JP2001228966A - Light shutoff detector and information display system - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a light shutoff detector which is hardly influenced by outside light, etc., and removal of dust is easily performed even for adhesion of the dust etc., and to provide an information display system. SOLUTION: This light shutoff detector is provided with a light emitting part 5 to emit light along a display d, a retroreflective member 4 arranged disposed to face oppositely to the light emitting part via a display area, a light receiving part 6 to receive the light reflected by the retroreflective member 4 and a regulation board 32 to regulate the width of the light to be made incident on the retroreflective member 4.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a method for controlling light when light passing through a display area where characters, images, and the like are displayed is blocked.
The present invention relates to a light blocking detection device for detecting the blocking position, a touch panel with a large screen device, an electronic blackboard, and an information display system such as a video conference system.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, an information display system capable of giving various instructions to a computer system or inputting new information by instructing a display surface on which information is displayed by the computer system with a finger or the like. It has been known. Such a system has a display surface called a so-called touch panel, and the touch panel is provided with coordinate detecting means for detecting coordinates of a position touched by a finger or the like.

Various methods have been proposed for coordinate detection on a touch panel. However, in recent years, even when applied to a large screen, a method using light that is advantageous in terms of cost and the like and has good detection accuracy is used. Things are attracting attention. This type of device has a light blocking unit that has a light emitting unit and a light receiving unit and detects a position where light emitted from the light emitting unit along the display surface is blocked by a finger or the like.

[0004]

However, in an apparatus employing a method of detecting coordinates by light, if external light or the like enters a light receiving section or the like, there is a possibility that a malfunction may occur in the detection. Further, if dust or dirt adheres to the inside of the optical path, there is a problem that the reading performance is reduced.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and provides a light blocking detection device and an information display system which are hardly affected by external light and the like and which can easily deal with dust and the like. With the goal.

[0006]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION In order to achieve the above object, the present invention provides a light blocking detection device for detecting a blocking position when light passing through a display area where characters and images are displayed is blocked. In the device, a light-emitting unit that emits light along the display area, a reflection unit that is disposed to face the light-emitting unit and the display area, and a light-receiving unit that receives light reflected by the reflection unit; Means for restricting the width of the light incident on the reflecting portion.

In the present invention, the width of the reflecting surface of the reflecting portion is set to be wider than the width of the light restricted by the restricting means, and all the light incident on the reflecting portion is incident. It is effective if placed in

Further, in the present invention, the light-emitting section and the light-receiving section forming a combination with the light-emitting section are located at different positions in the display area.
It is effective if more than two pairs are provided. Furthermore,
In the present invention, it is effective to have an optical system for expanding the light from the light emitting unit as it travels on the display area.

Further, in the present invention, it is effective to have an optical scanning means for scanning the light from the light emitting section on the display area. Furthermore, in the present invention, it is effective if the restricting means is a plate-shaped restricting member arranged at a position closer to the light emitting section than the reflecting section.

According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a light blocking detection device for detecting a blocking position when light passing through a display area where characters and images are displayed is blocked. A light-emitting unit that emits light along the surface of the display unit, a light-receiving unit that is arranged to face the light-emitting unit via the display region, and receives light emitted from the light-emitting unit, and is incident on the light-receiving unit. Means for regulating the width of light.

In the present invention, it is effective if the restricting means is a plate-shaped restricting member arranged at a position closer to the light emitting section than the light receiving section. Further, in the present invention, it is effective if the regulating member is provided on a frame disposed at the periphery of the display area.

Still further, in the present invention, an overhanging portion is provided on the frame body so as to protrude toward the display area, and is provided with a gap from the surface of the display area, and the regulating member displays the overhang on the overhanging area. It is effective if the regulating plate is formed by being bent in a direction approaching the surface of the region.

Furthermore, in the present invention, it is effective if the surface of the regulating plate facing the light emitting portion is set to a color that absorbs light. In addition, in order to achieve the above object, the present invention provides a light blocking detection device that detects a blocking position when light passing through a display area where characters, images, and the like are displayed, includes: A light-emitting portion that emits light along the light-emitting portion, a reflecting portion that is disposed to face the light-emitting portion and the display region, and a light-receiving portion that receives light reflected by the reflecting portion, wherein the reflecting portion is The display device is characterized in that a reflection plate is provided so as to be substantially perpendicular to the surface of the display region, and the end of the reflection plate on the display region side is located inside the surface of the display region.

Still further, in order to achieve the above object,
The present invention is a light blocking detection device that detects a blocking position when light passing through a display area in which characters, images, and the like are displayed, and a light emitting unit that emits light along the display area, A reflecting portion facing the light emitting portion and the display region, a light receiving portion for receiving light reflected by the reflecting portion, and at least one of the light emitting portion, the reflecting portion, and the light receiving portion. A light-transmissive cover member arranged in a direction to stand with respect to the display area, and an end of the cover member on the display area side is located inside the surface of the display area. I have.

