WO2012093557A1

WO2012093557A1 - Information display system

Info

Publication number: WO2012093557A1
Application number: PCT/JP2011/078640
Authority: WO
Inventors: Yusuke Shimizu; Kei Nakamura; Akito NINOMIYA; Yasuko Tabuchi; Toru Mizutani
Original assignee: Nitto Denko Corporation
Priority date: 2011-01-06
Filing date: 2011-12-06
Publication date: 2012-07-12

Abstract

An information display system is provided in which an input device is reduced in thickness and does not require a purpose-built stylus for input operation, and in which a display position on a display is easily determined. The information display system includes: a PC for outputting information; a display receiving the information to display the information; and an input device including a rectangular frame-shaped optical waveguide and outputting information inputted to within the frame of the optical waveguide to the PC to cause the display to display the information. The frame of the optical waveguide includes first and second sections opposed to each other. The first section includes a plurality of light-emitting cores, and the second section includes a plurality of light-receiving cores. The cores have respective tips positioned on inner edges of the frame. The tips of the light-emitting cores and light-receiving cores are opposed to each other.

Description

INFORMATION DISPLAY SYSTEM

Technical Field

The present invention relates to an information display system used for displaying information such as documents in presentations, meetings and the like.

Background Art

In presentations, meetings and the like, information such as documents previously stored in an information storage medium including a USB memory device and the like is displayed on a display such as a liquid crystal panel through the use of a personal computer (referred to hereinafter as a "PC"), and explanations and the like are given on the displayed documents and the like. During the explanations, a pointing device (see, for example, Japanese Published Patent Application No. 2004-206613) is used as an input device to add new information such as characters, drawings, marks and the like to the aforementioned displayed documents and the like.

The aforementioned pointing device includes a purpose-built stylus, and a purpose-built board.

Information such as characters is inputted to the pointing device by moving the purpose-built stylus on the purpose-built board . Specifically, the pointing device detects the path of the tip of the purpose-built stylus (the input information such as characters) on the purpose-built board through the use of electromagnetic induction to output the path as a signal to the aforementioned PC, thereby enabling the information to appear on the display.

An optical position detection device (see, for example, Japanese Patent No. 3682109) including light-emitting elements and light-receiving elements is also usable as another input device. This device is in the form of a rectangular frame comprised of a pair of L-shaped sections. The light-emitting elements are disposed in juxtaposition in one of the L-shaped sections constituting the rectangular frame, and the

light-receiving elements opposed to the aforementioned light-emitting elements are disposed in juxtaposition in the other L-shaped section. Information such as characters is inputted to the optical position detection device by moving a pen, a finger and the like within the rectangular frame. Specifically, when a pen, a finger or the like is moved within the aforementioned rectangular frame, some light beams emitted from the aforementioned light-emitting elements are intercepted by the pen, the finger or the like . The light-receiving elements opposed to the aforementioned light-emitting elements sense the interception of light beams to thereby detect the path of the pen, the finger or the like (the input information such as characters). The optical position detection device can output the path as a signal to the

aforementioned PC, to thereby enable the information to appear as characters and the like on the display.

In this manner, input devices such as the aforementioned pointing device and the optical position detection device are characterized by allowing a user to intuitively perform detailed input of characters, drawings, marks and the like. Summary of Invention

However, the aforementioned pointing device involves the need for the purpose-built stylus and the purpose-built board. For this reason, when a large number of people at a meeting use the purpose-built board, it is necessary to pass a single purpose-built stylus around or to prepare a large number of purpose-built styli. Also, to add new information such as a character to a document and the like appearing on the display, a user or inputter cannot clearly find the position on the purpose-built board corresponding to the position where the new information is to be added. It is hence necessary that the inputter roughly guesses the position of the purpose-built stylus on the purpose-built board temporarily to cause the position to appear on the display, and then intuitively corrects the deviation from an intended position on the display to determine the position of the purpose-built stylus again.

The aforementioned optical position detection device requires no purpose-built stylus for input operation. However, the frame of the aforementioned optical position detection device is thick (with a thickness of approximately 6 mm or more) because the light-emitting elements and the light-receiving elements are disposed in juxtaposition in the form of a frame. When an inputter moves an input element such as a pen, a finger and the like within the frame for input operation, the thickness of the frame causes unnatural positioning of an inputter' s hand used for the input operation, and makes it difficult for the inputter to perform the input operation. In addition, light beams from the

light-emitting elements which are thick travel at a somewhat elevated vertical position (approximately 4 mm) from the bottom surface within the frame of the aforementioned optical position detection device. For this reason, when the inputter uses a pen, a finger or the like for the input operation, the input position thereof is not detected at the bottom surface within the frame but at a somewhat elevated vertical position. Further, the pen, the finger or the like during the input operation is not at right angles to the bottom surface within the frame but is in general in a slanted position. Thus, the detected path is not the path of the tip of the pen, the finger or the like (the path at the bottom surface within the frame) but is the path of a position diagonally above the tip. A character, for example, appearing on the display accordingly deviates from the display position intended by the inputter. For these reasons, the input operation becomes unnatural when an inputted character, for example, is caused to appear properly on the display.

An information display system is provided in which an input device is reduced in thickness and does not require a purpose-built stylus for input operation, and in which a display position on a display is easily determined.

