Pen and sensor controller

Abstract

In one electronic device, an electronic pen corresponding to both the old and new protocols and an electronic pen corresponding only to the old protocol can be used simultaneously. The pen (2a) is configured to receive an uplink signal (NUS) generated according to the old protocol, and to send a downlink signal according to the reception timing of the uplink signal (NUS) and the instruction configured in the uplink signal (NUS), wherein after receiving the uplink signal (NUS), when the next uplink signal (NUS) is not received normally during the period when the next uplink signal (NUS) can be received and an uplink signal (SUS) of a special state is received, a downlink signal containing data according to the instruction configured in the uplink signal (NUS) received before the uplink signal (SUS) or predetermined data is sent according to the old protocol.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention relates to a pen and a sensor controller. Background Art

[0002] In recent years, electronic devices having a large touch surface, such as an electronic blackboard, are increasingly being used for simultaneous operation (drawing) with a plurality of electronic pens.

[0003] An example of a sensor controller that enables simultaneous drawing by two electronic pens is disclosed in Patent Document 1. The sensor controller of this example assigns different local IDs to two electronic pens that have completed detection, and is configured to control each electronic pen individually by including the local ID in a command signal.

[0004] Patent Document 2 discloses an example of a sensor controller that establishes synchronization with an electronic pen when a pulse train of a predetermined length transmitted from the electronic pen is detected.

[0005] Prior art literature

[0006] Patent Literature

[0007] Patent Document 1: International Publication No. 2018 / 043203

[0008] Patent Document 2: U.S. Patent Publication No. 2015 / 0256329 Summary of the invention

[0009] Problems to be solved by the invention

[0010] However, the protocol of the bidirectional signals sent and received between the electronic pen and the sensor controller is sometimes changed due to technological progress. Therefore, a situation may occur in which a part of two or more electronic pens used simultaneously in a certain electronic device corresponds to a new protocol (hereinafter referred to as the "new protocol"), but the other part corresponds only to an old protocol (hereinafter referred to as the "old protocol"). Therefore, in one electronic device, it is necessary to be able to use both an electronic pen corresponding to both the new and old protocols (hereinafter referred to as the "new pen") and an electronic pen corresponding only to the old protocol (hereinafter referred to as the "old pen").

[0011] Therefore, one object of the present invention is to provide an electronic pen and a sensor controller that enable both a new pen and an old pen to be used in one electronic device.

[0012] Technical solutions to solve problems

[0013] A pen according to one aspect of the present invention is configured to receive an uplink signal generated in accordance with a first protocol, and to send a downlink signal based on the reception timing of the uplink signal and the instructions configured in the uplink signal, wherein, after receiving the uplink signal, if the pen does not normally receive the next uplink signal during a period in which it is capable of receiving the next uplink signal but receives an uplink signal of a special state, the pen sends the downlink signal including data according to the instructions configured in the first uplink signal received before the period or predetermined data in accordance with the first protocol.

[0014] A pen according to another aspect of the present invention is configured to receive both a first uplink signal generated in accordance with a first protocol and a second uplink signal generated in accordance with a second protocol different from the first protocol, wherein, after the pen enters a second action mode in accordance with the second protocol in response to receiving the second uplink signal, the pen sends a second downlink signal in accordance with the second protocol upon receiving the first uplink signal.

[0015] The sensor controller of the present invention is configured to be able to detect both a first downlink signal generated according to a first protocol and a second downlink signal generated according to a second protocol different from the first protocol, wherein the sensor controller is configured to alternately set a first frame for sending a first uplink signal for the first protocol and a second frame for sending a second uplink signal for the second protocol at a set ratio, and within the second frame, the sensor controller detects both the first downlink signal and the second downlink signal.

[0016] Effects of the Invention

[0017] According to the present invention, both the new pen and the old pen can be used simultaneously in one electronic device. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0018] Figure 1 It is a diagram showing the entire position detection system 1 according to the embodiment of the present invention.

[0019] Figure 2 3 is a diagram showing the arrangement of transmission (Tx) and reception (Rx) in the sensor controller 31 .

[0020] Figure 3 It is a diagram showing the structure of a downlink signal DS.

[0021] Figure 4 It is a diagram showing the structure of the uplink signal US.

[0022] Figure 5 2 is a diagram showing the internal structure of the pen 2 .

[0023] Figure 6 It is a diagram showing the internal structure of the electronic device 3.

[0024] Figure 7 (a) is a diagram showing a configuration example of an uplink signal US1, and (b) to (g) are diagrams showing configuration examples of an uplink signal US2, respectively.

[0025] Figure 8 (a) is a diagram showing an example of an extension code constituting a preamble PRE used in an old protocol, and (b) is a diagram showing an example of an extension code constituting a preamble PRE used in a new protocol.

[0026] Fig. 9 This is a diagram of the mode transition of the old pen, namely Pen 2a.

[0027] Fig.10 This is the mode transfer diagram of the new pen, namely Pen 2b.

[0028] Fig.11 3 is a mode transition diagram of the sensor controller 31 .

[0029] Fig.12 It is an explanatory diagram for explaining the mode transition of the sensor controller 31 .

[0030] Fig.13 It is an explanatory diagram for explaining the mode transition of the sensor controller 31 .

[0031] Fig.14 It is an explanatory diagram for explaining the procedure of converting the communication with the pen 2b paired with the old protocol to the new protocol.

[0032] Fig.15 1 is a diagram showing mode transitions of a pen 2 b according to a first modified example of the embodiment of the present invention.

[0033] Fig.16 It is a diagram showing a schedule of transmission (Tx) and reception (Rx) in the sensor controller 31 according to the second modified example of the embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0034] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

[0035] Figure 1 1 is a diagram showing the entirety of the position detection system 1 of the present embodiment. As shown in the figure, the position detection system 1 is configured to include two pens 2a, 2b and an electronic device 3. The electronic device 3 is configured to include a sensor electrode 30, a sensor controller 31, a panel 32, an electronic device control unit 33, and a liquid crystal display unit 34.

[0036] Both the pens 2a and 2b are active stylus pens corresponding to the active electrostatic method, and are used by one or more users simultaneously or individually. In the following, when there is no need to distinguish between the pens 2a and 2b, they may be collectively referred to as the pen 2.

[0037] The pen 2 and the sensor controller 31 are configured to be able to communicate in both directions. Figure 1 As shown, the signal sent from the sensor controller 31 to the pen 2 is called an uplink signal US, and the signal sent from the pen 2 to the sensor controller 31 is called a downlink signal DS.

[0038] The transmission and reception of the uplink signal US and the downlink signal DS are performed according to a prescribed protocol, but the protocol is sometimes changed due to technological progress, etc. Hereinafter, a protocol newly launched at a certain point in time is referred to as a new protocol (second protocol), and a protocol used before is referred to as an old protocol (first protocol). In addition, the description is continued by assuming that pen 2a is an electronic pen (old pen) corresponding only to the old protocol and pen 2b is an electronic pen (new pen) corresponding to both the new and old protocols.

[0039] The input operation of the pen 2 is briefly described. The user gradually brings the pen 2 close to the surface (touch surface) of the panel 32 (puts the pen down). Figure 1 The user moves the pen tip on the touch surface while maintaining the contact state (pen movement), and the trajectory of the movement is drawn on the touch surface through the processing of the electronic device 3. Figure 1 In FIG. 1 , three trajectories st1 to st3 are shown as examples of such traces. The traces are drawn continuously until the user removes the pen tip of the pen 2a from the touch surface (lifts the pen). Figure 1 until the value is marked as "UP" in the figure.

[0040] The pen 2 is configured to detect the uplink signal US supplied by the sensor controller 31 via the sensor electrode 30, and to send a predetermined downlink signal DS according to the uplink signal US. As will be described in detail later, the sensor controller 31 receives the downlink signal DS via the sensor electrode 30, thereby obtaining the position of the pen 2 within the touch surface and obtaining the data sent by the pen 2. The position and data obtained by the sensor controller 31 are sequentially supplied to the electronic device control unit 33. The electronic device control unit 33 generates stroke data according to the position and data supplied in this way, and outputs it to the liquid crystal display unit 34 on the basis of drawing, thereby drawing the above-mentioned trajectory on the touch surface.

