Sensor system

Abstract

The present invention provides a sensor system that can prevent the occurrence of erroneous operations in pen input and draw a line across the panel surfaces of a dual-screen model. The present invention is an invention of a sensor system for detecting a stylus on at least one panel surface having an effective area. The sensor system includes: an acquisition step for acquiring the position of the stylus and a pen pressure value indicating the pressure applied to the tip of the stylus; and a position output step for outputting the position and pen pressure value obtained by the acquisition step to a host processor. The sensor system is configured to conceal from the host processor the occurrence of at least one of a pen drop indicating that the stylus has contacted the panel surface and a pen lift indicating that the stylus has detached from the panel surface when the position obtained by the acquisition step is outside the effective area.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a sensor system, and more particularly to a sensor system for performing stylus-based pen input. Background Art

[0002] In recent years, notebook computers often have touchpads or touch control pads (hereinafter collectively referred to as "touchpads"). Touchpads generally have a touch panel for implementing finger-based input (hereinafter referred to as "touch input") and a button function for implementing a function equivalent to a right-click or left-click function of a mouse device, and are classified into either a discrete type or a non-discrete type depending on whether the touch panel and button functions are provided by separate mechanisms.

[0003] The discrete touchpad is configured to have a dedicated button for click operation independently of the touch panel. On the other hand, the non-discrete touchpad does not have such a dedicated button, and the click operation is achieved by pressing the touch panel. The non-discrete touchpad can be further divided into two types, namely "click pad" and "pressure pad", according to the specific structure used to achieve click by pressing the touch panel. The click pad is a type of touchpad that moves the touch panel downward by the user's pressing, and is configured to have a click button directly below the touch panel. On the other hand, the pressure plate is a type of touchpad that uses a force sensor to detect the pressing force applied to the touch panel and achieves click by threshold determination of the output of the force sensor. Non-patent document 1 discloses that the above three types (discrete type, click pad, pressure pad) are included in the touchpad.

[0004] In addition, in recent years, foldable tablet terminals with two screens have attracted attention. Hereinafter, such tablet terminals are referred to as "dual-screen models". With the emergence of dual-screen models, the development of technologies that can use both touch input and stylus-based input (hereinafter referred to as "pen input") on each of the two screens is also advancing.

[0005] An example of such a technology is disclosed in Patent Document 1. As shown in Patent Document 1, a sensor system including a first integrated circuit connected to a sensor electrode group for a first screen, a second integrated circuit connected to a sensor electrode group for a second screen, and a host processor connected to the first and second integrated circuits is provided in a dual-screen model, and touch input and pen input are realized by the sensor system.

[0006] Moreover, the sensor electrode group provided inside the panel surface of the touch panel and the display surface of the display (hereinafter collectively referred to as the "panel surface") in order to realize pen input and touch input is sometimes arranged in a slightly wider area than the area corresponding to the corresponding panel surface (hereinafter referred to as the "effective area"). In this case, the area where the stylus can be detected is slightly larger than the effective area. Hereinafter, the area outside the effective area in the area where the stylus can be detected is referred to as the "detectable area". Patent document 2 states that: when the detected position of the stylus is within the detectable area, it is converted to a position within the effective area.

[0007] Prior art literature

[0008] Patent Literature

[0009] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2019-133487

[0010] Patent Document 2: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2000-099260

[0011] Non-patent literature

[0012] Non-patent document 1: Eliot Graff, 3 others, "Windows Precision Touchpad Collection", [online], May 2, 2012, Microsoft Corporation, [retrieved January 15, 2012], Internet <URL:https: / / docs.microsoft.com / en-us / windows-hardware / design / component-gu idelines / touchpad-windows-precision-touchpad-collection> Summary of the invention

[0013] Problems to be solved by the invention

[0014] The detectable area is different from the effective area, and is an area where the finger or stylus is not intended to slide. As a result, there are sometimes obstacles such as steps and grooves in the detectable area. Because it is extremely small, it will not cause any problems when using relatively thick fingertips for touch input, but it will become a cause of misoperation when using the tip of a relatively thin stylus for pen input. In other words, when the tip of the stylus passes through an obstacle, sometimes there will be a sharp change in the pen pressure value detected by the stylus, which will cause the user to write unexpectedly, thus causing misoperation such as false touches.

[0015] Therefore, one of the objects of the present invention is to provide a sensor system that can prevent the occurrence of erroneous operations in pen input.

[0016] In addition, in the dual-screen model, there is a user's desire to draw a line across the screens. However, if there are obstacles such as steps and grooves, or a dead zone where the stylus cannot be detected, the user may lift the pen unexpectedly at this point, and the line drawing will be interrupted.

[0017] Therefore, another object of the present invention is to provide a sensor system capable of drawing a single line image across the screens of a dual-screen model.

[0018] Means for solving problems

[0019] The sensor system of the present invention is a sensor system for detecting a stylus on at least one panel surface respectively having an effective area, and includes: an acquisition step for acquiring the position of the stylus and a pen pressure value indicating the pressure applied to the tip of the stylus; and a position output step for outputting the position and pen pressure value acquired by the acquisition step to a host processor, and when the position acquired by the acquisition step is outside the effective area, the occurrence of at least one of a pen drop indicating that the stylus has touched the panel surface and a pen lift indicating that the stylus has detached from the panel surface is concealed from the host processor.

[0020] Effects of the Invention

[0021] According to the present invention, since the pen tip does not drop when it is outside the effective area, it is possible to prevent erroneous operations in pen input. In addition, since the pen tip does not lift when it is outside the effective area, it is possible to draw a line across the screens of the dual-screen model. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0022] Figure 1 It is a diagram showing a notebook computer 1 according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

[0023] Figure 2 It is shown Figure 1 FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the internal structure of the laptop computer 1.

[0024] Figure 3 (a)(b) is Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of the housing 2 in the vicinity of the touchpad 5 is shown.

[0025] Figure 4 It is a cross-sectional view of a housing 2 of a notebook computer 1 a constituting a modified example of the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0026] Figure 5This is a diagram showing a process executed by a sensor system of the background art of the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0027] Figure 6 (a) is shown in Figure 5 FIG. 108 shows details of the "status report process" executed in step S108 Figure 6 (b) is shown in Figure 5 A diagram showing details of the "position, etc. reporting process" performed in step S111.

[0028] Figure 7 This is a diagram for explaining the corresponding positions in the effective region R1.

[0029] Figure 8 It shows that the Figure 5 and Figure 6 FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a first example (Comparative Example 1-1) of the result of the process of the background art shown.

[0030] Fig. 9 It shows that the Figure 5 and Figure 6 FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a second example (Comparative Example 1-2) of the result of the process of the background art shown.

[0031] Fig.10 It is a diagram showing a position and other reporting process executed by the sensor system according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0032] Fig.11 It shows that the Fig.10 FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of the result of the position etc. reporting process (Example 1-1).

[0033] Fig.12 It is a diagram showing a position and the like reporting process executed by a sensor system according to a first modification example of the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0034] Fig.13 It shows that the Fig.12 FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of the result of the position etc. reporting process (Example 1-2).

[0035] Fig.14 It is a diagram showing a position and the like reporting process executed by a sensor system according to a second modification example of the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0036] Fig.15 It shows that the Fig.14 The diagram shows an example of the result of the processing of this modification (Example 1-3).

[0037] Fig.16 This is a diagram showing a status report process executed by a sensor system of the background art of the second embodiment of the present invention.

[0038] Fig.17 It shows that the Fig.16 FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a first example (Comparative Example 2-1) of the result of the process of the background art shown.

[0039] Fig.18 It shows that the Fig.16 FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a second example (Comparative Example 2-2) of the result of the process of the background art shown.

[0040] Fig.19 It is a diagram showing a status report process executed by the sensor system according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

[0041] Fig. 20 It shows that the Fig.19 FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of a result of a status report process according to the present embodiment (Example 2).

[0042] Fig.21 It is a diagram showing a tablet terminal 20 according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

[0043] Fig. 22 It is shown Fig.21 FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the internal structure of the tablet terminal 20 .

[0044] Fig.23 It is a diagram for explaining the subject of the third embodiment of the present invention.

[0045] Fig.24 This is a diagram showing an example (Comparative Example 3) of the result of executing the process of the background technology according to the third embodiment of the present invention.

[0046] Fig.25 It is a diagram showing a status report process executed by the sensor system according to the third embodiment of the present invention.

[0047] Fig.26 It is a diagram showing a position and other reporting process executed by a sensor system according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

[0048] Fig. 27 It shows that the Fig.25 and Fig.26 FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of a result of processing according to the third embodiment of the present invention (Example 3).

[0049] Fig.28 This is a diagram showing an example (Comparative Example 4) of the result of executing the process of the background technology according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention.

[0050] Fig.29 It is a diagram showing a status report process executed by the sensor system according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention.

[0051] Fig.30 It is a diagram showing a position and other reporting process executed by a sensor system according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention.

[0052] Fig.31 It shows that the Fig.29 and Fig.30 FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of a result of processing according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention (Example 4). DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0053] Below, while referring to the attached Figure 1 Embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail.

