Pen

Abstract

The present invention addresses the problem of suppressing vibration of a vibration device caused by an impact when a pen tip is brought into surface contact with a panel. A pen (2) according to the present invention is provided with: a vibrating device (21) comprising a vibrating body; and a short-range wireless communication unit (28) that suppresses movement of the vibrating body during a pen non-use period in which pen input is not performed. According to the pen (2) of the present invention, the movement of the vibrating body is suppressed during the period when the pen is not in use, so that the vibration of the vibrating device (21) caused by the impact when the pen tip is in surface contact with the panel can be suppressed.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a pen, and particularly to a pen having a tactile function. Background Art

[0002] Among pens for pen input to a panel surface, there are pens having a function of reproducing the touch feeling when using a conventional pen such as a ballpoint pen or a pencil (hereinafter referred to as "tactile function"). Such a pen generally has a vibration device built therein, and is configured to vibrate the vibration device according to whether the pen tip is in contact with the panel surface, whether the pen tip is moving, and the like. An example of a pen having such a structure is disclosed in Patent Document 1.

[0003] Prior Art Documents

[0004] Patent Documents

[0005] Patent Document 1: Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2014-222492 Summary of the Invention

[0006] Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0007] However, when the pen tip of a pen having a built-in vibration device comes into contact with the panel surface, there is a case where the vibration device vibrates due to the impact of the contact even though no electrical control for vibrating it is performed. This is because the vibrating body in the vibration device moves due to the impact, but such vibration gives an uncomfortable feeling to the user, and thus suppression is required.

[0008] Therefore, one object of the present invention is to provide a pen capable of suppressing vibration of a vibration device caused by an impact when the pen tip comes into contact with a panel surface.

[0009] Means for Solving the Problems

[0010] The present invention is a pen including: a vibration device including a vibrating body; and a processing unit that suppresses movement of the vibrating body during a non-use period of the pen when no pen input is being performed.

[0011] Advantages of the Invention

[0012] According to the present invention, movement of the vibrating body is suppressed during the non-use period of the pen, and thus vibration of the vibration device caused by an impact when the pen tip comes into contact with the panel surface can be suppressed. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0013] Figure 1 It is a diagram showing the system configuration of a position detection system 1 according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

[0014] Figure 2 It is a diagram showing the structure of a vibration device 21.

[0015] Figure 3It is a diagram showing the functional blocks of the pen 2 and the electronic device 3 respectively.

[0016] Figure 4 It is a flowchart showing the control of the vibration device 21 executed by the short-range wireless communication unit 28 according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0017] Figure 5 It is a diagram showing the functional blocks of the pen 2 and the electronic device 3 respectively according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

[0018] Figure 6 It is a flowchart showing the control of the vibration device 21 executed by the short-range wireless communication unit 28 according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

[0019] Figure 7 It is a diagram showing the functional block of the pen 2 according to the third embodiment of the present invention.

[0020] Figure 8 It is a flowchart showing the control of the vibration device 21 executed by the short-range wireless communication unit 28 according to the third embodiment of the present invention.

[0021] Figure 9 It is a flowchart showing the control of the vibration device 21 executed by the short-range wireless communication unit 28 according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention.

[0022] Figure 10 It is a flowchart showing the control of the vibration device 21 executed by the short-range wireless communication unit 28 in the background art of the present invention. Detailed Embodiments

[0023] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0024] Figure 1 It is a diagram showing the system configuration of the position detection system 1 according to the first embodiment of the present invention. As shown in this diagram, the position detection system 1 is configured to include a pen 2 and an electronic device 3.

[0025] The pen 2 is an active pen corresponding to the active electrostatic method, and is configured to include a tip electrode 20, a vibration device 21, and a side switch 22. In the present embodiment, the pen 2 is assumed to be an active pen for continuous description, but for example, an electromagnetic induction pen corresponding to the electromagnetic induction method (EMR method) can also be used as the pen 2.

[0026] The tip electrode 20 is a conductor disposed near the tip of the pen 2. The pen 2, which is an active pen, is configured to perform two-way communication between the tip electrode 20 and a sensor controller 32 provided in the electronic device 3. Hereinafter, the signal transmitted from the sensor controller 32 to the pen 2 through this communication is referred to as the "uplink signal US", and the signal transmitted from the pen 2 to the sensor controller 32 through this communication is referred to as the "downlink signal DS".

[0027] The uplink signal US is a signal modulated according to the data transmitted from the sensor controller 32 to the pen 2. In this data, in addition to the commands that define the operations of the pen 2, it also includes data indicating the moving speed of the pen 2 within the panel surface. The downlink signal DS includes an unmodulated burst signal and a data signal modulated according to the data transmitted from the pen 2 to the sensor controller 32. The burst signal is used for the sensor controller 32 to detect the position of the pen 2. In the data transmitted through the data signal, it includes the pen pressure value indicating the pressure applied to the tip, the on / off information of the side switch 22, the pen ID pre-assigned to the pen 2, and the like.

