Coordinate input device

Abstract

This invention provides a coordinate input device that allows for efficient input work by enabling the user to operate the control unit with the hand opposite to the one holding the indicator. [Solution] The device comprises a position detection sensor for detecting an indicated position by an indicator, a housing for housing the position detection sensor having a back surface that faces an input surface corresponding to the position detection area of ​​the position detection sensor and on which input operations for the indicated position by the indicator are performed, at least one grip portion provided on the back surface of the housing having a convex portion that is convex in a direction intersecting the back surface, one or more operating parts arranged on the convex portion, and a first recess that corresponds to the upper side of the convex portion and is formed opening on the side surface between the back surface of the housing and the input surface. When an operator grasps the at least one grip portion having the convex portion and operates one or more operating parts, the operator's first finger is inserted into the first recess from the side of the housing.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a coordinate input device provided with a position detection sensor for detecting a position indicated by an indicator such as an electronic pen or a finger.

Background Art

[0002] A coordinate input device provided with a position detection sensor for detecting a position indicated by an indicator such as an electronic pen or a finger is widely used not only for writing input of characters but also for drawing of animation images and the like. This type of coordinate input device includes, for example, a display screen composed of a flat display such as a liquid crystal display, and a locus based on the indication position by the indicator detected by the position detection sensor is displayed on the display screen, or a display corresponding to the indication input based on the indication position by the indicator is made (see, for example, Patent Document 1 (Japanese Patent No. 5808001)).

[0003] FIG. 8 is a diagram for explaining an example of a conventional coordinate input device of this type. As shown in FIG. 8, the coordinate input device 100 in this example includes a display device unit 101 having a display screen 101D and a position detection sensor 102 for detecting a position indicated by an electronic pen 200.

[0004] The position detection sensor 102 and the electronic pen 200 are, for example, of an electromagnetic induction type, and as shown in FIG. 8, the position detection sensor 102 is located on the back side of the display screen 101D and is arranged so as to overlap in a state where the position detection area of the position detection sensor and the display area of the display screen 101D overlap each other.

[0005] Then, an operator who performs a position indication operation input with the electronic pen 200 holds the electronic pen 200 by hand and uses the display screen 102D as an input surface to perform coordinate input by performing a position indication input as shown in FIG. 8.

[0006] Then, as shown in FIG. 8, the coordinate input device 100 is provided with a plurality of operation buttons 103L and a plurality of operation buttons 103R for assisting the position indication input by the electronic pen 200. Here, as shown in FIG. 8, the plurality of operation buttons 103L are provided on the left side of the display screen 101D so that a right-handed operator can operate the buttons with the left hand when holding the electronic pen 200 with the right hand for position indication input. Also, the plurality of operation buttons 103R are provided on the right side of the display screen 101D so that a left-handed operator can operate the buttons with the right hand when holding the electronic pen 200 with the left hand for position indication input.

[0007] The operator holding the electronic pen 200 can operate the operation button 103L or 103R with the finger of the hand that is not holding the electronic pen 200 while making a position indication with the electronic pen 200 on the input surface of the coordinate input device 1.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0008]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0009] However, in the coordinate input device 100 of the example of FIG. 8 described above, since the plurality of operation buttons 103L and 103R are provided at the left and right side ends of the display screen 102D which is the input surface of the coordinate input device 100, there is a problem that a space for installing the plurality of operation buttons 103L and 103R is required, and the housing of the coordinate input device 100 becomes large. When the size of the housing is fixed, there is a problem that the area (position detection area) of the input surface of the coordinate input device 100 becomes smaller by the area of the operation button arrangement area.

[0010] Furthermore, in the coordinate input device 100 shown in the example of Figure 8 above, each of the multiple operation buttons 103L and 103R are located on the same plane as the display screen 102D, which is the input surface of the coordinate input device 100, but at different positions from each other. As a result, the operator must visually locate the position of the operation button 103L or 103R they wish to operate by moving their finger, and then the operator must shift their gaze from the display screen 103D to confirm that the position of their finger matches the position of the operation button 103L or 103R they wish to operate. Consequently, the position input operation using an indicator such as an electronic pen 200 may be temporarily interrupted, potentially reducing work efficiency.

[0011] The purpose of this invention is to provide a coordinate input device that can solve the above-mentioned problems. [Means for solving the problem]

[0012] To solve the above problems, A position detection sensor for detecting the indicated position by an indicator, A housing for the position detection sensor, having a back surface that faces the input surface corresponding to the position detection area of ​​the position detection sensor, on which the input operation of the indicated position by the indicator is performed, At least one grip portion provided on the rear surface of the housing, having a convex portion that is convex in a direction intersecting the rear surface, One or more operating parts are arranged on the protrusion, A first recess is formed corresponding to the upper side of the protrusion and opening on the side surface between the rear surface and the input surface of the housing, Equipped with, When an operator grasps at least one grip portion having the protrusion and operates the one or more operating portions, the operator's first finger is inserted into the first recess from the side of the housing. The present invention provides a coordinate input device characterized by the following features.

