Stylus, control method, and non-transitory computer readable medium

Abstract

The present invention relates to a stylus, a control method, a non-transitory computer readable medium, and an electronic ruler. Allocation of time slots for the stylus is flexibly changed in units of time slots shorter than frames. A stylus (2) of the present invention bidirectionally transmits and receives signals with a sensor controller connected to a sensor using electrostatic coupling, includes a memory (45) that temporarily stores a value of a local ID, and a control section (44) that, each time an uplink signal transmitted by the sensor controller is detected, determines whether the detected uplink signal includes the value of the local ID stored in the memory (45), and, in the case where it is determined that the uplink signal includes the value of the local ID, generates a downlink signal based on an operation state and transmits the downlink signal to the sensor controller.

Description

[0001] This application is a divisional application of the application that entered the Chinese national phase on February 26, 2019, with PCT application number PCT / JP2016 / 075595, international application date of September 1, 2016, Chinese application number 201680088764.8, and invention title "Stylus Pen, Sensor Controller and Electronic Ruler". Technical Field

[0002] This invention relates to styluses, sensor controllers, and electronic rulers, and more particularly to styluses, sensor controllers, and electronic rulers used simultaneously with multiple styluses (multi-styluse). Background Technology

[0003] As one of the specific methods for position detection systems that enable handwriting input using a stylus on a touch surface of an electronic device, active electrostatic methods are known. Hereinafter, styluses corresponding to active electrostatic methods will be referred to as "active styluses".

[0004] An active stylus is configured to transmit signals (downlink signals) to an electronic device. The transmission of the downlink signal is performed by supplying a transmission signal to electrodes disposed at the tip of the active stylus, thereby generating an electric field corresponding to the signal in the space near the electrodes. The electronic device has a sensor plate including a matrix-shaped group of electrodes disposed on the lower side of the touch surface and a sensor controller connected to the sensor plate. It is configured to receive the downlink signal by detecting changes in the amount of charge generated in the group of electrodes within the sensor plate due to the aforementioned alternating electric field. Patent Document 1 discloses an example of a downlink signal. In this example, the downlink signal consists of an unmodulated continuous signal (position signal) for position detection and a signal modulated by data such as pen pressure information and a unique ID (data signal).

[0005] In the active electrostatic method, the sensor controller within the electronic device is also configured to transmit a signal (uplink signal) to the active stylus. The sensor controller transmits the uplink signal towards the stylus by supplying a transmission signal to the electrode group constituting the sensor plate, thereby generating an electric field on the panel. The active stylus is configured to detect the uplink signal by detecting the amount of charge induced on the electrodes due to this electric field. Patent Document 2 describes an example of an active stylus that receives the uplink signal.

[0006] In recent years, such as with tablet computers, the touch surface often doubles as the display surface of the liquid crystal display (LCD). In this case, a sensor board is disposed on or inside the LCD panel. A position detection system with a sensor board mounted on the LCD panel is called an "Out-cell type." Examples of Out-cell type position detection systems are disclosed in Patent Documents 3 and 4. Furthermore, position detection systems with a sensor board mounted inside the LCD panel include "On-cell type," where the electrode group for the sensor board is disposed on the color filter glass or substrate glass inside the LCD panel, and "In-cell type," where the common electrode or pixel electrode of the LCD panel also serves as part of the electrode group for the sensor board. Examples of On-cell and In-cell type position detection systems are disclosed in Non-Patent Document 1.

[0007] In out-cell or on-cell position detection systems, it is known that the drive signal present in the liquid crystal panel beneath the sensor plate becomes noise, affecting the operation of the sensor controller. A representative example of this noise is the AC component of the voltage signal supplied to the electrodes used to drive the pixels of the liquid crystal panel. This voltage signal, used to control the orientation of the liquid crystal in each pixel, enters the electrode group constituting the sensor plate via AC coupling, thus becoming noise. Furthermore, in in-cell position detection systems, the electrode group shared by both pixel driving and position detection operations cannot be used for position detection during pixel driving.

[0008] Existing technical documents

[0009] Patent documents

[0010] Patent Document 1: International Publication No. 2015 / 111159

[0011] Patent Document 2: U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2013 / 0106797

[0012] Patent Document 3: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 5-6153

[0013] Patent Document 4: International Publication No. 2015 / 141349

[0014] Non-patent literature

[0015] Non-Patent Document 1: "JDI, LG, Read Sharp's In-cell / On-cell Strategy for Smartphones", [online], Nikkei Technology Online, [Searched August 16, 2008], Internet<URL:http: / / techon.nikkeibp.co.jp / article / NEWS / 20150121 / 400160 / > Summary of the Invention

[0016] The problem that the invention aims to solve

[0017] In view of the problem of the touch surface also serving as the display surface of the liquid crystal as described above, in recent years, a method of communication between the active stylus and the sensor controller has been studied by setting the display operation period of the liquid crystal panel as 1 frame and setting each of the multiple periodic blank periods (periods in which the frequency of liquid crystal noise generation is relatively small) as 1 time slot.

[0018] Here, as one of the specifications required for the position detection system, there exists a specification that allows the simultaneous use of multiple styluses (multi-stylus). Therefore, the frame communication described above was also studied to accommodate multiple styluses. Accordingly, the sensor controller broadcasts an uplink signal indicating the allocation of time slots to each stylus in each frame. Furthermore, each stylus uses its allocated time slot to transmit a downlink signal. In this way, through real-time segmentation, communication between multiple active styluses and the sensor controller can be achieved.

[0019] However, not limited to display action rate, if the allocation of time slots for each stylus is indicated using uplink signals of fixed frames within a certain time period, then the allocation of time slots for each stylus will depend on that fixed frame rate. In other words, the method described in the study suffers from the problem of not being able to flexibly change the allocation of time slots for each stylus in a time interval shorter than a frame. Furthermore, there is the problem that the scan rate of each stylus will be fixed to an integer multiple of the frame rate.

[0020] Furthermore, the aforementioned method in the study also suffers from the problem that the size of the uplink signal transmitted in a single frame to indicate the allocation of multiple time slots inevitably increases. When the uplink signal size is large, the uplink signal occupancy rate in a single frame increases, leading to decreased communication efficiency. Additionally, sending a large signal to multiple styluses separately and confirming whether the set parameters have been met takes several frames, thus increasing the latency until the allocated transmission times are actually reflected in all styluses. In cases where users frequently bring multiple styluses, electronic rulers, or similar devices closer to or further away from the electronic device, this latency can negatively impact the user experience.

[0021] Furthermore, as a type of stylus, there are electronic rulers that mimic stationery rulers. While regular pen-type styluses move at a high speed during use, electronic rulers are typically placed on the panel and then held in the same position for a period of time, thus moving at a slower speed than pen-type styluses. Therefore, it is preferable to be able to adjust the scan rate according to the device type.

[0022] Furthermore, unlike pen-type styluses that are held by hand, electronic rulers are sometimes placed on the panel for use even when the user is not operating them. In such cases, the transmission and reception of signals between the electronic ruler and the sensor controller increases the power consumption of the electronic ruler. In addition, it also consumes communication resources between the sensor controller and the stylus (pen-type or electronic ruler) when not in use.

[0023] Therefore, one of the objectives of this invention is to provide a stylus, sensor controller, and electronic ruler that can flexibly change the allocation of transmission time for each stylus in a shorter time than a frame and reflect this to each stylus.

[0024] In addition, one of the other objects of the present invention is to provide a stylus, sensor controller and electronic ruler capable of reducing the size of an uplink signal used to indicate the allocation of transmission time.

[0025] In addition, one of the other objects of the present invention is to be able to change the scan rate according to the type of device and the characteristics of the usage.

[0026] In addition, one of the other objectives of the present invention is to reduce the power consumption of the electronic ruler when it is placed on the panel surface and to make efficient use of communication resources.

[0027] Solution for solving the problem

[0028] The stylus of the present invention utilizes electrostatic coupling to bidirectionally transmit and receive signals with a sensor controller connected to a sensor. It includes: a memory that temporarily stores the value of a local ID; and a processor that, whenever an uplink signal sent by the sensor controller is detected, determines whether the detected uplink signal includes the value of the local ID stored in the memory. If the uplink signal is determined to include the local ID, a downlink signal based on the operating state is generated and sent to the sensor controller.

[0029] In the aforementioned stylus, the processor can generate the downlink signal, which includes a value of a local ID stored in the memory, and send it to the sensor controller.

[0030] The sensor controller of the present invention has the function of detecting more than one stylus and reporting the position of the detected more than one stylus to a host processor. It includes: a memory storing more than one local ID value assigned to each of the detected more than one stylus; and a processor that determines a scan rate for each of the detected more than one stylus, selects any one of the more than one local ID values ​​stored in the memory based on the determined scan rate, sends an uplink signal including the selected local ID value, and derives the position of the stylus corresponding to the selected local ID value based on a downlink signal sent back relative to the uplink signal.

[0031] In the aforementioned sensor controller, the processor can determine the scan rate of each of the detected styluses based on the device type of each of the detected styluses.

[0032] The electronic ruler of the present invention includes: a ruler portion; a plurality of electrodes disposed on the ruler portion; a receiving electrode for receiving an uplink signal sent from a sensor controller; and a processor for sequentially switching the plurality of electrodes and sending signals to the sensor controller according to the received uplink signal.

[0033] Another aspect of the electronic ruler of the present invention includes: a ruler portion; two or more electrodes disposed on the ruler portion; a first switch disposed on the upper surface of the ruler portion for switching between an active state and a stopped state by user operation; and a processor for sending downlink signals to the sensor controller using the two or more electrodes when the first switch is in the active state, and for stopping the transmission of the downlink signals when the first switch is in the stopped state.

[0034] The effects of the invention

[0035] According to the present invention, by transmitting an uplink signal including a local ID value at each transmission time through the sensor controller, the stylus that should transmit a downlink signal within its time slot can be specified. Therefore, the allocation of transmission time for each stylus can be flexibly changed in a shorter time than a frame, independent of the frame. Furthermore, since no schedule state is stored on the stylus side, there is no need to change the time for these changes, thus improving the overall system response speed for changes such as the required scan rate when a new stylus is detected. Additionally, by including only one local ID value in the uplink signal, the sensor controller can instruct each stylus on the allocation of transmission time, thereby reducing the size of the uplink signal used to indicate the allocation of multiple transmission times within a frame.

[0036] Furthermore, according to the present invention, the stylus generates a downlink signal including a value of a local ID temporarily stored in memory and sends it to the sensor controller. Therefore, even if downlink signals are detected at multiple locations on the panel, the sensor controller can identify them for each stylus. Additionally, the number of bits in the local ID can be shortened compared to the global ID described later, thus reducing the downlink occupancy required to send the local ID.

[0037] Furthermore, according to the present invention, the sensor controller determines the scanning rate of each of the detected styluses based on the device type of each of the detected styluses, thus enabling the scanning rate to be changed according to the type of device and the characteristics of the usage method.

[0038] Furthermore, according to the present invention, since a first switch for switching between an active state and a stopped state by user operation is provided on the electronic ruler, it is possible to reduce the power consumption of the electronic ruler and make efficient use of communication resources when the electronic ruler is placed on the panel. Attached Figure Description

[0039] Figure 1 This is a diagram illustrating the overall position detection system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0040] Figure 2 It is shown Figure 1 A diagram showing the detailed structure of the first example of the styluses 2a and 2b.

[0041] Figure 3 It is shown Figure 1 A diagram showing the detailed structure of the second example of the styluses 2a and 2b.

[0042] Figure 4 yes Figure 3 The diagram shown illustrates the 6-axis IMU50.

[0043] Figure 5 It is shown Figure 1 A diagram showing the detailed structure of the stylus 2c (ruler-shaped device).

[0044] Figure 6 It is shown Figure 1 The top view of the stylus 2c (ruler-shaped device) shown.

[0045] Figure 7 It is shown Figure 1 A diagram showing the detailed structure of the electronic device 3.

[0046] Figure 8 It is shown Figure 7 The diagram shown is of ID management table 70.

[0047] Figure 9It is shown Figure 1 The flowchart of the processing flow of the sensor controller 31 shown.

[0048] Figure 10 It is shown Figure 9 The flowchart shown illustrates the detailed process of setting instructions for sending data.

[0049] Figure 11 It is shown Figure 9 The flowchart shown illustrates the detailed process of sending and processing command signals.

[0050] Figure 12 It is shown Figure 9 The flowchart shown illustrates the detailed process of sending and processing command signals.

[0051] Figure 13 It is shown Figure 9 The flowchart shown illustrates the detailed process of sending and processing command signals.

[0052] Figure 14 It is shown Figure 9 The flowchart shown illustrates the detailed process of sending and processing command signals.

[0053] Figure 15 It is shown Figure 9 The flowchart shown illustrates the detailed process of sending and processing command signals.

[0054] Figure 16 It is shown Figure 1 The flowchart shows the processing flow of the stylus 2a to 2c.

[0055] Figure 17 It is shown Figure 16 The flowchart shown illustrates the detailed process of receiving and processing command signals.

[0056] Figure 18 It is shown Figure 16 The flowchart shown illustrates the detailed process of receiving and processing command signals.

[0057] Figure 19 It is shown Figure 16 The flowchart shown illustrates the detailed process of receiving and processing command signals.

[0058] Figure 20 It is shown Figure 16 The flowchart shown illustrates the detailed process of receiving and processing command signals.

[0059] Figure 21 It is shown in Figure 1 The timeline of signals transmitted and received between the stylus 2a and the sensor controller 31 (the scenario where the sensor controller 31 newly registers the stylus 2a) is shown.

[0060] Figure 22 It is shown in Figure 1 The timeline of signals transmitted and received between styluses 2a and 2b and sensor controller 31 (the scenario where sensor controller 31 registers styluse 2a and then further registers styluse 2b).

[0061] Figure 23 It is shown in Figure 1 The timeline of signals transmitted and received between the styluses 2a and 2b and the sensor controller 31 (in a scenario where the sensor controller 31 readjusts the transmission schedule based on the respective device types of the styluses 2a and 2b) is shown.

[0062] Figure 24 It is shown in Figure 1 The diagram shows the timing of the signals transmitted and received between the styluses 2a and 2c and the sensor controller 31 (in the scenario where the sensor controller 31 readjusts the transmission schedule based on the respective device types of the styluses 2a and 2c, and is performing normal writing to the styluses 2a and 2c).

[0063] Figure 25 It is by Figure 1 The diagram shows the registration and deregistration of the local ID implemented by the sensor controller 31 and the stylus 2a, respectively.

[0064] Figure 26 It is shown in Figure 1 The timeline of signals transmitted and received between the styluses 2a and 2b and the sensor controller 31 (in a scenario where styluses 2a and 2b simultaneously respond to a setting instruction).

