Position input system, position indicator, and communication method

Abstract

The invention provides a position input system, a position indicator, and a communication method, which can more effectively execute wireless communication using at least a master-slave system when a plurality of position detection devices are connected to one position indicator. The position indicator (20) is provided with: a wireless communication circuit (22) that performs wireless communication using a master-slave system with each of the position detection devices (30); and a controller (21) that is connected to the wireless communication circuit (22) and that performs communication control on the wireless communication circuit (22) so as to switch the functions of the master and slave devices in accordance with the number of connected position detection devices (30) connected at the same time.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present application relates to a position input system, a position indicator, and a communication method. BACKGROUND

[0002] In the past, an input system constituted by an electronic pen (or stylus) as a position indicator and an electronic device equipped with a pen sensor in a surface shape is known. A communication method in which data is transmitted and received via a wireless communication unit different from communication for detection of an indication position of the electronic pen is proposed.

[0003] In Patent Literature 1, a pairing method is disclosed in which a transmission source of data received via wireless communication with a relatively wide communication range is determined using information shared by communication with a relatively narrow communication range.

[0004] PRIOR ART DOCUMENTS

[0005] PATENT LITERATURE

[0006] Patent Literature 1: Japanese Patent No. 6914267 SUMMARY

[0007] PROBLEMS TO BE SOLVED BY THE INVENTION

[0008] However, in Patent Literature 1, only a network structure in which a plurality of position indicators are connected to one position detection device is assumed, and no mention is made of the opposite network structure. For example, in a case where a plurality of position detection devices are connected to one position indicator, when wireless communication using a master-slave system and / or a polling system is performed, there is room for technical improvement.

[0009] The present application has been achieved in view of such a problem, and aims to provide a position input system, a position indicator, and a communication method in which wireless communication using a master-slave system can be at least more efficiently performed in a case where a plurality of position detection devices are connected to one position indicator.

[0010] MEANS FOR SOLVING THE PROBLEMS

[0011] The position input system in the first mode of the present application is constituted by a position indicator for indicating a position and a plurality of position detection devices that accept the indication by the position indicator, wherein the position indicator is equipped with a wireless communication circuit that performs wireless communication using a master-slave system between each of the position detection devices, and a controller that is connected to the wireless communication circuit and performs communication control of the wireless communication circuit in a manner that switches a role of a master and a slave according to the number of connected position detection devices that are connected at the same time.

[0012] The position indicator in the second aspect of the present invention is used in conjunction with multiple position detection devices that receive position indications. The position indicator includes: a wireless communication circuit that performs wireless communication with each of the position detection devices in a master-slave manner; and a controller connected to the wireless communication circuit and performing communication control on the wireless communication circuit in a manner that switches the role of master and slave device according to the number of simultaneously connected position detection devices.

[0013] The communication method in the third aspect of the present invention uses a location input system, which comprises a location indicator for indicating a location and multiple location detection devices for receiving the indication from the location indicator. The communication method includes the following steps: the location indicator performs wireless communication with each of the location detection devices in a master-slave manner; and the location indicator or the location detection device switches between master and slave functions according to the number of simultaneously connected location detection devices.

[0014] Invention Effects

[0015] According to the present invention, when multiple position detection devices are connected to one position indicator, wireless communication using a master-slave method can be performed more efficiently. Attached Figure Description

[0016] Figure 1 This is a diagram illustrating the structure of a position input system according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0017] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 The diagram shown is a simplified block diagram of the electronic pen and tablet terminal.

[0018] Figure 3 This is a diagram showing the connection status of the electronic pen and tablet terminal in the comparative example.

[0019] Figure 4 It means Figure 3 A timing diagram of an example of the communication results in the comparative example.

[0020] Figure 5 It means Figure 1 and Figure 2 The flowchart shows the first action performed by the position input system.

[0021] Figure 6 It means Figure 1 and Figure 2 The flowchart shows the second action performed by the position input system.

[0022] Figure 7 It means based on Figure 5 and Figure 6The flowchart is an example of how rules are assigned.

[0023] Figure 8 This is a diagram showing the connection status of the electronic pen and tablet terminal in the embodiment.

[0024] Figure 9 It means Figure 7 A timing diagram of an example of the communication results in the embodiment.

[0025] Figure 10 yes Figure 5 A detailed flowchart of the first action.

[0026] Figure 11 It is a graph representing the connection state before the connection is established.

[0027] Figure 12 It is a graph representing the connection state after the connection is established.

[0028] Figure 13 This is a diagram illustrating an example of how the polling interval is set.

[0029] Label Explanation

[0030] 10… Position input system, 20… Electronic pen (position indicator), 21… Pen controller (controller), 22… Communication chip (wireless communication circuit), 23… Power module, 24… Receiving circuit, 25… Transmitting circuit, 26… MCU, 30… Tablet terminal (position detection device), 30c… Connected terminal, 30n… Unconnected terminal, 30t… Target terminal, 31… Area sensor, 32… Sensor controller, 33… Main processor, 34… Communication chip Detailed Implementation

[0031] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. For ease of understanding, the same reference numerals will be used as much as possible to denote the same constituent elements in each drawing, and repeated descriptions will be omitted. Furthermore, the term "part" may be replaced with other terms such as unit, module, device, or element.

