen 200.
[Second Embodiment]
The drawing system 10 of the second embodiment is provided with a clipboard commonly used by all electronic pens 200 (each user) and a clipboard used individually, and the first embodiment except that a copy and paste function using these is added. Since it is the same as an example, the duplicate description will be omitted.

  In the second embodiment, as shown in FIG. 12, on the drawing screen 400, the operation area 404 includes one common display area 420 and two individual display areas 430 (here, the first individual display area 430a and the second individual display area 430). An individual display area 430b) is provided.

  The common display area 420 is a display area for displaying contents stored (temporarily saved) on a clipboard (common clipboard 86: see FIG. 16) assigned to all the electronic pens 200 in common. The first individual display area 430a is a display area for displaying the contents stored in the clipboard (first individual clipboard (individual temporary storage area) 88: see FIG. 16) assigned to the first electronic pen 200a. is there. Further, the second individual display area 430b is a display area for displaying the contents stored in the clipboard (second individual clipboard (individual temporary storage area) 90: see FIG. 16) assigned to the second electronic pen 200b. is there.

  In the second embodiment, two individual clipboards for each electronic pen 200 are provided on the assumption that two electronic pens 200 are used. However, the present invention is not limited to this. . The individual clipboard is appropriately provided according to the number of electronic pens 200.

  Further, in this specification, when there is no need to distinguish between the first individual clipboard 88 and the second individual clipboard 90, they are referred to as individual clipboards (88, 90). Similarly, when there is no need to distinguish between the first individual display area 430a and the second individual display area 430b, it will be referred to as an individual display area 430.

  Furthermore, in the second embodiment, a copy button 462, a common paste button 464, and an individual paste button 466 are added to the toolbar 460.

  The copy button 462 is a button for copying a target (content) included in a range designated (selected) from a character (character string) or a line drawing drawn in the drawing area 402. However, the range designation tool is selected on the tool bar 460, and the content to be copied is designated using the electronic pen 200. When the copy button 462 is touched, the designated content is copied to the clipboard (86, 88, 90).

  In the second embodiment, after the content to be copied is specified, when the copy button 462 is touched with the electronic pen 200, the specified content is copied (overwritten) to the common clipboard (common temporary storage area) 86. And copied (overwritten) to the individual clipboard (88 or 90) assigned to the electronic pen 200 (200a or 200b).

  When the contents of the common clipboard 86 and the individual clipboard (88, 90) are updated, the display contents of the common display area 420, the first individual display area 430a, and the second individual display area 430b are also updated.

  The common paste button 464 is a button for pasting the content copied to the common clipboard 86 to a designated position in the drawing area 402. However, the paste position is designated using the electronic pen 200. The same applies to the case of pasting with the individual paste button 466.

  The individual paste button 466 is a button for pasting the content copied to the individual clipboard (88, 90) for the electronic pen 200 touching the individual paste button 466 to a designated position in the drawing area 402. .

  13A to 13C, the common display area 420, the first individual display area 430a, and the second individual display area 430b include a corresponding common clipboard 86 and individual clipboard (88, 90). A character string for notifying the user is described, and content display units 422, 432a, and 432b for displaying the contents copied to the corresponding common clipboard 86 and the individual clipboards (88, 90) are provided.

  Returning to FIG. 12, for example, when the copy button 462 is pressed by the first electronic pen 200a in a state where the line drawing 402a drawn in the drawing area 402 is selected, the data (image data) is shared in the line drawing 402a. 86 and the first individual clipboard 88.

  Then, as shown in FIGS. 13A to 13C, the display of the common display area 420, the first individual display area 430a, and the second individual display area 430b changes. However, it is assumed that no data is stored (copied) in the common clipboard 86, the first individual clipboard 88, and the second individual clipboard 90 before the copy is executed.

  Specifically, from the state where nothing is displayed on the content display section 422 of the common display area 420, the content display section 432a of the first individual display area 430a, and the content display section 432b of the second individual display area 430b, The content copied in this way (here, line drawing 402a) is displayed on the content display section 422 of the common display area 420 and on the content display section 432a of the first individual display area 430a. However, in the second electronic pen 200b, since no copy is executed, no data is stored in the second individual clipboard 90. Therefore, the display of the second individual display area 430b is not changed.