[0028] The vibration device 21 is a device including a vibrating body that vibrates according to an electric signal, and in a typical example, it is a linear resonance actuator (LRA). However, the present invention can also be applied to the pen 2 having a vibration device other than the linear resonance actuator (LRA).

[0029] Figure 2 FIG. shows the structure of the vibration device 21. Figure 2 FIG. (a) is a cross-sectional view of the vibration device 21 cut along the XY plane, Figure 2 and FIG. (b) is a cross-sectional view of the vibration device 21 cut along the XZ plane. As Figure 2 shown in FIGS. (a) and (b), the vibration device 21 as a linear resonance actuator has a structure in which a rectangular parallelepiped-shaped vibrating body 21b, leaf springs 21c, 21d, and a coil 21e are arranged in a rectangular parallelepiped-shaped housing 21a.

[0030] The vibrating body 21b is a permanent magnet having an S pole at one end in the X direction and an N pole at the other end, and is arranged in a state where it can move along the A direction (a direction parallel to the X direction) shown in the figure. The leaf spring 21c is arranged between one side surface of the vibrating body 21b in the X direction and the inner side surface of the housing 21a opposite to this one side surface. In addition, the leaf spring 21d is arranged between the other side surface of the vibrating body 21b in the X direction and the inner side surface of the housing 21a opposite to this other side surface. With such an arrangement, the leaf springs 21c and 21d respectively function to apply a force to the vibrating body 21b toward the inside of the housing 21a.

[0031] The coil 21e is a component that functions to generate an alternating magnetic field based on an electrical signal (alternating current) supplied from the outside. With the orientation of the magnetic lines of force generated at the center of the coil 21e when current flows being parallel to the Z direction, it is arranged on the lower side of the vibrating body 21b when observed in the Z direction. When an alternating magnetic field is generated in the coil 21e, a force corresponding to the direction of the generated magnetic field is applied to the vibrating body 21b. Through the force applied in this way and the acting forces of the leaf springs 21c and 21d, the vibrating body 21b vibrates in the A direction shown in the figure when an electrical signal is supplied from the outside to the coil 21e. The tactile function of the pen 2 is realized by the vibration of such a vibrating body 21b.

[0032] Return Figure 1 The electronic device 3 is a computer corresponding to pen input to the panel surface 3a, and is configured to include a display device 30, a sensor 31, a sensor controller 32, a short-range wireless communication unit 33, and a main processor 34. In a typical example, the electronic device 3 is a smart phone or a tablet terminal.

[0033] The display device 30 is a device that displays an image on the panel surface 3a according to an image signal supplied from the main processor 34, and is composed of, for example, a liquid crystal display or an organic EL display.

[0034] The sensor 31 is a device composed of a plurality of linear electrodes respectively extending and arranged within the panel surface 3a. Each linear electrode is composed of a transparent conductor and is arranged on the display surface of the display device 30. Thereby, in the electronic device 3, pen input can be performed on the display surface. However, the electronic device 3 may also be an electronic device (such as a digitizer) of a type that performs pen input on a surface that is not the display surface.

[0035] The sensor controller 32 is an integrated circuit having the following functions: detecting the position of the pen 2 within the panel surface 3a, receiving data transmitted by the pen 2, and supplying the detected position and the received data to the main processor 34. To specifically describe the processing performed by the sensor controller 32, the sensor controller 32 generates an uplink signal US including an instruction for the pen 2 and supplies it to a part or all of the plurality of linear electrodes, thereby periodically transmitting the uplink signal US. Moreover, each time the uplink signal US is transmitted, the sensor controller 32 receives a downlink signal DS transmitted by the pen 2 according to the uplink signal US. Specifically, the burst signals constituting the downlink signal DS are respectively received by the plurality of linear electrodes, the position of the pen 2 is detected based on the reception intensity in each linear electrode, and the downlink signal DS received by a certain linear electrode is demodulated, thereby obtaining the data transmitted by the pen 2.

[0036] The sensor controller 32 also processes to derive the moving speed of the pen 2 within the panel surface 3a based on the history of the detected position of the pen 2. The sensor controller 32 is configured to arrange data representing the derived moving speed together with an instruction in the uplink signal US.

[0037] The short-range wireless communication unit 33 is a communication device that performs two-way communication with other devices through short-range wireless communication BT such as Bluetooth (registered trademark). As will be described in detail later, the pen 2 also corresponds to the short-range wireless communication BT, and the short-range wireless communication unit 33 performs communication based on the short-range wireless communication BT with the pen 2 under the control of the main processor 34.

[0038] The main processor 34 is a central processing unit of the electronic device 3 that functions to execute the operating system and various applications of the electronic device 3 by executing a program read from a memory (not shown). The main processor 34 also functions to supply an image signal obtained as an execution result of the program to the display device 30.

