Position detection method, position detector, and integrated circuit

Abstract

And the export precision of the coordinates is improved. A position detection method of a position detector (1), the position detector (1) including: a first sensor coil group including a plurality of conductive wires having a plurality of electrodes arranged side by side in a first direction; and a second sensor coil group including a plurality of conductive wires having a plurality of electrodes arranged side by side in a second direction intersecting the first direction, the position detection method of the position detector including: a first step in which the position detector generates an alternating magnetic field from the first sensor coil group; a second step in which the position detector acquires, using at least the second sensor coil group, a level that is a pen signal in response to the alternating magnetic field from the pen stored by the alternating magnetic field; and a third step in which the position detector derives information relating to the position of the pen using a two-dimensional distribution of the levels of the pen signals at the respective intersections of the plurality of electrodes of the first sensor coil group and the plurality of electrodes of the second sensor coil group.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a position detection method, a position detector and an integrated circuit. Background Art

[0002] In recent years, electromagnetic induction position input devices have been used as input devices for tablet PCs (personal computers) and the like.

[0003] The position input device is composed of a pen-shaped position indicator (pen-type position indicator) and a position detection device. The position detection device has an input surface for performing pointing operations and inputting characters, images, etc. using the pen-type position indicator.

[0004] The position indicator includes a resonant circuit composed of a coil and a capacitor.

[0005] On the other hand, Figure 34 As shown, the position detection device is configured to obtain the X-axis coordinate of the position indicator within the effective area AA, including:

[0006] An X sensor coil group, comprising X sensor coils X0, ..., X4 arranged in the X direction;

[0007] a switch connected to the X sensor coil assembly; and

[0008] X-axis TX / RX circuit,

[0009] During transmission, the X-axis TX / RX circuit generates an alternating magnetic field (transmission magnetic field, the same applies below) by passing current through each of the electrodes arranged along the X-axis.

[0010] During the detection period following the transmission period, the X-axis TX / RX circuit detects, using current or voltage, the electromotive force generated in each X sensor coil group due to the pen signal (the alternating magnetic field generated by the position indicator circuit, the same applies hereinafter) that continues to be generated from the position indicator after energy has accumulated in the resonant circuit during the transmission period.

[0011] Similarly, in order to obtain the Y-axis coordinate of the position indicator, the position detection device is configured to include:

[0012] A Y sensor coil group, comprising Y sensor coils Y0, ..., Y4 arranged along the Y direction;

[0013] a switch connected to the Y sensor coil assembly; and

[0014] Y-axis TX / RX circuit

[0015] During transmission, the Y-axis TX / RX circuit generates a transmission magnetic field by passing current through each X sensor coil group arranged along the Y axis.

[0016] During the detection period following the transmission period, the Y-axis TX / RX circuit detects, by current or voltage, the electromotive force generated in each Y sensor coil group due to the pen signal continuously generated even after the position indicator has accumulated energy in the resonant circuit during the transmission period.

[0017] The position detection device selects one sensor coil from a plurality of sensor coils constituting the position detection sensor in a predetermined order, for example, and transmits a transmission signal from the selected sensor coil to the position indicator to charge a capacitor in the position indicator.

[0018] On the other hand, the position detection device connects the sensor coil for transmission to the receiving circuit to receive the signal transmitted from the resonant circuit of the position indicator.

[0019] The position detection device sequentially switches the sensor coils to transmit and receive such signals, thereby detecting the position of the position indicator on the position detection device.

[0020] The position detection of the position indicator in the position detection device is described in detail. First, (1) in order to detect where the position indicator is located near the indicated position detection sensor, a global scan is performed by switching all the sensor coils in sequence to detect the indicated position of the position indicator, and the approximate position on the position detection sensor is determined. (2) Local scanning is performed by sequentially selecting only a specified number of sensor coils near the determined approximate position to perform signal transmission and reception, and the indicated position of the position indicator is accurately determined (for example, refer to Patent Document 1).

[0021] Here, in Figure 30 In the example, the Y-axis coordinate of the position indicator is shown in RXdata (upper section) in the figure. The Y-axis coordinate is derived through interpolation calculations, etc., based on the distribution of the level values in one axis direction, such as the level value 34 obtained by the Y sensor coil Y0, the level value 118 obtained by the Y sensor coil Y1, and the level value 107 obtained by the Y sensor coil Y4.

[0022] Similarly, the X-axis coordinate of the position indicator, as shown in RXdata (lower section) in the figure, is derived through interpolation, etc., based on the distribution of level values in one axis: level 25 obtained by X sensor coil X0, level 100 obtained by X1, etc., and level 99 obtained by X4.

[0023] In this way, Figure 30In the position detection device, after obtaining the two-dimensional coordinates of the position indicator, the levels of the two axes are obtained respectively, and the coordinates of each axis are obtained for each dimension according to their respective distributions (RXdata). These two combinations are processed and output as two-dimensional coordinates.

[0024] [Prior art literature]

[0025] [Patent Document]

[0026] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2002-244806. Summary of the Invention

[0027] [Problems to be Solved by the Invention]

[0028] As described above, in previous position detection devices, in order to detect the position of the position indicator, signals of the sensor coils in the X-axis direction and the Y-axis direction are sent and received independently, thereby obtaining one-dimensional information in the X-axis direction and the Y-axis direction respectively, and the coordinates of the position indicator and the inclination of the position indicator, etc. are derived based on this information.

[0029] However, in previous position detection devices, the coordinates of the position indicator can be derived with a smaller amount of information. On the other hand, the information on the tilt direction is scattered in the X-axis direction and the Y-axis direction. Therefore, when the position indicator tilts in the tilt direction, there is a problem of deterioration in the accuracy of coordinate derivation.

[0030] Therefore, the present invention has been made in view of the above-mentioned problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide a position detection method, a position detector, and an integrated circuit that improve the accuracy of coordinate derivation.

[0031] [Means for solving the problem]

[0032] Method 1: One or more embodiments of the present invention propose a position detection method, which is a position detection method in a position detector, wherein the position detector includes: a first sensor coil group, including a plurality of wires having a plurality of electrodes arranged in a first direction; and a second sensor coil group, including a plurality of wires having a plurality of electrodes arranged in a second direction intersecting the first direction, wherein the position detection method includes: a first step, wherein the position detector generates an alternating magnetic field from the first sensor coil group; a second step, wherein the position detector uses at least the second sensor coil group to obtain the level of a pen signal as a response to the alternating magnetic field from a pen that has stored energy through the alternating magnetic field; and a third step, wherein the position detector uses a two-dimensional distribution of the levels of the pen signal at respective intersections of the plurality of electrodes of the first sensor coil group and the plurality of electrodes of the second sensor coil group to derive information related to the position of the pen.

[0033] Mode 2: One or more embodiments of the present invention provide a position detection method, which is a position detection method in a position detector, wherein the position detector comprises: a first sensor coil group, including a plurality of wires having a plurality of electrodes arranged in a first direction; and a second sensor coil group, including a plurality of wires having a plurality of electrodes arranged in a second direction intersecting the first direction, wherein the position detection method comprises: a first step, wherein the position detector generates an alternating magnetic field from the first sensor coil group; a second step, wherein the position detector uses at least the second sensor coil group to obtain a level of a pen signal in response to the alternating magnetic field from a pen that has stored energy through the alternating magnetic field, or a signal level corresponding to capacitive coupling with a finger; and a third step, wherein the position detector uses the plurality of electrodes of the first sensor coil group and the The information related to the position of the pen or the finger is derived from the levels of the pen signals at the respective intersections of the multiple electrodes of the second sensor coil group, or the two-dimensional distribution of the signal levels corresponding to the capacitive coupling with the finger. In the first process, it includes: a fourth process, in which the position detector uses the first sensor coil group to generate the alternating magnetic field a predetermined number of times while changing the position in the first direction; and a fifth process, in which the position detector obtains the levels of the pen signals as responses to the alternating magnetic field from the pen that has stored energy through the alternating magnetic field, or the signal levels corresponding to the capacitive coupling with the finger, for the predetermined number of times, so as to determine the scanning order for the next predetermined number of times in such a way that one of the multiple conductors arranged in the first direction of the first sensor coil group with the largest signal level from the pen becomes the starting position.

[0034] Method 3: One or more embodiments of the present invention provide a position detector comprising: a first sensor coil group comprising a plurality of conductors having a plurality of electrodes arranged in a first direction; a second sensor coil group comprising a plurality of conductors having a plurality of electrodes arranged in a second direction intersecting the first direction; an alternating magnetic field generating unit generating an alternating magnetic field from the first sensor coil group; a pen signal level acquiring unit using the second sensor coil group to acquire the level of a pen signal in response to the alternating magnetic field from a position indicator energized by the alternating magnetic field; and an information exporting unit using a two-dimensional distribution of the level of the pen signal at each intersection of the plurality of conductors of the first sensor coil group and the plurality of electrodes of the second sensor coil group to export information related to the position of the position indicator.

[0035] Mode 4: One or more embodiments of the present invention provide a position detector comprising: a first sensor coil group including a plurality of conductors having a plurality of electrodes arranged in a first direction; a second sensor coil group including a plurality of conductors having a plurality of electrodes arranged in a second direction intersecting the first direction; an alternating magnetic field generating unit generating an alternating magnetic field from the first sensor coil group; a signal level acquiring unit using the second sensor coil group to acquire a level of a pen signal in response to the alternating magnetic field from a position indicator energized by the alternating magnetic field, or a signal level corresponding to capacitive coupling with a finger; an information exporting unit using the level of the pen signal at each intersection of the plurality of electrodes of the first sensor coil group and the plurality of electrodes of the second sensor coil group, or a signal level corresponding to capacitive coupling with the finger. The information related to the position of the pen or the finger is derived by analyzing the two-dimensional distribution of the corresponding signal levels; and a control unit that controls the action, wherein the control unit causes the alternating magnetic field generating unit to use the first sensor coil group to generate the alternating magnetic field a predetermined number of times while changing the position in the first direction, and causes the signal level acquiring unit to respectively acquire the level of the pen signal in response to the alternating magnetic field from the pen that has stored energy through the alternating magnetic field, or the signal level corresponding to the capacitive coupling with the finger, for the predetermined number of times, so as to determine the scanning order for the next predetermined number of times in such a manner that one of the plurality of conductors arranged in the first direction of the first sensor coil group having the largest signal level from the pen or the signal level corresponding to the capacitive coupling with the finger becomes the starting position.

[0036] Method 5: One or more embodiments of the present invention provide an integrated circuit for deriving information related to a position indicated by a position indicator, wherein the integrated circuit is connected to a first sensor coil group and a second sensor coil group, the first sensor coil group includes a plurality of wires having a plurality of electrodes arranged in a first direction, and the second sensor coil group includes a plurality of wires having a plurality of electrodes arranged in a second direction intersecting the first direction, an alternating magnetic field is generated from the first sensor coil group, and the second sensor coil group is used to obtain a level of a pen signal as a response to the alternating magnetic field from the position indicator that has stored energy through the alternating magnetic field, and the information related to the position of the position indicator is derived using a two-dimensional distribution of the level of the pen signal at each intersection of the plurality of wires of the first sensor coil group and the plurality of electrodes of the second sensor coil group.

[0037] Method 6: One or more embodiments of the present invention propose an integrated circuit for deriving information related to a position indicated by a position indicator, wherein an alternating magnetic field is generated from the first sensor coil group, and the second sensor coil group is used to obtain the level of a pen signal in response to the alternating magnetic field from the position indicator that has stored energy through the alternating magnetic field, or the signal level corresponding to the capacitive coupling with the finger, and the level of the pen signal at each intersection of the multiple electrodes of the first sensor coil group and the multiple electrodes of the second sensor coil group, or the two-dimensional distribution of the signal level corresponding to the capacitive coupling with the finger, is used to derive information related to the pen or the finger. The information related to the position of the finger is obtained, and when the level of the pen signal or the signal level corresponding to the capacitive coupling with the finger is obtained, the first sensor coil group is used to generate the alternating magnetic field a specified number of times while changing the position in the first direction, and the level of the pen signal as a response alternating magnetic field from the pen that has stored energy through the alternating magnetic field or the signal level corresponding to the capacitive coupling with the finger is obtained respectively through the specified number of times, so that one of the multiple conductors arranged in the first direction of the first sensor coil group with the largest signal level from the pen becomes the starting position, and the scanning order of the next specified number of times is determined.

[0038] [Effects of the Invention]

[0039] According to one or more embodiments of the present invention, there is an effect of improving the accuracy of coordinate derivation. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0040] Figure 1 This is a conceptual diagram showing the coordinate derivation operation of the position detector according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0041] Figure 2A Graphs showing pen signal levels when the inclination angle of the position indicator relative to the normal to the sensor plane is 90 degrees and 0 degrees in the region where the TX sensor coil and the RX sensor coil intersect in the position detector according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0042] Figure 2B It will Figure 2A A graph showing the pen signal level values summarized as a moving average.

[0043] Figure 2C In the position detector according to the first embodiment of the present invention, a 3D view is shown. Figure 2B A graph of the pen signal level data is shown.