[0054] [First embodiment]

[0055] Figure 1 1 is a diagram showing a notebook computer 1 according to a first embodiment of the present invention. As shown in the figure, the notebook computer 1 is configured to include a housing 2, a display 3, a keyboard 4, and a touch pad 5. Figure 2 1 is a diagram showing the internal structure of the notebook computer 1. In this figure, only the part related to the touch pad 5 is shown. Figure 2 As shown, a host processor 7 is arranged inside the laptop computer 1 .

[0056] The host processor 7 is a central processing unit that controls various parts of the notebook computer 1 and plays a role in reading and executing programs stored in a memory (not shown). The programs executed by the host processor 7 include the operating system of the notebook computer 1, various drawing applications, various communication programs, etc.

[0057] The display 3 is an output unit for outputting visual information according to the control of the host processor 7. The keyboard 4 and the touch pad 5 are input units that receive user input and supply it to the host processor 7. In addition, the notebook computer 1 is also provided with various input and output units and communication units that a general computer has.

[0058] Figure 3 (a) and (b) are cross-sectional views of the housing 2 near the touch pad 5. The touch pad 5 is the above-mentioned click pad, and is configured to include a touch panel 5a, a fulcrum 5b, and a click button 5c. The touch pad 5 is embedded as a whole in a rectangular recess 2c provided in the housing 2, and in the initial state, the surface of the touch panel 5a is maintained in a state parallel to the surface of the housing 2.

[0059] As from Figure 3As can be understood from Fig. 1, the touch panel 5 supports both the pen input and the touch input. The pen input is performed by the user sliding the tip of the stylus pen S on the touch panel 5a and the sensor controller 11 (see Fig. Figure 2 ) detects its trajectory. In addition, the touch input is achieved by the user sliding his finger F on the touch panel 5a and the sensor controller 11 (see Figure 2 ) to detect its trajectory.

[0060] The fulcrum 5b and the click button 5c are respectively arranged between the lower surface of the touch panel 5a and the bottom surface of the recess 2c in the vertical direction. In addition, the fulcrum 5b and the click button 5c are respectively arranged on the inner side and the near front side of the recess 2c in the horizontal direction as viewed from the user of the notebook computer 1. If a pressure is applied by the stylus pen S or the finger F to the upper surface of the touch panel 5a and the vicinity of the click button 5c, as shown in FIG. Figure 3 As shown in (b), a part of the touch panel 5a sinks, and when the sinking amount becomes more than a certain amount, the click button 5c is pressed. Although the click is achieved in this way, when a part of the touch panel 5a is in the sinking state, as shown in FIG. Figure 3 As shown in (b), a step 5d is generated between the touch panel 5a and the housing 2. Since the step 5d is extremely small, it does not cause any problem when a touch input is performed using a relatively thick finger F, but it may cause the above-mentioned erroneous operation when a relatively thin stylus pen S is used for pen input.

[0061] Figure 4 2 is a cross-sectional view of a housing 2 of a notebook computer 1a constituting a modified example of the present embodiment. The notebook computer 1a of the present modified example is different from the notebook computer 1 of the present embodiment in that a touch pad 6 as a discrete type or pressure pad is provided instead of the touch pad 5 as a click pad. The touch pad 6 does not sink like the touch pad 5, but sometimes there is a slight groove 6a as shown in the figure and a step not shown between the touch pad 6 and the side of the recess 2c. Since these obstacles are also extremely small, there will be no problem in the case of touch input based on a relatively thick finger F, but in the case of pen input using the tip of a relatively thin stylus S, it will become the cause of the above-mentioned erroneous operation. The following description focuses on the touch pad 5, but the present invention can also be applied to the touch pad 6 in the same manner.

[0062] return Figure 2The touch panel 5 is constructed to include a sensor 10 including a plurality of sensor electrodes 10x, 10y, a sensor controller 11, a plurality of path selection lines 12x for connecting each sensor electrode 10x to the sensor controller 11, a plurality of path selection lines 12y for connecting each sensor electrode 10y to the sensor controller 11, and a protective wiring LG for isolating each path selection line 12x, 12y from the external environment.

[0063] The sensor controller 11 is an integrated circuit configured to execute multiple processes. The processes executed by the sensor controller 11 include detecting the position of the stylus pen S and the finger F within the panel surface of the touch panel 5a, receiving data sent by the stylus pen S, and outputting the detected position and the received data to the host processor 7. In this specification, this output is sometimes referred to as a "report". The sensor controller 11 and the host processor 7 constitute the sensor system of the present invention, and each of the processes described below is executed by either or both of the sensor controller 11 and the host processor 7.

[0064] The sensor controller 11 and the stylus pen S are configured to be able to communicate bidirectionally via the sensor 10. Hereinafter, the signal sent by the sensor controller 11 to the stylus pen S is referred to as an "uplink signal", and the signal sent by the stylus pen S to the sensor controller 11 is referred to as a "downlink signal". The details of the communication between the sensor controller 11 and the stylus pen S will be referred to later. Figure 5 and Figure 6 Let me explain in detail.

[0065] like Figure 2 As shown, the touch panel 5 is configured to have an effective area R1 and a detectable area R2. The effective area R1 is an area corresponding to the panel surface of the touch panel 5a. On the other hand, the detectable area R2 is an area of ​​the effective area R1 in which the sensor controller 11 can detect the stylus S. The detectable area R2 is configured to surround the effective area R1.

[0066] Hereinafter, after first describing the background technology processing of the present embodiment, the processing executed by the sensor system of the present embodiment will be described in detail.

[0067] Figure 5 1 is a diagram showing the processing performed by the sensor system of the background technology of this embodiment. In this diagram, the following processing is shown: the sensor controller 11 pairs with a new stylus pen S, obtains the state and position of the stylus pen S, and reports to the host processor 7. In addition, Figure 6 (a) is shown in Figure 5 FIG. 1 is a diagram showing details of the "status report process" executed in step S108 of FIG. 1 . Figure 6 (b) is shown in Figure 5A diagram showing details of the "position, etc. reporting process" performed in step S111.

[0068] First, the sensor controller 11 transmits an uplink signal via the sensor 10 (step S100). The sensor controller 11 periodically transmits the uplink signal and performs a downlink signal reception operation each time (step S101).

[0069] The sensor controller 11 determines whether a downlink signal is received as a result of the receiving action performed in step S101 (step S102). If it is determined that the downlink signal is not received, the sensor controller 11 returns to step S100 and repeats the process. On the other hand, if it is determined that the downlink signal is received, the sensor controller 11 performs pairing with the stylus pen S as the transmission source of the downlink signal (step S103). Specifically, the sensor controller 11 determines the communication resources (time slot, frequency, spread spectrum code, etc.) allocated to the stylus pen S and the local ID allocated to the stylus pen S, and sends an uplink signal representing them. In addition, the sensor controller 11 receives the pen ID from the stylus pen S using the downlink signal sent as a response to the uplink signal. In the case of successfully receiving the pen ID in this way, the sensor controller 11 establishes a correspondence between the received pen ID and the information indicating the allocated communication resources and the allocated local ID and stores them. The processing so far is completed and the pairing is successful. The allocated communication resources and local ID are saved in the stylus pen S paired with the sensor controller 11.

[0070] After step S103 is completed, the sensor controller 11 determines whether pairing with the stylus pen S is successful (step S104). If it is determined to be unsuccessful, the sensor controller 11 returns to step S100 and repeats the process. On the other hand, if it is determined to be successful, the sensor controller 11 performs initial settings for the processing described below (step S105). Specifically, the value of the pairing release flag described below is set to the initial value False.

[0071] Next, the sensor controller 11 sends an uplink signal (step S106). The uplink signal can include a local ID assigned to the paired stylus pen S and a command signal indicating a command to the stylus pen S. The stylus pen S that receives the uplink signal sends a downlink signal at a timing determined based on the reception timing of the uplink signal and the pre-stored communication resources. In addition, when the uplink signal includes a command signal including a local ID assigned to itself, the processing indicated by the command signal is performed.

[0072] The downlink signal includes a position signal for the sensor controller 11 to detect the position of the stylus pen S and a pressure value indicating the pressure applied to the pen tip of the stylus pen S. The stylus pen S is configured to have a pressure sensor for detecting the pressure value. The pressure value detected by the pressure sensor becomes 0 when the pen tip of the stylus pen S is not in contact with the panel surface, and becomes a value greater than 0 when there is no contact. When the command signal requests the transmission of specific data, the data is also included in the downlink signal.

[0073] The sensor controller 11 performs a downlink signal reception operation at the timing when the stylus pen S transmits the downlink signal (step S107 : reception step) Then, firstly, a status report process is performed (step S108 ).

[0074] One side reference Figure 6 (a) The status report processing is explained. Figure 6 As shown in (a), the sensor controller 11 that has started the status report processing determines whether a downlink signal is received as a result of executing step S107 (step S120). If it is determined that it is received, the sensor controller 11 obtains the positions x and y of the stylus pen S based on the reception strength of the position signals at each of the multiple sensor electrodes 10x and 10y, and obtains the pen pressure value P contained in the downlink signal (step S121. Acquisition step). Then, it is determined whether a change in the pen pressure value P from 0 to a value greater than 0 is detected (step S122). If it is determined that it is detected, the pen drop information indicating the occurrence of the pen drop (the stylus pen S touches the panel surface of the touch panel 5a) is output to the host processor 7 in a manner associated with the local ID (step S123. Status output step). If it is determined that it is not detected, the status report processing is terminated.