[0039] Among the applications executed by the host processor 34, there is a drawing application that draws based on the trajectory of the pen 2. The drawing application program functions to execute processing for generating stroke data (data representing the trajectory of the position) using the position and data supplied from the sensor controller 32, rendering and displaying the generated stroke data on the display device 30, generating and recording digital ink including the generated stroke data, and sending the generated digital ink to an external device.

[0040] The drawing application is configured to be able to set information (hereinafter referred to as "drawing information") required for drawing the generated stroke data through a user operation. As a specific example of the drawing information, the type and size of a brush (pen tip), the width of an input line, etc. can be cited. The set drawing information is used by the drawing application program not only for drawing the stroke data but also for vibrating the vibration device 21 in the pen 2.

[0041] Specifically explaining the latter point, the drawing application program prestores a table that correlates the drawing information with identification information for identifying the waveform pattern of an electrical signal (alternating current) supplied to the vibration device 21. At startup or when the drawing information is changed, it performs processing to read out the identification information corresponding to the drawing information being set from this table. Then, the drawing application generates a control signal representing the read-out identification information and sends it to the pen 2 through the short-range wireless communication BT via the short-range wireless communication unit 33. Details of the processing performed by the pen 2 that receives such a sent control signal will be described later. Thus, during the period when the user writes with the pen 2, the vibration device 21 vibrates according to the waveform pattern represented by the sent identification information.

[0042] Figure 3 This is a diagram showing the functional blocks of the pen 2 and the electronic device 3 respectively. The functional blocks of the electronic device 3 shown in this diagram are the same as those Figure 1 shown. However, the display device 30 is omitted.

[0043] As Figure 3 shown, in addition to the tip electrode 20, vibration device 21, and side switch 22 shown Figure 1 here, the pen 2 is also configured to include a core body 23, a ring electrode 24, a pressure sensor 25, a pen processing unit 26, an electrostatic sensor 27, a short-range wireless communication unit 28, and a tactile driver 29.

[0044] The core body 23 is a substantially cylindrical component that forms the tip of the pen 2. The tip electrode 20 is formed at the front end of the core body 23. The ring electrode 24 is a ring-shaped conductor disposed substantially in the middle of the core body 23. The function of the ring electrode 24 will be described later.

[0045] The front end of the core body 23 protrudes from the front end of the pen 2, and the rear end of the core body 23 abuts against the pressure sensor 25. The pressure sensor 25 is a sensor that detects the pressure applied to the front end (tip) of the core body 23 through this abutment, and is configured to supply a pen pressure value indicating the detected pressure to the pen processing unit 26.

[0046] The side switch 22 is a set of one or more switches each configured to be turned on and off by the user. The on / off information of each switch is supplied to the pen processing unit 26.

[0047] The pen processing unit 26 is an integrated circuit that performs processing of receiving an uplink signal US via the tip electrode 20 or the ring electrode 24, and generating a downlink signal DS corresponding to the received uplink signal US and transmitting it via the tip electrode 20. The pen processing unit 26 is configured to generate a downlink signal DS to be transmitted according to an instruction represented by the received uplink signal US. The generated downlink signal DS includes an unmodulated burst signal and a data signal, and the data signal includes the pen pressure value supplied from the pressure sensor 25 to the pen processing unit 26 and the on / off information of each switch supplied from the side switch 22 to the pen processing unit 26.

[0048] The pen processing unit 26 may also transmit the downlink signal DS from the ring electrode 24. The downlink signal DS may be a simple burst signal, or may be a signal including a burst signal and a data signal in the same way as the downlink signal DS transmitted from the tip electrode 20. The burst signal transmitted from the ring electrode 24 is used for the sensor controller 32 to detect the tilt of the pen 2.

[0049] The pen processing unit 26 also performs processing of supplying the pen pressure value supplied from the pressure sensor 25 and the data indicating the moving speed of the pen 2 included in the received uplink signal US to the short-range wireless communication unit 28. The processing performed by the short-range wireless communication unit 28 that has received this supply will be described later.

[0050] The electrostatic sensor 27 is an electrostatic capacitance type sensor disposed on the surface (side surface) of the pen 2 and functions to detect the user's finger. The electrostatic sensor 27 appropriately performs processing for detecting the user's finger under the control of the short-range wireless communication unit 28. The detection result is supplied from the electrostatic sensor 27 to the short-range wireless communication unit 28.

[0051] The short-range wireless communication unit 28 is a communication device that performs two-way communication with other devices through short-range wireless communication BT, and is also a device that controls the vibration device 21. The short-range wireless communication unit 28 functions to receive the above control signal from the electronic device 3 through short-range wireless communication BT and control the tactile driver 29 based on the received control signal. The tactile driver 29 is a circuit that generates an electric signal (alternating current) corresponding to this control and supplies it to the coil 21e of the vibration device 21.