[0044] Figure 3A This is a graph showing the pen signal level when the position indicator is tilted at an angle of 30 degrees relative to the normal of the sensor plane and at an angle of 90 degrees relative to the sensor plane in the area where the TX sensor coil and the RX sensor coil intersect in the position detector of the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0045] Figure 3B It will Figure 3A A graph showing the pen signal level values summarized as a moving average.

[0046] Figure 3C In the position detector according to the first embodiment of the present invention, a 3D view is shown. Figure 3B A graph of the pen signal level data is shown.

[0047] Figure 4A This is a graph showing the pen signal level when the position indicator is tilted at an angle of 30 degrees relative to the normal of the sensor plane and at an angle of 0 degrees relative to the sensor plane in the area where the TX sensor coil and the RX sensor coil intersect in the position detector of the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0048] Figure 4B It will Figure 4A A graph showing the pen signal level values summarized as a moving average.

[0049] Figure 4C In the position detector according to the first embodiment of the present invention, a 3D view is shown. Figure 4B A graph of the pen signal level data is shown.

[0050] Figure 5A This is a graph showing the pen signal level when the position indicator is tilted at an angle of 30 degrees relative to the normal of the sensor plane and at an angle of 45 degrees relative to the sensor plane in the area where the TX sensor coil and the RX sensor coil intersect in the position detector of the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0051] Figure 5B It will Figure 5A A graph showing the pen signal level values summarized as a moving average.

[0052] Figure 5C In the position detector according to the first embodiment of the present invention, a 3D view is shown. Figure 5B A graph of the pen signal level data is shown.

[0053] Figure 6A This is a graph showing the pen signal level when the position indicator is tilted at an angle of 30 degrees relative to the normal of the sensor plane and at an angle of -45 degrees relative to the sensor plane in the area where the TX sensor coil and the RX sensor coil intersect in the position detector of the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0054] Figure 6B It will Figure 6A A graph showing the pen signal level values summarized as a moving average.

[0055] Figure 6C In the position detector of the first embodiment of the present invention, a 3D view is shown. Figure 6B A graph of the pen signal level data is shown.

[0056] Figure 7 This is a diagram showing the coordinate derivation process of the position detector according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0057] Figure 8 This is a conceptual diagram showing the coordinate derivation operation of the position detector according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

[0058] Figure 9 This is a diagram showing a coordinate derivation process of a position detector according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

[0059] Figure 10 This is a diagram showing the configuration of a TX circuit in a position detector according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

[0060] Figure 11 This is a diagram showing a scanning pattern in the TX circuit of the position detector according to the third embodiment of the present invention.

[0061] Figure 12 This is a diagram showing a coordinate derivation process of a position detector according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

[0062] Figure 13A This is a diagram showing the distribution of ideal pen signal levels.

[0063] Figure 13BThis is a diagram showing the distribution of pen signal levels obtained in the position detector according to the third embodiment of the present invention.

[0064] Figure 14 This is a diagram showing the configuration of a TX circuit in a position detector according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention.

[0065] Figure 15 This is a diagram showing a scanning pattern in the TX circuit of the position detector according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention.

[0066] Figure 16 It is a diagram showing a coordinate derivation process of a position detector according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention.

[0067] Figure 17A This is a diagram showing the distribution of ideal pen signal levels.

[0068] Figure 17B This is a diagram showing the distribution of pen signal levels obtained in the position detector according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention.

[0069] Figure 18 This is a diagram showing the configuration of a TX circuit in a position detector according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention.

[0070] Figure 19 This is a diagram showing a scanning pattern in the TX circuit of the position detector according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention.

[0071] Figure 20 It is a diagram showing a coordinate derivation process of a position detector according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention.

[0072] Figure 21A This is a diagram showing the distribution of ideal pen signal levels.

[0073] Figure 21B This is a diagram showing the distribution of pen signal levels obtained in the position detector according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention.

[0074] Figure 22A This diagram shows a conventional stacked structure in which a position detector, a touch sensor for detecting a finger or the like using an electrostatic capacitance (self-capacitance or mutual capacitance) method, and a display device are combined (or assembled).

[0075] Figure 22B This diagram shows an example of a stacked structure in which the position detectors according to the first to fifth embodiments of the present invention, a touch sensor for detecting a finger, etc. using electrostatic capacitance (self-capacitance or mutual capacitance), and a display device are combined (or assembled).

[0076] Figure 22CThis diagram shows an example of a stacked structure in which the position detectors according to the first to fifth embodiments of the present invention, a touch sensor for detecting a finger, etc. using electrostatic capacitance (self-capacitance or mutual capacitance), and a display device are combined (or assembled).

[0077] Figure 22D This diagram shows an example of a stacked structure in which the position detectors according to the first to fifth embodiments of the present invention, a touch sensor for detecting a finger, etc. using electrostatic capacitance (self-capacitance or mutual capacitance), and a display device are combined (or assembled).

[0078] Figure 22E This diagram shows an example of a stacked structure in which the position detectors according to the first to fifth embodiments of the present invention, a touch sensor for detecting a finger, etc. using electrostatic capacitance (self-capacitance or mutual capacitance), and a display device are combined (or assembled).

[0079] Figure 22F This diagram shows an example of a stacked structure in which the position detectors according to the first to fifth embodiments of the present invention, a touch sensor for detecting a finger, etc. using electrostatic capacitance (self-capacitance or mutual capacitance), and a display device are combined (or assembled).

[0080] Figure 23 This is a diagram showing a configuration example of a TX sensor coil group in a position detector according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention.

[0081] Figure 24 This is a diagram showing a configuration example of an RX sensor coil group in a position detector according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention.

[0082] Figure 25 are diagrams showing configurations of position detectors according to first to fifth embodiments of the present invention, the position detectors including an integrated sensor configured by integrating a TX sensor coil group and an RX sensor coil group into a touch sensor;

[0083] Figure 26 are diagrams showing configurations of position detectors according to first to fifth embodiments of the present invention, the position detectors including an integrated sensor configured by integrating a TX sensor coil group and an RX sensor coil group into a touch sensor;

[0084] Figure 27 is a diagram showing a configuration of a position detector according to first to fifth embodiments of the present invention, the position detector including an integrated sensor configured by integrating a TX sensor coil and an RX sensor coil group into a touch sensor;

[0085] Figure 28 are diagrams showing configurations of position detectors according to first to fifth embodiments of the present invention, the position detectors including an integrated sensor configured by integrating a TX sensor coil group and an RX sensor coil group into a touch sensor;

[0086] Figure 29 are diagrams showing configurations of position detectors according to first to fifth embodiments of the present invention, the position detectors including an integrated sensor configured by integrating a TX sensor coil group and an RX sensor coil group into a touch sensor;

[0087] Figure 30 It is a diagram showing a coordinate derivation process of a position detector according to the seventh embodiment of the present invention.

[0088] Figure 31 It is a diagram showing a finger coordinate derivation process according to the seventh embodiment of the present invention.

[0089] Figure 32 This is a diagram showing a timing chart in the coordinate derivation process of a pen or a finger according to the seventh embodiment of the present invention.

[0090] Figure 33 These are diagrams showing a difference in the form of the coordinate derivation processing mode of the coil shape of the second coil group constituting the seventh embodiment of the present invention.

[0091] Figure 34 This is a conceptual diagram showing a coordinate derivation operation of a conventional position detector. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0092] Below, use Figures 1 to 33 Embodiments of the present invention will be described.

[0093] <First embodiment>

[0094] use Figures 1 to 7 , the position detector 1 of this embodiment is described.

[0095] <Structure of Position Detector 1>

[0096] like Figure 1 As shown, the position detector 1 includes a TX circuit 10 , a switch 11 , a TX sensor coil group (first sensor coil group) 100 , an RX sensor coil group (second sensor coil group) 200 , an RX circuit 20 , and peripheral circuits such as an amplifier.

[0097] The TX sensor coil group (first sensor coil group) 100 includes a plurality of conductive wires arranged in a first sensor direction (X-axis direction). The TX sensor coils constituting the TX sensor coil group (first sensor coil group) 100 are, for example, rectangular loop coils.

[0098] Furthermore, the TX sensor coils constituting the TX sensor coil group (first sensor coil group) 100 are arranged side by side at equal intervals, for example.

[0099] RX sensor coil assembly (second sensor coil assembly) 200 includes multiple conductive wires having multiple electrodes arranged in a second direction (Y-axis direction) intersecting the first direction (X-axis direction). The RX sensor coils constituting RX sensor coil assembly (second sensor coil assembly) 200 are, for example, rectangular loop coils.

[0100] Furthermore, the RX sensor coils constituting the RX sensor coil group (second sensor coil group) 200 are arranged side by side at equal intervals, for example.

[0101] The TX circuit 10 functions as an alternating magnetic field generating unit that transmits a signal to the TX sensor coil group (first sensor coil group) 100 via the switch 11 and generates an alternating magnetic field from the TX sensor coil group (first sensor coil group) 100 .

[0102] That is, in the position detector 1 of this embodiment, the TX sensor coils T0 , T1 , . . . , T4 are connected to the TX circuit 10 for generating an alternating magnetic field, but are not used for detecting a pen signal.

[0103] The RX circuit 20 functions as a pen signal level acquisition unit that uses multiple electrodes of the RX sensor coil group (second sensor coil group) 200 to receive a pen signal in response to the alternating magnetic field from a position indicator that has stored energy in the alternating magnetic field, and acquires the level of the pen signal.

[0104] That is, the RX sensor coils R0 , R1 , . . . , R4 are connected to the RX circuit 20 for detecting pen signals but are not used for generating a transmission magnetic field.

[0105] Furthermore, the RX circuit 20 functions as an information derivation unit that derives information related to the position of the position indicator using the two-dimensional distribution of the levels of the pen signals at the respective intersections of the plurality of conductive wires of the TX sensor coil group (first sensor coil group) 100 and the plurality of electrodes of the RX sensor coil group (second sensor coil group) 200 .

[0106] Here, the information related to the position of the pen (position indicator) includes either the inclination of the pen relative to the normal of the sensor plane (XY plane formed by the X-axis and the Y-axis) or the direction of the inclination of the pen relative to the sensor plane.

[0107] The information derivation unit of the RX circuit 20 derives either the tilt of the pen relative to the normal line of the sensor plane or the direction of the tilt of the pen relative to the sensor plane based on the asymmetry of the two-dimensional distribution.

[0108] The information extraction unit of the RX circuit 20 obtains the indicated position of the pen tip, i.e., the first reference position, obtains a second reference position that is convex upward or downward, and extracts the tilt direction of the pen relative to the sensor plane based on the direction of the second reference position relative to the first reference position.

[0109] Furthermore, the information derivation unit of the RX circuit 20 derives the tilt of the pen relative to the normal to the sensor plane based on the level intensity of the pen signal at the first reference position and the level intensity of the pen signal at the second reference position.

[0110] Here, Figure 2A 、 Figure 3A 、 Figure 4A 、 Figure 5A 、 Figure 6A This is mapping data that digitizes the levels of pen signals at the intersections of the RX sensor coils R0, R1, ..., R15 and the TX sensor coils T0, T1, ..., T15 in the sensor plane. Figure 2B 、 Figure 3B 、 Figure 4B 、 Figure 5B 、 Figure 6B It will Figure 2A 、 Figure 3A 、 Figure 4A 、 Figure 5A 、 Figure 6A The data is aggregated as moving average, Figure 2C 、 Figure 3C 、 Figure 4C 、 Figure 5C 、 Figure 6C It will Figure 2B 、 Figure 3B 、 Figure 4B 、 Figure 5B 、 Figure 6B 3D charts.

[0111] Figures 2A to 2C Indicates the horizontal change when the inclination of the pen relative to the normal of the sensor plane (tilt angle) is 90 degrees and the direction of the pen's inclination relative to the sensor plane (angle angle) is 0 degrees.

[0112] exist Figure 2A In (TX6, RX7), in Figure 2B In (MATX6, MARX7), the peak value is shown, and the change in the level of the same pen signal can be seen in the shape of concentric circles. Figure 2C The same state is also shown.

[0113] according to Figure 2A and Figure 2B , (TX6, RX7) or (MATX6, MARX7) is the indication position of the pen tip, that is, the first reference position.

[0114] In this case, the method of deriving the inclination (inclination angle) of the pen relative to the normal line of the sensor plane and the direction (angle) of the inclination of the pen relative to the sensor plane is the same as that in the conventional example, and therefore detailed description is omitted.

[0115] Figures 3A to 3C This indicates the horizontal change when the pen's tilt (tilt angle) relative to the normal to the sensor plane is 30 degrees and the direction of the pen's tilt relative to the sensor plane (angle angle) is 90 degrees.

[0116] exist Figure 3A In (TX6, RX7), in Figure 3B In the figure, the peak value is shown in (MATX6, MARX7). From this peak value toward the upper direction, the level of the pen signal changes significantly. Figure 3C The same state is also shown.

[0117] according to Figure 3A and Figure 3B , (TX6, RX7) or (MATX6, MARX7) is the indication position of the pen tip, that is, the first reference position.

[0118] In this case, the method of deriving the inclination (inclination angle) of the pen relative to the normal line of the sensor plane and the direction (angle) of the inclination of the pen relative to the sensor plane is the same as that in the conventional example, and therefore detailed description is omitted.