[0075] When it is determined in step S120 that no downlink signal is received, the sensor controller 11 outputs pen-lift information indicating the occurrence of pen-lift (the stylus pen S has detached from the panel surface of the touch panel 5a) to the host processor 7 in a manner associated with the local ID (step S125. Status output step), and further sets the value of the pairing release flag to True (step S126), thereby ending the status report processing.

[0076] return Figure 5. The sensor controller 11, which has completed the status report processing, determines the value of the pairing release flag (step S109). As a result, when the value of the pairing release flag is True, the sensor controller 11 releases the pairing with the stylus S (step S110. Pairing release step). Specifically, the pen ID and information representing the communication resources stored in a manner corresponding to the assigned local ID are deleted. The sensor controller 11 then returns to step S100 and repeats the process. On the other hand, when it is determined to be False in step S109, the sensor controller 11 performs the reporting processing of the location, etc. (step S111), and then returns the processing to step S106.

[0077] One side reference Figure 6 (b) The processing of reporting the position, etc. is explained. Figure 6 As shown in (b), the sensor controller 11 that has started the position etc. reporting process first determines whether the position x, y obtained in step S102 is within the effective area R1 (step S130). As a result, if it is determined that the position is within the effective area R1, the sensor controller 11 outputs the position x, y and the pen pressure value P to the host processor 7 in a manner associated with the local ID (step S131. Position etc. output step), and the process ends. On the other hand, if it is determined that the position is not within the effective area R1, the sensor controller 11 obtains the position within the effective area R1 corresponding to the position x, y (corresponding position), and outputs it to the host processor 7 together with the local ID and the pen pressure value P (step S132).

[0078] Figure 7 This is a diagram for explaining the corresponding positions in the effective region R1. In this diagram, the long side direction of the effective region R1 is set to the x direction, and the direction orthogonal to the x direction is set to the y direction. In addition, the x coordinate of one end in the x direction, the x coordinate of the other end in the x direction, the y coordinate of one end in the y direction, and the y coordinate of the other end in the y direction of the effective region R1 are set to x0, x1, y0, and y1, respectively. Moreover, the x coordinate of the other end in the x direction (the end on the x1 side) of the detectable region R2 is set to x2 (>x1).

[0079] The sensor controller 11 compares the position x obtained in step S121 with x0 and x1. As a result, when x is smaller than x0, x is replaced by x0, and when x is larger than x1, x is replaced by x1. In addition, the sensor controller 11 compares the position y obtained in step S121 with y0 and y1, and when y is smaller than y0, y is replaced by y0, and when y is larger than y1, y is replaced by y1. The corresponding position in the effective area R1 corresponding to the positions x and y is the position obtained as a result of the replacement process.

[0080] Figure 8 It shows that the Figure 5 and Figure 6 A diagram of the first example (comparison example 1-1) of the result of the processing of the background technology shown. The times t0 to t14 shown in the figure correspond to the sending timing of the downlink signal of the stylus S. The stylus S of this comparison example approaches the panel surface of the touch panel 5a from the upper direction of the effective area R1 from time t0 to time t1, and after contacting the panel surface between times t2 and t3, maintains the contact state unchanged, moves to the detectable area R2 between times t5 and t6, and returns to the effective area R1 between times t10 and t11, and then detaches from the panel surface after time t12. It should be noted that the positions x0, x1, x2, y0, y1 shown in the figure are based on Figure 7 Example shown.

[0081] If the stylus pen S approaches the panel surface, the sensor controller 11 can obtain the position x, y and the pressure value P at time t1 after the above pairing. Since the tip of the stylus pen S has not yet touched the panel surface at this time point, the pressure value P is 0. In addition, since the stylus pen S is above the effective area R1, the detected positions x and y satisfy x0≤x≤x1 and y0≤y≤y1.

[0082] Afterwards, if the tip of the stylus pen S contacts the effective area R1 between time t2 and t3, the pen pressure value P changes to a value greater than 0 at time t3. Then, if the tip of the stylus pen S moves toward the detectable area R2 between time t5 and t6, the detected positions x and y change to positions within the detectable area R2 at time t6. Figure 8 2 shows the case where the position x changes to a value satisfying x1≤x≤x2. Afterwards, if the tip of the stylus pen S returns to the effective region R1 again between time t10 and t11, the detected positions x and y return to positions within the effective region R1 at time t11.

[0083] Furthermore, if the tip of the stylus pen S is separated from the panel surface between time t12 and t13, the pressure value P at time t13 changes to 0. Then, if the distance between the stylus pen S and the panel surface increases between time t13 and t14, the downlink signal no longer reaches the sensor 10 at time t14, and the sensor controller 11 becomes unable to obtain the position x, y and the pressure value P.

[0084] Between time t1 and time t13 when the position x, y and the pressure value P can be obtained, the sensor controller 11 continuously outputs the position x, y and the pressure value P to the host processor 7 in a manner associated with the local ID. However, between time t6 and time t10 when the tip of the stylus pen S is within the detectable area R2, the coordinates of the corresponding position within the effective area R1 are output instead of the obtained position x, y. In this example, Figure 8 As shown, the output position x1, y.

[0085] Furthermore, the sensor controller 11 outputs pen-down information to the host processor 7 at time t3 when the writing pressure value P changes to a value greater than 0. Furthermore, the sensor controller 11 outputs pen-up information to the host processor 7 at time t14 when it becomes impossible to receive a downlink signal.

[0086] Here, the host processor 7 of the present embodiment is configured to determine the state of the stylus pen S based on the pen pressure value P supplied from the sensor controller 11. Specifically, when the pen pressure value P is 0, it is determined that the pen is lifted, and when the pen pressure value P changes from 0 to a value greater than 0, it is determined that the pen is down. While the pen pressure value P continues to be greater than 0, the host processor 7 determines that the stylus pen S is in a moving state, which indicates that the stylus pen S is sliding on the panel surface. The state determined in this way is used by the host processor 7 for the movement of the pointer displayed on the screen, touch operation, generation and drawing of stroke data, etc.

[0087] In addition, the host processor 7 of this embodiment is configured to end the processing related to the stylus S when receiving the supply of pen lift information from the sensor controller 11. Thereafter, even if the same stylus S is used again, the processing such as stroke data generation by the host processor 7 is executed as a processing independent of the previous processing.

[0088] Fig. 9 It shows that the Figure 5 and Figure 6 The second example (Comparative Example 1-2) of the result of the processing of the background technology shown in FIG. Figure 3 (b) is different from Comparative Example 1-1 in that the step 5d shown is different from Comparative Example 1-1, and is the same as Comparative Example 1-1 in other points.

[0089] While the pen tip passes through the step 5d, the pen pressure value P obtained by the sensor controller 11 becomes 0. In addition, the pen pressure value P temporarily becomes a large value immediately after passing through the step 5d. Fig. 9 And in the subsequent figures, it is written as "P>>0".

[0090] Since the pen pressure value P changes from 0 to a value greater than 0 at time t9, the host processor 7 detects the pen falling at time t9. The pen falling is caused by the passage of an obstacle and is not intentionally caused by the user. In addition, the position supplied to the host processor 7 at time t9 is not the actual position of the tip of the stylus S (the position within the detectable area R2), but is replaced by the corresponding position within the effective area R1. Therefore, if an operable GUI (Graphical User Interface) such as a "Close" button is displayed at a position within the display 3 corresponding to the corresponding position within the effective area R1, a touch operation will be unintentionally generated, which will be recognized by the user as an erroneous operation.

[0091] The sensor system of this embodiment prevents the above-mentioned erroneous operation by concealing the occurrence of pen down from the host processor 7 when the acquired positions x and y are outside the effective area R1. The processing performed by the sensor system of this embodiment for this purpose will be described in detail below.

[0092] Fig.10 is a diagram showing the position and other reporting processing performed by the sensor system of this embodiment. Figure 6 (b) As can be understood from the comparison, the position etc. reporting process executed by the sensor system of the present embodiment is different from the position etc. reporting process executed by the sensor system of the background art in that steps S1 to S5 are added. The following description will focus on the differences.

[0093] like Fig.10 As shown, the sensor system of this embodiment sets the value of the output substitution flag to False after the execution of step S131 (step S1). The output substitution flag is set by the sensor controller 11 in Figure 6 The variable is False when the pen pressure value P obtained in step S121 of (a) is directly reported, and is True in other cases. The initial value of the output replacement flag is False. Figure 5 is initially set in step S105.

[0094] In addition, when the sensor system of this embodiment determines in step S130 that the position x, y is not within the effective area R1, it first determines whether the pen pressure value P is 0 (step S2). And, when it is determined that the pen pressure value P is 0, the value of the output substitution flag is set to True (step S3), and the process proceeds to step S4. When it is determined that the pen pressure value P is not 0, the sensor system does not change the value of the output substitution flag and proceeds to step S4.