[0052] If the control of the tactile driver 29 by the short-range wireless communication unit 28 is described in more detail, the short-range wireless communication unit 28 prestores a table that associates identification information for identifying a waveform pattern of an electric signal (alternating current) supplied to the vibration device 21 with the waveform pattern itself. Then, the short-range wireless communication unit 28 determines the waveform pattern to be supplied to the tactile driver 29 by reading out from the above table the waveform pattern corresponding to the identification information indicated by the control signal received from the electronic device 3.

[0053] In addition, the short-range wireless communication unit 28 also performs processing of determining whether to vibrate the vibration device 21 based on the pen pressure value supplied from the pen processing unit 26 and the data indicating the moving speed of the pen 2. As a result of this determination, the short-range wireless communication unit 28 that determines to vibrate performs processing of supplying the waveform pattern determined based on the control signal received from the electronic device 3 to the tactile driver 29.

[0054] The tactile driver 29 thus generates an electric signal (first electric signal) that vibrates in the waveform pattern provided from the short-range wireless communication unit 28 and supplies it to the coil 21e of the vibration device 21. Thereby, vibration of the vibration device 21 in the waveform pattern specified by the electronic device 3 is realized.

[0055] Figure 10 It is a flowchart of the processing for controlling the vibration device 21 performed by the short-range wireless communication unit 28 in the background art of the present invention. Hereinafter, with reference to thisFigure 10 , to more specifically describe the problem of controlling the vibration device 21 performed by the short-range wireless communication unit 28 that does not apply the present invention.

[0056] The steps S100 to S102 shown by the dashed line are operations or processes performed outside the short-range wireless communication unit 28. First, the user touches the panel surface 3a with the tip of the pen 2 (step S100). Then, the vibrating body 21b in the vibration device 21 moves due to the impact of the touch (step S101). The problem of the present invention is to suppress the vibration of the vibration device 21 generated by this action. When the tip of the pen contacts the panel surface 3a, the pen pressure value supplied from the pressure sensor 25 to the pen processing unit 26 becomes a value indicating contact (for example, a value greater than 0) (step S102). Hereinafter, when the pen pressure value is a value indicating contact, it is referred to as "pen pressure on", and when the pen pressure value is a value not indicating contact (for example, 0), it is referred to as "pen pressure off".

[0057] Steps S103 and S104 are processes for determining whether the user is writing with the pen 2. Specifically, the short-range wireless communication unit 28 first determines whether the pen pressure is on by referring to the pen pressure values sequentially supplied from the pen processing unit 26 (step S103). If it is determined in this determination that the pen pressure is not on, the short-range wireless communication unit 28 determines that the user is not writing with the pen 2, returns to step S100, and continues the process. On the other hand, the short-range wireless communication unit 28 that determines that the pen pressure is on determines whether the pen 2 is in motion by referring to the data indicating the moving speed of the pen 2 sequentially supplied from the pen processing unit 26 (step S104). If it is determined in this determination that the pen 2 is not in motion, the short-range wireless communication unit 28 also determines that the user is not writing with the pen 2 and returns to step S103 to continue the process.

[0058] On the other hand, if it is determined in step S104 that the pen 2 is in motion, the short-range wireless communication unit 28 determines that the user is in the process of writing with the pen 2. Then, a waveform pattern is determined based on the control signal received from the electronic device 3 (step S105), and the determined waveform pattern is provided to the tactile driver 29 (step S106). As a result, since an electric signal vibrating in the determined waveform pattern is supplied from the tactile driver 29 to the vibration device 21, the vibration device 21 of the pen 2 can be vibrated in a pattern corresponding to the drawing information set in the drawing application while the user is writing with the pen 2. However, on the other hand, by controlling the vibration device 21 in this way, the movement of the vibrating body 21b in step S101 cannot be suppressed.

[0059] Return Figure 3 . In order to suppress Figure 10 the movement of the vibrating body 21b in step S101 shown, the short-range wireless communication unit 28 in addition toFigure 10 In addition to the control of the vibration device 21 shown, control is also performed to suppress the movement of the vibrating body 21b during the pen non-use period when pen input is not performed. Specifically, the short-range wireless communication unit 28 supplies an electric signal (a second electric signal that vibrates with an amplitude smaller than that of the first electric signal described above) for vibrating the vibrating body 21b with a small amplitude that cannot be perceived by the user to the vibration device 21 during the pen non-use period, thereby suppressing the operation of the vibrating body 21b during the pen non-use period. As a result, the vibrating body 21b cannot move freely, and thus the vibration of the vibration device 21 caused by the impact when the pen tip contacts the panel surface 3a can be suppressed.