  Subsequently, when the copy button 462 is pressed by the second electronic pen 200b in a state where the character string 402b drawn in the drawing area 402 shown in FIG. 12 is selected, the image data for the character string 402b is transferred to the common clipboard 86. Is copied (overwritten) to the second individual clipboard 90. At this time, the first individual clipboard 88 is not updated.

  Accordingly, as shown in FIGS. 14A to 14C, the content display unit 422 of the common display region 420, the content display unit 432a of the first individual display region 430a, and the content display unit 432b of the second individual display region 430b are From the state shown on the right side of the arrows in FIGS. 13A to 13C, the content (here, the character string 402 b) copied as described above is displayed on the content display portion 422 of the common display area 420. And displayed on the content display part 432b of the second individual display area 430b. However, since the first electronic pen 200a has not been copied this time, the first individual clipboard 88 is not updated, and therefore the display of the first individual display area 430a is not changed.

  If data is stored in the clipboard (86, 88, 90), the contents can be pasted at a desired position in the drawing area 402. For example, when the common paste button 464 is touched with the electronic pen 200 and a desired position in the drawing area 402 is further touched, the contents stored in the common clipboard 86 (in the example shown in FIG. 14A, characters Column 402 b) is pasted at the touched (designated) position of drawing area 402.

  When the individual paste button 466 is touched with the electronic pen 200, data stored in the clipboard (88, 90) for the touched electronic pen 200 is pasted into the drawing area 402. Therefore, when the individual paste button 466 is touched with the first electronic pen 200a and further a desired position in the drawing area 402 is touched, the contents stored in the first individual clipboard 88 for the first electronic pen 200a ( In the example shown in FIG. 14B, the line drawing 402 a) is pasted at the designated position in the drawing area 402. Further, when the individual paste button 466 is touched with the second electronic pen 200b and a desired position in the drawing area 402 is further touched, the content stored in the second individual clipboard 90 for the second electronic pen 200b ( In the example shown in FIG. 14C, the character string 402 b) is pasted at the designated position in the drawing area 402.

  As described above, since not only the common clipboard 86 but also the individual clipboards (88, 90) for each pen are provided, even when another user performs a copy using the other electronic pen 200, the user himself / herself uses it. The contents copied by the electronic pen 200 are not lost.

  In addition, since the content stored in the common clipboard or the content stored in the individual clipboard can be pasted, each user copied not only the content copied with the electronic pen 200 used by the user but also other users. The contents can also be pasted.

  In the second embodiment, the contents stored in one clipboard (86, 88, 90) can be copied (overwritten) to another clipboard (86, 88, 90) by a touch operation. That is, the contents can be copied between the clipboards (86, 88, 90).

  Specifically, as shown in FIG. 15A, the first individual display area 430a is touched on (pen down) with the electronic pen 200, the electronic pen 200 is slid, and the second individual display area 430b is touched off (pen up). Then, the content stored in the first individual clipboard 88 is copied (overwritten) to the second individual clipboard 90. Accordingly, as shown in FIG. 15B, the same content as that displayed on the content display portion 432a of the first individual display region 430a is displayed on the content display portion 432b of the second individual display region 430b.

  Although illustration is omitted, the same applies to other cases. That is, the content stored in the second individual clipboard 90 can be copied to the first individual clipboard 88 by the same operation. Further, the stored contents are copied not only between the first individual clipboard 88 and the second individual clipboard 90 but also between the common clipboard 86 and each of the first individual clipboard 88 and the second individual clipboard 90. be able to.

  Further, when the electronic pen 200 is slid, the image of the content display unit (422, 432a, 432b) may be copied and displayed on the screen so as to be dragged.

  In this way, in the second embodiment, the clipboard (86, 88, 90) corresponding to the display area (420, 430) is designated as the copy source by pen-downing to the desired display area (420, 430). After the slide, the clipboard (86, 88, 90) corresponding to the display area (420, 430) is designated as the copy destination by pen-up in the display area (420, 430) different from when the pen is downed. It is like that.

  However, this is only an example, and other methods can be adopted as a method of specifying the copy source and copy destination clipboards (86, 88, 90). For example, the clipboard (86, 88, 90) corresponding to the display area (420, 430) is designated as the copy source by pen-downing to the desired display area (420, 430) and pen-up. Subsequently, by pen-up and pen-up on a display area (420, 430) different from the display area (420, 430) corresponding to the copy source, the clipboard (86, 430) corresponding to the display area (420, 430) is displayed. 88, 90) are designated as copy sources.