[0095] In step S4, the sensor system determines the value of the output substitution flag (step S4). As a result, when it is determined that the value of the output substitution flag is False, the corresponding position and the pen pressure value P in the effective area R1 are output to the host processor 7 in a manner associated with the local ID assigned during pairing (step S132). On the other hand, when it is determined that the value of the output substitution flag is True, the sensor system limits the output of the pen pressure value P. Specifically, the corresponding position in the effective area R1 and the pen pressure value 0 (i.e., the pen pressure value indicating non-contact) are output to the host processor 7 in a manner associated with the local ID assigned during pairing (step S5). Thus, when the tip of the stylus pen S is outside the effective area R1 and the pen pressure value P becomes 0 even once, the pen pressure value 0 is reported instead of the pen pressure value P until the tip of the stylus pen S returns to the effective area R1.

[0096] Fig.11 It shows that the Fig.10 The operation of the stylus pen S in this embodiment is similar to the example of the result of the position reporting process shown in FIG. Fig. 9 The operation of the stylus pen S in the comparative example 1-2 shown is the same. The difference between this embodiment and the comparative example 1-2 is that the sensor controller 11 receives the operation of the stylus pen S and the content of the data output to the host processor 7 is different.

[0097] Specifically, during the period from time t7 when the pen tip of the stylus pen S is outside the effective area R1 and the pen pressure value P becomes 0 until the pen tip of the stylus pen S returns to the effective area R1, the pen pressure value P is directly output in Comparative Example 1-2, but the pen pressure value 0 is output in this embodiment. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the host processor 7 from causing the pen to fall due to the rapid increase of the pen pressure value P at time t9.

[0098] As described above, according to the sensor system of this embodiment, it is possible to prevent the pen from being dropped against the user's intention when the tip of the stylus pen S is outside the effective area R1. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the occurrence of erroneous operations such as the accidental touch of the "off" button displayed at the end of the display 3 due to obstacles such as steps and grooves existing in the detectable area R2.

[0099] Here, some modifications can be considered for this embodiment. Figure 1 The first and second modified examples of this embodiment will be described.

[0100] Fig.12 1 is a diagram showing the position and other reporting processing performed by the sensor system of the first modified example of this embodiment. Fig.10As can be understood by comparison, the sensor system of this modification is different from the sensor system of this embodiment in that the output of the writing pressure value P is limited by not executing step S5. Since step S5 is not executed, if the writing pressure value P becomes 0 when the pen tip of the stylus pen S is outside the effective area R1, the position x, y and the writing pressure value P are not supplied to the host processor 7 until the pen tip of the stylus pen S returns to the effective area R1. Therefore, as in this embodiment, it is possible to prevent the host processor 7 from causing the pen to fall due to the rapid increase of the writing pressure value P at time t9.

[0101] Fig.13 It shows that the Fig.12 The operation of the stylus pen S in this embodiment is also similar to the example of the result of the position reporting process shown in FIG. Fig. 9 The actions of the stylus pen S in the comparative example 1-2 shown are the same. Fig.13 As shown, in this embodiment, during the period from time t7 when the tip of the stylus pen S is outside the effective area R1 and the pressure value P becomes 0 to the time when the tip of the stylus pen S returns to the effective area R1, the reporting of the position x, y and the pressure value P to the host processor 7 is stopped. During the reporting stop period, the host processor 7 maintains the state of the stylus pen S and waits for the reporting to be resumed. After the reporting is resumed, the processing such as the movement of the pointer displayed on the screen, the generation and drawing of the stroke data, etc. is resumed.

[0102] As described above, according to the sensor system of this modified example, it is also possible to prevent the pen from being dropped when the tip of the stylus pen S is outside the effective area R1. Therefore, as in the present embodiment, it is possible to prevent the occurrence of erroneous operations such as an erroneous touch of the "off" button displayed at the end of the display 3 due to obstacles such as steps and grooves existing in the detectable area R2.

[0103] Fig.14 2 is a diagram showing a position and other reporting process performed by a sensor system according to a second variant of the present embodiment. Fig.10 As can be understood from the comparison, the sensor system of the present modification is different from the sensor system of the present embodiment in that “step S10 is executed between step S131 and step S1 , step S11 is executed after step S132 , and step S12 is executed instead of step S5 ”.

[0104] Steps S10 and S11 are steps for substituting the pen pressure value P into the variable Pa. The variable Pa is used to temporarily store the pen pressure value P. The initial value of the variable Pa is 0. Figure 5 The step S12 is similar to the step S105 in that the output of the writing pressure value P is limited by outputting the writing pressure value Pa (first value) instead of the writing pressure value 0. Fig.10According to these processes, if the pen pressure value P becomes 0 when the pen tip of the stylus pen S is outside the effective area R1, the pen pressure value Pa (>0) immediately before the pen pressure value P becomes 0 is output instead of the newly acquired pen pressure value P until the pen tip of the stylus pen S returns to the effective area R1. Therefore, as in the present embodiment, it is possible to prevent the host processor 7 from causing the pen to fall due to the rapid increase of the pen pressure value P at time t9.

[0105] Fig.15 It shows that the Fig.14 The operation of the stylus pen S in this embodiment is also similar to the example of the result of the position reporting process shown in FIG. Fig. 9 The actions of the stylus pen S in the comparative example 1-2 shown are the same. Fig.15 As shown, in this embodiment, during the period from time t7 when the pen tip of the stylus pen S is outside the effective area R1 and the pen pressure value P becomes 0 to the time when the pen tip of the stylus pen S returns to the effective area R1, the pen pressure value Pa is reported to the host processor 7 instead of the pen pressure value P. Therefore, the pen pressure value P at time t9 which rises rapidly due to an obstacle such as a step or a groove is not reported to the host processor 7.

[0106] As described above, the sensor system of this modified example can also prevent the pen from being dropped when the tip of the stylus pen S is outside the effective area R1. Therefore, as in the present embodiment, it is possible to prevent erroneous operations such as an erroneous touch of the "off" button displayed at the end of the display 3 due to obstacles such as steps and grooves existing in the detectable area R2.

[0107] It should be noted that, in this embodiment, similar to the second embodiment described later, when the tip of the stylus pen S is outside the effective area R1, the pen-down output may not be performed. In this way, even if some application performs processing corresponding to the pen state supplied from the sensor controller 11, the pen-down can be prevented from occurring when the tip of the stylus pen S is outside the effective area R1.

[0108] [Second embodiment]

[0109] Next, the sensor system of the second embodiment of the present invention is described. The sensor system of this embodiment is different from the sensor system of the first embodiment in that the sensor controller 11 outputs the timing of pen lifting. In addition, the processing performed by the host processor 7 is also different from the processing described in the first embodiment. The following is a description focusing on the differences.

[0110] Fig.16The status reporting process performed by the sensor system of the background technology of this embodiment is shown in FIG. The status reporting process shown in this figure is different from the previous one in that step S125 is not performed and steps S127 and S128 are added. Figure 6 The status report shown in (a) is processed differently.

[0111] After the processing of steps S122 and S123 is completed, the sensor system of the background technology determines whether a change in the pen pressure value P from a value greater than 0 to 0 is detected (step S127). If it is determined to be detected, the above-mentioned pen lift information is output to the host processor 7 in a manner of establishing an association with the local ID (step S128. Status output step). If it is determined that it is not detected, the status report processing is ended.

[0112] The host processor 7 of this embodiment is different from the host processor 7 of the first embodiment, and is configured to use the pen state (pen up or pen down) supplied from the sensor controller 11 as the state of the stylus pen S. That is, the host processor 7 of this embodiment performs processing such as movement of the pointer displayed on the screen, touch operation, generation and drawing of stroke data based on the pen state supplied from the sensor controller 11.

[0113] Fig.17 It shows that the Fig.16 The first example (Comparative Example 2-1) of the processing result of the background technology shown in FIG. Figure 8 The operation of the stylus pen S in the comparative example 1-1 shown is the same. Fig.17 As shown in the comparative example, the pen lift information is reported to the host processor 7 when the pen pressure value P becomes 0 at time t13. As a result, the state of the stylus S held in the host processor 7 is different from that in FIG. Figure 8 The same as Comparative Example 1-1.

[0114] Fig.18 It shows that the Fig.16 The second example (Comparative Example 2-2) of the processing result of the background technology shown in FIG. Fig. 9 The operation of the stylus pen S in the comparative example 1-2 shown is the same. Fig.18 As shown, in this comparative example, at each of time t7 and t13, the pen lift information is reported to the host processor 7. As a result, the state of the stylus S held in the host processor 7 is different from that of the stylus S held in the host processor 7. Fig. 9 The same as Comparative Example 1-2.

[0115] Here, in the first embodiment, the pen tip of the stylus pen S is prevented from being outside the effective area R1 by changing the output content of the pen pressure value P or stopping the output of the pen pressure value P. However, in this embodiment, since the processing of the host processor 7 is different, it is impossible to prevent the pen tip of the stylus pen S from being outside the effective area R1 by the same method as the first embodiment. Therefore, in the sensor system of this embodiment, the pen tip of the stylus pen S is prevented from being outside the effective area R1 by stopping the output of the pen state from the sensor controller 11. The following is a detailed description.