[0119] Figures 4A to 4C This indicates the horizontal change when the pen's tilt relative to the normal to the sensor plane (tilt angle) is 30 degrees and the direction of the pen's tilt relative to the sensor plane (angle angle) is 0 degrees.

[0120] exist Figure 4A In (TX6, RX7), in Figure 4B In the figure, the peak value is shown in (MATX6, MARX7). From this peak value toward the right, the level of the pen signal changes significantly. Figure 4C The same state is also shown.

[0121] according to Figure 4A and Figure 4B, (TX6, RX7) or (MATX6, MARX7) is the indication position of the pen tip, that is, the first reference position.

[0122] In this case, the method of deriving the inclination (inclination angle) of the pen relative to the normal line of the sensor plane and the direction (angle) of the inclination of the pen relative to the sensor plane is the same as that in the conventional example, and therefore detailed description is omitted.

[0123] Figures 5A to 5C This indicates the horizontal change when the pen's tilt (tilt angle) relative to the normal of the sensor plane is 30 degrees and the direction of the pen's tilt relative to the sensor plane (angle angle) is 45 degrees.

[0124] exist Figure 5B In FIG, a peak is shown at (MATX6, MARX7), and this point is the first reference position, that is, the position indicated by the pen tip.

[0125] In addition, Figure 5B In FIG, the value of the second peak is shown at (MATX9, MARX9), and this point serves as the second reference position.

[0126] In addition, the information extraction unit of the RX circuit 20 obtains the indicated position of the pen tip, i.e., the first reference position, obtains a second reference position that is convex upward or convex downward, and extracts the tilt direction of the pen relative to the sensor plane based on the direction of the second reference position relative to the first reference position.

[0127] Figures 6A to 6C This indicates the horizontal change when the pen's tilt (tilt angle) relative to the normal of the sensor plane is 30 degrees and the direction of the pen's tilt relative to the sensor plane (angle angle) is -45 degrees.

[0128] exist Figure 6B In FIG, a peak is shown at (MATX6, MARX7), and this point is the first reference position, that is, the position indicated by the pen tip.

[0129] In addition, Figure 6B In FIG, the value of the second peak is shown at (MATX9, MARX4), and this point serves as the second reference position.

[0130] In addition, the information extraction unit of the RX circuit 20 obtains the indicated position of the pen tip, i.e., the first reference position, obtains a second reference position that is convex upward or convex downward, and extracts the tilt direction of the pen relative to the sensor plane based on the direction of the second reference position relative to the first reference position.

[0131] <Processing of Position Detector 1>

[0132] use Figure 7 The processing of the position detector 1 according to this embodiment will be described.

[0133] The position detector 1 selects one TX sensor coil in the TX sensor coil group (first sensor coil group) 100 that generates a transmission magnetic field by switching using the switch 11 , and drives the selected TX sensor coil via the TX circuit 10 to transmit the transmission magnetic field (step S110 ).

[0134] exist Figure 1 A shows a state where the TX sensor coil T1 is selected.

[0135] After a certain transmission period, that is, a period during which predetermined energy should be accumulated if a pen is present near the TX sensor coil, the position detector 1 obtains the levels of the pen signals at the positions of all the RX sensor coils.

[0136] The position detector 1 detects the level values ( 33 , 105 , 118 , 121 , 110 in the figure) of the pen signal in the region where the TX sensor coil T1 and the RX sensor coils R1 and R4 intersect (hereinafter referred to as the coil intersection region).

[0137] The position detector 1 sequentially switches the signal level at each coil intersection to select the TX sensor coil, thereby obtaining two-dimensional heat map data RXdata (step S120 ).

[0138] After obtaining the two-dimensional heat map data RXdata, the position detector 1 executes the coordinate processing process to obtain the coordinates of the pen, the tilt of the pen (the angle from the normal relative to the sensor surface) or the orientation of the pen (the tilted direction) based on the two-dimensional heat map data RXdata (step S130).

[0139] <Function and Effect>

[0140] As described above, in the position detector 1 involved in this embodiment, the position detector 1 performs: a first process of generating an alternating magnetic field from a plurality of wires arranged in a first direction of the sensor; a second process of obtaining a level of a pen signal as a response alternating magnetic field from a pen accumulated by the alternating magnetic field using a plurality of electrodes arranged in at least a second direction intersecting the first direction; and a third process of deriving information related to the position of the pen using a two-dimensional distribution of the levels of the pen signal at each intersection of the plurality of wires arranged in the first direction of the sensor and the plurality of electrodes arranged in the second direction intersecting the first direction.

[0141] That is, the position detector 1 of this embodiment uses a plurality of wires arranged in a first direction of the sensor (for example, TX sensor coils T0, T1, ..., T4) only for generating an alternating magnetic field, uses a plurality of electrodes arranged in a second direction intersecting the first direction (for example, RX sensor coils R0, R1, ..., R4) for detecting only the level of the pen signal, and uses the two-dimensional distribution of the levels of the pen signals at the respective intersections of the plurality of wires arranged in the first direction of the sensor and the plurality of electrodes arranged in the second direction intersecting the first direction to derive information related to the position of the pen.

[0142] Therefore, by using the two-dimensional distribution of the pen signal level, even when the position pointer is tilted in an oblique direction, it is possible to improve the accuracy of coordinate derivation.

[0143] In the position detector 1 of the present embodiment, the information on the position of the pen includes either the inclination of the pen with respect to the normal line of the sensor plane or the direction of the inclination of the pen with respect to the sensor plane.

[0144] That is, the position detector 1 of this embodiment not only accurately derives the coordinate information of the pen tip, but also accurately derives the inclination of the pen relative to the normal of the sensor plane or the direction of the inclination of the pen relative to the sensor plane by using the two-dimensional distribution of the level of the pen signal.

[0145] Therefore, even when the position indicator is tilted in the tilt direction, the accuracy of coordinate derivation can be improved.

[0146] The position detector 1 of the present embodiment derives either the inclination of the pen relative to the normal line of the sensor plane or the direction of the inclination of the pen relative to the sensor plane based on the asymmetry of the two-dimensional distribution.

[0147] That is, the position detector 1 of this embodiment derives the inclination of the pen relative to the normal of the sensor plane or the direction of the inclination of the pen relative to the sensor plane based on the asymmetry of the two-dimensional distribution, so it can not only derive the coordinate information of the pen tip with high precision, but also derive the inclination of the pen relative to the normal of the sensor plane or the direction of the inclination of the pen relative to the sensor plane with high precision.

[0148] Therefore, even when the position indicator is tilted in the tilt direction, the accuracy of coordinate derivation can be improved.

[0149] The position detector 1 of the present embodiment obtains a first reference position which is a position indicated by a pen tip, and obtains a second reference position which is convex upward or convex downward.

[0150] Furthermore, the position detector 1 derives the direction of the inclination of the pen with respect to the sensor plane based on the direction of the second reference position with respect to the first reference position.

[0151] That is, the position detector 1 of this embodiment obtains the indicated position of the pen tip, i.e., the first reference position, and the second reference position that is convex upward or convex downward, and derives the direction of the pen's inclination relative to the sensor plane based on the direction of the second reference position relative to the first reference position. Therefore, needless to say, the coordinate information of the pen tip, and the direction of the pen's inclination relative to the sensor plane can also be derived with good accuracy.

[0152] Therefore, even when the position indicator is tilted in the tilt direction, the accuracy of coordinate derivation can be improved.

[0153] The position detector 1 of this embodiment derives the tilt of the pen with respect to the normal to the sensor plane based on the level intensity of the pen signal at the first reference position and the level intensity of the pen signal at the second reference position.

[0154] That is, the position detector 1 of this embodiment derives the inclination of the pen relative to the normal of the sensor plane based on the level intensity of the pen signal at the first reference position and the level intensity of the pen signal at the second reference position, so not only the coordinate information of the pen tip but also the inclination of the pen relative to the normal of the sensor plane can be derived with good accuracy.

[0155] Therefore, even when the position indicator is tilted in the tilt direction, the accuracy of coordinate derivation can be improved.

[0156] The position detector 1 of this embodiment generates a transmitting magnetic field, and sends the transmitting magnetic field to the multiple wires arranged in the first direction of the sensor selected by the switch 11. After a certain sending period, the level of the pen signal at the respective intersections of the multiple wires arranged in the first direction of the sensor and all the multiple electrodes arranged in the second direction crossing the first direction is obtained.

[0157] Therefore, the circuit configuration of the position detector 1 can be simplified.

[0158] <Variation 1>

[0159] In this embodiment, the RX circuit 20 of the position detector 1 uses the multiple electrodes of the RX sensor coil group (second sensor coil group) 200 to receive the pen signal as a response alternating magnetic field from the position indicator accumulated by the alternating magnetic field, and obtains the level of the pen signal. However, depending on the number of RX channels included in the RX circuit 20, all RX sensor coils included in the RX sensor coil group (second sensor coil group) 200 may be used for simultaneous detection, or a portion of the multiple RX sensor coils may be detected simultaneously.

[0160] <Second embodiment>

[0161] use Figure 8 、 Figure 9 A position detector 1A according to this embodiment will be described.

[0162] <Structure of Position Detector 1A>

[0163] like Figure 8 As shown, the position detector 1 includes a TX circuit 10 , a switch 11 , a switch 21 , a TX sensor coil group (first sensor coil group) 100 , an RX sensor coil group (second sensor coil group) 200 , an RX circuit 20A, and peripheral circuits such as an amplifier.

[0164] Note that, since components denoted by the same reference numerals as those in the first embodiment have the same functions, detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0165] The RX circuit 20A receives a signal from the RX sensor coil group (second sensor coil group) 200 via the switch 21 and functions as a pen signal level acquisition unit that acquires the level of a pen signal in response to the alternating magnetic field from the position indicator that has accumulated energy due to the alternating magnetic field.

[0166] That is, the RX sensor coils R0, R1, ..., R4 are connected to the RX circuit 20A for detecting pen signals but are not used for generating a transmission magnetic field.

[0167] Furthermore, the RX circuit 20A functions as an information derivation unit that derives information related to the position of the position indicator using the two-dimensional distribution of the levels of the pen signals at the respective intersections of the plurality of conductive wires of the TX sensor coil group (first sensor coil group) 100 and the plurality of electrodes of the RX sensor coil group (second sensor coil group) 200 .

[0168] Here, the information related to the position of the pen (position indicator) includes either the inclination of the pen relative to the normal of the sensor plane (XY plane formed by the X-axis and the Y-axis) or the direction of the inclination of the pen relative to the sensor plane.

[0169] The RX circuit 20A derives either the tilt of the pen relative to the normal line of the sensor plane or the direction of the tilt of the pen relative to the sensor plane based on the asymmetry of the two-dimensional distribution.

[0170] The RX circuit 20A obtains the indicated position of the pen tip, i.e., the first reference position, obtains the second reference position that is convex upward or downward, and derives the direction of the pen's tilt relative to the sensor plane based on the direction of the second reference position relative to the first reference position.

[0171] Furthermore, the RX circuit 20A derives the tilt of the pen relative to the normal to the sensor plane based on the level intensity of the pen signal at the first reference position and the level intensity of the pen signal at the second reference position.

[0172] <Processing of Position Detector 1A>

[0173] use Figure 9 The processing of the position detector 1A according to this embodiment will be described.

[0174] The position detector 1A switches and selects one TX sensor coil in the TX sensor coil group (first sensor coil group) 100 that generates a transmission magnetic field using the switch 11 , and drives the selected TX sensor coil via the TX circuit 10 to transmit the transmission magnetic field (step S110 ).

[0175] exist Figure 8 , a state where the TX sensor coil T1 is selected is shown.

[0176] After a certain sending period, that is, after a period in which a specified amount of energy should be accumulated if a pen is present near the TX sensor coil, the position detector 1A controls the switch 21 to select the RX sensor coil for detecting the pen signal and obtains the level of the pen signal at the position of the selected RX sensor coil.

[0177] exist Figure 8 , a state in which the RX sensor coil R2 is selected is shown.

[0178] The position detector 1A detects the level value ( 118 in the figure) of the pen signal in a region where the TX sensor coil T1 and the RX sensor coils R1 and R4 intersect (hereinafter referred to as a coil intersection region).

[0179] The position detector 1A sequentially fixes the TX sensor coils and switches the selection of the RX sensor coils for the signal levels at the intersections of the coils to obtain two-dimensional heat map data RXdata (step S210 ).

[0180] After obtaining the two-dimensional thermal map data RXdata, the position detector 1A executes the coordinate processing process to obtain the coordinates of the pen, the tilt of the pen (the angle from the normal relative to the sensor surface) or the orientation of the pen (the tilted direction) based on the two-dimensional thermal map data RXdata (step S130).

[0181] <Function and Effect>

[0182] As described above, the position detector 1A of the present embodiment has the same operational effects as those of the position detector 1 of the first embodiment.

[0183] <Third embodiment>

[0184] Use Figure 10 to Figure 1 3. The position detector 1B of this embodiment will be described.