In the present invention, it is effective if two or more sets of the light emitting section and the light receiving section forming the same are provided at different positions in the display area. Further, in the present invention, it is effective to have an optical system for expanding the light from the light emitting section as it travels on the display area.

Furthermore, in the present invention, it is effective to have light scanning means for scanning light from the light emitting section on the display area. In addition, in order to achieve the above object, the present invention provides a light blocking detection device that detects a blocking position when light passing through a display area where characters, images, and the like are displayed, includes: A light-emitting unit that emits light along the light-emitting unit, a light-receiving unit that is arranged to face the light-emitting unit via the display area, and receives light from the light-emitting unit, and is provided at least in one of the light-emitting unit and the light-receiving unit. And
A light-transmissive cover member arranged in a direction to stand with respect to the display area, wherein an end of the cover member on the display area side is located inside the surface of the display area. .

In the present invention, if a transparent sheet member is provided on the surface of the display area, and the end of the cover member on the display area side is located inside the surface of the sheet member, the effect is obtained. It is a target.

According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a display device for displaying characters, images, and the like in a display area, and detecting a blocking position when light passing through the display area is blocked. 20. An information display system comprising: a light-blocking detection device; and a control device that controls the display device based on detection of a blocking position of the light-blocking detection device, wherein the light-blocking detection device is any one of claims 1 to 19. The light-blocking detection device according to any one of the first to eighth aspects is characterized in that:

In the present invention, it is effective if the cover member is supported by the regulating plate.

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. FIG. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram showing an outline of a light blocking detection device according to the present invention. In FIG. 1, a light-blocking detection device 1 according to the present embodiment is connected to a computer such as a personal computer and a workstation, and can be used by being mounted on a front surface of a display of the computer. In FIG. 1, reference numeral d indicates a display of a computer which is a display area.
The light blocking detection device 1 includes a housing 1a that defines a range of an input area 2 for performing coordinate input such as input of a character or a figure by handwriting in accordance with the size of the display d;
It is provided at both lower end portions of the housing 1a, emits, for example, fan-shaped expanding light that extends over the entire area of the input area 2, and returns as a reflection portion provided at a peripheral portion excluding a lower portion of the housing 1a. Light receiving and emitting devices 3L and 3R for receiving light reflected by the reflective member 4, and the light receiving and emitting devices 3L and 3R
When the light in the input area 2 is blocked based on the light received by the R, a control device (not shown) (see FIGS. 4 and 5) for executing a process for specifying the position is provided. Here, fan-shaped light is emitted from the light receiving and emitting devices 3L and 3R, but the light does not have to be fan-shaped as long as the light is enlarged and spreads over the entire input area 2.

The light receiving and emitting devices 3L and 3R shown in FIG.
Each is provided in the cover 3a, and is fixed to the housing 1a at an interval of a distance w from each other. In the following description, for the sake of convenience, it is assumed that the fan-shaped light emitted from the light emitting and receiving device 3L is constituted by a bundle of light composed of L1, L2, L3,..., Lm. Similarly, the fan-shaped light emitted from the light receiving / emitting device 3R is R1, R2,
It is assumed that it is composed of a bundle of light consisting of R3,..., Rm. In the following, L1, L2, L3,.
, Lm and light of R1, R2, R3,..., Rm are each referred to as probe light. As described above, the light emitting and receiving devices 3L and 3R emit the fan-shaped light composed of the bundle of the probe lights in parallel along the surface of the display d.

As will be described in detail later, the retroreflective member 4 is provided inside the housing 1a and at a peripheral portion except for a lower portion of the housing 1a. The retroreflective member 4 is formed by arranging a large number of conical corner cubes, for example, and has a characteristic of reflecting incident probe light toward the same optical path. For example, the probe light L3 emitted from the light emitting / receiving device 3L is reflected by the retroreflective member 4, and becomes the retroreflected light L3 ′ traveling to the left light receiving / emitting device 3L again through the same optical path.

Next, the configuration of the light emitting / receiving devices 3L and 3R will be specifically described. FIG. 2 is a schematic configuration diagram illustrating one of the light emitting and receiving devices 3L and 3R. In addition,
FIG. 2 shows the light emitting and receiving devices 3L and 3L mainly in the XZ direction.
FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating R, and a portion indicated by a two-dot chain line in the diagram is a diagram in which the same component is viewed from another direction (the XY direction or the YZ direction).