[0013] In the coordinate input device with the above-described configuration, since the operation unit is provided on at least one grip portion provided on the back surface of the housing and having a convex portion, it is not necessary to dispose the operation unit on the input surface side. Therefore, the position detection area on the input surface side can be enlarged.

[0014] Further, since the operation unit is provided on the convex portion of the grip portion that the operator holds, the operator can recognize the operation unit at the same position when holding the grip portion. For this reason, the operator can recognize the operation unit by muscle memory. As a result, the operator does not need to visually confirm the position of the operation unit, and for example, by operating the operation unit of the grip portion with the hand opposite to the hand holding the pointing device, an efficient input operation can be performed.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0015] [Figure 1] It is a perspective view for explaining the appearance of an embodiment of the coordinate input device according to this invention. [Figure 2] It is a rear view and a side view of an embodiment of the coordinate input device according to this invention. [Figure 3] It is an exploded perspective view showing an example of the internal configuration of an embodiment of the coordinate input device according to this invention. [Figure 4] It is an enlarged perspective view of an example of the configuration of a main part of an embodiment of the coordinate input device according to this invention. [Figure 5] It is a view used to explain an example of the configuration of a main part of an embodiment of the coordinate input device according to this invention. [Figure 6] It is a cross-sectional view taken along line A-A in the rear view of FIG. 2(A). [Figure 7] It is a view for explaining an example of the electrical configuration of an embodiment of the coordinate input device according to this invention. [Figure 8] It is a view for explaining a conventional coordinate input device.

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0016] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the coordinate input device according to the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0017] FIGS. 1 and 2 are diagrams for explaining the appearance of the coordinate input device 1 of this embodiment. The coordinate input device 1 of this embodiment is composed of a coordinate input device main body portion 10 and a stand portion 20 coupled to the coordinate input device main body portion 10.

[0018] The coordinate input device main body portion 10 has a rectangular outer shape in this example and is configured to be thin with a predetermined thickness. And, in this example, the coordinate input device main body portion 10 has two rectangular surfaces orthogonal to the thickness direction, with one surface side being the front 10A side and the other surface side being the back 10B side.

[0019] FIG. 1(A) is an external perspective view of the coordinate input device 1 seen from the front 10A side, and FIG. 1(B) is an external perspective view seen from the back 10B side. Also, FIG. 2(A) is a rear view of the coordinate input device 1, and FIG. 2(B) is a left side view of the coordinate input device 1. Further, FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view showing an example of the internal configuration of the coordinate input device 1.

[0020] Inside the housing 11 of the coordinate input device main body portion 10, in this example, as shown in FIG. 3, an electrostatic coupling type position detection sensor 12, a display device 13, an electromagnetic induction type position detection sensor 14, a control circuit board 15, and a planar member 16 made of a transparent material such as glass or resin are arranged in a state of being sequentially stacked.

[0021] The housing 11 is made of, for example, synthetic resin. Recesses for housing the position detection sensor 12, the display device 13, the position detection sensor 14, the control circuit board 15, etc. are formed in this housing 11. The opening side of the recess of this housing 11 becomes the front 10A side of the coordinate input device main body portion 10. After the position detection sensor 12, the display device 13, the position detection sensor 14, the control circuit board 15, etc. are housed in the recess of this housing 11, the opening side of the recess of the housing 11 is closed by the planar member 16, and the coordinate input device main body portion 10 is formed.

[0022] The display device 13 consists of a flat display such as a liquid crystal display or an organic EL display, and has a display screen 133 on a display substrate 131, with a large number of display pixels 132 arranged in the X-axis direction (horizontal direction) and a large number of display pixels arranged in the Y-axis direction (vertical direction) which is perpendicular to the X-axis direction.

[0023] The electrostatically coupled position detection sensor 12 consists of, for example, a plurality of linear X conductors arranged along the horizontal direction of the rectangular outer shape of the coordinate input device body 10 as the X axis, and a plurality of linear Y conductors arranged along the Y axis (vertical direction of the rectangular outer shape of the coordinate input device body 10) so as to intersect orthogonally with the plurality of X conductors. This position detection sensor 12 is positioned on the surface side of the display screen 133 of the display device 13, and is positioned such that the position detection area of ​​the position detection sensor 2 and the display area of ​​the display screen 133 of the display device 13 overlap each other.

[0024] Furthermore, the electromagnetic induction type position detection sensor 14 is composed of an X-axis loop coil group consisting of multiple loop coils arranged in the X-axis direction and a Y-axis loop coil group consisting of multiple loop coils arranged in the Y-axis direction. This position detection sensor 14 is positioned on the back side of the display screen 133 of the display device 13, and is positioned so that the position detection area of ​​the position detection sensor and the display area of ​​the display device 13 overlap each other. Therefore, the position detection sensor 12 and the position detection sensor 14 are also positioned so that their position detection areas overlap each other.

[0025] In other words, the position detection area of ​​the position detection sensor 12, the position detection area of ​​the position detection sensor 14, and the display area of ​​the display screen 133 of the display device 13 are approximately the same size and are arranged in a superimposed relationship.