[0116] Fig.19 is a diagram showing the status report processing performed by the sensor system of this embodiment. Fig.16 As can be understood, the position and other information reporting process executed by the sensor system of the present embodiment is different from the position and other information reporting process executed by the sensor system of the related art in that step S20 is added.

[0117] Step S20 is a step of determining whether the position x, y acquired in step S121 is within the effective region R1. When the sensor system of this embodiment determines in step S20 that the position is within the effective region R1, the processing of steps S122 and S127 is performed in the same manner as the sensor system of the background art. On the other hand, when it is determined that the position is not within the effective region R1, the processing of steps S122 and S127 is skipped. Therefore, when the position x, y is not within the effective region R1, the pen state is not reported from the sensor controller 11 to the host processor 7.

[0118] Fig. 20 It shows that the Fig.19 The example of the result of the status report processing shown in FIG. 2 (Example 2). The operation of the stylus pen S in this embodiment is similar to Fig.18 The operation of the stylus pen S in the comparative example 2-2 shown is the same. The difference between this embodiment and the comparative example 2-2 is that the sensor controller 11 receives the operation of the stylus pen S and outputs different contents of the pen state to the host processor 7 .

[0119] Specifically, during the period from time t6 to time t10 when the tip of the stylus pen S is outside the effective area R1, the pen-up and pen-down are output once each in Comparative Example 2-2, but not once in this embodiment. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the pen-down operation from occurring due to the rapid increase in the pen pressure value P at time t9.

[0120] As described above, the sensor system of this embodiment can also prevent the pen from being dropped against the user's intention when the tip of the stylus pen S is outside the effective area R1. Therefore, as in the first embodiment, it is possible to prevent erroneous operations such as an erroneous touch of the "off" button displayed at the end of the display 3 due to obstacles such as steps and grooves existing in the detectable area R2.

[0121] It should be noted that in this embodiment, as described in the first embodiment and its first and second variations, when the pen tip is outside the effective area R1, the output content of the pen pressure value P may be changed or the output of the pen pressure value P may be stopped.

[0122] [Third Embodiment]

[0123] Next, a sensor system according to a third embodiment of the present invention will be described.

[0124] Fig.21 2 is a diagram showing a tablet terminal 20 of the present embodiment. The tablet terminal 20 is the above-mentioned dual-screen model, and has a structure in which a housing 2a having a display 3a (first display) and a housing 2b having a display 3b (second display) are connected via a hinge 21. The housing 2b is configured to be rotatable 360 ​​degrees along the arrow A shown in the figure with the hinge 21 as the center.

[0125] The displays 3a and 3b are respectively configured to support both pen input and touch input. Pen input is performed by the user sliding the tip of a stylus pen S on the displays 3a and 3b and the sensor controllers 11a and 11b (see Fig. 22 ) detects its trajectory. In addition, touch input is achieved by the user sliding his finger F on the display 3a, 3b and the sensor controller 11a, 11b (see Fig. 22 ) to detect its trajectory.

[0126] Fig. 22 2 is a diagram showing the internal structure of the tablet terminal 20. In this figure, only the parts related to the pen input and touch input of the displays 3a and 3b are shown. As shown in this figure, the tablet terminal 20 is also configured to have a host processor 7. The host processor 7 is a central processing unit that controls various parts of the tablet terminal 20 and plays a role in reading and executing programs stored in a memory not shown in the figure. The programs executed by the host processor 7 include the operating system of the tablet terminal 20, various drawing applications, various communication programs, etc.

[0127] In addition, the display 3a is configured to include a sensor 10a including a plurality of sensor electrodes 10xa and 10ya, a sensor controller 11a, a plurality of path selection lines 12xa for connecting each sensor electrode 10xa to the sensor controller 11a, a plurality of path selection lines 12ya for connecting each sensor electrode 10ya to the sensor controller 11a, and a protection wiring LG for isolating each path selection line 12xa and 12ya from the external environment. Similarly, the display 3b is configured to include a sensor 10b including a plurality of sensor electrodes 10xb and 10yb, a sensor controller 11b, a plurality of path selection lines 12xb for connecting each sensor electrode 10xb to the sensor controller 11b, a plurality of path selection lines 12yb for connecting each sensor electrode 10yb to the sensor controller 11b, and a protection wiring LG for isolating each path selection line 12xb and 12yb from the external environment.

[0128] The path selection lines 12xa and 12xb are connected to the ends of the corresponding sensor electrodes 10xa and 10xb in the y direction. Fig.21 The end portion is shown as being far from the hinge 21. The routing lines 12xa and 12xb are configured in this way in order to make the distance between the screens of the displays 3a and 3b as short as possible.

[0129] The sensor controllers 11a and 11b are integrated circuits configured to execute multiple processes. The processes executed by the sensor controllers 11a and 11b include detecting the position of the stylus pen S and the finger F within the panel surface of the display 3a and 3b, receiving data sent by the stylus pen S, and reporting the detected position and received data to the host processor 7. The sensor controllers 11a and 11b and the host processor 7 constitute the sensor system of the present invention, and each of the processes described below is executed by any one or more of the sensor controllers 11a and 11b and the host processor 7.

[0130] The sensor controllers 11a and 11b are configured to be able to communicate bidirectionally with the stylus S via the sensors 10a and 10b, respectively, similarly to the sensor controller 11 of the first embodiment. Hereinafter, the signal sent by the sensor controllers 11a and 11b to the stylus S is referred to as an "uplink signal", and the signal sent by the stylus S to the sensor controllers 11a and 11b is referred to as a "downlink signal".

[0131] like Fig. 22As shown, the display 3a is configured to have an effective area R1a and a detectable area R2a. The effective area R1a is an area corresponding to the panel surface of the display 3a. The detectable area R2a is an area outside the effective area R1a in the area where the sensor controller 11a can detect the stylus S. The detectable area R2a is configured to surround the effective area R1a.

[0132] Similarly, the display 3b is configured to have an effective area R1b and a detectable area R2b. The effective area R1b is an area corresponding to the panel surface of the display 3b. The detectable area R2b is an area outside the effective area R1b in which the sensor controller 11b can detect the stylus S. The detectable area R2b is configured to surround the effective area R1b.

[0133] A dead zone R3 where the stylus pen S cannot be detected is formed between the detectable area R2a and the detectable area R2b. When the tip of the stylus pen S is within the dead zone R3, the sensor controllers 11a and 11b cannot receive the downlink signal from the stylus pen S.

[0134] Processing and reference performed by the sensor system of the background art of the present embodiment Figure 5 and Figure 6 The processing described is the same. It should be noted that the sensor controllers 11a, 11b and the host processor 7 of the background technology of this embodiment are configured to communicate with each other as needed to process the displays 3a, 3b as one touch surface. Specifically, one of the sensor controllers 11a, 11b is configured to share the information of the paired stylus S with the other sensor controller 11a, 11b.

[0135] In addition, the host processor 7 of this embodiment is configured similarly to the first embodiment to determine the state of the stylus S based on the pen pressure value P supplied from the sensor controllers 11a and 11b, and terminate the processing related to the stylus S when receiving a report of pen lift information from the sensor controller 11.

[0136] Fig.23: is a diagram for explaining the subject of the present embodiment. In this figure, a case where the housing 2b is arranged at a position of 180 degrees is shown, and the stroke data ST shown in this figure is an example of stroke data that should be considered to be intended to be drawn by the user of the tablet terminal 20. The stroke data ST spans between the displays 3a and 3b and constitutes a connected line drawing. According to the sensor system of the background technology of the present embodiment, even if such stroke data ST is to be drawn using a stylus pen S, sometimes the user may lift the pen unexpectedly or the pairing may be released between the displays 3a and 3b, resulting in two different stroke data for each display 3a and 3b. This is caused by the existence of obstacles such as steps and grooves, and dead zones R3 between the displays 3a and 3b. Therefore, the subject of the sensor system of the present embodiment is to prevent the user from lifting the pen unexpectedly or releasing the pairing between the displays 3a and 3b, thereby Fig.23 As shown in FIG. 1 , one line of travel data can be drawn across the displays 3 a and 3 b.

[0137] exist Fig.23 , the coordinates used in the following description are also shown. As shown in the figure, in the following description, the arrangement direction of the effective regions R1a and R1b is set to the y direction, and the direction orthogonal to the y direction is set to the x direction. In addition, the x coordinate of one end of the effective region R1a in the x direction and the x coordinate of the other end in the x direction are set to x0 and x1, respectively. In this case, the x coordinate of one end of the effective region R1b in the x direction and the x coordinate of the other end in the x direction are also set to x0 and x1, respectively. Moreover, the y coordinate of one end of the effective area R1a in the y direction, the y coordinate of the other end of the effective area R1a in the y direction, the y coordinate of the other end of the detectable area R2a in the y direction (the end on the effective area R1b side), the y coordinate of one end of the detectable area R2b in the y direction (the end on the effective area R1a side), the y coordinate of one end of the effective area R1b in the y direction, and the y coordinate of the other end of the effective area R1b in the y direction are set to y0, y1, y2, y3, y4, and y5, respectively.