As shown in FIG. 2, the light emitting and receiving devices 3L and 3R include a light emitting unit 5 and a light receiving unit 6, respectively.
The light emitting unit 5 has an L that can narrow the spot to some extent.
A light source 7 such as D or LED is provided. The light emitted perpendicularly to the display d from the light source 7 is collimated in the X direction by a cylindrical lens 8 capable of changing only the magnification in one direction. The light collimated in the X direction by the cylindrical sock lens 8 is collected in the Y direction by two cylindrical lenses 9 and 10 whose curvature distribution is orthogonal to that of the cylindrical lens 8. The light that has passed through the cylindrical lens groups (cylindrical lenses 8, 9 and 10) is incident on a slit provided in the slit plate 11 and narrow in the Y direction and elongated in the X direction. This slit forms the secondary light source 12. The light emitted from the secondary light source 12 is reflected by the half mirror 13, becomes fan-shaped light parallel to the surface of the display d and centered on the secondary light source 12, and travels through the input area 2. In other words, the fan-shaped light forms the input area 2. Note that the cylindrical lens groups (cylindrical lenses 8, 9 and 10) and the slit plate 11 constitute a condensing optical system that forms fan-shaped light.

The light that travels in the fan-shaped input area 2 is recursively reflected by the retroreflective member 4 and returns to the half mirror 13 along the same optical path again. The reflected light that has returned to the half mirror 13 passes through the half mirror 13 and enters the light receiving unit 6. The retroreflected light incident on the light receiving unit 6 is a cylindrical lens 14 which is a condensing lens.
After being linearized through the lens, a distance f from the cylindrical run 14 (f is the focal length of the cylindrical lens 14)
Are received at different positions for each probe light.

The light receiving element 15 generates an electric signal based on the light intensity distribution of the retroreflected light (probe light),
The controller 16 (see FIGS. 4 and 5) described later is manually operated. As shown in FIG. 2, the distance D between the secondary light source 12 and the half mirror 13 and the cylindrical lens 14
The optical system is configured such that the distance D between the optical system and the half mirror 13 is equal. In this configuration, the retroreflected light reflected by the retroreflective member 4 does not receive the action of the cylindrical lens 14 in the Z-axis direction, and reaches the light receiving element 15 in a collimated state. In addition, the retroreflected light is directed parallel to the display surface by the cylindrical lens 1.
The light propagates so as to be condensed at the center of 4, and as a result, is imaged on the light receiving element 15 provided on the focal plane of the cylindrical lens 14 under the action of the cylindrical lens 14.
As a result, a light intensity distribution is formed on the light receiving element 15 according to the presence or absence of the retroreflected light. That is, when the retroreflected light is blocked by a pointing object such as a finger or a pen, a point (peak point described later) where the light intensity is weak occurs at a position on the light receiving element 15 corresponding to the blocked retroreflected light.

In place of the cylindrical lens 14 shown in FIG. 2, an ordinary lens having the same curvature on a concentric circle may be used. FIG. 3 shows an example of the structure of this combination. In this configuration, the recurring reflected light reflected by the retroreflective member 4 is condensed from a collimated state by the action of the condenser lens 14a in the Z-axis direction, and reaches the light receiving element 15. The retroreflected light propagates so as to be condensed at the center of the condenser lens 14a in the direction parallel to the display surface, and as a result, is placed on the focal plane of the condenser lens 14a under the action of the condenser lens 14a. Light receiving element 15
Image on top. Thus, a thin linear light intensity distribution parallel to the Y axis is formed on the light receiving element 15 according to the presence or absence of retroreflected light. That is, when the retroreflected light is blocked by a pointing object such as a finger or a pen, a point (peak point described later) where the light intensity is weak occurs at a position on the light receiving element 15 corresponding to the blocked retroreflected light.

FIG. 4 shows a controller that receives an electric signal based on the light intensity distribution of the retroreflected light from the light receiving element 15 and specifies the coordinates of the position where the light traveling through the input area 2 is blocked. FIG. 3 is a block diagram of the configuration of FIG. In FIG. 4, a controller 16 is configured by each block other than the light emitting / receiving bag units 3L and 3R. Controller 1 shown in FIG.
Reference numeral 6 denotes a CPU 22 for centrally controlling each unit, a ROM 23 for storing fixed data such as a control program, a RAM 24 for storing variable data, and light emission of the light source 7 provided in the light emitting and receiving devices 3L and 3R. A timer 25 for controlling a time interval, a peak detector 18, and an xy calculator 19
And an interface (I / F) 20 for connecting the controller 16 to a computer, and a bus 21 for connecting the above components. The RAM 24 has
A waveform memory 17 is provided using a function of storing variable data in a rewritable manner.

Next, the processing executed by the controller 16 will be described. FIG.
FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram of a process executed by the CPU. Light receiving element 15
The waveform data representing the light intensity distribution output as an electrical signal from the RAM 24 is stored in the waveform memories 17L and 17R of the RAM 24. The peak detectors 18L and 18R execute processing for detecting the position of the peak point of the waveform data stored in the waveform memories 17L and 17R.

FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram of a peak point. For example, the probe lights L1 and L emitted from the light emitting / receiving device 3L
2, L3,..., Ln-1, Ln, Ln + 1,.
When the n-th probe light Ln is blocked by the pointing object A such as the user's finger or pen in the fan-shaped light composed of the bundle of Lm, the probe light Ln reaches the retroreflective member 4. Never. Therefore, the probe light L
Since n is not received by the light receiving element 15 of the light receiving and emitting device 3L, the light receiving element 1 corresponding to the probe light Ln
The position DnL on 5 is a region (dark spot) where the light intensity is weak.
As a result, a peak point appears in the waveform of the light intensity output from the light receiving element 15. The peak detectors 18L and 18R use, for example, a waveform processing calculation technique such as smoothing differentiation to obtain a dark spot position Dn (DnL on the light receiving element 15 of the light receiving and emitting device 3L). DnR on the light receiving element 15 of the light emitting and receiving device 3R)
Are respectively detected.

When a peak point is detected from the waveform data by the peak detectors 18L and 18R, the xy calculator 19 sets the pointing object A in which the peak point appears in the waveform data.
Is calculated (x, y).

Next, the process of calculating the position coordinates (x, y) of the pointing object A in the xy calculator 19 will be specifically described. As shown in FIG. 6, the emission / incident angle θnL of the probe light from the light emitting / receiving device 3L blocked by the pointing object A (θn in the probe light from the light emitting / receiving device 3R)
R) can be calculated using the following equation.

ΘnL = arctan (DnL / f) (1) θnR = arctan (DnR / f) (2) where DnL is the light-emitting / receiving device 3L detected by the peak detector 18L. The position of the dark spot on the light receiving element 15, Dn
R is the position of the dark spot on the light receiving element 15 in the light receiving / emitting device 3R detected by the peak detector 18R, and f is the cylindrical lens 14 (FIG. 2) or the condenser lens 14a (FIG. 3).
The distance between the lens and the light receiving element 15 corresponds to the focal length of each lens.

Further, by using θnL obtained by the expression (1), the angle θL (see FIG. 7) between the pointing object A and the light receiving / emitting device 3L can be calculated by the following expression. θL = g (θnL) (3)

Here, g is the pointing object A and the light emitting / receiving device 3L.
Is the conversion coefficient of the geometric relative positional relationship with Further, the angle θR (see FIG. 7) between the pointing object A and the light emitting / receiving device 3R can be calculated by the following expression by using θnR obtained by the expression (2).

ΘR = h (θnR) (4) where h is a conversion coefficient of a geometric relative positional relationship between the pointing object A and the light emitting / receiving device 3R.

On the other hand, the position coordinates (x, y) of the pointing object A
Is calculated using the following equation according to the principle of triangulation. x = w tanθR / (tanθL + tanθR) (5)

Y = w tanθL · tanθR / (tanθL + tanθR) (6) where w is the distance between the light emitting and receiving devices 3L and 3R (see FIGS. 1 and 7). The above (1), (2),
From the expressions (3), (4), (5) and (6), the position coordinates (x, y) of the pointing object A are calculated as functions of DnL and DnR. That is, if the position DnL of the dark point on the light receiving element 15 in the light receiving / emitting device 3L and the position DnR of the dark point on the light receiving element 15 in the light receiving / emitting device 3R are detected, the position coordinates (x, y) of the pointing object A are obtained. Will be detected. (1), (2), (3), (4),
The expressions (5) and (6) can be stored in the ROM 23 in advance as a part of the control program.

In the controller 16, the position coordinates (x, y) of the pointing object A obtained by the above-described processing are expressed by I
/ F20 to the computer. Regarding the operation of the entire coordinate input / detection device 1 having the above configuration,
This will be specifically described with reference to FIG. First, as shown in FIG. 7, the user indicates an appropriate position (x, y) on the display d with the pointing object A such as a finger or a pen via the input area 2 of the coordinate input / detection device l. I do. As a result, the probe lights Ln and Rn emitted from the light emitting and receiving devices 3L and 3R are blocked by the pointing object A, respectively. Therefore, the probe lights Ln and Rn blocked by the pointing object A do not reach the retroreflective member 4, and the retroreflected lights of the probe lights Ln and Rn are not received by the light receiving elements of the light emitting and receiving devices 3L and 3R. No light is received by 15. Accordingly, an area (dark spot) where the light intensity is weak occurs at a predetermined position (DnL, DnR) on each light receiving element 15 (see FIG. 6). Waveform data corresponding to the light intensity output from each light receiving element 15 is stored in waveform memories 17L and 17R.

The peak detectors 18L and 18R operate based on the waveform data in the waveform memories 17L and 17R.
A dark point (DnL, DnR) on each light receiving element 15 is detected as a peak point in the waveform data. And the xy operator 1
9 calculates the position coordinates (x, y) pointed by the pointing object A based on the dark spots (DnL, DnR) on each light receiving element 15 detected by the peak detectors 18L and 18R. The position coordinates (x, y) obtained in this way are represented by I
/ F20 is input to the computer and the pointing object A
Is performed according to the user's instruction.

