Control methods for position detection devices and position detection sensors

Abstract

This invention provides a position detection device and a control method for a position detection sensor. The position detection device includes: a main body having a housing that surrounds an electronic pen when the pen is housed in a receiving portion included in the housing; and a planar coil having a rectangular cross-sectional area and disposed near the receiving portion at a position where a direction perpendicular to the rectangular cross-sectional area of ​​the planar coil intersects with the axial direction of the electronic pen when the pen is housed in the receiving portion.

Description

[0001] This application is a divisional application of application filed on May 16, 2017, with application number 201710342375.X, entitled "Control Method for Position Detection Device and Position Detection Sensor". Technical Field

[0002] The present invention relates to a position detection device having a so-called position detection sensor and used as an input device for various information terminals, and a control method for the position detection sensor used in the position detection device. Background Technology

[0003] This includes a wide range of high-performance portable telephone terminals, such as smartphones, and tablet PCs (personal computers), as well as portable information terminals equipped with touch panels. A touch panel is an electronic component that combines a display device such as an LCD screen with a position detection device equipped with a position detection sensor or position detection circuit, allowing for various input operations via touch using the user's fingers or similar means.

[0004] Position detection sensors (hereinafter simply referred to as sensors) include capacitive position detection sensors and electromagnetic induction position detection sensors. In the capacitive method, the position of the indicator is detected by capturing changes in the electrostatic capacitance between the indicator and multiple conductive lines disposed within the sensor. The indicator can be the user's finger, allowing for touch input. In the electromagnetic induction method, a dedicated electronic pen (position indicator) with a built-in resonant circuit consisting of an inductive element (coil) and a capacitor element (capacitor) transmits and receives signals via electromagnetic induction between the pen and a loop coil assembly disposed on the sensor side, detecting the pen's indicated position. Because a dedicated electronic pen is used, precise input is possible, and the pen pressure detection function allows for input of information corresponding to pen pressure.

[0005] Furthermore, there exist portable information terminals that employ both capacitive and electromagnetic induction sensors, and are equipped with a hybrid sensor that supports both finger input and detailed input via a dedicated electronic pen. In portable information terminals with such hybrid sensors, most simple operations are performed using touch input with the user's finger. Therefore, keeping the electromagnetic induction sensor constantly active would accelerate battery consumption, which is not desirable.

[0006] Therefore, in portable information terminals equipped with hybrid sensors, a pen holder is provided on the casing. When the pen is housed in this holder, the electromagnetic induction sensor is not activated. That is, when the pen is housed in the holder, only the electrostatic capacitive sensor is activated. On the other hand, when the pen is not housed in the holder, at least the electromagnetic induction sensor is activated. In this way, the electromagnetic induction sensor is activated only when the pen is in use, thus contributing to battery saving.

[0007] Previously, the detection of whether an electronic pen was housed in an electronic pen housing provided in a portable information terminal was achieved, for example, by patent document 1 described later. Figure 2 The so-called mechanical switch shown is used. In addition, a magnetic sensor with a structure that is a Hall element set in a portable information terminal and a magnet mounted in the electronic pen is used to detect whether the electronic pen is housed in the housing.

[0008] Existing technical documents

[0009] Patent documents

[0010] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 10-013893 Summary of the Invention

[0011] The problem that the invention aims to solve

[0012] In recent years, to enable outdoor use in rainy weather or near water, such as the sea, rivers, and lakes, there has been a demand for portable information terminals and electronic pens to be waterproof. However, when a mechanical switch is included to detect whether the electronic pen, as described above, is housed in the pen's housing within the portable information terminal, gaps arise in the moving part that acts as the switch, making it difficult to achieve waterproofing. Furthermore, when a magnet is included in the electronic pen and a magnetic sensor is provided on the portable information terminal side, the magnet in the pen can affect the pen's resonant circuit or the circuitry on the sensor side used for position detection, or the circuitry on the portable information terminal side can affect the magnetic sensor, which is undesirable.

[0013] Therefore, consider the following method: arrange a coil in the housing of the electronic pen to cover the coil built into the electronic pen, and detect whether an electronic pen is stored by electromagnetic induction. That is, as... Figure 10 As shown in (A), a receiving portion 203 for an electronic pen with an opening 202 is provided in the housing of a portable information terminal 200 equipped with a touch panel 201. A coil 204 is provided on the inner wall of the receiving portion 203, at a position that covers the coil built into the electronic pen when the electronic pen is received.

[0014] Furthermore, consider the case where the electronic pen 300 is housed in the electronic pen receiving section 203. In this case, if... Figure 10 As indicated by the arrow in (B), the electronic pen 300 is inserted inside the coil 204 disposed in the receiving portion 203, and the coil 204 covers the coil 301 of the electronic pen 300. Furthermore, a signal is transmitted from the coil 204 during a fixed period, and a signal from the coil 301, which is a component of the resonant circuit of the electronic pen 300, is received during a subsequent fixed period. If the transmitted signal from the electronic pen 300 can be received at this time, it is possible to detect that the electronic pen is housed in the receiving portion 203.

[0015] However, as Figure 10 As shown in (A), if the coil 204 is provided on the inner wall of the electronic pen housing 203 of the portable information terminal 200, the manufacturing process becomes complicated, and the thickness of the portable information terminal may also be increased. It is better to keep the manufacturing process as simple as possible. In recent years, there has been a demand for further thinning of portable information terminals, and the requirement for thinness must also be met.

[0016] In view of the above, the purpose of this invention is to provide a control method for a position detection device and a position detection sensor suitable for use in portable information terminals. This position detection device can support the realization of waterproof specifications, avoid the complexity of manufacturing processes, further reduce the thickness of portable information terminals, and save power consumption.

[0017] Methods for solving problems

[0018] To solve the above-mentioned problems, the position detection device of the invention described in technical solution 1 is,

[0019] A position detection device includes a receiving portion for accommodating an electronic pen, the electronic pen having a position indicating coil wound along the axis direction, characterized in that the position detection device comprises:

[0020] A planar coil is disposed near the receiving portion, the planar coil being disposed in a direction that intersects the direction of the axis of the electronic pen disposed in the receiving portion, and the number of magnetic fluxes generated that link in opposite directions to the position indicating coils of the electronic pen is not equal.

[0021] A first control unit controls the alternating supply of signals to the planar coil and the reception of signals through the planar coil based on electromagnetic induction; and

[0022] The first detection unit detects the insertion / removal status of the electronic pen in the receiving part based on whether or not a signal is received through the planar coil.

[0023] According to the position detection device of the invention described in technical solution 1, a receiving portion is provided to accommodate an electronic pen having a position indicating coil wound along the axial direction, and a planar coil is arranged near the receiving portion. This planar coil is positioned such that its central axis direction intersects with the axial direction of the electronic pen housed in the receiving portion, and the number of magnetic fluxes generated that link in opposite directions to the position indicating coil of the electronic pen housed in the receiving portion is unequal. In this way, signal exchange can be performed efficiently between the position indicating coil of the electronic pen housed in the receiving portion and the planar coil provided in the position detection device.

[0024] Furthermore, the first control unit alternately performs the supply of signals to the planar coil and the reception of signals through the planar coil based on electromagnetic induction. If the electronic pen is housed in the receiving part, the planar coil and the position indication coil of the electronic pen housed in the receiving part transmit and receive signals through electromagnetic induction. Therefore, the first detection unit detects the insertion and removal status of the electronic pen in the receiving part based on whether a signal is received through the planar coil, that is, it detects whether the electronic pen is housed in the receiving part.

[0025] Therefore, it is possible to properly detect whether an electronic pen is housed in the receiving part of the electronic pen without installing a mechanical switch, magnetic sensor, or forming a spiral coil in the receiving part of the electronic device. Furthermore, since a planar coil is used, waterproof specifications are easily supported, reducing manufacturing complexity and enabling the miniaturization of portable information terminals. That is, although the planar coil is formed by winding coated wires on a substrate, its planar shape allows for easy and reliable waterproofing by using a resin that does not obstruct signals, for example, using photoresist technology. Moreover, even with waterproofing, the thickness of the planar coil portion does not increase significantly. Furthermore, if the electromagnetic induction sensor for detecting the pen's indicated position only activates when the most likely pen to be used is not housed in the receiving part, it can also contribute to saving power consumption in electronic devices equipped with this position detection device.

[0026] Invention Effects

[0027] According to the present invention, by utilizing a planar coil, a position detection device and a control method for a position detection sensor suitable for use in portable information terminals can be realized. This position detection device can support waterproof specifications, avoid complex manufacturing processes, achieve a thinner portable information terminal, and save power consumption. Attached Figure Description

[0028] Figure 1This is a diagram illustrating an example of an electronic device constructed using an input device consisting of the position detection device and an electronic pen of the invention.

[0029] Figure 2 This is a diagram illustrating an example of the structure of the electronic pen used in the implementation method.

[0030] Figure 3 This is a block diagram showing the general structure of the electronic pen used in the embodiment and an example of the circuit structure of the position detection device in the first embodiment.

[0031] Figure 4 It is a diagram used to illustrate the positional relationship between the planar coil and the coil of the electronic pen, and the magnetic flux generated by the planar coil.

[0032] Figure 5 This diagram is used to illustrate in more detail the positional relationship between the coil and the planar coil of the electronic pen housed in the receiving section.

[0033] Figure 6 This is a flowchart illustrating the processing performed by the processing control unit of the position detection device according to the first embodiment.

[0034] Figure 7 This is a block diagram showing the general structure of the electronic pen used in the embodiment and an example of the circuit structure of the position detection device in the second embodiment.

[0035] Figure 8 This is a flowchart illustrating the processing performed by the processing control unit of the position detection device according to the second embodiment.

[0036] Figure 9 This is a block diagram showing the general structure of the electronic pen used in the embodiment and an example of the circuit structure of the position detection device in the third embodiment.

