JP2002516428A - Input device, method of using the same, and input system - Google Patents

Abstract

(57) [Summary] The input device has a mouse function and at least one input function. The input device includes image recording means (8) for recording an image. These images are used to provide both mouse and input functions. These images are processed on an input device or some other device.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to an input device having a mouse function and at least one input function, and having an image recording unit for providing an input function. The present invention also provides a method for providing a mouse function and at least one input function using an input device, and
The present invention relates to an input system having a mouse function and at least one input function.

2. Description of the Related Art Today, personal computers generally include a computer mouse, which is used to position a cursor on a computer screen. To do this, the user moves the mouse over the surface and the movement of the hand indicates the position of the mouse. The mouse generates a positioning signal that indicates how the mouse is being moved, and thus indicates how the cursor should be moved. For this purpose, the mouse generally comprises a trackball, which rotates by friction with the surface as the mouse moves over the surface, drives a position sensor, and the position sensor generates a positioning signal. In general, a mouse can also be used to provide instructions to a computer by a user clicking one or more button means. However, the term "mouse function" in the following description refers only to the function of positioning a cursor or the like.

[0003] Hand-held scanners may be used to enter text and images into a computer, and the scanners use a photosensitive sensor to image the text or image to be entered. Scanners can only image a limited range of text or images at a time. Thus, to record one or several words or an entire image, the scanner must be moved along the text / image to record several sub-images. Generally, the scanner will include some position sensor, which determines how these sub-images will be stored in the computer and from which decoded images can be generated.

It is known to combine a mouse function and an input function into one case and connect to a computer with a single code.

[0005] For example, US Pat. No. 4,906,843 shows a combined mouse, optical scanner, and digitizing pad. In the mouse mode, a trackball is used, which drives two position sensors, which generate positioning signals. In the scanner mode, a position sensor is used together with a CCD line sensor to input character or graphic information to a computer.

US Pat. No. 5,355,146 shows a similar device with combined mouse and scanner functions, also utilizing a trackball and a CCD line sensor.

[0007] EP 0 822 321 shows yet another input device having a mouse function and a scanner function. Also in this case, the trackball is used for the mouse function, but an area sensor is used instead of the line sensor. The area sensor can image the document in a single step so that it does not need to be moved over the document. This has the advantage that no software is required to associate the image data with the position data.

US Pat. No. 5,633,489 shows a combined mouse and barcode reader. The mouse function is provided by the use of a trackball, and the barcode reader includes a laser diode that generates a laser beam from below the mouse, and a photodetector that detects changes in the intensity of the reflected light.

Each of these known input devices comprises a rather mechanically complex design of moving parts and a large number of sensors. Also, these devices only provide limited synergy between multiple functions combined in one case.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION [0010] Thus, it is an object of the present invention to provide an input device having a mouse function and at least one input function, and an input device using the input device, which reduces the above-mentioned drawbacks. The object is to provide a method for providing a mouse function and an input function.

This object is achieved by an input device according to claim 1, a method according to claim 19, and an input system according to claim 24. Preferred embodiments are described in claims 2 to 1.
8 and claims 20 to 23, respectively.

The input device according to the present invention thus includes the image recording means for providing the input function, and the image recording means is also used for providing the mouse function.

Instead of using image recording means for only one of these functions, in the present invention they are used to provide both mouse and input functions, thereby integrating these functions Is improved. Further, the trackball can be omitted, both functions built on the same sensor technology, and the signals for both functions can be handled by the same hardware and / or software. This provides a true integration of the two functions, rather than just the two functions being in the same case as in the prior art. Furthermore, it becomes possible to provide an input device without moving parts, which is advantageous in terms of ruggedness and manufacturing. As will be apparent from the following description, it is also possible to provide an input device that does not require additional means such as a position determining means and a raster.

In this context, in this patent specification, the term input function refers to a function that can be entered by a user to store and process information in a receiver, a mouse function used to locate a purpose. is not.

Furthermore, the mouse function can be used to position a cursor or the like in a plane or space.

More specifically, the input device is advantageously applied to emit a positioning signal for providing a mouse function, and an input signal for providing the input function. And the input signal is based on the image recorded by the image recording means. Positioning signals can be used to control a cursor on a computer screen, and input signals can include information to be input to a computer.