[0138] In the following description, the region satisfying y1≤y≤y2 in the detectable region R2a is sometimes specifically referred to as a specific detectable region R2aa, and the region satisfying y3≤y≤y4 in the detectable region R2b is sometimes specifically referred to as a specific detectable region R2ba. Fig.23 In FIG. 1 , these specific detectable areas R2aa and R2ba are clearly indicated by hatching.

[0139] Fig.24: is a diagram showing an example (comparative example 3) of the result of executing the processing of the background technology of the present embodiment. The time t0 to t17 shown in the figure corresponds to the transmission timing of the downlink signal of the stylus S. The stylus S of this comparative example approaches the display 3a from the upper side of the effective area R1a from time t0 to time t1, and after contacting the panel surface of the display 3a between time t2 and t3, maintains the contact state unchanged, and moves to the specific detectable area R2aa between time t5 and t6. After that, it moves to the dead zone R3 between time t8 and t9, moves to the specific detectable area R2ba between time t10 and t11, moves to the effective area R1b between time t13 and t14, and detaches from the panel surface of the display 3b after time t15.

[0140] like Fig.24 As shown in FIG. 1 , if the stylus pen S approaches the display 3a, the sensor controller 11a can obtain the position x, y and the pressure value P at time t1 after the pairing described above. Since the tip of the stylus pen S has not yet touched the panel surface at this time point, the pressure value P is 0. In addition, since the stylus pen S is above the effective area R1a, the detected positions x and y satisfy x0≤x≤x1 and y0≤y≤y1.

[0141] Afterwards, if the tip of the stylus pen S contacts the effective area R1a between time t2 and t3, the pen pressure value P at time t3 changes to a value greater than 0. Next, if the tip of the stylus pen S moves to the specific detectable area R2aa between time t5 and t6, the detected positions x and y change to positions within the specific detectable area R2aa at time t6.

[0142] exist Fig.24 2 shows a case where an obstacle such as a step or a groove exists in the specific detectable area R2aa. Due to the influence of the obstacle, the writing pressure value P temporarily becomes 0 at time t7, and temporarily becomes a large value at time t8.

[0143] If the tip of the stylus pen S moves to the dead zone R3 between time t8 and time t9, the sensor controllers 11a and 11b cannot receive the downlink signal from the stylus pen S, so the position x, y and the pen pressure value P are not detected. Figure 5 In step S110 , the pairing with the stylus pen S is temporarily released.

[0144] Afterwards, if the tip of the stylus pen S enters the specific detectable area R2ba between time t10 and t11, pairing is performed again, and at time t11, the detected positions x and y change to positions within the specific detectable area R2aa. Furthermore, if the tip of the stylus pen S enters the effective area R1b between time t13 and t14, at time t14, the detected positions x and y change to positions within the effective area R1b. Fig.23 , there is no obstacle such as a step or a groove in the specific detectable area R2ba, but it is possible that there is one. In this case, the same change in the pen pressure value P as at times t7 and t8 will be observed.

[0145] If the tip of the stylus pen S is separated from the panel surface between time t15 and t16, the pressure value P at time t16 changes to 0. Furthermore, if the distance between the stylus pen S and the panel surface increases between time t16 and t17, the downlink signal no longer reaches the sensor 10b at time t17, and the sensor controller 11b is unable to obtain the position x, y and the pressure value P again.

[0146] During the period from time t1 to time t8, the sensor controller 11a sends a signal to the host processor 7 with the first local ID (in Fig.24 In addition, during the period from time t11 to time t16, the sensor controller 11b outputs the position x, y and the pen pressure value P in a manner associated with the second local ID (in Fig.24 The position x, y and the pen pressure value P are outputted in a manner of associating the position y with the pen tip of the stylus pen S in the detectable area R2a, R2b (hereinafter referred to as "LID2"). However, during the period from time t6 to time t8 and from time t11 to time t13 when the tip of the stylus pen S is in the detectable area R2a, R2b, the corresponding position (position y1 or position y4) in the effective area is outputted instead of the acquired position y.

[0147] The host processor 7 determines that the pen is down when the pen pressure value P changes to a value greater than 0 at time t3, t8, and t11. In addition, when the pen pressure value P is 0 at time t1, t2, t7, and t16, it is determined that the stylus pen S is in the pen-up state. In addition, when the sensor controllers 11a and 11b report the pen-up information at time t9 and t17 when the downlink signal cannot be received, the host processor 7 can end the processing related to the stylus pen S at each time t9 and t17.

[0148] The pen lift at time t7, the pairing release at time t9, and the end of the processing related to the stylus S in the host processor 7 are important for the image to be drawn. Fig.23 The displayed travel data ST is unexpected for the user. As a result, the line drawing that the user wants to draw is interrupted against the user's intention.

[0149] When the acquired positions x and y are outside the effective area R1, the sensor system of this embodiment conceals the occurrence of pen lift from the host processor 7 and temporarily suspends the cancellation of pairing, thereby preventing the interruption of the line drawing as described above. The processing performed by the sensor system of this embodiment for this purpose is described in detail below.

[0150] Fig.25 is a diagram showing the status report processing performed by the sensor system of this embodiment. Figure 6 (a) Comparison As can be understood, the position and other information reporting process executed by the sensor system of this embodiment is different from the status reporting process executed by the sensor system of the background art in that steps S30 to S34 are added. The following mainly describes the difference.

[0151] like Fig.25 As shown, when the sensor system of this embodiment determines in step S120 that it is impossible to receive the downlink signal, it first determines whether the tip of the stylus pen S is located in the area between the screens of the display 3a and the display 3b (between the panel surfaces) (step S30. Determination step). The sensor system sets the determination result of step S30 to affirmative when the last acquired positions x and y are in any of the specific detectable areas R2aa and R2ba, and sets the determination result of step S30 to negative in other cases.

[0152] The sensor system that obtains a negative result in step S30 performs a reference Figure 6 (a) Steps S125 and S126 described above terminate the status report processing. Figure 5 In step S110 , the pairing with the stylus pen S is released.

[0153] On the other hand, the sensor system that obtains a positive result in step S30 determines whether the variable N is greater than the specified value K (step S32). The initial value of the variable N is 0. Figure 5 In step S105, it is initially set. If it is determined in step S32 that it is greater than the specified value K, the sensor system executes steps S125 and S126 to end the status report processing. Figure 5 In step S110, the pairing with the stylus pen S is released. On the other hand, the sensor system that is determined to be not greater than the specified value K in step S30 increases the variable N by 1 (step S32). Through these processes, the output of the pen lift information and the execution of the pairing release are suspended for a specified period specified by the specified value K.

[0154] The sensor system may also terminate the status report processing immediately after completing step S32, but may also terminate the status report processing immediately after completing step S32. Fig.25As shown by the dotted line, the position x, y and pen pressure value P are output to the host processor 7 in a manner associated with the local ID using the same values ​​as last time (step S33. Last value output step). In this way, even when the tip of the stylus pen S is in the dead zone R3, the valid position x, y and pen pressure value P can continue to be output to the host processor 7.

[0155] In addition, when the sensor system of this embodiment determines in step S120 that a downlink signal is received, the position x, y and the pen pressure value P are obtained in step S121, and 0 is substituted into the variable N (step S34). Figure 6 (a) The processing of steps S122 and S123 is performed in the same manner, and the status report processing is terminated.

[0156] Fig.26 is a diagram showing the position and other reporting processing performed by the sensor system of this embodiment. Fig.14 As is more clearly understood, the position reporting process performed by the sensor system of this embodiment is Fig.14 The position etc. reporting process of the second modified example of the first embodiment shown in FIG. 1 adds steps S40 to S44. Fig.14 The differences are centered on the following points.

[0157] After executing the processing of steps S2 and S3, the sensor system of this embodiment determines whether the tip of the stylus pen S is located in the area between the screens of the display 3a and the display 3b (between the panel surfaces) (step S40). Fig.25 The same processing is performed as in step S30 shown.

[0158] The sensor system that obtains a negative result in step S40 is Fig.14 The processing of steps S4, S132, S11, and S12 is performed in the same manner. On the other hand, the sensor system that obtains a positive result in step S40 first determines the value of the output substitution flag (step S41). As a result, when it is determined that the value of the output substitution flag is False, the position x, y, and pen pressure value P are output to the host processor 7 in a manner associated with the local ID assigned during pairing (step S42). Then, the pen pressure value P is substituted into the variable Pa (step S43), and the position and other reporting processing is ended. On the other hand, the sensor system that determines that the value of the output substitution flag is True outputs the position x, y, and pen pressure value Pa to the host processor 7 in a manner associated with the local ID assigned during pairing (step S44).

[0159] According to the above processing, when the tip of the stylus pen S is present in an area outside the effective area R1a, R1b and also outside the specific detectable area R2aa, R2ba, similarly to the second variant of the first embodiment, until the pen pressure value P becomes 0, the corresponding position and the pen pressure value P in the effective area R1a, R1b are output. Once the pen pressure value P becomes 0, the pen pressure value Pa (>0) just before the pen pressure value P becomes 0 is replaced by the newly acquired pen pressure value P and is output together with the corresponding position in the effective area R1a, R1b. On the other hand, when the tip of the stylus pen S is present in the specific detectable area R2aa, R2ba, the pen pressure value is the same as described above. On the other hand, the pen pressure value is output in the same manner as described above. Fig.25 The positions x and y obtained in step S121 are not the corresponding positions in the effective areas R1a and R1b.