  FIG. 16 shows a memory map 40 of the RAM 304c provided in the computer 300 of the second embodiment. In the second embodiment, a copy and paste control program 60 is further stored in the program storage area 50, and a copy target data storage area 84, a common clipboard 86, a first individual clipboard 88, and a first individual clipboard 88 are stored in the data storage area 70. The difference from the first embodiment is that two separate clipboards 90 are further provided.

  The copy target data storage area 84 is a storage area for storing (temporarily saving) image data of the contents designated by the range designation tool among the characters and line drawings drawn in the drawing area 402. Therefore, when the copy process is completed, the image data stored in the copy target data storage area 84 is erased.

  The common clipboard 86 is a storage area (clipboard) that is used in common by each electronic pen 200, and is a storage area for storing (temporarily saving) image data about the contents copied by each electronic pen 200. . In the second embodiment, when the copy button 462 is touched with the electronic pen 200, the image data stored in the copy target data storage area 84 is copied (stored) to the common clipboard 86.

  The first individual clipboard 88 is a storage area (clipboard) used by the first electronic pen 200a, and is a memory for storing (temporarily saving) image data regarding the contents copied by the first electronic pen 200a. It is an area. In the second embodiment, when the copy button 462 is touched with the first electronic pen 200a, the image data stored in the copy target data storage area 84 is copied (stored) to the first individual clipboard 88.

  The second individual clipboard 90 is a storage area (clipboard) used by the second electronic pen 200b, and is a memory for storing (temporarily saving) image data regarding the contents copied by the second electronic pen 200b. It is an area. In the second embodiment, when the copy button 462 is touched with the second electronic pen 200b, the image data stored in the copy target data storage area 84 is copied (stored) to the second individual clipboard 90.

  17 and 18 are flowcharts of copy and paste control processing executed by the CPU 302. FIG. However, this copy and paste control process is executed separately from the drawing control process shown in the first embodiment.

  As shown in FIG. 17, when the drawing system 10 is activated, the CPU 302 starts a copy and paste control process, and assigns an individual clipboard to each pen in step S51. In the second embodiment, the CPU 302 assigns the first electronic pen 200a to the first individual clipboard 88 and assigns the second electronic pen 200b to the second individual clipboard 90.

  Next, in step S53, it is determined whether or not there is an end operation. If “YES” here, the copy and paste control process is ended. On the other hand, if “NO” in the step S53, that is, if there is no ending operation, it is determined whether or not there is a copying operation in a step S55. Here, the CPU 302 determines whether or not the copy button 462 is touched. If “NO” in the step S55, that is, if there is no copy operation, the process proceeds to a step S65 shown in FIG.

  On the other hand, if “YES” in the step S55, that is, if there is a copy operation, it is determined whether or not a copy target is designated in a step S57. Here, the CPU 302 determines whether image data is stored in the copy target data storage area 84.

  Although detailed description is omitted, in step S11 of the drawing control process shown in the first embodiment, a range designation tool is selected and a copy target is designated.

  If “NO” in the step S57, that is, if the copy target is not designated, the process proceeds to a step S65 as it is. However, a message indicating that the copy target is not specified may be displayed on the screen. On the other hand, if “YES” in the step S57, that is, if the copy target is designated, the electronic pen 200 that has performed the copying operation is specified in a step S59. Here, the CPU 302 specifies the first electronic pen 200a or the second electronic pen 200b that has been copied from the identification information added to the coordinate data determined to be touched on the copy button 462. In step S61, the copy target is stored in the individual clipboard (88, 90) for the electronic pen 200. In step S63, the copy target is stored in the common clipboard 86, and the process returns to step S53.

  As shown in FIG. 18, in step S <b> 65, it is determined whether or not there is a paste operation from the common clipboard 86. Here, the CPU 302 determines whether the common paste button 464 has been touched and the paste position has been designated (touched).

  If “YES” in the step S65, that is, if there is a paste operation from the common clipboard 86, the electronic pen 200 subjected to the paste operation is specified in a step S67. In step S69, the data stored in the common clipboard 86 is pasted into the drawing area. That is, the CPU 302 pastes the image data stored in the common clipboard 86 at a designated position, updates the video data, and sends the updated video data to the display device 100A via the video signal I / F 306. Output. The same applies to the case where paste is executed.