[0065] Figure 27 It is shown in Figure 1 The diagram shows the timeline of signals transmitted and received between styluses 2a and 2b and sensor controller 31 (a scenario where styluses 2a and 2b with the same local ID respond to a data transmission instruction simultaneously) and the states of styluses 2a and 2b.

[0066] Figure 28 This is a timeline showing the signals transmitted and received between the styluses 2a and 2b and the sensor controller 31 in a first variation of the embodiment of the present invention (a scenario where the sensor controller 31 newly registers the styluse 2b).

[0067] Figure 29 This is a timing diagram showing the signals transmitted and received between the styluses 2a and 2c and the sensor controller 31 in a first variation of the embodiment of the present invention (in a scenario where the styluses 2a and 2c are performing normal writing).

[0068] Figure 30This is a flowchart illustrating the processing flow of the stylus 2 in a second variation of an embodiment of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0069] Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0070] Figure 1 This is a diagram showing the overall position detection system 1 of this embodiment. As shown in the figure, the position detection system 1 is configured to include two pen-type styluses 2a and 2b, one ruler-type stylus 2c, and an electronic device 3. The electronic device 3 is configured to include sensor electrodes 30, a sensor controller 31, a panel 32, an electronic device control unit 33 (host processor), and a liquid crystal display unit 34.

[0071] In the position detection system 1, the sensor controller 31 is the master device, and one or more styluses 2 are slave devices. The position detection system 1 is configured such that when the sensor controller 31 issues a polling request (hereinafter referred to as the command signal) including a local ID, only styluses 2 possessing the included local ID are allowed to respond during the polling response period (hereinafter referred to as the transmission of the downlink signal DS). Whenever a polling request is detected, each stylus 2 determines whether the detected polling request includes the value of its stored local ID; if it does, it transmits the downlink signal DS. The local ID is assigned to each stylus 2 by the sensor controller 31 and stored by the stylus 2.

[0072] Styluses 2a through 2c are all active styluses as described above, used simultaneously or separately by one or more users. Hereinafter, unless there is a specific distinction between styluses 2a and 2c, they will sometimes be referred to as stylus 2.

[0073] For example, when using stylus 2a, the user gradually brings stylus 2a closer to the surface of the LCD panel 32 (writing). Figure 1 (The middle is denoted as "down"), eventually bringing the tip of the stylus 2a into contact with the panel surface (pen touch). Then, while the user maintains this contact state and moves the pen tip on the panel surface (pen movement), as shown, the movement trajectory st1 is drawn on the panel surface through the processing of the electronic device 3. This drawing continues until the user lifts the tip of the stylus 2a off the panel surface (pen lift). Figure 1 (This is marked as "up"). Afterwards, when the user performs another stroke—putting the pen down, touching the pen, moving the pen, or lifting the pen—the electronic device 3 processes the stroke and traces the same movement trajectory (st2) on the panel surface. Figure 1 The diagram also illustrates the trajectory st3 generated by the pen 2b during the stroke, touch, movement, and lifting of the pen.

[0074] As detailed later, the stylus 2c is a special device having multiple electrodes arranged in a straight line side by side. It is typically used in digital stationery and is called an "electronic ruler," but for the sake of simplicity, it is referred to as stylus 2c in this specification. The electronic device 3 is configured to accept linear input using the stylus 2c. More specifically, the electronic device 3 is configured to draw a virtual line X parallel to the stylus tip on the panel surface when the user makes contact with the panel surface (pen touch).

[0075] The styluses 2a to 2c are configured to receive the uplink signal US transmitted by the sensor controller 31 of the electronic device 3 via the sensor electrode 30, and to transmit a predetermined downlink signal DS in response to the uplink signal US. The downlink signal DS is received by the sensor electrode 30 and supplied from the sensor electrode 30 to the sensor controller 31.

[0076] The uplink signal US consists of two types: a stylus retrieval signal and a command signal. The stylus retrieval signal is used to detect newly detected stylus 2, and it consists of a known detection mode c1 and an additional segmentation mode STP at the end. Details about detection mode c1 and segmentation mode STP will be described later. Stylus 2 is configured to intermittently perform detection actions in detection mode c1. When detection mode c1 is detected, the presence of sensor controller 31 is detected. Furthermore, stylus 2 that has detected detection mode c1 continues its detection action as before, synchronizing with sensor controller 31 based on the timing of detecting segmentation mode STP.

[0077] On the other hand, the instruction signal is used to transmit instructions (commands) to the stylus 2, and is configured to include information (local ID) identifying one of the more than one stylus 2 currently present on the panel and an instruction (command) for the identified stylus 2. Upon receiving an instruction signal including its own local ID, the stylus 2 obtains the instruction contained therein and performs processing corresponding to that content. This processing includes the transmission of the downlink signal DS. The local ID is information that only requires the sensor controller 31 to identify one of the more than one stylus 2 currently present on the panel, and therefore can be information with fewer bits than the global ID described later. Preferably, it is information with a value of 4 bits or less that can identify 16 stylus 2s. It should be noted that 0000b, 1111b, etc., in the 4-bit local ID can also be used as a special local ID to identify all or undetected stylus 2s, such as a so-called broadcast address. Furthermore, in the figures described later, the local ID is referred to as "LID" (short for LocalIDentifier), and the global ID is referred to as "GID" (short for GlobalIDentifier).

[0078] The downlink signal DS is configured to consist of a burst signal composed of an unmodulated carrier signal and a data signal composed of a carrier signal modulated by data corresponding to the instruction (including a local ID assigned to the stylus 2 that transmits the downlink signal DS). The stylus 2 is configured to first transmit the burst signal, followed by the data signal, when transmitting the downlink signal DS. The sensor controller 31 of the electronic device 3 is configured to detect the presence and position of the stylus 2 by receiving the burst signal using sensor electrodes 30. Figure 1 The indicated positions P1 and P2 shown illustrate examples of such detected positions. The trajectories st1 to st3 described above are the movement trajectories of these indicated positions P1 and P2.

[0079] On the other hand, the instruction signal is used to transmit instructions (commands) to the stylus 2, and is configured to include information (local ID) identifying one of the more than one stylus 2 currently present on the panel and an instruction (command) for the identified stylus 2. Upon receiving an instruction signal including its own local ID, the stylus 2 obtains the instruction contained therein and performs processing corresponding to that content. This processing includes the transmission of the downlink signal DS. The local ID is information that only requires the sensor controller 31 to identify one of the more than one stylus 2 currently present on the panel, and therefore can be information with fewer bits than the global ID described later. Preferably, it is information with a value of 4 bits or less that can identify 16 stylus 2s. It should be noted that 0000b, 1111b, etc., in the 4-bit local ID can also be used as a special local ID to identify all or undetected stylus 2s, such as a so-called broadcast address. Furthermore, in the figures described later, the local ID is referred to as "LID" (short for LocalIDentifier), and the global ID is referred to as "GID" (short for GlobalIDentifier).

[0080] On the other hand, even when the stylus 2 is outside the sensing range SR, it can sometimes receive the uplink signal US sent by the sensor controller 31. This is because the uplink signal US can be transmitted using the entire matrix of electrodes arranged parallel to the panel surface, and can be transmitted with a higher intensity than the downlink signal DS transmitted from the electrode 21 (described later) near the tip of the stylus 2. The uplink detection height AH shown in the figure represents the limit of the height (distance from the panel surface) at which the stylus 2 can receive the uplink signal US. The uplink detection height AH is a position higher than the upper limit of the sensing range SR (a position farthest from the panel surface).

[0081] Figure 2 It is shown Figure 1The diagram shows a detailed structure of the first example of the styluses 2a and 2b. The styluses 2a and 2b shown in the diagram are configured to have a core 20a, an electrode 21, a switch 22, a pen pressure detection sensor 23 (pen pressure detection unit), and a signal processing unit 24.

[0082] The core 20a is a conductive component constituting the tip of the stylus 2, and also serves as an electrode 21. Electrode 21 functions as an antenna for transmitting the downlink signal DS, and also as an antenna for receiving the uplink signal US transmitted from the sensor controller 31 via the sensor electrode 30. It should be noted that the core 20a and electrode 21 can also be configured as described later. Figure 3 That would make it an independent component. Alternatively, electrodes for transmitting the downlink signal DS and electrodes for receiving the uplink signal US can be set separately.

[0083] The switch 22 is a side switch located on the side of the stylus 2 or a tail switch located at the rear end, which can be switched on or off by user operation. The pen pressure detection sensor 23 is a pressure sensor used to detect the pressure (pen pressure) applied to the tip of the core 20a. Specifically, the pen pressure detection sensor 23 can be constructed using known technologies such as a variable capacitance sensor whose capacitance changes with pressure or a pressure sensor whose resistance changes with pressure.

[0084] The signal processing unit 24 has the following functions: receiving an uplink signal US from the sensor controller 31 via electrode 21, performing processing corresponding to that signal, and generating a downlink signal DS to be sent to the sensor controller 31, which is then sent to the sensor controller 31 via electrode 21. Specifically, it is functionally configured to include a switching unit 40, a receiving unit 41, a control unit 44, and a transmitting unit 46. These will be described in turn below.

[0085] The switching unit 40 is a switching element configured as a circuit 2 contact connected to a common terminal and either the T terminal or the R terminal. The common terminal of the switching unit 40 is connected to the electrode 21, the T terminal is connected to the output terminal of the transmitting unit 46, and the R terminal is connected to the input terminal of the receiving unit 41. The state of the switching unit 40 is controlled by a control signal SWC from the control unit 44. When the control unit 44 receives an uplink signal US from the sensor controller 31, it controls the switching unit 40 by connecting the R terminal to the common terminal using the control signal SWC. In addition, when the downlink signal DS is transmitted to the sensor controller 31, it controls the switching unit 40 by connecting the T terminal to the common terminal using the control signal SWC. In the initial state, that is, until the stylus 2 detects the detection mode c1 described later, the control unit 44 keeps the switching unit 40 in the state where the R terminal is connected to the common terminal. Sometimes, in order to reduce the power consumption of the stylus 2, it only performs the receiving operation intermittently, thus changing between a switching state and a sleep state.

[0086] The receiving unit 41 is a circuit that receives the signal supplied from the switching unit 40 (the signal that has arrived at the electrode 21) and decodes the chip string contained in the received signal. In this example, it is configured to include a waveform regeneration unit 42 and a correlation arithmetic unit 43. The receiving unit 41 is configured to detect the detection mode c1, the segmentation mode STP, the local ID, and the instruction respectively through this decoding. As described above, in order to reduce the power consumption of the stylus 2, the receiving unit 41 only performs reception intermittently until the detection mode c1 is detected.

[0087] The waveform regeneration unit 42 binarizes the level of the charge (voltage) induced by the electrode 21 using a clock several times (e.g., 4 times) the chip rate of the spreading code PN (described later) used by the sensor controller 31 to extend the uplink signal US, forming a binary string (chip string) with positive and negative polarity values, and outputs it. The correlation unit 43 stores the chip string output by the waveform regeneration unit 42 in a register, and decodes the chip string contained in the received signal by performing correlation operations with the spreading code PN (or a code formed by inverting and cyclically shifting the spreading code PN) while shifting it sequentially with the aforementioned clock.

[0088] The receiving unit 41 sequentially determines whether the value of the symbol obtained by decoding by the related arithmetic unit 43 represents detection mode c1. When detection mode c1 is detected as a result, the sensor controller 31 is detected and issues a start signal EN to the control unit 44 to enable the execution of processing corresponding to the instruction represented by the instruction signal.

[0089] Furthermore, when the receiving unit 41 detects detection mode c1, it switches the receiving operation from intermittent operation to continuous operation based on the instruction from the control unit 44 after the start signal EN is activated, and successively determines whether the value of the symbol obtained by decoding represents the aforementioned segmentation mode STP. When the segmentation mode STP is detected as a result, the receiving unit 41 outputs the detection time t2 to the control unit 44.

[0090] Upon detecting the STP (Separation Mode), the receiving unit 41 performs the receiving operation of the command signal sent by the sensor controller 31 under the control of the control unit 44. Specifically, it obtains a set of local ID and control information c2 (including information indicated by the sensor controller 31) based on a series of symbol values ​​obtained by the correlation arithmetic unit 43 during the receiving operation, and outputs it to the control unit 44.

[0091] The control unit 44 is composed of a microprocessor (MCU) and is activated upon receiving a start signal EN from the receiving unit 41. After activation, the control unit 44 performs the following processes: switching from intermittent to continuous receiving operations, as described above; instructing the receiving unit 41 to receive command signals; determining its own local ID and temporarily storing it in the memory 45; and instructing the transmitting unit 46 to transmit the downlink signal DS. It should be noted that the process of instructing the receiving unit 41 to receive command signals includes supplying the control signal SWC for connecting the R terminal and the common terminal to the switching unit 40. Similarly, the process of instructing the transmitting unit 46 to transmit the downlink signal DS includes supplying the control signal SWC for connecting the T terminal and the common terminal to the switching unit 40.

[0092] When the receiving unit 41 receives the detection time t2, the control unit 44 first processes the receiving unit 41 to receive the instruction signal. Details will be described later. The sensor controller 31 is configured to send an instruction signal indicating a setting of the local ID (for detecting uplink signals of new styluses not included in the detected styluses) immediately after sending the stylus retrieval signal consisting of the repeating detection mode c1 and the interval mode STP. Upon receiving the instruction indicating this setting from the receiving unit 41, the control unit 44, in its initial state where its memory 45 has not yet stored a local ID, determines the local ID represented by the instruction as its own local ID and stores it in memory 45. Thereafter, whenever a set of local IDs and instructions is supplied from the receiving unit 41, the control unit 44 determines whether the local ID matches the local ID stored in memory 45. Only if they match do it perform processing corresponding to the instructions contained in the set (including processing the transmitting unit 46 to send the downlink signal DS). Furthermore, the control unit 44 performs a process of deleting the local ID stored in the memory 45 when a predetermined time has elapsed since the last group receiving the local ID and instructions. The memory 45 only temporarily stores the value of the local ID assigned by the sensor controller 31, and therefore, unlike the global ID storage unit 51 described later, it can be a volatile memory.

[0093] As described above, the downlink signal DS transmitted by the transmitting unit 46, as instructed by the control unit 44, includes a burst signal and a data signal. When transmitting the burst signal, the control unit 44 instructs the transmitting unit 46 to transmit an unmodulated carrier signal. On the other hand, when transmitting the data signal, the control unit 44 obtains data instructed to be transmitted by a command supplied from the receiving unit 41 and supplies it to the transmitting unit 46 along with a local ID stored in the memory 45. Thus, the downlink signal DS transmitted from the transmitting unit 46 becomes a signal including the data instructed to be transmitted by the command and the local ID. The data instructed to be transmitted by the command includes data indicating the on / off state of the switch 22, data indicating the pen pressure detected by the pen pressure detection sensor 23, and other data based on the operating state of the stylus 2 at the time the command is received.