[0026] The control circuit board 15 is equipped with a capacitive contact detection circuit to which the position detection sensor 12 is connected, an electromagnetic induction position detection circuit to which the position detection sensor 14 is connected, a display control circuit for the display device 11, a control circuit consisting of a microcomputer for controlling these circuits and monitoring the operation of multiple operation buttons (described later) and generating corresponding control signals, other electronic components, and copper foil wiring patterns.

[0027] The planar member 16, made of a transparent material such as glass or resin, has one surface 16S which serves as the input surface when an electronic pen 2 or a finger, as an example of an indicator, comes into contact with it to input a position indication. Hereinafter, this one surface 16S of the planar member will be referred to as the input surface 16S of the coordinate input device 1. In this embodiment of the coordinate input device 1, an electromagnetic induction type electronic pen 2 is used so that coordinate input can be performed with high precision, and its indicated position is detected by the position detection sensor 14.

[0028] The stand portion 20 consists of a base portion 21, an arm portion 22, and a main body coupling portion 23 that is coupled to the back surface 10B of the coordinate input device main body portion 10.

[0029] In this example, the base portion 21 consists of a flat plate-like body portion 211 and a connecting portion 212 for the arm portion 22. The plate-like body portion 211 of the base portion 21 is placed on the upper surface of a mounting table TB (see Figure 2(B)) such as a desk on which the coordinate input device 1 is placed, with the bottom plate-like surface of the plate-like body portion 211 in contact with it. The connecting portion 212 is provided so as to protrude from the upper surface of the plate-like body portion 211.

[0030] The main body coupling portion 23 consists of a fixed coupling portion 231 that is attached to and fixed to the back surface 10a of the coordinate input device main body portion 10, in this example, at approximately the center position, and a connecting portion 232 to the arm portion 22. In this example, the fixed coupling portion 231 is made up of a circular plate-like body, and the connecting portion 232 is provided so as to protrude from a surface of this plate-like body parallel to the back surface 10B of the fixed coupling portion 231 in a direction perpendicular to the back surface 10B.

[0031] The arm portion 22 is a rectangular plate-shaped member that connects the base portion 21 and the main body connecting portion 23. In this embodiment, the arm portion 22 is shaped such that its end edge on the base portion 21 side and its end edge on the main body connecting portion 23 side are parallel to each other in a straight line.

[0032] The arm portion 22 is attached to the base portion 21 by being connected to the connecting portion 212 of the base portion 21, in such a state that it can rotate (oscillate) around a pivot axis (not shown) parallel to the straight edge of the arm portion 22 on the base portion 21 side of the arm portion 22, as indicated by arrow AR1 in Figures 1(B) and 2(B).

[0033] In this case, the arm portion 22 is rotatably (oscillates) attached to the connecting portion 212 of the base portion 21 in such a way that the angle it forms with the base portion 21 can be locked at any desired position. By rotating (oscillating) the arm portion 22 relative to the base portion 21 in the direction indicated by arrow AR1, the height position of the coordinate input device main body 10 relative to the mounting table TB can be changed.

[0034] Furthermore, the main body connecting portion 23 is attached to the arm portion 22 by the connecting portion 232 of the main body connecting portion 23, so that the main body connecting portion 23 can rotate about a pivot axis (not shown) parallel to the straight edge of the arm portion 22 on the main body connecting portion 23 side. In this case, the main body connecting portion 23 is rotatably attached to the arm portion 22 at the connecting portion 232 so that the angle it forms with the arm portion 22 can be locked at any position.

[0035] Therefore, the coordinate input device main body 10, to which the main body coupling portion 23 is fixed, can rotate in the tilting direction as shown by arrow AR2 in Figures 1(B) and 2(B), with the pivot axis being in a direction parallel to the linear end edge of the arm portion 22 on the main body coupling portion 23 side, that is, with the pivot axis being the horizontal pivot axis AX (see Figure 1(A)) at the midpoint of the vertical direction of the rectangular-shaped coordinate input device main body 10 as the pivot center. In other words, it is configured to change the angle between the surface direction of the input surface 16S of the coordinate input device main body 10 and the upper surface of the mounting table TB. In this case, the position of the pivot axis for tilting rotation of the coordinate input device main body 10 will be a position corresponding to the coupling position of the main body coupling portion 23 of the stand portion 20 on the back surface 10B of the coordinate input device main body 10, and is not limited to the central position in the vertical direction as shown in Figure 1(A).

[0036] [Example configuration of grip sections 30L and 30R on the rear 10B side of the coordinate input device main body 10] In this embodiment of the coordinate input device 1, grip portions 30L and 30R are provided near the edge of the back surface 10B of the coordinate input device body 10, specifically at both the left and right ends, which are near the lateral edges of the coordinate input device body 10 in this example. In this embodiment, grip portion 30L is configured to be held by a right-handed operator with their left hand, and grip portion 30R is configured to be held by a left-handed operator with their right hand. In this example, grip portions 30L and 30R have the same configuration. However, in this embodiment, grip portion 30L and grip portion 30R are configured to be symmetrical. Figure 4(A) shows an enlarged perspective view of the left end grip portion 30L, and Figure 4(B) shows an enlarged perspective view of the right end grip portion 30R.