The information display system comprises: a personal computer for outputting information; a display receiving the information to display the information; and an input device for inputting new information to be added to the information displayed on the display in accordance with the movement of an input element to output the inputted new information to the personal computer, the input device including an optical waveguide in the form of a frame including first and second sections opposed to each other, the first section including a plurality of light-emitting cores formed therein, the second section including a plurality of light-receiving cores formed therein, the cores having respective tips positioned on inner edges of the frame, the tips of the light-emitting cores and the tips of the light-receiving cores being opposed to each other, the input device using the path of the input element within the frame of the optical waveguide as the new information.

The information display system includes the aforementioned frame-shaped optical waveguide as a means for detecting the path of the input element in the input device. This eliminates the need for any purpose-built stylus for input operation, and an elongated object such as a pen for use in ordinary writing, a human finger, and the like may be used as the input element. Also, the optical waveguide, which is reduced in thickness, does not serve as an impediment to the input operation, but allows the positioning of an inputter's hand used for the movement of the input element in a natural location. This facilitates the input operation. Since the optical waveguide is thin as mentioned above, light beams emitted from the tips of the light-emitting cores travel in a vertical position slightly above the bottom surface within the frame. Thus, when the input element such as a pen, a finger and the like is in a slanted position during the input operation, the detected path is substantially the same as the path of the tip of the input element such as a pen tip, a finger tip and the like (the path at the bottom surface within the frame) . Therefore, a character, for example, appearing on the display is not out of the display position intended by an inputter, whereby the display position on the display is easily determined .

In particular, when a printed material on which information identical with the information to be displayed on the display is printed or a second display for displaying the information is placed within the frame of the optical waveguide, new information can be inputted to within the frame of the optical waveguide by using the printed material or the information displayed on the second display as a guide. This allows the new information to be inputted in a correct position.

Also, when each of the tips of the light-emitting cores and the tips of the light-receiving cores is in the form of a lens portion, the light beams emitted from the lens portions of the light-emitting cores are properly restrained from diffusing, and the emitted light beams introduced into the cores are properly converged by the lens portions of the light-receiving cores. This consequently improves light transmission efficiency within the frame of the optical waveguide to achieve the correct detection of the path of the input element within the frame.

Further, when an edge portion of an over cladding layer is formed so as to cover the tips of the light-emitting cores and the tips of the light-receiving cores, and the edge portion of the over cladding layer is in the form of a lens portion, then the light beams emitted from the lens portion of the over cladding layer on the light-emitting side are properly restrained from diffusing, and the emitted light beams are caused to enter a wide region of the lens portion of the over cladding layer on the light-receiving side and are caused to enter the end surfaces of the cores while being further narrowed down and converged. This consequently improves light transmission efficiency within the frame of the optical waveguide to achieve the correct detection of the path of the input element within the frame. Brief Description of Drawings FIG. 1 is an illustration schematically showing an information display system according to a first embodiment .

FIG. 2(a) is a plan view schematically showing an input device for the aforementioned information display system, (b) is a sectional view taken along the line Xl-Xl of (a), and (c) is a sectional view taken along the line X2-X2 of (a) .

FIGS. 3(a) to (c) are illustrations schematically showing an example of a method of producing the aforementioned input device.

FIGS. 4(a) to (c) are illustrations schematically showing the method of producing the input device subsequent to the steps shown in FIG. 3.

FIGS. 5(a) and (b) are illustrations schematically showing the method of producing the input device subsequent to the steps shown in FIG. 4.

FIG. 6(a) is an illustration schematically showing the method of producing the input device subsequent to the steps shown in FIG. 5, and (b) is a sectional view taken along the line X4-X4 of (a) .

FIG. 7 is an illustration schematically showing the method of producing the input device subsequent to the step shown in FIG. 6.

FIG. 8 is an illustration schematically showing the information display system according to a fourth embodiment .

FIG. 9 is an illustration schematically showing an example of the information display system according to a fifth embodiment.

Description of Embodiments

Next, embodiments according to the present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

FIG. 1 shows an information display system according to a first embodiment. As shown in FIG. 1, the information display system according to this embodiment includes a PC P for outputting information, a display D receiving the information to display the information, and an input device A having a rectangular frame-shaped optical waveguide W and outputting information inputted to within the frame of the optical waveguide W to the aforementioned PC P. The transmission of the aforementioned information may be made through a connecting cable or by radio. In this embodiment, the transmission of information from the PC P to the display D is made through a connecting cable E, and the transmission of information from the input device A to the PC P is made by radio F. The characteristic input device A will be described in detail.