[0041] Figure 2: is a diagram showing the arrangement of transmission (Tx) and reception (Rx) in the sensor controller 31. As shown in the figure, the sensor controller 31 is configured to transmit the uplink signal US and receive the downlink signal DS in units of frame F. In each frame F, the transmission of the uplink signal US and the reception of the downlink signal DS are performed in a time-sharing manner. Specifically, first, at the beginning of each frame F, the uplink signal US of the sensor controller 31 is transmitted. Then, in the remaining time of each frame F, the downlink signal DS of the pen 2 is transmitted.

[0042] Here, if we observe Figure 2 As understood, in the present embodiment, two receiving time slots TS1 and TS2 are provided in one frame F. Hereinafter, when there is no need to specifically distinguish between time slots TS1 and TS2, they are sometimes uniformly recorded as time slots TS. These time slots TS are set so that different pens 2 can send downlink signals DS in a time-sharing manner. In the present embodiment, two time slots TS1 and TS2 are provided, so that in one frame F, a maximum of two pens 2 can send downlink signals DS. This means that the number of pens 2 that can be paired with the sensor controller 31 at the same time is a maximum of two. However, as described later Fig.16 As illustrated, the number of pens 2 that can be paired with the sensor controller 31 at the same time is not limited to 2. The time slot TS used by each pen 2 is determined when the sensor controller 31 is paired with the pen 2 .

[0043] Figure 3 1 and 1 are diagrams showing the structure of a downlink signal DS. (a) of the diagram shows a downlink signal DS transmitted by a pen 2 that has not yet detected the sensor controller 31 , and (b) of the diagram shows a downlink signal DS transmitted by a pen 2 that is paired with the sensor controller 31 .

[0044] like Figure 3 As shown in (a), the pen 2 that has not yet been detected by the sensor controller 31 only sends a position signal PS as a downlink signal DS. The position signal PS is, for example, a non-modulated carrier signal. The position signal PS in this case is used by the sensor controller 31 to detect the position of the pen 2 on the entire touch surface. In this specification, this position detection is referred to as "global scanning." The specific method of position detection based on global scanning will be described later.

[0045] On the other hand, Figure 3As shown in (b), the pen 2 paired with the sensor controller 31 sends a data signal DATA as a downlink signal DS in addition to the above-mentioned position signal PS. The position signal PS in this case is used by the sensor controller 31 to update the position of the pen 2. In this specification, this position update is referred to as "local scanning". The specific method of the position update of the local scan will be described later.

[0046] The data signal DATA is a signal for transmitting data held in the pen 2 to the sensor controller 31, and is composed of a signal received by the pen pressure detection unit 23 (see FIG. Figure 5 ) The pen pressure value detected by the sensor controller 31, the value indicating the on / off state of the switch provided on the side or bottom of the housing of the pen 2, and the pen ID for uniquely identifying each pen 2. The pen 2 usually sends a downlink signal DS in which only the pen pressure value is configured in the data signal DATA. On the other hand, when the sensor controller 31 instructs the transmission of specific data through the command COMDATA described later, the pen 2 sends a downlink signal DS containing the data in accordance with the command COMDATA.

[0047] Here, Figure 3 The bit A shown in (b) is flag information having different values ​​when the pen 2 corresponds only to the old protocol and when the pen 2 corresponds to both the old protocol and the new protocol, and is used to notify the sensor controller 31 of the corresponding status of the new protocol. The bit A only needs to be included in the downlink signal DS generated according to the old protocol, and may not be included in the downlink signal DS generated according to the new protocol.

[0048] Figure 4 : is a diagram showing the structure of the uplink signal US. As shown in the figure, the uplink signal US is configured to include a preamble code PRE, a command signal COM, and an error detection code CRC.

[0049] The preamble PRE is a synchronization signal known to the pen 2 for synchronizing the pen 2 with the sensor controller 31. The synchronization signal is composed of a specified extended code (pulse string) composed of chips with a chip width of a specified length (for example, 0.5us, 1.0us, 2.0us...). The chip length of the extended code (the code length of the extended code) is, for example, 7, 15, 31, 63 [chips]... In addition, it is also possible to connect more than two such extended codes of chip length to form a synchronization signal. In addition, as another example, the synchronization signal may also be a pulse string of a specific frequency with a pulse width of a length such as the above example and a continuous specified number of pulses. The pen 2 continuously or intermittently performs the detection action of the extended code constituting the preamble PRE, and when the preamble PRE is detected, the presence of the sensor controller 31 is detected, and it is synchronized with the sensor controller 31 according to the timing of detecting the preamble PRE. The synchronization mentioned here refers to determining the transmission timing of the downlink signal DS and the reception timing of the next uplink signal US (i.e., the transmission and reception schedule of the uplink signal US and the downlink signal DS) according to the timing of detecting the preamble code PRE. The pen 2 is configured to update the synchronization every time it receives the uplink signal US.

[0050] The command signal COM is composed of a local ID (LID) indicating the pen 2 as the destination of the command signal COM, a command COMDATA including a command to the pen 2, and a 1-bit each indicating the local ID (LID) of the pen 2. Figure 2 The time slot status information STA showing the idle status of each of the time slots TS1 and TS2 is shown.

[0051] The error detection code CRC is a code obtained by performing a predetermined operation using the command signal COM as an input, and is used to detect an error that occurs during the transmission of the command signal COM.

[0052] The pen 2 that receives the uplink signal US without finding the sensor controller 31 yet confirms the idle status of time slots TS1 and TS2 by referring to the time slot status information STA. As a result, when a certain time slot TS is empty, the downlink signal DS containing only the position signal PS is sent using the time slot TS. The sensor controller 31 that receives the downlink signal DS changes the time slot status information STA of the time slot TS of the received downlink signal DS to in use in the uplink signal US that is subsequently sent. The pen 2 that receives the uplink signal US detects that it is detected by the sensor controller 31 by detecting the change in the time slot status information STA, and obtains the specified local ID corresponding to the time slot TS where the downlink signal DS is sent (for example, 0 if it is time slot TS1, 1 if it is time slot TS, etc.), and stores it in its own memory.

[0053] When the pen 2 storing the local ID receives and decodes the uplink signal US later, it first refers to the local ID in the command signal COM to determine whether it is consistent with the local ID stored in its own memory 45, thereby determining whether the uplink signal US is sent to itself. As a result of this determination, if it is determined that the uplink signal US is sent to itself, the pen 2 extracts the command COMDATA from the command signal COM and performs processing corresponding to its content. This processing includes obtaining the data requested to be sent from the sensor controller 31 and configuring the data in the next subsequent downlink signal DS. On the other hand, if it is determined that the uplink signal US is not sent to itself, the pen 2 does not obtain the command COMDATA in the command signal COM, but sends a predetermined downlink signal DS including a position signal PS and a data signal DATA containing only a pen pressure value.

[0054] The sensor controller 31 is configured to detect the presence and position of the pen 2 by receiving the position signal PS using the sensor electrode 30 . Figure 1 The indicated positions P1 and P2 shown in the figure are examples of the positions detected in this way. The above-mentioned trajectories st1 to st3 are the trajectories of the movement of the indicated positions P1 and P2. The sensor controller 31 is further configured to obtain data (pen pressure value, etc.) sent by the pen 2 by receiving the data signal DATA using the sensor electrode 30.

[0055] Figure 5 2 is a diagram showing the internal structure of the pen 2. As shown in the figure, the pen 2 includes a core 20, a pen tip electrode 22, a writing pressure detection unit 23, a power source 26, and an integrated circuit 27.

[0056] The core 20 is a rod-shaped member arranged with its length direction aligned with the pen axis direction of the pen 2, and one end thereof constitutes a pen tip 21 of the pen 2. A conductive material is applied to the surface of the core 20 to constitute a pen tip electrode 22.

[0057] The pen tip electrode 22 is a conductor provided near the core 20 and is electrically connected to the integrated circuit 27 through wiring. The integrated circuit 27 receives the uplink signal US and transmits the downlink signal DS via the pen tip electrode 22. However, the pen tip electrode 22 may be separated into an electrode for transmission and an electrode for reception.

[0058] The pen pressure detection unit 23 is a functional unit that detects the force (pen pressure value) applied to the pen tip portion 21. Specifically, the pen pressure detection unit 23 is configured to abut against the rear end portion of the core 20, and through this abutment, detects the force applied to the pen tip portion 21 when the user presses the pen tip of the pen 2 on the touch surface, etc. In a typical example, the pen pressure detection unit 23 is composed of a variable capacitance module whose electrostatic capacitance changes according to the force applied to the pen tip portion 21.