As described above, according to the coordinate input / detection device 1 according to the first embodiment, a desired input can be performed simply by blocking a part of the light in the input area with an arbitrary pointing object A such as a finger or a pen. Since the operation can be performed, it is not necessary to use a special pen provided with a reflection member.

In the method of scanning the input area by rotating the polygon mirror, a motor for rotating the polygon mirror is required. This motor is a vibration source, and the coordinate detection accuracy may be deteriorated by the vibration. However, in the first embodiment of the present invention, the light emitting unit 5 forms a fan-shaped light from the light of the light source 7 to form the housing 1a. Since the light is emitted toward the inside, the movable portion, that is, the device does not have a vibration source, and the coordinates of the position pointed by the pointing object A can be detected with high accuracy.

When external light is incident on the retroreflective member 4 in the above-described light blocking detection device 1, the coordinate detection becomes inaccurate, which may cause a malfunction or the like. Therefore, the light blocking detection device according to the present invention includes the retroreflective member 4 serving as a reflecting portion.
There is provided a restricting means for restricting the width of the light incident on the light source.

8 and 9, the retroreflective member 4
Is supported by a support frame 30 provided in the housing 1a,
Is provided with a projecting portion 31 having a gap with respect to the surface of the display d and projecting toward the display d. A restricting plate 32 as a restricting means is integrally or fixed to the tip of the overhang portion 31.
Is composed of a plate-like member bent in a direction approaching the surface of the display d from the overhang portion 31. Further, the retroreflective member 4 is covered by the overhang portion 31 and is attached to the support frame 30 at the base thereof.

With this configuration, the light emitting unit 5
Before reaching the retroreflective member 4, the width Lw of the probe light is regulated by the regulating plate 32, and external light is prevented from irradiating the retroreflective member 4 by the regulating plate 32.

FIG. 10 is a specific example showing the dimension of the width Lw of the light regulated by the regulating means. The width of the light emitted from the light receiving / emitting device 3 is about 3 mm, and this light is reflected by the retroreflective member. When it approaches 4, it is enlarged to a width of about 25 mm. The distance from the tip of the regulating plate 32 to the surface of the display d is 10 mm, so that the light regulated to a width of 10 mm enters the retroreflective member 4 and is reflected.
The light receiving section 6 is capable of detecting light having a width of 1.5 mm, and the light incident on the retroreflective member 4 after being reflected by the retroreflective member 4 is 3 mm.
Because of the width, it is reliably detected. As described above, the light emitted from the light receiving / emitting device 3 is expanded to a width of about 25 mm when approaching the retroreflective member 4, and this light hits the surface of the regulating plate 32 and is reflected. If the reflected light is incident on the light receiving and emitting device 3, the detection accuracy may be degraded. Therefore, the surface of the regulating plate 32 facing the light receiving and emitting device 3 is colored with a color that is difficult to reflect light, for example, black. Have been.

When the width Lw of light incident on the retroreflective member 4 is regulated to, for example, 10 mm by the regulating plate 32, the width W of the retroreflective member 4 becomes as shown in FIG.
A beam wider than the incident light is used. And
The retroreflective member 4 is arranged so that both ends in the width direction are located outside the incident light so that the incident light can be totally reflected.

With this configuration, the light blocking detection device 1
Is kept good, and the light incident on the retroreflective member 4 is also prevented from being refracted by hitting the edge of the reflective member, thereby adversely affecting the detection accuracy.

As described above, the light-blocking detection device 1 has a gap between the display d and the support frame 30, and it is inevitable that dust enters. Furthermore, since a user's finger or the like can also enter, a fingerprint, oil, dust, or the like adheres to the reflection member or the optical system member of the light emitting and receiving device 3, causing a decrease in reading performance and the like, and a finger being caught in a gap and being injured. There is fear.

In order to solve such a problem, as shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, in order to eliminate the gap between the support frame 30 and the display d, a light-transmitting cover member made of a transparent glass plate or the like is used. 40 are provided. By providing such a cover member 40, it is possible to prevent dust from adhering to the retroreflective member 4 and the light emitting / receiving device 3 and prevent a finger or the like from entering the gap.

The inventor of the present application has found that the detection accuracy of the light blocking detection device 1 may be reduced depending on the state in which the cover member 40 is installed. More specifically, as shown in FIG.
Are protruded from the surface of the display d. However, with such an arrangement, the light passing through the protruding end 41 of the cover member 40 is refracted, and the refracted light is incident on the retroreflective member 4, so that the detection accuracy may be reduced. Was.

Therefore, in the embodiment shown in FIG. 12 of the present invention, the display surface side end portion 41 of the cover member 40 is arranged so as to be located inside the surface, that is, below in FIG. In the present embodiment, the cover 41 is disposed outside the edge of the display d, so that the end 41 is located inside the display surface.

With this configuration, since the light for detecting the light blocking position does not pass through the end 41 of the cover member 40, it is possible to prevent the detection accuracy from being lowered by the refracted light.