[0032] [Structure of Position Input System 10]

[0033] <System Structure>

[0034] Figure 1This is a diagram illustrating the structure of a location input system 10 according to one embodiment of the present invention. The location input system 10 is configured, for example, to provide a "digital ink service" that processes the handwritten content of a user U as digital data. Specifically, the location input system 10 is configured to include an electronic pen 20 (equivalent to a "location indicator") and multiple tablet terminals 30 (equivalent to "location detection devices") used with the electronic pen 20.

[0035] The electronic pen 20 is a pen-shaped pointing device configured to communicate unidirectionally or bidirectionally with the tablet terminal 30. In this embodiment, the electronic pen 20 is an active electrostatic coupling (AES) stylus. The electronic pen 20 and the tablet terminal 30 are electrostatically capacitively coupled to each other via electrostatic capacitance.

[0036] The tablet terminal 30 is a tablet-type computer with or without a display function, and is a position detection device that receives position indications from the electronic pen 20. In addition to the tablet terminal 30, the position detection device can also be [1] a general-purpose computer such as a smartphone, personal computer, or wearable device, or [2] a paper-like device specifically designed for pen detection. Furthermore, the position detection device can also be [1] a device installed in a building (e.g., home appliances, furniture, supplies, etc.), or [2] a device that forms part of a building (e.g., walls, floors, windows, pillars, etc.).

[0037] The electronic pen 20 and the tablet terminal 30 communicate in a two-way digital wireless manner through a communication unit different from the communication used to detect the indicated position. Examples of digital wireless communication include Bluetooth, BLE (Bluetooth Low Energy), or UWB (Ultra-Wide Band). By establishing a connection between the electronic pen 20 and the tablet terminal 30, a small-scale network NT can be constructed, which may be [1] one-to-one, [2] one-to-many, or [3] many-to-many.

[0038] In the following descriptions, to clearly indicate the connection status with the electronic pen 20, the writing tablet terminal 30 will sometimes be distinguished. The tablet terminal 30 that has established a small-scale network NT with the electronic pen 20 will be referred to as "connected terminal 30c". The tablet terminal 30 that wants to establish a connection with the electronic pen 20 will be referred to as "target terminal 30t". The tablet terminal 30 that has not established a small-scale network NT with the electronic pen 20 will be referred to as "unconnected terminal 30n".

[0039] Figure 2 yes Figure 1The diagram shows a schematic block diagram of the electronic pen 20 and the tablet terminal 30. The electronic pen 20 is configured to include a pen controller 21 (equivalent to a "controller"), a communication chip 22 (equivalent to a "wireless communication circuit"), and a power module 23. The tablet terminal 30 is configured to include a planar sensor 31, a sensor controller 32, a main processor 33, and a communication chip 34.

[0040] The pen controller 21 is one or more circuit boards used to perform control related to various actions of the electronic pen 20. Specifically, the pen controller 21 is configured to include a receiving circuit 24, a transmitting circuit 25, and a microcontroller unit (MCU 26).

[0041] The receiving circuit 24 is the circuit that outputs the uplink signal US to the MCU 26 after it is input via the pen electrode (not shown). Specifically, the receiving circuit 24 is configured to include: analog circuitry, including an amplifier circuit and an AD (Analog-Digital) conversion circuit; and digital circuitry, including a matched filter and a data recovery unit.

[0042] The transmitting circuit 25 is a circuit that outputs the downlink signal DS to the pen electrode (not shown) after generating the downlink signal DS. Specifically, the transmitting circuit 25 is configured to include: an oscillation circuit that generates a carrier signal that vibrates at a predetermined frequency; and a modulation circuit that modulates the carrier signal using data contained in the control signal from the MCU 26.

[0043] MCU26 is a control unit that includes a processor capable of controlling various actions of the electronic pen 20. For example, MCU26 performs [1] control of receiving uplink signal US, [2] control of transmitting downlink signal DS, or [3] control of transmitting and receiving data via communication chip 22.

[0044] The communication chip 22 is an integrated circuit used for digital wireless communication with external devices according to various wireless communication standards, including Bluetooth (registered trademark), BLE, or UWB. Thus, the electronic pen 20 can exchange various types of data with the tablet terminal 30 via the communication chip 22.

[0045] The power module 23 is a component used to supply driving power to the electronic components or electronic elements installed on the pen controller 21. The power module 23 is configured, for example, to include an energy storage unit such as a battery or capacitor and a PMIC (Power Management Integrated Circuit) responsible for the power management of the energy storage unit.

[0046] The planar sensor 31 of the tablet terminal 30 is an electrostatic capacitive touch sensor in which multiple sensor electrodes are arranged in a planar shape. This planar sensor 31 is configured, for example, to include multiple X-line electrodes for detecting the position along the X-axis of the sensor coordinate system and multiple Y-line electrodes for detecting the position along the Y-axis. Each line electrode can be made of a transparent conductive material containing ITO (Indium Tin Oxide), or it can be made of a metal mesh sensor. Alternatively, the planar sensor 31 can be a self-capacitive sensor in which block-shaped electrodes are arranged in a two-dimensional lattice, instead of the aforementioned mutual capacitance sensor.

[0047] The sensor controller 32, connected to the surface sensor 31, is a circuit board used to control communication with the electronic pen 20 via the surface sensor 31. Specifically, the sensor controller 32 sends an uplink signal US to the electronic pen 20 and receives a downlink signal DS from the electronic pen 20 to detect the indicated position of the electronic pen 20. Thus, the sensor controller 32 performs a "pen detection function" to detect the state of the electronic pen 20. In the case where the surface sensor 31 is a capacitive touch sensor, the sensor controller 32 also performs a "touch detection function" to detect the presence and location of touches made by a passive pointer such as a finger of the user U.