[0059] The power source 26 is used to supply operating power (DC voltage) to the integrated circuit 27 and is composed of, for example, a cylindrical AAAA battery.

[0060] The integrated circuit 27 is a processing unit composed of a circuit group formed on a substrate (not shown), and performs processing of receiving an uplink signal US via the pen tip electrode 22, generating a downlink signal DS based on the received uplink signal US, and transmitting the downlink signal DS via the pen tip electrode 22. The type of protocol that the pen 2 supports (only the old protocol or both the new and old protocols) is determined by at least one of the firmware and hardware of the integrated circuit 27.

[0061] For details, please refer to Fig. 9 As described later, the integrated circuit 27 of the old pen, i.e., the pen 2a, corresponding only to the old protocol is configured to operate in one of the discovery mode S0 for discovering the sensor controller 31, the communication mode S1 for communicating with the discovered sensor controller 31, and the continuation mode S1a for continuing the communication with the sensor controller 31 even when an uplink signal US in a special state described later is received after entering the communication mode S1. Hereinafter, the uplink signal US in a special state is referred to as an "uplink signal SUS", and the uplink signal US normally received according to the old protocol is referred to as an "uplink signal NUS".

[0062] On the other hand, see Fig.10 As described later, the integrated circuit 27 of the new pen, i.e., pen 2b, corresponding to the new and old protocols, is configured to operate in one of the following modes: discovery mode S10 for discovering the sensor controller 31, old mode S11 (first operation mode) for communicating with the discovered sensor controller 31 based on the old protocol, old continuation mode S11a for continuing to communicate with the sensor controller 31 even when receiving an uplink signal US generated according to the new protocol after entering the old mode S11, new mode S12 (second operation mode) for communicating with the discovered sensor controller 31 based on the new protocol, and new continuation mode S12a for continuing to communicate with the sensor controller 31 even when receiving an uplink signal US generated according to the old protocol after entering the new mode S12. Hereinafter, the uplink signal US generated according to the old protocol is referred to as "uplink signal US1", and the uplink signal US generated according to the new protocol is referred to as "uplink signal US2". For pen 2a, uplink signal US1 is uplink signal NUS, and uplink signal US2 is uplink signal SUS.

[0063] then, Figure 6 3 is a diagram showing the internal structure of the electronic device 3. Figure 6, the structure and operation of the electronic device 3 are described in detail.

[0064] The sensor electrode 30 is composed of a plurality of linear electrodes 30X extending in the Y direction and a plurality of linear electrodes 30Y extending in the X direction. The sensor electrode 30 is configured to be capacitively coupled with the pen 2 via these linear electrodes 30X and 30Y. The above-mentioned uplink signal US and downlink signal DS are transmitted and received via this capacitive coupling.

[0065] like Figure 6 As shown, the sensor controller 31 is configured to include an MCU 60 , a logic unit 61 , a transmission unit 62 , a reception unit 63 , and a selection unit 64 .

[0066] MCU60 and logic unit 61 are control units that control the transceiver operation of sensor controller 31 by controlling transmitter 62, receiver 63, and selector 64. Specifically, MCU60 is a microprocessor that has ROM and RAM inside and operates based on a specified program. The processing performed by MCU60, in addition to the processing of controlling logic unit 61, also includes the processing of generating command signal COM and error detection code CRC according to the control of electronic device control unit 33 and supplying them to transmitter 62, deriving coordinates x and y of pen 2 according to downlink signal DS supplied from receiver 63, receiving data Res sent by pen 2, and outputting them to electronic device control unit 33 together with the local ID of pen 2. On the other hand, logic unit 61 is configured to output control signals ctrl_t1 to ctrl_t4 and ctrl_r based on the control of MCU60.

[0067] MCU60 is configured as follows Figure 2 The transmission and reception arrangement shown is used to transmit the uplink signal US and receive the downlink signal DS. Fig.11 As will be described later, MCU60 has three modes, namely, a new and old mixed mode, an old mode only, and a new mode only, as the transmission mode of the uplink signal US. When entering the new and old mixed mode, MCU60 is configured to alternately set the frame F (first frame) for sending the uplink signal US1 for the old protocol and the frame F (second frame) for sending the uplink signal US2 for the new protocol at a set ratio (e.g., 1:1). On the other hand, when entering the old mode only, MCU60 is configured to send the uplink signal US1 for the old protocol in all frames F. In addition, when entering the new mode only, MCU60 is configured to send the uplink signal US2 for the new protocol in all frames F.

[0068] In addition, please refer to the details Fig.11As described later, MCU60 has three modes, namely, discovery mode, old mode, and new mode, as reception modes of the downlink signal DS for each time slot TS. In the time slot TS entering the discovery mode, MCU60 waits to receive the downlink signal DS sent by the unpaired pen 2. In addition, in the time slot TS entering the old mode, MCU60 waits to receive the downlink signal DS generated by the pen 2 according to the old protocol. On the other hand, in the time slot TS entering the new mode, MCU60 waits to receive the downlink signal DS generated by the pen 2 according to the new protocol. Hereinafter, the downlink signal DS generated according to the old protocol will be referred to as "downlink signal DS1", and the downlink signal DS generated according to the new protocol will be referred to as "downlink signal DS2".

[0069] Here, the reception mode of the downlink signal DS is set independently of the transmission mode of the uplink signal US. Therefore, the MCU 60 sometimes detects both the downlink signals DS1 and DS2 in the frame F in which the uplink signal US1 is transmitted, and sometimes also detects both the downlink signals DS1 and DS2 in the frame F in which the uplink signal US2 is transmitted.

[0070] Figure 7 (a) is a diagram showing a configuration example of an uplink signal US1. Figure 7 (b) to (g) of FIG. 1 are diagrams showing examples of the configuration of the uplink signal US2. Both the uplink signals US1 and US2 have Figure 4 The structures shown have some common parts, but there are differences due to different protocols. The content of the differences is not particularly limited, and various methods are conceivable. Figure 7 Among (b) to (g) of FIG. 1 , six of these modes are shown. Each of them will be described in detail below.

[0071] Figure 7 (b) is an example of setting the value of bit B, which is specified as a first value (e.g., "0") in the old protocol, to a second value (e.g., "1") that is different from the first value in the new protocol. In this case, after decoding the received uplink signal US, the new pen, i.e., pen 2b, can determine which of the uplink signals US1 and US2 the uplink signal US is by referring to the value of bit B. On the other hand, after decoding the received uplink signal US, the old pen, i.e., pen 2a, determines that it can be received normally if bit B is the first value, and determines that an abnormality is detected in the decoding of the instruction if bit B is the second value. Moreover, in the former case, it is determined that the received uplink signal US is the above-mentioned uplink signal NUS, and in the latter case, it is determined that the received uplink signal US is the above-mentioned uplink signal SUS in the special state.

[0072] In addition, you can use Figure 7 The case of uplink signal US2 (b) is, for example, a case where there is a reserved field in uplink signal US1. The value of the reserved field does not have a specific meaning, but usually has a specific value (for example, "0"). When designing the old protocol, it is impossible to specifically foresee how bits are allocated in the fields in the new protocol, but by setting a value different from the above-mentioned specific value (for example, "1") in the above-mentioned field when designing the new protocol, pen 2a can recognize that a value that is not a normal value is set in the above-mentioned field when receiving uplink signal US1. Therefore, the received uplink signal US can be determined to be an uplink signal SUS in a special state.

[0073] Figure 7 (c) is an example of configuring an inverted error detection code RCRC obtained by inverting the error detection code CRC in the uplink signal US in place of the error detection code CRC obtained by performing a prescribed operation with the command signal COM as input in the new protocol. In this case, the new pen, i.e., pen 2b, extracts a portion corresponding to the error detection code CRC or the inverted error detection code RCRC from the received uplink signal US, attempts error detection without inverting the portion, and attempts error detection by inverting the portion, thereby being able to determine which of the uplink signals US1 and US2 the uplink signal US is. That is, pen 2b can determine that the uplink signal US2 is received when the result of error detection after inverting the extracted portion is that no error is detected, and can determine that the uplink signal US1 is received when the result of error detection after not inverting the extracted portion is that no error is detected. On the other hand, in the old pen, i.e., pen 2a, if the error detection code CRC is configured in the received uplink signal US, the decoding result becomes a code word (i.e., no error is detected by the error detection code), but if the inverted error detection code RCRC is configured, the decoding result does not become a code word (i.e., an error is detected by the error detection code). Therefore, pen 2a determines that the received uplink signal US is the above-mentioned uplink signal NUS when the decoding result becomes a code word or when it does not become a code word and the CRC field contains an inverted value. When the decoding result does not become a code word, it determines that the received uplink signal US is the above-mentioned special state uplink signal SUS. In this way, if Figure 7 As shown in (b), without using new fields, the CRC field existing in the old protocol can be used to indicate that an instruction suitable for the new protocol has been issued.