  On the other hand, if “NO” in the step S65, that is, if there is no paste operation from the common clipboard 86, it is determined whether or not there is a paste operation from the individual clipboard (88, 90) in a step S71. Here, the CPU 302 determines whether or not the individual paste button 466 is touched and the paste position is designated (touched).

  If “YES” in the step S71, that is, if there is a paste operation from the individual clipboard (88, 90), the electronic pen 200 subjected to the paste operation is specified in a step S73. In step S75, the data stored in the individual clipboard (88, 90) for the electronic pen 200 is pasted in the drawing area, and the process returns to step S53.

  On the other hand, if “NO” in the step S 71, that is, if there is no paste operation from the individual clipboard (88, 90), it is determined whether or not the pen is downed to the common display area 420 or the individual display area 430 in a step S 77. . Here, the CPU 302 determines whether or not the position indicated by the coordinate data is within the range of the common display area 420 or the individual display area 430.

  If “NO” in the step S77, that is, if the pen-down is not performed in the common display area 420 or the individual display area 430, it is determined that the copy source is not designated, and the process returns to the step S53. On the other hand, if “YES” in the step 77, that is, if the pen is downed to the common display area 420 or the individual display area 430, it is determined that the copy source is designated, and another display area (420) is determined in a step S 79. 430) is determined by sliding (dragging) and pen-up. That is, the CPU 302 determines whether the position when pen-up is in the common display area 420 or the individual display area 430 that is different from the copy source.

  If “NO” in the step S79, that is, if the pen is not slid and dragged to another display area (420, 430), it is determined that the copy destination is not designated, and the process returns to the step S53. On the other hand, if “YES” in the step S79, that is, if sliding up (dragging) to another display area (420, 430) and pen-up is performed, it is determined that the copy destination is designated, and the copying is performed in a step S81. Data stored in the original clipboard (86, 88, 90) is read out, and the data is copied (overwritten) to the copy destination clipboard (86, 88, 90) in step S83.

  According to the second embodiment, since not only the common clipboard but also an individual clipboard is provided, the content copied by one user is updated with the content copied by another user, and unintended content is pasted. Inconvenience can be avoided.

  In addition, by performing a slide operation so as to move between any two of the common display area and the two individual display areas, the contents stored in the common clipboard and the individual clipboard used by other users can be stored. Can be copied to the individual clipboard used by, so the contents copied by other users can also be used as their own clipboard.

  In the second embodiment, an individual clipboard (88, 90) is assigned to each electronic pen 200 in advance. However, the present invention is not limited to this. When a copy is executed using the electronic pen 200, one individual clipboard (88 or 90) is assigned to the electronic pen 200, and when a copy is executed with another electronic pen 200, an empty individual clipboard is assigned. (88 or 90) may be assigned. Even in such a case, since the copied contents are displayed in the individual display area, it is possible to easily know which individual display area (clipboard) is dedicated to itself.

  In this embodiment, when the copy is executed, the copied contents are overwritten on the clipboard. However, a plurality of copied contents can be saved and a plurality of copied contents are pasted. The desired content may be selected from the content that has been set.

  In a drawing application operating on a general PC, only one clipboard is prepared, and it is not assumed that a plurality of users use a plurality of electronic pens.

  However, by adopting the drawing system 10 as in the second embodiment, it is possible to perform a comfortable operation even in a situation where a plurality of users use it. The present invention is constituted, for example, by the following means.

  The present invention is an information processing apparatus that uses an electronic pen to indicate a position on a display surface of a display unit and draws on the display surface based on the instructed position. An individual temporary storage area is provided in the memory, and when a copy operation is performed using the electronic pen, a copy unit that copies part or all of the content drawn on the display surface to the individual temporary storage area, and an electronic pen When a paste operation is performed using the electronic pen, the paste unit pastes the content temporarily stored in the individual temporary storage area provided for the electronic pen on the display surface.

  In this invention, the information processing apparatus (10) uses the electronic pen (200) to indicate the position on the display surface of the display means (100A) and draws on the display surface based on the instructed position. . In such an information processing apparatus, an individual temporary storage area (88, 90) is provided in the memory (304) corresponding to the electronic pen, and for example, programs (52-56 and 60) stored in the memory by the CPU (302). The copy means (S61) and the paste means (S75) are realized by operating under the control. The copy means (S61) copies part or all of the content drawn on the display surface to the individual temporary storage area when a copy operation is performed using the electronic pen. When the paste operation is performed using the electronic pen, the paste unit (S75) pastes the content temporarily stored in the individual temporary storage area provided corresponding to the electronic pen on the display surface.