[0094] The transmitting unit 46 is a circuit that generates a downlink signal DS and supplies it to the electrode 21 under the control of the control unit 44. It consists of a modulation unit 47 and a boost circuit 48.

[0095] The modulation unit 47 is a circuit that generates a carrier signal (e.g., a rectangular wave signal) at a predetermined frequency or at a frequency controlled by the control unit 44, and outputs it directly or after modulation based on the control of the control unit 44. When transmitting a burst signal, the modulation unit 47 outputs the carrier signal directly without modulation, as instructed by the control unit 44. It should be noted that a signal modulated with a known value pattern can also be used as a burst signal; in this case, the modulation unit 47 modulates the carrier signal with the aforementioned known value pattern and then outputs it. On the other hand, when transmitting a data signal, the modulation unit 47 modulates the carrier signal (OOK, PSK, etc.) using data supplied from the control unit 44, and outputs the resulting modulated signal.

[0096] The boost circuit 48 is a circuit that generates a downlink signal DS by boosting the output signal of the modulation unit 47 to a certain amplitude. The downlink signal DS generated by the boost circuit 48 is sent from the electrode 21 to space via the switching unit 40.

[0097] Figure 3 It is shown Figure 1 The diagram shows a detailed structure of the second example of the styluses 2a and 2b. The styluses 2a and 2b shown in this diagram differ from each other in that the core 20a and electrode 21 are composed of separate components, and that the signal processing unit 24 includes a 6-axis IMU (Inertial Measurement Unit) 50 and a global ID storage unit 51. Figure 2 The styluses shown 2a and 2b are different. The following will focus on the differences between them. Figure 2 The differences between the styluses 2a and 2b shown will be explained.

[0098] In this example, the core 20a is composed of an insulating component that forms the tip of the stylus 2. The electrode 21 is a conductive component located near the top of the core 20a. The function of the electrode 21 is similar to... Figure 2 The electrode 21 shown is the same.

[0099] The 6-axis IMU50 is an inertial measurement device that includes a 3-axis accelerometer sensor and a 3-axis gyroscope sensor, configured to output values ​​representing measurement results to the control unit 44.

[0100] Figure 4 This is an explanatory diagram of the 6-axis IMU50. Figure (a) shows the stylus 2a and 2b viewed from the side, and Figure (b) shows the cross-section of stylus 2a and 2b corresponding to line AA shown in Figure (a).

[0101] like Figure 4 As shown in (a), the 6-axis IMU50 is used with the length direction of the stylus 2a and 2b as the Z-axis. Additionally, as... Figure 4As shown in (b), the direction from the center of the cross-section of the styluses 2a and 2b toward the switch 22 is used as the Y-axis, and the direction perpendicular to both the Z-axis and the Y-axis is used as the X-axis. The 6-axis IMU50 obtains the acceleration and angular velocity of the styluses 2a and 2b in each of these X-axis to Z-axis directions and outputs them to the control unit 44.

[0102] return Figure 3 The global ID storage unit 51 stores information that is different for each stylus 2, namely the global ID. The global ID is, for example, 64 bits of information representing the supplier's identifier for the stylus 2, the identification number of the stylus 2 within the supplier, the device type of the stylus 2 (pen type or ruler type, etc.), etc. The global ID is written to the global ID storage unit 51 at the time of manufacture of the stylus 2. Unlike the volatile memory 45, the global ID storage unit 51 uses non-volatile memory. The global ID is a globally unique identifier including the supplier's identifier, while the local ID is an identifier used by the sensor controller 31 to locally identify one of the multiple stylus 2 existing within its own detection range. In this respect, they are different from each other.

[0103] The styluses 2a and 2b have Figure 3 In the illustrated configuration, the sensor controller 31, using command signals, instructs the transmission of data including, in addition to the data based on the operation state of the stylus 2, the measurement results of the 6-axis IMU 50 and the global ID. When instructed to transmit the measurement results of the 6-axis IMU 50, the control unit 44 obtains the data representing the measurement results from the 6-axis IMU 50 and supplies it to the transmission unit 46 as the data to be transmitted. Similarly, when instructed to transmit the global ID, the control unit 44 reads the global ID from the global ID storage unit 51 and supplies it to the transmission unit 46 as the data to be transmitted.

[0104] Figure 5 It is shown Figure 1 A diagram showing the detailed structure of the stylus 2c (ruler-shaped device) is provided. Additionally, Figure 6 This is a top view of the stylus 2c. As shown in these figures, the stylus 2c differs from the stylus 2c in that it has a ruler 20b (ruler section) instead of the core 20a, has n electrodes 21_1 to 21_n, has a switching section 27, has two switches 25 and 26 instead of the switch 22 and the pen pressure detection sensor 23, and does not have a 6-axis IMU 50. Figure 3 The styluses shown 2a and 2b are different. The following will focus on the differences between them. Figure 3 The differences between the styluses 2a and 2b shown will be explained.

[0105] Ruler 20b is a thin, plate-shaped insulating component, modeled after a ruler used in stationery. Electrodes 21_1 to 21_n are thin, plate-shaped conductive components, disposed at least at two locations along the length of ruler 20b, at one end and the other. It should be noted that... Figure 5 In the example, three or more electrodes 21 are arranged side-by-side at equal intervals along the length of the ruler 20b from one end to the other. Additionally, in Figure 6 In this example, two electrodes 21 are respectively positioned at one end and the other end of the length direction of the ruler 20b. Electrodes 21_1 to 21_n are respectively connected to... Figure 2 and Figure 3 Electrode 21, as shown, also serves as an antenna for transmitting the downlink signal DS, and also as an antenna for receiving the uplink signal US transmitted from the sensor controller 31 via the sensor electrode 30. It should be noted that electrode 21 can also be dedicated to transmission, with a separate receiving electrode. In this case, the receiving electrode can also utilize other proximity wireless communication methods, such as Bluetooth (registered trademark), to receive the uplink signal US.

[0106] The switching unit 27 is a switching element with a 1-circuit n-contact configuration, which connects a common terminal to any one of the n electrode-side terminals. The common terminal of the switching unit 27 is connected to the common terminal of the switching unit 40, and the n electrode-side terminals of the switching unit 27 are connected one-to-one to the electrodes 21_1 to 21_n.

[0107] Switch 25 (first switch) is used to switch the stylus 2c between active and inactive states. Switch 26 (second switch) is used to initiate predefined processes such as determining virtual lines for the electronic devices 3 included in the sensor controller 31. These switches 25 and 26 are as follows... Figure 6 As illustrated, it is preferably positioned near the center of the upper surface of ruler 20b in the longitudinal direction.

[0108] The control unit 44 is configured such that, during the period from when the user presses switch 25 to when the user presses switch 26, whenever the receiving unit 41 provides an instruction corresponding to its assigned local ID, the transmitting unit 46 transmits a downlink signal DS. At this time, the switching unit 27 performs an operation to switch the electrode side terminal that is the connection target of the shared terminal each time the downlink signal DS is transmitted. Thus, the downlink signal DS is transmitted sequentially from electrodes 21_1 to 21_n.

[0109] The sensor controller 31 uses command signals to instruct the transmission of a global ID, and recognizes that the stylus 2c is a ruler-shaped device by determining the global ID transmitted by the stylus 2c in response. Regarding the stylus 2c recognized as a ruler-shaped device, the sensor controller 31 is configured to store multiple positions specific to the sequentially received downlink signal DS, and display the virtual line X connecting them (see reference). Figure 1 ).

[0110] Furthermore, the control unit 44 is configured to include data indicating this intention in the downlink signal DS and transmit it via the transmitter 46 when the user presses the switch 26 (second switch). The sensor controller 31 receives this data and notifies the electronic device control unit 33 of the data used to determine the position of the virtual line X.

[0111] Stylus pens 2a and 2b, being pen-shaped, move at high speeds during use, while ruler-shaped stylus pens 2c, after being placed on the panel surface, are mostly placed in the same position for a period of time, using a lower speed than pen-shaped stylus pens 2. Therefore, ruler-shaped stylus pens 2 generally do not require a high scan rate. Thus, in this embodiment, the sensor controller 31 recognizes a ruler-shaped stylus 2 through global ID verification and reduces its scan rate. Details will be described later.

[0112] Furthermore, unlike pen-type styluses that are held in the hand, the ruler-shaped stylus 2 is sometimes placed on the panel even when the user is not operating it. In such cases, the transmission and reception of signals between the ruler-shaped stylus 2 and the sensor controller 31 increases the power consumption of the ruler-shaped stylus 2. In addition, it also consumes communication resources between the sensor controller 31 and each stylus 2 when not in use. Therefore, in the stylus 2c of this embodiment, the user can specify the transmission period of the downlink signal DS by operating the switches 25 and 26. In this way, the power consumption of the stylus 2c is reduced and communication resources are effectively utilized when the stylus 2c is placed on the panel.

[0113] then, Figure 7 It is shown Figure 1 A diagram showing the detailed structure of electronic device 3 is provided below. Referring to this diagram... Figure 7 The structure and operation of electronic device 3 are described in detail.

[0114] The sensor electrode 30 is composed of a plurality of linear electrodes 30X extending in the X direction and a plurality of linear electrodes 30Y extending in the Y direction. The sensor electrode 30 is configured to capacitively couple with the stylus 2 using these linear electrodes 30X and 30Y. The aforementioned uplink signal US and downlink signal DS are transmitted and received via this capacitive coupling.

[0115] like Figure 7 As shown, the sensor controller 31 is configured to include an MCU 60, a logic unit 61, a transmitting unit 62, a receiving unit 63, and a selection unit 64.

[0116] The MCU 60 and logic unit 61 are control units that control the transmission and reception operations of the sensor controller 31 by controlling the transmitting unit 62, the receiving unit 63, and the selection unit 64. Specifically, the MCU 60 is a microprocessor that has internal ROM and RAM and operates based on a predetermined program. On the other hand, the logic unit 61 is configured to output control signals ctrl_1 to ctrl_4 and ctrl_r based on the control of the MCU 60.

[0117] like Figure 7 As shown, the MCU 60 has an internal memory for storing the ID management table 70. Furthermore, the MCU 60 is functionally configured to include an ID management unit 71, a position derivation unit 72, and a status detection unit 73.

[0118] Figure 8 This is a diagram showing ID management table 70. As shown in the diagram, ID management table 70 is a table that stores the global ID, speed, current status, operating status, reset instruction not issued flag 1, reset instruction not issued flag 2, deletion count value, and downlink signal transmission schedule for each local ID.

[0119] The ID management unit 71 has the function of registering and erasing local IDs registered in the ID management table 70. Specifically, the ID management unit 71 supplies control information c2, including setting instructions for local IDs not yet registered in the ID management table 70, to the sending unit 62, and controls the sending unit 62 by sending a command signal representing the control information c2. Furthermore, when the stylus 2, having received the command signal, sends a downlink signal DS including the indicated local ID, the ID management unit 71 receives the downlink signal DS through the receiving unit 63 and determines whether it includes a specified local ID. If the determination result is affirmative, the ID management unit 71 performs the process of registering the value of the local ID in the ID management table 70. The erasure of local IDs will be discussed later. Figure 12 The flowchart will be used to explain this in detail.

[0120] In addition, the ID Management Department 71 also has the ability to store various data, including local IDs (representing...). Figure 2 The data representing the on / off state of switch 22 shown indicates that... Figure 2 The pen pressure data detected by the pen pressure detection sensor 23 shown is represented as follows: Figure 3 The data from the 6-axis IMU50 measurement results shown are stored in... Figure 3The control information c2 indicating the transmission of the global ID (such as the global ID in the global ID storage unit 51 shown) is supplied to the transmitting unit 62, and the function of the transmitting unit 62 is controlled by sending an instruction signal representing the control information c2. The control information c2 supplied to the transmitting unit 62 at this time includes the local ID of the stylus 2, which is the recipient of the transmission instruction. As described above, the stylus 2 is configured to transmit a downlink signal DS including the local ID and the data to be transmitted as instructed, only if the local ID contained in the received instruction signal matches the local ID assigned to it. When the ID management unit 71 receives such a downlink signal through the receiving unit 63, it performs processing to detect the local ID and data contained therein. Furthermore, it displays the detected local ID and data (in the global ID storage unit 51, the global ID, etc.)... Figure 7 The coordinates x and y derived from the position derivation unit 72 (described later) are sent together to the electronic device control unit 33 (see reference 72). Figure 1 Report. Additionally, if the detected data contains a global ID, the global ID will also be written to the ID management table 70.

[0121] The ID management unit 71 also has the function of determining the transmission schedule of the downlink signal DS based on one or more local IDs stored in the ID management table 70 and writing it to the ID management table 70. This transmission schedule consists of two parameters: the transmission frequency (scan rate) of the downlink signal DS and the transmission duration of the downlink signal DS. By default, the ID management unit 71 sets the scan rate and the transmission duration of the downlink signal DS to equal values ​​for all local IDs currently registered in the ID management table 70.

[0122] Here, it can be assumed that the scan rate provided to the ruler-shaped stylus 2 can be a smaller value than that of the pen-shaped stylus 2. This is because it can be assumed that the ruler-shaped stylus 2 moves less on the panel surface compared to the pen-shaped stylus 2. For the same reason, even for a stylus 2 that actually doesn't move much, as indicated by the movement speed (calculated by the state detection unit 73) described later, it can be assumed that a scan rate smaller than that of a stylus 2 that moves well is sufficient. In addition, the transmission duration of the downlink signal DS for each stylus 2 varies depending on the specifications of each stylus 2. For example, a stylus 2 from a certain supplier is configured to transmit the downlink signal DS for twice as long as that from other suppliers' stylus 2.

[0123] Therefore, after successfully obtaining the global ID (device type) or movement speed of the stylus 2, the ID management unit 71 determines the optimal scan rate and downlink signal DS transmission duration for each stylus 2 based on these values, and readjusts the downlink signal DS transmission schedule accordingly. For example, the scan rate for each of the more than one local IDs stored in the ID management table 70 is determined based on the principle that a higher movement speed corresponds to a higher scan rate, and then written to the ID management table 70. In other examples, the transmission duration of the downlink signal DS for each stylus 2 is determined based on its device type, and then written to the ID management table 70. This readjustment will be discussed later. Figure 23 and Figure 24 Let me explain in more detail.