[0037] Figure 10 This is a diagram illustrating an example of an existing testing mechanism for detecting whether an electronic pen is housed in a housing. Detailed Implementation

[0038] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the apparatus and method of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0039] [First Implementation Method]

[0040] Specific examples of electronic devices

[0041] Reference Figure 1This describes an example of an electronic device equipped with an input device consisting of the position detection device of the present invention and an electronic pen (pen-shaped position indicator) used for the position detection device. This example electronic device is, for example, a tablet PC or a high-performance mobile phone terminal equipped with a display device such as an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display), and consists of an electronic device body 1 equipped with the position detection device and an electronic pen 2.

[0042] The main body 1 of the electronic device is constructed by stacking (overlapping) an LCD, two position detection sensors with different detection methods, and a motherboard between a housing 1A and a front panel 1F. In this embodiment, one of the two position detection sensors with different detection methods is an electromagnetic induction position detection sensor, and the other is an electrostatic capacitive position detection sensor.

[0043] An opening 1FW is provided on the front panel 1F. This opening 1FW is set to be the same size as the display area of ​​the LCD screen and the operation area for receiving input from the user using the electronic pen 2, etc. In addition, a housing 1A for accommodating the electronic pen 2 (described later) is provided on the housing 1A of the main body 1 of the electronic device, and the electronic pen 2 is housed in the housing 11 when not in use.

[0044] The electronic pen 2 is used to input information from a position detection sensor via electromagnetic induction. The user removes the electronic pen 2 from the housing 11 as needed and performs position indication operations on the operating area 1FW. The electronic pen 2 is suitable for use when inputting detailed information, such as charts or images.

[0045] In addition, an electrostatic capacitive position detection sensor is mounted on the main body 1 of the electronic device. When the user touches the operation area 1FW with their finger, they can perform operations such as inputting tracing or handwriting characters, selecting icons or display buttons.

[0046] Furthermore, the electronic pen 2 is used to operate the operating area 1FW of the main body 1 of the electronic device. At this time, the position and pen pressure operated by the electronic pen 2 are detected by the electromagnetic induction-based position detection sensor installed inside the main body 1 of the electronic device. Based on this, the display and other control circuits (microcomputer) of the main body 1 of the electronic device control the display processing of the LCD screen.

[0047] Similarly, in this electronic device, the operation area 1FW of the main body 1 of the electronic device is operated by a user's finger or the like. At this time, the position indicated by the finger or the like is detected by a position detection sensor provided inside the main body 1 of the electronic device, and based on this, the display control circuit of the main body 1 controls the display processing of the LCD screen.

[0048] As described above, the electronic pen 2 is an electronic pen that functions as an electromagnetic induction-based position detection sensor, details of which will be described later, and it is equipped with a coil 21 constituting a resonant circuit and a capacitor (capacitor element). The coil 21 is a coil that transmits and receives signals between itself and the position detection sensor, and it is also a position indication coil. Furthermore, in the case of the electronic device body 1 of this embodiment, as... Figure 1 As shown, a planar coil 160 is provided on the lower side of the receiving part 11 and near the coil 21 built into the electronic pen 2 when the electronic pen 2 is received.

[0049] This allows for the transmission and reception of electromagnetically inductive signals between the planar coil 160 and the coil 21 of the electronic pen 2. The insertion / removal status of the electronic pen 2 within the receiving portion 11 can be detected based on the presence or absence of a transmission signal from the coil 21 of the electronic pen 2. In other words, it can detect whether the electronic pen is received in the receiving portion 11 or not. Furthermore, when the electronic pen 2 is received in the receiving portion 11, the indicated position of the electronic pen 2 can be detected without using a position detection sensor based on electromagnetic induction, thereby achieving power savings in the main body 1 of the electronic device.

[0050] Furthermore, by using a planar coil 160, compared to using a mechanical switch to detect the insertion / removal status of the electronic pen in the receiving part 11, it is easier to eliminate gaps and more convenient to achieve a waterproof design. Moreover, unlike the method of detecting the insertion / removal status of the electronic pen in the receiving part 11 by placing a magnetic sensor near the receiving part 11 and mounting a magnet in the electronic pen, there is no concern that the magnet might affect the position detection sensor or similar components. Furthermore, compared to using a spiral coil in the receiving part 11 to detect the insertion / removal status of the electronic pen, the manufacturing process is simpler, and it also contributes to the thinning of the electronic device body 1.

[0051] [Example of electronic pen structure]

[0052] Next, explain the situation regarding... Figure 1 The electronic pen 2 shown is an example of a position indicator using an electromagnetic induction-based position detection sensor mounted in the main body 1 of the electronic device. Figure 2 This is a diagram illustrating an example of the structure of the electronic pen 2 in this embodiment. Figure 2(A) shows a cross-sectional view of electronic pen 2. Figure 2 (B) represents the equivalent circuit of electronic pen 2.

[0053] like Figure 2 As shown, the electronic pen 2 is constructed by mounting various components for realizing the electronic pen function within the housing 23. The ferrite core 22 is, for example, a ferrite core in a cylindrical ferrite material, with a through hole of a predetermined diameter (e.g., diameter = 1 mm) in the axial direction for inserting a rod-shaped core 24 formed of, for example, resin, at a position including the center line in the axial direction.

[0054] The core 24 is inserted through the through hole of the ferrite core 22. That is, the length of the core 24 is longer than the length of the ferrite core 22 in the axial direction. In addition, the portion of the core 24 inserted into the through hole of the ferrite core 22 has a diameter slightly shorter than the diameter of the through hole, allowing it to slide along the axial direction within the through hole. Furthermore, the tip portion that forms the core 24 has a diameter longer than the diameter of the through hole of the ferrite core 22, and the front end is machined into a hemispherical shape, allowing it to move flexibly on the operating surface such as a touch panel.

[0055] And, as Figure 2 As shown in (A), a portion of the ferrite core 22 extending a predetermined length, including the center in the axial direction, becomes a coil-wound portion where the coil 21 is wound along the axial direction, while portions on either side become coil-unwound portions where no coil is wound. That is, when viewed from the axial direction, the portion from the tip-side end to the tip-side end of the coil-wound portion becomes a first coil-unwound portion where no coil is wound, and the portion from the other end of the coil-wound portion to the end opposite the tip-side end of the ferrite core 22 becomes a second coil-unwound portion where no coil 21 is wound.

[0056] The extension lines (conductor lines) 21a and 21b from both ends of the coil 21 wound on the ferrite core 22 extend inside the housing 23 to the printed circuit board 26 (described later), and connect to the capacitor Cf disposed in the printed circuit board 26. Thus, the coil 21 and the capacitor Cf on the printed circuit board 26 form a resonant circuit, enabling the transmission and reception of signals between the coil 21 and the electromagnetic induction-based position detection device (described later) via electromagnetic induction.

[0057] Furthermore, on the side opposite to the pen tip of the core 24, a connecting portion 25 is provided, consisting of a mold portion 25A, a pen pressure detection portion 25B, a fitting portion 25C, and a connecting terminal portion 25D. This connecting portion 25 is the portion that integrally connects the pen tip side portion, consisting of the coil 21, the ferrite core 22, and the core 24, to the printed circuit board 26 and the substrate protection tube 27 described later. The mold portion 25A is a cylindrical portion made of resin or the like, and the outer periphery of the end face of the mold portion 25A on the ferrite core 22 side is slightly larger than the outer periphery of the coil winding portion of the ferrite core 22. Furthermore, a recess is provided on the end face of the mold portion 25A opposite to the ferrite core 22 for fitting the second coil non-winding portion of the ferrite core 22.

[0058] Furthermore, inside the mold section 25A, such as Figure 2 As shown in (A), the device includes a core holding part A1, conductive rubber A2, spacer A3, dielectric A4, and terminal component A5. These parts are clamped together by a mold part 25A and a fitting part 25C (described later) and form a pen pressure detection part 25B for detecting pen pressure.

[0059] Specifically, the core holding part A1 is formed into a cup shape, for example, from hard rubber, and is inserted into the end portion of the core 24 opposite to the pen tip side, and held therein. The bottom part of the core holding part A1 opposite to the core 24 is formed into a spherical shape. Furthermore, the core holding part A1 functions as a pressing part that presses the conductive rubber A2 according to the pen pressure applied to the core 24.

[0060] The conductive rubber A2 has a predetermined thickness and is the same shape and size as the opposite side of the dielectric A4. Furthermore, the pen tip side of the conductive rubber A2 faces the spherical bottom surface of the core holding part A1, and the other side faces one side of the dielectric A4 via the spacer A3.

[0061] Spacer A3 is a ring-shaped component that isolates (distances) the conductive rubber A2 and the dielectric A4 by creating a gap of the thickness of spacer A3 between the pen tip side surfaces. The dielectric A4 is made of a material with better insulating properties than conductive properties, such as ceramic, and functions as a non-current-carrying insulator against DC voltage. A terminal component A5 with a predetermined area is attached to the other side of the dielectric A4. Thus, by sandwiching the dielectric A4 between the conductive rubber (first electrode) A2 and the terminal component (second electrode) A5, a variable capacitance capacitor is formed.

[0062] That is, depending on the pen pressure applied to the pen tip, the core 24 slides up and down along the axis. In conjunction with this, the core holding part A1 pushes up or presses down the conductive rubber A2. Since a gap is provided between the conductive rubber A2 and the dielectric A4 by the spacer A3, the conductive rubber A2 moves closer to the dielectric A4 and contacts it according to the pen pressure applied to the core 24, changing its contact area. As a result, the electrostatic capacitance between the conductive rubber A2 holding the dielectric A4 and the terminal member A5 changes according to the pen pressure. Furthermore, when no pen pressure is applied, the conductive rubber A2 moves away from the dielectric A4 due to the presence of the spacer A3.

[0063] Furthermore, the conductive wires connected to the conductive rubber A2 and the conductive wires connected to the terminal member A5 are connected to the terminals of the connecting terminal section 25D (described later) via the outer sides of the mold section 25A and the fitting section 25C, and are connected to the electronic circuitry of the printed circuit board 26 (described later) via the terminals of the connecting terminal section 25D. Thus, in the electronic circuitry section of the printed circuit board 26, the pen pressure applied to the core 24 can be detected as a change in the electrostatic capacitance of a variable capacitor configured as described above.