[0185] <Structure of the position detector 1B>

[0186] The position detector 1B is composed of a TX circuit 10A, a switch 11, a TX sensor coil group (first sensor coil group) 100, an RX sensor coil group (second sensor coil group) 200, an RX circuit 20, and peripheral circuits such as an amplifier.

[0187] In addition, for the components labeled with the same reference numerals as those in the first embodiment and the second embodiment, since they have the same functions, their detailed descriptions are omitted.

[0188] <Configuration of the TX circuit 10A>

[0189] As Figure 10 shown, the TX circuit 10A is configured to include an alternating magnetic field generation unit 111, a global scanning unit 112, a scanning start position determination unit 113, and a scanning mode control unit 114.

[0190] The alternating magnetic field generation unit 111 sends a TX signal to the TX sensor coil group (first sensor coil group) 100 via the switch 11, and generates an alternating magnetic field from the TX sensor coil group (first sensor coil group) 100.

[0191] The alternating magnetic field generation unit 111 sends a TX signal based on a control signal from the scanning mode control unit 114 described later.

[0192] Specifically, the alternating magnetic field generation unit 111, for example, uses a plurality of wires arranged in the first direction of the sensor (for example, the TX sensor coil group (first sensor coil group) 100), and generates an alternating magnetic field a specified number of times while changing the position in the first direction (for example, the arrangement direction of the TX sensor coil group (first sensor coil group) 100).

[0193] In order to detect on which side of the TX sensor coil group (first sensor coil group) 100 the position indicator is located, the global scanning unit 112 sequentially switches all the TX sensor coil groups (first sensor coil group) 100 to detect the indicated position of the position indicator.

[0194] Specifically, the global scanning unit 112, for example, obtains the levels of the pen signals, which are the response alternating magnetic fields accumulated by the alternating magnetic field from the pen, a specified number of times respectively.

[0195] The detection result of the global scanning unit 112 is output to the scanning start position determination unit 113 described later.

[0196] Based on the detection result of the global scanning unit 112 , the scanning start position determination unit 113 determines the start position so that one of the plurality of conductive wires arranged in a first direction (for example, the arrangement direction of the TX sensor coil group (first sensor coil group) 100 ) of the sensor having the highest signal level from the pen becomes the start position.

[0197] The scan start position information determined by the scan start position determination unit 113 is output to the scan mode control unit 114 described later.

[0198] The scanning mode control unit 114 determines the scanning mode based on the scanning start position information, and controls the output timing of the TX signal in the alternating magnetic field generating unit 111 and the switching timing of the switch 11 based on the scanning mode.

[0199] Specifically, for example, Figure 11 As shown, the scanning mode control unit 114 sets the scanning mode so that the scanning order is such that the conductive line next to the previously scanned conductive line is adjacent to the conductive line having the highest signal level from the pen.

[0200] In addition, for example, Figure 11 As shown, the scanning mode control unit 114 sets the scanning mode so that the scanning order is such that the next wire after the previously scanned wire is the wire adjacent to the wire with the highest signal level from the pen, and the previously scanned wire is sequentially selected so as to cross the previously scanned wire.

[0201] <Processing of Position Detector 1B>

[0202] use Figure 12 The processing of the position detector 1B according to this embodiment will be described.

[0203] The alternating magnetic field generating unit 111 generates an alternating magnetic field a predetermined number of times while changing the position of the plurality of conductive wires arranged in a first direction of the sensor (e.g., the TX sensor coil group (first sensor coil group) 100 ) (e.g., the arrangement direction of the TX sensor coil group (first sensor coil group) 100 ), for example (step S310 ).

[0204] The global scanning unit 112 acquires the level of the pen signal in response to the alternating magnetic field from the pen that has accumulated energy by the alternating magnetic field, for example, a predetermined number of times (step S320 ).

[0205] Based on the detection result of the global scanning unit 112, the scanning start position determination unit 113 determines that one of the plurality of conductive wires arranged in the first direction (for example, the TX sensor coil group (first sensor coil group)) 100 of the sensor having the highest signal level from the pen becomes the start position (step S330).

[0206] For example, the scanning mode control unit 114 sets the scanning mode so that the scanning order is such that the conductive line next to the previously scanned conductive line is adjacent to the conductive line having the highest signal level from the pen.

[0207] Furthermore, for example, the scanning mode control unit 114 sets the scanning mode so that the scanning order is such that the next wire after the previously scanned wire is the wire adjacent to the wire having the highest signal level from the pen, and the wires are sequentially selected across the previously scanned wires (step S340 ).

[0208] <Function and Effect>

[0209] As described above, the position detector 1B involved in this embodiment uses a plurality of conductive wires arranged in a first direction of the sensor (for example, the TX sensor coil group (first sensor coil group) 100), generates an alternating magnetic field a predetermined number of times while changing the position in the first direction, obtains the level of a pen signal in response to the alternating magnetic field from a pen that has stored energy through the alternating magnetic field for each predetermined number of times, and determines the scanning order for the next predetermined number of times in such a manner that one of the plurality of conductive wires arranged in the first direction of the sensor having the highest level of the signal from the pen becomes the starting position.

[0210] That is, the position detector 1B performs global scanning by the global scanning unit 112 and determines the next predetermined number of scanning orders so that one of the plurality of conductive lines arranged in the first direction of the sensor having the highest level of the signal from the pen becomes the starting position.

[0211] This is based on the knowledge that when acquiring position information of a pen or the like that moves quickly, if it takes time to drive the sensor, jitter will occur in the acquired data.

[0212] Specifically, it is known that when writing or drawing with a pen is performed at high speed, coordinate accuracy deteriorates, causing fluctuations in the drawn line.

[0213] On the other hand, the important information in coordinate calculation is the data with the highest signal strength directly below the pen. The farther away from this data, the weaker its contribution to coordinate calculation.

[0214] Therefore, by determining the scanning order for the next specified number of times in such a manner that one of the multiple conductors arranged in the first direction of the sensor having the highest level of the signal from the pen becomes the starting position, the accuracy of coordinate derivation can be improved even when writing and drawing with the pen is performed at a high speed and even when the pen is tilted in an oblique direction.

[0215] Figure 13A is a diagram showing the distribution of ideal pen signal levels. Figure 13B This is a diagram showing the distribution of pen signal levels acquired by the position detector 1B according to this embodiment.

[0216] As can be seen from these figures, the distribution of the pen signal level obtained in the position detector 1B according to the present embodiment is comparable to the distribution of the ideal pen signal level.

[0217] The position detector 1B of this embodiment sets the scanning order such that the conductor line next to the conductor line scanned previously is the conductor line adjacent to the conductor line having the highest level of the signal from the pen.

[0218] As described above, the important information in coordinate calculation is the data with the highest signal strength directly below the pen. The farther away from this data, the weaker its contribution to coordinate calculation.

[0219] Therefore, by adopting a scanning pattern that sequentially scans from the conductive line closest to the pen, it is possible to reduce jitter of data having a weight in coordinate calculation and suppress deterioration of coordinate accuracy.

[0220] Figure 13A is a diagram showing the distribution of ideal pen signal levels. Figure 13B This is a diagram showing the distribution of pen signal levels acquired by the position detector 1B according to this embodiment.

[0221] As can be seen from these figures, the distribution of the pen signal level obtained in the position detector 1B according to the present embodiment is comparable to the distribution of the ideal pen signal level.

[0222] The position detector 1B of this embodiment sets the scanning order such that the conductor next to the previously scanned conductor is adjacent to the conductor having the highest level of the signal from the pen, and sequentially selects conductors across the previously scanned conductors.

[0223] As described above, the important information in coordinate calculation is the data with the highest signal strength directly below the pen. The farther away from this data, the weaker its contribution to coordinate calculation.

[0224] Therefore, the scanning order is set such that the next wire after the previously scanned wire is the wire adjacent to the wire with the maximum level of the signal from the pen, and the selection is made in sequence in a manner that spans the previously scanned wire. As a result, it is possible to reduce the deviation of the data with weights in the coordinate calculation and suppress the deterioration of the coordinate accuracy.

[0225] Figure 13A is a diagram showing the distribution of the ideal pen signal level, Figure 13B is a diagram showing the distribution of the pen signal level obtained in the position detector 1B of the present embodiment.

[0226] From these diagrams, it can also be seen that the distribution of the pen signal level obtained in the position detector 1B according to the present embodiment shows results not inferior to the distribution of the ideal pen signal level.

[0227] <Modification 2>

[0228] In the third embodiment, the position detector 1B has been illustrated, but it can also be applied, for example, in Figure 30 the conventional position detection device shown.

[0229] <Fourth Embodiment>

[0230] Using Figure 14 to Figure 1 7, the position detector 1C of the present embodiment will be described.

[0231] <Structure of Position Detector 1C>

[0232] The position detector 1C includes a TX circuit 10B, a switch 11, a TX sensor coil group (first sensor coil group) 100, an RX sensor coil group (second sensor coil group) 200, an RX circuit 20, and peripheral circuits such as an amplifier.

[0233] In addition, for the components labeled with the same reference numerals as those in the first to third embodiments, they have the same functions, so their detailed descriptions are omitted.

[0234] <Configuration of TX Circuit 10B>

[0235] As Figure 14 shown, the TX circuit 10B is configured to include an alternating magnetic field generation unit 111, a global scan unit 112, a scan start position determination unit 113, and a scan mode control unit 114A.

[0236] In addition, for the components labeled with the same reference numerals as those in the third embodiment, since they have the same functions, their detailed descriptions are omitted.

[0237] The scanning mode control unit 114A determines the scanning mode based on the scanning start position information, and controls the output timing of the TX signal in the alternating magnetic field generator 111 and the switching timing of the switch 11 based on the scanning mode.

[0238] Specifically, for example, the scanning mode control section 114A sets the scanning mode so that the scanning order is such that the next conductive line after the previously scanned conductive line is adjacent to the conductive line having the highest level of the signal from the pen.

[0239] In addition, for example, Figure 15 As shown, the scanning mode control unit 114A sets the scanning mode so that the scanning order is such that the next wire after the previously scanned wire is the wire adjacent to the wire having the highest level of the signal from the pen, and the previously scanned wires are sequentially selected so as to cross them.

[0240] In this embodiment, the scanning mode control unit 114A is as follows, for example Figure 15 As shown, in the case where the area to be scanned exceeds the configuration area of the plurality of wires arranged in the first direction of the sensor, the area to be scanned (eg Figure 15 y5, y6) to an area beyond the configured area.

[0241] <Processing of Position Detector 1C>

[0242] use Figure 16 The processing of the position detector 1C according to this embodiment will be described.

[0243] The alternating magnetic field generating unit 111 generates an alternating magnetic field a predetermined number of times while changing the position of the plurality of conductive wires arranged in a first direction of the sensor (e.g., the TX sensor coil group (first sensor coil group) 100 ) (e.g., the arrangement direction of the TX sensor coil group (first sensor coil group) 100 ), for example (step S310 ).

[0244] The global scanning unit 112 acquires the level of the pen signal in response to the alternating magnetic field from the pen that has accumulated energy by the alternating magnetic field, for example, a predetermined number of times (step S320 ).

[0245] Based on the detection result of the global scanning unit 112 , the scanning start position determination unit 113 determines the start position so that one of the plurality of conductive wires arranged in a first direction (e.g., the arrangement direction of the TX sensor coil group (first sensor coil group) 100 ) of the sensor having the highest signal level from the pen becomes the start position (step S330 ).

[0246] For example, the scanning mode control unit 114A sets the scanning mode so that the scanning order is such that the conductive line next to the previously scanned conductive line is adjacent to the conductive line having the highest level of the signal from the pen.

[0247] Furthermore, for example, the scanning mode control unit 114A sets the scanning mode so that the scanning order is such that the wire next to the previously scanned wire is adjacent to the wire having the highest level of the signal from the pen, and selection is performed sequentially across the previously scanned wires.

[0248] Furthermore, for example, when the area to be scanned exceeds the arrangement area of the plurality of conductive lines arranged in the first direction of the sensor, the scan mode control unit 114A expands the area to be scanned to an area exceeding the arrangement area and performs scanning (step S410 ).

[0249] <Function and Effect>

[0250] As described above, when the position detector 1C of this embodiment exceeds the arrangement area of the plurality of conductive wires (for example, the TX sensor coil group (first sensor coil group) 100) arranged in the first direction of the sensor, the area to be scanned (for example, Figure 15 y5, y6) to an area beyond the configured area.

[0251] That is, the position detector 1C performs global scanning by the global scanning unit 112 and determines the scanning order for the next predetermined number of times so that one of the plurality of conductive lines arranged in the first direction of the sensor having the highest level of the signal from the pen becomes the starting position.

[0252] This is based on the knowledge that when acquiring position information of a pen or the like that moves quickly, if it takes time to drive the sensor, jitter will occur in the acquired data.

[0253] Specifically, it is known that when writing or drawing with a pen is performed at high speed, coordinate accuracy deteriorates, causing fluctuations in the drawn line.

[0254] On the other hand, the important information in coordinate calculation is the data with the highest signal strength directly below the pen. The farther away from this data, the weaker its contribution to coordinate calculation.