The locating and input signals can be transmitted as IR signals, wireless signals, or other suitable methods as electrical signals on the leads. Of course, the input device can also transmit signals other than the positioning signal and the input signal. For example, the input device can also transmit an instruction signal based on a click. The signal receiver may be a computer or other input device into which the positioning signal and / or other information is input. The input device is particularly suited for use with small form factor computers where it is desired to have multiple functions with as few accessories as possible.

The image recording means can include a first image recording unit for providing a mouse function and a second image recording unit for providing an input function. This is particularly advantageous when different image recording characteristics are desired for the two functions, for example when different focal points are desired for image recording. For example, when using the mouse function, the user may want to move the input device along a surface as if moving a conventional mouse, and when using the input function. ,
It may be tempting to use the input device as a camera that images objects that are remote from the input device. In this case, different image recording units can have different lenses with different focal points. For example, these image recorders can be located on different sides of the input device and have common hardware and software.

Alternatively, the image recorder may include one image recorder used to provide both mouse and input functions. The advantage of this embodiment is that the input device has fewer components and only one beam path is required.

The sensor included in the image recording unit may be any sensor as long as it can be used to record an image. Preferably, a photosensitive sensor having a two-dimensional sensor surface, a so-called area sensor, is used. good.

In a simpler embodiment of the input device, both the positioning signal and the input signal may consist essentially of the actual image recorded by the image recording means. In this case, essentially all processing of the image takes place in the receiver of the signal, for example a computer. In that case, the computer must have software to process the signals in an appropriate manner. Such software may already be stored on the computer, or may be included, for example, in an input device according to the invention and transferred to a receiver when the input device is used.

The receiver of the signal from the input device needs to be able to distinguish whether the signal is a positioning signal or an input signal and know how to process the signal. is there. For this purpose, the input device, when outputting the positioning signal and the input signal, is configured to output so that the receiver can distinguish between receiving the positioning signal and the input signal. For example, the input device may use different protocols for different signals.

Preferably, the input device also needs to know whether the user wants to use the mouse function or the input function, and to know how the image recorded by the image recorder should be processed. is there. For this purpose, the input device preferably comprises switching means, for example a button, which is configured to switch between different functions when the user activates the input device.

[0024] Preferably, at least for a mouse function, the image recording means is configured to record, when recording a plurality of images, the contents of each image so as to overlap the contents of a previous image. This can be achieved by recording the image at a frequency high enough for the expected speed of movement. The overlapping of the images determines their relative positions and does not require the use of special positioning means.

Once the image has been recorded, the next processing can take place in the image processing means in the input device or in the receiver of the signal from the input device. At least the advantage of the input signal being processed at the input device is that the input device can be used stand-alone without being connected to an adjacent receiver, the input information can be shown directly on the display of the input device, The user should be able to check whether the information actually recorded is what he / she was trying to record, and be able to transfer the information to the receiver in a more compressed format. In addition, the input device can be connected to any receiver that supports a mouse without having special software on the receiver for image processing.

Thus, the input device advantageously comprises image processing means used for both the mouse function and the input function. These image processing means can include processing devices that operate according to different program modules depending on which function of the input device is used.

Also, for processing the image at the input device, the input device advantageously comprises means for determining the relative position of the image by using partially overlapping content. The means for determining the relative position of the image is included in the common image processing means and can be realized by software.

If the mouse function is used only for linear positioning, it is sufficient to determine the relative position of the images horizontally. However, when used two-dimensionally, the relative position must be determined both horizontally and vertically.

[0029] In an advantageous embodiment, the input device comprises means for generating a positioning signal based on the relative position of the images. The positioning signal may comprise, for example, one or more vectors, or one or more positioning coordinates, indicating how the input device has been moved between the recordings of the two images. The means for generating the positioning signal is included in the common image processing means and can be realized by software.

Advantageously, the input device is hand-held and can be carried anywhere. With this technology, a user can have a personal mouse and an input device with personally stored settings and personal information.

In a particularly advantageous embodiment, the input device can comprise a transmitter for wirelessly connecting the input device to a receiver, which further enhances the usability of the input device. For this purpose, it is advantageous to use the Bluetooth standard.

It is also advantageous that the input device has a scanner function so that the input device can be used for recording text and / or images.

The input function can also include a camera function, in which case the image recording means is used to image an object at a location remote from the input device.

