WO2002064380A1

WO2002064380A1 - Writing implement

Info

Publication number: WO2002064380A1
Application number: PCT/JP2002/001301
Authority: WO
Inventors: Nobuyuki Mura
Original assignee: Mitsubishi Pencil Kabushikikaisha
Priority date: 2001-02-15
Filing date: 2002-02-15
Publication date: 2002-08-22

Abstract

A writing implement, comprising a writing part for writing on a paper space, an optical detection means for detecting a handwriting in order, a storage means for storing the detected handwriting in order, and a storage reproducing means for reading handwriting data and performing an image treatment and an edit treatment, wherein the writing data stored by the storage means can be transferred to the storage reproducing means, and the writing part is formed in a pressurized ball-point pen formed so that ink does not leak to the outside of an ink storage part in the operations other than a writing motion, whereby the handwriting can be recognized correctly and such a problem that a device part is contaminated by the leak of ink and erroneously operated or failed by the contamination can be prevented.

Description

Specification

Technical field

The present invention relates to a writing instrument that writes characters, symbols, and the like on paper and the like, stores the handwriting, and can transfer the stored handwriting data to a storage reproducing device. Background art

Recently, writing implements have been proposed in which characters are written with a writing implement, the handwriting is detected using a stress sensor or an optical sensor, and the detected handwriting can be stored.

As a conventional technique for enabling a handwriting to be memorized by such a writing instrument, for example, there is a paper disclosed in WO-01 / 16961. The outline of this conventional technology is as follows. A large number of equally spaced X-rays are virtually provided on the paper surface of the paper. Then, for each of the intersections of the virtual assault lines, a dot is printed at a position shifted by a predetermined distance in any one of the four directions of the virtual ascending line. This dot shift is determined by a combination of the numerical values obtained by converting the dot shifts in the predetermined range (for example, 16 vertical and 4 horizontal ranges) into a numerical value of the range. It is set so that the coordinates on the paper can be specified. Then, a predetermined range of dots is recognized using, for example, a pen or the like having a built-in infrared CCD camera. Then, by a microprocessor or the like built in the pen and capable of processing the image of the infrared CCD camera as data, deviation of each of these dots from the nearest intersection point is detected, and this deviation is detected. It is converted to a numerical value. Further, by providing these numerical values to a predetermined operation, the coordinates on the paper in the range can be specified.

Also, seal the inside of the ink storage tube, and fill the rear end of the ink with a gas such as nitrogen gas, air, argon gas, or volatile solvent gas, and reduce the pressure to 10 13 25 Pa (1 Atmospheric pressure was applied to about 5 0 6 6 2 5 Pa (5 atm). A so-called pressure pole pen is known.

The writing implement according to the present invention uses an optical sensor, such as a CCD camera, to capture and store handwriting written on paper or the like. However, if ink leaks, the device may be damaged and destroyed. It is also necessary to provide a writing section with clear handwriting and no flaws such as blurring in order for handwriting to be correctly recognized. Therefore, an object of the present invention is to solve the above-mentioned problems and to provide a writing implement which enables normal transfer of handwriting data written on a paper or the like by a writing unit to a storage and reproduction device. Disclosure of the invention

The present invention has the following configurations to achieve the above object.

A writing instrument according to one aspect of the present invention includes a writing unit for writing on paper or the like, an optical detection unit for sequentially detecting handwriting, and a storage unit for sequentially storing detected handwriting, A writing instrument that reads out handwriting data and performs image processing and editing processing. In a writing implement that enables the handwriting data stored by the storage means to be transferred to a reproduction device, the writing unit stores ink when the ink is not in a writing operation. It is characterized by having a structure that does not leak outside.

The term “paper surface” means not only the surface of paper, but also the surface of a material other than paper (for example, plastic sheet) that is writable by appropriately roughening the surface. Includes non-paper surfaces (eg, glass and metal) that can be written with certain pens, such as those using volatile oil-based inks.

The writing implement according to the above-described invention may be characterized in that the writing section is replaceable with a pressure ballpoint pen.

A writing instrument according to another aspect of the present invention includes a writing unit that writes on a paper surface, an optical detection unit that sequentially detects the same trajectory as a handwriting on the paper surface by the writing unit, and Storage means for sequentially storing the handwriting data as the handwriting data, and a transfer means for transferring the handwriting data stored by the storage means to a storage reproducing device for reading the handwriting data and performing image processing and editing processing. In the writing instrument, the writing section is a pole pen with the inside of the ink container sealed. And features.