[0037] In this embodiment, the coordinate input device main body 10 is held by the stand 20, so that space can be secured on the rear side 10B of the coordinate input device main body 10 for a hand to enter.

[0038] Each of the grip sections 30L and 30R has convex portions 31L and 31R that are convex in a direction intersecting the back surface 10B of the coordinate input device body 10, or in this example, in a direction perpendicular to it, and also has concave portions 32L and 32R around these convex portions 31L and 31R, respectively. Multiple operation buttons 33La, 33Lb, 33Lc, and 33Ld, as an example of multiple operation sections, are arranged on the convex portion 31L of the grip section 30L, and similarly, multiple operation buttons 33Ra, 33Rb, 33Rc, and 33Rd, as an example of multiple operation sections, are arranged on the convex portion 31R of the grip section 30R. In this example, the operation buttons 33La to 33Ld and 33Ra to 33Ld are push-button switches. Note that the operation buttons are not limited to push-button switches; slide switches can also be used.

[0039] The grip section 30L is configured so that when a right-handed user holds the electronic pen 2 in their right hand and inputs position indication operations on the input surface 16S, they can rotate their left hand from the left end of the coordinate input device main body 10 to the back 10B side to operate multiple operation buttons 33La, 33Lb, 33Lc, and 33Ld. The grip section 30R is configured so that when a left-handed user holds the electronic pen 2 in their left hand and inputs position indication operations on the input surface 16S, they can rotate their right hand from the right end of the coordinate input device main body 10 to the back 10B side to operate multiple operation buttons 33Ra, 33Rb, 33Rc, and 33Rd.

[0040] Therefore, the protrusion 31L is shaped and sized so that the operator can grip it with their left hand, and the protrusion 31R is shaped and sized so that the operator can grip it with their right hand. The recess 32L is provided so that when the operator grips the protrusion 31L with their left hand, the four fingers of the left hand other than the thumb can fit inside, and the recess 32R is formed so that when the operator grips the protrusion 31R with their right hand, the four fingers of the right hand other than the thumb can fit inside (see Figure 5).

[0041] In this example, the protrusion 31L comprises a side portion 311L in a direction intersecting the back surface 10B of the coordinate input device main body 10, and an upper surface portion 312L (see Figure 4(B)) that faces the back surface 10B of the coordinate input device main body 10 at a predetermined distance. Similarly, in this example, the protrusion 31R comprises a side portion 311R in a direction intersecting the back surface 10B of the coordinate input device main body 10, and an upper surface portion 312R (see Figure 4(A)) that faces the back surface 10B of the coordinate input device main body 10 at a predetermined distance.

[0042] In this example, the grip portion 30L provided at the left end of the coordinate input device main body 10 is configured such that the side of the protrusion 31L on the left end of the coordinate input device main body 10 is flush with the side of the left end of the housing 11 of the coordinate input device main body 10, as shown in Figures 1(B), 2(A), and 4. Similarly, the grip portion 30R provided at the right end of the coordinate input device main body 10 is configured such that the side of the protrusion 31R on the right end of the coordinate input device main body 10 is flush with the side of the right end of the housing 11 of the coordinate input device main body 10, as shown in Figures 1(B), 2(A), and 4.

[0043] If the grip sections 30L and 30R are located on the inside of the back, they may be difficult to reach. However, as in this example, by providing the grip sections 30L and 30R at the left and right ends of the coordinate input device main body 10, the operator can easily operate the operation buttons on the grip section while operating the electronic pen 2.

[0044] In this embodiment, the vertical length L (see Figure 2(A)) of the protrusions 31L and 31R of the coordinate input device body 10 is longer than the horizontal length of the coordinate input device body 10, i.e., the width W (see Figure 2(A)) of the protrusions 31L and 31R, and the width W of the protrusions 31L and 31R is shaped to become narrower as the vertical direction of the coordinate input device body 10 increases.

[0045] Furthermore, the recesses 32L and 32R are provided around the portions of the protrusions 31L and 31R that are not flush with the left and right ends of the coordinate input device body 10. Specifically, the upper recesses 321L and 321R around the upper vertical side portions 311La and 311Ra (see Figure 4) of the side portions 311L and 311R that intersect with the back surface 10B of the coordinate input device body 10 are formed to be continuous with the vertical recesses 322L and 322R that are formed adjacent to the side portions 311Lb and 311Rb that run along the length L direction of the coordinate input device body 10.

[0046] The vertical length L of the protrusions 31L and 31R is set to be long enough, or longer, to allow the protrusions 31L and 31R to be grasped with the middle, ring, and little fingers of the hand, as shown in Figure 5. The width W of the protrusions 31L and 31R is set to be such that, when the hand is wrapped around and grasped from the input surface 16S side of the coordinate input device main body 10, the tips of the middle, ring, and little fingers of the hand fit into the recesses 322L and 322R, and the pads of those fingers contact the sides of the protrusions 31L and 31R, as shown in Figure 5.