[0074] Figure 7 (d) is an example where the preamble PRE of the new protocol is longer than the preamble PRE of the old protocol. Figure 7 (e) is an example in which the new protocol does not set the error detection code CRC, unlike the old protocol. Figure 7 (f) is an example in which the time length of the command signal COM of the new protocol is made shorter than the time length of the command signal COM of the old protocol by multi-valued or the like. Figure 7 (g) is an example in which, unlike the old protocol, the error detection code CRC is not set in the new protocol, and the time length of the command signal COM of the new protocol is shorter than the time length of the command signal COM of the old protocol through multi-valued, etc. In either case, the new pen, i.e., pen 2b, can attempt to decode the received uplink signal US by assuming that it is each of the uplink signals US1 and US2, thereby determining which of the uplink signals US1 and US2 the uplink signal US is. On the other hand, the old pen, i.e., pen 2a, only decodes the uplink signal US as the uplink signal US1, so when the uplink signal US is the uplink signal US2, an abnormal result can be obtained. Therefore, when the normal decoding result is obtained, pen 2a determines that the received uplink signal US is the above-mentioned uplink signal NUS, and when the abnormal decoding result is obtained, it determines that the received uplink signal US is the above-mentioned uplink signal SUS in the special state.

[0075] In addition, if Figure 7 As shown in the example of (d) of FIG. 1 , when different preamble codes PRE are used in the old protocol and the new protocol, each preamble code PRE may be configured in such a way that only a portion of the preamble code PRE is consistent, such as the chip width of the extension code (the time length of each chip, i.e., the basic frequency or integer multiple frequency of the chip (pulse)), the code (chip string) constituting the extension code is consistent (including the consistency that the result of the correlation operation is above the specified value), or the beginning portion of the preamble code PRE composed of the pattern of multiple extension codes. In this case, the old pen, i.e., pen 2a, may also determine that the received uplink signal US is the uplink signal SUS of the special state mentioned above when the consistency of the portion is detected in addition to the abnormal decoding result obtained during processing. In this way, it is possible to prevent the judgment that the uplink signal SUS of the special state is received in the case of a decoding error caused by noise, etc.

[0076] Figure 8 (a) shows an example of an extension code constituting a preamble PRE used in the old protocol, Figure 8(b) shows examples of extended codes constituting the preamble PRE used in the new protocol. In these examples, different preambles PRE are used in the old and new protocols, but the chip width L of the extended code is consistent. If a preamble PRE like that in this example is used, the old pen, i.e., pen 2a, will obtain an abnormal decoding result (including a result of complete inconsistency of the preamble PRE (or uplink signal US)), and it can be determined that the received uplink signal US is the uplink signal SUS in the above-mentioned special state when the consistency of the chip width L is detected. The same is true when a partial consistency of the code constituting the extended code or the preamble PRE is detected instead of the consistency of the chip width L, or in addition to the consistency of the chip width L.

[0077] Return to Figure 6 The transmitting unit 62 is a circuit for generating an uplink signal US according to the control of the MCU 60 and the logic unit 61. Figure 6 As shown, the structure includes a pattern supply unit 80, a switch 81, a code string holding unit 82, an expansion processing unit 83 and a transmission protection unit 84. In addition, the pattern supply unit 80 is described as being included in the transmission unit 62 in this embodiment, but it can also be included in the MCU 60.

[0078] The pattern supply unit 80 is a functional unit that outputs symbols constituting the preamble PRE in accordance with the instruction of the control signal ctrl_t1 supplied from the logic unit 61. The symbols constituting the preamble PRE are composed of preamble-specific symbols that do not correspond to any of 0 to 15, for example.

[0079] The switch 81 plays the role of selecting one of the pattern supply unit 80 and the MCU60 according to the control signal ctrl_t2 supplied from the logic unit 61, and supplies the output of the selected one to the extension processing unit 83. When the switch 81 selects the pattern supply unit 80, the symbol constituting the preamble PRE is supplied from the pattern supply unit 80 to the extension processing unit 83. On the other hand, when the switch 81 selects the MCU60, the command signal COM and the error detection code CRC are supplied from the MCU60 to the extension processing unit 83. The command signal COM and the error detection code CRC supplied to the extension processing unit 83 are respectively composed of a string of symbols corresponding to any one of 0 to 15, for example.

[0080] The code string holding unit 82 has a function of generating and holding a spread code PN of a predetermined chip length having an autocorrelation characteristic according to a control signal ctrl_t3 supplied from the logic unit 61. The code string holding unit 82 holds different spread codes PN according to the type of symbol. The spread code PN held by the code string holding unit 82 is supplied to the spread processing unit 83.

[0081] The extension processing unit 83 has a function of extending the value of the symbol (preamble code PRE or command signal COM) supplied via the switch 81 by a corresponding extension code among a plurality of extension codes PN held in the code string holding unit 82, thereby obtaining a transmission chip string. The extension processing unit 83 is configured to supply the obtained transmission chip string to the transmission protection unit 84.

[0082] The sending protection unit 84 has the following function: according to the control signal ctrl_t4 supplied from the logic unit 61, a protection period (a period during which neither sending nor receiving is performed) required for switching the sending action and the receiving action is inserted between the sending period of the uplink signal US and the receiving period of the downlink signal DS.

[0083] The receiving unit 63 is a circuit for receiving the downlink signal DS transmitted from the pen 2 according to the control signal ctrl_r supplied from the logic unit 61. Specifically, the receiving unit 63 includes an amplifier circuit 85, a detector circuit 86, and an analog-to-digital (AD) converter 87.

[0084] The amplifier circuit 85 amplifies the downlink signal DS supplied from the selection unit 64 and outputs it. The detection circuit 86 is a circuit that generates a voltage corresponding to the level of the output signal of the amplifier circuit 85. The AD converter 87 is a circuit that generates a digital signal by sampling the voltage output from the detection circuit 86 at a predetermined time interval. The digital signal output by the AD converter 87 is supplied to the MCU 60. The MCU 60 obtains the data Res (pen pressure value, pen ID, etc.) sent by the pen 2 based on the digital signal supplied in this way.

[0085] The selection unit 64 is configured to include switches 88x and 88y and conductor selection circuits 89x and 89y.

[0086] The switches 88x and 88y are switch elements each configured as a 1-circuit 2-contact device in which a common terminal is connected to either a T terminal or an R terminal. The common terminal of the switch 88x is connected to the conductor selection circuit 89x, the T terminal is connected to the output end of the transmission unit 62, and the R terminal is connected to the input end of the reception unit 63. In addition, the common terminal of the switch 88y is connected to the conductor selection circuit 89y, the T terminal is connected to the output end of the transmission unit 62, and the R terminal is connected to the input end of the reception unit 63.

[0087] The conductor selection circuit 89x is a switch element for selectively connecting the plurality of linear electrodes 30X to the common terminal of the switch 88x. The conductor selection circuit 89x is configured to be able to simultaneously connect a part or all of the plurality of linear electrodes 30X to the common terminal of the switch 88x.

[0088] The conductor selection circuit 89y is a switch element for selectively connecting the plurality of linear electrodes 30Y to the common terminal of the switch 88y. The conductor selection circuit 89y is also configured to be able to simultaneously connect a part or all of the plurality of linear electrodes 30Y to the common terminal of the switch 88y.

[0089] Four control signals sTRx, sTRy, selX, and selY are supplied from the logic unit 61 to the selection unit 64. Specifically, the control signal sTRx is supplied to the switch 88x, the control signal sTRy is supplied to the switch 88y, the control signal selX is supplied to the conductor selection circuit 89x, and the control signal selY is supplied to the conductor selection circuit 89y. The logic unit 61 controls the selection unit 64 using these control signals sTRx, sTRy, selX, and selY to achieve transmission of the uplink signal US and reception of the downlink signal DS.

[0090] More specifically, when transmitting the uplink signal US, the logic unit 61 controls the selection unit 64 so that all of the plurality of linear electrodes 30Y (or all of the plurality of linear electrodes 30X) are connected to the output end of the transmission unit 62 .