The aforementioned input device A, as shown in plan view in FIG. 2(a), includes the optical waveguide W in the form of the rectangular frame having four sides equal in width, and a control means C for controlling the aforementioned input device A itself. The input device A may be in the form of a rectangular frame having one side (the lower side as shown in the figure) which is wider and three sides equal in width to each other. The aforementioned rectangular frame-shaped optical waveguide W is disposed in an outside portion of the hollow rectangular frame of the input device A, and the aforementioned control means C is disposed in the form of a strip along an outside edge of the aforementioned one wider side of the input device A. As shown in FIG. 2 (b) which is an enlarged sectional view of part of the aforementioned input device A where the aforementioned optical waveguide W is disposed <a sectional view taken along the line Xl-Xl of FIG. 2(a)> and in FIG. 2(c) which is an enlarged sectional view of part of the aforementioned input device A where the aforementioned control means C is disposed <a sectional view taken along the line X2-X2 of FIG. 2(a)>, the aforementioned optical waveguide W and the aforementioned control means C in this embodiment are fixed on a rectangular frame-shaped retainer plate 30 made of stainless steel and the like, and have respective top surfaces covered with a protective plate 40 made of polycarbonate and the like. The

aforementioned retainer plate 30 is provided to make it easy to hold the planarity of the input device A, and the aforementioned protective plate 40 is provided to protect the input device A.

The aforementioned rectangular frame-shaped optical waveguide W, as shown in FIGS. 2(a) and (b) , includes an under cladding layer 1, cores 2a and 2b, and an over cladding layer 3 to be described below.

Specifically, the under cladding layer 1 in the form of a rectangular frame comprised of a pair of L-shaped sections is formed on the aforementioned rectangular frame-shaped retainer plate 30. The light-emitting cores 2a are disposed in a divided manner on the surface of one of the L-shaped sections constituting the rectangular frame of the under cladding layer 1, and the light-receiving cores 2b are disposed in juxtaposition on the surface of the other L-shaped section. The cores 2a and 2b have respective tips positioned on the inner edges of the aforementioned rectangular frame. The tips of the light-emitting cores 2a are in opposed relation to the tips of the light-receiving cores 2b. The over cladding layer 3 in the form of a rectangular frame is formed onthe surface of the aforementioned under cladding layer 1 so as to cover the aforementioned light-emitting cores 2a and the light-receiving cores 2b. In this embodiment, each of the tips of the cores 2a and 2b positioned on the inner edges of the aforementioned rectangular frame is in the form of a convex lens portion having a substantially semicircular curved surface as seen in plan view, and an edge portion of the over cladding layer 3 covering the lens portions is in the form of a convex lens portion 3a having a substantially quadrantal curved surface as seen in sectional side view. In FIG. 2 (a) , the cores 2a and 2b are indicated by broken lines, and the thickness of the broken lines indicates the width of the cores 2a and 2b. Also, in FIGS. 2(a) and (b), the number of cores 2a and 2b are shown as abbreviated.

The aforementioned control means C includes a circuit board, and a battery for providing electricity to the circuit board. As shown in FIGS. 2(a) and (c), the aforementioned circuit board is configured such that a light-emitting element 5 connected to ends of the aforementioned light-emitting cores 2a, a

light-receiving element 6 connected to ends of the aforementioned light-receiving cores 2b, an IC for controlling the aforementioned input device A, an output module for outputting information (information on the path of movement of an input element such as a pen, a finger and the like) inputted to within the frame of the aforementioned optical waveguide W to the PC P, and the like are mounted on a flexible printed board 7. In Fig. 2 (c) , the battery, the IC, the output module and the like described above are shown collectively by a shaded portion designated by the reference numeral 8.

In the aforementioned input device A, light beams from the aforementioned light-emitting element 5 pass through the aforementioned light-emitting cores 2a and through the lens portions at the tips of the respective light-emitting cores 2a, and then exit the surface of the lens portion 3a of the over cladding layer 3 covering the lens portions of the respective light-emitting cores 2a. Thus, the light beams travel in a lattice form within the frame of the aforementioned rectangular frame-shaped optical waveguide W. The light beams traveling in a lattice form are restrained from diverging by refraction through the lens portions at the tips of the light-emitting cores 2a and through the lens portion 3a of the over cladding layer 3 covering the lens portions of the light-emitting cores 2a. In this state, the

aforementioned input device A is placed on a table and the like, and an input element such as a pen, a finger and the like is moved within the frame of the optical waveguide , whereby information such as characters, drawings, marks and the like is inputted to the input device A. Specifically, when the aforementioned input element is moved within the frame of the aforementioned optical waveguide W, some of the light beams traveling in a lattice form are intercepted by the tip of the aforementioned input element (such as a pen tip, a finger tip and the like) . The aforementioned light-receiving element 6 senses the interception of light beams to thereby detect the path of the tip of the aforementioned input element (input information such as a character) . The path is outputted as a signal to the aforementioned PC P, and is caused to appear on the display D.

In this manner, the use of the aforementioned frame-shaped optical waveguide W as a means for detecting the path of the input element in the aforementioned input device A eliminates the need for a purpose-built stylus for input operation, and causes no inconvenience when a large number of people use the input device A. The optical waveguide W is thin (with a thickness, at most, of approximately 1 mm) . Even when the retainer plate 30 and the protective plate 40 are provided on the front and back surfaces of the optical waveguide W as in this embodiment, the total thickness is approximately 3 mm. Thus, the rectangular frame section including the optical waveguide W together with the retainer plate 30 and the protective plate 40 does not serve as an impediment to the input operation, but makes it easy to perform the input operation. Since the optical waveguide W is thin as mentioned above, the light beams emitted from the tips of the light-emitting cores 2a travel in a vertical position slightly ( approximately 0.6 mm) above the bottom surface within the frame, even when the thickness of the aforementioned retainer plate 30 is taken into

consideration. Thus, when the aforementioned input element is in a slanted position during the input operation, the detected path is substantially the same as the path of the tip of the input element (the path at the bottom surface within the frame) . Therefore, a character, for example, appearing on the display D is not out of the display position intended by an inputter, whereby the display position on the display D is easily determined.