[0255] Therefore, by determining the scanning order for the next specified number of times so that one of the multiple conductors arranged in the first direction of the sensor having the highest level of the signal from the pen becomes the starting position, the accuracy of coordinate derivation can be improved even when writing and drawing with the pen is performed at high speed and even when the pen is tilted in an oblique direction.

[0256] On the other hand, when the area to be scanned exceeds the arrangement area of the plurality of conductive wires (for example, the TX sensor coil group (first sensor coil group) 100) arranged in the first direction of the sensor, the position detector 1C sets the area to be scanned (for example, Figure 15 y5, y6) to an area beyond the configured area and perform scanning.

[0257] The scanning method described above cannot acquire data with low signal strength, but can capture data with high signal strength. Therefore, compared with conventional methods, the accuracy of coordinate derivation can be improved even when the pen is tilted.

[0258] Figure 17A is a diagram showing the distribution of ideal pen signal levels. Figure 17B This is a diagram showing the distribution of pen signal levels acquired by the position detector 1C according to this embodiment.

[0259] As can be seen from these figures, the distribution of the pen signal level obtained in the position detector 1C according to the present embodiment shows a result comparable to the ideal distribution of the pen signal level with respect to data with high signal intensity.

[0260] <Variation 3>

[0261] In the fourth embodiment, the position detector 1C is described as an example, but for example Figure 30 It is also applicable to the conventional position detection device shown.

[0262] <Variation 4>

[0263] In the fourth embodiment, Figure 15 As shown, when the area to be scanned exceeds the configuration area of the plurality of wires arranged in the first direction of the sensor, the area to be scanned is expanded in the area exceeding the configuration area (for example, Figure 15 y5, y6), but specifically, for example, Figure 15 In y5 and y6, you can also prepare virtual ones in advance, or use y1 and y3, or skip the processing.

[0264] In the case of replacement, the accuracy may be improved compared to skipping the process. In the case where the number of cells exceeding the allocation area is small, skipping the process can improve the processing speed while maintaining the accuracy to a certain extent.

[0265] <Fifth embodiment>

[0266] use Figure 18 21 , a position detector 1D according to this embodiment will be described.

[0267] <Structure of the 1D position detector>

[0268] The 1D position detector is composed of a peripheral circuit such as a TX circuit 10C, a switch 11, a TX sensor coil group (first sensor coil group) 100, an RX sensor coil group (second sensor coil group) 200, an RX circuit 20, and an amplifier.

[0269] In addition, for the components labeled with the same reference numerals as those in the first to fourth embodiments, they have the same functions, so their detailed descriptions are omitted.

[0270] <Structure of the TX circuit 10C>

[0271] As Figure 18 shown, the TX circuit 10C is configured to include an alternating magnetic field generation unit 111, a global scanning unit 112, a scanning start position determination unit 113, and a scanning mode control unit 114B.

[0272] In addition, for the components labeled with the same reference numerals as those in the third and fourth embodiments, since they have the same functions, their detailed descriptions are omitted.

[0273] The scanning mode control unit 114B determines the scanning mode based on the scanning start position information, and controls the output timing of the TX signal in the alternating magnetic field generation unit 111 and the switching timing of the switch 11 based on the scanning mode.

[0274] Specifically, for example, the scanning mode control unit 114B sets the scanning mode such that the scanning order is such that the next wire after the previously scanned wire is the wire adjacent to the wire with the maximum signal level from the pen.

[0275] In addition, for example, as Figure 19 shown, the scanning mode control unit 114B sets the scanning mode such that the scanning order is such that the next wire after the previously scanned wire is the wire adjacent to the wire with the maximum signal level from the pen, and is sequentially selected in a manner that spans the previously scanned wire.

[0276] In this embodiment, the scanning mode control unit 114B, for example, as Figure 19 shown, in the case where the scanned area exceeds the configuration area of the multiple wires arranged in the first direction of the sensor, extends the scanned area exceeding the configuration area to the area on the opposite side of the configuration area end.

[0277] <Processing of the 1D position detector>

[0278] Use Figure 20 to describe the processing of the 1D position detector of this embodiment.

[0279] The alternating magnetic field generating unit 111 generates an alternating magnetic field a predetermined number of times while changing the position of the sensor coils in the first direction (e.g., the direction in which the TX sensor coils (first sensor coils) 100 are arranged) using, for example, a plurality of conductive wires of the sensor (e.g., the TX sensor coils (first sensor coils) 100) arranged in a first direction (step S310).

[0280] The global scanning unit 112 acquires the level of the pen signal in response to the alternating magnetic field from the pen that has accumulated energy by the alternating magnetic field, for example, a predetermined number of times (step S320 ).

[0281] Based on the detection result of the global scanning unit 112, the scanning start position determination unit 113 determines the start position so that one of the plurality of conductive wires arranged in a first direction (for example, the arrangement direction of the TX sensor coil group (first sensor coil group) 100) of the sensor having the highest signal level from the pen becomes the start position (step S330).

[0282] For example, the scanning mode control section 114B sets the scanning mode so that the scanning order is such that the conductor line next to the previously scanned conductor line is adjacent to the conductor line having the highest level of the signal from the pen.

[0283] Furthermore, for example, the scanning mode control unit 114B sets the scanning mode so that the scanning order is such that the wire next to the previously scanned wire is adjacent to the wire having the highest level of the signal from the pen, and selection is performed sequentially across the previously scanned wires.

[0284] Furthermore, when the area to be scanned exceeds the arrangement area of the plurality of conductive lines arranged in the first direction of the sensor, the scanning mode control unit 114B expands the area to be scanned beyond the arrangement area to an area opposite to an end of the arrangement area and performs scanning (step S510 ).

[0285] <Function and Effect>

[0286] As described above, in the case where the position detector 1D of this embodiment has a scanning area exceeding the configuration area of the plurality of conductive wires (for example, the T sensor coil group (first sensor coil group) 100) of the sensor arranged in a first direction, the scanning area exceeding the configuration area is expanded to the area on the opposite side of the configuration area end.

[0287] That is, the position detector 1D performs global scanning by the global scanning unit 112 and determines the scanning order for the next predetermined number of times so that one of the plurality of conductive lines arranged in the first direction of the sensor having the highest level of the signal from the pen becomes the starting position.

[0288] This is based on the knowledge that when acquiring position information of a pen or the like that moves quickly, if it takes time to drive the sensor, jitter will occur in the acquired data.

[0289] Specifically, it is known that when writing or drawing with a pen is performed at high speed, coordinate accuracy deteriorates, causing fluctuations in the drawn line.

[0290] On the other hand, the important information in coordinate calculation is the data with the highest signal strength directly below the pen. The farther away from this data, the weaker its contribution to coordinate calculation.

[0291] Therefore, by determining the scanning order of the next specified number of times so that one of the multiple conductors arranged in the first direction of the sensor with the highest level of the signal from the pen becomes the starting position, the accuracy of coordinate derivation can be improved even when the pen is writing and drawing at high speed, and even when the pen is tilted in an oblique direction.

[0292] On the other hand, when the area to be scanned exceeds the configuration area of the plurality of conductive wires (for example, the TX sensor coil group (first sensor coil group) 100) of the sensor arranged in the first direction, the position detector 1D extends the area to be scanned beyond the configuration area to the area on the opposite side of the configuration area end, and performs scanning.

[0293] In the above-described scanning method, data with low signal intensity that could not be captured in the third embodiment can be acquired.

[0294] Here, data with low signal strength may affect the accuracy of tilt correction.

[0295] However, the position detector 1D of this embodiment can acquire data with low signal strength that cannot be captured in the third embodiment. Therefore, even when the pen is tilted in the tilting direction, the accuracy of coordinate derivation can be improved.

[0296] Figure 21A is a diagram showing the distribution of ideal pen signal levels. Figure 21B This is a diagram showing the distribution of pen signal levels acquired by the position detector 1D according to this embodiment.

[0297] As can be seen from these figures, the distribution of the pen signal level obtained in the position detector 1D according to the present embodiment is comparable to the distribution of the ideal pen signal level.

[0298] <Variation 5>

[0299] In the fifth embodiment, the position detector 1D is described as an example, but for example Figure 30 It is also applicable to the conventional position detection device shown.

[0300] <Sixth embodiment>

[0301] Use Figure 22 to Figure 29 , the position detector 1E of this embodiment is described.

[0302] <Stack Structure>

[0303] Figures 22A to 22F This diagram shows an example of a stacked structure in which a position detector 1E, a touch sensor for detecting a finger or the like using an electrostatic capacitance (self-capacitance or mutual capacitance) method, and a display device are combined (or assembled).

[0304] In common among the figures, the upper side in the figure is the side close to the pen, and the lower side is the side far from the pen.

[0305] In the examples of any of the figures, in order to increase the strength of the pen signal, a sheet made of a material having a predetermined magnetic permeability may be provided below the lowermost layer.

[0306] Figure 22A This is the previous stacking structure diagram.

[0307] A display 300 (including a front panel layer 301 and a TFT rear panel layer 302 ) is provided, and the TX sensor coil group (first sensor coil group) 100 and the RX sensor coil group (second sensor coil group) 200 are provided on the lower side of the display 300 via an adhesive layer.

[0308] A touch sensor is provided on the upper side of display 300 , and a cover glass (including a cover film, the same applies hereinafter) that contacts the pen is provided on the upper side of the touch sensor.

[0309] Figure 22B It is a diagram showing another stacking structure example.

[0310] On the upper side of the display 300B, there is a layer integrating a capacitive touch sensor, a TX sensor coil group (first sensor coil group) 100 , and an RX sensor coil group (second sensor coil group) 200 , and a cover glass is provided on the upper side.

[0311] Figure 22C and Figure 22DThis relates to a structure in which a touch sensor function is integrated into a portion of the display 300 , which is referred to as an in-cell or out-cell structure.

[0312] Figure 22C Based on a display structure known as so-called in-cell touch.

[0313] The display 300 C is constructed by integrating the TX sensor coil group (first sensor coil group) 100 and the RX sensor coil group (second sensor coil group) 200 into a TFT backplane layer 302 of a control front panel layer 301 .

[0314] A touch sensor is provided on the upper side of the display 300C, and a cover glass is provided on the upper side thereof.

[0315] Figure 22D Based on a display structure called so-called external touch.

[0316] The display 300D is provided with a TFT backplane layer 302 and a front panel layer 301 for controlling the front panel layer.

[0317] Figure 22D This is a so-called add-on touch panel structure in which an electrostatic capacitive touch sensor is provided within the module of the display 300D, which is located on the upper layer of the front panel layer 301. The touch sensor is configured to integrate a TX sensor coil group (first sensor coil group) 100 and an RX sensor coil group (second sensor coil group) 200.

[0318] Figure 22E and Figure 22F A feature of the CMOS sensor coil assembly is that a TX sensor coil assembly (first sensor coil assembly) 100 and an RX sensor coil assembly (second sensor coil assembly) 200 are provided in separate different layers.

[0319] exist Figure 22E In the embodiment, a TX sensor coil group (first sensor coil group) 100 is provided on a TFT backplane layer 302, and an RX sensor coil group (second sensor coil group) 200 is provided in a layer above a display front panel 301 on which an external touch sensor (electrostatic capacitance sensor) is provided, and a cover glass is provided on the upper side.

[0320] exist Figure 22F In the embodiment, the TX sensor coil group (first sensor coil group) 100 is not provided in the TFT backplane layer 302, but is provided below the display 300F. The RX sensor coil group (second sensor coil group) 200 is provided on a layer above the display front plate 301 where the external touch sensor (electrostatic capacitance sensor) is provided, and a cover glass is provided on the upper side.

[0321] <Details of the TX sensor coil group (first sensor coil group) 100>

[0322] Figure 23 An exemplary configuration of the TX sensor coil group (first sensor coil group) 100 is shown.

[0323] The structure of the TX sensor coil group (first sensor coil group) 100 in this figure is based on setting the TX sensor coil group (first sensor coil group) 100 and the RX sensor coil group (second sensor coil group) 200 in different layers separated from each other. In particular, it is effective when the TX sensor coil group (first sensor coil group) 100 is arranged as Figure 22F shown, on the lower side of the display.

[0324] The TX sensor coil group (first sensor coil group) 100 includes TX electrodes 120,..., TX electrodes 135 that respectively form TX sensors T0, T1,..., T15, and a connection conductor 130 that connects the TX electrodes 120,..., TX electrodes 135 to each other, and is configured in a comb shape (SAW shape).

[0325] Here, the comb shape refers to the shape formed by the following first wiring and multiple second wirings.

[0326] The first wiring is a wiring that extends in a first direction, and the second wirings are multiple wirings that extend in a second direction crossing the first direction. The multiple second wirings are arranged in the first direction at a prescribed interval from each other.

[0327] Also, the first wiring is electrically connected to the multiple second wirings.

[0328] Here, for convenience, in the multiple second wirings, if the side connected to the first wiring is set as the terminal and the other end is set as the open end, then one end of each of the multiple second wirings is connected to the first wiring and the other end is open, and its shape is a comb shape.

[0329] The open ends, which are the other ends of the multiple second wirings, are connected to an integrated circuit, for example, to provide a drive signal or detect a received signal.