[0091] The operation of the logic unit 61 when receiving the position signal PS included in the downlink signal DS differs depending on whether the pairing with the pen 2 is in progress in the time slot TS in which the position signal PS is received. In the time slot TS in which the pairing is not in progress, the logic unit 61 controls the selection unit 64 so that all of the plurality of linear electrodes 30X and 30Y are sequentially connected to the input end of the receiving unit 63 during the duration of the time slot TS. In this way, the MCU 60 can obtain the reception strength of the position signal PS of each of all the linear electrodes 30X and 30Y, and thus can detect the position of the pen 2 on the entire touch surface (global scanning). On the other hand, in the time slot TS in which the pairing is not in progress, the logic unit 61 controls the selection unit 64 so that a predetermined number of linear electrodes 30X and 30Y located near the position detected last time are sequentially connected to the input end of the receiving unit 63 while the transmission of the position signal PS continues. In this way, the MCU 60 can obtain the reception strength of the position signal PS of each of the predetermined number of linear electrodes 30X and 30Y located near the position detected last time, and thus can update the position of the pen 2 (local scanning).

[0092] When receiving the data signal DATA included in the downlink signal DS, the logic unit 61 controls the selection unit 64 in such a manner that only one electrode of each of the plurality of linear electrodes 30X and 30Y that is closest to the position derived from the immediately preceding position signal PS with respect to the pen 2 that transmits the data signal DATA is connected to the input end of the receiving unit 63. Thus, the transmission time of the data signal DATA can be fully utilized for transmitting data from the pen 2 to the sensor controller 31.

[0093] The configurations of the pen 2 and the electronic device 3 constituting the position detection system 1 and the uplink signal US and the downlink signal DS have been described above. Next, the operations of the pen 2 and the electronic device 3 will be described in detail with reference to each mode transition diagram.

[0094] Fig. 9 2 is a mode transition diagram of the old pen, namely the pen 2a. As shown in the figure, the pen 2a is configured to operate in one of the discovery mode S0, the communication mode S1, and the continuation mode S1a.

[0095] The discovery mode S0 is a mode for discovering the sensor controller 31. The pen 2a entering the discovery mode S0 intermittently or continuously performs the detection action of the uplink signal US. Moreover, when the uplink signal NUS is received, the transmission and reception arrangement of the uplink signal US and the downlink signal DS is determined according to its reception timing, and the communication mode S1 is transferred. On the other hand, when the uplink signal SUS is received, the pen 2a stays in the discovery mode S0 and attempts to receive the next uplink signal US.

[0096] The pen 2a that has entered the communication mode S1 stays in the communication mode S1 and communicates with the sensor controller 31 while receiving the uplink signal NUS according to the transceiver arrangement. Specifically, the transceiver arrangement is updated according to the reception timing of the received uplink signal NUS, and the downlink signal DS is sent according to the updated transceiver arrangement. The downlink signal DS sent in this way is a signal generated by the pen 2a according to the old protocol, and includes data sent by the instruction COMDATA in the previous uplink signal NUS, or predetermined data such as the pen pressure value.

[0097] On the other hand, if the pen 2a does not receive the uplink signal US according to the transceiver arrangement, it is determined that it has left the sensor controller 31 and returns to the discovery mode S0. In addition, if the pen 2a receives the uplink signal SUS without receiving the next uplink signal NUS normally according to the transceiver arrangement (i.e., during the period when the next uplink signal NUS can be received), it transfers to the continuation mode S1a.

[0098] When the pen 2a enters the continuation mode S1a, it updates the transmission and reception arrangement according to the reception timing of the uplink signal SUS, and transmits the downlink signal DS according to the old protocol. Specifically, it transmits the downlink signal DS containing the data of the instruction configured in the uplink signal NUS received before the above period, or the predetermined data such as the pen pressure value.

[0099] On the other hand, when the pen 2a receives the uplink signal NUS, it returns to the communication mode S1. In addition, when the uplink signal SUS is detected continuously (i.e., the uplink signal NUS is not detected) for more than n times (n is any natural number greater than 2, for example) and the uplink signal US is not received according to the transmission and reception arrangement, it returns to the discovery mode S0.

[0100] Fig.10 2 is a mode transition diagram of the new pen 2b. As shown in the figure, the pen 2b is configured to operate in one of the discovery mode S10, the old mode S11, the old continuation mode S11a, the new mode S12, and the new continuation mode S12a.

[0101] Discovery Mode S10 with Fig. 9 The pen 2a shown in the discovery mode S0 is the same as that of the pen 2a, which is a mode for discovering the sensor controller 31. The pen 2b entering the discovery mode S10 intermittently or continuously performs the detection action of the uplink signal US. Moreover, when the uplink signal US1 is received, the transmission and reception arrangement of the uplink signal US and the downlink signal DS is determined according to its reception timing, and the old mode S11 is transferred. On the other hand, when the uplink signal US2 is received, the transmission and reception arrangement of the uplink signal US and the downlink signal DS is determined according to its reception timing, and the new mode S12 is transferred.

[0102] The pen 2b that enters the old mode S11 stays in the old mode S11 and communicates with the sensor controller 31 while receiving the uplink signal US1 according to the transceiver arrangement. Specifically, the transceiver arrangement is updated according to the reception timing of the received uplink signal US (including uplink signals US1 and US2), and the downlink signal DS is sent according to the updated transceiver arrangement. The downlink signal DS sent in this way is a signal generated by the pen 2b according to the old protocol, and includes the data sent by the instruction COMDATA in the previous uplink signal US1 or the predetermined data such as the pen pressure value.

[0103] On the other hand, if the pen 2b does not receive the uplink signal US according to the transmission and reception schedule, it determines that it has left the sensor controller 31 and returns to the discovery mode S10. Also, if the pen 2b receives the uplink signal US2 according to the transmission and reception schedule, it shifts to the old continuation mode S11a.

[0104] When the pen 2b enters the old continuation mode S11a, upon receiving the uplink signal US2, it updates the sending and receiving arrangement according to the reception timing of the uplink signal US2, and sends the downlink signal DS according to the old protocol. Specifically, it sends the downlink signal DS containing the data of the instruction configured in the previously received uplink signal US1, or the predetermined data such as the pen pressure value.

[0105] On the other hand, when the pen 2b receives the uplink signal US1, it returns to the old mode S11. In addition, when the uplink signal US2 is detected continuously (i.e., the uplink signal US1 is not detected) for more than n times (n is any natural number greater than 2, for example) and when the uplink signal US is not received according to the transmission and reception arrangement, it returns to the discovery mode S10.

[0106] Here, when the command COMDATA configured in the received uplink signal US1 by pen 2b is a conversion command indicating a mode conversion, as shown in FIG. Fig.10 As shown by the dotted line in FIG. 1 , it is preferred to shift to the new mode S12 . Thus, the mode of the pen 2 b can be forcibly switched to the new mode S12 by an instruction from the sensor controller 31 .

[0107] Then, the pen 2b that enters the new mode S12 stays in the new mode S12 and communicates with the sensor controller 31 while receiving the uplink signal US2 according to the transceiver arrangement. Specifically, the transceiver arrangement is updated according to the reception timing of the received uplink signal US (including uplink signals US1 and US2), and the downlink signal DS is sent according to the updated transceiver arrangement. The downlink signal DS sent in this way is a signal generated by the pen 2b according to the new protocol, and includes the data sent by the instruction COMDATA in the previous uplink signal US2, or predetermined data such as the pen pressure value.

[0108] On the other hand, if the pen 2b does not receive the uplink signal US according to the transmission and reception schedule, it determines that it has left the sensor controller 31 and returns to the discovery mode S10. Also, if the pen 2b receives the uplink signal US1 according to the transmission and reception schedule, it shifts to the new continuation mode S12a.

[0109] When the pen 2b enters the new continuation mode S12a, upon receiving the uplink signal US1, it updates the sending and receiving arrangement according to the reception timing of the uplink signal US1, and sends the downlink signal DS according to the new protocol. Specifically, it sends the downlink signal DS containing the data of the instruction configured in the previously received uplink signal US2, or the predetermined data such as the pen pressure value.

[0110] On the other hand, when the pen 2b receives the uplink signal US2, it returns to the new mode S12. In addition, when the uplink signal US1 is detected continuously (i.e., the uplink signal US2 is not detected) for more than n times (n is any natural number greater than 2, for example) and when the uplink signal US is not received according to the transmission and reception arrangement, it returns to the discovery mode S10.