The input function may also include a function for inputting handwritten / drawn, ie, manually generated information. Each of the scanner function, camera function, and handwriting / drawing function
It may be the only input function, or one of several input functions.

Thus, the input device can have multiple functions, all based on images recorded by the image recording means and effectively processed by common hardware and software.

According to a second aspect of the invention, the invention relates to a method for providing a mouse function and at least one input function using an input device, the step of detecting which function is desired Recording at least one image using an input device; and processing the at least one image in a different manner depending on which function is desired.

The advantages of this method according to the invention are evident from the above description of the input device according to the invention.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, the present invention relates to an input system having a mouse function and at least one input function, wherein the image recording means for recording an image and the image recorded by the image recording means. Image processing means for processing an image to provide a mouse function and at least one input function is provided. The image recording means is contained in a first case, and the image processing means is contained in a second case.

Therefore, in the input system, the image recording means is arranged on the input device, the image processing means is arranged on the computer or other receiver, and the input device is connected thereto,
The input device transmits the recorded image there. Everything that has been said about the image recording means and the processing of the images recorded by the image recording means can also be applied to the input system.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

(Description of Preferred Embodiment) The following is a description of an embodiment of an input device according to the present invention having a mouse function, a scanner function, a camera function, and a function of inputting handwriting / drawing information. is there.

(Design of Apparatus) FIG. 1 shows a design of an input apparatus according to this embodiment. The device includes a case having a shape substantially similar to a conventional highlight pen. One short side of the case is
It has a window 2 through which images are recorded and subjected to various image-based functions of the input device.

The case 1 essentially includes an optical unit 3, an electronic circuit unit 4, and a power supply unit 5.

The optical section 3 comprises a light-emitting diode 6, a lens system 7, and image recording means in the form of a photosensitive sensor 8, which constitutes an interface with the electronic circuit section 4.

The role of the LED 6 is to illuminate the surface below the window. LED6
There is a diffuser to dissipate the light in front of it.

The role of the lens system 7 is to project the image of the surface under the window 2 on the photosensitive sensor 8 as accurately as possible. The lens system is movable between two positions, of which the second position is indicated by a dashed line. The first position is used when recording an image from the surface directly below the window of the input device, with the primary purpose of a mouse function, a scanner function, and a handwriting / drawing function. The second position is used when recording an image from an object remote from the input device, which is primarily for camera functions, but can be used for other functions as well.

In this example, the photosensitive sensor 8 includes a two-dimensional square CCD unit (CCD = charge coupled device) including a built-in A / D converter. Such sensors are readily available. The sensor 8 is mounted on the window 2 at a slight angle and mounted on the circuit board 11.

The power supply to the input device is performed by the battery 1 mounted in another compartment 13 in the case.
Obtain from 2.

The block diagram of FIG. 2 schematically shows the electronic circuit section 4. This is the processor 20
The processor 20 includes, via a bus 21, a ROM 22 storing a processor program, a read / write memory 23 forming an operation memory of the processor and storing an image from a sensor, and a control logic unit 24. , Sensor 8 and LED 6
And connected to. Processor 20, bus 21, memories 22, 23, control logic 2
4. The attached software together constitutes an image processing means.

The control logic unit 24 is connected to a number of peripheral devices, including a display 25 mounted on a case, a transceiver 26 used for exchanging information with an external computer, and a user controlling an input device. Button 27 for adjusting the input device among the mouse function, scanner function, camera function, and handwriting / drawing function, button 27 'corresponding to a click button on a conventional mouse, and emits a light beam to the user. Included are a tracer LED 28 to make it easier to understand the information being entered, and an indicator 29 such as an LED indicating that the pen is available. Memory, sensor 8
, Control signals to the peripheral devices are generated by the control logic unit 24. The control logic also handles the generation and prioritization of interrupts for the processor. Buttons 27, 27 ', wireless transceiver 26, display 25, tracer LED 28, and LED 6
It is accessed by a processor write and read in a register in the control logic 24. Buttons 27 and 27 ', when activated, generate an interrupt to processor 20.