[0048] The main processor 33 is composed of a computing device including a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit), or an MPU (Micro-Processing Unit). The main processor 33 can perform various functions, such as digital ink generation and data transmission / reception control, by reading and executing programs stored in a memory (not shown).

[0049] Like communication chip 22, communication chip 34 is an integrated circuit used for digital wireless communication with external devices according to various communication standards, including Bluetooth (registered trademark), BLE, or UWB. Thus, tablet terminal 30 can exchange various types of data with electronic pen 20 via communication chip 34.

[0050] In the aforementioned wireless communication, when multiple devices cooperate, a "master-slave" approach is used. This approach assigns control (hereinafter referred to as the "master") to one device and the controlled (hereinafter referred to as the "slave") to the remaining devices. The terms master / slave are not limited to these; they can also be master / secondary, master / replica, parent / child, manager / worker. For example, in the case of BLE, the master corresponds to the "central" and the slave corresponds to the "peripheral."

[0051] In addition, the aforementioned wireless communication can also employ a "polling method" where multiple devices are periodically polled sequentially, and transmission and reception are performed under certain conditions. In wireless communication combined with a master-slave method, the master sends a polling signal to the slave device, and the slave device sends its response signal back to the master.

[0052] [Action of Position Input System 10]

[0053] The location input system 10 in this embodiment is configured as described above. Next, refer to... Figures 3-12 The operation of the position input system 10 is explained.

[0054] <Explanation of Comparative Examples>

[0055] Figure 3 This diagram illustrates the connection status of the electronic pen 2 and tablet terminal 3 in the comparative example. Here, the letter "M" enclosed in a box indicates a state where the corresponding device is assigned the function of a "master" device. Furthermore, the letter "S" enclosed in a box indicates a state where the corresponding device is assigned the function of a "slave" device. The following will refer to... Figure 8 , Figure 11 as well as Figure 12 The same.

[0056] First, electronic pen 2 (hereinafter referred to as "pen P") is connected to the first tablet terminal 3 (hereinafter referred to as "terminal A") via a small-scale network NT1. Terminal A is designated as the host, and pen P as the slave. Next, electronic pen 2 and the second tablet terminal 3 (hereinafter referred to as "terminal B") are connected via a different small-scale network NT2. Terminal B is designated as the host, and pen P as the slave. The following scenario envisions data exchange between pen P and the two terminals A and B using a polling method.

[0057] Figure 4 It means Figure 3 A timing diagram of an example of communication results in the comparative examples. Figure 4 In the example, the timing related to polling by terminal A and pen P is divided into 14 time periods t1 to t14. Terminal A, acting as the "master," sends a polling data packet Tx1 for the small network NT1 in the odd-numbered time periods and receives a response data packet Tx from pen P in the even-numbered time periods. Pen P, acting as the "slave," receives the polling data packet Tx1 in the odd-numbered time periods and sends a data packet (hereinafter, the response data packet Tx) in response to the polling data packet Tx1 in the even-numbered time periods. Through this periodic polling, pen P can periodically supply its held pen information (e.g., pen pressure or remaining battery power) to terminal A.

[0058] exist Figure 4 In the example, polling is further performed between terminal B and pen P. Terminal B, acting as the "master," sends a polling data packet Tx2 applied to the small-scale network NT2 and receives a response data packet Tx from pen P. Pen P, acting as the "slave," receives the polling data packet Tx2 and sends a response data packet Tx in response to the polling data packet Tx2.

[0059] For example, consider a scenario where different polling intervals are set for each small network NT1 and NT2. During the non-overlapping timebands of the two types of polling, pen P can selectively receive polling packets Tx1 and Tx2. Figure 4 In the example, terminal A can obtain the pen information of pen P by receiving response data packets Tx during the time periods t1, t3, t5, t11, and t13 when pen P receives polling data packets Tx1 (time periods t2, t4, t6, t12, and t14).

[0060] However, during the time period when the two types of polling conflict, the earlier polling is valid, and the later polling is invalid. Figure 4 In the example, during the time periods t7 and t9 when pen P fails to receive the polling data packet Tx1, terminal A cannot obtain the pen information possessed by pen P (time periods t8 and t10). On the other hand, during the time periods t7 and t9 when pen P receives the polling data packet Tx2, terminal B can obtain the pen information possessed by pen P by receiving the response data packet Tx (time periods t8 and t10).

[0061] <Action of Pen Controller 21>

[0062] Thus, in the case of wireless communication combining master-slave and polling methods, assigning the role of a master to multiple devices may prevent data exchange during timing conflicts in polling. Therefore, in this embodiment, the location input system 10 provides communication control for more efficient master-slave wireless communication when connecting one electronic pen 20 to multiple tablet terminals 30.

[0063] The following is a detailed description of the communication control of the pen controller 21 (more specifically, MCU 26). Information processing related to communication control includes [1] connection event detection processing, [2] identification processing of connected devices, [3] role assignment processing, [4] connection establishment / disconnection processing or [5] polling processing.

[0064] [1] The pen controller 21 performs "detection processing" to detect events related to the connection with the tablet terminal 30 (hereinafter, connection events). The connection events are classified into "connection start events" for starting a connection and "connection end events" for ending a connection. As an example of a connection event, [1] accepting the operation of a hardware switch or software switch set on the tablet terminal 30, or [2] detecting the proximity of the tablet terminal 30 via near-field communication (e.g., NFC).