[0330] The position detector 1E controls switches 11 (S0,..., S15). For example, it bundles the TX electrode 125 and the TX electrode 126 and connects them to the TX terminal of the TX circuit 10, and bundles the TX electrode 128 and the TX electrode 129 and connects them to the TX_inv terminal of the TX circuit 10.

[0331] The TX circuit 10 controls the TX terminal and the TX_inv terminal such that the change amounts of the currents are opposite to each other, thereby forming a stronger transmission magnetic field between the bundles of the TX electrodes 125 and 126 and the bundles of the TX electrodes 128 and 129 (near the TX electrode 127) compared to the case where there is no bundling and also compared to the case where TX_inv is set to a fixed potential.

[0332] <Details of the RX sensor coil group (second sensor coil group) 200>

[0333] Figure 24 This is a structural example of the RX sensor coil group (second sensor coil group) 200.

[0334] The RX sensor coil group (second sensor coil group) 200 in this figure is a sensor used on the upper side (near the pen side) of the display, and includes RX sensor coils R0 to R8.

[0335] (1) It is substantially transparent within the effective area AA.

[0336] (2) It is composed of only one side of the film.

[0337] (3) The adjacent RX coil sensors do not overlap with each other and have a gap therebetween.

[0338] (4) It has one turn (not wound multiple turns).

[0339] Features.

[0340] The outermost RX sensor coil R0 is composed of an opaque metal conductor disposed outside the effective area AA, namely the AA long side portion 201, a substantially transparent conductor (typically a mesh conductor) disposed inside the effective area AA, namely the AA long side portion 202, and an opaque metal conductor disposed outside the effective area AA, namely the connection conductor 203.

[0341] Similarly, the outermost RX sensor coil R8 is composed of an opaque metal conductor disposed outside the effective area AA, namely the AA long side portion 282, a substantially transparent conductor (typically a mesh conductor) disposed inside the effective area AA, namely the AA long side portion 281, and an opaque metal conductor disposed outside the effective area AA, namely the connection conductor 283.

[0342] The RX sensor coil R1 that is not located on the outermost side is composed of substantially transparent conductors (typically mesh conductors) disposed inside the effective area AA, namely the AA long side portions 211 and 212, and an opaque metal conductor disposed outside the effective area AA that connects them, namely the connection conductor 203.

[0343] Similarly, the non-outermost RX sensor coil R7 is also composed of a substantially transparent conductor (typically a mesh conductor) arranged inside the active area AA, namely the two AA long sides (221, 222, etc.), and an opaque metal conductor arranged outside the active area AA to connect them, namely the connecting conductor (223, etc.).

[0344] One end of each RX sensor coil of the RX sensor coil group (second sensor coil group) 200 is connected to the RX circuit 20 via the switch 21 , and the other end of each RX sensor coil is connected to a reference potential such as GND.

[0345] When a differential amplifier circuit is provided in the RX circuit 20 , one end and the other end of each RX sensor coil of the RX sensor coil group (second sensor coil group) 200 may be connected to the differential amplifier circuit.

[0346] <Structure of integrated sensor>

[0347] Figures 25 to 29 This figure illustrates the configuration of a position detector 1E including an integrated sensor (Integrated / Universal Sensor Module) that integrates a TX sensor coil group (first sensor coil group) 100 and an RX sensor coil group (second sensor coil group) 200 in a touch sensor.

[0348] The structure is Figure 22D This is useful in the case of a stacked structure called a so-called add-on touch panel provided on the upper side (pen side) of the display 300D.

[0349] Figure 25 This figure shows an example of a mesh pattern of a mesh electrode layer provided on one surface of a transparent substrate.

[0350] The mesh pattern forming the TX sensor coils T0 , . . . , T5 is composed of an island portion 611 , a peripheral portion 612 surrounding the island portion 611 , and a mesh connection portion 613 connecting the peripheral portions 612 in the extending direction of the transmission coil electrode T0 .

[0351] The mesh patterns where the TX sensor coils T0 , . . . , T5 are not formed are insulated in the mesh electrode layer and each consists of an island portion 621 and a peripheral portion 622 surrounding the island portion 621 , and are connected to each other via jumpers described later.

[0352] Figure 26 It is a jumper structure provided on the other side of the transparent substrate.

[0353] The jumper 701 is a wiring that constitutes the RX sensor coil ER1.

[0354] The jumper wire 702 is a jumper wire that connects the coils of the RX sensor coil group (second sensor coil group) to each other.

[0355] The jumper 703 is a jumper for configuring the touch electrode TR4 for performing touch detection based on electrostatic capacitance (mutual capacitance method).

[0356] Figure 27 Yes Figure 25 The mesh electrode layer and Figure 26 The jumpers overlay represents a diagram of the integrated sensor.

[0357] The integrated sensor performs (1) pen detection based on electromagnetic induction and (2) finger detection that detects a finger or the like using electrostatic capacitance (mutual capacitance).

[0358] Regarding TX (drive), (1) generation of a transmission magnetic field in pen detection based on electromagnetic induction and (2) generation of a transmission electric field in finger detection that detects a finger, etc. using electrostatic capacitance (mutual capacitance) are performed by TX sensor coils T0, ..., T4 that are commonly used in both methods.

[0359] Regarding RX (detection), (1) in order to detect pen signals, RX sensor coils ER0…ER5 constituting the RX sensor coil group (second sensor coil group) 200 are provided, and (2) as RX electrodes in the mutual capacitance method, touch detection electrodes TR0…TR4 for electrostatic touch are provided in addition to the RX sensor coil group (second sensor coil group).

[0360] <Operation during pen detection based on electromagnetic induction>

[0361] Figure 28 1E is a diagram showing the operation of the position detector 1E in a mode for performing pen detection by electromagnetic induction.

[0362] First, in the transmission period, the TX circuit 10 located on the left side of the figure is,

[0363] One end of the sensor coil ( T1 in the figure) selected by the switch 11 among the TX sensor coils T0 , . . . , T4 of the TX sensor coil group (first sensor coil group) 100 is driven by a positive phase signal via the TX terminal, and

[0364] One end of the sensor coil (T3 in the figure) selected by the switch 11 via the TX_inv terminal is driven by an inverted signal that generates a current change in opposite phase to the current change of the positive phase signal.

[0365] At the same time, the TX circuit 10 located on the right side of the figure is,

[0366] The other end of the sensor coil (T3 in the figure) selected by the switch 11 via the TX_inv terminal is driven by an inverted signal that generates a current change in opposite phase to the current change of the positive phase signal.

[0367] The other end of the sensor coil ( T1 in the figure) selected by the switch 11 among the TX sensor coils T0 , . . . , T4 of the TX sensor coil group (first sensor coil group) 100 is driven by a positive phase signal via the TX terminal.

[0368] This allows the aforementioned strong transmission magnetic field to be formed near the pen position (near T2 in the figure).

[0369] During the detection period following the transmission period, the RX circuit 20 connects the RX sensor coils ER2 and ER3 logically forming one loop coil to both ends of the differential amplifier circuit via the switch 21 and detects the signal level of the pen signal passing through the loop coil.

[0370] Afterwards, obtain Figure 1 and Figure 8 The two-dimensional heat map data (RXdata) described in the embodiment is used to derive the coordinates, area, tilt direction, etc. of the pen based on the two-dimensional heat map data.

[0371] <Operation during electrostatic capacitance (finger touch) detection using the electrostatic capacitance (mutual capacitance) detection method>

[0372] Figure 29 1E is a diagram showing the operation of the position detector 1E during capacitance (finger touch) detection based on the capacitance (mutual capacitance) detection method.

[0373] In the electrostatic capacitance detection operation, similarly to the detection of the electromagnetic induction method, the TX sensor coil electrodes T0 , . . . , T4 constituting the TX sensor coil group (first sensor coil group) 100 are used.

[0374] The TX circuit 10 on the left side of the figure drives one end of the TX sensor coil electrode T1 selected by the switch 11 with a positive-phase touch signal, while the TX circuit 10 on the right side of the figure drives the other end of the selected TX sensor coil electrode T1 with a positive-phase touch signal. This allows the desired potential (TX signal) to be supplied to the TX sensor coil electrode T1.

[0375] The RX circuit 20 detects a change in mutual capacitance at an intersection point (the intersection point of T1 and TR2 ) with respect to a reference value using the selected RX touch electrode TR2 .

[0376] The RX circuit 20 obtains the change in capacitance at each intersection as two-dimensional heat map data, and derives the position touched by the finger using calculations used in capacitance detection, such as centroid calculation.

[0377] Thus, according to the use of Figures 25 to 29 The integrated sensor position detector 1E, through a mesh sensor pattern group provided on a metal mesh layer and jumpers connecting them, can realize (1) generation of a magnetic field sent to a pen of electromagnetic induction method and detection of pen signals, and (2) detection of finger touch (change in electrostatic capacitance) based on electrostatic capacitance (mutual capacitance) method.

[0378] <Seventh embodiment>

[0379] use Figures 30 to 33 , the position detector 1F of this embodiment is described.

[0380] Note that the configuration of the position detector 1F is the same as that of the position detector 1B and the like according to the third embodiment, and therefore detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0381] The hardware structure of the position detector 1F in this embodiment is the same, and it obtains the level of the pen signal as a response to the alternating magnetic field from the pen, or the signal level corresponding to the capacitive coupling with the finger, and obtains information related to the position of the pen and information related to the position of the finger.

[0382] The position detector 1F of this embodiment includes: a first sensor coil group 100 including a plurality of conductive wires having a plurality of electrodes arranged in a first direction; a second sensor coil group 200 including a plurality of conductive wires having a plurality of electrodes arranged in a second direction intersecting the first direction; an alternating magnetic field generating unit 111 generating an alternating magnetic field from the first sensor coil group 100; a signal level acquiring unit (RX circuit 20) acquiring, using the second sensor coil group 200, a level of a pen signal in response to the alternating magnetic field from a position indicator that has accumulated energy due to the alternating magnetic field, or a signal level corresponding to capacitive coupling with a finger; and an information deriving unit (RX circuit 20) acquiring, using the level of the pen signal at each intersection of the plurality of electrodes of the first sensor coil group 100 and the plurality of electrodes of the second sensor coil group 200, or a signal level corresponding to capacitive coupling with a finger. The information related to the position of the pen or finger is derived by analyzing the two-dimensional distribution of the corresponding signal levels; the control unit controls the operation, and the control unit causes the alternating magnetic field generating unit 111 to use the first sensor coil group 100 to generate an alternating magnetic field a predetermined number of times while changing the position in the first direction. The control unit causes the signal level acquiring unit (RX circuit 20) to acquire the pen signal level as a response alternating magnetic field from the pen that has accumulated energy by the alternating magnetic field, or the signal level corresponding to the capacitive coupling with the finger, a predetermined number of times, and determines the scanning order for the next predetermined number of times so that one of the plurality of conductors arranged in the first direction of the first sensor coil group 100 having the largest signal level from the pen or the largest signal level corresponding to the capacitive coupling with the finger becomes the starting position.

[0383] In addition, in the position detector 1F according to this embodiment, as shown in FIG. Figure 32 As shown, the derivation process of the position information of the pen and the finger is performed alternately. In the derivation process of the position information of the pen, the alternating magnetic field generation process of the alternating magnetic field generation unit 111 is stopped after the predetermined energy is accumulated in the pen. After the stop, the signal level acquisition process of the signal level acquisition unit (RX circuit 20) that acquires the alternating magnetic field generated by the energy accumulated in the pen is performed. In the derivation process of the position information of the finger, the alternating magnetic field generation process of the alternating magnetic field generation unit 111 and the signal level acquisition process of the signal level acquisition unit (RX circuit 20) are continued during the same period.

[0384] Furthermore, in the position detector 1F of this embodiment, in the process of deriving the position information of the finger, the first sensor coil group 100 serves as a driving coil for generating an alternating magnetic field via the alternating magnetic field generating unit 111, and the second sensor coil group 200 serves as a receiving coil for receiving a signal corresponding to the capacitive coupling with the finger.

[0385] And, as Figure 33 (A) and Figure 33 As shown in (B), the second sensor coil groups 200 are each formed in a U-shape and operate as coils in the process of deriving the position information of the pen ( Figure 33 (A) ), in the process of deriving the finger position information, the open part of the U-shaped electrode is short-circuited and functions as a receiving electrode ( Figure 33 (B)).

[0386] <Processing of Position Detector 1F>

[0387] use Figure 30 、 Figure 31 , the processing of the position detector 1F of this embodiment is described.

[0388] <Processing when obtaining pen position information>

[0389] use Figure 30 Next, a description will be given of a process for obtaining position information of a pen in the position detector 1F of this embodiment.

[0390] During the process of deriving the pen position information, the alternating magnetic field generating unit 111 generates an alternating magnetic field a predetermined number of times while changing the position in the first direction (e.g., the arrangement direction of the TX sensor coil group (first sensor coil group) 100), for example, using a plurality of conductive wires of the sensor arranged in a first direction (e.g., the TX sensor coil group (first sensor coil group) 100). (Step S310).

[0391] The global scanning unit 112 acquires the level of the pen signal in response to the alternating magnetic field from the pen that has accumulated energy by the alternating magnetic field, for example, a predetermined number of times (step S320 ).