Next, the PC P and the display D which are other components of the aforementioned information display system than the input device A will be described.

The aforementioned PC P is configured to output information such as a document for use in explanation in a presentation, a meeting and the like to the display D and to output information from the aforementioned input device A (information such as a character and the like inputted to the input device A) to the display D. This causes the information such as a character and the like inputted to the aforementioned input device A which is superimposed on the information such as a document to appear on the aforementioned display D. Software (a program) which converts coordinates within the frame of the rectangular frame-shaped optical waveguide W in the input device A into coordinates on the screen of the display D is incorporated in the aforementioned PC P for the purpose of displaying the character and the like inputted to the input device A in a position on the display D corresponding to the input position. It should be noted that the aforementioned information such as a document is, in general, previously stored in an information storage medium such as a hard disk in the aforementioned PC P and an external USB memory device, and is outputted from the information storage medium. Also, the information appearing on the aforementioned display D which is the superimposition of the information such as a character and the like inputted to the aforementioned input device A on the aforementioned information such as a document is stored in the aforementioned information storage medium.

Examples of the aforementioned display D used herein include a liquid crystal panel, an organic electroluminescence panel, a plasma panel, and a proj ector .

Next, an example of a method of producing the aforementioned input device A will be described. FIGS. 3 and 4 cited for a description on a method of producing the optical waveguide W in the foregoing description show portions corresponding to a cross section taken along the line X3-X3 of FIG. 2(a).

First, a substrate 10 in the form of a rectangular frame for the formation of the optical waveguide W <with reference to FIG. 3(a)> is prepared. Examples of a material for the formation of this substrate 10 include metal, resin, glass, quartz, and silicon.

Then, as shown in FIG. 3(a), the rectangular frame-shaped under cladding layer 1 identical in shape with the substrate 10 is formed on a surface of the aforementioned rectangular frame-shaped substrate 10. This under cladding layer 1 may be formed by a photolithographic method using a photosensitive resin as a material for the formation thereof. The under cladding layer 1 has a thickness in the range of 5 to 50 μπι, for example.

Next, as shown in FIG. 3(b), the light-emitting cores 2a and the light-receiving cores 2b which have the aforementioned pattern are formed by a photolithographic method on a surface of the aforementioned rectangular frame-shaped under cladding layer 1. An example of a material for the formation of the cores 2a and 2b used herein includes a photosensitive resin having a refractive index higher than that of the materials for the formation of the aforementioned under cladding layer 1 and the over cladding layer 3 to be described below <with reference to FIG. 4(b)>.

As shown in FIG. 3 (c) , a rectangular frame-shaped light-transmissive mold 20 for the formation of the over cladding layer is prepared. This mold 20 includes a cavity 21 having a mold surface complementary in shape to the surface of the over cladding layer 3 <with reference to FIG. 4(b)>. The mold 20 is placed on a molding stage (not shown) , with the cavity 21 positioned to face upward. Then, the cavity 21 is filled with a photosensitive resin 3A serving as the material for the formation of the over cladding layer 3.

Then, as shown in FIG. 4 (a) , the cores 2a and 2b patterned on the surface of the aforementioned under cladding layer 1 are positioned relative to the cavity 21 of the aforementioned mold 20. In that state, the aforementioned under cladding layer 1 is pressed against the aforementioned mold 20, so that the aforementioned cores 2a and 2b are immersed in the photosensitive resin 3A serving as the material for the formation of the aforementioned over cladding layer 3. In this state, the photosensitive resin 3A is exposed to irradiation light such as ultraviolet light by directing the irradiation light through the aforementioned mold 20 onto the aforementioned photosensitive resin 3A. Thus, the aforementioned photosensitive resin 3A is cured to form the rectangular frame-shaped over cladding layer 3 in which the inner peripheral edge portion of the rectangular frame is formed as the lens portion 3a.

Next, as shown in FIG .4(b) <shown in an orientation vertically inverted from that shown in FIG. 4(a)>, the aforementioned over cladding layer 3 together with the aforementioned substrate 10, the under cladding layer 1, and the cores 2a and 2b is removed from the aforementioned mold 20 <with reference to FIG. 4(a)>.

Then, as shown in FIG. 4(c), the aforementioned substrate 10 <with reference to FIG. 4(b)> is stripped from the under cladding layer 1. This provides the rectangular frame-shaped optical waveguide W including the under cladding layer 1, the cores 2a and 2b, and the over cladding layer 3.

Next, as shown in plan view in FIG. 5(a), the flexible printed board 7 is prepared, and a circuit board is produced by mounting the light-emitting element 5, the light-receiving element 6, the IC (not shown) for controlling the aforementioned input device A (with reference to FIG. 1), the output module (not shown) for outputting information inputted to within the frame of the aforementioned optical waveguide W (with reference to FIG. 1) to the PC P (with reference to FIG. 1), and the like onto the flexible printed board 7.