(Operation of Apparatus) Various functions of the input apparatus, that is, a mouse function, a scanner function, a handwriting / drawing function, and a camera function will be described. All of these functions are based on images recorded via the sensor 8. If the first three functions are used, the recording of multiple images is such that the content of each image overlaps the content of the previous image. While the images are being recorded, the relative positions of the images, i.e. the positions that allow the optimal correspondence between their contents, are determined. Next, processing is performed according to the function selected by the user. When recording an image, the input device can either move the window 2 over the surface by contacting the surface, or hold the window 2 slightly or greatly away from the surface according to the settings of the lens system. The plane need not be planar. For example, it may be paper having text, a wall surface on which a patterned wallpaper is pasted, or a container containing sweets. The point is that an image whose contents change is recorded, and the relative position of the image can be determined based on the contents of the image.

(Mouse Function) First, it is assumed that the user wants to use the input device as a mouse. In this case, the user sets the device to the mouse function with the button 27, whereby the input device starts operating in the mouse mode, and the input device logs into the computer to be operated as a mouse. Subsequently, the user points the window 2 of the input device to a patterned surface, for example, a mouse pad. The user presses one of the buttons 27 to activate the input device, causing the processor 20 to command the LED 6 to start generating a strobe pulse at a predetermined frequency, preferably at least 50 Hz.
Subsequently, the user moves the input device on the surface in the same way as a conventional mouse, whereby an image of partially overlapping content is recorded by the sensor 8 and the read / write memory 2 is read.
3 is stored. The image is stored as an image, that is, by a plurality of pixels, each pixel having a gray scale value ranging from white to black.

The flowchart of FIG. 3 shows in more detail how the input device operates when the mouse function is used. In step 300, the first image is recorded. In step 301, the next image is recorded. The content of this image partially overlaps with the content of the preceding image.

Once the images have been recorded in step 301, a process is started to determine how they overlap the previous image in the vertical and horizontal directions, and in step 302 the content of these images is The relative position at which the best match is obtained is determined. For this purpose, all possible overlap positions between the images are examined at the pixel level, and the overlap measurement is determined as follows. 1) For each duplicate pixel location, the grayscale values of the two valid pixels are added if not white. Pixel locations where neither pixel is white are designated as plus locations. 2) The gray scale sums for all plus positions are summed. 3) The adjacent part of each pixel position is examined. If the overlapping pixel location is not next to the plus location and consists of non-white and non-white pixel locations, the grayscale value of the non-white pixel may be subtracted from the sum at point 2 and multiplied by a constant. 4) The overlap location that provides the highest overlap measurement is selected as described above.

[0055] Our Swedish patent application number 9704924-1 and corresponding US patent application Ser. No. 024,641 describe other methods of matching images to find optimal overlap locations. The contents of these applications are referred to herein.

Once the optimal overlap position between the current image and the previous image has been determined, the previous image is discarded, so that the current image becomes the previous image with respect to the next image to be recorded.

By determining the relative position of the two images, a movement vector is obtained, which indicates how and in what direction the input device has been moved between the recordings of these two images. Subsequently, the positioning signal including the movement vector is transmitted to step 30.
At 3, the wireless transceiver 26 transmits the input device to a computer operating as a mouse. The computer uses the movement vector to position the cursor on the screen. Subsequently, the process returns to step 301. In order to increase the speed, the above steps can be performed partially in parallel, for example, while the determination of the relative position between the current image and the preceding image is made, start recording the next image can do.

In the mouse mode, button 27 ′ can be used as a click button for inputting commands to a computer.

(Handwriting / Drawing Function) Next, it is assumed that the user wants to input handwritten / drawn text into the computer. In this case, the user sets the input device to the handwriting / drawing function using the button 27, whereby the input device starts operating in the handwriting / drawing mode. When the user subsequently activates the input device, the processor 20 commands the LED 6 to start generating strobe pulses at a predetermined frequency. Subsequently, the user "writes" the text he wants to enter with the input device directed at the selected surface. The sensor 8 records images of partially overlapping content and stores them in a read / write memory. The tracer LED 28 continuously indicates the movement path on the surface by a bright spot, so that the user can see the movement state. Text is entered one character at a time. Between each character, the user indicates that one information unit has been input, for example, by releasing the short-time operation button 27 or not moving the input device for a short time.

FIG. 4 shows in more detail how the input device operates in the handwriting / drawing mode. The first three steps correspond to those performed in mouse mode. When the input device is activated, the first image is recorded at step 400.
The next image whose content overlaps with the preceding image is recorded at step 401, and at step 402 their relative position is determined from the overlapping content, thereby obtaining a motion vector.