[0124] The transmission schedule of the downlink signal DS written to the ID management table 70 is implemented by the ID management unit 71 controlling the transmission frequency and interval of the command signal for each local ID. Specifically, the ID management unit 71 controls the scan rate set in the ID management table 70 by controlling the transmission frequency of the command signal for each local ID. For example, if two local IDs #1 and #2 are set in the ID management table 70, each with a scan rate of 1 / 2, the ID management unit 71 will alternately send command signals for local IDs #1 and #2 respectively. Alternatively, if two local IDs #1 and #2 are set in the ID management table 70, with local ID #1 having a scan rate of 1 / 4 and local ID #2 having a scan rate of 3 / 4, the ID management unit 71 will send command signals at a frequency of sending one command signal for local ID #1 followed by three command signals for local ID #2. Furthermore, the ID management unit 71 controls the transmission duration of the downlink signal DS set in the ID management table 70 by controlling the transmission interval of the command signal. That is, the sensor controller 31 receives the downlink signal DS during the transmission interval of the command signal. Therefore, for example, the longer the transmission interval of the command signal, the longer the detection time of the downlink signal DS can be. Thus, the transmission duration of the downlink signal DS can be made longer. The sensor controller 31 determines the polling schedule for issuing transmission request commands, i.e., uplink signals US, including each ID, according to the form of transmitting downlink signals DS from each stylus 2 in a manner suitable for such a transmission schedule. The uplink signal US including each local ID is transmitted according to this polling schedule.

[0125] The position derivation unit 72 performs the following processing: based on the digital signal supplied from the receiving unit 63, it obtains the received strength of the downlink signal DS at each of the plurality of linear electrodes 30X and 30Y, and derives the coordinates x and y representing the position of the stylus 2 based on the result.

[0126] The state detection unit 73 performs the following processing: It calculates the movement speed of each stylus 2 based on the position changes derived from the position derivation unit 72 regarding each local ID, and writes this information to the ID management table 70. Additionally, it performs the following processing: Regarding each local ID, it determines whether a downlink signal DS, which is a response to an uplink signal US, has been received. If received, it determines whether the pen pressure value contained within it is 0 or greater than 0, and writes this result as the current state of the stylus 2 to the ID management table 70. Specifically, as follows... Figure 8 As shown, for the local ID of the downlink signal DS that did not receive a response as an uplink signal US, a value indicating "no response from uplink signal" is written; for the local ID of the downlink signal DS that received a response as an uplink signal US, a value indicating "pen state" is written; for the local ID with a pen pressure value of 0, a value indicating "pen pressure = 0" is further written; for the local ID with a pen pressure value greater than 0, a value indicating "pen pressure > 0" is further written.

[0127] In addition, the status detection unit 73 performs the following processing: for each local ID, it obtains the operation status, reset command not issued flag 1, reset command not issued flag 2, deletes the count value, and writes it to the ID management table 70. Details regarding these processes will be explained in more detail later with reference to the processing flowchart of the sensor controller 31.

[0128] The transmitting unit 62 is a circuit that generates the uplink signal US under the control of the MCU 60 and the logic unit 61, such as... Figure 7 As shown, the configuration includes a mode supply unit 80, a switch 81, a code string holding unit 82, an extension processing unit 83, and a transmission protection unit 84. It should be noted that, in particular, the mode supply unit 80 is described in this embodiment as being included within the transmission unit 62, but it may also be included within the MCU 60.

[0129] As mentioned above, the uplink signal US includes two types: a stylus retrieval signal and a command signal. Furthermore, the stylus retrieval signal consists of repeated specified detection mode c1 and a specified interval pattern STP positioned at the end.

[0130] Detection mode c1 is the mode in which the stylus 2 detects the presence of a symbol for the sensor controller 31, and this mode is known to the stylus 2 beforehand (before the stylus 2 detects the sensor controller 31). A symbol is a unit of information used for modulation in the transmission process (a unit of information represented by the transmitted signal), and in the reception process, it is a unit of information obtained by demodulating one symbol of the received signal. The value of a symbol can include values ​​converted into bit strings (hereinafter referred to as "bit string corresponding values") and values ​​converted into bit strings by the stylus 2 that are not received (hereinafter referred to as "bit string non-corresponding values"). In a specific example, detection mode c1 is composed of mode "PM," which is a combination of two bit string non-corresponding values, "P" and "M."

[0131] The Segmentation Pattern Transition (STP) is a pattern of symbol values ​​used to notify the stylus 2 of the end of the repetition period of detection pattern c1. It consists of patterns that do not appear during the repetition of detection pattern c1. The STP is also known to the stylus 2 beforehand (before the stylus 2 detects the sensor controller 31). For example, in the case where detection pattern c1 is composed of "PM," a combination of two non-corresponding bit string values ​​"P" and "M," as described above, the STP can be composed of the pattern "PP," which is formed by repeating the non-corresponding bit string value "P" twice consecutively. Alternatively, the structure of the STP and detection pattern c1 can be reversed, with "PM" constituting the segmentation pattern and "PP" constituting the detection pattern c1.

[0132] The mode supply unit 80 holds the detection mode c1 and the partition mode STP, and is configured to output them in a predetermined order according to the control signal ctrl_t1 supplied from the logic unit 61. Specifically, it is configured to continuously and repeatedly output the detection mode c1 during a predetermined continuous transmission period, and output the partition mode STP immediately after the continuous transmission period ends. This realizes the transmission of the stylus retrieval signal.

[0133] Switch 81 has the function of selecting either mode supply unit 80 or MCU 60 based on the control signal ctrl_t2 supplied from logic unit 61, and supplying the output of the selected one to expansion processing unit 83. When switch 81 selects mode supply unit 80, detection mode c1 or separation mode STP is supplied from mode supply unit 80 to expansion processing unit 83. On the other hand, when switch 81 selects MCU 60, control information c2 is supplied from MCU 60 to expansion processing unit 83.

[0134] As described above, control information c2 includes instructions for setting the local ID or instructions for sending various data other than the local ID. Control information c2 differs from detection mode c1 and separation mode STP in that its value is not pre-shared with the stylus 2. Control information c2 is sent, for example, in a manner corresponding to the values ​​of symbols (e.g., 0-15) established with the bit string.

[0135] The code string holding unit 82 has the function of generating and holding an extended code PN of a specified chip length with autocorrelation characteristics based on the control signal ctrl_t3 supplied from the logic unit 61. The extended code PN held by the code string holding unit 82 is supplied to the extension processing unit 83.

[0136] The extension processing unit 83 has the function of obtaining a transmit chip string of a predetermined chip length by modulating the spreading code PN held by the code string holding unit 82 based on the value of the symbol supplied via the switch 81 (detection mode c1, separation mode STP, or control information c2). The extension processing unit 83 is configured to supply the obtained transmit chip string to the transmit protection unit 84.

[0137] The transmission protection unit 84 has the function of inserting a protection period (without transmission and reception periods) required for switching transmission and reception operations between the transmission period of the uplink signal US and the reception period of the downlink signal DS based on the control signal ctrl_t4 supplied from the logic unit 61.

[0138] The receiving unit 63 is a circuit used to receive the downlink signal DS sent by the stylus 2 based on the control signal ctrl_r from the logic unit 61. Specifically, it is configured to include an amplifier circuit 85, a detector circuit 86, and an analog-to-digital (AD) converter 87.

[0139] Amplifier circuit 85 amplifies and outputs the downlink signal DS supplied from selection unit 64. Detector circuit 86 is a circuit that generates a voltage corresponding to the level of the output signal of amplifier circuit 85. AD converter 87 is a circuit that generates a digital signal by sampling the voltage output from detector circuit 86 at predetermined time intervals. The digital signal output from AD converter 87 is supplied to MCU 60. MCU 60 uses this supplied digital signal to obtain data (local ID, global ID, pen pressure, etc.) sent by stylus 2.

[0140] The selection unit 64 is configured to include switches 88x and 88y and conductor selection circuits 89x and 89y.

[0141] Switches 88x and 88y are switching elements configured as a 1-circuit 2-contact circuit, each connected to either a common terminal or either a T terminal or an R terminal. The common terminal of switch 88x is connected to conductor selection circuit 89x, the T terminal is connected to the output terminal of transmitting unit 62, and the R terminal is connected to the input terminal of receiving unit 63. Similarly, the common terminal of switch 88y is connected to conductor selection circuit 89y, the T terminal is connected to the output terminal of transmitting unit 62, and the R terminal is connected to the input terminal of receiving unit 63.

[0142] The conductor selection circuit 89x is a switching element for selectively connecting multiple linear electrodes 30X to the common terminal of the switch 88x. The conductor selection circuit 89x is also configured to simultaneously connect some or all of the multiple linear electrodes 30X to the common terminal of the switch 88x.

[0143] The conductor selection circuit 89y is a switching element used to selectively connect multiple linear electrodes 30Y to the common terminal of the switch 88y. The conductor selection circuit 89y is also configured to simultaneously connect some or all of the multiple linear electrodes 30Y to the common terminal of the switch 88y.

[0144] The logic unit 61 supplies four control signals sTRx, sTRy, selX, and selY to the selection unit 64. Specifically, control signal sTRx is supplied to switch 88x, control signal sTRy is supplied to switch 88y, control signal selX is supplied to conductor selection circuit 89x, and control signal selY is supplied to conductor selection circuit 89y. The logic unit 61 uses these control signals sTRx, sTRy, selX, and selY to control the selection unit 64 to transmit the uplink signal US, which includes stylus search signals and command signals, and to receive the downlink signal DS, which includes burst signals and data signals.

[0145] To explain more specifically, when the logic unit 61 sends a stylus retrieval signal, it controls the selection unit 64 by connecting all of the plurality of linear electrodes 30Y (or all of the plurality of linear electrodes 30X) to the output terminal of the transmitting unit 62. Furthermore, when a command signal is sent, the selection unit 64 is controlled by connecting a predetermined number of the plurality of linear electrodes 30X, 30Y that are near the position immediately before the stylus 2, the target of the transmission, is dispatched.

[0146] When receiving a burst signal, the logic unit 61 controls the selection unit 64 such that all of the plurality of linear electrodes 30X and 30Y are sequentially connected to the input terminal of the receiving unit 63 during the duration of the burst signal transmission. In this way, the MCU 60 can obtain the received intensity of the burst signal at each of the plurality of linear electrodes 30X and 30Y, and thus can derive the position of the stylus 2 as described above. On the other hand, when receiving a data signal, the logic unit 61 controls the selection unit 64 such that only the one of the plurality of linear electrodes 30X and 30Y closest to the position derived from the burst signal of the stylus 2 that is transmitting the data signal is connected to the input terminal of the receiving unit 63. In this way, the transmission time of the data signal can be fully utilized for transmitting data from the stylus 2 to the sensor controller 31.

[0147] The structure and operation of the stylus 2 and electronic device 3 constituting the position detection system 1 have been described in detail above. Next, referring to the flowchart of the processing performed by the stylus 2 and sensor controller 31, the operation of the stylus 2 and sensor controller 31 related to the present invention will be described in more detail.

[0148] Figure 9-15 This is a flowchart illustrating the processing flow of the sensor controller 31. Additionally, Figure 16-20 This is a flowchart illustrating the processing flow of stylus 2. Furthermore, Figure 21-24 and Figure 26-29 This is a timing diagram showing the signals transmitted and received between one or two of the styluses 2a-2c and the sensor controller 31. Additionally, Figure 25 These are explanatory diagrams illustrating the registration and deregistration of the local ID, implemented by the sensor controller 31 and the stylus 2a, respectively. The following explanation will refer to these diagrams.

[0149] Firstly, as Figure 9 As shown, the sensor controller 31 determines whether the elapsed time since the last stylus retrieval signal is more than or less than a predetermined time (step S1). The sensor controller 31 needs to send a stylus retrieval signal every predetermined time in order to detect an undetected stylus 2. In step S1, it determines whether the timing for sending the stylus retrieval signal has arrived.

[0150] If, in step S1, it is determined that the specified time has elapsed, the sensor controller 31 sends a stylus retrieval signal (step S2). Figure 21 The middle figure illustrates the stylus retrieval signal sent from the sensor controller 31 at predetermined time intervals. After sending the stylus retrieval signal, the sensor controller 31 returns the process to step S1.

[0151] If the time is determined to be less than the specified time in step S1, the sensor controller 31 determines whether the current time is after the stylus retrieval signal has just been sent (step S3). As a result, if it is determined that it has just been sent, the setting instruction sending process is executed (step S4); if it is determined that it has not just been sent, the command signal sending process is executed (step S5). It should be noted that if the stylus retrieval signal can contain the information of the setting instruction, steps S4 and S5 can also be treated as a single process.

[0152] Figure 10 The details of the setting instruction transmission process are shown. As shown in the figure, the sensor controller 31, which initiates the setting instruction transmission process, first determines the local ID#n of the object to be set based on the registration status of the local ID (step S10). The registration status of the local ID is confirmed by referring to... Figure 8 The ID management table 70 shown is used for this process. Next, the sensor controller 31 sends a command signal indicating a setting instruction for the determined local ID#n (step S11). For example... Figure 21 As shown, the instruction signal is sent continuously from the stylus retrieval signal.

[0153] Next, the sensor controller 31 performs the downlink signal DS reception operation (step S12) and determines whether a downlink signal DS including the local ID#n has been received (step S13). In this case, the sensor controller 31 confirms whether the downlink signal DS includes the local ID#n by decrypting the data signal within the downlink signal DS. This is also the case in the reception determination in other steps described later.

[0154] If it is determined in step S13 that no signal has been received, the sensor controller 31 will not perform any further special processing and will end the setting instruction transmission process, returning to the previous state. Figure 9 Step S1.

[0155] On the other hand, if it is determined in step S13 that a downlink signal DS including the local ID#n is received only at 1 point within the panel, the sensor controller 31 registers the local ID#n to the ID management table 70 (step S14).

[0156] Figure 21The diagram illustrates a scenario where the sensor controller 31 newly registers the stylus 2a. Initially, the stylus 2a is not registered in the ID management table 70 at all. Upon receiving a stylus retrieval signal due to a pen stroke, the stylus 2a then receives a command signal indicating a setting instruction for local ID #1. In response to this command signal, it sends a downlink signal DS including local ID #1. The sensor controller 31 registers local ID #1 in the ID management table 70 based on the received downlink signal DS.