As shown in FIG. 13, a screen sheet as a protective sheet material can be attached to the surface of the display d. When this screen sheet is used, when the surface of the display d is made of glass, there are advantages that it does not scatter even if broken, does not exert a concentrated stress on the display, and there is no parallax. When the screen sheet is attached in this manner, the cover member 40
When the end 41 is abutted against the display surface and positioned inside the surface of the screen sheet, it is substantially positioned inside the surface of the display d, and the above-described refracted light is not generated. Can be prevented from decreasing.

The embodiment of the light-blocking detecting device according to the present invention has been described above. However, the basic configuration of the light-blocking detecting device is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and the light-blocking detecting device having another configuration is applicable. Is also applicable. Hereinafter, a light blocking detection device to which the above-described embodiment is applicable will be briefly described.

The light blocking detection device 61 shown in FIG.
2. A light scanner 64a as an optical scanning unit that emits light rays while being substantially parallel to 2 and rotating about the installation position, and receives light rays recursively reflected by a reflection member 63 provided on the touch panel 62. And 64b, and a calculation unit 65 that calculates the coordinates of the light-blocking point based on the light reception results of the light scanners 64a and 64b when the light beam on the touch panel 62 is blocked.
In the light blocking detection device 61 as well, it is effective to regulate the light incident on the reflection member 63 and to arrange the end of the cover member inside the surface of the touch panel 62 in order to reduce the detection accuracy. . In the light blocking detection device of FIG. 14, as the light scanning means, one that uses a polygon mirror to scan laser light from a laser diode instead of the light scanners 64a and 64b may be used.

The light blocking detection device 71 shown in FIG. 15 includes a plurality of pairs of light emitting elements 7 arranged on the outer periphery of the touch panel 72.
Pointing object A including the light receiving elements 75 and 76 and the light receiving elements 75 and 76
When an arbitrary position on the touch panel 72 is indicated by
Pointing object A based on the light receiving results of light receiving elements 75 and 76
Is obtained. In such a light blocking detection device 61 as well, restricting the light incident on the light receiving members 75 and 76, and disposing the end of the cover member inside the surface of the touch panel 72 lowers the detection accuracy. It is effective in.

Further, as a modified example of the light-blocking detecting device shown in FIG. In some cases, light emitted from the light emitting unit of the light receiving and emitting device is reflected by the reflecting unit and enters the light receiving unit. In the light blocking detection device 61 as well, it is effective to regulate the light incident on the reflection member 63 and to arrange the end of the cover member inside the surface of the touch panel 62 in order to reduce the detection accuracy. .

FIG. 16 is a block diagram of an electronic blackboard system as an information display system according to the present invention. The electronic blackboard system 100 shown in FIG. 16 mainly includes a plasma display panel (hereinafter referred to as a “PD”) for displaying an image.
P ") and an input area (see FIG. 1) on the touch surface (writing surface).
And a light-blocking detection device 102 for inputting a character, a figure, or the like written with a fingertip or a pen via a touch surface (first to third embodiments)
And a controller 103 for the light-blocking detection device that calculates a coordinate position on the touch surface touched by a fingertip or a pen, and coordinate position information from the controller 103. Light blocking detection device 1
A computer 104 (personal computer) that controls the entire system, such as a process of drawing characters, graphics, and the like input via the PDP 101 via the PDP 101, is provided.

Various peripheral devices can be connected to the computer 104 of the electronic blackboard system 100. FIG. 16 shows, as an example, a state in which a scanner 105 for reading an image of a document and a printer 106 for outputting image data to recording paper are connected to a computer 104. Further, the electronic blackboard system 100 can be connected to the network 107 via the computer 104. Data created by another computer connected to the network 107 can be displayed on the PDP 101, or data created by the electronic blackboard system 100 can be displayed. Can be transferred to another computer.

Further, although not shown, the PD
The P101 is provided with a video input terminal and a speaker, and is connected to various information devices and AV devices such as a video player 108, a laser disk player, a DVD player, and a video camera, and uses the PDP 101 as a large-screen monitor. be able to.

Here, as the PDP 101, a large screen type such as 40 inches, 50 inches, etc. which can be used as an electronic blackboard is used. Plasma displays include:
Since it is possible to increase the size, it is not necessary to darken the room as in the case of using a projector with high brightness, and it has a wide viewing angle unlike liquid crystal displays, and it also has the feature that it can smoothly play moving images, Embodiment 4
Then, they decided to adopt a plasma display as the display. Since a plasma display is used as described above, the display device can be made thinner (smaller). Here, the PDP 101 is used, but it goes without saying that another display device such as a CRT or a liquid crystal display can be used instead of the PDP 101.

The controller 103 includes the light blocking detection device 1
The operation performed on the touch surface 02 is input to the computer as coordinate position information, and the computer 104 displays the PDP 101 on the PDP 101 by matching the mouse cursor to the position where the user touches the touch surface based on the input coordinate position information. And various other processes.