[0060] Figure 4 It is a processing flowchart showing the control of the vibration device 21 executed by the short-range wireless communication unit 28 of the present embodiment. As shown in this figure, the short-range wireless communication unit 28 first determines whether it is currently during the pen non-use period (step S1). Specifically, the short-range wireless communication unit 28 can perform the determination of step S1 with the period when the pen pressure is off as the pen non-use period, or can perform the determination of step S1 with the period when the pen pressure is off and the pen 2 is in motion as the pen non-use period. Alternatively, the short-range wireless communication unit 28 can also be entered during the pen non-use period based on an explicit operation of the user on the side switch 22, and perform the determination of step S1 according to whether it is entered during the pen non-use period.

[0061] In step S1, the short-range wireless communication unit 28 that determines that it is not during the pen non-use period executes the processing of steps S103 to S106 described with reference to Figure 10 As described above, during the period when the user writes with the pen 2, the vibration device 21 of the pen 2 vibrates in a pattern corresponding to the drawing information set in the drawing application.

[0062] Here, the short-range wireless communication unit 28 of the present embodiment is configured such that, when a negative determination result is obtained in step S103 or step S104, it further determines whether there is any other vibration cause (step S5), and when it is determined that there is, the process is transferred to step S105. This is a process for generating vibrations other than vibrations for reproducing the touch during writing, such as vibrations for warning of battery level, for example, and vibrations corresponding to an indication at an arbitrary timing from the electronic device 2. In this case, the indication at an arbitrary timing from the electronic device 2 can be sent by short-range wireless communication BT or by an uplink signal US. In addition, the indication may also include identification information for identifying the waveform pattern of the electric signal supplied to the vibration device 21. In this case, the waveform pattern determined in step S105 is preferably the waveform pattern represented by the identification information.

[0063] In the case where a negative determination result is obtained in step S5, or in the case where the processing of step S106 is completed, the short-range wireless communication unit 28 returns to step S1 to continue the processing. Further, in the case where a part or all of the processing of steps S103 and S104 overlaps with the processing of step S1, the execution of steps S103 and S104 for the overlapping part may be omitted.

[0064] On the other hand, when it is determined in step S1 that it is within the pen non-use period, the short-range wireless communication unit 28 uses the electrostatic sensor 27 to detect a finger (step S2), and as a result, determines whether a finger is detected (step S3). In the case where it is determined that no finger is detected, the short-range wireless communication unit 28 returns to step S1 to continue the processing. On the other hand, in the case where it is determined that a finger is detected, the short-range wireless communication unit 28 supplies a waveform pattern for minute vibration to the tactile driver 29 (step S4). This waveform pattern is also one of the multiple waveform patterns pre-stored in the short-range wireless communication unit 28, but is different from the waveform pattern for realizing the tactile function, and becomes a waveform pattern of a small amplitude vibration that cannot be perceived by the user. As a result, an electric signal for vibrating the vibrating body 21b with a small amplitude that cannot be perceived by the user is supplied from the tactile driver 29 to the vibrating device 21 (specifically, both ends of the coil 21e). As a result, the vibrating body 21b cannot move freely, and thus the vibration of the vibrating device 21 caused by the impact when the pen tip contacts the panel surface is suppressed. The short-range wireless communication unit 28 that has completed the supply of the waveform pattern in step S4 returns to step S1 to continue the processing.

[0065] As described above, according to the position detection system 1 of the present embodiment, when a finger is detected by the electrostatic sensor 27 during the pen non-use period, an electric signal corresponding to the waveform pattern for minute vibration is supplied to the vibrating device 21, so that the movement of the vibrating body 21b during the pen non-use period is suppressed. Therefore, the vibration of the vibrating device 21 caused by the impact when the pen tip contacts the panel surface 3a can be suppressed.

[0066] In addition, in the position detection system 1 of the present embodiment, the electrostatic sensor 27 may not be provided on the pen 2, and steps S2 and S3 Figure 4 may be omitted. Thus, the above-described effect can also be obtained. However, in this case, the vibrating device 21 continues to vibrate even when the user places the pen 2 on a table, etc., and the power consumption of the pen 2 becomes large. Therefore, it is preferable to provide the electrostatic sensor 27 on the pen 2 as in the present embodiment and execute steps S2 and S3 Figure 4 thereof.

[0067] Next, the position detection system 1 of the second embodiment of the present invention will be described. The position detection system 1 of the present embodiment is different from the position detection system 1 of the first embodiment in that the pen 2 does not have an electrostatic sensor 27, the short-range wireless communication unit 28 has a sleep mode, and the content of the control of the vibration device 21 performed by the short-range wireless communication unit 28. In other respects, it is the same as the position detection system 1 of the first embodiment. Hereinafter, the position detection system 1 of the present embodiment will be described centering on the differences from the position detection system 1 of the first embodiment.

[0068] Figure 5 FIG. is a diagram showing the functional blocks of the pen 2 and the electronic device 3 of the present embodiment. Comparing this figure with Figure 3 it can be seen that the electrostatic sensor 27 is not provided on the pen 2 of the present embodiment.