[0160] Fig. 27 It shows that the Fig.25 and Fig.26 The operation of the stylus pen S in this embodiment is similar to that of the embodiment 3. Fig.24 The operation of the stylus pen S of the comparative example 3 shown is the same. Fig. 27 As shown, in the present embodiment, when the tip of the stylus pen S is in the dead zone R3 at time t9 and t10, no pen lift information is output and the pairing is not released. In addition, during the period from time t6 to time t13 when the tip of the stylus pen S is outside the effective areas R1a and R1b, after time t7 when the pen pressure value P becomes 0, the pen pressure value Pa (= pen pressure value P at time t6) is supplied to the host processor 7 instead of the pen pressure value P. Therefore, at time t9, the pairing is released, and the processing related to the stylus pen S in the host processor 7 is not temporarily terminated. In addition, at time t7, the host processor 7 does not cause the pen to lift, thereby preventing the stylus pen from being released. Fig.23 The travel data ST shown are interrupted between the displays 3 a , 3 b .

[0161] In addition, according to the present embodiment, during the period from time t6 to time t8 when the tip of the stylus pen S is in the specific detectable area R2aa and during the period from time t11 to time t13 when the tip of the stylus pen S is in the specific detectable area R2aa and R2ba, the coordinates in the specific detectable area R2aa and R2ba are supplied to the host processor 7 instead of the corresponding positions in the effective area R1a and R1b, so that the host processor 7 can smoothly generate the stroke data across the displays 3a and 3b. Moreover, according to the present embodiment, during the period from time t9 to time t10 when the tip of the stylus pen S is in the dead zone R3, the position x, y and the pen pressure value P can be continuously outputted in a manner of associating with the local ID using the same values ​​as the previous time, so that the host processor 7 can more smoothly generate the stroke data across the displays 3a and 3b.

[0162] As described above, according to the sensor system of this embodiment, since the pen tip of the stylus pen S is between the screens, the pen is not lifted and the pairing is not released, so a line can be drawn across the displays 3a and 3b. In addition, while the pen tip of the stylus pen S is within the specific detectable area R2aa and R2ba, the coordinates within the specific detectable area R2aa and R2ba are provided to the host processor 7 instead of the corresponding positions within the effective area R1a and R1b, and the position x, y and the pen pressure value P can continue to be output while the pen tip of the stylus pen S is within the dead zone R3, so that the stroke data across the displays 3a and 3b can be smoothly generated.

[0163] In addition, according to the sensor system of this embodiment, as for the area outside the screen space, it is possible to prevent the pen from being dropped against the user's intention when the tip of the stylus pen S is outside the effective area R1, as in the first embodiment, etc. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the occurrence of erroneous operations such as the accidental touch of the "off" button displayed at the end of the display 3a, 3b due to obstacles such as steps and grooves existing in the detectable area R2a, R2b.

[0164] It should be noted that, in this embodiment, Fig.26 In steps S44 and S12, the writing pressure value Pa is output, but the writing pressure value 0 may be output as in the first embodiment, or no writing pressure value may be output as in the first modified example of the first embodiment.

[0165] [Fourth Embodiment]

[0166] Next, the sensor system of the fourth embodiment of the present invention is described. The sensor system of this embodiment is different from the sensor system of the third embodiment in the timing of the sensor controller 11 outputting the pen lift information. In addition, the processing performed by the host processor 7 is also different from the processing described in the third embodiment. The following is a description focusing on the differences.

[0167] The processing and reference performed by the sensor system of the background art of this embodiment Fig.16 The host processor 7 of this embodiment is also configured to use the pen state (pen up or pen down) reported from the sensor controllers 11a and 11b as the state of the stylus S, similarly to the host processor 7 of the second embodiment.

[0168] Fig.28 is a diagram showing an example (Comparative Example 4) of the result of executing the processing of the background technology of this embodiment. Fig.24 The operation of the stylus pen S in the comparative example 3 shown is the same. Fig.28As shown in the comparative example, the sensor controller 11a reports the pen lift information to the host processor 7 when the pen pressure value P becomes 0 at time t7 and t16. As a result, the state of the stylus S held in the host processor 7 is different from that of the stylus S held in the host processor 7. Fig.24 The same as Comparative Example 3.

[0169] It should be noted that the host processor 7 is configured to terminate the processing related to the stylus pen S after a certain period of time, rather than immediately terminating the processing when the positions x, y, etc. are no longer supplied from the sensor controllers 11a, 11b at time t9, t10. However, in this comparative example, the pairing is temporarily released at time t9, and as a result, the positions x, y, etc. supplied after time t11 are associated with local IDs that are different from those before, and therefore, the host processor 7 processes the travel data until time t8 and the travel data after time t11 as travel data drawn by different stylus pens S.

[0170] Here, in the third embodiment, the pen tip of the stylus pen S is prevented from being lifted when it is between the screens by changing the output content of the pen pressure value P or stopping the output of the pen pressure value P. However, in the present embodiment, since the processing of the host processor 7 is different, it is impossible to prevent the pen tip of the stylus pen S from being lifted when it is between the screens by the same method as the third embodiment. Therefore, in the sensor system of the present embodiment, the pen tip is prevented from being put down when it is outside the effective areas R1a and R1b by stopping the output of the pen status from the sensor controllers 11a and 11b. On the other hand, the process of suspending the cancellation of pairing for a certain period of time when the pen tip of the stylus pen S is between the screens is implemented in the same way as the third embodiment. The following is a detailed description.

[0171] Fig.29 is a diagram showing the status report processing performed by the sensor system of this embodiment. Fig.25 As can be understood by comparison, the processing after determining that the downlink signal is not received in step S120 is similar to the processing of step S121 except that step S125 of outputting the pen-up information is not included. Fig.25 The processing shown is the same as that shown in FIG. 1. In addition, after determining that a downlink signal is received in step S120, step S34 is performed together with step S121. Fig.25 Therefore, according to the sensor system of this embodiment, execution of pairing release is suspended for the number of times specified by the specified value K.

[0172] In addition, if Fig.29 and Fig.19 As can be understood by comparison, the processing after step S34 is the same as Fig.19The processing of the sensor system of the second embodiment shown is the same. Therefore, according to the sensor system of this embodiment, when the position x, y is not within the effective area R1a, R1b, the sensor controllers 11a, 11b do not report the pen status to the host processor 7.

[0173] Fig.30 is a diagram showing the position and other reporting processing performed by the sensor system of this embodiment. Figure 6 (b) As is more clearly understood, the position reporting process performed by the sensor system of this embodiment is Figure 6 The process of (b) is supplemented with step S50.

[0174] Step S50 is Fig.25 Step S30 shown, Fig.26 The step S40 shown in the figure is similarly a process for determining whether the tip of the stylus pen S is located in the area between the screens of the display 3a and the display 3b (between the panel surfaces). When the sensor system of this embodiment determines in step S130 that the positions x and y are not within the effective areas R1a and R1b, the determination of step S50 is performed. Furthermore, when it is determined in step S50 that the tip of the stylus pen S is located between the screens, the process of step S131 is performed, and when it is determined in step S50 that the tip of the stylus pen S is not located between the screens, the process of step S132 is performed. Thus, when the tip of the stylus pen S is located between the screens, the process of replacing the positions x and y with the corresponding positions within the effective areas R1a and R1b is not performed.

[0175] Fig.31 It shows that the Fig.29 and Fig.30 The diagram shows an example of the result of the processing of this embodiment (Example 4). The operation of the stylus pen S in this embodiment is similar to Fig.28 The operation of the stylus pen S of the comparative example 4 shown is the same. Fig.31 As shown, according to this embodiment, during the period from time t6 to time t13 when the tip of the stylus pen S is outside the effective area R1a, R1b, the pen status is not output from the sensor controllers 11a, 11b to the host processor 7. In addition, the pairing is not released at time t9, t10 when the tip of the stylus pen S is in the dead zone R3, so the local ID is maintained even after time t10. Therefore, during the period from time t6 to time t13, the host processor 7 maintains the state of moving the pen, so it is possible to prevent Fig.23 The travel data ST shown are interrupted between the displays 3 a , 3 b .

[0176] As described above, with the sensor system of this embodiment, when the tip of the stylus pen S is between the screens, the pen is not lifted and the pairing is not released, so that a line can be drawn across the displays 3a and 3b.

[0177] In addition, through the sensor system of this embodiment, while the tip of the stylus pen S is in the specific detectable area R2aa, R2ba, the coordinates within the specific detectable area R2aa, R2ba are supplied to the host processor 7 instead of the corresponding positions within the effective area R1a, R1b, and while the tip of the stylus pen S is in the dead zone R3, the position x, y and pen pressure value P can continue to be output, thereby smoothly generating travel data across the displays 3a, 3b.

[0178] In addition, the sensor system of this embodiment can also prevent the pen from being dropped against the user's intention when the tip of the stylus pen S is outside the effective area R1, similarly to the second embodiment, etc., with respect to the area outside the screen space. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the occurrence of erroneous operations such as the accidental touch of the "off" button displayed at the end of the display 3a, 3b due to obstacles such as steps and grooves existing in the detectable area R2a, R2b.