[0047] Furthermore, the width of the recesses 32L and 32R (the length in the widthwise extension direction of the protrusions 31L and 31R) is set such that, as shown in Figure 5, the pad of the index finger of the hand can be positioned on the upper side portions 311La and 311Ra of the protrusions 31L and 31R, and the pads of the first joints of the middle, ring, and little fingers can be positioned on the side portions 311Lb and 311Rb in the length L direction of the protrusions 31L and 31R.

[0048] Furthermore, the height of the upper surfaces 312L, 312R of the convex portions 31L, 31R from the bottom of the concave portions 32L, 32R is set such that the pad of the index finger and the pads of the first joints of the middle, ring, and little fingers can be positioned on the sides 311L, 311R of the convex portions 31L, 31R, as shown in Figure 5. However, in this embodiment, the height from the bottom of the concave portions 32L, 32R to the upper surfaces 312L, 312R of the convex portions 31L, 31R is not uniform, but is configured to differ in the direction of the length L of the convex portions 31L, 31R (the vertical direction of the coordinate input device main body 10).

[0049] Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view of line AA in Figure 2, and is a cross-sectional view of the grip portion 30R at the right end. As shown in Figure 6, and also in Figures 1(B) and 4, the upper surfaces 312L and 312R of the convex portions 31L and 31R are configured such that, in this example, the lower vertical side of the back surface 10B of the coordinate input device body 10 is flush with the back surface 10B of the coordinate input device body 10, and the height from the bottom of the concave portions 32L and 32R increases so that they protrude further than the back surface 10B of the coordinate input device body 10 as they move upward.

[0050] In this embodiment, as shown in Figures 2(B) and 6, the recesses 32L and 32R are formed adjacent to the protrusions 31L and 31R, with their bottom surfaces lower than the back surface 10B. This allows the grip portions 30L and 30R to be formed in such a way that the amount of protrusion of the protrusions 31L and 31R from the back surface 10B is suppressed while ensuring an optimal grip.

[0051] In this case, the angle formed by the intersection of the sides 311L, 311R of the protrusions 31L, 31R and the bottoms of the recesses 32L, 32R is configured to be slightly obtuse, as shown in Figures 4 and 6, so that the sides 311L, 311R of the protrusions 31L, 31R flare slightly towards the bottom of the recesses 32L, 32R. This configuration makes the protrusions 31L, 31R easy for the operator to grip and allows the sides 311L, 311R of the protrusions 31L, 31R to be easily pressed against the pads of the fingers.

[0052] When the grip portion 30L is held with the left hand, the index finger of the left hand is inserted into the upper vertical side portion 311La of the coordinate input device main body 10 on the side portion 311L of the protrusion 31L, as shown in Figure 5. Similarly, when the grip portion 30R is held with the right hand, the index finger of the right hand is inserted into the upper vertical side portion 311Ra of the coordinate input device main body 10 on the side portion 311R of the protrusion 31R.

[0053] In this embodiment, as shown in Figures 1(B), 2(A), and 4, operation buttons 33La and 33Lb, and operation buttons 33La and 33Lb, are provided on the upper side portions 311La and 311Ra of the protrusions 31L and 31R, respectively, at different positions in the height direction of the protrusions 31L and 31R. In this case, operation buttons 33La and 33Ra are planar knob switches with pressable surfaces parallel to the side portions 311La and 311Ra. Operation buttons 33Lb and 33Rb are angular switches with two pressable surfaces: one parallel to the side portions 311La and 311Ra, and the other parallel to the upper portions 312L and 312R, allowing them to accept press inputs in directions intersecting each pressable surface. Furthermore, because the upper side portions 311La and 311Ra of the protrusions 31L and 31R are taller than the others, the two operation buttons 33La and 33Lb, and the operation buttons 33Ra and 33Rb can be arranged side by side as shown in the figure.

[0054] When gripping the grip portion 30L with the left hand, the pads of the first joints of the middle, ring, and little fingers of the left hand come into contact with the side portion 311Lb adjacent to the recess 322L of the convex portion 31L, as shown in Figure 5. Similarly, when gripping the grip portion 30R with the right hand, the pads of the first joints of the middle, ring, and little fingers of the left hand come into contact with the side portion 311Lb adjacent to the recess 322L of the convex portion 31L, as shown in Figure 5.

[0055] As shown in Figures 4(A) and (B), on the sides 311Lb and 311Rb of the protrusions 31L and 31R, in this embodiment, operation buttons 33Lc and 33Rc are positioned where the pad of the first joint of the middle finger makes contact, and operation buttons 33Ld and 33Rd are positioned where the pad of the first joint of the ring finger makes contact. In this embodiment, operation buttons 33Lc and 33Rc, and operation buttons 33Ld and 33Rd are planar knob switches whose pressable surfaces are parallel to the sides 311La and 311Ra.

[0056] For each of the operation buttons 33La~33Ld and 33Ra~33Rd, one of the various functions of the coordinate input device 1 in this embodiment is assigned to the operation of pressing the button. The functions assigned to each of the operation buttons 33La~33Ld and 33Ra~33Rd may be predetermined, or the function for each operation button may be selected by selecting the function setting for the operation button from a menu. In this example, the selection of items such as menu activation and operation button selection from the menu is configured to be performed based on the detection result of the operator's finger indication position by the electrostatic coupling type position detection sensor 12.