[0157] Figure 22 This diagram illustrates a scenario where the sensor controller 31 registers the stylus 2a and then further registers the stylus 2b. The initial state of this diagram is... Figure 21 The state of stylus 2a (the state to which stylus 2a is assigned a local ID#1) is registered in the ID management table 70. Since local ID#1 is already registered in the ID management table 70, the command signal sent by the sensor controller 31 after the stylus retrieval signal becomes a command signal indicating the setting instruction of local ID#2. Stylus 2b, having received the stylus retrieval signal due to a pen stroke, then receives the command signal indicating the setting instruction of local ID#2. Furthermore, in response to this command signal, it sends a downlink signal DS including local ID#2. The sensor controller 31 registers local ID#2 in the ID management table 70 based on the received downlink signal DS.

[0158] return Figure 10 In step S14, the sensor controller 31, which registers the local ID#n in the ID management table 70, derives the position of the stylus 2 based on the pulse train signal within the received downlink signal DS (step S15). Additionally, if the data signal within the downlink signal DS includes data other than the local ID#n, that data is extracted (step S16).

[0159] Furthermore, the sensor controller 31 readjusts the transmission schedule of the downlink signal DS in order to provide the stylus 2 corresponding to the newly registered local ID#n with the opportunity to transmit the downlink signal DS, and uses the result to update the ID management table 70 (step S17).

[0160] Refer again Figure 21 and Figure 22 In the case where only local ID#1 is registered Figure 21 In this state, all command signals except those following the stylus search signal are directed to local ID#1 (stylus 2a). That is, the scan rate of stylus 2a is set to 1.

[0161] When Figure 22After registering the new local ID#2 as shown, the sensor controller 31 also needs to provide the local ID#2 (stylus 2b) with the opportunity to send the downlink signal DS. Therefore, in Figure 22 In the example, assigning the same scan rate value (=1 / 2) to local ID#1 and local ID#2 allows styluses 2a and 2b to alternately send downlink signals DS. Thus, the sensor controller 31, by default (before determining the scan rate based on the global ID or the movement speed of stylus 2), determines the scan rate for more than one detected stylus in a manner that makes the scan rates for each detected stylus equal.

[0162] Figure 10 The readjustment of the sending schedule in step S17 is as follows: Figure 22 As shown in the example, this is performed to provide an opportunity to transmit the downlink signal DS to the newly registered stylus 2. After step S17 is completed, the sensor controller 31 ends the setting instruction transmission process and returns. Figure 9 Step S1.

[0163] If, in step S13, it is determined that a downlink signal DS, including the local ID#n, is received at multiple locations on the panel, the sensor controller 31 sets the operating state value of the local ID#n to "first reset mode" in the ID management table 70 (step S18), and sets the reset command not issued flag 1 for the local ID#n to "TRUE" (step S19). Figure 26 As illustrated, the first reset mode is an operation mode used to temporarily release the allocation of local ID#n immediately after sending a command signal indicating a setting instruction for local ID#n. The reset command not issued flag 1 is a flag that is "TRUE" when the reset command that should be sent in the first reset mode has not yet been sent, and "FALSE" otherwise. Details regarding the reset process using these parameters will be provided later. Figure 13 and Figure 14 To illustrate. After step S19 is completed, the sensor controller 31 ends the setting instruction transmission process and returns. Figure 9 Step S1.

[0164] then, Figure 11The details of the command signal transmission process are shown. As shown in the figure, the sensor controller 31, which has started the command signal transmission process, first determines (selects) the local ID#k to be the target of the command signal transmission based on the transmission schedule of each local ID registered in the ID management table 70 (step S20). More specifically, the local ID#k to be the target of the command signal transmission is determined (selected) based on the scan rate already determined for each local ID. Then, by referring again to the value of the operation status in the ID management table 70, it is determined whether the value of the operation status of the local ID#k is "normal mode", "first reset mode" or "second reset mode" (step S21).

[0165] Figure 12 The diagram illustrates the process in step S21 where the sensor controller 31 determines the operating state of the local ID#k to be "normal mode". As shown in the figure, in this case, the sensor controller 31 first sends a command signal indicating a data transmission instruction to the stylus 2 determined by the local ID#k (step S30). The data to be transmitted here is, for example, a signal indicating... Figure 2 The data representing the on / off state of switch 22 shown indicates that... Figure 2 The pen pressure data detected by the pen pressure detection sensor 23 shown is represented as follows: Figure 3 The data from the 6-axis IMU50 shown represent the operational status at the point in time when the command signal indicating data transmission was received, as well as the data stored in... Figure 3 The global ID, etc., shown in the global ID storage unit 51.

[0166] The sensor controller 31, which sent the command signal in step S30, then performs the downlink signal DS receiving action (step S31) and determines whether the downlink signal DS including the local ID#k has been received (step S32).

[0167] If, in step S32, it is determined that a downlink signal DS including local ID#k is received only at point 1 on the panel, the sensor controller 31 first sets the deletion count value of local ID#k to 0 in the ID management table 70 (step S33). The deletion count value represents the number of times the downlink signal DS has been attempted but not received, and is set for each local ID. The deletion count value is reset to 0 when a downlink signal DS including the corresponding local ID#k is received. If the deletion count value of local ID#k is 0, the registration deregistration of that local ID#k is not performed.

[0168] Next, the sensor controller 31 derives the position of the stylus 2 based on the pulse train signal within the received downlink signal DS (step S34), and extracts the data contained in the data signal within the downlink signal DS (step S35). The sensor controller 31 also readjusts the transmission schedule (step S36).

[0169] Figure 23 An example of the readjustment of the transmission schedule performed in step S36 is shown. In this example, styluses 2a and 2b are simultaneously present on the panel, and local IDs #1 and #2 are assigned to styluses 2a and 2b, respectively. Furthermore, the transmission duration of the downlink signal DS of stylus 2b (local ID #2) is set to twice the default value. Sensor controller 31 receives a global ID from stylus 2b and determines the device type of stylus 2b based on the received global ID. It also determines that the transmission duration of the downlink signal DS of stylus 2b is twice the default value based on this determination. Based on this determination, sensor controller 31 determines the transmission schedule of the downlink signal DS for each local ID in such a way that the transmission duration of the downlink signal DS of stylus 2b is twice the default value, and sets it in ID management table 70. Thereafter, it controls the transmission interval of command signals in such a way that the duration of the receiving operation when receiving the downlink signal DS from stylus 2b is twice the default value.

[0170] Here, in Figure 23 In this case, the duration of the receiving action of the sensor controller 31 when receiving the global ID is longer than usual. This is because, as mentioned above, the global ID is a large data size of 64 bits. In order to receive such large data, i.e., the global ID, the sensor controller 31 extends the duration of the receiving action after sending the instruction signal indicating the transmission of the global ID to match the size of the global ID. This adjustment of the duration of the receiving action is an operation performed independently of the readjustment of the transmission schedule.

[0171] Figure 24Another example of the readjustment of the transmission schedule performed in step S36 is shown. In this example, styluses 2a and 2c are simultaneously present on the panel, and local IDs #1 and #2 are assigned to styluses 2a and 2c, respectively. The sensor controller 31 receives global IDs (not shown) from styluses 2a and 2c, thereby determining that stylus 2a is a pen-type device and stylus 2c is a ruler-type device. Based on this determination, the sensor controller 31 determines the transmission schedule of the downlink signal DS for each local ID in such a way that the scan rate of stylus 2a is three times that of stylus 2c, and sets it in the ID management table 70. Furthermore, thereafter, the transmission frequency of the command signal for each local ID is controlled in such a way that the scan rate of stylus 2a is three times that of stylus 2c.

[0172] return Figure 12 The sensor controller 31, which performed the readjustment of the transmission schedule in step S36, ended the transmission of the command signal and returned. Figure 9 Step S1.

[0173] On the other hand, Figure 12 In step S32, if it is determined that a downlink signal DS, including the local ID#k, is received at multiple locations on the panel, the sensor controller 31 sets the deletion count value of the local ID#k to 0 in the ID management table 70 (step S37). Additionally, the operating status value of the local ID#k is also set to "second reset mode" in the ID management table 70 (step S38), and the reset command not issued flag 2 for the local ID#k is set to "TRUE" (step S39). The second reset mode is the operating mode used to release the allocation of the local ID#k. Figure 10 The first reset mode set in step S18 is the same as the second reset mode, but the second reset mode is as follows: Figure 27 The action mode for preferentially de-assigning local ID#n differs from the first reset mode in that it performs repeated checks when sending a command signal indicating (not a setting indication) a data transmission instruction to local ID#n. The reset command not issued flag 2 is a flag that is "TRUE" when the reset command that should be sent in the second reset mode has not yet been sent, and "FALSE" otherwise. Details regarding the reset processing using these parameters will be provided later. Figure 15 To illustrate. After step S39 is completed, the sensor controller 31 ends the command signal transmission processing and returns. Figure 9 Step S1.

[0174] exist Figure 12In step S32, if it is determined that no downlink signal DS including local ID#k has been received, the sensor controller 31 determines whether the deletion count value of local ID#k stored in the ID management table 70 is greater than a predetermined threshold D (step S40). If it is determined that the deletion count value is not greater than a predetermined threshold D, the deletion count value of local ID#k is increased by 1 (step S43). On the other hand, if it is determined that the deletion count value is greater than a predetermined threshold D, the registration of local ID#k is deregistered by deleting the row of local ID#k from the ID management table 70 (step S41). Then, in order to re-adjust the downlink signal DS transmission schedule to allocate the opportunity to transmit downlink signal DS to other styluses 2 corresponding to local ID#k, the ID management table 70 is updated with the result (step S42).

[0175] In summary, step S40 determines whether the state of no response to the command signal from the stylus 2 corresponding to local ID#k has persisted for more than D processing iterations. If the state of no response persists, the stylus 2 can be considered disengaged. Figure 1 The indicated sensing range SR is highly probable. Therefore, sensor controller 31 deregisters local ID#k in this situation. Sensor controller 31, having completed step S42 or S43, terminates the command signal transmission process and returns. Figure 9 Step S1.

[0176] Figure 25 This diagram illustrates the registration and deregistration of local IDs implemented by the sensor controller 31 and the stylus 2a, respectively. The diagram shows an example where the stylus 2a, assigned local ID #1, initially contacts the panel surface (L1), moves from there outside the sensing range SR (L2), and further moves to a height exceeding the uplink detection height AH (L3, L4). Through the processes described in steps S40 to S43, after the stylus 2a moves outside the sensing range SR and a predetermined time (corresponding to the aforementioned threshold D) has elapsed, the sensor controller 31 deregisters the local ID #1 assigned to the stylus 2a. In contrast, even when the stylus 2a is outside the sensing range SR, it can receive the uplink signal US as long as it does not exceed the uplink detection height AH; therefore, if its height does not exceed the uplink detection height AH, the registration of local ID #k is not deregistered. The deregistration of local ID #1 performed by the stylus 2a is described later. Figure 17 As explained in the documentation, it is executed after the uplink signal US becomes unreceived and a specified time has elapsed.

[0177] then, Figure 13 and Figure 14 It shows in Figure 11The processing in step S21 when the operation status value of local ID#k is determined to be "first reset mode". For example... Figure 13 As shown, in this case, the sensor controller 31 first determines the value of the reset command not issued flag 1 for local ID#k by referring to the ID management table 70 (step S50). As a result, if the reset command not issued flag 1 for local ID#k is "TRUE", a command signal indicating a reset command for local ID#k is sent (step S51). The stylus 2 that receives this command signal will store it in its own memory 45 (refer to...). Figure 2 The local ID#k is deleted from the local ID#k. The sensor controller 31 then sets the reset command not issued flag 1 for local ID#k to "FALSE" (step S52), and then performs the downlink signal DS reception operation (step S53). In step S53, even if a downlink signal DS including local ID#k is received, the sensor controller 31 does not perform any operation based on that signal. However, it can also be configured to determine the local ID within the downlink signal DS. If the local ID is a local ID other than local ID#k, further operation based on the downlink signal DS can be performed. Figure 12 (The actions shown in steps S34 to S36).

[0178] After step S53, the sensor controller 31 may also perform a readjustment of the transmission schedule (step S54). This readjustment may be a process of restoring the scan rate assigned to the local ID#k that issued the reset command and the transmission duration of the downlink signal DS to their default values.

[0179] If, in step S50, it is determined that the reset instruction for local ID#k has not been issued and flag 1 is "FALSE", then... Figure 14 As shown, the sensor controller 31 first sends a command signal indicating a setting instruction for local ID#k (step S55). In summary, this is the next opportunity to send a command signal related to local ID#k after sending a command signal indicating a reset command for local ID#k in step S51. After sending the command signal, the sensor controller 31 performs a downlink signal DS reception operation (step S56) and determines whether a downlink signal DS including local ID#k has been received (step S57).

[0180] If, in step S57, it is determined that a downlink signal DS including local ID#k is received only at point 1 on the panel, the sensor controller 31 first sets the deletion count value of local ID#k to 0 in the ID management table 70 (step S58). Next, the sensor controller 31 performs a process of temporarily deregistering local ID#k from the ID management table 70 and then re-registering local ID#k into the ID management table 70 (step S59). Since it is temporarily deregistered, the value of the operating status of local ID#k (refer to...) Figure 8 The system then reverts to "normal mode". Next, the position of the stylus 2 is derived based on the pulse train signal within the received downlink signal DS (step S60), and if the data signal within the downlink signal DS includes data other than local ID#k, that data is extracted (step S61). Afterwards, the sensor controller 31 readjusts the transmission schedule in the same manner as in step S17 (step S62). After step S62, the sensor controller 31 ends the command signal transmission processing and returns to normal. Figure 9 Step S1.

[0181] Figure 26 An example of the operation of the sensor controller 31 and stylus 2 related to the first reset mode is shown. In this example, both stylus pens 2a and 2b respond simultaneously to the setting instruction of local ID#1 sent by the sensor controller 31. Also as... Figure 26 As shown, this situation may occur when both styluses 2a and 2b are in a pen-writing state during the interval between stylus retrieval signal transmissions. The sensor controller 31 detects that it has received downlink signals DS, including local ID#1, at multiple locations. Figure 26 "Detecting duplicates". In the flowchart, it is... Figure 10 Step S13) sends an instruction signal representing a reset command for local ID#1 (in the flowchart, it is...). Figure 13 Step S51). Afterwards, the sensor controller 31 repeatedly sends instruction signals indicating a setting indication of local ID#1 (in the flowchart, this is...). Figure 14 Step S55).