Subsequently, the computer 104 shown in FIG.
Will be described. FIG.
FIG. 2 is a block diagram of the configuration. Computer 1 shown in FIG.
Reference numeral 04 denotes a personal computer, which is a CPU 500 for controlling the entire system, a ROM 501 storing a boot program and the like, a RAM 502 used as a work area of the CPU 500, and for inputting characters, numerical values, various instructions, and the like. A keyboard 503, a mouse 504 for moving a cursor, selecting a range, and the like; an operating system (OS) 505; and electronic blackboard software 5 for causing the electronic blackboard system 100 to function as an electronic blackboard.
06, light blocking detection device 102 and controller 103
Is connected to the PDP 101 and the hard disk 509 storing various application programs 508 such as a device driver 507 and word processor / spreadsheet software for operating the
01, a graphics board 510 for controlling the display of an image on the network 01, a network card 511 (or a modem) for connecting the electronic blackboard system 100 to the network 107 via the computer 104, a controller 103, a scanner 105, and a printer 106. An interface (I / F) 512 for connecting
A bus 513 for connecting the above components.

In FIG. 17, for convenience of explanation, an interface for connecting a peripheral device to the computer 104 is shown by one block called I / F 512. Specifically, the I / F 512 includes, for example, the controller 103. A serial interface such as RS-232C for connection, a parallel interface such as Centronics for connecting the printer 106, a SCSI for connecting a scanner, and the like are provided.

As shown in FIG. 16, the controller 103 is independent of the computer 104.
May be built in, or the computer 104 itself may have the function of the controller 103. Although not shown in FIG. 17, the computer 104 includes a floppy disk drive,
It is possible to mount a CD-ROM drive device, an MO drive device, and the like.

In the electronic blackboard system configured as described above, it is extremely effective to use a light-blocking detection device in which the width of light incident on the retroreflective member 4 is restricted. In addition to providing the cover member disposed in the cover member, the advantage of providing the cover member can be enjoyed, and the problem caused by providing the cover member can be reliably avoided. In the light blocking detection device of the electronic blackboard system, as shown in FIG. 8, if the cover member 40 is attached to the regulating plate 32, there is no need to provide a member or the like for attaching the cover member 40, which is advantageous.

[0068]

According to the structure of the present invention, since the width of the light incident on the reflecting portion or the light receiving portion is regulated, it is difficult for external light to impinge on the reflecting portion or the light receiving portion. It can be reliably prevented. Further, since the present invention provides a member for regulating the width of light in front of the reflecting portion or the light receiving portion, regardless of the method of detecting the coordinates of the position where light is blocked, various types of light blocking detection devices are used. , Good detection results can be obtained.

Further, according to the structure of the present invention, the light emitting section,
Even if a cover member is provided to prevent dust and dirt from entering the reflection part and light reception part, and to prevent oil and fingerprints from adhering, and to reduce the risk of fingers being pinched, deterioration of detection performance by the cover member is ensured. Can be avoided. Further, the cover member provided in the present invention is effective in various types of light blocking detection devices regardless of the method of detecting the coordinates of the position where light is blocked.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a front view showing a schematic configuration of an information display system according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a schematic configuration diagram of the light receiving and emitting device shown in FIG.

FIG. 3 is a schematic configuration diagram showing another configuration example of the light emitting and receiving device shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a block diagram of a controller constituting the information display device according to the present invention.

FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram of a process executed by the controller shown in FIG.

6 is an explanatory diagram of a peak point detected by the processing by the controller shown in FIG.

FIG. 7 is a schematic configuration diagram showing a modification of the information display system according to the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view showing a regulating unit according to the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 9 is an explanatory cross-sectional view showing the relationship between the regulation width of the regulation means and the width of the reflection section.

FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing specific numerical examples of a light incident width and a regulation width.

FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram for describing an example of light emission when a dustproof cover is provided.

FIG. 12 is an explanatory sectional view showing an example of installation of a dustproof cover according to another embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 13 is an explanatory cross-sectional view showing an installation example of a dustproof cover according to still another embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 14 is a schematic configuration diagram of another light blocking detection device to which the present invention can be applied.

FIG. 15 is a schematic configuration diagram of another light blocking detection device to which the present invention can be applied.

FIG. 16 is a block diagram of an electronic blackboard system according to still another embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 17 is a block diagram of a computer constituting the electronic blackboard system.