The writing instrument according to the invention described above is characterized in that the writing section is a pole pen that seals the inside of an ink storage tube and seals a pressurized gas at the rear end of the ink tank.

Further, the writing instrument according to the above invention may be characterized in that the writing section is replaceable.

Further, in the writing instrument according to the above-mentioned invention, in the paper or the like having dots provided at positions displaced from the intersections of virtual 鄞 -lines provided at equal intervals, the plurality of optical detection units may be displaced from the intersections. It may be characterized by recognizing a handwriting by acquiring an absolute position on a paper surface through recognition of a combination of dots.

Note that the “virtual blue line” here refers to a line that is not actually printed on paper or the like, or a line that is printed very faintly. May be.

In addition, the technical features of the writing implement according to the above-described invention may be used in any combination as needed. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing a configuration of a writing instrument and an external computer according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 shows an example of paper used for writing on a writing instrument according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3 shows the relationship between the dashed line and the dot on the paper of FIG. FIG. 4 is an overall view showing a main part of the writing instrument according to the embodiment. FIG. 5 shows the internal structure of a writing instrument according to another embodiment. FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an embodiment of the writing unit. BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

As shown conceptually in Fig. 1, the writing implement 1 has a writing unit 2 such as a ballpoint pen for writing on paper, a lens 3, a CCD camera 4, a microcomputer 5, a power supply 6, a transfer device 7, and a writing unit 2. Pressure sensor 8 that detects the presence or absence of contact with paper 20 At least the writing unit 2 is provided detachably with respect to the writing implement 1. As a result, the writing section 2 is replaceable.

As shown in FIG. 2, an X coordinate axis and a y coordinate axis are set on a sheet of paper 20 for using the writing implement 1. In addition, as shown in FIG. 3, virtual imaginary lines 21 which are provided in parallel with the X coordinate axis and the y coordinate axis at equal intervals and which are not actually printed are set on the paper. For each of the intersections 2 2 of these virtual lines 2 1, a predetermined distance is shifted in any one of the four directions (ie, up, down, right or left) of the virtual line. Dots 23 are printed at the positions indicated. This displacement of the dots 23 is indicated by the above-mentioned prior art, and is an arbitrary recognition range 24 a, 24 b composed of 16 dots 23, four in length and four in width (see FIG. 2). ) Is set so that the coordinates on the paper of the recognition ranges 24a and 24b can be specified by a combination of the numerical values obtained by converting the deviation of the dots 23 in the range into numerical values. In other words, on a single sheet of paper, the combination of the shifts of the dots 23 included in each of the recognition ranges 24 a and 24 b is different.

Then, as conceptually shown in FIG. 4, through the opening 3a (see FIG. 5) provided at the tip of the writing implement 1, the recognition range 24a, 24b Is read by the CCD camera 4 via the lens 3.

More specifically, as shown in FIG. 5, a CCD camera 4 using an infrared camera equipped with a lens 3 transmits dots 23 in the recognition range 24 a and 24 b on paper 20 through an opening 3 a. Is read as writing data. This reading is sequentially performed while the writing with the writing implement 1 is being executed. That is, the CCD camera 4 and the lens 3 do not necessarily detect the handwriting actually written on the paper by the writing unit 2, but sequentially detect substantially the same locus as the handwriting on the paper. Functions as an optical detection means.

When a predetermined writing pressure is applied to the tip of the writing section 2, the pressure sensor 8 regards that writing has been performed by this, and outputs writing information to that effect to the microcomputer.

Microcomputer 5 translates into a properly programmed microprocessor It is constituted by. The microprocessor contains software for analyzing the image from the CCD 4 through the lens 3 and generating a digital representation of the graphic information provided on the writing surface.

The microcomputer 5 executes the following processing according to this software. First, the X coordinate and the y coordinate of the recognition range 24a, 24b are analyzed based on the fetched handwritten data, as shown in the related art. Next, it is determined whether or not the writing information from the pressure sensor 8 has been input. If writing information has been input, the X and y coordinates of the recognition range 24a and 24b at that time are converted into the X and y coordinates of the tip of the writing section 2, and these are converted. It is output to the storage device 7a of the transfer device 7 as handwriting data as an absolute position on the paper surface of the paper 20. That is, the storage device 7a substantially functions as storage means for sequentially storing handwritings detected by the optical detection means. On the other hand, when the writing information is not input to the microcomputer 5, the X and y coordinates relating to the recognition ranges 24a and 24b at the time are not used for calculating the handwriting data.