[0065] [2] The pen controller 21 performs "identification processing" to identify the tablet terminal 30 determined by the detection of connection events. In the BLE example, this identification processing is performed through broadcasting and scanning as specified by GAP (Generic Access Profile). "Broadcasting" refers to the function of a peripheral device (corresponding to "slave") sending packets through a broadcast channel to notify itself of information. "Scanning" refers to the function of a central device (corresponding to "master") entering a receiving state to obtain information from peripheral devices located in the vicinity.

[0066] [3] The pen controller 21 performs an "assignment process" to assign a communication function (hereinafter also referred to as "function") to the electronic pen 20 or the tablet terminal 30. For example, the pen controller 21 assigns a master or slave function based on the number of tablet terminals 30 connected at the same time.

[0067] When there is only one connected device, the pen controller 21 can, for example, construct a one-to-one network consisting of an electronic pen 20 that functions as a slave device and a tablet terminal 30 that functions as a master device. Alternatively, the pen controller 21 can also construct a one-to-one network consisting of an electronic pen 20 that functions as a master device and a tablet terminal 30 that functions as a slave device.

[0068] When there are two or more connected devices, the pen controller 21 constructs a one-to-many network consisting of an electronic pen 20 that is assigned the function of a master device and tablet terminals 30 that are assigned the function of slave devices. Here, [1] when the electronic pen 20 is assigned the function of a slave device when the number of connected devices increases from 1 to 2, or [2] when the electronic pen 20 is assigned the function of a master device when the number of connected devices decreases from 2 to 1, the function is switched.

[0069] Imagine a one-to-one network consisting of one of multiple tablet terminals 30 (hereinafter referred to as the "first detection device") and an electronic pen 20. In this case, when the pen controller 21 establishes a connection between the electronic pen 20, the first detection device, and the second detection device, it constructs a one-to-many network consisting of the electronic pen 20. Here, the method of constructing the one-to-many network varies depending on the role of the electronic pen 20 in the one-to-one network.

[0070] First, when the first detection device is assigned the function of a host and the electronic pen 20 is assigned the function of a slave, the pen controller 21 constructs a one-to-many network consisting of the electronic pen 20, which is assigned the function of a host, and the first and second detection devices, which are respectively assigned the function of slaves, after terminating the connection between the first detection device and the electronic pen 20.

[0071] Second, with the electronic pen 20 assigned the role of a host and the first detection device assigned the role of a slave, the pen controller 21 will add the second detection device, which will be assigned the role of a slave, to the one-to-one network, thus constructing a new one-to-many network.

[0072] Imagine a one-to-many network consisting of an electronic pen 20 acting as a host and two tablet terminals 30 acting as slaves, namely a first detection device and a second detection device. In this case, when the connection between the second detection device and the electronic pen 20 is severed, the pen controller 21, after further terminating the connection between the first detection device and the electronic pen 20, establishes a one-to-one network consisting of the electronic pen 20 acting as a slave and the first detection device acting as a host.

[0073] [4] The pen controller 21 performs "connection processing" to establish a connection with one or more tablet terminals 30 or "disconnection processing" to disconnect the connection with one or more tablet terminals 30 according to the predetermined communication rules.

[0074] [5] The pen controller 21 performs "polling processing" to exchange data with the tablet terminal 30 via a polling method. When the electronic pen 20 is the "master", it sends at least one polling signal to the tablet terminal 30, which is the "slave", at a predetermined polling interval and in a time-division manner. When the electronic pen 20 is the "slave", it sends a response signal to the received polling signal to the tablet terminal 30, which is the "master".

[0075] The polling interval can be a fixed value or a variable value. In the case of a one-to-many network, the polling interval can be the same value regardless of the number of tablet terminals 30 that are assigned the role of slave, or it can be a different value depending on the tablet terminal 30. For example, the polling interval for tablet terminals 30 that are in use can be set to be shorter than the polling interval for tablet terminals 30 that are not in use.

[0076] The state of the tablet terminal 30 can also be classified as "use state" and "non-use state". The use state includes the state of being currently in use, i.e., "in use", or the state of being likely to be used immediately, i.e., "potentially in use". The non-use state includes "not in use", which is the state of being unlikely to be used immediately. The above states are classified, for example, based on the presence or absence of pen pressure applied to the electronic pen 20 (on / off state), [2] the received strength of the downlink signal DS, [3] the operating mode of the tablet terminal 30, or [4] a combination of the above state quantities.

[0077] For example, when the pen pressure of the electronic pen 20 is in an "on state," the pen controller 21 can determine the terminal with the strongest reception among two or more tablet terminals 30 belonging to the group as "in use." Additionally, when the pen pressure of the electronic pen 20 is in an "off state," the pen controller 21 can determine that a terminal with a reception strength exceeding a threshold among two or more tablet terminals 30 belonging to the group is "potentially usable," and a terminal with a reception strength below the threshold is "not used." Furthermore, the pen controller 21 can also determine that a terminal among two or more tablet terminals 30 belonging to the group that is in a standby or degraded operation mode (e.g., sleep mode, standby mode, power-saving mode, etc.) is "not used."

[0078] The polling or response signal may also contain various information held or generated by the sending device. For example, the electronic pen 20, acting as the "master," sends a polling signal containing its own pen information to the tablet terminal 30, acting as the "slave." Conversely, the electronic pen 20, acting as the "slave," sends a response signal containing its own pen information to the tablet terminal 30, acting as the "master." Examples of pen information include the electronic pen 20's identification information, the presence or absence of pen pressure, the amount of pen pressure, or the remaining battery level.