The aforementioned rectangular frame-shaped retainer plate 30 is prepared, as shown in plan view in FIG. 5(b) . This retainer plate 30 is in the form of the rectangular frame having one side 31 which may be wider. Examples of a material for the formation of this retainer plate 30 include metal, resin, glass, quartz and silicon. In particular, stainless steel is preferable in having a good ability to hold the planarity thereof. The retainer plate 30 has a thickness of approximately 0.5 mm, for example.

As shown in plan view in FIG. 6(a) and shown in sectional view <a sectional view taken along the line X4-X4 of FIG. 6(a)> in FIG. 6(b), the aforementioned light-emitting element 5 of the aforementioned circuit board is connected to the light-emitting cores 2a, and the aforementioned light-receiving element 6 is connected to the light-receiving cores 2b. In this state, the aforementioned optical waveguide W is affixed to a surface of the aforementioned retainer plate 30, and the aforementioned circuit board and the battery serving as a power source for this circuit board are fixed thereon. At this time, the aforementioned optical waveguide W is affixed to part of the surface of the aforementioned retainer plate 30 which is other than a strip-shaped portion 31a <with reference to FIG.5 (b) > along the outside edge of the aforementioned one wider side 31, and the aforementioned circuit board and the battery are fixed to the aforementioned strip-shaped portion 31a.

Thereafter, as shown in sectional view in FIG. 7, the top surface of the aforementioned over cladding layer 3 except the lens portion 3a, and the fixed portions of the aforementioned circuit board and battery are covered with the protective plate 40. Examples of a material for the formation of this protective plate 40 include resin, metal, glass, quartz, andsilicon. The protect ive plate 40 has a thickness of approximately 0.5 mm when made of metal, and approximately 0.8 mm when made of resin, for example.

In this manner, the aforementioned input device A is produced. Part of this input device A corresponding to the aforementioned optical waveguide , together with the retainer plate 30 and the protective plate 40 on the front and back surfaces thereof, is as thin as approximately 3 mm in total thickness, as mentioned above . Part of the input deviceA where the aforementioned circuit board and the battery are fixed, together with the retainer plate 30 and the protective plate 40 on the front and back surfaces thereof, is as thin as approximately 6 mm in total thickness.

The information display system according to a second embodiment willbe described. Inthis embodiment , information identical with the information such as a document to be displayed on the display D is previously printed on a paper sheet and the like so as to be sized to fall within the frame of the optical waveguide . Then, the printed material is placed under the input device A so that the printed part of the printed material is revealed within the frame of the optical waveguide W. When the information such as a document to be displayed on the display D is changed, the printed material to be placed under the input device A is accordingly changed. The remaining parts of the second embodiment are similar to those of the aforementioned first embodiment.

In the second embodiment, new information can be inputted to within the frame of the optical waveguide W by using the printed part within the frame of the optical waveguide W as a guide. This allows the new information to be inputted in a correct position. Additionally, when a writing implement is used to input the new information to within the frame of the optical waveguide W, the new information is directly written on the aforementioned printed material. The printed material on which the new information is written may be stored and then used.

The information display system according to a third embodiment will be described. In this embodiment, a second display is prepared which displays information identical with the information such as a document to be displayed on the (first) display D so that the information is sized to fall within the frame of the optical waveguide W. The second display is placed under the input device A so that a portion displayed on the second display is revealed within the frame of the optical waveguide W. The aforementioned second display is adapted to receive and display information outputted from the PC P.

Specifically, information inputted to within the frame of the optical waveguide W (the input device A) is displayed through the PC P not only on the first display D but also on the second display. The transmission of information from the aforementioned PC P may be made through a connecting cable or by radio. The remaining parts of the third embodiment are similar to those of the aforementioned first embodiment. Also in the third embodiment, new information can be inputted to within the frame of the optical waveguide W by using the information displayed on the second display within the frame of the optical waveguide W as a guide. This allows the new information to be inputted in a correct position. Additionally, both the information to be displayed on the first display D and the information to be displayed on the second display are outputted from the PC P. When the information displayed on the first display D is changed, the information displayed on the second display is accordingly changed in synchronization therewith. This allows an instantaneous response to the input of new information.

Examples of the aforementioned second display used herein include a liquid crystal panel, an organic electroluminescence panel, and a tablet PC.

FIG. 8 shows the information display system according to a fourth embodiment. The information display system according to this embodiment is configured such that a plurality of input devices A and a plurality of second displays B for placement under the input devices A, each as described above , (in FIG. 8, three input devices A and three second displays B) are used in the aforementioned third embodiment . Specifically, in this embodiment, information inputted to within the frame of one of the plurality of input devices A is displayed not only on the first display D and on the second display B placed under the one input device A but also on the remaining second displays B through the PC P. The transmission of information in this embodiment may be made through a connecting cable or by radio. With reference to FIG. 8, the transmission of information from the PC P to the first display D is made through the connecting cable E, whereas the transmission of information from the input devices A to the PC P and the transmission of information from the PC P to the second displays B are made by radio F. The remaining parts of the fourth embodiment are similar to those of the aforementioned third embodiment.