  According to the present invention, by providing the individual temporary storage area, the content copied by a certain user is updated with the content copied by another user, and the confusion of pasting unintended content is avoided. . Therefore, a plurality of users can copy and paste without confusion.

  Preferably, the pointing device includes a plurality of electronic pens, the memory has a plurality of individual temporary storage areas (88, 90) corresponding to each of the plurality of electronic pens, and each of the plurality of electronic pens is at least itself The transmission means (226) for transmitting the identification information. The information processing apparatus further includes receiving means (110) for receiving the identification information transmitted from the electronic pen, and the copying means specifies the electronic pen that performed the copy operation from the identification information received by the receiving means, Copying to the individual temporary storage area associated with the electronic pen, the paste means identifies the electronic pen that performed the paste operation based on the identification information received by the receiving means, and corresponds to the electronic pen. Paste the contents temporarily stored in the individual temporary storage area provided on the display screen.

  Thus, by providing an individual temporary storage area for each electronic pen, the content copied by one electronic pen is updated with the content copied by another electronic pen, and the inconvenience of pasting unintended content is avoided. Is done. Therefore, a plurality of users can copy and paste without problems with their electronic pens.

  More preferably, the memory further includes a common temporary storage area (86) common to the plurality of electronic pens, and the copy unit specifies the electronic pen that performed the copy operation from the identification information received by the reception unit. Copying to the individual temporary storage area and the common temporary storage area associated with the electronic pen, and the paste means is an individual provided corresponding to the electronic pen when the individual paste operation is performed by the electronic pen. The content temporarily stored in the temporary storage area is pasted on the display surface, and when a common paste operation is performed by the electronic pen, the content temporarily stored in the common temporary storage area is pasted on the display surface.

  As a result, each user can paste the contents stored in the individual temporary storage area by his / her copy operation by the individual paste operation, and share the contents stored in the common temporary storage area by another user's copy operation. Can be pasted by paste operation.

  Preferably, in accordance with a designation operation for designating a copy source and a copy destination between a plurality of individual temporary storage areas and a common temporary storage area, temporary storage is performed at a copy source among the plurality of individual temporary storage areas and the common temporary storage area. Copying means (S77-S83) is further provided for copying the stored contents to a copy destination among the plurality of individual temporary storage areas and the common temporary storage area.

As a result, each user can copy the contents stored in the individual temporary storage area associated with the electronic pen of the other user to the individual temporary storage area associated with his / her electronic pen by a designated operation. , You can paste the copy image. In addition, each user can copy the contents stored in the individual temporary storage area associated with his / her electronic pen to the common temporary storage area by a specified operation so that other users can paste it. become.
[Third embodiment]
Since the drawing system 10 of the third embodiment is the same as that of the second embodiment except that the electronic pen 200 is provided with a button for executing copying and pasting, duplicate description will be omitted. In the third embodiment, the copy button 462, the common paste button 464, and the individual pace and button 466 need not be displayed on the tool bar 460.

  As shown in FIG. 19A, in the third embodiment, a copy button 206, a common paste button 208, and an individual paste button 210 are provided at predetermined positions on the pen body 202. For example, when the user holds the pen body 202 with the thumb, index finger, and middle finger, the copy button 206 is arranged at a position where the user can operate with the index finger, and the common paste button 208 and the individual paste button 210 are arranged at a position where the user can operate with the thumb. Is done.

  These three buttons 206-210 are given different colors so that their functions can be easily identified. However, instead of color, each function may be identified by adding characters or figures. Or you may employ | adopt both of these.

  Further, the functions of the three buttons 206-210 can be made by making the color coding of the buttons 206-210 the same as the color coding of the copy button 462, the individual paste button 464, and the common paste button 466 displayed on the toolbar 460. It may be possible to identify intuitively.

  As shown in FIG. 19B, the electronic pen 200 is further provided with a button operation detection circuit 228 for detecting operations of the copy button 206, the common paste button 208, and the individual paste button 210. When the button operation detection circuit 228 detects that the copy button 206, the common paste button 208 or the individual paste button 210 is operated, the button operation detection circuit 228 notifies the control circuit 220 of the detection result. In response to this, the control circuit 220 outputs operation information indicating a copy operation, a common paste operation or an individual paste operation together with the identification information of the electronic pen 200 itself stored in the memory 222 via the wireless communication circuit 226. Send to blackboard 100.