[0179] In this embodiment, as described in the third embodiment, when the pen tip is outside the effective area R1a, R1b, processing such as changing the output content of the pen pressure value P or stopping the output of the pen pressure value P may be performed.

[0180] Although preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the present invention is not limited to such embodiments at all, and the present invention can of course be implemented in various forms within the scope not departing from the gist of the present invention.

[0181] Description of symbols

[0182] 1a Laptop

[0183] 2, 2a, 2b Housing

[0184] 2c concave part

[0185] 3.3a,3b Display

[0186] 4 Keyboard

[0187] 5 Touchpad

[0188] 5a Touch Panel

[0189] 5b Pivot Point

[0190] 5c Click the button

[0191] 5d stairs

[0192] 6 Touchpad

[0193] Slot 6a

[0194] 7 Host processor

[0195] 10, 10a, 10b Sensors

[0196] 10x, 10y, 10xa, 10ya, 10xb, 10yb sensor electrodes

[0197] 11, 11a, 11b Sensor controller

[0198] 12x, 12y, 12xa, 12ya, 12xb, 12yb Path selection lines

[0199] 20 Tablet terminal

[0200] 21 Hinge

[0201] F Finger

[0202] LG Protective Wiring

[0203] P, Pa pen pressure value

[0204] R1, R1a, R1b effective area

[0205] R2, R2a, R2b detectable area

[0206] R2aa, R2ba specific detectable region

[0207] R3 Dead Zone

[0208] S Pen

[0209] ST trip data.

Claims

1. A sensor system for detecting a stylus on at least one panel surface having an effective area, wherein: include: An acquisition step of acquiring the position of the stylus pen and a pen pressure value indicating the pressure applied to the pen tip of the stylus pen; and a position output step, outputting the position and pen pressure value obtained in the obtaining step to a host processor, When the position obtained by the obtaining step is outside the effective area, the occurrence of at least one of a pen-down indicating that the stylus pen has contacted the panel surface and a pen-up indicating that the stylus pen has left the panel surface is concealed from the host processor, After the pen pressure value obtained by the obtaining step becomes a value indicating non-contact when the position obtained by the obtaining step is outside the effective area, the output step limits the output of the pen pressure value obtained by the obtaining step until the position obtained by the obtaining step returns to the effective area.

2. The sensor system according to claim 1, After the pen pressure value obtained by the obtaining step becomes a value indicating non-contact when the position obtained by the obtaining step is outside the effective area, the output step replaces the pen pressure value obtained by the obtaining step and outputs the pen pressure value indicating non-contact until the position obtained by the obtaining step returns to the effective area.

3. The sensor system according to claim 1, After the pen pressure value obtained by the obtaining step becomes a value indicating non-contact when the position obtained by the obtaining step is outside the effective area, the output step does not output the position and pen pressure value obtained by the obtaining step to the host processor until the position obtained by the obtaining step returns to the effective area.

4. The sensor system according to claim 1, After the pen pressure value obtained by the obtaining step changes from a first value indicating contact to a value indicating non-contact when the position obtained by the obtaining step is outside the valid area, the output step replaces the pen pressure value obtained by the obtaining step and outputs the first value until the position obtained by the obtaining step returns to the valid area.

5. The sensor system according to any one of claims 1 to 4, The method further includes a state output step of outputting information indicating the pen being touched to the host processor in response to detecting that the pen pressure value obtained in the obtaining step changes to a value indicating contact. In the state output step, when the position acquired in the acquisition step is outside the effective area, information indicating the pen placement is not output to the host processor.

6. The sensor system according to claim 5, In the state output step, In response to detecting that the pen pressure value acquired in the acquisition step changes to a value indicating non-contact, information indicating the pen lift is output to the host processor, When the position acquired in the acquisition step is outside the effective area, the information indicating the pen lift is not output to the host processor.

7. A sensor system for detecting a stylus on at least one panel surface having an effective area, wherein: include: An acquisition step of acquiring the position of the stylus pen and a pen pressure value indicating the pressure applied to the pen tip of the stylus pen; and a position output step, outputting the position and pen pressure value obtained in the obtaining step to a host processor, When the position obtained by the obtaining step is outside the effective area, the occurrence of at least one of a pen-down indicating that the stylus pen has contacted the panel surface and a pen-up indicating that the stylus pen has left the panel surface is concealed from the host processor, In the position outputting step, when the position acquired in the acquiring step is outside the effective area, a position within the effective area corresponding to the position acquired in the acquiring step is output to the host processor instead of the position acquired in the acquiring step.

8. A sensor system for detecting a stylus on at least one panel surface having an effective area, wherein: include: An acquisition step of acquiring the position of the stylus pen and a pen pressure value indicating the pressure applied to the pen tip of the stylus pen; and a position output step, outputting the position and pen pressure value obtained in the obtaining step to a host processor, When the position obtained by the obtaining step is outside the effective area, the occurrence of at least one of a pen-down indicating that the stylus pen has contacted the panel surface and a pen-up indicating that the stylus pen has left the panel surface is concealed from the host processor, The sensor system is a sensor system for detecting a stylus on a first display and a second display having a panel surface respectively, and further includes: A receiving step, performing a receiving action of a downlink signal sent by the stylus; a state output step of outputting information indicating the pen lift to the host processor in response to failure to receive the downlink signal in the receiving step; and a determination step of determining whether the stylus pen is located in the area between the panels of the first and second displays, In the state output step, when the determination step determines that the stylus pen is located in the area between the panel surfaces, information indicating that the pen has been lifted is not output to the host processor for a predetermined period of time.

9. The sensor system according to claim 8, The method further includes a pairing release step of releasing the pairing with the stylus pen in response to failure to receive the downlink signal in the receiving step. In the pairing release step, when the determination step determines that the stylus pen is located in the area between the panel surfaces, the pairing with the stylus pen is not released within the predetermined period.

10. The sensor system according to claim 8 or 9, After the pen pressure value obtained by the obtaining step becomes a value indicating non-contact when the position obtained by the obtaining step is outside the effective area, the output step limits the output of the pen pressure value obtained by the obtaining step until the position obtained by the obtaining step returns to the effective area.

11. The sensor system according to claim 10, After the pen pressure value obtained by the obtaining step becomes a value indicating non-contact when the position obtained by the obtaining step is outside the effective area, the output step replaces the pen pressure value obtained by the obtaining step and outputs the pen pressure value indicating non-contact until the position obtained by the obtaining step returns to the effective area.

12. The sensor system according to claim 10, After the pen pressure value obtained by the obtaining step becomes a value indicating non-contact when the position obtained by the obtaining step is outside the effective area, the output step does not output the position and pen pressure value obtained by the obtaining step to the host processor until the position obtained by the obtaining step returns to the effective area.

13. The sensor system according to claim 10, After the pen pressure value obtained by the obtaining step changes from a first value indicating contact to a value indicating non-contact when the position obtained by the obtaining step is outside the valid area, the output step replaces the pen pressure value obtained by the obtaining step and outputs the first value until the position obtained by the obtaining step returns to the valid area.

14. The sensor system according to any one of claims 8 to 13, The method further includes a step of outputting the last values ​​of the position and the pen pressure output to the host processor in response to failure to receive the downlink signal in the receiving step.

15. A sensor system for detecting a stylus on at least one panel surface having an effective area, wherein: include: An acquisition step of acquiring the position of the stylus pen and a pen pressure value indicating the pressure applied to the pen tip of the stylus pen; and a position output step, outputting the position and pen pressure value obtained in the obtaining step to a host processor, When the position obtained by the obtaining step is outside the effective area, the occurrence of at least one of a pen-down indicating that the stylus pen has contacted the panel surface and a pen-up indicating that the stylus pen has left the panel surface is concealed from the host processor, The sensor system is a sensor system for detecting a stylus on a first display and a second display having active areas respectively, and further includes: A receiving step, performing a receiving action of a downlink signal sent by the stylus; a pairing release step of releasing the pairing with the stylus in response to failure to receive the downlink signal in the receiving step; and a determination step of determining whether the stylus pen is located in the area between the panels of the first and second displays, In the pairing release step, when the determination step determines that the stylus pen is located in the area between the panel surfaces, the pairing with the stylus pen is not released within a predetermined period of time.

16. The sensor system according to claim 15, The method further includes a state output step of outputting information indicating the pen lift to the host processor in response to detecting that the pen pressure value obtained in the obtaining step changes to a value indicating non-contact. In the state output step, when the position acquired in the acquisition step is outside the effective area, the information indicating the pen lift is not output to the host processor.

17. The sensor system according to claim 16, In the state output step, In response to detecting that the pen pressure value acquired in the acquisition step changes to a value indicating contact, information indicating the pen being touched is output to the host processor, When the position acquired in the acquisition step is outside the effective area, the information indicating the pen placement is not output to the host processor.

18. The sensor system according to any one of claims 15 to 17, The method further includes a step of outputting the last values ​​of the position and the pen pressure output to the host processor in response to failure to receive the downlink signal in the receiving step.

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