In this fourth embodiment, for the purpose of identifying which of the input devices A has received an input, different colors may be used for information displayed on the aforementioned first display D and the like depending on the input devices A or different symbols and comments may be added thereto. Additionally, a sending right (priority) capability which permits only a single sender (inputter) may be added to prevent crosstalk resulting from simultaneous inputs from the plurality of input devices A. Further, the information display system according to this fourth embodiment may be provided also in another place (a meeting place and the like), so that presentations are made or meetings are held simultaneously in different places. In this case, the PC P in one of the places is used as a host PC P and the PC P in the other place is used as a relay PC P so that the PCs P are connected for communication with each other.

The information display system according to a fifth embodiment will be described. In this embodiment, a switch is provided in the (or each) input device A in the aforementioned first to fourth embodiments. A flip of the switch allows temporary selection as to whether to enable or disable the input to the (or each) input device A. The aforementioned switch may be of an automatic type or of a manual type. The remaining parts of the fifth embodiment are similar to those of the aforementioned first to fourth embodiments.

In this fifth embodiment, for example, when a person delivers the input device A by hand to another person while the information display system is in use, the aforementioned switch may be flipped to disable the input to the input device A. Thus, if a finger of any person or the like is put within the frame of the aforementioned input device A during the aforementioned delivery of the input device A, the sensing of the finger or the like is ignored to provide no information appearing on the display D and the like. This also eliminates the need to power off the input device A during the aforementioned delivery of the input device A, thereby achieving fast use (restart) of the input device A after the delivery (because the power-off of the input device A causes slow restart) .

The aforementioned switch may be provided on the front surface or the back surface of the input device A. When the switch is provided on the back surface, an optical switch or a push-button switch is used as the aforementioned switch. Specifically, the

aforementioned optical switch is capable of automatically sensing the placement of the input device A to perform switching so as to enable the input to the input device A when the input device A is placed on the underlying table (with reference to the aforementioned first embodiment) , the printed material (with reference to the aforementioned second embodiment), the (or each) second display B (with reference to the aforementioned third and fourth embodiments ) and the like. The optical switch is also capable of automatically sensing the lifting of the input device A to perform switching so as to disable the input to the input device A when the input device A is lifted off the aforementioned table and the like. The aforementioned push-button switch, as shown in FIG. 9, is configured in the following manner. When the input device A is placed on the aforementioned table T and the like, a button portion 51 of the push-button switch 50 is depressed inwardly of the input device A (upwardly as seen in the figure) into a retracted position under the own weight of the input device A to allow the push-button switch 50 to perform switching so as to enable the input to the input device A. When the input device A is lifted off the aforementioned table T and the like, the aforementioned button portion 51 protrudes from the bottom surface of the input device A under the urging force exerted from the inside of the push-button switch 50 on the aforementioned button portion 51 to perform switching so as to disable the input to the input device A.

In the rectangular frame-shaped optical waveguide W in the input device A according to the aforementioned embodiments, the tips of the light-emitting cores 2a and the tips of the light-receiving cores 2b are formed as the lens portions, and the edge portion of the over cladding layer 3 covering the lens portions of the cores 2a and 2b are formed as the lens portion 3a for the purpose of improving the light transmission efficiency within the frame. However, when the light transmission efficiency within the frame is sufficient, the aforementioned lens portion (s) may be formed only in either the cores 2a and 2b or the over cladding layer 3, or be formed in neither the cores 2a and 2b nor the over cladding layer 3. When the aforementioned lens portions are not formed, a separate lens element may be prepared and provided within the frame of the optical waveguide W.

Also in the aforementioned embodiments, the retainer plate 30 is provided on the back surface of the optical waveguide W to hold the planarity of the aforementioned optical waveguide W, and the protective plate 40 is provided on the front surface of the optical waveguide W to protect the optical waveguide W. However, when the holding of the planarity and the protection are sufficient, only one or neither of the retainer plate 30 and the protective plate 40 may be provided.

In the aforementioned embodiments, the retainer plate 30 and the protective plate 40 are provided also on the front and back surfaces of the control means C of the aforementioned input device A. However, when information is outputted from the input device A to the PC P by radio F (when the aforementioned output module is a wireless module) and the aforementioned protective plate 40 is made of stainless steel, there is a danger that noise is produced in response to radio waves from the wireless module to result in the improper output of information. It is therefore preferable that the aforementioned protective plate 40 is made of resin such as polycarbonate.

In the aforementioned embodiments, if there is a foreign substance or the like within the frame of the input device A (the optical waveguide W) , the foreign substance or the like is sensed as an object similar to a pen tip, a finger tip and the like. Thus, when an input is done with a pen or the like in that state, two or more obj ects are sensed . Insuchacase, an alarmmay be issued . This informs a user that a foreign substance or the like is present within the aforementioned frame. Further, when the input device A is used in a very bright environment (outdoors, for example), intense external light enters the light-receiving element 6 although the pen tip or the like intercepts light beams. This prevents the light-receiving element 6 from sensing the pen tip or the li ke ( a light-intercepted portion ) . The input device A may be adapted to issue an alarm when such intense light is sensed.

Next, inventive examples of the present invention will be described. It should be noted that the present invention is not limited to the inventive examples. Examples

< aterial for Formation of Under Cladding Layer> Component A: 75 parts by weight of an epoxy resin having an alicyclic skeleton (EHPE 3150 manufactured by Daicel Chemical Industries, Ltd.).