[0392] Based on the detection result of the global scanning unit 112, the scanning start position determination unit 113 determines the start position so that the level of the signal from the pen is the maximum, that is, one of the multiple wires arranged in the first direction (for example, the TX sensor coil group (first sensor coil group)) 100 of the sensor where the pen is presumed to be present is located (step S330).

[0393] For example, the scanning mode control unit 114 sets the scanning mode so that the scanning order is such that the conductive line next to the previously scanned conductive line is adjacent to the conductive line having the highest signal level from the pen.

[0394] Furthermore, for example, the scanning mode control unit 114 sets the scanning mode so that the scanning order is such that the wire next to the previously scanned wire is adjacent to the wire having the highest level of the own pen signal and the previously scanned wire is sequentially selected so as to cross the previously scanned wire (step S340 ).

[0395] Based on the processing result of step S340 , the position detector 1F selects one of the TX sensor coils in the TX sensor coil group (first sensor coil group) 100 that generates a transmission magnetic field by switching using the switch 11 , and drives the selected TX sensor coil via the TX circuit 10 to transmit the transmission magnetic field (step S110 ).

[0396] The position detector 1F obtains the levels of the pen signals at the positions of all the RX sensor coils after a certain transmission period, that is, after a period during which a predetermined amount of energy should be accumulated if a pen is present near the TX sensor coil.

[0397] The position detector 1F detects the level values ( 33 , 105 , 118 , 121 , 110 in the figure) of the pen signal in the region where the TX sensor coil T1 and the RX sensor coils R1 and R4 intersect (hereinafter referred to as the coil intersection region).

[0398] The position detector 1F sequentially switches the selection of the TX sensor coils based on the signal levels at the intersections of the coils, thereby obtaining two-dimensional heat map data RXdata (step S120 ).

[0399] <Processing When Obtaining Finger Position Information>

[0400] use Figure 31 Next, a description will be given of a process in which the position detector 1F of this embodiment acquires position information of a finger.

[0401] During the process of deriving the finger position information, the alternating magnetic field generating unit 111 generates an alternating magnetic field a predetermined number of times while changing the position in the first direction (e.g., the arrangement direction of the TX sensor coil group (first sensor coil group) 100), for example, using a plurality of conductive wires arranged in a first direction of the sensor (e.g., the TX sensor coil group (first sensor coil group) 100) (step S311).

[0402] The global scanning unit 112 obtains the signal level corresponding to the capacitive coupling with the finger, for example, a predetermined number of times (step S321 ).

[0403] Based on the detection result of the global scanning unit 112, the scanning start position determination unit 113 determines the start position so that one of the plurality of conductive wires arranged in the first direction (e.g., the TX sensor coil group (first sensor coil group)) 100 of the sensors where the signal level corresponding to the capacitive coupling with the finger is the highest, i.e., in the arrangement direction where the finger is estimated to be present, becomes one of the conductive wires (step S331).

[0404] For example, the scanning mode control unit 114 sets the scanning mode so that the scanning order is such that the conductive line next to the previously scanned conductive line is adjacent to the conductive line having the highest signal level corresponding to the capacitive coupling with the finger.

[0405] In addition, for example, the scanning mode control unit 114 sets the scanning mode (step S341) so that the scanning order is such that the next wire after the previously scanned wire is adjacent to the wire with the largest signal level corresponding to the capacitive coupling with the finger, and the selection is performed in sequence in a manner that crosses the previously scanned wire.

[0406] Based on the processing result of step S340 , the position detector 1F selects one of the TX sensor coils in the TX sensor coil group (first sensor coil group) 100 that generates a transmission magnetic field by switching using the switch 11 , and drives the selected TX sensor coil via the TX circuit 10 to transmit the transmission magnetic field (step S351 ).

[0407] While the position detector 1F is acquiring the position information of the finger, it obtains signal levels corresponding to the capacitive coupling with the finger at the positions of all the RX sensor coils.

[0408] The position detector 1F detects signal level values ( 33 , 105 , 118 , 121 , 110 in the figure) corresponding to capacitive coupling with the finger in a region where the TX sensor coil T1 and the RX sensor coils R1 and R4 intersect (hereinafter referred to as coil intersection region).

[0409] The position detector 1F sequentially switches the selection of the TX sensor coils based on the signal levels at the intersections of the coils, thereby obtaining two-dimensional heat map data RXdata (step S120 ).

[0410] <Function and Effect>

[0411] As described above, the position detector 1F of this embodiment includes: a first sensor coil group 100 including a plurality of conductive wires having a plurality of electrodes arranged in a first direction; a second sensor coil group 200 including a plurality of conductive wires having a plurality of electrodes arranged in a second direction intersecting the first direction; an alternating magnetic field generating unit 111 generating an alternating magnetic field from the first sensor coil group 100; a signal level acquiring unit (RX circuit 20) acquiring, using the second sensor coil group 200, a level of a pen signal in response to the alternating magnetic field from a position indicator that has accumulated energy by the alternating magnetic field, or a signal level corresponding to capacitive coupling with a finger; and an information deriving unit (RX circuit 20) acquiring, using the level of the pen signal at each intersection of the plurality of electrodes of the first sensor coil group 100 and the plurality of electrodes of the second sensor coil group 200, or a signal level corresponding to capacitive coupling with a finger. The invention relates to a control unit for deriving information related to the position of a pen or a finger by analyzing a two-dimensional distribution of a signal level corresponding to capacitive coupling with the finger; and a control unit for controlling the operation, wherein the control unit causes the alternating magnetic field generating unit 111 to generate an alternating magnetic field a predetermined number of times while changing the position in the first direction using the first sensor coil group 100, and causes the signal level acquiring unit (RX circuit 20) to acquire a pen signal level as a response alternating magnetic field from the pen that has accumulated energy by the alternating magnetic field, or a signal level corresponding to capacitive coupling with the finger, a predetermined number of times, and determines a scanning order for the next predetermined number of times so that one of the plurality of conductive wires arranged in the first direction of the first sensor coil group 100 having the largest signal level from the pen or the largest signal level corresponding to capacitive coupling with the finger becomes the starting position.

[0412] That is, the position detector 1F involved in this embodiment performs a global scan and determines the scanning order of the next specified number of times so that one of the multiple conductors arranged in the first direction of the sensor having the largest signal level from the pen or the signal level corresponding to the capacitive coupling with the finger becomes the starting position.

[0413] This is based on the knowledge that when acquiring position information of a pen, finger, or the like that moves quickly, if it takes time to drive the sensor, jitter will occur in the acquired data.

[0414] Specifically, it is known that when writing or drawing with a pen is performed at high speed, coordinate accuracy deteriorates, causing fluctuations in the drawn line.

[0415] On the other hand, the important information in coordinate calculation is the data with the highest signal strength directly below the pen or finger. The farther away from this data, the weaker its contribution to coordinate calculation.

[0416] Therefore, by determining the scanning order for the next specified number of times in such a way that one of the multiple conductors arranged in the first direction of the sensor having the highest level of the signal from the pen or the signal level corresponding to the capacitive coupling with the finger becomes the starting position, the accuracy of coordinate derivation can be improved.

[0417] In addition, after the processing, the multiple wires arranged in the first direction of the sensor (for example, TX sensor coils T0, T1, ..., T4) are used only to generate an alternating magnetic field, and the multiple electrodes arranged in a second direction intersecting the first direction (for example, RX sensor coils R0, R1, ..., R4) are used. The levels of the pen signals at each intersection of the multiple wires arranged in the first direction of the sensor and the multiple electrodes arranged in the second direction intersecting the first direction, or the two-dimensional distribution of the signal levels corresponding to the capacitive coupling with the finger, are used to derive information related to the position of the pen or finger.

[0418] Therefore, by using the level of the pen signal or the two-dimensional distribution of the signal level corresponding to the capacitive coupling with the finger, the accuracy of coordinate derivation can be improved.

[0419] Furthermore, since control corresponding to the characteristics can be executed with the same hardware configuration, coordinate information of the pen and coordinate information of the finger can be acquired, high-precision coordinate information can be detected while reducing costs.

[0420] In the position detector 1F of this embodiment, the derivation processing of the position information of the pen and the finger is performed alternately. In the derivation processing of the position information of the pen, the alternating magnetic field generation processing of the alternating magnetic field generating unit 111 is stopped after the specified period of energy accumulation in the pen. After the stop, the signal level acquisition processing of the signal level acquisition unit (RX circuit 20) for acquiring the alternating magnetic field generated by the energy accumulated in the pen is executed. In the derivation processing of the position information of the finger, the alternating magnetic field generation processing of the alternating magnetic field generating unit 111 and the signal level acquisition processing of the signal level acquisition unit (RX circuit 20) are continued during the same period.

[0421] That is, Figure 32 As shown, the derivation process of the position information of the pen or the finger is performed alternately. In the derivation process of the position information of the pen, the alternating magnetic field generation process of the alternating magnetic field generation unit 111 is stopped after the predetermined energy is accumulated in the pen. After the stop, the signal level acquisition process of the signal level acquisition unit (RX circuit 20) that acquires the alternating magnetic field generated by the energy accumulated in the pen is performed. In the derivation process of the position information of the finger, the alternating magnetic field generation process of the alternating magnetic field generation unit 111 and the signal level acquisition process of the signal level acquisition unit (RX circuit 20) are continued during the same period.

[0422] Since control corresponding to the characteristics can be executed with the same hardware configuration, it is possible to reduce costs and detect highly accurate coordinate information.

[0423] In the position detector 1F of this embodiment, in the process of deriving finger position information, the first sensor coil group 100 serves as a driving coil for generating an alternating magnetic field via the alternating magnetic field generating unit 111, and the second sensor coil group 200 serves as a receiving coil for receiving a signal corresponding to capacitive coupling with the finger.

[0424] That is, even with the same hardware configuration, appropriate control can be performed according to the detection object, so that high-precision coordinate information can be detected while reducing costs.

[0425] In the position detector 1F of this embodiment, the second sensor coil groups 200 are each formed in a U-shape and operate as coils in the process of deriving the position information of the pen ( Figure 33 (A) In the process of deriving the finger position information, the open part of the U-shaped electrode is short-circuited and functions as a receiving electrode ( Figure 33 (B)).

[0426] That is, in detecting the position information of the finger, if the coil has a U-shaped shape, the length of the conductive wire forming the coil becomes longer, and the detection sensitivity decreases due to the capacitance generated thereby.

[0427] However, in the position detector 1F of the present embodiment, the U-shaped open portion is short-circuited and functions as one receiving electrode, so that the detection sensitivity does not decrease.

[0428] Therefore, it is possible to detect high-precision coordinate information while reducing costs.

[0429] Furthermore, the position detectors 1 and 1A to 1E of the present invention can be implemented by recording the processing of the TX circuits 10, 10A, 10B, 10C, and 10D on a recording medium readable by a computer system, and causing the TX circuits 10, 10A to 10E to read and execute the program recorded on the recording medium. The computer system herein includes hardware such as an operating system and peripheral devices.

[0430] Furthermore, if a "computer system" utilizes the WWW (World Wide Web) system, this also includes a homepage provision environment (or display environment). Furthermore, the program may be transmitted from a computer system storing the program on a storage device, etc., to another computer system via a transmission medium or by transmission waves in the transmission medium. Here, the "transmission medium" for transmitting the program refers to a medium capable of transmitting information, such as a network (communication network) such as the Internet or a communication line (communication line) such as a telephone line.

[0431] Furthermore, the program may be used to implement a portion of the functions described above, or may be a so-called differential file (differential program) that can implement the functions described above by combining it with a program already stored in a computer system.

[0432] Although the embodiment of the present invention has been described in detail with reference to the drawings, the specific configuration is not limited to the embodiment and includes designs and the like that do not depart from the scope of the present invention.

[0433] <Supplementary Note 1>

[0434] A position detector comprising: one or more processors; one or more memories communicatively connected to the one or more processors; a first sensor coil assembly comprising a plurality of wires having a plurality of electrodes arranged in a first direction; and a second sensor coil assembly comprising a plurality of wires having a plurality of electrodes arranged in a second direction intersecting the first direction.

[0435] The one or more processors include:

[0436] an alternating magnetic field generating unit for generating an alternating magnetic field from the first sensor coil group;

[0437] a pen signal level acquisition unit that uses the second sensor coil group to acquire a level of a pen signal that is a response to the alternating magnetic field from a position indicator that has accumulated energy by the alternating magnetic field;

[0438] The information deriving unit derives information related to the position of the position indicator using a two-dimensional distribution of the level of the pen signal at each intersection of the plurality of conductive wires of the first sensor coil group and the plurality of electrodes of the second sensor coil group.

[0439] <Supplementary Note 2>

[0440] A position detector comprising: one or more processors; one or more memories communicatively connected to the one or more processors; a first sensor coil assembly comprising a plurality of wires having a plurality of electrodes arranged in a first direction; and a second sensor coil assembly comprising a plurality of wires having a plurality of electrodes arranged in a second direction intersecting the first direction.