  The CPU 102 of the electronic blackboard 100 (touch panel device 100B) receives the identification information and operation information transmitted from the electronic pen 200 via the wireless communication circuit 110, and receives the control data including the received identification information and operation information as a touch panel signal. It transmits to the PC 300 via the I / F 108 for use.

  The CPU 302 of the PC 300 receives the control data from the electronic blackboard 100, thereby identifying the electronic pen 200 and knowing that a copy operation, a common paste operation, or an individual paste operation has been executed with the electronic pen 200. Can do.

  Therefore, in the copy and paste control processing shown in the second embodiment, when control data is received from the electronic blackboard 100, steps S55, S65 and S71 are performed based on the operation information included in the control data. In addition, the determination process of steps S59, S67, and S73 is executed based on the identification information included in the control data.

  According to the third embodiment, the electronic pen 200 is provided with buttons (206-210) for executing copy and paste, so that the user can easily perform copy and paste operations at hand.

  In the first to third embodiments, the CPU 302 of the PC 300 executes the drawing control process and the copy and paste control process described above, but the CPU 102 of the electronic blackboard 100 (touch panel device 100B) performs one of these processes. Some or all may be performed.

  In the present invention, a program for causing a computer (the CPU 302 of the PC 300 or the CPU 102 of the touch panel device 100B) to execute the above-described drawing control processing or copy and paste control processing is recorded on a computer-readable recording medium. It can also be. As a result, it is possible to provide a portable recording medium on which the program code (execution format program, intermediate code program, source program) for performing the above processing is recorded.

  Note that this recording medium may be a memory (for example, 304a, 304c) itself for processing by the computer, or although not shown, the PC 300 can be loaded with a computer-readable recording medium. When a storage device is built in or when an external storage device capable of mounting a computer-readable recording medium is connected to the PC 300, the computer-readable recording medium may be used. In any case, the program stored in the recording medium may be configured to be accessed and executed by a computer, or in any case, the program code is read and the read program code is stored in the computer. The program may be downloaded to a program storage area (not shown) and executed. It is assumed that this download program is stored in the main device in advance.

  Here, the computer-readable recording medium is a recording medium configured to be separable from the main body, such as a tape system such as a magnetic tape or a cassette tape, a magnetic disk such as a flexible disk or a hard disk, a CD-ROM, an MO. , MD, DVD and other optical discs, IC cards (including memory cards) / optical cards, etc., mask ROM, EPROM (Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory), EEPROM (Electrically Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory, registration) Trademark), a medium that carries a program code fixedly, including a semiconductor memory such as a flash ROM. The recording medium is read by a computer program reading device provided in an electronic blackboard, a PC connected to the electronic blackboard, or the like, thereby executing the processing method described above.

  In addition, the numerical value and each screen given in the above-described first to third embodiments are examples, and can be appropriately changed according to an actual product.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 ... Drawing system 86 ... Common clipboard 88 ... 1st separate clipboard 90 ... 2nd separate clipboard 100 ... Electronic blackboard 100A ... Display apparatus 100B ... Touch panel apparatus 102,302 ... CPU
200 ... electronic pen 300 ... PC
304 ... Memory 410 ... Pallet

Claims (11)