[0057] In this embodiment, as described above, the grip sections 30L and 30R at the left and right ends of the back surface 10B of the coordinate input device main body 10 are configured for the left hand of a right-handed operator and the right hand of a left-handed operator. The operation buttons 33La to 33Ld on the grip section 30L and the operation buttons 33Ra to 33Rd on the grip section 30R are configured to be assigned the same function to the operation buttons at the same position.

[0058] Examples of functions that can be assigned to the operation buttons 33La~33Ld on the 30L grip and 33Ra~33Rd on the 30R grip include "redo," "undo," "instruction on display color intensity," and "size change," but it goes without saying that these are not the only functions that can be assigned.

[0059] In this embodiment, the grip portions 30L and 30R are formed separately from the housing 11 of the coordinate input device main body 10, and are formed to be fitted and attached to the fitting portions of the grip portions 30L and 31R formed on the housing 11. However, the grip portions 30L and 30R may also be formed integrally with the rear 10A side portion of the housing 11 of the coordinate input device main body 10.

[0060] [Example of electrical configuration of coordinate input device 1] In the coordinate input device 1 configured as described above, the operator holds the electronic pen 2 with their dominant hand and uses the electronic pen 2 to input position indications on the input surface 16S, thereby performing writing or drawing. While performing position indication input operations with the electronic pen 2, the operator may, at appropriate timings, use the fingers of their non-dominant hand to perform position indication operations on the input surface 16S, or grip the grip section 30L or grip section 30R and press the operation buttons 33La~33Ld or operation buttons 33Ra~33Rd.

[0061] In this embodiment, the coordinate input device 1 receives the operation inputs described above and performs processing and control corresponding to those operation inputs using an electrical processing unit.

[0062] Figure 7 illustrates an example of the configuration of the electrical processing unit of the coordinate input device 1 in this embodiment. As shown in Figure 7, the electromagnetic induction type electronic pen 2 includes a resonant circuit 2R consisting of a position indicator coil 2L and a resonant capacitor 2C connected in parallel with the position indicator coil 2L.

[0063] The position detection sensor 14 is constructed by forming an X-axis loop coil group 141 and a Y-axis loop coil group 142 on the front and back sides of a substrate 140. The X-axis loop coil group 141 and the Y-axis loop coil group 142 are connected to the position detection circuit 151 via a selection circuit 143. The selection circuit 143 receives a selection control signal from the position detection circuit 151 and operates to sequentially select one or more loop coils at a time from the two loop coil groups 141 and 142.

[0064] The position detection circuit 151 transmits an AC signal of a predetermined frequency to the electronic pen 2 through a loop coil selected by the selection circuit 143. The electronic pen 2 receives the AC signal from the position detection sensor 14 in the resonant circuit 2R and also feeds back the AC signal to the position detection sensor 14 from the resonant circuit 2R via electromagnetic induction coupling.

[0065] The induced voltage generated in the loop coil selected by the selection circuit 143 based on the feedback signal from the electronic pen 2 is supplied to the position detection circuit 151. The position detection circuit 151 calculates the coordinate values ​​of the position indicated by the electronic pen 2 in the X-axis and Y-axis directions within the detection area of ​​the position detection sensor 14 based on the voltage level of the induced voltage generated in each loop coil. The position detection circuit 151 supplies the calculated coordinate values ​​of the position indicated by the electronic pen 2 to the control circuit 150.

[0066] The electrostatic coupling type position detection sensor 12 is constructed by forming a group of linear conductors 121 in the X-axis direction and a group of linear conductors 122 in the Y-axis direction on the front and back sides of a transparent substrate 120. The group of linear conductors 121 in the X-axis direction and the group of linear conductors 122 in the Y-axis direction are connected to the position detection circuit 152 via a selection circuit 123.

[0067] In this example, the selection circuit 123 receives a selection control signal from the position detection circuit 152 and sequentially selects straight conductors one by one or in groups from the Y-axis straight conductor group 122, and sequentially supplies a predetermined transmission signal, such as a spreading code, to the selected straight conductor. The selection circuit 123 then receives and processes the received signals of the transmission signals from the X-axis straight conductor group, and detects that the received signal obtained at the finger's location is different from the received signals at other locations, thereby detecting the position indicated by the finger. The position detection circuit 152 supplies the coordinate values ​​of the detected finger's indicated position to the control circuit 150.

[0068] In the coordinate input device 1 of this embodiment, an operation interface (indicated as I / F in Figure 7) 154 is connected to the control circuit 150, and each of the operation buttons 33La to 33Ld on the grip section 30L and each of the operation buttons 33La to 33Ld on the grip section 30R are connected to this operation interface 154.

[0069] The control circuit 150 has a function to detect which operation button is operated via the operation interface 154 when any of the operation buttons 33La to 33Ld on the grip section 30L is operated, or when any of the operation buttons 33La to 33Ld on the grip section 30L is operated.