[0182] Details regarding the operation of stylus 2 will be described later, but after receiving a command signal indicating a reset command for local ID #1, stylus 2a and 2b respectively deregister local ID #1 and generate an ID setting wait count value, ignoring any subsequent setting instructions received for a period corresponding to this value. After this ignoring period ends, stylus 2 (in the...) receives a command signal from sensor controller 31 indicating a setting instruction for local ID #1. Figure 26The stylus 2a) sends a downlink signal DS including local ID#1, thereby re-registering local ID#1 in the ID management table 70. Figure 26 "Registration #1". In the flowchart, it is... Figure 14 (Step S59). Thus, according to the processing of the sensor controller 31 and stylus 2 of this embodiment, even if a setting instruction sent immediately after the stylus retrieval signal is transmitted generates a response from multiple stylus 2s, it is possible to quickly reassign a local ID to only one of them. It should be noted that, as well as... Figure 26 As shown, the stylus 2b, which has not been assigned a local ID#1, begins communication with the sensor controller 31 as local ID#2 by receiving an instruction signal indicating a setting instruction for local ID#2 sent after the next stylus retrieval signal.

[0183] return Figure 14 If, in step S57, it is determined that a downlink signal DS, including the local ID#k, is received at multiple locations on the panel, the sensor controller 31 sets the deletion count value of the local ID#k to 0 in the ID management table 70 (step S63), and then sets the reset command not issued flag 1 of the local ID#k to "TRUE" again (step S64), before ending the command signal transmission process and returning to the previous state. Figure 9 Step S1. This is the handling of the situation where the ID setting wait count value is accidentally consistent with the above-mentioned ID setting. By resetting the reset command not issued flag 1 of the local ID#k to "TRUE" in step S64, the command signal indicating the reset command will be sent ( Figure 13 Step S51) is then restarted.

[0184] In step S57, if it is determined that no downlink signal DS including local ID#k has been received, the sensor controller 31 determines the deletion count value of local ID#k (refer to...). Figure 8 If the value of local ID#k is determined to be greater than the specified threshold D (step S65), and if it is determined to be less than the threshold, the deletion count of local ID#k is incremented by 1 (step S68). On the other hand, if it is determined to be greater than the threshold, the registration of local ID#k is deregistered by deleting the row of local ID#k from ID management table 70 (step S66). Then, in order to re-adjust the downlink signal DS transmission schedule of the stylus 2 corresponding to local ID#k to other stylus 2s, the result is used to update ID management table 70 (step S67). For example, if... Figure 26 For example, the processing of steps S65 to S68 is performed when both styluses 2a and 2b are out of the sensing range SR during the period when the sensor controller 31 sends an instruction signal indicating the setting indication of local ID#1.

[0185] then, Figure 15 It shows in Figure 11 The processing in step S21 when the condition is determined to be "second reset mode".

[0186] Here, let's refer to... Figure 27 The processing of the sensor controller 31 and stylus 2 in the second reset mode is described in detail.

[0187] For reference Figure 12 As explained, the value of the operation state of a certain local ID#k is set to the second reset mode when two or more styluses 2 send a downlink signal DS including local ID#k, which is not a command signal indicating a setting instruction for local ID#k but a command signal indicating a data transmission instruction for local ID#k. Figure 27 An example of a situation that leads to such a state is shown. In the example in the figure, as the initial state, only stylus 2a is assigned a local ID #1, while stylus 2b is not assigned a local ID. If stylus 2a leaves the sensing range SR (time t1) in this state, the downlink signal DS from stylus 2a will not arrive, therefore the sensor controller 31 will deregister the local ID #1 after a predetermined time. However, as shown in the figure... Figure 25 As explained, because the registration and deregistration of the local ID in stylus 2 is delayed compared to sensor controller 31, therefore... Figure 27 In the example, even after the sensor controller 31 deregisters the local ID #1, the deregistration of the local ID in the stylus 2 is not executed.

[0188] Even when stylus 2a retains its local ID#1, when stylus 2b newly enters the sensing range SR (time t2), stylus 2b receives a command signal indicating the setting of local ID#1 sent by sensor controller 31. As a result, sensor controller 31 assigns local ID#1 to stylus 2b. Then, when stylus 2a, still retaining local ID#1, re-enters the sensing range SR (time t3), both stylus 2a and 2b respond with command signals indicating the data represented by local ID#1. This is in... Figure 12 In step S32 shown, the case is determined to be "received at multiple locations". Figure 15 The document describes the process for eliminating duplicates of such local ID#1 (where multiple styluses 2 maintain the same local ID#k state).

[0189] return Figure 15In this case, the sensor controller 31 first determines the value of the reset command not issued flag 2 for local ID#k (step S70). As a result, if the reset command not issued flag 2 for local ID#k is "TRUE", it sends a command signal indicating a reset command for local ID#k (step S71), and sets the reset command not issued flag 2 for local ID#k to "FALSE" in the ID management table 70 (step S72). These processes are performed immediately after the sensor controller 31 detects a duplicate of local ID#k. Figure 27 In this case, the reset command immediately following "detecting duplicate" is equivalent to the reset command sent in step S71. On the other hand, if the reset command for local ID#k is determined to be not issued in step S70 and flag 1 is "FALSE", the sensor controller 31 sends a command signal indicating a data transmission indication for local ID#k (step S73).

[0190] After step S72 or S73 is completed, the sensor controller 31 performs the downlink signal DS reception operation (step S74). Then, it determines whether the downlink signal DS including the local ID#k has been received (step S75).

[0191] If, in step S75, it is determined that a downlink signal DS including the local ID#k has been received, the sensor controller 31 derives the position of the stylus 2 based on the burst signal within the received downlink signal DS (step S76). Here, details will be described later, the stylus 2 is configured such that, if it has not just registered a new local ID, even if a command signal indicating a reset command is received, the reset (deregistration of the local ID) will be postponed for a period of time, and the transmission of the downlink signal DS, which is a response to the command signal indicating data transmission, will continue. The length of this postponement period is determined by the value of the ID deregistration wait count, which will be described later. Therefore, in step S76, more than one position will continue to be derived for a period of time.

[0192] The sensor controller 31 selects a position that is consecutive to a previously exported position from one or more positions exported in step S76 (step S77). If... Figure 27 For example, since the stylus 2b communicates with the sensor controller 31 until the sensor controller 31 is about to detect a repetition, in step S77, the position of the downlink signal DS derived based on the stylus 2b is selected.

[0193] Next, the sensor controller 31 determines whether a position was successfully selected in step S77 (step S78). As described above, after receiving the instruction signal indicating a reset command, the stylus 2 continuously responds to the instruction signal indicating data during the period determined by the value of the ID release wait count. Therefore, there may be a situation where the stylus 2 in a position consecutive to a previously derived position stops responding before other stylus 2s; in this case, it is determined that selection was not successful in step S78.

[0194] If a successful selection is determined in step S78, the sensor controller 31 sets the deletion count value of the local ID#k to 0 in the ID management table 70 (step S79), and extracts the data contained in the data signal within the downlink signal DS corresponding to the selected position (step S80). Thus, only the coordinates x and y of the stylus 2's position, the local ID, and the data indicating a position continuous with the previously exported position are reported to the electronic device control unit 33. The sensor controller 31 further readjusts the transmission schedule based on the data content (e.g., if the extracted data is a global ID, etc.) (step S81), ends the command signal transmission process, and returns. Figure 9 Step S1.

[0195] If in step S75 it is determined that the downlink signal DS including local ID#k has not been received, or if in step S78 it is determined that no selection was made, the sensor controller 31 determines the deletion count value of local ID#k (refer to...). Figure 8 If the value of local ID#k is greater than the specified threshold D (step S82), and if it is determined not to be greater, the deletion count of local ID#k is incremented by 1 (step S85). On the other hand, if it is determined to be greater, the registration of local ID#k is deregistered by deleting the row of local ID#k from the ID management table 70 (step S83). Thus, in Figure 11 In step S20, the local ID#k is not determined as the transmission target, therefore the transmission of the instruction signal indicating the data transmission indication of the local ID#k in step S73 is also suspended. Then, the sensor controller 31 readjusts the transmission schedule of the downlink signal DS in order to allocate the transmission opportunity of the downlink signal DS provided to the stylus 2 corresponding to the local ID#k to other stylus 2s, and uses the result to update the ID management table 70 (step S84). After the processing in step S84 is completed, the sensor controller 31 ends the instruction signal transmission processing and returns. Figure 9 Step S1.

[0196] The above provides a detailed description of the operations of the sensor controller 31 related to the present invention. Next, the operations of the stylus 2 related to the present invention will be described in detail.

[0197] like Figure 16 As shown, the stylus 2 first determines the detection state of the sensor controller 31 (step S100). If it is determined that the sensor controller 31 is not yet detected, the stylus 2 attempts to perform the detection mode c1 described above (step S101). This process is used to detect the stylus retrieval signals intermittently sent by the sensor controller 31.

[0198] Next, the stylus 2 determines whether the detection mode c1 was detected in step S101 (step S102). If it is determined that no detection was detected, the operation pauses for a specified time (step S103), and the process returns to step S100 to repeatedly attempt to detect mode c1. The pause in step S103 is to suppress the power consumption of the stylus 2 by intermittently performing the receiving operation. On the other hand, if it is determined that detection was detected in step S102, the process waits for the stylus search signal to end (step S104). As described above, the stylus search signal is a signal composed of repeated known detection mode c1 and an appended segmentation pattern STP. Therefore, the stylus 2 detects the end of the detection mode by detecting the segmentation pattern STP. Afterwards, the stylus 2 sets the detection state of the sensor controller 31 to the detected state and returns to step S100.

[0199] If the state is determined to be detected in step S100, the stylus 2 performs command signal reception processing (step S106).

[0200] Figure 17 The details of the command signal reception process are shown. As shown in the figure, the stylus 2, which has started the command signal reception process, begins to measure the undetected time of the uplink signal US (step S110). Then, the command signal reception operation is performed (step S111), and it is determined whether the command signal has been received (step S112).

[0201] If it is determined in step S112 that no command signal has been received, the stylus 2 determines whether a predetermined time has elapsed since the measurement of the undetected time began in step S110 (step S113). This predetermined time is, for example, a time shorter than 1 second, such as several hundred milliseconds. If it is determined that no time has elapsed, the process returns to step S111 and the command signal reception operation is performed again. On the other hand, if it is determined that time has elapsed (i.e., no uplink signal US is detected within the predetermined period), the detection state of the sensor controller 31 is set to the undetected state (step S114), and if the memory 45 (refer to...) is... Figure 2 If a local ID is registered in the system, the registration of the local ID is removed by erasing it (step S115), the instruction signal reception processing ends, and the process returns.Figure 16 Step S100. The processes of steps S114 and S115 are performed when the stylus 2 moves to a height exceeding the upward detection height AH shown in Figure 1 and can no longer receive the uplink signal US.

[0202] Here, when the local ID of the stylus 2 is registered in the memory 45, not only when the uplink signal US is not detected within a specified period as described above, but also when the uplink signal US including the local ID registered in the memory 45 is not detected within the specified period, the registration of the local ID can be cancelled. In this way, for example, when the stylus 2 stores the local ID in the memory 45 and stays at a position lower than the upward detection height AH but the local ID (already cancelled) is not registered in the sensor controller 31, and a state occurs where although the uplink signal US can be detected from the stylus 2, the uplink signal US including its own local ID will never be detected no matter how long it waits, a new local ID can be assigned from the sensor controller 31 to the stylus 2 even if the stylus 2 is not moved to a position higher than the upward detection height AH.

[0203] On the other hand, when it is determined in step S112 that the command signal has been received, the stylus 2 resets the value of the non-detection time and determines which of "setting instruction", "reset command", and "data transmission instruction" is the content of the command indicated by the received command signal (step S117).

[0204] <D. Action with respect to ID setting instruction>

[0205] Figure 18 Shows the process when it is determined as "setting instruction" in Figure 17 step S117. In this case, the stylus 2 first determines whether the ID setting wait count value is 0. The ID setting wait count value indicates the period during which the stylus 2 that has received the ID setting instruction will not immediately reflect (ignore) the setting instruction, and is set in step S135 described later and is 0 in the initial state. When the ID setting wait count value is not 0, after the stylus 2 performs the process of decrementing the ID setting wait count value by 1 (step S125), the command signal reception process ends and returns to Figure 16 step S100. In this case, the setting instruction of the local ID of the sensor controller 31 will be ignored by the stylus 2.

[0206] On the other hand, if the ID setting wait count value is 0, the stylus 2 determines whether there is a local ID in its own memory 45 (refer to Figure 2) whether the local ID has been registered (step S121). If it is determined that the local ID has been registered, the stylus 2 ends the instruction signal reception process without performing special processing and returns to Figure 16 step S100 of. On the other hand, when it is determined that the local ID is not registered, the stylus 2 extracts the local ID from the instruction signal and registers it in its own memory 45 (step S122). Then, a downlink signal DS including the registered local ID is transmitted (step S123). After further setting the tentative flag to "TRUE" (step S124), the instruction signal reception process is ended and the process returns to Figure 16 step S100 of. Setting the tentative flag to "TRUE" means that the setting of the local ID is tentative, and setting the tentative flag to "FALSE" means that the local ID stored in the memory has been determined.

[0207] <E. Action with respect to the reset instruction>

[0208] Figure 19 shows the processing when it is determined as "reset command" in step S117 of Figure 17 . In this case, the stylus 2 first determines whether the received instruction signal includes the local ID being registered (step S130). If it is determined that it does not include, the instruction signal reception process is ended without performing special processing and returns to Figure 16 step S100 of. This is a process for ignoring instruction signals not addressed to itself. On the other hand, if it is determined that it includes, then it is determined whether the pen pressure detected by the pen pressure detection sensor 23 ( Figure 24 ) exceeds 0 (step S131). As a result, if the pen pressure exceeds 0, the instruction signal reception process is ended without performing special processing and returns to Figure 16 step S100 of. This means that when the stylus 2 has been used on the panel operation surface and a pen touch operation is being performed (typically when a drawing process using the stylus 2 has started, etc.), the process continues without following the reset command. On the other hand, if the pen pressure is 0, then the value of the tentative flag is determined next (step S132).

[0209] When the tentative flag is "TRUE", the stylus 2 deletes the local ID from the memory 45 to cancel the registration of the local ID (step S133). As a result, the stylus 2 becomes a state where the local ID is not registered. Next, the stylus 2 sets the tentative flag to "FALSE" (step S134) and generates an ID setting wait count value (step S135), and then ends the instruction signal reception process and returns to Figure 16 step S100 of.

[0210] In step S132, determining that the provisional flag is "TRUE" means that a command signal indicating a reset command was sent immediately after the stylus 2 registered its local ID. This is as follows: Figure 26 The example illustrates a scenario where multiple styluses 2 respond to a local ID setting instruction sent by the sensor controller 31. The ID setting wait count value generated in step S135 represents the period during which a stylus 2 receiving a reset command ignores the setting instruction in such a situation. It should be noted that the ID setting wait count value, and the ID release wait count value generated in step S136 (described later), can be values ​​that differ for each housing of the stylus 2. These values ​​can be generated from the global ID serial number, determined by prioritizing values ​​based on device type, or generated by a random number generator. By having each stylus 2 ignore the setting instruction during the period corresponding to the ID setting wait count value, as shown in the example... Figure 26 As mentioned above, it is possible to reassign the same local ID to only one of the styluses 2.