[Explanation of symbols]

 Reference Signs List 3 light emitting / receiving device 4 retroreflective member 5 light emitting unit 6 light receiving unit 30 support frame 31 overhanging portion 32 regulating plate 40 cover member 41 end of cover member 42 screen sheet

Claims (20)

[Claims] 1. A light blocking detection device for detecting a blocking position when light passing through a display area where characters, images, and the like are displayed is provided, wherein: a light emitting unit that emits light along the display area; A light-receiving unit that receives light reflected by the light-reflecting unit, the light-receiving unit receiving light reflected by the light-reflecting unit, and a unit that regulates the width of light incident on the light-reflecting unit. A light blocking detection device characterized by the above-mentioned. 2. The light-blocking detecting device according to claim 1, wherein the width of the reflection surface of the reflection section is set to be wider than the width of the light regulated by the regulating means, and the reflection section is incident on the reflection section. A light-blocking detection device, wherein the light-blocking detection device is arranged so that all the light to be incident is incident. 3. The light blocking detection device according to claim 1, wherein two or more sets of the light emitting unit and a light receiving unit that forms a combination with the light emitting unit are provided at different positions in the display area. Cutoff detection device. 4. The light-blocking detection device according to claim 1, further comprising an optical system for expanding light from the light-emitting unit as the light travels on the display area. Light blocking detection device. 5. The light-blocking detection device according to claim 1, further comprising a light-scanning unit that scans light from the light-emitting unit on the display area. Detection device. 6. The light blocking detection device according to claim 1, wherein the restricting means is a plate-shaped restricting member disposed at a position closer to the light emitting unit than the reflecting unit. A light blocking detection device, comprising: 7. A light-blocking detection device for detecting a blocking position when light passing through a display area where characters, images, and the like are displayed, wherein the light-emitting device emits light along a surface of the display unit. And a light receiving unit that is disposed to face the light emitting unit with the display region interposed therebetween, and that receives light emitted from the light emitting unit, and a unit that regulates a width of light incident on the light receiving unit. Characteristic light blocking detection device. 8. The light blocking detection device according to claim 7, wherein the restricting means is a plate-shaped restricting member disposed at a position closer to the light emitting unit than the light receiving unit. Cutoff detection device. 9. The light blocking detection device according to claim 6, wherein the regulating member is provided on a frame disposed at a periphery of the display area. 10. The light-blocking detection device according to claim 9, wherein the frame is provided with a projecting portion projecting toward the display area side and provided with a gap from a surface of the display area. A light blocking detection device, wherein a member is a regulating plate formed by bending the overhanging portion in a direction approaching a surface of a display area. 11. The light-blocking detection device according to claim 10, wherein a surface of the regulating plate facing the light-emitting unit is set to a color that absorbs light. 12. A light-blocking detecting device for detecting a blocking position when light passing through a display area in which characters, images, and the like are displayed, wherein the light-emitting section emits light along the display area. A light-reflecting unit disposed opposite the light-emitting unit and the display area, and a light-receiving unit that receives light reflected by the light-reflecting unit, wherein the reflective unit is substantially perpendicular to a surface of the display area. A light-blocking detection device, comprising: a reflection plate erected on the display region, wherein an end of the reflection plate on a display region side is located inside a surface of the display region. 13. A light blocking detection device for detecting a blocking position when light passing through a display area in which characters, images, and the like are displayed, comprising: a light emitting unit that emits light along the display area; A reflector disposed opposite to the light-emitting unit via the display area; a light-receiving unit for receiving light reflected by the reflector; and a light-receiving unit, at least one of the reflector and the light-receiving unit. A light-transmissive cover member disposed in a direction to stand with respect to the display area, and an end of the cover member on the display area side is located inside the surface of the display area. And a light blocking detection device. 14. The light blocking detection device according to claim 12, wherein two or more sets of the light emitting unit and a light receiving unit that forms a combination with the light emitting unit are provided at different positions in the display area. Cutoff detection device. 15. The light blocking detection device according to claim 12, further comprising an optical system for expanding light from the light emitting unit as the light travels on the display area. Light blocking detection device. 16. The light-blocking detection device according to claim 12, further comprising a light-scanning unit that scans light from the light-emitting unit on the display area. Detection device. 17. A light-blocking detection device for detecting a blocking position when light passing through a display area in which characters, images, and the like are displayed, comprising: a light-emitting unit that emits light along the display area; A light receiving unit that is disposed to face the light emitting unit with the display region interposed therebetween and receives light from the light emitting unit, and is provided at least in one of the light emitting unit and the light receiving unit, and stands upright with respect to the display region. A light transmissive cover member disposed in the direction, and an end of the cover member on the display region side is located inside the surface of the display region. 18. The light-blocking detection device according to claim 13, wherein a transparent sheet member is provided on a surface of the display area, and an end of the cover member on the display area side is provided. A light blocking detection device, which is located inside the surface of the sheet member. 19. A display device for displaying characters, images, and the like in a display area, a light blocking detection device for detecting a blocking position when light passing through the display region is blocked, and a light blocking detection device. An information display system having a control device that controls the display device based on detection of a blocking position, wherein the light blocking detection device is the light blocking detection device according to any one of claims 1 to 19. An information display system characterized by the following. 20. The information display system according to claim 19, wherein said cover member is supported by said regulating plate.