An information processing apparatus that uses an electronic pen to indicate a position on a display surface of a display unit, and performs drawing on the display surface based on the instructed position.
A first display area that is set in the electronic pen and displays at least attribute information for drawing; a first operation area for receiving a display operation for displaying the attribute information in the first display area; Management information display means for displaying a management information display area including a second operation area for accepting a setting operation for setting the attribute information on the electronic pen on the display surface;
Attribute information display means for displaying attribute information set in the electronic pen in the first display area of the management information display area when the first operation area of the management information display area is instructed by the electronic pen Attribute information for setting, in the electronic pen, attribute information displayed in the first display area of the management information display area when the second operation area of the management information display area is instructed by the electronic pen An information processing apparatus comprising setting means. A change operation accepting unit that receives the change operation of the attribute information by the electronic pen, and an attribute update that updates the display of the attribute information displayed in the first display area when the change operation is accepted by the change operation accepting unit The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising means.   The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the management information display unit displays a plurality of the management information display areas. The electronic pen comprises a plurality of
Each of the plurality of electronic pens includes at least transmission means for transmitting its own identification information,
Receiving means for receiving identification information transmitted from the electronic pen; and pen position detecting means for detecting the position of the electronic pen when the position on the display surface is indicated by the electronic pen;
The attribute information display means is transmitted from the first electronic pen and the position of the first electronic pen detected by the pen position detecting means when the first operation area is instructed by the first electronic pen. Based on the identification information, the first electronic pen is associated with the management information display area including the designated first operation area,
The attribute information setting unit is configured to detect the position of the second electronic pen detected by the pen position detecting unit and the identification transmitted from the second electronic pen when the second operation area is instructed by the second electronic pen. The information processing apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the second electronic pen is associated with the management information display area including the designated second operation area based on the information. The attribute information display means includes, when the first operation area is instructed by the first electronic pen, an attribute set in the first electronic pen touching the first operation area includes the first operation area. Set in the management information display area,
When the second operation area is instructed by the second electronic pen, the attribute information setting means displays the management information display including the second operation area on the second electronic pen touching the second operation area. The information processing apparatus according to claim 4, wherein an attribute set in the area is set. Provide an individual temporary storage area in the memory corresponding to the electronic pen,
When a copy operation is performed using the electronic pen, a first copy unit that copies a part or all of the content drawn on the display surface to the individual temporary storage area; and a paste operation using the electronic pen The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: a paste unit that pastes the content temporarily stored in the individual temporary storage area provided corresponding to the electronic pen onto the display surface when the operation is performed. The electronic pen comprises a plurality of
The memory has a plurality of individual temporary storage areas corresponding to each of the plurality of electronic pens,
Each of the plurality of electronic pens includes at least transmission means for transmitting its own identification information,
Further comprising receiving means for receiving identification information transmitted from the electronic pen;
The first copy means specifies an electronic pen that has performed a copy operation from the identification information received by the receiving means, and performs copying to the individual temporary storage area associated with the electronic pen,
The paste means identifies an electronic pen that has performed a paste operation based on the identification information received by the receiving means, and is temporarily stored in the individual temporary storage area provided corresponding to the electronic pen. The information processing apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the content is pasted on the display surface. The memory further includes a common temporary storage area common to the plurality of electronic pens,
The first copy means identifies an electronic pen that has performed a copy operation from the identification information received by the receiving means, and copies to the individual temporary storage area and the common temporary storage area associated with the electronic pen And
When an individual paste operation is performed with the electronic pen, the paste unit pastes the content temporarily stored in the individual temporary storage area provided corresponding to the electronic pen onto the display surface, The information processing apparatus according to claim 7, wherein when a common paste operation is performed with a pen, the content temporarily stored in the common temporary storage area is pasted on the display surface.   In response to a designation operation for designating a copy source and a copy destination between the plurality of individual temporary storage areas and the common temporary storage area, the temporary storage area is temporarily stored in the copy source among the plurality of individual temporary storage areas and the common temporary storage area. The information processing apparatus according to claim 8, further comprising a second copy unit that copies the stored content to a copy destination of the plurality of individual temporary storage areas and the common temporary storage area. A computer that uses an electronic pen to indicate a position on the display surface of the display means and draws on the display surface based on the instructed position,
A first display area that is set in the electronic pen and displays at least attribute information for drawing; a first operation area for receiving a display operation for displaying the attribute information in the first display area; Management information display means for displaying a management information display area including a second operation area for accepting a setting operation for setting the attribute information on the electronic pen on the display surface;
Attribute information display means for displaying attribute information set in the electronic pen in the first display area of the management information display area when the first operation area of the management information display area is instructed by the electronic pen Attribute information for setting, in the electronic pen, attribute information displayed in the first display area of the management information display area when the second operation area of the management information display area is instructed by the electronic pen An information processing program that functions as setting means. An information processing method by a computer that uses an electronic pen to indicate a position on a display surface of a display unit, and draws on the display surface based on the instructed position,
(A) A first display area set for the electronic pen and displaying at least attribute information for drawing, and a first operation for receiving a display operation for displaying the attribute information in the first display area A management information display area including an area and a second operation area for accepting a setting operation for setting the attribute information in the electronic pen on the display surface;
(B) When the first operation area of the management information display area is instructed by the electronic pen, the attribute information set in the electronic pen is displayed in the first display area of the management information display area, And (c) when the second operation area of the management information display area is instructed by the electronic pen, the attribute information displayed in the first display area of the management information display area is set in the electronic pen. Information processing method.

Images