[0064] In this example, the pen pressure detection unit 25B, composed of a core holding part A1, conductive rubber A2, spacer A3, dielectric A4, and terminal member A5, is the same as a pen pressure detection unit with a known structure as described in, for example, Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 5-275283. Furthermore, the pen pressure detection unit 25B can also be constructed in the same manner as a pen pressure detection unit with a known structure as described in Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2011-186803. Additionally, it can be configured using a semiconductor element that allows the electrostatic capacitance to be variable according to pen pressure, as disclosed in, for example, Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2013-161307.

[0065] The fitting portion 25C is the part that fits into the substrate protection tube 27, which will be described later. The fitting portion 25C is formed of resin or hard rubber, for example, in a generally cylindrical shape, and is firmly fitted into the mold portion 25A to become one piece. Thus, as described above, the core holding portion A1, conductive rubber A2, spacer A3, dielectric A4, and terminal member A5 are sandwiched between the mold portion 25A and the fitting portion 25C, and the pen pressure detection portion 25B, which is composed of these members, is stably held within the housing 23.

[0066] Furthermore, a recess is provided on the inner side of the fitting portion 25C for fitting the front end of the printed circuit board 26 (described later). Additionally, the outer diameter of the fitting portion 25C is slightly longer than the inner diameter of the substrate protection tube 27, allowing for a secure fitting with the substrate protection tube 27. Furthermore, when the substrate protection tube 27 is fitted with the fitting portion 25C, the outer periphery of the substrate protection tube 27 is aligned with the outer periphery of the fitting portion 25C or the mold portion 25A.

[0067] like Figure 2 As shown in (A), the connecting terminal portion 25D is composed of two upper and lower plates connected to the fitting portion 25C. This plate portion clamps the printed circuit board 26, which will be described later. At this time, the gap between the upper and lower plates is slightly narrower than the thickness of the printed circuit board 26, so that the printed circuit board 26 can be clamped.

[0068] Furthermore, in one of these two plates, for example in Figure 2 On the upper plate portion of (A), the aforementioned conductive rubber A2 and the terminal connected to the conductive wire from the terminal member A5 are arranged to extend from the upper surface to the lower surface, winding around the end face of the circuit board side. Therefore, when the printed circuit board 26 is inserted into the connecting terminal portion 25D, it automatically connects to the terminal portion of the electronic circuitry provided in the printed circuit board 26.

[0069] The printed circuit board 26 is formed by mounting terminals for the aforementioned electronic circuit or various circuit components constituting the electronic circuit on a rectangular insulating substrate, and providing wiring to connect them. Among the various circuit components are ICs (integrated circuits) that function as control circuits, and multiple capacitors Cf, etc. Figure 2 As shown in (A), the printed circuit board 26 is protected within the substrate protection tube 27.

[0070] The substrate protection tube 27 is formed using metal, carbon materials, synthetic resin, etc., and is a rigid tubular component that is difficult to bend. The substrate protection tube 27 has a core-side opening and a rear-end-side opening at both ends. These core-side and rear-end-side openings are in directions intersecting the axis direction. Furthermore, the fitting portion 25C of the connecting portion 25 is inserted from the core-side opening into a predetermined range inside the substrate protection tube 27, and the two are fitted together. Similarly, the tube cap 28 is inserted from the rear-end-side opening into a predetermined range inside the substrate protection tube 27, and the two are fitted together. A recess for inserting the end of the printed circuit board 26 is also provided in the tube cap 28.

[0071] Thus, the core 24 is inserted through the pen tip side of the ferrite core 22 wound with the coil 21, the connecting part 25, the substrate protection tube 27 that houses the printed circuit board 26, and the tube cover 28 are integrally connected and housed in the housing 23, forming the electronic pen 2.

[0072] Furthermore, the equivalent circuit of the electronic pen 2 in this embodiment becomes as follows: Figure 2The circuit shown in (B) is a resonant circuit formed by connecting the coil 21, the pen pressure detection unit 25B (which is a variable capacitor), and the capacitor Cf on the printed circuit board 26 in parallel. This allows for signal transmission and reception between the device and a position detection sensor equipped with an electromagnetic induction method described later.

[0073] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the electronic pen 2 can transmit and receive signals based on electromagnetic induction between itself and the planar coil 160 disposed near the receiving portion 11 of the electronic pen 2 in the electronic device body 1. Therefore, by appropriately detecting whether the electronic pen 2 is housed in the receiving portion 11 within the electronic device body 1, as described above, when the electronic pen 2 is housed in the receiving portion 11, it is possible to control the detection of the indicated position in the electromagnetic induction-based position detection device to be thwarted.

[0074] Overview of Coordinate Detection Sensors Based on Electromagnetic Induction Exchange

[0075] Next, it is explained how to utilize... Figure 2 Example of circuit structure for an implementation of an electromagnetic induction exchange method position detection device 100 that indicates position and detects pen pressure in an electronic pen 2. Figure 3 This is a block diagram showing the general structure of the electronic pen 2 and an example of the circuit structure of the position detection device 100. As described above, the electronic device body 1 is equipped with both an electromagnetic induction-based position detection device and an electrostatic coupling-based position detection device. Figure 3 The position detection device 100 shown is mounted in the main body 1 of the electronic device as an electromagnetic induction position detection device.

[0076] If used Figure 2 As described in (A), the electronic pen 2 has a pen head through which the core 24 passes, and this through hole is located along the axis of the ferrite core 22, which includes the coil 21 wound around it. Furthermore, when using... Figure 2 As explained in (A) and (B), the coil 21 of the electronic pen 2 is connected to the pen pressure detection unit 25B or the capacitor Cf of the printed circuit board 26 to form a resonant circuit.

[0077] On the other hand, the position detection device 100 consists of a position detection circuit section (main sensor section) that detects the indicated position of the electronic pen 2 and the pen pressure applied to the electronic pen 2, and a plug-in sensor circuit section (sub-sensor section) that detects whether the electronic pen 2 is accommodated in the receiving section 11. First, the structure of the position detection circuit section will be explained.

[0078] The position detection circuit includes a position detection sensor 110 as the main sensor. The position detection sensor 110 is constructed by stacking loop coil groups 111 in the X-axis direction and loop coil groups 112 in the Y-axis direction. Each loop coil group 111 and 112 is composed of, for example, more than 40 rectangular loop coils. The loop coils constituting each loop coil group 111 and 112 are arranged at equal intervals and overlap sequentially.

[0079] The position detection sensor 110, which consists of loop coil groups 111 and 112, is connected via a selection circuit 113 and a switching circuit SW1 to a circuit consisting of a receiving amplifier AP, an oscillation circuit 120, a position detection circuit 130, a pen pressure detection circuit 140, and a processing control unit 150. The selection circuit 113 is connected to the X-axis loop coil group 111 and the Y-axis loop coil group 112. The selection circuit 113 selects any one of the two loop coil groups 111 and 112 under the control of the processing control unit 150 (described later).

[0080] The oscillation circuit section 120 consists of an oscillator 121 and a current driver 122. The oscillator 121 generates an AC signal with frequency f0 and supplies it to the current driver 122 and the synchronous detector 141 of the pen pressure detection circuit section 140 (described later). The current driver 122 converts the AC signal supplied from the oscillator 121 into current and sends it to the switching circuit SW1. The switching circuit SW1 switches the connection destination (transmitter terminal T, receiver terminal R) selected by the selection circuit 113 according to the control from the processing control section 150 (described later). In this connection destination, the current driver 122 is connected to the transmitter terminal T, and the receiver amplifier AP is connected to the receiver terminal R.

[0081] The induced voltage generated in the loop coil selected by the selection circuit 113 (the received signal from the electronic pen 2) is sent to the receiving amplifier AP via the selection circuit 113 and the switching circuit SW1. The receiving amplifier AP amplifies the induced voltage supplied from the loop coil and sends it to the detector 131 of the position detection circuit section 130 and the synchronization detector 141 of the pen pressure detection circuit section 140.

[0082] The detector 131 of the position detection circuit 130 detects the induced voltage generated in the loop coil, i.e., the received signal, and sends it to the low-pass filter 132. The low-pass filter 132 has a cutoff frequency sufficiently low than the frequency f0, converts the output signal of the detector 131 into a DC signal, and sends it to the sample-and-hold circuit 133. The sample-and-hold circuit 133 holds the voltage value of the output signal of the low-pass filter 132 at a predetermined timing, specifically a predetermined timing during the receiving period, and sends it to the A / D (analog to digital) conversion circuit 134. The A / D conversion circuit 134 converts the analog output of the sample-and-hold circuit 133 into a digital signal and sends it to the processing control unit 150.

[0083] On the other hand, the synchronous detector 141 of the pen pressure detection circuit 140 uses the AC signal from the oscillator 121 to synchronously detect the output signal of the receiving amplifier AP, and sends a signal with a level corresponding to the phase difference between them to the low-pass filter 142. The low-pass filter 142 has a cutoff frequency that is sufficiently low than the frequency f0, converts the output signal of the synchronous detector 141 into a DC signal and sends it to the sample-and-hold circuit 143. The sample-and-hold circuit 143 holds the voltage value of the output signal of the low-pass filter 142 at a predetermined timing and sends it to the A / D (analog to digital) conversion circuit 144. The A / D conversion circuit 144 converts the analog output of the sample-and-hold circuit 143 into a digital signal and sends it to the processing control unit 150.

[0084] The processing control unit 150 controls each component constituting the position detection circuit unit (main sensor circuit unit) and the plug-in sensor circuit unit (sub-sensor unit) described later. Specifically, the processing control unit 150 controls the selection of the loop coil in the selection circuit 113, the switching of the switching circuit SW1, and the timing of the sample-and-hold circuits 133 and 143. Based on the input signals from the A / D conversion circuits 134 and 144, the processing control unit 150 transmits signals (electromagnetic induction signals) from the X-axis loop coil group 111 and the Y-axis loop coil group 112 for a fixed transmission duration.