[0069] The short-range wireless communication unit 28 of the present embodiment is configured to operate in either an active mode or a sleep mode. The sleep mode is a mode in which no processing other than the processing of accepting a predetermined activation operation is performed. The predetermined activation operation can be, for example, an operation that changes the pen pressure value to a value greater than 0 (i.e., an operation that brings the pen tip into contact with the panel surface 3a), or an operation of pressing the side switch 22. The active mode is a mode entered when a predetermined activation operation is accepted. The short-range wireless communication unit 28 that enters the active mode becomes a state capable of executing all functions including communication with other devices based on short-range wireless communication BT, control of the vibration device 21, and control of suppressing the operation of the vibrating body 21b during the period when the pen is not in use.

[0070] Figure 6 FIG. is a flowchart showing the control of the vibration device 21 performed by the short-range wireless communication unit 28 of the present embodiment. As shown in this figure, the short-range wireless communication unit 28 first enters the sleep mode (step S10), and repeatedly determines whether a predetermined activation operation has been performed (step S11) until a positive determination result is obtained.

[0071] When a positive determination result is obtained in step S11, the short-range wireless communication unit 28 enters the active mode (step S12) and determines whether it is currently during the period when the pen is not in use (step S13). The details of this determination are the same as Figure 4 step S1 of

[0072] In step S13, when it is determined that it is not during the period when the pen is not in use, the short-range wireless communication unit 28 Figure 4 performs the processing of steps S103 to S106 and step S5 in the same manner as in the example of Figure 4 The details of this are the same as the case where it is determined that it is not during the period when the pen is not in use in step S1 of

[0073] On the other hand, the short-range wireless communication unit 28 that determines that it is within the pen non-use period in step S13 supplies a waveform pattern for minute vibration to the haptic driver 29 (step S14). The waveform pattern supplied here can be the same as the waveform pattern supplied in Figure 4 step S4. As a result, an electric signal for vibrating the vibrating body 21b with a small amplitude that cannot be perceived by the user is supplied from the haptic driver 29 to the vibrating device 21 (specifically, both ends of the coil 21e). As a result, the vibrating body 21b cannot move freely, and thus the vibration of the vibrating device 21 caused by the impact when the pen tip contacts the panel surface is suppressed.

[0074] Next, the short-range wireless communication unit 28 determines whether the pen non-use period has continued for a predetermined time or more (step S15). The short-range wireless communication unit 28 that obtains an affirmative determination result in this determination returns to step S10 and enters the sleep mode. On the other hand, the short-range wireless communication unit 28 that obtains a negative determination result returns to step S13 and continues the process.

[0075] As described above, according to the position detection system 1 of the present embodiment, when starting up and within the pen non-use period, an electric signal corresponding to the waveform pattern for minute vibration is supplied to the vibrating device 21, so that the movement of the vibrating body 21b during the pen non-use period is suppressed. Therefore, the vibration of the vibrating device 21 caused by the impact when the pen tip contacts the panel surface 3a can be suppressed.

[0076] Furthermore, according to the position detection system 1 of the present embodiment, when the user touches the panel surface 3a with the pen tip in a state where the short-range wireless communication unit 28 has entered the sleep mode, the vibration of the vibrating device 21 is generated due to this impact. However, during the process of the user writing an article or drawing, even if the user lifts the pen tip from the panel surface 3a as long as it is temporary, the short-range wireless communication unit 28 maintains the state of entering the start mode. Therefore, it can be said that according to the position detection system 1 of the present embodiment, the vibration of the vibrating device 21 caused by the impact can be sufficiently suppressed.

[0077] Next, the position detection system 1 of the third embodiment of the present invention will be described. The position detection system 1 of the present embodiment is different from the position detection system 1 of the first embodiment in terms of the structure and operation of the haptic driver 29 and the control content of the vibrating device 21 executed by the short-range wireless communication unit 28, and is the same as the position detection system 1 of the first embodiment in other aspects. Hereinafter, the position detection system 1 of the present embodiment will be described centering on the differences from the position detection system 1 of the first embodiment.

[0078] Figure 7It is a diagram showing the functional blocks of the pen 2 of the present embodiment. However, only the parts related to the vibration device 21 and the haptic driver 29 are schematically shown in this diagram. As shown in this diagram, the haptic driver 29 is configured to have an oscillation circuit 29a and a switching element 29b (drive switch) connected in series with the coil 21e in the vibration device 21.

[0079] The oscillation circuit 29a is a circuit that generates an electrical signal that vibrates with a waveform pattern supplied from Figure 3 the near-field wireless communication unit 28 shown. The oscillation circuit 29a is configured to continuously generate an electrical signal that vibrates with the waveform pattern for minute vibrations described in the first embodiment, and when a waveform pattern is supplied from the near-field wireless communication unit 28, switch the generated electrical signal to an electrical signal that vibrates with this waveform pattern within the time determined by the length of this waveform pattern. The switching element 29b is a single-pole single-throw switch inserted between the vibration device 21 (coil 21e) and the oscillation circuit 29a and serves to switch their connection states. The electrical signal generated by the oscillation circuit 29a is supplied to the coil 21e when the switching element 29b is turned on, and on the other hand, is not supplied to the coil 21e when the switching element 29b is turned off.