[0441] The one or more processors include:

[0442] an alternating magnetic field generating unit for generating an alternating magnetic field from the first sensor coil group;

[0443] a pen signal level acquisition unit that uses the second sensor coil group to acquire a level of a pen signal that is a response to the alternating magnetic field from a position indicator that has accumulated energy by the alternating magnetic field;

[0444] an information deriving unit that derives information related to the position of the position indicator using a two-dimensional distribution of the level of the pen signal at each intersection of the plurality of conductive wires of the first sensor coil group and the plurality of electrodes of the second sensor coil group; and

[0445] The control unit that controls the action,

[0446] The control unit causes the alternating magnetic field generating unit to use the first sensor coil group to generate the alternating magnetic field a predetermined number of times while changing the position in the first direction, and causes the pen signal level acquiring unit to acquire the level of the pen signal in response to the alternating magnetic field from the pen that has stored energy through the alternating magnetic field, or the signal level corresponding to the capacitive coupling with the finger, the predetermined number of times, and determines the next scanning order of the predetermined number of times so that one of the multiple conductors arranged in the first direction of the first sensor coil group having the largest signal level from the pen or the largest signal level corresponding to the capacitive coupling with the finger becomes the starting position.

[0447] [Explanation of Reference Numerals]

[0448] 1: Position detector

[0449] 1A: Position detector

[0450] 1B: Position detector

[0451] 1C: Position detector

[0452] 1D: Position detector

[0453] 1E: Position detector

[0454] 1F: Position detector

[0455] 10: TX circuit

[0456] 10A: TX circuit

[0457] 10B: TX circuit

[0458] 10C: TX circuit

[0459] 11: Switch

[0460] 12: Switch

[0461] 20: RX circuit

[0462] 20A: RX circuit

[0463] 21: Switch

[0464] 100; TX sensor coil group (first sensor coil group)

[0465] 111: Alternating magnetic field generation unit

[0466] 112: Global Scanning Department

[0467] 113: Scanning start position determination unit

[0468] 114: Scanning mode control unit

[0469] 114A: Scanning mode control unit

[0470] 114B: Scanning mode control unit

[0471] 120~135; TX electrode

[0472] 130: Connecting conductor

[0473] 200; RX sensor coil assembly (second sensor coil assembly)

[0474] 201;AA outer edge

[0475] 202;AA long side

[0476] 203: Connecting conductor

[0477] 211;AA long side

[0478] 212;AA long side

[0479] 281;AA long side

[0480] 282;AA outer edge

[0481] 283: Connecting conductor

[0482] 300: Display

[0483] 300B: Display

[0484] 300C: Display

[0485] 300D; display

[0486] 300E: Display

[0487] 300F: Display

[0488] 611: Island Department

[0489] 612: Peripheral Department Peripheral Department

[0490] 613: Network connection department

[0491] 621: Island Department

[0492] 622: Peripheral Department Peripheral Department

[0493] 701; Jumper

[0494] AA: Valid area.

Claims

1. A position detection method is a position detection method in a position detector, wherein the position detector comprises: A first sensor coil assembly includes a plurality of conductive wires having a plurality of electrodes arranged in a first direction; and a second sensor coil assembly including a plurality of conductive wires having a plurality of electrodes arranged in a second direction intersecting the first direction, wherein: In a first step, the position detector generates an alternating magnetic field from the first sensor coil group; In a second step, the position detector uses at least the second sensor coil group to obtain a level of a pen signal in response to the alternating magnetic field from the pen that has accumulated energy due to the alternating magnetic field; and In a third step, the position detector derives information related to the position of the pen using a two-dimensional distribution of the level of the pen signal at each intersection of the plurality of electrodes of the first sensor coil group and the plurality of electrodes of the second sensor coil group.

2. The position detection method according to claim 1, wherein: The information related to the position of the pen includes either an inclination of the pen relative to a normal line of a sensor plane or a direction of the inclination of the pen relative to the sensor plane.

3. The position detection method according to claim 2, wherein: In the third step, the position detector derives either an inclination of the pen with respect to a normal line of the sensor plane or a direction of the inclination of the pen with respect to the sensor plane based on the asymmetry of the two-dimensional distribution.

4. The position detection method according to claim 3, wherein: The third step includes: In a fourth step, the position detector obtains a first reference position indicated by the pen tip of the pen; In a fifth step, the position detector obtains a second reference position that is convex upward or convex downward; and In a sixth step, the position detector derives a direction of the inclination of the pen relative to the sensor plane based on the direction of the second reference position relative to the first reference position.

5. The position detection method according to claim 4, wherein: The third step includes: In a seventh step, the position detector derives the tilt of the pen relative to the normal to the sensor plane based on the level intensity of the pen signal at the first reference position and the level intensity of the pen signal at the second reference position.

6. The position detection method according to claim 1, wherein: The first step includes: In an eighth step, the position detector generates the alternating magnetic field a predetermined number of times while changing the position in the first direction using the first sensor coil group; and In the ninth step, the position detector obtains the level of the pen signal in response to the alternating magnetic field from the pen that has stored energy through the alternating magnetic field for the prescribed number of times, respectively, and determines the scanning order for the next prescribed number of times in such a manner that one of the plurality of conductors arranged in the first direction of the first sensor coil group having the largest level of the signal from the pen becomes the starting position.

7. The position detection method according to claim 6, wherein: In the first step, The position detector sets the scanning order so that the next conductive line after the previously scanned conductive line is the conductive line adjacent to the conductive line having the highest level of the signal from the pen.

8. The position detection method according to claim 6, wherein: In the first step, The position detector sets the scanning order such that the next conductive line after the previously scanned conductive line is the conductive line adjacent to the conductive line having the highest level of the signal from the pen, and sequentially selects conductive lines across the previously scanned conductive lines.

9. The position detection method according to claim 6, wherein: In the ninth step, The position detector uses the plurality of electrodes arranged in a second direction different from the first direction and respectively crossing the one conductive wire to obtain the level of the pen signal as the response alternating magnetic field from the pen that has stored energy by the alternating magnetic field, respectively, the predetermined number of times.

10. The position detection method according to claim 8, wherein: In the first step, When the area to be scanned exceeds an arrangement area of the plurality of conductive lines arranged in the first direction, the position detector expands the area to be scanned to an area exceeding the arrangement area.

11. The position detection method according to claim 8, wherein: In the first step, When the scanning area exceeds the arrangement area of the plurality of conductive lines arranged in the first direction, the position detector extends the scanning area exceeding the arrangement area to an area opposite to an end of the arrangement area.

12. A position detection method, comprising: A first sensor coil assembly includes a plurality of conductive wires having a plurality of electrodes arranged in a first direction; and a second sensor coil assembly including a plurality of conductive wires having a plurality of electrodes arranged in a second direction intersecting the first direction, wherein: In a first step, the position detector generates an alternating magnetic field from the first sensor coil group; In a second step, the position detector uses at least the second sensor coil group to obtain a level of a pen signal in response to the alternating magnetic field from the pen that has accumulated energy by the alternating magnetic field, or a signal level corresponding to capacitive coupling with a finger; and In a third step, the position detector derives information related to the position of the pen or the finger using the level of the pen signal at each intersection of the plurality of electrodes of the first sensor coil group and the plurality of electrodes of the second sensor coil group, or a two-dimensional distribution of signal levels corresponding to capacitive coupling with the finger. The first step includes: In a fourth step, the position detector generates the alternating magnetic field a predetermined number of times while changing the position in the first direction using the first sensor coil group; and In the fifth step, the position detector obtains the level of the pen signal in response to the alternating magnetic field from the pen that has stored energy through the alternating magnetic field, or the signal level corresponding to the capacitive coupling with the finger, for the prescribed number of times, and determines the scanning order for the next prescribed number of times in such a manner that one of the plurality of conductors arranged in the first direction of the first sensor coil group with the largest level of the signal from the pen becomes the starting position.

13. The position detection method according to claim 12, wherein: alternately executing the process of deriving the position information of the pen and the finger, Regarding the derivation process of the position information of the pen, after the period of accumulating a specified amount of energy in the pen through the first process has passed, the first process is stopped, and after the first process is stopped, the second process is executed. Regarding the derivation process of the position information of the finger, the first process and the second process are executed at the same timing.

14. A position detector comprising: A first sensor coil assembly includes a plurality of conductive wires having a plurality of electrodes arranged in a first direction; a second sensor coil assembly including a plurality of conductive wires having a plurality of electrodes arranged in a second direction intersecting the first direction; an alternating magnetic field generating unit for generating an alternating magnetic field from the first sensor coil group; a pen signal level acquisition unit that uses the second sensor coil group to acquire a level of a pen signal that is a response to the alternating magnetic field from a position indicator that has accumulated energy by the alternating magnetic field; as well as The information deriving unit derives information related to the position of the position indicator using a two-dimensional distribution of the level of the pen signal at each intersection of the plurality of conductive wires of the first sensor coil group and the plurality of electrodes of the second sensor coil group.

15. A position detector comprising: A first sensor coil assembly includes a plurality of conductive wires having a plurality of electrodes arranged in a first direction; a second sensor coil assembly including a plurality of conductive wires having a plurality of electrodes arranged in a second direction intersecting the first direction; an alternating magnetic field generating unit for generating an alternating magnetic field from the first sensor coil group; a signal level acquisition unit that acquires, using the second sensor coil group, a level of a pen signal in response to the alternating magnetic field from a position indicator energized by the alternating magnetic field, or a signal level corresponding to capacitive coupling with a finger; an information deriving unit for deriving information related to the position of the pen or the finger using the level of the pen signal at each intersection of the plurality of electrodes of the first sensor coil group and the plurality of electrodes of the second sensor coil group, or a two-dimensional distribution of signal levels corresponding to capacitive coupling with the finger; as well as Control unit, control action, The control unit causes the alternating magnetic field generating unit to use the first sensor coil group to generate the alternating magnetic field a predetermined number of times while changing the position in the first direction, and causes the signal level acquiring unit to acquire the level of the pen signal in response to the alternating magnetic field from the pen that has stored energy through the alternating magnetic field, or the signal level corresponding to the capacitive coupling with the finger, the predetermined number of times, so as to determine the next scanning order of the predetermined number of times in such a manner that one of the plurality of conductors arranged in the first direction of the first sensor coil group having the largest signal level from the pen or the largest signal level corresponding to the capacitive coupling with the finger becomes the starting position.

16. The position detector according to claim 15, wherein alternately executing the process of deriving the position information of the pen and the finger, In the process of deriving the position information of the pen, the alternating magnetic field generation process of the alternating magnetic field generating unit is stopped after being executed for a period of time during which a specified amount of energy is accumulated in the pen. After the process of stopping, the signal level acquisition process of the signal level acquisition unit is executed. In the process of deriving the position information of the finger, the alternating magnetic field generation process of the alternating magnetic field generating unit and the signal level acquisition process of the signal level acquisition unit are executed at the same timing.

17. The position detector according to claim 16, wherein: In the process of deriving the finger position information, the first sensor coil group serves as a drive coil for generating an alternating magnetic field by the alternating magnetic field generating unit, and the second sensor coil group serves as a receiving coil for receiving a signal corresponding to capacitive coupling with the finger.

18. The position detector according to claim 17, wherein: The second sensor coil groups are each formed in a U-shape. In the process of deriving the position information of the pen, each operates as a coil. In the process of deriving the position information of the finger, the open portion of the U-shape is short-circuited and functions as one receiving electrode.

19. An integrated circuit for deriving information related to a position indicated by a position indicator, wherein: The integrated circuit is connected to a first sensor coil group and a second sensor coil group, the first sensor coil group including a plurality of wires having a plurality of electrodes arranged in a first direction, and the second sensor coil group including a plurality of wires having a plurality of electrodes arranged in a second direction intersecting the first direction. An alternating magnetic field is generated from the first sensor coil group, and the second sensor coil group is used to obtain the level of a pen signal as a response to the alternating magnetic field from the position indicator that has stored energy by the alternating magnetic field. Information related to the position of the position indicator is derived using a two-dimensional distribution of the level of the pen signal at each intersection of the multiple wires of the first sensor coil group and the multiple electrodes of the second sensor coil group.

20. An integrated circuit for deriving information related to a position indicated by a position indicator, wherein: An alternating magnetic field is generated by a first sensor coil group, and a second sensor coil group is used to obtain a level of a pen signal as a response to the alternating magnetic field from a position indicator that has accumulated energy due to the alternating magnetic field, or a signal level corresponding to capacitive coupling with a finger. Information related to the position of a pen or finger is derived using a two-dimensional distribution of the pen signal level or the signal level corresponding to capacitive coupling with the finger at each intersection of multiple electrodes of the first sensor coil group and multiple electrodes of the second sensor coil group. When obtaining the pen signal level or the signal level corresponding to capacitive coupling with the finger, the first sensor coil group is used to generate the alternating magnetic field a predetermined number of times while changing the position in the first direction. The pen signal level as a response to the alternating magnetic field from the pen that has accumulated energy due to the alternating magnetic field, or the signal level corresponding to capacitive coupling with the finger, is obtained each predetermined number of times. The order of scanning for the next predetermined number of times is determined such that one of the multiple conductors of the first sensor coil group arranged in the first direction having the highest signal level from the pen becomes the starting position.

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