[0070] The control circuit 150 then generates handwriting information or drawing information based on the time-series data of the coordinates of the position indicated by the electronic pen 2 detected by the position detection circuit 151, and supplies it to the display control circuit 320. The display control circuit 320 generates display information based on the received handwriting information or drawing information, supplies the generated display information to the display device 13, and displays the handwriting or drawing image from the electronic pen 2 on the display screen 133.

[0071] Furthermore, the control circuit 150 activates a function that corresponds to the coordinate position indicated by the finger detected by the position detection circuit 152, generates display information corresponding to that function, and supplies it to the display control circuit 153. The display control circuit 320 supplies the display information corresponding to the received function to the display device 13, causing the display screen 133 to display display images such as a list of function menus and a list of setting items, along with the writing marks and drawings made by the electronic pen 2.

[0072] Furthermore, the control circuit 150, based on any of the operation buttons 33La to 33Ld on the grip section 30L detected through the operation interface 154, performs controls to change the color and size of the writing traces and drawn images by the electronic pen 2, or to perform "redo" or "undo" operations on the instruction input operations of the electronic pen 2. The display control circuit 153 reflects the display control corresponding to the control of the control circuit 150 on the display image of the display screen 133 of the display device 3.

[0073] [Effects of the coordinate input device 1 of the embodiment] In the coordinate input device 1 of this embodiment, configured as described above, the operator can conveniently perform various functional processing while simultaneously writing on the display screen with the electronic pen by using one hand to input position indications with the electronic pen 2, and with the other hand, by gripping one of the grip sections 30L and 30R to operate the operation buttons 33La~33ld or operation buttons 33Ra~33Rd, or by using the fingers of the other hand to perform touch input on the input surface.

[0074] In this case, when the operator grips the protrusions 31L and 31R of the grip portion 30L or 30R with their left or right hand, they can press the operation buttons 33La and 33Ra or operation buttons 33Lb and 33Rb with their index finger, as shown in Figure 5, and also press the operation button 33Lc or operation button 33Rc with their middle finger, and the operation button 33Lc or operation button 33Rc with their ring finger.

[0075] Therefore, thanks to the effects of muscle memory, the operator can correctly operate the operation buttons 33La~33Ld on the grip section 30L, or the operation buttons 33Ra~33Rd on the grip section 30R, without having to visually confirm their position. Consequently, even if the operator holds the electronic pen 2 in their dominant hand to input position indications, and uses their other hand to grip the protrusions 31L and 31R on the grip sections 30L and 30R to operate the operation buttons 33La~33ld or 33Ra~33Rd, they do not need to visually confirm the position of the operation buttons as in the past, allowing for efficient input work.

[0076] [Other embodiments or modifications] Although the coordinate input device 1 in the above embodiment consists of a coordinate input device main body 10 and a stand 20, the stand 20 is not an essential component of the coordinate input device according to this invention, and the device may consist only of the coordinate input device main body 10.

[0077] In the above-described embodiment, the grip sections 30L and 30R are designed for the left hand of a right-handed operator and the right hand of a left-handed operator, with the same function assigned to the operation buttons 33La to 33Ld of the grip section 30L and the same function assigned to the operation buttons 33Ra to 33Rd of the grip section 30R, respectively. However, different functions may be assigned to the operation buttons 33La to 33Ld of the grip section 30L and the same function assigned to the operation buttons 33Ra to 33Rd of the grip section 30R.

[0078] Furthermore, although the grip portion is provided on both the left and right ends in the horizontal direction of the rectangular-shaped coordinate input device body 10, it may also be configured to be provided on only one side. Alternatively, it may be provided on either the upper end or the lower end, or both, in the vertical direction of the rectangular-shaped coordinate input device body 10. In addition, instead of one or two grip portions, three or more may be provided. Furthermore, the placement of the operation buttons may differ between different grip portions.

[0079] Furthermore, the grip portion may be located in the middle of the back of the coordinate input device, rather than at the very edge, as long as it is within reach and gripping the operator's hand.

[0080] Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, the operation buttons, which are an example of the operation unit, are provided only on the side of the protrusion on the grip, but they may also be provided on the top surface of the protrusion, or on both the side and the top surface.

[0081] Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, a recess is formed adjacent to the protrusion of the grip portion, but the grip portion can also be configured such that the protrusion is formed from the back surface of the coordinate input device and no recess is provided.

[0082] Furthermore, while the above-described embodiment uses an operation button as an example of an operation unit, the operation unit is not limited to an operation button; it can be anything that allows the user to operate it without visual inspection, such as a touch sensor (touch panel), wheel, or trackball. Also, multiple operation units do not have to consist solely of one type of operation unit, such as multiple operation buttons; they may be a combination of operation buttons, touch sensors, trackballs, etc.

[0083] Furthermore, the number of operating parts provided on the protruding part of the grip is not limited to four; it may be just one. Also, the number of operating parts can be any number as long as they can be recognized by muscle memory.

[0084] Furthermore, the shape of the protrusion on the grip is not limited to the examples described above. For example, the protrusion may have a shape that forms a recess on its side, corresponding to the position where the fingertips touch when gripping it. Also, the shape of the protrusion is not limited to the shape having sides and a top surface as in the examples described above, but can be spherical, a columnar shape with a polygonal cross-section, or various other shapes.