Subsequently, the processor 20 determines whether or not the input of one information unit has been completed in Step 403. If No, the process returns to step 401 and the next image is recorded. When the input is completed, the movement vector determined for the information unit is read out to the ICR module, and the ICR module determines which character the movement vector represents (step 404). Subsequently, the determined character is stored in a character code format in memory (step 405), and the input device indicates that it is ready to input a new information unit (step 406).
).

The entered and determined characters are preferably transferred to the computer in a character code format via the wireless transmitter 26 and shown directly on the computer screen. If the input device is used as a stand-alone device, the characters can be shown on the display 25.

FIG. 5 shows a state in which an image having overlapping contents is recorded when the input device is moved in a movement path forming the character “R”. For simplicity, the content of the image is shown in FIG.
Are not shown.

If the user instructs to use the drawing function, step 40
Only 0 to 403 are performed. FIG. 6 shows how a character R entered on an input device or a computer display is reproduced based on the relative position of the image in FIG. 5 determined by the input device when the drawing function is used. Is shown. in this case,
The "drawn image" of the recorded character is indicated by the movement vector and is not the interpreted character. Obviously, in this way, arbitrarily drawn figures and characters can be input to the input device or the computer.

(Scanner Function) Next, it is assumed that the user wants to use the input device to record a predetermined text on an information carrier such as paper, newspaper, or book. In this case, the user sets the input device to the scanner function using the button 27, whereby the input device starts operating in the scanner mode.

Subsequently, the user points the input device to the place where the user wants to start text recording on the paper with the text, activates the input device using the button 27, and places the text on the text to be recorded. Let through, as when reading. Tracer LED28
Emits a light beam, making it easier to follow the line. When the user activates the input device, the processor 20 commands the LED 6 and an image is recorded as described in the description of the mouse function. After the input device has passed over the selected text or at the end of the string of characters, the user releases the device from the paper, releases the activation button,
Thereby, the processor 20 turns off the LED 6.

The flowchart of FIG. 7 shows in more detail how the input device operates in this mode. In step 700, the first image is recorded. In step 701, a new image having the same content as the preceding image is recorded. In step 702, the optimal overlap position between the current image and the previous image is determined in a manner similar to that described for the mouse function. At this location, the images are combined into one entire decoded image (step 703). In step 704, the input device detects whether the input of the character has been completed. If No, the process returns to step 701. When the user releases the activation button to indicate that the input is complete, the entire decoded image is input to the OCR software as an input signal, which determines and interprets the characters in the image (step 705). Characters determined and interpreted are in a predetermined character code format such as ASCII code,
Obtained as an output signal from OCR software. They are stored in a read / write memory in a memory area for interpreted characters. Upon completion of the character determination and storage in the character code format, the processor activates indicator 29 to inform the user that the new string is ready to be recorded (step 706).

The interpreted characters can be transmitted via the wireless transceiver 26 in a character code format to a computer or other receiver.

Thus, the foregoing steps are performed by the processor 20 via the associated devices and appropriate software. If such software is not available on the market, one of ordinary skill in the art can make, referring to the instructions above.

FIGS. 8 a to 8 c show character strings.

[Outside 1] Shows how the input device works when is recorded. FIG. 8a shows text on paper. FIG. 8b shows how an image is being recorded by the sensor. As can be seen, the contents of the images partially overlap. For example, the letter l is
It appears completely in image 1 and partially in image 2. The degree of overlap is
The pulling speed, ie the speed at which the user moves the input device over the text relative to the frequency at which the content of the sensor 8 is read, depends. FIG. 8c shows the entire decoded image. Note that the image is still stored in the form of pixels. When this method is performed,

[Outside 2] Is stored in the read / write memory of the input device as an ASCII code.

(Camera Function) Next, it is assumed that the user wants to record an image of an object located away from the input device. This “object” may be, for example, three-dimensional or an image in a book. In this case, the user sets the input device to the camera function using the button 27, whereby the input device starts operating in the camera mode, and the position of the lens system 7 is remote from the input device. The position is changed to a position suitable for recording an image. Subsequently, the user activates the input device, which causes the processor to start reading the image from the sensor 8. The read image can be displayed on the display 25 of the input device or on a computer to which the input device is connected and to which the image is transferred when the image is recorded via the wireless transceiver 26. You can also. The user presses the button 27 when satisfied with the display of the image. Thereby, an image of the object is recorded. When the image of the object is recorded, the user can instruct the input device to display the recorded image on the display 7 or transfer the image to the computer via the wireless transceiver 26. You can also tell them to do so.