Component B: 25 parts by weight of an

epoxy-group-containing acrylic polymer (MARPROOF G-0150M manufactured by NOF Corporation) .

Component C: four parts by weight of a photo-acid generator (CPI-200K manufactured by San-Apro Ltd.).

A material for the formation of an under cladding layer was prepared by dissolving these components A to C together with five parts by weight of an ultraviolet absorber (TINUVIN 479 manufactured by Ciba Japan K.K.) in cyclohexanone (a solvent) .

Component D: 85 parts by weight of an epoxy resin containing a bisphenol A skeleton (157S70 manufactured by Japan Epoxy Resins Co., Ltd.).

Component E: five parts by weight of an epoxy resin containing a bisphenol A skeleton (EPIKOTE 828 manufactured by Japan Epoxy Resins Co., Ltd.).

Component F: 10 parts by weight of an

epoxy-group-containing styrenic polymer (MARPROOF G-0250SP manufactured by NOF Corporation) .

A material for the formation of cores was prepared by dissolving these components D to F and four parts by weight of the aforementioned component C in ethyl lactate.

Component G: 100 parts by weight of an epoxy resin having an alicyclic skeleton (EP4080E manufactured by ADEKA Corporation) .

A material for the formation of an over cladding layer was prepared by mixing this component G and two parts by weight of the aforementioned component C together .

The material for the formation of the

aforementioned under cladding layer was applied to a surface of a rectangular frame-shaped substrate made of stainless steel (having a thickness of 50 pm) .

Thereafter, a heating treatment was performed at 160°C for two minutes to form a photosensitive resin layer. Then, the aforementioned photosensitive resin layer was exposed to irradiation with ultraviolet light at an integrated dose of 1000 mJ/cm². Thus, the rectangular frame-shaped under cladding layer having a thickness of 10 μπι (with a refractive index of 1.510 at a wavelength of 830 nm) was formed. Then, the material for the formation of the aforementioned cores was applied to a surface of the aforementioned rectangular frame-shaped under cladding layer. Thereafter, a heating treatment was performed at 170°C for three minutes to form a photosensitive resin layer. Next, exposure was performed at an integrated dose of 3000 mJ/cm² by the irradiation with ultraviolet light through a photomask (with a gap of 100 pm) . Subsequently, a heating treatment was performed at 120°C for 10 minutes. Thereafter, development was performed using a developing solution ( γ-butyrolactone ) todissolve away unexposed portions. Thereafter, a drying process was performed at 120°C for five minutes. Thus, the cores having a width of 30 μπι and a height of 50 m (with a refractive index of 1.570 at a wavelength of 830 nm) were formed .

A rectangular frame-shaped light-transmissive mold for the formation of the over cladding layer was prepared. This mold included a cavity having a mold surface complementary in shape to the surface of the over cladding layer. The mold was placed on a molding stage, with the cavity positioned to face upward. Then, the cavity was filled with the material for the formation of the over cladding layer.

Then, the cores patterned on the surface of the aforementioned under cladding layer were positioned relative to the cavity of the aforementioned mold. In that state, the aforementioned under cladding layer was pressed against the aforementioned mold, so that the aforementioned cores were immersed in the material for the formation of the aforementioned over cladding layer. In this state, exposure was performed at an integrated dose of 8000 mJ/cm² by irradiating the material for the formation of the aforementioned over cladding layer with ultraviolet light through the aforementioned mold . Thus, the rectangular frame-shaped over cladding layer was formed in which an inner peripheral edge portion of the rectangular frame was in the form of a convex lens portion. The convex lens portion had a substantially quadrantal curved lens surface (having a radius of curvature of 1.4 mm) as seen in sectional side view.

Next, the aforementioned over cladding layer together with the aforementioned substrate, the under cladding layer and the cores was removed from the aforementioned mold.

Then, the aforementioned substrate was stripped from the under cladding layer. This provided a rectangular frame-shaped optical waveguide (having a total thickness of 1 mm) including the under cladding layer, the cores, and the over cladding layer. [Production of Input Device]

Next, a flexible printed board was prepared, and a circuit board was produced by mounting a light-emitting element ( SM85-2N001 manufactured by Optowell Co . , Ltd.), a light-receiving element (S-10226 manufactured by Hamamatsu Photonics K.K.), a CMOS driving IC, a crystal oscillator, a wireless module, and the like onto the flexible printed board. The aforementioned

light-emitting element of this circuit board was connected to light-emitting ones of the cores, and the aforementioned light-receiving element was connected to light-receiving ones of the cores. Two coin-type lithium cells (CR1216 having a thickness of 1.6 mm, a diameter of 1.25 mm, and a voltage of 3 V) serving as a power source were connected to the aforementioned circuit board. A control means including the circuit board and the coin-type lithium cells had a total thickness of 3 mm.