[0080] Figure 8 It is a processing flowchart showing the control of the vibration device 21 performed by the near-field wireless communication unit 28 of the present embodiment. As shown in this diagram, the near-field wireless communication unit 28 first determines whether it is currently within the pen non-use period (step S20). The details of this determination are the same as Figure 4 step S1 of.

[0081] When it is determined in step S20 that it is not within the pen non-use period, the near-field wireless communication unit 28 performs the processing of steps S103 to S106 and step S5 in the same manner as Figure 4 the example of, but the near-field wireless communication unit 28 of the present embodiment performs the processing of controlling the switching element 29b to be turned on (step S25) before performing step S105. This is a measure for causing an electrical signal (the electrical signal generated by the oscillation circuit 29a) to flow through the coil 21e. When the switching element 29b is turned on at the stage before performing step S25, the near-field wireless communication unit 28 can skip step S25. This also applies to steps S23, S24, S34, and S36 described later.

[0082] On the other hand, during the pen non-use period determined in step S20, the short-range wireless communication unit 28 uses the electrostatic sensor 27 to detect a finger (step S21), and as a result, determines whether a finger is detected (step S22). The short-range wireless communication unit 28 that determines that no finger is detected in this determination, after controlling the switch element 29b to be off (step S24), returns to step S20 to continue the process.

[0083] On the other hand, the short-range wireless communication unit 28 that determines that a finger is detected in step S23, after controlling the switch element 29b to be on (step S23), returns to step S20 to continue the process. As a result, an electric signal (an electric signal generated by the oscillation circuit 29a and vibrating in a waveform pattern for minute vibration) flows through the coil 21e, and thus, similar to the first embodiment, the vibration device 21 becomes a state where vibration is suppressed.

[0084] As described above, according to the position detection system 1 of the present embodiment, when a finger is detected by the electrostatic sensor 27 during the pen non-use period, an electric signal (an electric signal generated by the oscillation circuit 29a and vibrating in a waveform pattern for minute vibration) flows through the coil 21e, and thus the movement of the vibrating body 21b during the pen non-use period is suppressed. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the vibration of the vibration device 21 caused by the impact when the pen tip contacts the panel surface 3a.

[0085] In addition, in the position detection system 1 of the present embodiment, similar to the position detection system 1 of the first embodiment, the electrostatic sensor 27 may not be provided on the pen 2, and steps S21 and S22 may be omitted, and thus the above-described effects can also be obtained. Figure 8 As a result, the above-described effects can also be obtained.

[0086] Further, in the position detection system 1 of the present embodiment, instead of the on / off control of the switch element 29b, the generation of the electric signal of the oscillation circuit 29a itself may be turned on and off. In this way, in addition to being able to obtain the above-described effects, it is also possible to obtain the effect of reducing the power consumption of the pen 2.

[0087] Next, the position detection system 1 according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described. The position detection system 1 of the present embodiment is different from the position detection system 1 of the third embodiment in that the pen 2 does not have the electrostatic sensor 27, the short-range wireless communication unit 28 has a sleep mode, and the content of the control of the vibration device 21 performed by the short-range wireless communication unit 28, and is the same as the position detection system 1 of the third embodiment in other aspects. Hereinafter, the position detection system 1 of the present embodiment will be described centering on the differences from the position detection system 1 of the third embodiment.

[0088] Except that the functional blocks of the pen 2 and the electronic device 3 in this embodiment have the Figure 7 structure shown, they are the same as the functional blocks of the Figure 5 second embodiment. The short-range wireless communication unit 28 in this embodiment, like the short-range wireless communication unit 28 in the second embodiment, is configured to operate in either an active mode or a sleep mode. The details of each mode are as described in the second embodiment. However, in the sleep mode of this embodiment, the switching element 29b in the tactile driver 29 is turned off.

[0089] Figure 9 is a flowchart showing the control of the vibration device 21 executed by the short-range wireless communication unit 28 in this embodiment. As shown in this figure, the short-range wireless communication unit 28 in this embodiment first enters the sleep mode (step S30), and repeatedly executes the determination of whether a specified activation operation has been performed (step S31) until a positive determination result is obtained. At this time, the switching element 29b is turned off.