[0079] <Description of Function Switching Action>

[0080] Figure 5 It means Figure 1 and Figure 2 The flowchart shows the first action performed by the position input system 10. This "first action" relates to the communication control of the electronic pen 20 in the case of initiating wireless communication with the target terminal 30t.

[0081] In step SP10, the electronic pen 20 (more specifically, the pen controller 21) detects an event (i.e., a connection start event) to initiate a connection with the tablet terminal 30. This detection determines the target terminal 30t.

[0082] In step SP12, the pen controller 21 uses the detection in step SP10 as an opportunity to confirm the connection mode of the electronic pen 20. If there is no connected terminal 30c at the current moment (step SP12: none), the pen controller 21 proceeds to step SP14.

[0083] In step SP14, the pen controller 21 establishes a connection with the target terminal 30t, proceeding to the next step SP16. Here, the target terminal 30t is assigned the role of "master," and the electronic pen 20 is assigned the role of "slave." Through this connection establishment, the target terminal 30t becomes a connected terminal 30c.

[0084] In step SP16, the pen controller 21 initiates polling-based wireless communication with a connected terminal 30c.

[0085] Returning to step SP12, when the pen controller 21 is simultaneously connected to n (n≥1) or more connected terminals 30c and has been assigned the function of "host" to the electronic pen 20 (step SP12: host [1: n]), the pen controller 21 proceeds to step SP18.

[0086] In step SP18, after the pen controller 21 establishes a connection with the target terminal 30t, it proceeds to step SP16. Here, the electronic pen 20 is assigned the role of "master," and the target terminal 30t is assigned the role of "slave." Through this connection establishment, the target terminal 30t becomes a connected terminal 30c.

[0087] In step SP16, the pen controller 21 initiates polling-based wireless communication with (n+1) connected terminals 30c.

[0088] Returning to step SP12, with the pen controller 21 proceeding to step SP20 after being connected to a connected terminal 30c and having the electronic pen 20 assigned the function of "slave" (step SP12: slave [1:1]).

[0089] In step SP20, the pen controller 21 temporarily disconnects all connections established at the current moment. Through this disconnection, the connected terminal 30c becomes the target terminal 30t.

[0090] In step SP22, the pen controller 21 changes its role from "slave" to "master".

[0091] In step SP24, after the pen controller 21 re-establishes the connection with the two target terminals 30t, it proceeds to step SP16. Here, the electronic pen 20 is assigned the role of "master," and the two target terminals 30t are assigned the role of "slave." Through this re-establishment, the target terminals 30t become connected terminals 30c.

[0092] In step SP16, the pen controller 21 initiates polling-based wireless communication with the two connected terminals 30c. Thus, the electronic pen 20 communicates wirelessly with the corresponding tablet terminal 30.

[0093] Figure 6 It means Figure 1 and Figure 2 The flowchart shows the second action performed by the position input system 10. This "second action" relates to the communication control of the electronic pen 20 in the event that wireless communication with the connected terminal 30c has ended.

[0094] In step SP30, the electronic pen 20 (more specifically, the pen controller 21) detects an event that terminates the connection with the tablet terminal 30 (i.e., a connection termination event). This detection determines the target terminal 30t.

[0095] In step SP32, the pen controller 21 uses the detection in step SP30 as an opportunity to confirm the current number of connected terminals (n). If there is 1 connected terminal 30c (step SP12: n=1), the pen controller 21 proceeds to step SP34.

[0096] In step SP34, the pen controller 21 disconnects from the target terminal 30t, ending the wireless communication with the tablet terminal 30. Thus, the electronic pen 20 terminates... Figure 6 The execution of the flowchart.

[0097] Returning to step SP32, if there are 3 or more connected terminals 30c (step SP32: n≥3), the pen controller 21 proceeds to step SP36.

[0098] In step SP36, the pen controller 21 disconnects from the target terminal 30t. This disconnection transforms the target terminal 30t into an unconnected terminal 30n.

[0099] In step SP38, the pen controller 21 continues polling-based wireless communication with the remaining (n-1) connected terminals 30c.

[0100] Returning to step SP32, if there are 2 connected terminals 30c (step SP32: n=2), pen controller 21 proceeds to step SP40.

[0101] In step SP40, the pen controller 21 temporarily disconnects all connections established at the current moment. Through this disconnection, the target terminal 30t becomes an unconnected terminal 30n, and the connected terminal 30c becomes the target terminal 30t.

[0102] In step SP42, the pen controller 21 changes its role from "master" to "slave".

[0103] In step SP44, the pen controller 21 re-establishes a connection with a target terminal 30t, proceeding to step SP38. Here, the target terminal 30t is assigned the role of "master," and the electronic pen 20 is assigned the role of "slave." Through this re-establishment, the target terminal 30t becomes a connected terminal 30c.

[0104] In step SP38, the pen controller 21 continues polling-based wireless communication with the remaining connected terminal 30c.

[0105] Figure 7 It means based on Figure 5 and Figure 6 The flowchart illustrates an example of how rules are assigned. More specifically, Figure 7 This table represents the number of devices connected to the electronic pen 20 and the roles assigned to each device. When there is only one connected device, the tablet terminal 30 is assigned the role of "master," and the electronic pen 20 is assigned the role of "slave." When there are two or more connected devices, the electronic pen 20 is assigned the role of "master," and each tablet terminal 30 is assigned the role of "slave."