[0111] Fig.11 is a mode transition diagram of the sensor controller 31. As shown in the figure, the sensor controller 31 has a reception mode for the downlink signal DS and a transmission mode for the uplink signal US for each time slot TS. The former includes a discovery mode, an old mode, and a new mode, and the latter includes a new and old mixed mode, only the old mode, and only the new mode. In addition, Fig.12 and Fig.13 31 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the mode transition of the sensor controller 31. Figure 11 to Figure 13 , the mode transition of the sensor controller 31 is explained.

[0112] first, Fig.11 The state S20 shown is an initial state in which the sensor controller 31 is not paired with any pen 2. In this state S20, the receiving modes of the two time slots TS1 and TS2 are both discovery modes, and the sending mode of the uplink signal US is a mixed mode of the old and new protocols. In this case, the sensor controller 31 alternately sets the frame F for sending the uplink signal US1 for the old protocol and the frame F for sending the uplink signal US2 for the new protocol at a set ratio. The ratio is preferably 1:1, but it may not be 1:1.

[0113] Fig.12 (a) shows the situation where the sensor controller 31 receives the downlink signal DS2 in the time slot TS1 in the frame F in which the uplink signal US2 is sent when the sensor controller 31 is in the state S20. The pen 2 that sends the initial downlink signal DS2 according to the uplink signal US2 is pen 2b. At the time of sending the downlink signal DS2, Fig.10 The sensor controller 31 pairs with the pen 2 that sent the detected downlink signal DS2 through the new protocol, and sets the receiving mode of the downlink signal DS in the time slot TS1 to the new mode ( Fig.11 Thus, in time slot TS1, communication based on the new protocol is performed.

[0114] Fig.12(b) shows the situation where the sensor controller 31 receives the downlink signal DS2 in the time slot TS2 in the frame F in which the uplink signal US2 is sent when the sensor controller 31 is in the state S21. The pen 2 that sends the downlink signal DS2 is also the pen 2b (a different pen 2b from the pen 2b that sends the downlink signal DS2 in the time slot TS1. The same is true below.), and at the time point of sending the downlink signal DS, it enters Fig.10 The sensor controller 31 pairs with the pen 2 that sent the detected downlink signal DS2 through the new protocol, sets the receiving mode of the downlink signal DS in the time slot TS2 to the new mode, and sets the sending mode of the uplink signal US to the new mode only ( Fig.11 As a result, both time slots TS1 and TS2 perform communications based on the new protocol, and only the uplink signal US2 is sent as the uplink signal US.

[0115] Fig.12 (c) shows that the sensor controller 31 receives the downlink signal DS1 in the time slot TS2 in the frame F in which the uplink signal US1 is transmitted when the sensor controller 31 is in the state S21. The pen 2 that transmits the downlink signal DS1 can be either pen 2a or pen 2b. In the case of pen 2a, at the time of transmitting the downlink signal DS1, the sensor controller 31 enters the state S21. Fig. 9 On the other hand, if it is pen 2b, at the time of sending the downlink signal DS1, it enters the communication mode S1. Fig.10 The sensor controller 31 pairs with the pen 2 that sent the detected downlink signal DS1 through the old protocol, and sets the reception mode of the downlink signal DS in the time slot TS2 to the old mode ( Fig.11 Thus, communication based on the new protocol is performed in time slot TS1, and communication based on the old protocol is performed in time slot TS2.

[0116] Fig.13 (a) shows that the sensor controller 31 receives the downlink signal DS1 in the time slot TS1 in the frame F in which the uplink signal US1 is transmitted when the sensor controller 31 is in the state S20. The pen 2 that transmits the initial downlink signal DS1 according to the uplink signal US1 can be either pen 2a or pen 2b. In the case of pen 2a, at the time of transmitting the downlink signal DS1, the pen 2a enters the state S20. Fig. 9 On the other hand, if it is pen 2b, at the time of sending the downlink signal DS1, it enters the communication mode S1. Fig.10 The sensor controller 31 pairs with the pen 2 that sent the detected downlink signal DS1 through the old protocol, and sets the reception mode of the downlink signal DS in the time slot TS1 to the old mode ( Fig.11 Thus, in time slot TS1, communication based on the old protocol is performed.

[0117] Fig.13 (b) shows that the sensor controller 31 receives the downlink signal DS2 in the time slot TS2 in the frame F in which the uplink signal US2 is sent when the sensor controller 31 is in the state S22. The pen 2 that sends the downlink signal DS2 is pen 2b. At the time of sending the downlink signal DS2, Fig.10 The sensor controller 31 pairs with the pen 2 that sent the detected downlink signal DS2 through the new protocol, and sets the receiving mode of the downlink signal DS in the time slot TS2 to the new mode ( Fig.11 Thus, communication based on the old protocol is performed in time slot TS1, and communication based on the new protocol is performed in time slot TS2.

[0118] Fig.13 (c) shows that the sensor controller 31 receives the downlink signal DS1 in the time slot TS2 in the frame F in which the uplink signal US1 is sent when the sensor controller 31 is in the state S22. The pen 2 that sends the downlink signal DS1 can be either pen 2a or pen 2b. In the case of pen 2a, at the time when the downlink signal DS1 is sent, the sensor controller 31 enters the state S22. Fig. 9 On the other hand, if it is pen 2b, at the time of sending the downlink signal DS1, it enters the communication mode S1. Fig.10 The sensor controller 31 pairs with the pen 2 that sent the detected downlink signal DS1 through the old protocol, sets the receiving mode of the downlink signal DS in the time slot TS2 to the old mode, and sets the sending mode of the uplink signal US to the old mode only ( Fig.11 As a result, both time slots TS1 and TS2 perform communication based on the old protocol, and only the uplink signal US1 is sent as the uplink signal US.

[0119] Here, according to the above operation, even if the paired pen 2 is the pen 2b corresponding to the new protocol, when the uplink signal US detected for the first time after the pen 2b approaches the touch surface is the uplink signal US1, communication starts using the old protocol. Therefore, when communication starts using the old protocol, the sensor controller 31 refers to the bit A (refer to the bit A) included in the downlink signal DS1. Figure 2 ), determine whether pen 2 corresponds to the new protocol, and if it is determined to correspond to the new protocol, configure a conversion instruction to convert communication under the new protocol in the uplink signal US1 to be sent next. Fig.14 Elaborate on this.

[0120] Fig.14 2 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the steps of converting the communication with the pen 2b paired with the old protocol to the new protocol. Fig.11 The steps of switching the communication with the pen 2b detected in the time slot TS1 to the new protocol in the state S20 shown in FIG. 1 are shown in (b) of FIG. 1 . Fig.11 The step of switching the communication with the pen 2b detected in the time slot TS2 to the new protocol in the state S21 shown in FIG. 1 is shown in (c) of FIG. Fig.11 The steps of switching the communication with the pen 2b detected in the time slot TS2 to the new protocol in the state S22 shown are described below in sequence.

[0121] first, Fig.14 (a) is a case where the sensor controller 31 receives the uplink signal US1 when in state S20 and the pen 2b enters the old mode S11 and uses the time slot TS1 to send the downlink signal DS1. The sensor controller 31 that receives the downlink signal DS1 pairs with the pen 2b through the old protocol in the time slot TS1 and transfers to state S22.

[0122] Then, the sensor controller 31 detects the bit A (see FIG. 1 ) contained in the downlink signal DS1 transmitted by the pen 2b in the paired state in the time slot TS1. Figure 3 (b)) detects that pen 2b corresponds to both the old protocol and the new protocol. In addition, since the bit A is Figure 3 In the data signal DATA shown in (b), the sensor controller 31 performs the detection after transferring to the local scan.

[0123] The sensor controller 31 detects that the pen 2b corresponds to both the old protocol and the new protocol, and then sends a command COMDATA (conversion command) to the pen 2b to instruct it to switch to the new protocol through the uplink signal US1 that is subsequently sent. The pen 2b that receives the command COMDATA is as shown in FIG. Fig.10 As described above, the new mode S12 is entered. Furthermore, the sensor controller 31 that receives the downlink signal DS2 sent by the pen 2b that enters the new mode S12 re-pairs with the pen 2b using the new protocol, and the reception mode of the downlink signal DS in the time slot TS1 is transferred to the state S21 of the new mode. Through the above steps, the communication with the pen 2b detected in the time slot TS1 in the state S20 is converted to the new protocol.