[0085] In each loop coil of the X-axis direction loop coil group 111 and the Y-axis direction loop coil group 112, an induced voltage is generated based on the signal transmitted from the electronic pen 2. The processing control unit 150 calculates the coordinate values ​​of the indicated position of the electronic pen 2 in the X-axis and Y-axis directions based on the voltage values ​​of the induced voltages generated in each loop coil. Furthermore, the processing control unit 150 detects pen pressure based on the phase difference between the transmitted and received signals.

[0086] Next, the structure of the pluggable sensor circuit section (sub-sensor section) will be described. As described above, a planar coil 160 is provided as a sub-sensor disposed near the receiving part 11 of the electronic pen 2. One end of the planar coil 160 is connected to the oscillation circuit section 120 or ground via a switching circuit SW2. Furthermore, the other end of the planar coil 160 is connected to the sample-and-hold circuit 170, and the output from the sample-and-hold circuit 170 is supplied to the processing control section 150.

[0087] Furthermore, the switching circuit SW2 and the sample-and-hold circuit 170 are controlled according to the control signal from the processing control unit 150. The processing control unit 150 generates control signals that alternately set the transmission period and the reception period. Here, the transmission period is the period during which current from the oscillation circuit unit 120 is supplied to the planar coil 160, thereby generating an induced voltage in the coil 21 of the electronic pen 2 through electromagnetic induction, and is also the period during which the control signal from the processing control unit 150 is ON (high level). Similarly, the reception period is the period during which current from the capacitor Cf is supplied to the coil 21 of the electronic pen 2, thereby detecting the induced voltage (received signal) generated in the planar coil 160 through electromagnetic induction, and is also the period during which the control signal from the processing control unit 150 is OFF (low level).

[0088] Thus, the processing control unit 150 generates a control signal that is ON during transmission and OFF during reception, and supplies it to the switching circuit SW2 and the sample-and-hold circuit 170 via the inverting circuit IV. Therefore, when an ON control signal is supplied to the switching circuit SW2, an OFF control signal is supplied to the sample-and-hold circuit 170. Conversely, when an OFF control signal is supplied to the switching circuit SW2, an ON control signal is supplied to the sample-and-hold circuit 170.

[0089] Therefore, during the transmission of the control signal from the processing control unit 150 when it becomes ON, the switching circuit SW2 is switched to the terminal Ta side, and the current from the oscillation circuit unit 120 is supplied to the planar coil 160. On the other hand, during the transmission of the control signal from the processing control unit 150 when it becomes ON, the sample-and-hold circuit 170 is supplied with a control signal that becomes OFF through the function of the inverting circuit IV, so it does not operate during this period and is grounded, although not shown.

[0090] Therefore, during transmission, magnetic flux is generated by the current flowing through the planar coil 160. If the coil 21 of the electronic pen 2 is located near the planar coil 160, current flows through the coil 21, inducing a voltage across its terminals. That is, a signal is transmitted from the planar coil 160 to the coil 21 of the electronic pen 2 through electromagnetic induction. In the electronic pen 2, the coil 21 and the capacitor Cf form a resonant circuit, so a charge corresponding to the induced voltage is stored in the capacitor Cf.

[0091] Furthermore, during the period when the control signal from the processing control unit 150 is OFF, the switching circuit SW2 is switched to the terminal Ra side, and one end of the planar coil 160 is grounded. At this time, during the period when the control signal from the processing control unit 150 is OFF, the sample-and-hold circuit 170 is supplied with a control signal that is ON through the function of the inverting circuit IV, and therefore operates during this period.

[0092] As described above, during transmission, charge accumulates in the capacitor Cf constituting the resonant circuit of the electronic pen 2. During reception, this accumulated charge causes current to flow to the coil 21 of the electronic pen 2, generating magnetic flux. Therefore, the magnetic flux generated by the coil 21 of the electronic pen 2 acts, causing current to flow through the planar coil 160 located near the coil 21 of the electronic pen 2, generating an induced voltage across its terminals. That is, signal transmission from the coil 21 of the electronic pen 2 to the planar coil 160 occurs through electromagnetic induction. The sample-and-hold circuit 170 samples and holds the induced voltage generated across the planar coil 160 during reception and sends the voltage value to the processing control unit 150.

[0093] Therefore, if the voltage value from the sample-and-hold circuit 170 is above a fixed value, it indicates that electromagnetic induction-based signal transmission and reception have occurred between the planar coil 160 and the coil 21 of the electronic pen 2. In this case, the processing control unit 150 can detect that the electronic pen 2 is housed in the receiving portion 11. Conversely, if the voltage value from the sample-and-hold circuit 170 is below a fixed value, it indicates that electromagnetic induction-based signal transmission and reception have not occurred between the planar coil 160 and the coil 21 of the electronic pen 2. In this case, the processing control unit 150 can detect that the electronic pen 2 is not housed in the receiving portion 11.

[0094] Furthermore, when the processing control unit 150 detects that the electronic pen 2 is housed in the receiving unit 11, it controls each unit to perform control so that the detection processing of the indicated position and pen pressure via the position detection sensor 110 is not performed. Conversely, when the processing control unit 150 detects that the electronic pen 2 is not housed in the receiving unit 11, it controls each unit to perform the detection processing of the indicated position and pen pressure via the position detection sensor 110. This allows the position detection sensor 110 to be avoided when unnecessary, thus saving power consumption.

[0095] The positional relationship between the coil and the planar coil in an electronic pen.

[0096] Figure 4 This is a diagram illustrating the positional relationship between the planar coil 160 and the coil 21 of the electronic pen 2, as well as the magnetic field and magnetic flux generated by the planar coil 160. As described above, the coil 21 built into the electronic pen 2 is along the... Figure 4 In (A) and (B), the coil on the electronic pen 2 is wound in the direction of the axis shown by the dashed line. Furthermore, the planar coil 160 provided near the receiving portion 11 that houses the electronic pen 2 is located near the coil 21 of the electronic pen 2 housed in the receiving portion 11. Figure 4 The coil is set up as shown in (A) and (B) so that it is approximately parallel to the core of the electronic pen 2.

[0097] like Figure 4 As shown, the set of magnetic fluxes of the magnetic field generated by current flowing through wires Ca1 and Ca2 on the short side Ca of the planar coil 160 in the direction of the arrow will be labeled Mfa. Similarly, the set of magnetic fluxes of the magnetic field generated by current flowing through wires Cb1 and Cb2 on the short side Cb of the planar coil 160 in the direction of the arrow will be labeled Mfb.

[0098] Furthermore, the planar coil 160 is configured such that if the electronic pen 2 is housed in the receiving portion 11 of the housing 1A, the planar coil 160 is located near the coil 21 of the electronic pen 2. At this time, the magnetic fluxes Mfa and Mfb generated by the planar coil 160 link the coil 21 of the electronic pen 2, thereby inducing a current in the coil 21 and accumulating charge in the capacitor Cf connected thereto. Here, linking means that the magnetic fluxes Mfa and Mfb pass through the coil 21 like a chain.

[0099] However, as Figure 4 As shown in (A), let the direction of the coil 21 of the electronic pen 2 be the axis (in) Figure 4 Taking the center of the direction indicated by the dashed line in (A) as a reference, the number of magnetic fluxes Mfa linking with the right side of coil 21 is equal to the number of magnetic fluxes Mfb linking with the left side of coil 21. For example... Figure 4 As shown in (A), the magnetic fluxes Mfa and Mfb interfere with the coil 21 of the electronic pen 2 in opposite directions (the directions in which the magnetic fluxes Mfa and Mfb link the coil 21).

[0100] That is, the magnetic flux Mfa generated on the right side and the magnetic flux Mfb generated on the left side of the planar coil 160 respectively act to generate mutually opposite currents in the coil 21 of the electronic pen 2. Therefore, the currents generated in the coil 21 of the electronic pen 2 through electromagnetic induction cancel each other out, and no current effectively flows in the coil 21, resulting in a state where sufficient charge cannot be accumulated in the capacitor Cf.

[0101] Therefore, even if no current is supplied to the planar coil 160, no current flows through the coil 21 of the electronic pen 2 because no charge is stored in the capacitor Cf of the electronic pen 2, and no magnetic field (magnetic flux) is generated in the coil 21. Therefore, no current flows through the planar coil 160 based on the magnetic flux generated in the coil 21 of the electronic pen 2, and this situation cannot be detected even if the electronic pen 2 is housed in the housing 11.

[0102] Therefore, in this embodiment, one of the magnetic flux Mfa generated on the right side of the planar coil 160 and the magnetic flux Mfb generated on the left side is coupled more to the coil 21 of the electronic pen 2 housed in the receiving portion 11. For example, as Figure 4 As shown in (B), relative to the coil 21 of the electronic pen 2 housed in the receiving part 11, the planar coil 160 is shifted to the right, thereby increasing the linkage between the magnetic flux Mfb generated on the left side of the planar coil 160 and the coil 21 of the electronic pen 2. Therefore, based on the magnetic flux Mfb generated on the left side of the planar coil 160, a current can be effectively generated in the coil 21 of the electronic pen 2 through electromagnetic induction, and sufficient charge can be stored in the capacitor Cf.

[0103] Of course, with Figure 4 (B) Conversely, the planar coil 160 can be shifted to the left relative to the coil 21 of the electronic pen 2 housed in the receiving section 11, thereby increasing the linkage between the magnetic flux Mfa generated on the right side of the planar coil 160 and the coil 21 of the electronic pen 2. However, in this case, it is necessary to consider the possibility that the magnetic flux Mfb generated on the left side of the planar coil 160 might interfere with other parts of the electronic pen 2.