The flowchart of FIG. 9 shows how the input device operates in the camera mode. In step 901, the size of an image is displayed on the input device display 2.
5 shown above. The user presses the button 27 when satisfied with the display of the image. Thus, the image is frozen and recorded in the buffer memory in step 902. An image is recorded by a plurality of pixels, which can have grayscale or color values from white to black. The user then selects whether to keep the current image. If the user wants to keep the image, the process proceeds to step 90
3, the image proceeds along the solid line, and the image is stored in the memory 23. Once the image is stored, the device indicates at step 904 that it is ready to record a new image. If the user does not want to keep the image, the process returns from step 902 along the dashed line to step 901 where a new image is recorded.

(Other Embodiments) The above embodiment is merely an example. The input device according to the invention need not have all of the functions described above. The mouse function can be combined with one or more of a scanner function, a camera function, a handwriting function, and other input functions.

In the above-described embodiment, all the processing of the recorded information is performed in the input device, but this is not essential. The above process, except for the actual image recording, can also be performed by an image processing means in an external computer or some external device to which the image is transferred.

In the above-described embodiment, the recording of an image is performed by a single photosensitive sensor. However, for example, the second photosensitive sensor can be disposed at the other end of the case. In this case, one end provided with the first sensor can be used for the mouse function, and the other end provided with the second sensor can be used for one of the input functions.

In the mouse mode, the handwriting mode, and the drawing mode, images to be recorded do not necessarily have to have overlapping contents. In these modes, special substrates with position indications can be used. For example, a location can be written as coordinates,
The coordinates can also be read and interpreted to provide a positioning signal for a cursor or movement instruction, and a rendered image or character can be played. However, this has the disadvantage that a special board or software is required for interpreting the position indication.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 schematically shows an embodiment of an input device according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram of an electronic circuit in the embodiment of the input device according to the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a flowchart of a mouse function.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart of a handwriting / drawing function.

FIG. 5 is a diagram schematically showing how a surface is imaged in relation to input of handwritten / drawn information.

FIG. 6 illustrates how handwriting / drawing input is displayed on a display.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart of a scanner function.

FIG. 8a schematically shows how text is recorded in the scanner mode.

FIG. 8b schematically shows how text is recorded in the scanner mode.

FIG. 8c schematically illustrates how text is recorded in the scanner mode.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart of a camera function.

[Procedural Amendment] Submission of translation of Article 34 Amendment of the Patent Cooperation Treaty

[Submission date] May 30, 2000 (2000.5.30)

[Procedure amendment 1]

[Document name to be amended] Statement

[Correction target item name] Claims

[Correction method] Change

[Correction contents]

[Claims]

──────────────────────────────────────────────────の Continuation of the front page (31) Priority claim number 9803455-6 (32) Priority date October 9, 1998 (1998. 10.9) (33) Priority claim country Sweden (SE) (31) Priority claim number 60 / 105,780 (32) Priority date October 27, 1998 (Oct. 27, 1998) (33) Priority claim country United States (US) (81) Designated country EP (AT, BE, CH, CY, DE, DK, ES, FI, FR, GB, GR, IE, IT, LU, MC, NL, PT, SE), OA (BF, BJ, CF, CG, CI, CM, GA, GN, GW, ML, MR, NE, SN, TD, TG), AP (GH, GM, KE, LS, MW, SD, SL, SZ, UG, ZW), EA (AM, AZ, BY, KG, KZ, MD, RU , TJ, TM), AE, AL, AM, AT, AU, AZ, BA, BB, BG, BR, BY, CA, CH, CN, CU, CZ, DE, DK, EE, ES, FI, GB, GD, GE, GH, GM, HR, HU, ID, IL, IN, IS, JP, KE, KG, KP, KR, KZ, LC, LK, LR, LS, LT, LU, LV, MD, MG , MK, MN, MW, MX, NO, NZ, PL, PT, RO, RU, SD, SE, SG, SI, SK, SL, TJ, TM, TR, TT, UA, UG, US, UZ, VN, YU, ZA, ZWF terms (reference) 5B029 AA01 BB02 BB09 BB15 DD10 5B047 AA01 AA27 AB02 BA03 BB04 CB07 CB16 5B068 AA01 BC03 BD02 BD09 BD25 BD26 BE06 BE15 5B087 AA05 BB08 BC02 BC32 BC32 BC32 BC32