[0211] return Figure 19 If, in step S132, the provisional flag is determined to be "FALSE", the stylus 2 generates an ID release wait count (step S136) and sets the reset execution flag to "TRUE" (step S137). Then, the command signal reception processing ends, and the process returns to normal. Figure 16 Step S100.

[0212] In step S132, determining that the temporary setting flag is "FALSE" means that the command signal indicating a reset command was sent not when the local ID was temporarily set immediately after the stylus 2 registered its local ID, but after the local ID had already been determined. This is as follows: Figure 27 As explained, in the case where two or more styluses 2 simultaneously transmit downlink signals DS including the same local ID, indicating a data transmission instruction signal, the ID release wait count value generated in step S136 represents the execution delay time for the styluse 2 receiving the reset command to release the registration of the local ID. The execution delay of each stylus 2 releasing the registration of the local ID and the corresponding period of the ID release wait count value are thus defined. Figure 27 As illustrated, the sensor controller 31 can continue to detect the position of the stylus 2 and acquire data from the stylus 2. It should be noted that, as shown in the example... Figure 15 As explained, in this case, the sensor controller 31 only processes the downlink signal DS corresponding to the position that is consecutive to the previously derived position (steps S76 to S81), and therefore does not process the stylus 2 that has newly entered the sensing range SR (in Figure 27The one in [ ] is the stylus 2a), and only the stylus 2 (the stylus 2b in [ ]) that continues to stay within the sensing range SR will be subjected to position detection and data acquisition. Therefore, for the other stylus 2 (the second stylus 2) that remains within the upward detection height AH after the user touches the panel surface with a certain stylus 2 (the first stylus 2) and starts using it, when it enters the sensing range SR with a time difference, the sensor controller 31 can continue to use the coordinate values of the first stylus 2, which has a higher probability, to detect the coordinates and report this operation to the electronic device control unit 33. Figure 27 The processing when it is determined as "data transmission instruction" in step S117 of [ ] is shown. First, the stylus 2 in this case determines whether the received command signal includes the locally registered ID (step S140). If it is determined that it does not include, no special processing is performed, and the command signal reception processing for the currently received command signal ends, and it returns to

[0213] <F. Action relative to data transmission instruction>

[0214] Figure 20 It shows the processing in the case where it is determined as "data transmission instruction" in [[ID=X]] Figure 17 the step S100 of [ ], and starts the next command signal reception processing. This is a processing for preparing to ignore the command signal not addressed to itself and start the response to the next command. On the other hand, if it is determined that it includes, the tentative flag is set to "FALSE" (step S141), and then the value of the reset execution flag is determined (step S142). Figure 16 When the reset execution flag is "FALSE", the stylus 2 transmits a downlink signal DS including the locally registered ID and the data indicated by the command signal for transmission (step S147). Then, the command signal reception processing ends, and it returns to

[0215] the step S100 of [ ]. This processing is the normal response to the command signal indicating the data transmission instruction. Figure 16

[0216] ​On the other hand, if the reset execution flag is determined to be "TRUE" in step S142, the stylus 2 first determines whether the ID release wait count is 0 (step S143). The initial state of the ID release wait count is also 0, the same as the ID setting wait count. However, after the stylus 2 receives a reset command immediately after registering a non-local ID, in step S136, the ID release wait count is set to a non-zero value. If the ID release wait count is determined to be non-zero, the stylus 2 performs a process to decrease the ID release wait count by 1 (step S146), and then sends a downlink signal DS including the registered local ID and the data to be sent indicated by the command signal (step S147). Then, the command signal reception process ends, and the process returns to normal. Figure 16 Step S100. The processing of steps S146 and S147 is as follows (refer to...). Figure 27 The process of delaying the execution of the registration and deregistration of the local ID by the stylus 2 as described above.

[0217] On the other hand, if it is determined in step S142 that the ID release wait count value is 0, the stylus 2 deregisters the local ID by deleting it from the memory 45 (step S144), and sets the reset execution flag to "FALSE" (step S145). Then, the instruction signal receiving process ends and returns. Figure 16 Step S100. Therefore, the registration cancellation of the delayed local ID is performed.

[0218] As explained above, according to the sensor controller 31 and stylus 2 of this embodiment, the sensor controller 31 assigns a local ID to the stylus 2 using an instruction signal indicating a setting instruction, and includes the local ID in other instruction signals, thereby enabling the stylus 2 that should respond to the instruction signal to be specified. Therefore, the timing of each stylus transmitting the downlink signal DS can be flexibly changed.

[0219] In addition, the sensor controller 31 can specify the stylus 2 that should respond to the command signal by including only one local ID value in the command signal. Therefore, compared with the case where the timing of each stylus 2 sending the downlink signal DS is determined by prior negotiation, the size of the command signal can be reduced.

[0220] Furthermore, if it is determined in step S130 or step S140 that the received command signal does not include the registered local ID, the stylus 2 can immediately move to the receiving action of the next command signal (step S111). Therefore, regardless of the length of the downlink signal DS sent by other styluses 2, the next command signal can be received well.

[0221] While preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the present invention is not limited to such embodiments in any way, and the present invention can certainly be implemented in various ways without departing from its spirit.

[0222] For example, in the above embodiment, the position detection system 1 was described as including two pen-shaped styluses 2a and 2b and one ruler-shaped stylus 2c, but the number of styluses 2 included in the position detection system 1 is not limited to this. The present invention can be applied to a position detection system 1 that includes multiple styluses 2 regardless of their form.

[0223] Figure 28 and Figure 29 These are timing diagrams showing the signals transmitted and received between the styluses 2a and 2b and the sensor controller 31 in the first variation of the embodiment of the present invention. Figure 28 and Figure 22 Similarly, the scenario where the sensor controller 31 registers the stylus 2a and then further registers the stylus 2b is also shown. Figure 29 and Figure 24 Similarly, a scenario is shown where the sensor controller 31 is performing normal writing to the styluses 2a and 2c after readjusting the sending schedule based on the respective device types of the styluses 2a and 2c.

[0224] In this modified example, communication between the styluses 2a and 2b and the sensor controller 31 is achieved through the frame communication described above. This frame communication is performed using frames F1, F2, ..., each comprising four time slots T1 to T4. It should be noted that the number of time slots within a single frame is not limited to four. As mentioned above, each frame is a liquid crystal panel 32 (refer to...). Figure 1 During the display operation, the timing of each time slot is determined based on the blank period of the liquid crystal panel 32. The sensor controller 31 determines the timing and duration of each time slot and the number of time slots contained in each frame by observing the noise generated from the liquid crystal panel 32 or obtaining information from the liquid crystal panel 32. This determined information is notified to the stylus 2 from the sensor controller 31 via the uplink signal US.

[0225] Sensor controller 31 is configured to, in a specified number (in Figure 28 In each of the three frames (T1 and T2), a stylus retrieval signal is transmitted using its initial time slot. Furthermore, a command signal is transmitted before each of the other time slots. On the other hand, the stylus 2 is configured to transmit a downlink signal DS in response to a received command signal.

[0226] In this embodiment, the transmission duration of the downlink signal DS may vary depending on the specifications of the stylus 2. When the sensor controller 31 obtains the transmission duration of the downlink signal DS of the stylus 2 through receiving the global ID, it determines the transmission schedule based on the obtained transmission duration of the downlink signal DS and writes it to the ID management table 70. Furthermore, it controls the transmission interval of the command signal in a manner that implements the written transmission duration of the downlink signal DS. If the transmission duration of the downlink signal DS is not within one time slot, the sensor controller 31 implements the transmission duration of the downlink signal DS by skipping the transmission of the uplink signal US preceding the time slot.

[0227] This variation is otherwise identical to the embodiment described above. Therefore, even with this variation, such as Figure 28 As shown, a new local ID can also be registered with both the stylus 2 and the sensor controller 31 using a command signal representing a setting instruction for the local ID, such as... Figure 29 As illustrated, the scan rate can also be changed using a local ID.

[0228] As explained above, according to this variation, since the sensor controller 31 sends an instruction signal including a local ID value every transmission time, the sensor controller 31 can specify the stylus 2 that should send the downlink signal DS during that transmission time. Therefore, the allocation of transmission time for each stylus 2 can be flexibly changed in units shorter than a frame's time slot. In addition, by including only one local ID value in the instruction signal, the sensor controller 31 can instruct each stylus 2 on the allocation of transmission time (time slot in this variation). Therefore, compared to the case where the uplink signal used to indicate the allocation of time slots is broadcast to each stylus in each frame as described above, the size of the uplink signal used to indicate the allocation of time slots as transmission time can be reduced.

[0229] Figure 30 This is a flowchart illustrating the processing flow of the stylus 2 in a second variation of an embodiment of the present invention. In this variation, the instruction signal representing a "data transmission instruction" also functions as a "setting instruction," and a period during which the stylus 2 ignores the setting instruction is not provided. Figure 26 This point, without setting a period for the deregistration of the local ID when the stylus 2 receives a reset command ( Figure 27 This differs from the implementation described above in that it does not perform pen pressure determination before deregistering the local ID (deregistering the local ID is performed regardless of pen pressure). The following refers to... Figure 30 The operation of the stylus 2 in this modified example will be explained.

[0230] In this modified example, the stylus 2 first attempts to detect the stylus retrieval signal (step S200), and then determines whether the stylus retrieval signal is detected as a result (step S201). The specific content and detection method of the stylus retrieval signal can be the same as in the above-described embodiment. In this case, a positive determination is made in step S201 when the segmentation mode STP is detected.

[0231] If a negative determination is obtained in step S201, the stylus 2 returns to step S200 and repeatedly attempts to detect the stylus search signal. On the other hand, if a positive determination is obtained in step S201, the stylus 2 performs a command signal receiving operation (step S202) and determines whether a command signal has been received (step S203). The processing in steps S202 and S203 is related to... Figure 17 The same process applies to steps S111 and S112 shown.

[0232] If a negative result is obtained in step S203, the stylus 2 determines whether a predetermined time has elapsed since the last received command signal (step S204). If the time elapsed, the process returns to step S202 and the command signal reception operation is repeated; if the time elapsed, the local ID is registered in memory 45 at that time point (refer to...). Figure 2 If the local ID is erased from memory 45, the registration of the local ID is deactivated, and the process returns to step S200.

[0233] If a positive determination is obtained in step S203, the stylus 2 determines whether the content of the instruction represented by the received instruction signal is a "reset command" or a "data transmission instruction". In this modified example, as described above, the instruction signal representing the "data transmission instruction" also serves as a "setting instruction", therefore, it is related to the determination of the three types of instruction content. Figure 17 The steps are different in step S117, and the content of the instruction to be determined in step S203 is two kinds.

[0234] If the command signal is determined to be a "reset command" in step S206, the stylus 2 determines whether the received command signal includes the registered local ID (step S207). If it is determined that the local ID does not include the local ID, the process returns to step S202 and the command signal reception operation is repeated. If it is determined that the local ID includes the local ID, the registration of the local ID is deactivated by erasing the local ID from the memory 45, and the process returns to step S200.

[0235] If the signal is determined to be a "data transmission instruction" in step S206, the stylus 2 then determines whether a local ID has been registered in its own memory 45 (step S209). If it has been registered, the local ID is extracted from the received instruction signal and registered in the memory 45 (step S210). Then, a downlink signal DS, including the registered local ID and the data to be transmitted indicated by the instruction signal, is transmitted (step S147). Afterward, the stylus 2 returns to step S202 and repeats the instruction signal receiving operation.

[0236] If the stylus 2 is determined to have a registered local ID in step S209, it then determines whether the received command signal includes the registered local ID (step S212). If it is determined that the local ID is not included, the process returns to step S202 and repeats the command signal reception operation. On the other hand, if it is determined that the local ID is included, a downlink signal DS including the registered local ID and the data to be transmitted indicated by the command signal is sent (step S213), and then the process returns to step S202 and repeats the command signal reception operation.

[0237] Even with this variation, the sensor controller 31 can assign a local ID to the stylus 2 using a command signal indicating a setting instruction, and can also specify the stylus 2 that should respond to the command signal by including the local ID in other command signals. Therefore, the timing of each stylus sending the downlink signal DS can be flexibly changed.

[0238] In addition, the sensor controller 31 can specify the stylus 2 that should respond to the command signal by including only one local ID value in the command signal. Therefore, compared with the case where the timing of each stylus 2 sending the downlink signal DS is determined by prior negotiation, the size of the command signal can be reduced.

[0239] Furthermore, in this modified example, since the instruction signal representing "data transmission instruction" also serves as "setting instruction," the stylus 2 can transmit the normal downlink signal DS, which includes data, in step S211 immediately after registering the local ID. Therefore, compared to the case where a response to the "setting instruction" is given using a downlink signal DS that does not include data, the opportunity to transmit the downlink signal DS can be increased by one.

[0240] It should be noted that in the above implementation, the downlink signal DS is configured to include two signals: a burst signal and a data signal. However, it may also include only one of these two signals, such as a burst signal or a data signal.

[0241] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, an example was described where the transmission of the global ID was performed using a downlink signal DS utilizing electrostatic coupling. However, the global ID is static information, unlike the operational state that changes at the time the uplink signal US is received. Therefore, other proximity-type wireless communication methods, such as Bluetooth (registered trademark), can also be used to notify the sensor controller 31 from the stylus 2. This reduces the communication time for transmitting the global ID in electrostatic coupling communication and increases the opportunity to transmit data signals related to operational states, including pen pressure values ​​and the pressed state of switches.

[0242] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, it was explained that the uplink signal US includes two types: a stylus search signal and a command signal. However, the stylus search signal may also include a local ID setting instruction for a new, undetected stylus 2. In this way, the stylus 2 can quickly set its local ID upon receiving the stylus search signal.

[0243] Furthermore, in the above embodiments, an example was described in which the values ​​of symbols with multiple values ​​such as "P", "M", and "0 to 15" were used as transmission methods for control information c2, detection mode c1, and segmentation mode STP. However, other transmission methods (such as transmission methods using modulation schemes such as OOK and PSK) can also be used to transmit these information or modes.