[0104] Furthermore, in this embodiment, such as Figure 4As shown in (C), the planar coil 160 has an FPC (Flexible Printed Circuit) structure. Specifically, the planar coil 160 is a coil formed by bonding a coil made of a conductive metal such as copper onto a thin, flexible base film 171 with insulating properties, such as polyimide. Thus, the individual turns of the coil can be fixed on the same plane, preventing vertical (along the central axis) deviation or offset on the plane.

[0105] Furthermore, a magnetic metal plate 172 and a conductive metal shield 173 are provided on the lower side of the planar coil 160 along its central axis. The magnetic metal plate 172 enhances the magnetic flux generated by the planar coil 160. Figure 4 In the example shown, it effectively lifts the magnetic flux from the lower side to the upper side in the axial direction of the planar coil 160. The conductive metal shield 173 is used to prevent electromagnetic waves arriving from the outside from affecting the planar coil 160. Thus, in this embodiment, the transmission and reception of signals based on electromagnetic induction can be effectively performed between the coil 21 of the electronic pen 2 housed in the receiving part 11 and the planar coil 160.

[0106] Figure 5 This diagram further illustrates the positional relationship between the coil 21 and the planar coil 160 of the electronic pen 2 housed in the receiving portion 11 in this embodiment. (See diagram for details.) Figure 5 As shown, the width of the area forming the planar coil 160 is, for example, 6 mm or more, such that the coil 21 of the electronic pen 2 can be located inside the planar coil 160.

[0107] Furthermore, suppose the electronic pen 2 passes along the long side of the planar coil 160, with the front end (pen tip) of the core 24 of the electronic pen 2 abutting against the end Tb of the planar coil 160. At this time, consider the center of the coil 21 along its axis as a reference, and the half of the coil 21 on the pen tip side and the half on the opposite side of the pen tip side, and... Figure 4 Similarly, as shown in (A), the magnetic fluxes Mfa and Mfb generated by the planar coil 160 are linked in equal numbers.

[0108] At this time, as Figure 5 As shown, the electronic pen 2 housed in the receiving part 11 is positioned such that it is offset by at least 1 mm from one end Tb of the planar coil 160 towards the other end. Thus, if it is offset by more than 1 mm from the end Tb of the planar coil 160, then the coil 21 of the electronic pen 2, and... Figure 4Similarly, in the example shown in (B), the magnetic flux Mfb can be linked more. Thus, based on the magnetic flux generated by the planar coil 160, the coil 21 of the electronic pen 2 can be effectively induced to generate current through electromagnetic induction.

[0109] And, as Figure 5 As shown, a rectangular region 160Ar, having a length L1 extending from the end Tb of the planar coil 160 to the point where the front end of the core 24 of the electronic pen 2 is located, and a length L2 extending from the front end of the core 24 of the electronic pen 2 to a length L2 offset from the rear end of the electronic pen 2 by more than 30 mm, and a longitudinal length of more than 6 mm, is designated as the region for mounting a magnetic metal plate or a conductive metal shield. Therefore, in Figure 5 In the example shown, the rectangular area 160Ar, which is at least 6 mm in length and 31 mm in width, is the area where the planar coil 160 is installed, and is also the area where a magnetic metal plate or a conductive metal shield is installed.

[0110] Furthermore, if the positional relationship between the planar coil 160 and the coil 21 of the electronic pen 2 is set as follows: Figure 5 The positional relationship shown enables efficient transmission and reception of signals based on electromagnetic induction between the planar coil 160 and the coil 21 of the electronic pen 2. Furthermore, the exact distance between the tip of the core 24 of the electronic pen 2 and the end Tb of the planar coil 160 can be determined experimentally to find a position where signal transmission and reception via electromagnetic induction can be effectively achieved.

[0111] [Specific example of control in position detection device 100]

[0112] Next, it is explained that it has the function of use. Figure 3 The following is a specific example of the processing control performed by the processing control unit 150 of the position detection device 100 of the structure described. Figure 6 This is a flowchart illustrating the processing performed by the processing control unit 150 of the position detection device 100 after the main power of the electronic device body 1 is turned on. Figure 6 The flowchart shown illustrates the processing of the "Control Method for Position Detection Sensor" of this application.

[0113] First, the processing control unit 150 uses the planar coil 160, which serves as a secondary sensor, to perform a detection process (step S101) to determine whether the electronic pen 2 is housed in the housing 11. Specifically, the processing control unit 150 generates a control signal that alternately repeats during the ON and OFF periods and supplies it to the switching circuit SW2 and the sample-and-hold circuit 170 via the inverting circuit IV. Thus, mutually inverted control signals are supplied to the switching circuit SW2 and the sample-and-hold circuit 170, respectively.

[0114] Therefore, when a control signal to turn ON is supplied to the switching circuit SW2, a control signal to turn OFF is supplied to the sample-and-hold circuit 170. At this time, the switching circuit SW2 is switched to the terminal Ta side, and the sample-and-hold circuit 170 becomes inactive and grounded. Therefore, current from the oscillation circuit section 120 is supplied to the planar coil 160, generating magnetic flux in the planar coil 160. Through electromagnetic induction, current flows through the coil 21 of the electronic pen 2, transmitting a signal.

[0115] Conversely, when a control signal to turn OFF is supplied to the switching circuit SW2, a control signal to turn ON is supplied to the sample-and-hold circuit 170. At this time, the switching circuit SW2 is switched to the terminal Ra side and grounded, and the sample-and-hold circuit 170 operates. Therefore, influenced by the magnetic flux generated by the coil 21 of the electronic pen 2, current flows through the planar coil 160 through electromagnetic induction, generating an induced voltage, which is sampled and held by the sample-and-hold circuit 170.

[0116] In this way, by repeatedly transmitting and receiving signals based on electromagnetic induction through the planar coil 160, if an induced voltage of a predetermined fixed value or higher is detected, it can be detected that the electronic pen 2 is contained in the receiving part 11. Conversely, if an induced voltage of a predetermined fixed value or higher is not detected, it can be detected that the electronic pen 2 is not contained in the receiving part 11.

[0117] Furthermore, based on the result of the containment detection process in step S101, the processing control unit 150 determines whether the electronic pen 2 is contained in the containment unit 11 (step S102). Suppose that in step S102 it is determined that the electronic pen 2 is not contained in the containment unit 11. At this time, since the electronic pen 2 is in use, the processing control unit 150 activates the position detection sensor 110, which serves as the main sensor, and begins the detection process of the indicated position of the electronic pen 2 and the pen pressure detected by the position detection sensor 110 (step S103).

[0118] Specifically, in step S103, the processing control unit 150 controls the selection circuit 113, the switching circuit SW1, the sample-and-hold circuit 133 of the position detection circuit unit 130, and the sample-and-hold circuit 143 of the pen pressure detection circuit unit 140 by supplying control signals. At this time, loop coils for signal transmission and reception are sequentially selected from the loop coil groups 111 and 112, and the processing begins to alternately switch between the transmission period (supplying current from the oscillation circuit unit 120 to the selected loop coil) and the reception period (receiving signals from the electronic pen 2 through the selected loop coil). Furthermore, during the reception period, the position indicated by the electronic pen 2 on the position detection sensor 110 and the pen pressure applied to the electronic pen 2 by contacting the position detection sensor 110 are detected by the position detection circuit unit 130 and the pen pressure detection circuit unit 140.

[0119] Subsequently, at an appropriate timing, the processing control unit 150, similar to the processing performed in step S101, uses the planar coil 160, which serves as a secondary sensor, to perform a containment detection process to detect whether the electronic pen 2 is contained in the containment section 11 (step S104). Furthermore, similar to the discrimination process performed in step S102, the processing control unit 150 determines whether the electronic pen 2 is contained in the containment section 11 based on the result of the containment detection process in step S104 (step S105).

[0120] If, during the determination process in step S105, it is determined that the electronic pen 2 is not housed in the receiving portion 11, the processing control unit 150 repeats the processing from step S104 onwards. Thus, until the electronic pen 2 is housed in the receiving portion 11, the detection of the indicated position of the electronic pen 2 via the position detection sensor 110 (which serves as the main sensor) and the detection of the pen pressure applied to the electronic pen 2 continue.

[0121] On the other hand, if it is determined in the determination process of step S105 that the electronic pen 2 is housed in the housing 11. At this time, since the electronic pen 2 is not in use, the processing control unit 150 ends the processing of the indicated position of the position detection sensor 110 as the main sensor and the pen pressure detection process (step S106).

[0122] Specifically, in step S106, the processing control unit 150 stops supplying control signals to the selection circuit 113, the switch circuit SW1, the sample-and-hold circuit 133 of the position detection circuit unit 130, and the sample-and-hold circuit 143 of the pen pressure detection circuit unit 140. This stops the operation of each unit, ending the processing of detecting the indicated position of the electronic pen 2 and the pen pressure applied to the electronic pen 2 via the position detection sensor 110.

[0123] Next, the processing control unit 150 determines whether the main power supply of the electronic device body 1 has been turned off (step S107). If it is determined in the determination process of step S107 that the main power supply has not been turned off, the processing from step S101 onwards is repeated. Furthermore, if it is determined in the determination process of step S107 that the main power supply has been turned off, a predetermined termination process, such as stopping the power supply to the processing control unit 150, is performed (step S108), ending the process. Figure 6 The processing is shown.

[0124] Furthermore, suppose that in the determination process of step S102 described above, it is determined that the electronic pen 2 is housed in the housing 11. At this time, since the electronic pen 2 is not in use, the processing control unit 150 does not perform the detection of the indicated position by the position detection sensor 110, which is the main sensor, and the pen pressure, and determines whether the main power supply of the electronic device body 1 has been turned off (step S107).

[0125] If, in the determination process of step S107, it is determined that the main power supply is not OFF, the process from step S101 onwards is repeated. Furthermore, if, in the determination process of step S107, it is determined that the main power supply is OFF, a predetermined termination process, such as stopping the power supply to the processing control unit 150, is performed (step S108), ending the process. Figure 6 The processing is shown.