[0124] then, Fig.14(b) is a case where the sensor controller 31 receives the uplink signal US1 when in state S21 and the pen 2b enters the old mode S11 and uses the time slot TS2 to send the downlink signal DS1. The sensor controller 31 that receives the downlink signal DS1 pairs with the pen 2b using the old protocol in the time slot TS2 and transfers to state S24.

[0125] Then, the sensor controller 31 detects the bit A (see FIG. 1 ) contained in the downlink signal DS1 transmitted by the pen 2b in the paired state in the time slot TS2. Figure 3 (b)) detects that pen 2b corresponds to both the old protocol and the new protocol. Then, the sensor controller 31 sends a command COMDATA (conversion command) to pen 2 in the paired state in time slot TS2 by sending the uplink signal US1 next. Pen 2b that receives the command COMDATA is as shown in FIG. Fig.10 As described above, the new mode S12 is entered. Furthermore, the sensor controller 31 that receives the downlink signal DS2 sent by the pen 2b that enters the new mode S12 re-pairs with the pen 2b using the new protocol, and the reception mode of the downlink signal DS in the time slot TS2 is transferred to the state S23 of the new mode. Through the above steps, the communication with the pen 2b detected in the time slot TS2 in the state S21 is converted to the new protocol.

[0126] at last, Fig.14 (c) is a situation where the sensor controller 31 receives the uplink signal US1 when it is in state S22 and the pen 2b that enters the old mode S11 uses the time slot TS2 to send the downlink signal DS1. The sensor controller 31 that receives the downlink signal DS1 pairs with the pen 2b using the old protocol in the time slot TS2 and transfers to state S26.

[0127] Then, the sensor controller 31 detects the bit A (see FIG. 1 ) contained in the downlink signal DS1 transmitted by the pen 2b in the paired state in the time slot TS2. Figure 3 (b)) detects that pen 2b corresponds to both the old protocol and the new protocol. Then, the sensor controller 31 sends a command COMDATA (conversion command) to pen 2b in the paired state in time slot TS2 by sending an uplink signal US1. Pen 2b that receives the command COMDATA is as shown in FIG. Fig.10As described above, the new mode S12 is entered. Furthermore, the sensor controller 31 that receives the downlink signal DS2 sent by the pen 2b that enters the new mode S12 re-pairs with the pen 2b using the new protocol, and the reception mode of the downlink signal DS in the time slot TS2 is transferred to the state S25 of the new mode. Through the above steps, the communication with the pen 2b detected in the time slot TS2 in the state S22 is converted to the new protocol.

[0128] As described above, according to the present embodiment, even when the sensor controller 31 is paired with the pen 2 b supporting the new protocol using the old protocol, it is possible to re-pair using the new protocol and start communication based on the new protocol.

[0129] As described above, according to the present embodiment, even if the pen 2a corresponding to the old protocol receives an uplink signal SUS of a special state (for example, an uplink signal US2 based on the new protocol) from the sensor controller 31, it can also act according to the uplink signal NUS received previously. In addition, even if the pen 2b corresponding to the new and old protocols receives an uplink signal US1 in the communication based on the new protocol with the sensor controller 31, it can also act according to the uplink signal US2 received previously, and even if the uplink signal US2 is received in the communication based on the old protocol with the sensor controller 31, it can also act according to the uplink signal US1 received previously. Moreover, the sensor controller 31 can detect both the downlink signal DS1 generated according to the old protocol and the downlink signal DS2 generated according to the new protocol in the frame F that sends the uplink signal US1 and the frame F that sends the uplink signal US2. Therefore, according to the present embodiment, both the pen 2a and the pen 2b can be used simultaneously in one electronic device 3.

[0130] In addition, according to this embodiment, even if the old protocol is paired with the pen 2b corresponding to the new protocol, the pen 2b can be transferred to the new mode S12 by sending a conversion command from the sensor controller 31, so that communication with the pen 2b corresponding to the new protocol can be carried out using the new protocol.

[0131] As mentioned above, although the preferred embodiment of the present invention has been described, the present invention is not limited to such embodiment at all, and the present invention can be implemented in various forms without departing from the scope of the present invention.

[0132] For example, in the above embodiment, in order to make the pen 2b entering the old mode S11 switch to the new mode S12, the sensor controller 31 sends a switch command, but the pen 2b may also autonomously switch to the new mode S12.

[0133] Fig.152 is a mode transition diagram of the pen 2b of the first variant of the embodiment of the present invention. As shown in the figure, when the pen 2b of this variant detects the uplink signal US2 during entering the old mode S11, it transitions to the new mode S12 instead of Fig.10 The continued mode S11a is shown. Fig.15 In the example of , the continuing mode S11a is not set. Even in this case, the sensor controller 31 can communicate with the pen 2b through the new protocol.

[0134] In addition, in the above-described embodiment, the number of pens 2 that can be paired with the sensor controller 31 at the same time is two at most, but the number of pens 2 that can be paired with the sensor controller 31 at the same time is not limited to two.

[0135] Fig.16 1 is a diagram showing the arrangement of transmission (Tx) and reception (Rx) in the sensor controller 31 of the second variant of the embodiment of the present invention. As shown in the figure, in this variant, two receiving channels Rx1 and Rx2 with different frequencies are used. Two time slots TS1 and TS2 are set in the receiving channel Rx1, and two time slots TS3 and TS4 are set in the receiving channel Rx2. Therefore, since the number of time slots that can be used in the transmission of the downlink signal DS is 4 in total, according to this variant, the number of pens 2 that can be paired with the sensor controller 31 at the same time is 4.

[0136] In addition, in this variation, the old protocol may correspond only to the receiving channel Rx1, and the new protocol may correspond to the receiving channels Rx1 and Rx2. In this case, the pen 2b corresponding to the new protocol preferably uses the time slots TS3 and TS4 preferentially. Thus, as many pens 2 as possible can be used simultaneously.

[0137] In addition, the sensor controller 31 of this variant preferably changes the transmission ratio of the uplink signals US1 and US2 according to the mixing condition of the downlink signal DS1 generated according to the old protocol and the downlink signal DS2 generated according to the new protocol. Specifically, it is preferred to change the above ratio in the following manner: the more the number of receptions of the downlink signal DS2 is compared with the downlink signal DS1, the higher the transmission rate of the uplink signal US2 is.

[0138] In addition, in the above embodiment, the conversion instruction sent by the sensor controller 31 only describes the case where the communication with the pen 2b is converted from the old protocol to the new protocol, but the sensor controller 31 can also send a conversion instruction to convert the communication with the pen 2b from the new protocol to the old protocol.

[0139] In addition, in the above-mentioned embodiment, when the communication with the pen 2b is converted from the old protocol to the new protocol, the sensor controller 31 sends a conversion instruction through the uplink signal US1, but the conversion instruction may be sent through the uplink signal US2. In this case, it is preferred that the pen 2b temporarily decodes the command signal COM in the uplink signal US2 even when entering the old mode S11 or the old continuation mode S11a, and determines whether the conversion instruction is included. Moreover, in the case of including the conversion instruction, it is preferred to perform the action according to the conversion instruction, that is, the conversion to the new mode S12.

[0140] In addition, in the above-mentioned embodiment, an example of applying the present invention to new and old protocols (backward compatibility) is described, but the present invention can also be applied to a multi-pen environment where different protocols exist in a mixed state. For example, although the protocols are different from each other, the present invention can also be applied to two different protocols in which the reference time of the frame is determined by the uplink signal and a part of the signal is common.