As one example, the transfer device 7 is configured to be detachable from the writing implement 1 by a storage device 7a or the like having a non-volatile memory or by the storage device 7a and a dedicated power supply. The transfer device 7 is formed so as to be connected to the interface of the external computer 10 in a state where it is detached from the writing implement 1, and the handwriting data stored in the storage device is transferred to the external computer 10. It can be captured.

As another example, the transfer device 7 includes a storage device 7a and a communication device such as a wireless device, and handwriting data can be taken into the external computer 10 through communication by the communication device. .

As an example of such a communication device, as shown in Fig. 5, a transfer device 7 as a transfer means capable of transferring handwriting data includes information over a short distance via a short-range wireless link by Bluetooth 'technology. It includes a transceiver for wireless communication.

Also, the external computer i 0 re-writes the handwriting based on the captured writing data. Software (programs) and handwriting playback functions as basic functions, as well as character recognition software, figure recognition software, and communication software, which provide character recognition, drawing recognition, and communication functions. Have.

The external computer 10 that has received the handwriting data via the transfer device 7 temporarily stores the handwriting data in a memory, reads out the handwriting data appropriately, and performs an arithmetic processing to reproduce the actual handwriting. Then, the reproduced handwriting is reproduced by the external computer 10 on, for example, a display and used for image processing, or is used for editing a document file or an image file based on the reproduced handwriting. Or it is possible. That is, the external computer 10 functions as a storage and reproduction device that reads out handwriting data and performs image processing and editing processing.

As the writing section 2, a pressurized ballpoint pen that seals the inside of the ink storage tube 11 and fills the pressurized gas at the back end of the ink, as shown in Fig. 6, allows the high-viscosity ink to flow out smoothly. In addition, the DC problem of ink and the problem of dry-up due to entrainment and volatilization of air are solved, and it is possible to realize dark, clear, and smooth writing. In addition, it has the advantage of being robust against the life and enabling upward writing, and the ink container 11a is completely sealed, so that there is no risk of ink leakage inside the writing implement 1.

In addition, if the writing condition of the pole pen is biased in one direction for a long period of time, the tip of the tip 12 holding the tip pole of the pole pen causes uneven wear, and a writing pote or ink DC appears. Particularly in the case of a pressure pole pen, writing may not be possible due to the pressure drop. Therefore, countermeasures are required for long-life type with a large amount of ink.

In addition, the pole pen was slidably housed in a case forming the writing instrument 1 by being urged rearward by a return spring, a cam groove was provided in the case, and a cam and a rib were provided in the cam groove. The knock rod and the rotor are fitted so that the shaft can move freely, and the knock part provided to the outside of the case is pressed, so that the writing tip of the ballpoint pen can move out of the tip opening of the case in conjunction with it. You can also. This configuration is a well-known structure for ordinary writing instruments. At this time, if the pole pen is detachably fixed to the rotor, the tip of the tip protrudes and sinks while the writing tip rotates with the rotor. In other words, there is an advantage that a writing state that is biased in one direction can be avoided and the tip end of the tip holding the ball of the ballpoint pen can be prevented from being unevenly worn.

On the other hand, the writing section 2 as a pressure pole pen has an ink storage section 11a having a small diameter section 11b at the front and a slightly larger diameter ink storage section 11a at the rear end with a step section 11c at the rear end. A tip 12 of a ballpoint pen is fixed to the front end of the small-diameter portion 11b of the storage tube 11 to fill the ink storage portion 11a with ink and a float 13 is mounted at the rear end of the ink. A gas such as nitrogen gas, air, argon gas, or volatile solvent gas is sealed at the rear end of the float 13 and its pressure rises from atmospheric pressure of at least 1 01 325 Pa (1 atm). 5066 A plug 14 made of an elastic body that fits tightly with the inner peripheral surface of the ink storage tube 11 at the rear end of the ink storage tube 11 while being pressurized to about 25 Pa (5 atm) A tail plug 15 for securely fixing the plug 14 to the end is fixedly attached. The ink storage section 11a is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and may be freely provided to the rear end with the small diameter section 11b.