[0126] In this way, the processing control unit 150 uses the planar coil 160 as a secondary sensor to appropriately detect whether the electronic pen 2 is housed in the receiving unit 11. Furthermore, only when the electronic pen 2 is not housed in the receiving unit 11 and is in use can the position detection sensor 110, which serves as the primary sensor, detect the indicated position of the electronic pen 2 and the pen pressure applied to the electronic pen 2. Therefore, when the electronic pen 2 is housed in the receiving unit 11, the detection of the indicated position of the electronic pen 2 via the position detection sensor 110 and the detection of the pen pressure applied to the electronic pen 2 are not performed, thus contributing to power saving.

[0127] Furthermore, since a planar coil 160 is used as a secondary sensor, gaps can be completely sealed by covering the planar coil 160 with a waterproof sheet such as resin using techniques such as resist coating, easily supporting waterproof specifications. In addition, using a planar coil 160 avoids manufacturing process complications compared to using a coil formed in a spiral shape, and also contributes to thinner designs.

[0128] [Second Implementation Method]

[0129] Figure 7This is a block diagram illustrating the schematic structure of the electronic pen in the first embodiment and the position detection device 100A in the second embodiment. Similar to the position detection device 100 in the first embodiment, the position detection device 100A in the second embodiment described below is also an electromagnetic induction-based position detection device. Figure 1 The electronic device body 1 shown is used together with an electrostatic coupling-based position detection device. Therefore, the position detection device 100A of this second embodiment is also used... Figure 1 , Figure 2 The electronic pen 2 described above is used for operation.

[0130] Therefore, the position detection device 100A of the second embodiment also has the function of detecting whether the electronic pen 2 is contained in the receiving part 11. However, as Figure 7 As shown, the position detection device 100A of the second embodiment does not have the pluggable sensor circuit section consisting of a planar coil 160, a switching circuit SW2, a sample and hold circuit 170, and a reversing circuit IV, which is provided in the position detection device 100 of the first embodiment.

[0131] The position detection device 100A of the second embodiment consists of a planar coil 160A as a secondary sensor and a position detection circuit (main sensor section). The position detection circuit section also functions as a plug-in sensor circuit. The basic structure of the position detection circuit section is the same as that of the position detection device 100 of the first embodiment described above. Therefore, in the block diagram of the position detection device 100A of the second embodiment... Figure 7 In the middle, to and Figure 3 The same reference numerals are used to mark the parts that are similarly constructed in the position detection device 100 of the first embodiment shown. Since the detailed description of these parts is repeated, they are omitted.

[0132] Furthermore, similar to the planar coil 160 in the first embodiment, the planar coil 160A in this second embodiment is also disposed near the receiving portion 11 of the electronic pen 2 disposed in the electronic device body 1. In this position detection device 100A of the second embodiment, the magnetic flux generated by the planar coil 160A in different directions is also ensured to not uniformly affect the coil 21 of the electronic pen 2 disposed in the receiving portion 11. That is, in this position detection device 100A of the second embodiment, the positional relationship between the coil 21 of the electronic pen 2 disposed in the receiving portion 11 and the planar coil 160A disposed near the receiving portion 11 becomes suitable for use. Figure 4 (B) Figure 5 The relationship described.

[0133] like Figure 7As shown, in the case of the position detection device 100A of this second embodiment, one end of the planar coil 160A, which serves as a secondary sensor, is connected to the selection circuit 113A, and the other end is grounded. Other structures are similar to... Figure 3 The same applies to the position detection device 100 of the first embodiment shown.

[0134] Therefore, in the position detection device 100A of this second embodiment, when detecting whether an electronic pen 2 is stored in the receiving section 11, the processing control unit 150 controls the selection circuit 113A to select the planar coil 160A. Furthermore, the processing control unit 150 controls the switching circuit SW1 to switch between the period during which current from the oscillation circuit 120 is supplied to the planar coil 160A (transmission period) and the period during which the voltage generated across the planar coil 160A through electromagnetic induction is detected (receiving period). During the receiving period, the processing control unit 150 activates the position detection circuit 130 to detect whether the planar coil 160A receives a signal from the coil 21 of the electronic pen 2 through electromagnetic induction, thereby detecting whether the electronic pen 2 is stored in the receiving section 11.

[0135] On the other hand, the detection of the indicated position of the electronic pen 2 and the detection of the pen pressure applied to the electronic pen 2 are performed exactly the same as in the case of the position detection device 100 of the first embodiment described above. That is, the processing control unit 150 controls the selection circuit 113A, the switch circuit SW1, the sample-and-hold circuit 133 of the position detection circuit unit 130, and the sample-and-hold circuit 143 of the pen pressure detection circuit unit 140 by supplying control signals.

[0136] At this time, loop coils for signal transmission and reception are sequentially selected from loop coil groups 111 and 112, and the transmission period of supplying current from the oscillation circuit section 120 to the selected loop coil and the reception period of receiving signals from the electronic pen 2 through the selected loop coil are alternately switched. Furthermore, during the reception period, the position detection circuit section 130 and the pen pressure detection circuit section 140 detect the indicated position of the electronic pen 2 on the position detection sensor 110 and the pen pressure applied to the electronic pen 2 when it contacts the position detection sensor 110.

[0137] Thus, in the case of the position detection device 100A of the second embodiment, the planar coil 160A, which serves as a sub-sensor, can also be used to detect whether the electronic pen 2 is housed in the receiving portion 11. Furthermore, in the case of the position detection device 100A of the second embodiment, it is also possible to detect the indicated position of the electronic pen 2 on the position detection sensor 110 and to detect the pen pressure applied to the electronic pen 2.

[0138] [Specific example of control in position detection device 100A]

[0139] Next, it is explained that it has the function of use. Figure 7 The following is a specific example of the processing control performed by the processing control unit 150 of the position detection device 100A in the second embodiment of the described structure. Figure 8 This is a flowchart illustrating the processing performed by the processing control unit 150 of the position detection device 100A in the second embodiment after the main power of the electronic device body 1 is turned on. Figure 8 The flowchart shown illustrates the processing of the "Control Method for Position Detection Sensor" of this application.

[0140] First, the processing control unit 150 uses the planar coil 160A, which serves as a secondary sensor, to perform a receiving detection process (step S201) to detect whether the electronic pen 2 is received in the receiving section 11. Specifically, the processing control unit 150 controls the selection circuit 113A to select and maintain the planar coil 160A. Furthermore, a control signal is generated and alternately repeated during ON and OFF periods and supplied to the switching circuit SW1. Additionally, during the OFF period, control is performed to activate the sample-and-hold circuit 133 of the position detection circuit unit 130.

[0141] In this way, by repeatedly transmitting and receiving signals based on electromagnetic induction through the planar coil 160A, if the position detection circuit 130 detects an induced voltage of a predetermined fixed value or higher during reception, it can be detected that the electronic pen 2 is contained in the receiving compartment 11. Conversely, if the position detection circuit 130 does not detect an induced voltage of a predetermined fixed value or higher during reception, it can be detected that the electronic pen 2 is not contained in the receiving compartment 11.

[0142] Furthermore, based on the result of the containment detection process in step S201, the processing control unit 150 determines whether the electronic pen 2 is contained in the containment unit 11 (step S202). Suppose that in step S202 it is determined that the electronic pen 2 is not contained in the containment unit 11. At this time, since the electronic pen 2 is in use, the processing control unit 150 activates the position detection sensor 110, which is the main sensor, and begins the detection process of the indicated position of the electronic pen 2 and the pen pressure detected by the position detection sensor 110 (step S203). This step S203 is related to... Figure 6 The processing in step S103 of the position detection device 100 of the first embodiment shown is the same.

[0143] Subsequently, at a predetermined timing, the processing control unit 150 switches to allow the selection circuit 113A to select the planar coil 160A, and performs a receiving detection process (step S204) to detect whether the electronic pen 2 is housed in the receiving section 11. That is, the processing in step S204 is the same as the processing performed in step S201. Furthermore, the predetermined timing is such that, in the detection process of the indication position and pen pressure that began in step S203, a predetermined cycle of detection process ends and the next cycle of detection process begins.

[0144] Furthermore, a predetermined detection cycle means, for example, a unified detection process from the start of the detection process until the indicated position and pen pressure are detected, or until the scanning process using all loop coils of the position detection sensor 110 is completed. Therefore, if this detection cycle ends, a new detection process begins. Thus, by performing the electronic pen 2's accommodation detection process between the immediate detection cycle and the next detection cycle, the electronic pen 2's accommodation detection process can be performed without affecting the detection process of the electronic pen 2's indicated position and pen pressure.

[0145] Furthermore, similar to the discrimination process performed in step S202, the processing control unit 150 determines whether the electronic pen 2 is housed in the housing 11 based on the result of the housing detection process in step S204 (step S205).

[0146] If, during the determination process in step S205, it is determined that the electronic pen 2 is not housed in the receiving portion 11, the processing control unit 150 repeats the processing from step S204 onwards. Thus, until the electronic pen 2 is housed in the receiving portion 11, the detection of the indicated position of the electronic pen 2 via the position detection sensor 110 (which serves as the main sensor) and the detection of the pen pressure applied to the electronic pen 2 continue.

[0147] On the other hand, if it is determined in the determination process of step S205 that the electronic pen 2 is housed in the housing 11. At this time, since the electronic pen 2 is not in use, the processing control unit 150 ends the processing of the indicated position of the position detection sensor 110 as the main sensor and the pen pressure detection process (step S206).

[0148] Specifically, in step S206, the processing control unit 150 controls the selection circuit 113A to maintain the selected planar coil 160A, and repeats the transmission and reception of signals through the planar coil 160A. Therefore, in step S206, the loop coil constituting the X-axis direction loop coil group 111 and the loop coil constituting the Y-axis direction loop coil group 112 are not selected. As a result, since the detection processing of the indicated position of the electronic pen 2, which uses the position detection sensor 110 as the main sensor, is not performed, power consumption can be significantly reduced.