A rectangular frame-shaped retainer plate made of stainless steel (having a thickness of 0.5 mm) wasprepared. The hollow frame of the retainer plate was in the form of a rectangle having a vertical dimension of 94.7 mm and a horizontal dimension of 125.7 mm. The rectangular frame included one wider side having a width of 25 mm, and three remaining sides having a width of 7 mm. The aforementioned rectangular frame-shaped optical waveguide was affixed to a portion of the surface of the aforementioned retainer plate which was outside the aforementioned hollow frame, and the aforementioned circuit board and the cells were fixed along an outside edge of the aforementioned one wider side. Thereafter, the top surface of the aforementioned over cladding layer except the lens portion, and the fixed portions of the aforementioned circuit board and the cells were covered with a protective plate made of polycarbonate (having a thickness of 0.8 mm) . This provided an input device. Part of this input device corresponding to the optical waveguide, together with the retainer plate and the protective plate on the front and back surfaces thereof, had a total thickness of 2.5 mm. Part of the input device where the aforementioned circuit board and the cells were fixed, together with the retainer plate and the protective plate on the front and back surfaces thereof, had a total thickness of 6 mm.

<Production of Information Display System> A PC and a liquid crystal panel were prepared, and were connected for transmission of information therebetween through a connecting cable. The

aforementioned PC incorporated software (aprogram) which converted coordinates within the frame of the rectangular frame-shaped optical waveguide in the input device into coordinates on a screen of the liquid crystal panel to cause a character and the like inputted to the input device to appear on the liquid crystal panel. The

aforementioned PC included a receiving means so as to be able to receive radio waves (information) from the wireless module of the aforementioned input device. The aforementioned PC and the input device were connected for transmission of information therebetween by radio. The aforementioned input device was placed on a flat table, with the aforementioned stainless steel retainer plate positioned to face downward.

A USB memory device with information such as a document stored therein was prepared. Using the aforementioned PC, the information stored in the USB memory device was caused to appear on the aforementioned liquid crystal panel. In this state, an inputter moved his/her finger within the frame of the rectangular frame-shaped optical waveguide of the aforementioned inputdevice. Asaresult, the path of movement of his/her finger was displayed while being superimposed on the information such as a document appearing on the aforementioned liquid crystal panel.

<Inventive Example 2> Information identical with the information such as a document to be displayed on the liquid crystal panel in Inventive Example 1 was previously printed on a paper sheet so as to be sized to fall within the frame of the optical waveguide . Then, the printed material was placed under the input device so that a printed part of the printed material was revealed within the frame of the optical waveguide. In this state, a pen for writing was moved within the frame of the optical waveguide. As a result, the path of movement of the pen was displayed while being superimposed on the information such as a document appearing on the aforementioned liquid crystal panel. Also, the aforementioned path of movement was displayed in a correct position on the liquid crystal panel because the printed material placed within the frame of the optical waveguide was used as a guide. Further, the use of the aforementioned pen for writing allowed an inputter to write the aforementioned path of movement on the aforementioned printed material.

An organic EL panel was prepared which displayed information identical with the information such as a document to be displayed on the liquid crystal panel so that the information was sized to fall within the frame of the opt ical waveguide . The organic EL panel was placed under the input device so that a portion displayed on the organic EL panel was revealed within the frame of the optical waveguide. In this state, an inputter moved his/her finger within the frame of the rectangular frame-shaped optical waveguide of the aforementioned input device. As a result, the path of movement of his/her finger was displayed while being superimposed on the information such as a document appearing on the aforementioned liquid crystal panel. Also, the aforementioned path of movement was displayed in a correct position on the liquid crystal panel because the information displayed on the organic EL panel placed within the frame of the optical waveguide was used as a guide. Further, when the information displayed on the liquid crystal panel was changed, the information displayed on the organic EL panel was accordingly changed in synchronization therewith. This allowed an instantaneous response to the input of new information.

Although a specific form of embodiment of the instant invention has been described above and illustrated in the accompanying drawings in order to be more clearly understood, the above description is made by way of example and not as a limitation to the scope of the instant invention. It is contemplated that various modifications apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art could be made without departing from the scope of the invention which is to be determined by the following claims .

The information display system is applicable to the addition of new information such as characters, drawings, marks and the like to documents and the like appearing on a display in presentations, meetings and the like. In particular, the information display system is useful when a large number of people add the aforementioned new information.

Claims

1. An information display system, comprising: a personal computer for outputting information; a display receiving and displaying the information from the personal computer; and

an input device for outputting new information to the personal computer to be added to the information displayed on the display in accordance with the movement of an input element on the input device,

wherein the input device includes

an optical waveguide in the form of a frame including first and second sections opposed to each other, the first section including a plurality of light-emitting cores formed therein, the second section including a plurality of light-receiving cores formed therein, the light-emitting and light receiving cores having respective tips positioned on inner edges of the frame, the tips of the light-emitting cores and the tips of the light-receiving cores being opposed to each other, wherein the input device uses the path of the input element within the frame of the optical waveguide as the new information.

2. The information display system according to claim 1, wherein a printed material on which information identical with the information to be displayed on the display is printed or a second display for displaying the information is capable of being placed within the frame of the optical waveguide.

3. The information display system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein each of the tips of the light-emitting cores and the tips of the light-receiving cores is in the form of a lens portion.

4. The information display system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein an edge portion of an over cladding layer covers the tips of the light-emitting cores and the tips of the light-receiving cores, and the edge portion of the over cladding layer is in the form of a lens portion.