[0106] <Effect of switching actions>

[0107] Next, refer to Figure 8 and Figure 9 illustrate Figures 5-7 The effect of switching actions described above.

[0108] When only one device is connected, the electronic pen 20 responds to the polling signal from the tablet terminal 30 by sending a response signal containing pen information. By employing on-demand transmission, unnecessary transmission opportunities for the electronic pen 20 can be reduced, thereby suppressing the power consumption of the electronic pen 20.

[0109] When there are two or more connected devices, the electronic pen 20 sends polling signals containing pen information to the two or more tablet terminals in a 30-times-division manner. By adopting time-division transmission with the electronic pen 20 as the main body, conflicts between polling devices can be prevented, thereby reducing the chance of missing pen information from the electronic pen 20.

[0110] Figure 8This diagram illustrates the connection status of the electronic pen 20 and the tablet terminal 30 in the embodiment. First, with... Figure 3 Similarly, the electronic pen 20 (hereinafter referred to as "pen P") is connected to the first tablet terminal 30 (hereinafter referred to as "terminal A"). Terminal A is assigned the role of a host, and pen P is assigned the role of a slave. Subsequently, as pen P connects to the second tablet terminal 30 (hereinafter referred to as "terminal B"), pen P, terminals A and B are connected via a small-scale network NT. Pen P is assigned the role of a host, and terminals A and B are assigned the role of slaves. The following envisions a scenario where data exchange occurs between pen P and the two terminals A and B using a polling method.

[0111] Figure 9 It means Figure 8 A timing diagram of an example of the communication results in the embodiment. Figure 9 In the example, with Figure 4 Similarly, the timing of polling with terminal A and pen P is divided into 14 time periods t1 to t14. Pen P, acting as the "master," alternately sends polling data packets Tx1 and Tx2 (applicable to the small-scale network NT) during the odd-numbered time periods, and alternately receives response data packets Tx from terminals A and B during the even-numbered time periods. Terminals A and B, acting as "slave devices," alternately receive polling data packets Tx1 and Tx2 during the odd-numbered time periods, and alternately send data packets (i.e., response data packets TxA and TxB) in response to the polling data packets Tx1 and Tx2 during the even-numbered time periods. Through this periodic polling, pen P can periodically supply the pen information it holds to terminals A and B.

[0112] exist Figure 9 In the example, pen P is sent in a time-division multiplexing manner that does not cause conflicts between the two polling methods. Therefore, terminal A can obtain the pen information (time periods t1, t5, t9, t13) of pen P by receiving polling data packet Tx1. Terminal B can obtain the pen information (time periods t3, t7, t11) of pen P by receiving polling data packet Tx1.

[0113] Alternatively, terminals A and B can periodically provide their stored terminal information (e.g., type of action mode, pen detection results, etc.) to pen P. Specifically, pen P can obtain the terminal information (time periods t2, t6, t10, t14) of terminal A by receiving response data packets TxA. Additionally, pen P can obtain the terminal information (time periods t4, t8, t12) of terminal B by receiving response data packets TxB.

[0114] [Specific examples of character switching actions]

[0115] Next, refer to Figures 10-13A specific example of the action switching is explained.

[0116] Figure 10 yes Figure 5 A detailed flowchart of the first action. Here, we assume the scenario where BLE is used as the standard for wireless communication.

[0117] In step SP50, the electronic pen 20 detects a connection start event when the unconnected terminal 30n accepts the request operation from user U.

[0118] In step SP52, the electronic pen 20 and the unconnected terminal 30n, taking advantage of the detection in step SP50, perform either a broadcast based on the periphery (corresponding to the "slave") or a scan based on the center (corresponding to the "master") to identify the connected devices from each other. Thus, the unconnected terminal 30n becomes the target terminal 30t.

[0119] In step SP54, after the electronic pen 20 establishes a connection with the tablet terminal 30 (i.e., the target terminal 30t) identified in step SP52, it proceeds to the next step SP56. Here, the electronic pen 20 is assigned a "peripheral" role, and the target terminal 30t is assigned a "central" role. Through this connection establishment, the target terminal 30t becomes a connected terminal 30c.

[0120] In step SP56, the electronic pen 20 confirms whether a one-to-one network of individual units has been constructed after the execution of step SP54. If it is a one-to-one network of individual units (step SP56: yes), the electronic pen 20 proceeds to the next step SP58.

[0121] In step SP58, the electronic pen 20 begins polling-based wireless communication with a connected terminal 30c that was connected in step SP54.

[0122] On the other hand, returning to step SP56, in the case of a non-single one-to-one network (step SP56: no), the electronic pen 20 proceeds to step SP60.

[0123] In step SP60, the electronic pen 20 temporarily disconnects and terminates all connections established at the current moment. Through this disconnection, one connected terminal 30c temporarily transforms into the target terminal 30t.

[0124] In step SP62, the electronic pen 20 changes its function from "peripheral" to "central". Thus, the electronic pen 20 is assigned a "central" function, while the two tablet terminals 30 (target terminals 30t) are assigned "peripheral" functions respectively.

[0125] In step SP64, after the electronic pen 20 re-establishes its connection with the two target terminals 30t, it proceeds to step SP58. Here, the electronic pen 20 is assigned a "central" role, and the two target terminals 30t are assigned a "peripheral" role. Through this re-establishment, the target terminals 30t become connected terminals 30c.