[0141] Description of symbols

[0142] 1 Position detection system

[0143] 2, 2a, 2b Pen

[0144] 3 Electronic devices

[0145] 20 Core

[0146] 21 Pen tip

[0147] 22 Pen tip electrode

[0148] 23 Pen pressure detection unit

[0149] 26 Power Supply

[0150] 27 Integrated Circuits

[0151] 30 sensor electrodes

[0152] 30X Linear Electrode

[0153] 30X, 30Y Linear Electrode

[0154] 30Y Linear Electrode

[0155] 31 Sensor Controller

[0156] 32 Panel

[0157] 33 Electronic equipment control unit

[0158] 34 LCD display

[0159] 45 Memory

[0160] 60 MCU

[0161] 61 Logic Department

[0162] 62 Sending Department

[0163] 63 Receiving Department

[0164] 64 Selection Department

[0165] 80 Pattern Supply Department

[0166] 81 Switch

[0167] 82 code string holding unit

[0168] 83 Extension Processing Unit

[0169] 84 Send Protection Department

[0170] 85 Amplifier Circuit

[0171] 86 Detection Circuit

[0172] 87 Analog-to-digital (AD) converter

[0173] 88x, 88y switch

[0174] 89x, 89y conductor selection circuit

[0175] AB position

[0176] COM command signal

[0177] COMDATA Directive

[0178] CRC error detection code

[0179] ctrl_t1~ctrl_t4, ctrl_r control signal

[0180] DATA Data signal

[0181] DS Downlink Signal

[0182] F Frame

[0183] NUS Uplink signal US received normally according to the old protocol

[0184] P1, P2 indicates the position

[0185] PN extension code

[0186] PRE Preamble

[0187] PS position signal

[0188] RCRC Reverse Error Check Code

[0189] Rx1, Rx2 receiving channels

[0190] S0 Discovery Mode

[0191] S1 Communication Mode

[0192] S0, S10 Discovery Mode

[0193] S11 Old Mode

[0194] S11a Old Continue Mode

[0195] S12 New Mode

[0196] S12a New Continue Mode

[0197] S1a Continue mode

[0198] st1~st3 track

[0199] STA timeslot status information

[0200] sTRx, sTRy, selX, selY control signals

[0201] SUS Special Status Uplink Signal US

[0202] TS, TS1~TS4 time slots

[0203] US uplink signal

[0204] US1 Uplink signal US generated according to the old protocol

[0205] US2 Uplink signal US generated according to the new protocol.

Claims

1. A pen configured to receive a first uplink signal generated according to a first protocol that is an old protocol used previously, and to send a downlink signal according to the reception timing of the first uplink signal and an instruction configured in the first uplink signal, wherein: The pen is configured to operate in one of a discovery mode, a communication mode, and a continuation mode, wherein the discovery mode is used to discover a sensor controller, the communication mode is used to communicate with the discovered sensor controller, and the continuation mode is used to continue communicating with the sensor controller even when an uplink signal of a special state, i.e., a second uplink signal, is received according to a new protocol, i.e., a second protocol, which is newly launched at a certain point in time, is received after entering the communication mode. When the pen enters the discovery mode, upon receiving the first uplink signal, the pen determines the arrangement of sending and receiving uplink signals and downlink signals according to the reception timing of the first uplink signal, and switches to the communication mode. When the pen receives the second uplink signal, the pen stays in the discovery mode and attempts to receive the next uplink signal. When the pen that has entered the communication mode fails to normally receive the next first uplink signal but receives the second uplink signal during the period in which the pen is capable of receiving the next first uplink signal, the pen is transferred to the continuing mode. When the pen that has entered the continuing mode receives the second uplink signal, it updates the sending and receiving arrangement according to the reception timing of the second uplink signal, and sends the downlink signal containing data according to the instructions configured in the first uplink signal received before the period or predetermined data according to the first protocol, The pen that has entered the continuation mode returns to the discovery mode when it fails to detect the first uplink signal but detects the second uplink signal for n or more consecutive times, where n is an arbitrary natural number greater than or equal to 2.

2. The pen according to claim 1, wherein: The special state is a state in which an exception is detected in decoding of the instruction.

3. The pen according to claim 2, wherein: The exception is that the decoding result does not become a code word.

4. The pen according to claim 2, wherein: The uplink signal includes an error detection code, The anomaly is the detection of an error by the error detection code.

5. The pen according to claim 2, wherein: The abnormality is that the value of the first digit specified as the first value in the first protocol corresponding to the pen becomes a second value different from the first value.

6. The pen according to claim 5, wherein: In the second protocol to which the pen does not correspond, the value of the first bit is defined as the second value.

7. The pen according to claim 1, wherein: When the second uplink signal is continuously received for a predetermined period of time, transmission of the downlink signal is stopped.

8. The pen according to claim 1, wherein: The transmission timing of the downlink signal is determined according to the reception timing of the second uplink signal.

9. The pen according to claim 1, wherein: The first uplink signal generated according to the first protocol corresponding to the pen includes a known synchronization signal, and on the other hand, the second uplink signal generated according to the second protocol not corresponding to the pen includes a synchronization signal that only partially coincides with the known synchronization signal. The special state is a state in which a coincidence of the part is detected and an exception is detected in decoding of the instruction.

10. The pen according to claim 9, wherein: The part is a chip width of a spreading code for spreading the known synchronization signal or a part of a code constituting the spreading code.

11. The pen according to claim 9, wherein: The portion is a leading portion of the known synchronization signal.

12. A pen configured to receive both a first uplink signal generated according to a first protocol that is an old protocol used previously and a second uplink signal generated according to a second protocol that is a new protocol different from the first protocol and newly launched at a certain time, wherein: The pen is configured to operate in one of a discovery mode, a first action mode, an old continuation mode, a second action mode, and a new continuation mode, wherein the discovery mode is used to discover a sensor controller, the first action mode is used to communicate with the discovered sensor controller based on the first protocol, the old continuation mode is used to continue communicating with the sensor controller even when the second uplink signal generated according to the second protocol is received after entering the first action mode, the second action mode is used to communicate with the discovered sensor controller based on the second protocol, and the new continuation mode is used to continue communicating with the sensor controller even when the first uplink signal generated according to the first protocol is received after entering the second action mode. The pen that enters the discovery mode determines the arrangement of receiving and sending uplink and downlink signals according to the reception timing of the first uplink signal when receiving the first uplink signal, and transfers to the first action mode; and determines the arrangement of receiving and sending according to the reception timing of the second uplink signal when receiving the second uplink signal, and transfers to the second action mode. After the pen enters the second operation mode according to the second protocol in response to receiving the second uplink signal, the pen sends a second downlink signal according to the second protocol when receiving the first uplink signal. The pen that has entered the first action mode switches to the old continuation mode when receiving the second uplink signal according to the sending and receiving arrangement, The pen that has entered the old continuation mode updates the transceiver arrangement according to the reception timing of the second uplink signal when receiving the second uplink signal, and transmits the downlink signal according to the first protocol, and returns to the first action mode when receiving the first uplink signal. The pen that has entered the old continuation mode returns to the discovery mode when it fails to detect the first uplink signal and detects the second uplink signal for more than n consecutive times, wherein n is an arbitrary natural number greater than 2. The pen that has entered the second action mode shifts to the new continuation mode when receiving the first uplink signal according to the sending and receiving arrangement, The pen that enters the new continuation mode updates the transceiver arrangement according to the reception timing of the first uplink signal when receiving the first uplink signal, and transmits the downlink signal according to the second protocol, and returns to the second action mode when receiving the second uplink signal. The pen that has entered the new continuation mode returns to the discovery mode when the pen detects the first uplink signal but fails to detect the second uplink signal for the n or more consecutive times.

13. The pen according to claim 12, wherein: When the second uplink signal is not detected for more than a predetermined period and only the first uplink signal is detected during the operation of the pen in the second operation mode, the pen shifts to a discovery mode for discovering a sensor controller.

14. The pen according to claim 12, wherein: When the pen receives a command to enter the second operation mode through the first uplink signal or the second uplink signal while operating in the first operation mode according to the first protocol, the pen shifts to the second operation mode.

15. The pen according to claim 12, wherein: The pen is configured to send a first downlink signal according to the first protocol after entering a first operation mode according to the first protocol in response to receiving the first uplink signal, The first downlink signal includes flag information indicating whether the pen is a pen that supports only the first protocol or a pen that supports both the first protocol and the second protocol.

16. A sensor controller configured to detect both a first downlink signal generated by the pen of any one of claims 1 to 11 in accordance with a first protocol and a second downlink signal generated by the pen of any one of claims 12 to 15 in accordance with a second protocol different from the first protocol, wherein: The sensor controller is configured to alternately set a first frame for transmitting a first uplink signal for the first protocol and a second frame for transmitting a second uplink signal for the second protocol at a set ratio. In the second frame, the sensor controller detects both the first downlink signal and the second downlink signal.

17. The sensor controller according to claim 16, wherein: In the first frame, the sensor controller detects both the first downlink signal and the second downlink signal.

18. The sensor controller according to claim 16, wherein: The sensor controller changes the ratio according to a mixing condition of the first downlink signal and the second downlink signal.

19. The sensor controller according to claim 18, wherein: The sensor controller changes the ratio so that the transmission rate of the second uplink signal increases as the number of receptions of the second downlink signal increases compared to the first downlink signal.

20. The sensor controller according to claim 16, wherein: The first uplink signal and the second uplink signal include a common portion.

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