[0244] Label Explanation

[0245] 1. Position Detection System

[0246] 2. Stylus pen 2a~2c

[0247] 3 Electronic devices

[0248] 20a core

[0249] 20b feet

[0250] Electrodes 21, 21_1~21_n

[0251] 22 Switches

[0252] 23 Pen pressure detection sensor

[0253] 24 Signal Processing Department

[0254] Switches 25 and 26

[0255] 27 Switching Unit

[0256] 30 Sensor Electrodes

[0257] 30X, 30Y linear electrodes

[0258] 31 Sensor Controller

[0259] 32 LCD panel

[0260] 33 Electronic Equipment Control Department

[0261] 40 Switching Unit

[0262] 41 Receiving Department

[0263] 42 Waveform Regeneration Section

[0264] 43 Related Arithmetic Unit

[0265] 44 Control Department

[0266] 45 Memory

[0267] 46. ​​Sending Department

[0268] 47 Modulation Section

[0269] 48. Boost circuit

[0270] 50 6-axis IMU

[0271] 51 Global ID Storage Department

[0272] 60 MCU

[0273] 61 Logic Department

[0274] 62 Sending Department

[0275] 63 Receiving Department

[0276] 64 Selection Department

[0277] 70 ID Management Table

[0278] 71 ID Management Department

[0279] 72 Position Export Section

[0280] 73 Condition Detection Department

[0281] 80 Model Supply Department

[0282] 81 Switch

[0283] 82-code string holding section

[0284] 83 Extended Processing Unit

[0285] 84 Send Protection Department

[0286] 85 Amplifier Circuit

[0287] 86 Detector Circuit

[0288] 87 AD converter

[0289] 88x, 88y switches

[0290] 89x, 89y conductor selection circuit

[0291] DS downlink signal

[0292] GID (Global ID)

[0293] LID Local ID

[0294] SR sensing range

[0295] US uplink signal.

Claims

1. A stylus configured to communicate with a sensor controller coupled to a sensor, the stylus comprising: An electrode configured to receive an uplink signal from the sensor via electrostatic coupling, wherein the uplink signal includes a local identifier, i.e., a local ID; Memory; and The processor, in response to the situation where the local ID contained in the uplink signal received by the electrode is not stored in the memory, stores the local ID contained in the uplink signal in the memory.

2. The stylus according to claim 1, wherein, In response to the local ID contained in the uplink signal received by the electrode being stored in the memory, the processor generates a downlink signal containing the local ID; and The electrode is configured to transmit a downlink signal containing the local ID to the sensor via the electrostatic coupling.

3. The stylus according to claim 1, wherein, In response to the electrode not receiving the uplink signal within a specified time period, or in response to the electrode receiving an uplink signal that is not included in the local ID stored in the memory within the specified time period, the processor deletes the local ID from the memory.

4. The stylus according to claim 1, wherein, During operation, the processor stores the local ID contained in the uplink signal in the memory based on instructions contained in the uplink signal, wherein the instructions include a setting command to assign the local ID to the stylus.

5. The stylus according to claim 1, wherein, During operation, the processor deletes the local ID from the memory based on an instruction contained in the uplink signal, wherein the instruction includes a reset command to deassociate the local ID with the stylus.

6. The stylus of claim 5, wherein, In response to the instruction in the uplink signal that includes the reset command, the processor delays deleting the local ID from the memory for a second time period; and The electrode is configured to transmit a downlink signal containing the local ID to the sensor via the electrostatic coupling during the second time period.

7. The stylus according to claim 1, wherein, The processor generates a downlink signal containing data based on instructions included in the uplink signal during operation, wherein the instructions cause the stylus to send the data; and The electrode is configured to transmit the downlink signal containing the data to the sensor via the electrostatic coupling.

8. The stylus according to claim 1, wherein, The processor generates, during operation, a downlink signal containing a global identifier that distinguishes the stylus from other styluses, wherein the global identifier has more bits than the local ID; and The electrode is configured to transmit a downlink signal containing the global identifier to the sensor via the electrostatic coupling.

9. The stylus according to claim 1, wherein, The local ID is assigned to the stylus by the sensor controller.

10. A control method executed by a stylus, the stylus being capable of communicating with a sensor controller coupled to a sensor, the control method comprising: Uplink signals are received from the sensor via electrostatic coupling through the electrodes of the stylus, wherein the uplink signals include a local identifier, i.e., a local ID; If the local ID contained in the uplink signal received by the electrode is not stored in the memory, the local ID contained in the uplink signal is stored in the memory in response to the situation.

11. The control method according to claim 10, comprising: In response to the local ID contained in the uplink signal received by the electrode being stored in the memory, a downlink signal containing the local ID is generated; and The downlink signal containing the local ID is transmitted to the sensor via the electrode and via electrostatic coupling.

12. The control method according to claim 10, comprising: In response to the electrode not receiving the uplink signal within a specified time period, or in response to the electrode receiving an uplink signal that is not included in the local ID stored in the memory within the specified time period, the local ID is deleted from the memory.

13. The control method according to claim 10, comprising: The local ID contained in the uplink signal is stored in the memory based on the instructions contained in the uplink signal, wherein the instructions include a setting command to assign the local ID to the stylus.

14. The control method according to claim 10, comprising: The local ID is deleted from the memory based on an instruction contained in the uplink signal, wherein the instruction includes a reset command to deassociate the local ID from the stylus.

15. The control method of claim 14, comprising: In response to the instruction in the uplink signal that includes the reset command, the deletion of the local ID from the memory is delayed for a second time period; and During the second time period, a downlink signal containing the local ID is transmitted to the sensor via the electrode through the electrostatic coupling.

16. The control method according to claim 10, comprising: A downlink signal containing data is generated based on instructions included in the uplink signal, wherein the instructions cause the stylus to transmit the data; and The downlink signal containing the data is transmitted to the sensor via the electrode and via the electrostatic coupling.

17. The control method according to claim 10, comprising: During operation, a downlink signal is generated containing a global identifier that distinguishes the stylus from other styluses, wherein the global identifier has more bits than the local ID; and The downlink signal containing the global identifier is transmitted to the sensor via the electrode and via the electrostatic coupling.

18. The control method according to claim 10, wherein, The local ID is assigned to the stylus by the sensor controller.

19. A non-volatile computer-readable medium storing a program, said program, when executed by a stylus capable of communicating with a sensor controller coupled to a sensor, causes the stylus to perform the following processes: Uplink signals are received from the sensor via electrostatic coupling through the electrodes of the stylus, wherein the uplink signals include a local identifier, i.e., a local ID; If the local ID contained in the uplink signal received by the electrode is not stored in the memory, the local ID contained in the uplink signal is stored in the memory in response to the situation.

20. The non-volatile computer-readable medium of claim 19, wherein the process comprises: In response to the local ID contained in the uplink signal received by the electrode being stored in the memory, a downlink signal containing the local ID is generated; and The downlink signal containing the local ID is transmitted to the sensor via the electrode and via electrostatic coupling.

21. The non-volatile computer-readable medium of claim 19, wherein the process comprises: In response to the electrode not receiving the uplink signal within a specified time period, or in response to the electrode receiving an uplink signal that is not included in the local ID stored in the memory within the specified time period, the local ID is deleted from the memory.

22. The non-volatile computer-readable medium of claim 19, wherein the process comprises: The local ID contained in the uplink signal is stored in the memory based on the instructions contained in the uplink signal, wherein the instructions include a setting command to assign the local ID to the stylus.

23. The non-volatile computer-readable medium of claim 19, wherein the process comprises: The local ID is deleted from the memory based on an instruction contained in the uplink signal, wherein the instruction includes a reset command to deassociate the local ID from the stylus.

24. The non-volatile computer-readable medium of claim 23, wherein the process comprises: In response to the instruction in the uplink signal that includes the reset command, the deletion of the local ID from the memory is delayed for a second time period; and During the second time period, a downlink signal containing the local ID is transmitted to the sensor via the electrode through the electrostatic coupling.

25. The non-volatile computer-readable medium of claim 19, wherein the process comprises: A downlink signal containing data is generated based on instructions included in the uplink signal, wherein the instructions cause the stylus to transmit the data; and The downlink signal containing the data is transmitted to the sensor via the electrode and via the electrostatic coupling.

26. The non-volatile computer-readable medium of claim 19, wherein the process comprises: During operation, a downlink signal is generated containing a global identifier that distinguishes the stylus from other styluses, wherein the global identifier has more bits than the local ID; and The downlink signal containing the global identifier is transmitted to the sensor via the electrode and via the electrostatic coupling.

27. The non-volatile computer-readable medium according to claim 19, wherein, The local ID is assigned to the stylus by the sensor controller.

28. A stylus for communicating with a sensor controller connected to a sensor, characterized in that, have: Electrodes receive uplink signals transmitted from the sensor via electrostatic coupling. The uplink signals include an identifier, i.e., a local ID, assigned by the sensor controller for the sensor controller to locally determine the stylus present on the sensor. Memory; as well as The processor, in response to the situation where the local ID contained in the uplink signal received by the electrode is not stored in the memory, stores the local ID contained in the uplink signal in the memory.

29. The stylus according to claim 28, characterized in that, The processor is configured to generate a downlink signal containing the local ID stored in the memory, provided that the local ID contained in the uplink signal received by the electrode is stored in the memory. The electrode is the electrode through which the sensor transmits the downlink signal via the electrostatic coupling.

30. The stylus according to claim 28, characterized in that, The processor is configured to: delete the local ID stored in the memory if the uplink signal is not received by the electrode within a specified period, or if an uplink signal containing a local ID not stored in the memory is received instead of an uplink signal containing a local ID not stored in the memory within a specified period.

31. The stylus according to claim 28, characterized in that, The processor is a processor that stores the local ID contained in the uplink signal in the memory based on the instruction contained in the uplink signal for setting the stylus with the local ID.

32. The stylus according to claim 28, characterized in that, The processor is a processor that deletes the local ID stored in the memory based on the instruction contained in the uplink signal for resetting the local ID from the stylus.

33. The stylus according to claim 29, characterized in that, The processor is one that delays the deletion of the local ID stored in the memory based on the instruction contained in the uplink signal for resetting the local ID from the stylus. The electrode is one that transmits the downlink signal to the sensor via the electrostatic coupling during the period of delay in the deletion of the local ID performed by the processor.

34. The stylus according to claim 28, characterized in that, The processor is a processor that generates a downlink signal containing the data based on the instructions contained in the uplink signal for sending data from the stylus. The electrode is the electrode that transmits the downlink signal to the sensor via the electrostatic coupling.

35. The stylus according to claim 34, characterized in that, The processor is a processor that generates a downlink signal containing a global ID with more bits than the local ID and used to identify the stylus from other styluses. The electrode is the electrode that transmits the downlink signal containing the global ID to the sensor via the electrostatic coupling.

36. The stylus according to claim 28, characterized in that, The local ID is an ID assigned to the stylus by the sensor controller.

37. The stylus according to claim 28, characterized in that, After storing the local ID contained in the uplink signal in the memory, the processor determines whether the new uplink signal received by the electrode, which is a new uplink signal sent from the sensor, contains the local ID stored in the memory. If it is determined that the local ID stored in the memory is not contained, the processing of the new uplink signal ends.

38. The stylus according to claim 28, characterized in that, The electrode is the electrode that transmits a downlink signal containing a local ID stored in the memory to the sensor via the electrostatic coupling.

39. A control method executed by a stylus capable of communicating with a sensor controller, characterized in that, The electrodes receive uplink signals from sensors connected to the sensor controller via electrostatic coupling. These uplink signals include a local ID, an identifier assigned by the sensor controller to allow the sensor controller to locally determine the presence of a stylus on the sensor. If the local ID contained in the uplink signal received by the electrode is not stored in the memory, the processor, in response to the situation, stores the local ID contained in the uplink signal in the memory.

40. The control method according to claim 39, characterized in that, If the local ID contained in the uplink signal received by the electrode is stored in the memory, the processor generates a downlink signal containing the local ID stored in the memory. The electrode pair with the sensor transmits the downlink signal via the electrostatic coupling.

41. The control method according to claim 39, characterized in that, If the processor does not receive the uplink signal from the electrode within a specified period, or if it does not receive an uplink signal containing a local ID stored in the memory within a specified period but instead receives an uplink signal containing a local ID not stored in the memory, the processor deletes the local ID stored in the memory.

42. The control method according to claim 39, characterized in that, The processor stores the local ID contained in the uplink signal in the memory based on the instruction contained in the uplink signal for setting the stylus with the local ID.

43. The control method according to claim 39, characterized in that, The processor deletes the local ID stored in the memory based on the instruction contained in the uplink signal for resetting the local ID from the stylus.

44. The control method according to claim 40, characterized in that, The processor postpones the deletion of the local ID stored in the memory based on the instruction contained in the uplink signal for resetting the local ID from the stylus. During the period when the local ID deletion performed by the processor is delayed, the electrode transmits the downlink signal to the sensor via the electrostatic coupling.

45. The control method according to claim 39, characterized in that, The processor generates a downlink signal containing the data based on the instructions for sending data from the stylus contained in the uplink signal. The electrode transmits the downlink signal to the sensor via the electrostatic coupling.

46. ​​The control method according to claim 45, characterized in that, The processor generates a downlink signal containing a global ID with more bits than the local ID, used to identify the stylus from other styluses. The electrode transmits a downlink signal containing the global ID to the sensor via the electrostatic coupling.

47. The control method according to claim 39, characterized in that, The local ID is an ID assigned to the stylus by the sensor controller.

48. The control method according to claim 39, characterized in that, After storing the local ID contained in the uplink signal in the memory, the processor determines whether the new uplink signal received by the electrode, which is a new uplink signal sent from the sensor, contains the local ID stored in the memory. If it is determined that the local ID stored in the memory is not contained, the processing of the new uplink signal ends.

49. The control method according to claim 39, characterized in that, The electrode transmits a downlink signal containing a local ID stored in the memory to the sensor via the electrostatic coupling.

50. A stylus that transmits and receives signals bidirectionally with a sensor controller connected to a sensor via electrostatic coupling, wherein, Include: The memory temporarily stores the value of the local ID received from the sensor controller; and If the local ID contained in the uplink signal received by the electrode is not stored in the memory, the processor, in response to the situation, stores the local ID contained in the uplink signal in the memory. After storing the local ID contained in the uplink signal in the memory, whenever an uplink signal sent by the sensor controller is detected, it determines whether the detected uplink signal contains the value of the local ID stored in the memory. If it is determined that the uplink signal contains the local ID, a downlink signal is generated and sent to the sensor controller.

51. The stylus according to claim 50, wherein, The local ID is the ID assigned to the stylus by the sensor controller.

52. The stylus according to claim 51, wherein, In order to locally identify the stylus present on the sensor, the sensor controller assigns the local ID to the stylus.

53. The stylus according to claim 51, wherein, The sensor controller sends the assigned local ID to the stylus via the uplink signal. The processor temporarily stores the value of the local ID received from the uplink signal in the memory.

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