[0126] Figure 11 This is a graph representing the connection state before the connection is established. In Figure 11 In this example, three tablet terminals 30 are arranged in a left-right configuration. The tablet terminal 30 located on the left and in the center (i.e., the connected terminal 30c) is connected to the electronic pen 20 via a small-scale network NT. Here, the electronic pen 20 is assigned the role of "central" (master), and the connected terminal 30c is assigned the role of "peripheral" (slave). Furthermore, the tablet terminal 30 located on the right is equivalent to the device that wants to establish a connection with the electronic pen 20 (i.e., the target terminal 30t).

[0127] Figure 12 This is a graph representing the connection state after the connection is established. More specifically, Figure 12 Show Figure 11 The target terminal 30t is connected to the electronic pen 20. All three tablet terminals 30 (i.e., connected terminals 30c) are connected to the electronic pen 20 via a small-scale network NT. Here, the electronic pen 20 is assigned the role of "central" (host), and the connected terminals 30c are assigned the role of "peripheral" (slave).

[0128] Figure 13 This is a diagram illustrating an example of how the polling interval is set. More specifically, Figure 13 This table represents the relationship between the usage status of the tablet terminal 30 and the polling interval. When the tablet terminal 30 is "in use," the polling interval is set to a relatively short time. When the tablet terminal 30 is "potentially in use," the polling interval is set to a moderate time. When the tablet terminal 30 is "not in use," the polling interval is set to a relatively long time.

[0129] [Summary of Implementation Methods]

[0130] As described above, the location input system 10 in this embodiment comprises a location indicator (here, an electronic pen 20) for indicating location and multiple location detection devices (here, tablet terminals 30) that receive indications from the electronic pen 20. The electronic pen 20 includes: a wireless communication circuit (here, a communication chip 22) for wireless communication with each tablet terminal 30 using a master-slave mode; and a controller (here, a pen controller 21) connected to the communication chip 22, which controls the communication chip 22 by switching between master and slave functions depending on the number of tablet terminals 30 connected simultaneously.

[0131] In addition, the communication method using the location input system 10 in this embodiment includes the following steps: step (SP16, SP38, SP58), the electronic pen 20 performs wireless communication with each tablet terminal 30 using a master-slave mode; and step (SP22, SP42, SP62), the electronic pen 20 or the tablet terminal 30 switches between master and slave functions according to the number of tablet terminals 30 connected at the same time.

[0132] Because of this configuration, when multiple tablet terminals 30 are connected to a single electronic pen 20, the wireless communication, at least using a master-slave mode, can be performed more efficiently by dynamically switching the function corresponding to the number of connected terminals.

[0133] In addition, wireless communication can also combine polling and master-slave methods. This makes it easier to handle conflicts between polling operations.

[0134] Furthermore, when only one unit is connected, the pen controller 21 can also perform communication control to build a one-to-one network consisting of the electronic pen 20, which acts as a slave device, and the tablet terminal 30, which acts as a master device. By employing on-demand transmission, unnecessary transmission opportunities for the electronic pen 20 can be reduced, thereby suppressing the power consumption of the electronic pen 20.

[0135] Furthermore, when there are two or more connected devices, the pen controller 21 can also communicate and control the devices in a one-to-many network consisting of an electronic pen 20 acting as a host and tablet terminals 30 acting as slaves. By employing time-division multiplexing with the electronic pen 20 as the primary device, conflicts in polling can be prevented, thereby reducing the chance of missing pen information from the electronic pen 20.

[0136] Furthermore, the pen controller 21 can also establish a one-to-many network consisting of the electronic pen 20, the first detection device, and the electronic pen 20 when a one-to-one network is established between one of the multiple tablet terminals 30 (i.e., the first detection device) and the electronic pen 20. This allows for smoother construction of a small-scale network NT when the number of connected devices changes from one to two.

[0137] Furthermore, the pen controller 21 can also, after terminating the connection between the first detection device and the electronic pen 20, establish a one-to-many network consisting of the electronic pen 20 (which has been assigned the role of a master) and the first and second detection devices (which have been assigned the roles of slaves), when the first detection device is assigned the role of a slave. Therefore, when the number of connected devices changes from one to two, it is easier to build a small-scale network NT when the electronic pen 20 is assigned the role of a slave.

[0138] Furthermore, the pen controller 21 can also perform communication control by adding a second detection device, which has been assigned the function of a slave device, to the one-to-one network to create a new one-to-many network when the electronic pen 20 is assigned the function of a master device and the first detection device is assigned the function of a slave device. Thus, when the number of connected devices changes from 1 to 2, it is easier to build a small-scale network NT when the electronic pen 20 is assigned the function of a master device.

[0139] Furthermore, the pen controller 21 can also perform communication control in a one-to-many network consisting of an electronic pen 20 acting as a host and a first detection device and a second detection device acting as slaves, after terminating the connection between the second detection device and the electronic pen 20, and further terminating the connection between the first detection device and the electronic pen 20, by constructing a one-to-one network consisting of an electronic pen 20 acting as a slave and a first detection device acting as a host. Therefore, when the electronic pen 20 is assigned the role of a host, it is easier to construct a small-scale network NT when the number of connected devices is reduced from two to one.

[0140] Additionally, the pen controller 21 can classify the states of the tablet terminals 30 belonging to the group forming a one-to-many network into active and inactive states, and perform communication control to make the polling interval for tablet terminals 30 in the active state shorter than the polling interval for tablet terminals 30 in the inactive state. Thus, tablet terminals 30 that are more likely to be used can be polled at a higher frequency.