The tip 12 of the writing section 2 is provided with a spring for pressing the back surface of the tip ball in the inner hole of the tip according to the set conditions such as the type of ink, the amount of ink flowing out, and the tip ball diameter. Is done. This has the advantage that ink can be prevented from leaking (direct flow) from the tip pole.

The appropriate range of the pressing force is determined by the conditions, but it is generally in the range of 0.098 N (1 g f) to 0.98 N (l O O g f). Desirable pressing force is 0.098N (10 gf) to 0.49N (50 gf). Further, it is preferable that the pressing force be stronger than the total weight of the writing implement so that the ink does not leak when the writing implement 1 is set up with the tip of the writing unit 2 down.

In addition, the ink storage tube 11 has a stainless steel or brass tube that has been subjected to surface treatment, such as plating, for reasons such as robustness, prevention of ink evaporation, prevention of pressurized gas leakage, and increased ink loading. A metal tube is used, but it is also possible to select a resin tube such as polypropylene or polyethylene terephthalate.

In addition, the float 13 has an orderly boundary between the rear end of the ink and the front end of the pressurized gas. It is provided from the necessity to be performed, and moves forward following the consumption of ink accompanying writing. The member is usually selected from resin ゃ silicon rubber, grease or gel-like material.

A spring for pressing the back surface of the tip ball is provided in the inner hole of the tip 12, and the tip ball is provided so as to be in close contact with the inner surface of the ball holding portion of the tip 12. A ginkgo ballpoint pen with a grease-gel-like follower that follows the ink can also be applied, and a vent hole is provided at the rear end of the ink storage tube 11 to ensure that the ink flows backward. (Tail plug with air vent hole) but with vent hole attached to prevent ink from leaking to the outside. Industrial applicability

As described above, the writing implement according to the present invention is suitable for writing characters, symbols, and the like on paper or the like, storing the handwriting, and transferring the stored handwriting data to a storage and reproduction device.

Claims

The scope of the claims

1. Includes a writing unit for writing on paper, etc., optical detection means for sequentially detecting handwriting, and storage means for sequentially storing the detected handwriting, and reads out handwriting data to perform image processing and editing processing. A writing instrument that allows the handwriting data stored by the storage means to be transferred to a memory reproduction device that performs

The writing instrument, wherein the writing section has a structure in which the ink does not leak out of the ink storing section except for a writing operation.

2. The writing implement according to claim 1, wherein the writing part is replaceable with a pressure ballpoint pen.

3. A writing unit for writing on paper or the like, optical detection means for sequentially detecting the same trajectory as the handwriting on the paper or the like by the writing unit, and a storage means for sequentially storing the detected handwriting as handwriting data. A writing instrument that includes a transfer means for transferring the handwriting data stored by the storage means to a storage reproduction device that reads out the handwriting data and performs image processing and editing processing.

The writing instrument is characterized in that the writing section is a pole pen in which the inside of the ink storage tube is sealed.

4. The writing implement according to claim 3, wherein the writing section is a pole pen that seals the inside of the ink storage tube and seals a pressurized gas at the rear end of the ink.

5. The writing unit according to claim 3, wherein the writing unit is replaceable.

6. The writing instrument according to claim 4, wherein the writing section is replaceable.

7. The paper surface or the like has dots provided at positions shifted from the intersection of virtual phantom lines provided at equal intervals, and the optical detection means recognizes a combination of a plurality of dots shifted from this intersection. 4. The writing implement according to claim 3, wherein the handwriting is recognized by acquiring an absolute position on a paper surface or the like.

8. The paper surface or the like has dots provided at positions shifted from the intersections of virtual imaginary lines provided at equal intervals, and the plurality of optical detection units are shifted from the intersections. 5. The writing implement according to claim 4, wherein a handwriting is recognized by acquiring an absolute position on a paper surface or the like through recognition of a combination of the dots.

9. The paper surface or the like has dots provided at positions shifted from the intersections of virtual imaginary lines provided at equal intervals, and the optical detection means recognizes a combination of a plurality of dots shifted from the intersections. 6. The writing implement according to claim 5, wherein the handwriting is recognized by acquiring an absolute position on a paper surface or the like.

10. The paper surface or the like has dots provided at positions shifted from the intersections of virtual imaginary lines provided at equal intervals, and the optical detection means is a combination of a plurality of dots displaced from the intersections. 7. The writing implement according to claim 6, wherein the handwriting is recognized by obtaining an absolute position on a paper surface or the like through recognition of the handwriting.