Claims (24)

[Claims] 1. An input device having a mouse function and at least one input function, comprising an image recording means (8) for providing the input function, wherein the image recording means (8) provides a mouse function. An input device characterized in that it is also used for: 2. The input device according to claim 1, wherein the input device is configured to transmit a positioning signal for providing a mouse function and an input signal for providing an input function, and the positioning signal. And an input signal based on an image recorded using the image recording means (8). 3. The input device according to claim 1, wherein said image recording means comprises a first image recording device for providing a mouse function and a second image recording device for providing an input function. An input device, comprising: an image recording device. 4. The input device according to claim 1, wherein said image recording means comprises an image recording device used to provide both a mouse function and an input function. Input device. 5. An input device according to claim 1, wherein said image recording means comprises at least one area sensor. 6. The input device according to claim 2, wherein both the positioning signal and the input signal consist essentially of the image. 7. The input device according to claim 2, wherein the input device is positioned so that a receiver can identify whether a signal received by the receiver is a positioning signal or an input signal. An input device for outputting a signal and an input signal. 8. The input device according to claim 1, further comprising switching means (27), wherein the input device is set to a different function when activated by a user. Input device to do. 9. The input device according to claim 1, wherein said image recording means (8) is adapted to record a plurality of images at least for a mouse function. An input device for recording the content of the input image so as to overlap the content of the preceding image. 10. The input device according to claim 1, further comprising image processing means (20-24) used for both a mouse function and an input function. apparatus. 11. The input device according to claim 9, further comprising means (20-24) for determining a relative position of an image based on partially overlapping contents. 12. The input device according to claim 11, wherein the means (20-24) for determining a relative position of the image determines the relative position of the image in a horizontal direction and a vertical direction. Input device to 13. The input device according to claim 11, further comprising means (20-24) for generating a positioning signal based on a relative position of an image. 14. The input device according to claim 1, wherein:
An input device which is operated by hand. 15. The input device according to claim 1, wherein:
An input device, further comprising a transmitter (26) for wirelessly connecting the input device to a receiver. 16. The input device according to claim 1, wherein:
The input device, wherein the at least one input function includes a scanner function. 17. The input device according to claim 1, wherein:
The input device according to claim 1, wherein the input function includes a camera function of imaging an object located at a location distant from the input device. 18. The input device according to claim 1, wherein:
The input device, wherein the input function includes a function of inputting handwritten / drawn information. 19. A method for providing a mouse function and at least one input function using an input device, the method comprising: detecting which of the functions is desired; Recording an image; and processing the at least one image differently depending on which of the functions is desired. 20. The method according to claim 19, further comprising the step of recording at least two partially overlapping images when mouse function is desired, and for horizontally positioning the images relative to each other. And determining both in the vertical direction, determining a positioning signal based on the relative position of the image, and controlling a cursor on a computer screen using the positioning signal. how to. 21. The method according to claim 19, wherein the input function is a character input function, and if the character input function is desired, furthermore, a plurality of partially overlapping images. Image the characters to be input together, record the images, combine the images horizontally and vertically into a decoded image, and identify the characters in the decoded image A method comprising: interpreting identified characters; and storing the characters in a character code format. 22. The method according to claim 19, wherein the input function is a function for inputting handwriting / drawing information, and if the handwriting / drawing function is desired, further comprising: Recording a plurality of images having substantially overlapping contents, determining horizontal and vertical relative positions of the images, and determining movement of the input device based on the relative positions of the images And a step. 23. The method of claim 22, further comprising the step of interpreting which character the movement of the input device represents, and storing the character in a character code format. how to. 24. An input system having a mouse function and at least one input function, comprising: an image recording means (8) for recording an image; and a mouse function for processing an image recorded by the image recording means. An image processing means (20-24) for providing one input function, wherein the image recording means is arranged in the first case and the image processing means is arranged in the second case. .