[0141] Alternatively, the position indicator could be an electronic pen 20 capable of measuring the pen pressure applied to the pen tip. When the electronic pen 20 is activated by the host computer, it sends a polling signal containing pen pressure information related to the pen pressure to each tablet terminal 30. Thus, each tablet terminal 30 can obtain the pen pressure information from the electronic pen 20 in a timely manner.

[0142] [Variation Example]

[0143] Furthermore, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and can certainly be freely modified without departing from the spirit of the invention. Alternatively, the various structures can be arbitrarily combined without causing technical inconsistencies. Alternatively, the execution order or whether the steps constituting the flowchart are executed can be changed without causing technical inconsistencies.

[0144] In the above embodiments, the example described is that the electronic pen 20 actively performs communication control, but the control entity for wireless communication is not limited to this. Specifically, the tablet terminal 30 can actively perform communication control, and the electronic pen 20 and the tablet terminal 30 can also cooperate in communication control. For example, when the tablet terminal 30 is the control entity, the main processor 33 ( Figure 2 ) performs the function of "controller", and the communication chip 34 ( Figure 2 It performs the function of "wireless communication circuit".

[0145] In the above embodiment, a pen-shaped electronic pen 20 was used as an example for explanation, but the position indicator is not limited to this pen type. Furthermore, the case where the electronic pen 20 is an active electrostatic coupling (AES) stylus was used as an example for explanation, but the electronic pen 20 could also be an electromagnetic induction (EMR) stylus. In this device structure, a surface sensor (or digitizer) with multiple loop coils is provided on the tablet terminal 30, and a receiving circuit is provided on the electronic pen 20 to receive the magnetic field signal emitted by the surface sensor.

Claims

1. A position input system comprising a position indicator for indicating a position and a plurality of position detection devices that accept the indication by the position indicator, wherein the position indicator has: a wireless communication circuit that performs wireless communication using a master-slave system with each of the position detection devices; and a controller that is connected to the wireless communication circuit and performs communication control of the wireless communication circuit in a manner that switches a role of a master and a slave according to a number of the position detection devices that are connected at the same time.

2. The position input system according to claim 1, wherein the wireless communication is communication that uses a polling system in combination with the master-slave system.

3. The position input system according to claim 2, wherein in a case where the number of the position detection devices that are connected is one, the controller performs the communication control in a manner that constructs a one-to-one network constituted by the position indicator that is given a role of a slave and the position detection device that is given a role of a master, and in a case where the number of the position detection devices that are connected is two or more, the controller performs the communication control in a manner that constructs a one-to-many network constituted by the position indicator that is given a role of a master and groups of the position detection devices that are given roles of slaves respectively.

4. The position input system according to claim 3, wherein the controller, in a state where the one-to-one network constituted by one of the plurality of position detection devices, a first detection device, and the position indicator is constructed, performs the communication control in a manner that constructs the one-to-many network constituted by the position indicator, the first detection device, and another one of the plurality of position detection devices, a second detection device, when connection of the second detection device and the position indicator is established.

5. The position input system according to claim 4, wherein the controller, in a case where the first detection device is given a role of a master and the position indicator is given a role of a slave, performs the communication control in a manner that constructs the one-to-many network constituted by the position indicator that is given a role of a master and the first detection device and the second detection device that are given roles of slaves respectively after the connection of the first detection device and the position indicator is ended.

6. The position input system according to claim 4, wherein the controller, in a case where the position indicator is given a role of a master and the first detection device is given a role of a slave, performs the communication control in a manner that adds the second detection device that is given a role of a slave to the one-to-one network and reconstructs the one-to-many network.

7. The position input system according to claim 4, wherein the controller, in a state where the one-to-many network constituted by the position indicator that is given a role of a master and the first detection device and the second detection device that are given roles of slaves respectively is constructed, performs the communication control in a manner that adds the second detection device that is given a role of a slave to the one-to-many network and reconstructs the one-to-many network when connection of the second detection device and the position indicator is established. ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ After ending the connection of the second detection device with the position indicator and further ending the connection of the first detection device with the position indicator, the communication control is performed in a manner of constructing the one-to-one network by the position indicator being given a role of a slave and the first detection device being given a role of a master.

8. The position input system according to claim 3, wherein the controller classifies the state of the position detection device belonging to the group constituting the one-to-many network into a use state and a non-use state, the controller performs the communication control in a manner that a polling interval for the position detection device in the use state is shorter than a polling interval for the position detection device in the non-use state.

9. The position input system according to claim 3, wherein the position indicator is an electronic pen capable of measuring a pen pressure applied to a pen tip, the electronic pen, in a case where it is given a role of a master, transmits a polling signal containing pen pressure information related to the pen pressure to each of the position detection devices.

10. A position indicator used with a plurality of position detection devices that accept an indication of a position, wherein the position indicator is provided with: a wireless communication circuit that performs wireless communication using a master-slave system between each of the position detection devices; and a controller that is connected to the wireless communication circuit and performs communication control of the wireless communication circuit in a manner of switching a role of a master and a slave according to the number of connection of the position detection devices connected at the same time.

11. A communication method using a position input system including a position indicator that indicates a position and a plurality of position detection devices that accept the indication by the position indicator, wherein the communication method includes the steps of: the position indicator performing wireless communication using a master-slave system between each of the position detection devices; and the position indicator or the position detection device switching a role of a master and a slave according to the number of connection of the position detection devices connected at the same time.

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