[0085] Furthermore, the external shape of the coordinate input device does not have to be rectangular as in the embodiment described above; it may be elliptical, circular, polygonal, or the like. In that case, the grip portion may be located at any position on the back side of the coordinate input device.

[0086] Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, the position detection sensor is provided with both electromagnetic induction and electrostatic coupling methods, but it may also be provided with only one of them. Moreover, the position detection sensor is not limited to electromagnetic induction or electrostatic coupling methods, and may of course be of other types.

[0087] Furthermore, the indicator for the electrostatic coupling type position detection sensor may be a finger, or a passive type electronic pen, and the electrostatic coupling type position detection sensor may be configured to use both an active electrostatic coupling type position detection sensor and an electronic pen.

[0088] Furthermore, although the coordinate input device in the above-described embodiment is configured to include a display device, the display device may be a separate component, and the device may not be included in the configuration. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0089] 1... Coordinate input device, 2... Electronic pen, 10... Coordinate input device main body, 11... Housing, 12... Position detection sensor, 13... Display device, 14... Position detection sensor, 15... Control circuit board, 16... Planar member, 20... Stand part, 30L and 30R... Grip part, 31L and 31R... Convex part, 32L and 32R... Recess, 33La~33Ld, 33Ra~33Rd... Operation buttons

Claims

1. A position detection sensor for detecting the indicated position by an indicator, A housing for the position detection sensor, having a back surface that faces the input surface corresponding to the position detection area of ​​the position detection sensor, on which the input operation of the indicated position by the indicator is performed, At least one grip portion provided on the rear surface of the housing, having a convex portion that is convex in a direction intersecting the rear surface, One or more operating parts are arranged on the protrusion, A first recess is formed corresponding to the upper side of the protrusion and opening on the side surface between the rear surface and the input surface of the housing, Equipped with, When an operator grasps at least one grip portion having the protrusion and operates the one or more operating portions, the operator's first finger is inserted into the first recess from the side of the housing. A coordinate input device characterized by the following features.

2. At least one grip portion having the aforementioned protrusion is provided near the edge of the rear surface of the housing. The coordinate input device according to feature 1.

3. A portion of the side of the protrusion in a direction intersecting the back surface is a surface that follows the side of the housing between the back surface and the input surface. The coordinate input device according to feature 1.

4. The aforementioned protrusion is configured to have a shape and size that allows the operator to grip it. The coordinate input device according to feature 1.

5. The present invention further comprises a second recess formed on the back surface adjacent to the vertical side portion of the aforementioned protrusion. The coordinate input device according to feature 1.

6. When an operator grips at least one grip portion having the protrusion and operates the one or more operating portions, the operator's first finger is positioned in the first recess, and the operator's other fingers are positioned in the second recess. The coordinate input device according to feature 5.

7. The one or more operating parts are arranged in the portion of the protrusion where the first recess or the second recess is adjacent to it. The coordinate input device according to feature 5.

8. The one or more operating parts include operating parts provided on a surface in a direction intersecting the back surface of the protrusion. The coordinate input device according to feature 1.

9. The one or more operating parts include operating parts provided on both the side and top surfaces of the protrusion in a direction intersecting the back surface of the protrusion. The coordinate input device according to feature 1.

10. On the rear surface, a stand portion is provided to hold the housing such that the input surface intersects with the surface on which the coordinate input device is mounted, and a space is created between the rear surface and the surface on which the coordinate input device is mounted. The coordinate input device according to feature 1.

11. At least one grip portion having the aforementioned protrusion is provided near the edge of the back surface of the housing parallel to the surface on which the coordinate input device is mounted. The coordinate input device according to feature 10.

12. The at least one grip portion having the aforementioned protrusion includes two grip portions, The two grip portions are provided near opposite edges on the back of the housing, parallel to the surface on which the coordinate input device is mounted. The coordinate input device according to feature 10.

13. The one or more operating parts are each disposed on the two grip parts, The one or more operating parts provided on each of the two grip sections are assigned the same function. The coordinate input device according to feature 12.

14. The one or more operating parts are each disposed on the two grip parts, Each of the two grip sections has one or more operating parts that are assigned to it, and each of them has a different function assigned to it. The coordinate input device according to feature 12.

15. The stand portion includes a mechanism that allows the angle of the input surface in a direction intersecting the surface on which the coordinate input device is mounted to be changed. The coordinate input device according to feature 10.

16. The system includes a display device having a display screen that overlaps with the position detection area of ​​the position detection sensor. The coordinate input device according to feature 1.

17. The position detection sensor detects the indicated position by the indicator using an electromagnetic induction method. The coordinate input device according to feature 1.

18. The position detection sensor detects the indicated position by the indicator using an electrostatic coupling method. The coordinate input device according to feature 1.

19. The aforementioned operating unit includes one of the following: an operating button, a touch sensor, or a trackball, and is designed to be operable without the user having to look at it. The coordinate input device according to feature 1.

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