Computer graphics processing and selective visual display system – Display peripheral interface input device – Cursor mark position control device
Reexamination Certificate
1998-06-17
2001-08-21
Saras, Steven (Department: 2775)
Computer graphics processing and selective visual display system
Display peripheral interface input device
Cursor mark position control device
C345S173000, C178S018070
Reexamination Certificate
active
06278440
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a puck-type position-pointing device and a pen-type position-pointing device which are used on a position-detecting unit in a coordinate input apparatus.
2. Description of the Related Art
In a conventional coordinate input apparatus, a puck-type position-pointing device and a pen-type position-pointing device may operate independently of each other, and may be simultaneously used on the same position-detecting unit.
The coordinate input apparatus includes a position-detecting unit and a position-pointing device a such as a puck-type position-pointing device or a pen-type position-pointing device. Two-dimensional positional information and switching information are input by moving the puck-type position-pointing device or the pen-type position-pointing device in contact with the input detecting surface of the position-detecting unit, or by using switches provided on the puck-type position-pointing device or the pen-type position-pointing device. Writing-pressure information is input with the pen-type position-pointing device.
The puck-type position-pointing device and the pen-type position-pointing device have different purposes in many cases. Accordingly, for example, when the puck-type position-pointing device and the pen-type position-pointing device are used while being frequently exchanged, it is troublesome to position the pen-type position-pointing device away from the position-detecting surface of the position-detecting unit before exchanging it for the puck-type position-pointing device. In addition, when the pen-type position-pointing device is positioned on the position-detecting surface of the position-detecting unit, a problem arises concerning the prevention of erroneous input.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The advantages and purpose of the invention will be set forth in part in the description which follows, and in part will be obvious from the description, or may be learned by practice of the invention. The advantages and purpose of the invention will be realized and attained by means of the elements and combinations particularly pointed out in the appended claims.
Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide: first and second position-pointing devices in which the exchanging operation is simplified. Switching between devices is incorporated within the exchange operation to prevent erroneous input by the one not used.
According to one aspect of the present invention, a coordinate input apparatus includes: a position-detecting unit having a sensor surface formed by arranging in parallel a plurality of sensor coils along the position-detecting direction, and switching means connected to the plurality of sensor coils so as to select one coil or simultaneously select more than one coil from the plurality of coils; and position-pointing devices having a built-in coil or resonant circuit and including a pen-type position-pointing device and a puck-type position-pointing device provided with a supporting means for supporting the pen-type position-pointing device, the supporting means being provided with a magnetic shielding member for hindering an electromagnetic interaction between the pen-type position-pointing device and the sensor coils, whereby the position detecting unit uses the electromagnetic interaction between the plurality of sensor coils and the position-pointing devices to detect the coordinates of the position-pointing devices.
According to another aspect of the present invention, a coordinate input apparatus includes: a position-detecting unit having a sensor surface formed by arranging in parallel a plurality of sensor coils along the position-detecting direction, and switching means connected to the plurality of sensor coils so as to select one coil or simultaneously select more than one coil from the plurality of sensor coils; and position-pointing devices having at least a built-in coil or resonant circuit and including a pen-type position-pointing device and a puck-type position-pointing device including supporting means for supporting the pen-type position-pointing device, and a short-circuiting coil being provided between the supporting means and the sensor coils so as to hinder an electromagnetic interaction between the pen-type position-pointing device and the sensor coils, whereby the position-detecting unit uses the electromagnetic interaction between the plurality of sensor coils and the position-pointing devices to detect the coordinates of the position-pointing devices.
Preferably, in the position-pointing devices, a means for suppressing the voltage of a resonant circuit or a coil generating electromagnetic interaction is provided for a coil or resonant circuit included in the puck-type position-pointing device so that the suppressing means is deactivated to activate the position-detecting function of the puck-type position-pointing device by loading the pen-type position-pointing device into the supporting means.
In the position-pointing devices, a means for cutting the current of a resonant circuit or coil generating electromagnetic interaction may be provided for a resonant circuit or coil included in the puck-type position-pointing device so that the cutting means is deactivated to activate the position-designating function of the puck-type position-pointing device by loading the pen-type position-pointing device into the supporting means.
According to a further aspect of the present invention, position-pointing devices include: a pen-type position-pointing device; and a puck-type position-pointing device having a supporting member for supporting a pen-type position-pointing device, and a magnetic shielding member provided on the supporting member so as to hinder an electromagnetic interaction between a coordinate input apparatus and the pen-type position-pointing device.
According to a still further aspect of the present invention, position-pointing devices include: a pen-type position-pointing device; and a puck-type position-pointing device having a supporting member for supporting a pen-type position-pointing device, and a short-circuiting coil provided between the supporting member and a coordinate input apparatus so as to hinder an electromagnetic interaction between the coordinate input apparatus and the pen-type position-pointing device.
Preferably, a means for suppressing the voltage of a resonant circuit or coil generating electromagnetic interaction is provided for a coil or resonant circuit included in the puck-type position-pointing device so that the suppressing means is deactivated to activate the position-pointing function of the puck-type position-pointing device by loading the pen-type position-pointing device into the supporting means.
A means for cutting the current of a resonant circuit or coil generating electromagnetic interaction may be provided for a resonant circuit or coil included in the puck-type position-pointing device so that the cutting means is deactivated to activate the position-designating function of the puck-type position-pointing device by loading the pen-type position-pointing device into the supporting means.
According to the present invention, it is possible to eliminate the conventional trouble of exchanging a pen-type position-pointing device and a puck-type position-pointing device, which occurs when both devices are used on an identical position-detecting unit. In addition, by deactivating the function of the pen-type or puck-type position-pointing device not used, erroneous input by either can be prevented.
It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory only and are not restrictive of the invention, as claimed.
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patent: 5239489 (1993-08-01), Russell
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patent: 5571997 (1996-11-01), Gray e
Kanzaki Hiromichi
Katsurahira Yuji
Anyaso Uchendu O.
Finnegan Henderson Farabow Garrett & Dunner L.L.P.
Saras Steven
Wacom Co. Ltd.
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