[0149] Furthermore, since the oscillation circuit 120, position detection circuit 130, and processing control unit 150 remain operational, this situation can still be detected when the electronic pen 2 is removed from the receiving unit 11. Additionally, when the electronic pen 2 is contained in the receiving unit 11, the pen pressure detection circuit 140 can be stopped from operating since it is not necessary.

[0150] Next, the processing control unit 150 determines whether the main power supply of the electronic device body 1 has been turned off (step S207). If it is determined in the determination process of step S207 that the main power supply has not been turned off, the processing from step S201 onwards is repeated. Furthermore, if it is determined in the determination process of step S207 that the main power supply has been turned off, a predetermined termination process, such as stopping the power supply to the processing control unit 150, is performed (step S208), ending the process. Figure 8 The processing is shown.

[0151] Furthermore, suppose that in the determination process of step S202 described above, it is determined that the electronic pen 2 is housed in the housing 11. At this time, since the electronic pen 2 is not in use, the processing control unit 150 does not perform the detection of the indicated position by the position detection sensor 110 (which is the main sensor) and the pen pressure, and determines whether the main power supply of the electronic device body 1 has been turned off (step S207).

[0152] If, in the determination process of step S207, it is determined that the main power supply is not OFF, the process from step S201 onwards is repeated. Furthermore, if, in the determination process of step S207, it is determined that the main power supply is OFF, a predetermined termination process, such as stopping the power supply to the processing control unit 150, is performed (step S208), ending the process. Figure 8 The processing is shown.

[0153] Thus, in the case of the position detection device 100A of this second embodiment, the processing control unit 150 also uses the planar coil 160 as a secondary sensor to appropriately detect whether the electronic pen 2 is housed in the receiving portion 11. Furthermore, only when the electronic pen 2 is not housed in the receiving portion 11 and is in use can the position detection sensor 110, which serves as the primary sensor, detect the indicated position of the electronic pen 2 and the pen pressure applied to the electronic pen 2. Therefore, when the electronic pen 2 is housed in the receiving portion 11, the detection of the indicated position of the electronic pen 2 via the position detection sensor 110 and the detection of the pen pressure applied to the electronic pen 2 are not performed, thus contributing to power saving.

[0154] Furthermore, since a planar coil 160A is used as a secondary sensor, the gap can be completely sealed by using materials such as waterproof sheets, making it easy to support waterproof specifications. In addition, the use of a planar coil 160A avoids the complexity of the manufacturing process compared to using a coil formed in a spiral shape, and also contributes to thinner profiles.

[0155] [Third Implementation Method]

[0156] Figure 9 This is a block diagram illustrating the position detection device 100B according to the third embodiment. Similar to the position detection devices 100 and 100A of the first and second embodiments, the position detection device 100B of the third embodiment described below is also an electromagnetic induction-based position detection device. Figure 1 The electronic device body 1 shown is used together with an electrostatic coupling-based position detection device. Therefore, the position detection device 100B of this third embodiment is also used... Figure 1 , Figure 2 The electronic pen 2 described above is used for operation.

[0157] Therefore, the position detection device 100B of the third embodiment also has the function of detecting whether the electronic pen 2 is contained in the receiving part 11. However, the position detection device 100B of the third embodiment does not have a dedicated planar coil 160, 160A as a secondary sensor, unlike the position detection devices 100, 100A of the first and second embodiments described above.

[0158] like Figure 9 As shown, the position detection device 100B of this third embodiment is configured to also use one of the loop coils 111, 112 constituting the position detection sensor 110 as a planar coil serving as a secondary sensor. Figure 9In the example shown, the Xath loop coil of the X-axis direction loop coil group 111 is also used as a planar coil as a sub-sensor. That is, in the case of the position detection device 100B of this third embodiment, the Xath loop coil of the X-axis direction loop coil group 111 is extended to form a planar coil portion that functions as a sub-sensor near the receiving portion 11.

[0159] Therefore, in the case of the position detection device 100B of the third embodiment, the position detection circuit section 130 also functions as a plug-in sensor circuit section. Furthermore, the portion of the position detection device 100B other than the Xath loop coil of the X-axis direction loop coil group 111 is configured similarly to the position detection device 100 of the first embodiment described above. Therefore, in the block diagram of the position detection device 100B as the third embodiment... Figure 9 In the middle, to and Figure 3 The same reference numerals are used to mark the parts that are similarly constructed in the position detection device 100 of the first embodiment shown. Since the detailed description of these parts is repeated, they are omitted.

[0160] Furthermore, in this third embodiment, the Xa-th loop coil is extended, and the positional relationship between the planar coil portion that functions as a secondary sensor near the receiving portion 11 and the coil 21 of the electronic pen 2 housed in the receiving portion 11 is the same as in the first embodiment. That is, in the position detection device 100B of this third embodiment, the positional relationship between the coil 21 of the electronic pen 2 housed in the receiving portion 11 and the planar coil portion formed by extending the Xa-th loop coil arranged near the receiving portion 11 is also the same as in the first embodiment. Figure 4 (B) Figure 5 The relationship described herein. As a result, the magnetic fluxes Mfa and Mfb generated by the planar coil portion, which are oriented in different directions, will not exert a uniform effect on the coil 21 of the electronic pen 2 housed in the housing 11.

[0161] Furthermore, in the case of the position detection device 100B of the third embodiment, the processing control unit 150 performs and uses... Figure 8 The processing control unit 150 of the position detection device 100A described in the second embodiment performs the same processing control. However, in Figure 8 The processes performed in steps S201, S204, and S206 shown are slightly different from the processes performed in the position detection device 100A of the second embodiment.

[0162] That is, in the position detection device 100B of this third embodiment, the processing control unit 150 in Figure 8The processes in steps S201 and S204 are performed as follows. First, the processing control unit 150 controls the selection circuit 113 to select and maintain the Xa-th loop coil in which the planar coil section is formed near the receiving section 11. Furthermore, a control signal is generated that alternately repeats the ON and OFF periods and is supplied to the switching circuit SW1. Additionally, during the OFF period, control is performed to activate the sample-and-hold circuit 133 of the position detection circuit unit 130.

[0163] In this way, by repeatedly transmitting and receiving the electromagnetically induced signal through the Xa-th loop coil of the planar coil section formed near the receiving portion 11, if the position detection circuit 130 detects an induced voltage of a predetermined fixed value or higher during reception, it is possible to detect that the electronic pen 2 is contained in the receiving portion 11. Conversely, if the position detection circuit 130 does not detect an induced voltage of a predetermined fixed value or higher during reception, it is possible to detect that the electronic pen 2 is not contained in the receiving portion 11.

[0164] Furthermore, in the position detection device 100B of this third embodiment, the processing control unit 150... Figure 8 In step S206, the processing is performed as follows. In step S206, the processing control unit 150 controls the selection circuit 113 to maintain the state of selecting the Xa-th loop coil forming the planar coil section, and repeats the transmission and reception of signals through the Xa-th loop coil. Therefore, in step S206, the loop coils constituting the X-axis direction loop coil group 111 and the loop coils constituting the Y-axis direction loop coil group 112 are not selected except for the Xa-th loop coil. As a result, since the detection processing of the indicated position of the electronic pen 2, which uses the position detection sensor 110 as the main sensor, is not performed, power consumption can be greatly reduced.

[0165] Furthermore, since the oscillation circuit 120, position detection circuit 130, and processing control unit 150 remain operational, this situation can still be detected when the electronic pen 2 is removed from the receiving unit 11. Additionally, when the electronic pen 2 is contained in the receiving unit 11, the pen pressure detection circuit 140 can be stopped from operating since it is not necessary.

[0166] The other steps S202, S203, S205, S207, and S208 are performed in the same way as the steps performed by the position detection device 100A in the second embodiment.

[0167] Thus, in the case of the position detection device 100B of the third embodiment, one of the loop coils constituting the position detection sensor 110 is extended, and a planar coil portion is provided near the receiving portion 11, thereby enabling the formation of a plug-in sensor circuit for detecting whether the electronic pen 2 is received in the receiving portion 11.

[0168] Furthermore, in the case of the position detection device 100B of the third embodiment, the processing control unit 150 can appropriately detect whether the electronic pen 2 is housed in the receiving portion 11 using the Xa loop coil of the position detection sensor 110. Moreover, only when the electronic pen 2 is not housed in the receiving portion 11 and is in use can the position detection sensor 110, which serves as the main sensor, detect the indicated position of the electronic pen 2 and the pen pressure applied to the electronic pen 2. Therefore, when the electronic pen 2 is housed in the receiving portion 11, the detection of the indicated position of the electronic pen 2 and the detection of the pen pressure applied to the electronic pen 2 via the position detection sensor 110 are not performed, thus contributing to power saving.

[0169] Furthermore, since a planar coil portion formed by extending the Xa loop coil of the position detection sensor 110 is used as a sub-sensor, the gap can be completely sealed by using, for example, a waterproof sheet, easily supporting waterproof specifications. Moreover, since a planar coil portion formed by extending the Xa loop coil of the position detection sensor 110 is used, compared to the case where a coil is formed in a spiral shape, the complexity of the manufacturing process can be avoided, and it also contributes to thinner design.

[0170] [Effects of the Implementation Method]

[0171] In the position detection devices 100, 100A, and 100B described in the first, second, and third embodiments above, waterproof specifications can be achieved, manufacturing process complexity can be avoided, portable information terminals can be made thinner, and power consumption can be saved. Therefore, a control method suitable for use in portable information terminals for position detection devices and position detection sensors can be realized.

[0172] Furthermore, in the case of the position detection device 100 of the first embodiment, since a plug-in sensor circuit for detecting whether the electronic pen 2 is accommodated in the receiving part 11 can be separately configured with the position detection circuit, a position detection device that can be easily controlled separately can be realized.

[0173] Furthermore, in the case of the position detection device 100A in the second embodiment, only the planar coil 160A is provided as a secondary sensor to detect whether the electronic pen 2 is housed in the receiving part 11. This allows both the position detection circuit part and the plug-in sensor circuit part to be configured, thus forming a position detection device 100A with a simple structure.