[0090] When a positive determination result is obtained in step S31, the short-range wireless communication unit 28 enters the active mode (step S32), and determines whether it is currently during the non-use period of the pen (step S33). The details of this determination are the same as Figure 4 step S1 of

[0091] When it is determined in step S33 that it is not during the non-use period of the pen, the short-range wireless communication unit 28 Figure 8 executes the processes of steps S103 to S106, step S5, and step S25 in the same manner as the example of Figure 4 , Figure 8 described. The details of this are as described with reference to

[0092] On the other hand, when it is determined in step S33 that it is during the non-use period of the pen, the short-range wireless communication unit 28 controls the switching element 29b to be turned on (step S34). As a result, an electric signal (an electric signal vibrating in a waveform pattern for minute vibration generated by the oscillation circuit 29a) flows through the coil 21e. Therefore, as described above, the vibration device 21 is in a state where vibration is suppressed. After that, the short-range wireless communication unit 28 determines whether the non-use period of the pen has continued for a specified time or more (step S35). When a positive determination result is obtained in this determination, the short-range wireless communication unit 28 returns to step S30 and enters the sleep mode. At this time, the switching element 29b returns to being turned off. On the other hand, when a negative determination result is obtained, the short-range wireless communication unit 28 returns to step S33 and continues the process.

[0093] As described above, in the position detection system 1 according to the present embodiment, when entering the startup mode and during the period when the pen is not in use, an electric signal (an electric signal generated by the oscillation circuit 29a and vibrating in a waveform pattern for minute vibration) flows through the coil 21e, thereby suppressing the movement of the vibrating body 21b during the period when the pen is not in use. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the vibration of the vibration device 21 caused by the impact when the nib contacts the panel surface 3a.

[0094] In addition, in the position detection system 1 according to the present embodiment, similar to the position detection system 1 of the second embodiment, when the user brings the nib into contact with the panel surface 3a in a state where the short-range wireless communication unit 28 has entered the sleep mode, vibration of the vibration device 21 is generated due to this impact. However, during the process of the user writing an article or a drawing, even if the user lifts the nib from the panel surface 3a as long as it is temporary, the short-range wireless communication unit 28 maintains the state of entering the startup mode. Therefore, it can be said that the position detection system 1 according to the present embodiment can sufficiently suppress the vibration of the vibration device 21 caused by the impact.

[0095] As described above, the preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described, but the present invention is not limited to any of such embodiments, and the present invention can of course be implemented in various ways without departing from its gist.

[0096] For example, in each of the above embodiments, an example has been described in which the short-range wireless communication BT is used to transmit the identification information for identifying the waveform pattern from the electronic device 3 to the pen 2, but an uplink signal US can also be used for transmission.

[0097] Description of reference numerals

[0098] 1 Position detection system

[0099] 2 Pen

[0100] 3 Electronic device

[0101] 3a Panel surface

[0102] 20 Nib electrode

[0103] 21 Vibration device

[0104] 21a Housing

[0105] 21b Vibrating body

[0106] 21c, 21d Leaf spring

[0107] 21e Coil

[0108] 22 Side switch

[0109] 23 Core

[0110] 24-ring electrode

[0111] 25 pressure sensor

[0112] 26 pen processing unit

[0113] 27 electrostatic sensor

[0114] 28 short-range wireless communication unit

[0115] 29 tactile driver

[0116] 29a oscillation circuit

[0117] 29b switching element

[0118] 30 display device

[0119] 31 sensor

[0120] 32 sensor controller

[0121] 33 short-range wireless communication unit

[0122] 34 main processor

[0123] BT short-range wireless communication

[0124] DS downlink signal

[0125] US uplink signal.

Claims

1. A pen, comprising: a vibration device including a vibrating body; and a processing unit that suppresses movement of the vibrating body during a non-use period of the pen when no pen input is being performed.

2. The pen according to claim 1, wherein during a period when a user writes with the pen, the processing unit vibrates the vibration device by supplying a first electrical signal to the vibration device, on the other hand, during the non-use period of the pen, movement of the vibrating body during the non-use period of the pen is suppressed by supplying a second electrical signal that vibrates with an amplitude smaller than that of the first electrical signal to the vibration device.

3. The pen according to claim 2, wherein the vibration device includes a coil, the processing unit supplies the second electrical signal to the vibration device by supplying the second electrical signal to both ends of the coil.

4. The pen according to claim 1, wherein the pen further includes: an oscillation circuit; and a switching element inserted between the vibration device and the oscillation circuit, the vibration device includes a coil, the processing unit suppresses movement of the vibrating body during the non-use period of the pen by causing an electrical signal to flow through the coil by turning on the switching element during the non-use period of the pen.

5. The pen according to claim 4, wherein the electrical signal is generated by the oscillation circuit.

6. The pen according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the pen further includes an electrostatic sensor disposed on a surface of the pen, the processing unit suppresses movement of the vibrating body when a finger is detected by the electrostatic sensor during the non-use period of the pen.

7. The pen according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the processing unit is configured to enter a startup mode according to a prescribed startup operation, and on the other hand, after entering the startup mode, enter a sleep mode when a state without pen input has continued for a prescribed time or more, the processing unit suppresses movement of the vibrating body when it enters the startup mode and during the non-use period of the pen.

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