[0174] Furthermore, in the case of the position detection device 100B according to the third embodiment, one loop coil within the loop coil group constituting the position detection sensor 110 is used as a secondary sensor to detect whether the electronic pen 2 is housed in the receiving part 11. This allows for a further simplified structure of the position detection device 100B.

[0175] [Variation Example]

[0176] In the above embodiments, both an electromagnetic induction-based position detection device and an electrostatic coupling-based position detection device were described as being mounted on the main body 1 of the electronic device, but the invention is not limited to this. Of course, the present invention can also be applied even when only an electromagnetic induction-based position detection device is mounted.

[0177] Furthermore, the number of turns, shape, etc., of the planar coil 160, 160A, which serves as a sub-sensor, or the planar coil portion formed using a loop coil constituting a position detection sensor, can be set to an appropriate number of turns, shape, etc. For example, in the above embodiment, a case is shown where the planar coil 160, 160A, or the planar coil portion formed using a loop coil constituting a position detection sensor is formed in a rectangular shape, but it can also be set to an elliptical shape or a circular shape.

[0178] Furthermore, the planar coil 160, 160A, or the planar coil portion formed using a loop coil constituting a position detection sensor, can be configured such that the width of the portion close to the coil built into the electronic pen is increased and the width of the portion offset is reduced. That is, the shape of the planar coil 160, 160A, or the planar coil portion formed using a loop coil constituting a position detection sensor, can be configured into various shapes.

[0179] Furthermore, the planar coils 160, 160A, and loop coil Xa can be positioned such that the number of magnetic fluxes that are in opposite directions and link the coils 21 in the electronic pen 2 housed in the housing 11 are not equal.

[0180] More preferably, the planar coils 160, 160A, and loop coil Xa only need to be positioned such that, for the coil 21 of the electronic pen 2 housed in the receiving part 11, they are linked only in positions where magnetic flux in the same direction is directed. At this time, as... Figure 4As shown in (B), the coil 21 of the electronic pen 2 housed in the housing 11 can be located in the direction of the central axis of a portion of the planar coils 160, 160A and the loop coil Xa, so that it spans a portion of the planar coils 160, 160A and the loop coil Xa.

[0181] Of course, such as Figure 4 As shown in (B), the structure in which the coil 21 of the electronic pen 2 spans a portion of the planar coils 160, 160A, and the loop coil Xa is not mandatory. It is sufficient to configure the position where the coil 21 of the electronic pen is linked only by magnetic flux in the same direction generated by the planar coils 160, 160A, and the loop coil Xa.

[0182] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures

[0183] 1…Electronic device body, 100, 100A, 100B…Position detection device, 110…Position detection sensor, 111…X-axis direction loop coil group, 112…Y-axis direction loop coil group, 113…Selection circuit, SW1, SW2…Switch circuit, AP…Amplifier, 120…Oscillation circuit section, 130…Position detection circuit section, 140…Pen pressure detection circuit section, 150…Processing control section, 160, 160A…Planar coil, 170…Sample and hold circuit, IV…Inverting circuit, 2…Electronic pen, 21…Coil, 22…Ferrite core, 23…Housing, 24…Core

Claims

1. A position detection device, comprising: A main body having a housing that surrounds the electronic pen when the electronic pen is housed in a receiving portion included in the housing; A planar coil having a rectangular cross-sectional area and disposed near the receiving portion at a position where a direction perpendicular to the rectangular cross-sectional area of ​​the planar coil intersects the axis direction of the electronic pen when the electronic pen is housed in the receiving portion; A first control circuit controls the operation such that supplying a first signal to the planar coil and receiving a second signal through the planar coil based on electromagnetic induction are performed alternately. A first detection circuit, in operation, detects the state of the electronic pen being housed in the receiving portion based on whether a second signal is received through the planar coil. A position detection sensor includes a plurality of first loop coils arranged in a first direction and a plurality of second loop coils arranged in a second direction intersecting the first direction, and is configured to detect a position indicated by the electronic pen in an operating area, wherein the planar coils are arranged outside the operating area in which the position indicated by the electronic pen can be detected by the position detection sensor; The second control circuit controls the operation such that a first loop coil for transmitting a third signal is determined among a plurality of first loop coils and a plurality of second loop coils, and the third signal is supplied to the determined first loop coil; and a second loop coil for receiving a fourth signal is determined among a plurality of first loop coils and a plurality of second loop coils, and the fourth signal is received through the determined second loop coil. A position detection control circuit, which, during operation, controls the second control circuit to stop operating when the first detection circuit detects that the electronic pen is housed in the receiving part; as well as The second detection circuit, in operation, detects the position indicated by the electronic pen on the position detection sensor based on the fourth signal from the determined second loop coil.

2. The position detection device as described in claim 1, wherein: The electronic pen has a position indicator coil wound in the direction of the pen's axis. The planar coil extends substantially parallel to the axis direction of the electronic pen when the electronic pen is housed in the receiving portion, and In operation, the first number of magnetic fluxes linked with the position indicating coil of the electronic pen in a first direction in the magnetic flux generated by the planar coil is not equal to the second number of magnetic fluxes linked with the position indicating coil of the electronic pen in a second direction in the magnetic flux generated by the planar coil, wherein the first direction is opposite to the second direction.

3. The position detection device as described in claim 2, wherein, The planar coils are arranged such that, in the generated magnetic flux, only magnetic fluxes having the same direction as each other link the position of the electronic pen when the electronic pen is housed in the receiving part, indicating the position of the electronic pen by the coils.

4. The position detection device as described in claim 2, wherein, When the planar coil is housed in the receiving portion, it is positioned at a location that is at least a portion of the position indicating coil of the electronic pen along the central axis direction of the planar coil, or at another location that is offset from the position indicating coil of the electronic pen with respect to at least a portion of the planar coil.

5. The position detection device as described in claim 1, wherein: The first control circuit and the second control circuit are configured as a single control circuit; and The first detection circuit and the second detection circuit are configured into a single detection circuit.

6. The position detection device as described in claim 1, wherein: The planar coil is formed using one of the plurality of first loop coils and the plurality of second loop coils of the position detection sensor; The first control circuit and the second control circuit are configured as a single control circuit; and The first detection circuit and the second detection circuit are configured into a single detection circuit.

7. The position detection device as described in claim 1, wherein, The first loop coil and the second loop coil are different from the planar coil.

8. The position detection device as described in claim 1, wherein, A magnetic sheet or electromagnetic shield is disposed on one side of the planar coil.

9. A control method for a position detection sensor, the position detection sensor being used in a position detection device, the control method comprising: The body is provided with a housing that surrounds the electronic pen when the electronic pen is housed in a receiving portion included in the housing; A planar coil is provided, the planar coil having a rectangular cross-sectional area, and is located near the receiving part at a position where the direction perpendicular to the rectangular cross-sectional area of ​​the planar coil intersects with the axis direction of the electronic pen when the electronic pen is received in the receiving part; A first control process is performed, which includes alternately supplying a first signal to the planar coil and receiving a second signal through the planar coil based on electromagnetic induction; The state of the electronic pen being housed in the receiving part is detected based on whether or not a second signal is received through the planar coil extending approximately parallel to the axis direction of the electronic pen when the electronic pen is housed in the receiving part. The process includes a second control process that includes determining a first loop coil among a plurality of first loop coils and a plurality of second loop coils to transmit a third signal and supplying the third signal to the determined first loop coil, and determining a second loop coil among the plurality of first loop coils and a plurality of second loop coils to receive a fourth signal and receiving the fourth signal through the determined second loop coil; Based on the fourth signal received through the determined second loop coil, the position indicated by the electronic pen on the position detection sensor is detected; as well as When it is detected that the electronic pen is housed in the receiving part, the control does not perform the second control process and does not detect the position indicated by the electronic pen through the position detection sensor.

10. The control method for the position detection sensor as described in claim 9, wherein: The electronic pen has a position indication coil wound in the direction of the pen's axis, and The planar coil extends substantially parallel to the axis direction of the electronic pen when the electronic pen is housed in the receiving portion, and The first number of magnetic fluxes generated by the planar coil that link with the position indicating coil of the electronic pen in a first direction is not equal to the second number of magnetic fluxes generated by the planar coil that link with the position indicating coil of the electronic pen in a second direction, wherein the first direction is opposite to the second direction.

11. The control method for the position detection sensor as described in claim 10, in, The planar coil configuration includes: placing the planar coil near the receiving portion at a position where the central axis direction of the planar coil intersects with the core direction of the electronic pen when the electronic pen is housed in the receiving portion; and a first number of magnetic fluxes generated by the planar coil that link with the position indicating coil of the electronic pen in a first direction is not equal to a second number of magnetic fluxes generated by the planar coil that link with the position indicating coil of the electronic pen in a second direction.

12. The control method for the position detection sensor as described in claim 10, in, The planar coil configuration includes: configuring the planar coil so that only magnetic fluxes with the same direction are linked to the position of the electronic pen when the electronic pen is housed in the receiving portion.

13. The control method for the position detection sensor as described in claim 10, in, The planar coil configuration includes: when the electronic pen is housed in the receiving portion, configuring the planar coil at a position of at least a portion of the coil indicated by the position of the electronic pen in the central axis direction of the planar coil, or at another position where the position of the electronic pen indicates that the coil is offset relative to at least a portion of the planar coil.

14. The control method for the position detection sensor as described in claim 9, wherein, A magnetic sheet or electromagnetic shield is disposed on one side of the planar coil.

15. The control method for the position detection sensor as described in claim 9, wherein, The position detection sensor includes a plurality of first loop coils arranged in a first direction and a plurality of second loop coils arranged in a second direction intersecting the first direction, and is configured to detect a position indicated by the electronic pen in an operating area, wherein the planar coils are arranged outside the operating area in which the position indicated by the electronic pen can be detected by the position detection sensor.

16. The control method for the position detection sensor as described in claim 15, wherein, The first loop coil and the second loop coil are different from the planar coil.

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