Sensor controller and control method, electronic apparatus, pen, and position detection system

Abstract

The invention provides a sensor controller, a control method, an electronic apparatus, a pen, and a position detection system, wherein the pen pressure of an electronic pen on a pen sensor can be calculated with high precision. A sensor controller (20) is provided with an acquisition unit (22) that acquires a position signal indicating the position of an electronic pen (2) from a pen sensor (10) that detects the position of the electronic pen (2). Furthermore, the sensor controller is provided with a pen pressure calculation unit (23) that calculates a pen pressure value relating to the pen pressure of the electronic pen on the pen sensor on the basis of a change in the signal level of the position signal acquired by the acquisition unit.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a sensor controller, an electronic device, an electronic pen, a control method for the sensor controller, and a position detection system, and particularly to an electronic device, an electronic pen, a sensor controller, a control method for the sensor controller, and a position detection system that receive position instructions from an electronic pen and display a screen. Background Technology

[0002] Previously, electronic devices were known to include a pen sensor that detects the position indication of an electronic pen, and a display unit that displays an image based on the detection by the pen sensor. Regarding such electronic devices, techniques for detecting pen pressure on the pen sensor are known.

[0003] In this regard, Patent Document 1 discloses a sensor for detecting the indicated position of an electronic pen, and a sensor controller (electronic device) for correcting the pen pressure represented by a pen pressure signal related to the pen pressure sent from an electronic pen having a pen pressure detection unit according to the received strength of the downlink signal sent from the electronic pen to the sensor.

[0004] [Existing Technical Documents]

[0005] [Patent Literature]

[0006] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent No. 7109201

[0007] [Patent Document 2] U.S. Patent No. 10345928. Summary of the Invention

[0008] [The problem the invention aims to solve]

[0009] Electronic pens with pen pressure detection functions sometimes experience deviations in pen pressure calculation accuracy due to manufacturing defects in the pen pressure switch used for detection. In the technology described in Patent Document 1, when the pen pressure calculation accuracy of the electronic pen deviates, the accuracy of the electronic pen's contact determination of the pen sensor and the calculation of pen pressure level decreases.

[0010] Furthermore, electronic pens with pen pressure detection capabilities sometimes apply varying pressure to the pen pressure switch used for pen pressure detection depending on the degree of tilt of the electronic pen relative to the pen sensor. In the technology described in Patent Document 1, when the electronic pen is tilted significantly relative to the pen sensor, the electronic pen's contact detection with the pen sensor becomes sluggish.

[0011] The present invention was made in view of the following problem, and its object is to provide a sensor controller, an electronic device, an electronic pen, a control method for the sensor controller, and a position detection system capable of calculating the pen pressure of an electronic pen on a pen sensor with high accuracy.

[0012] [Methods used to solve problems]

[0013] To address the aforementioned issues, the sensor controller of the first invention comprises: an acquisition unit that acquires a position signal representing the position of the electronic pen from a pen sensor that detects the position of the electronic pen; and a pen pressure calculation unit that calculates a pen pressure value related to the pen pressure exerted by the electronic pen on the pen sensor based on a change in the signal level of the position signal acquired by the acquisition unit.

[0014] Furthermore, in the sensor controller of the second invention, the signal level is a potential. When the potential of the position signal rises above a first potential within a specified time, the pen pressure calculation unit determines that the operation state changes to the first state where the electronic pen presses the pen sensor, and calculates the pen pressure value as a first value.

[0015] Furthermore, in the electronic device of the third invention, when the potential of the position signal drops by more than a second potential within a predetermined time, the pen pressure calculation unit determines that the operation state has changed to a second state in which the electronic pen leaves the pen sensor, and calculates the pen pressure value as a second value different from the first value.

[0016] Furthermore, in the sensor controller of the fourth invention, the pen pressure calculation unit calculates the pen pressure value in a manner that gradually changes from the first value to the second value when the operation state changes from the second state to the first state.

[0017] Furthermore, in the sensor controller of the fifth invention, the signal level is a potential, the acquisition unit acquires a pen pressure signal sent from the electronic pen to the pen sensor and representing the pen pressure of the electronic pen on the pen sensor, and the pen pressure calculation unit calculates the pen pressure value by correcting the pen pressure represented by the pen pressure signal based on the change in the potential of the position signal.

[0018] Furthermore, in the sensor controller of the sixth invention, when the potential of the position signal rises above a first potential within a predetermined time, the pen pressure calculation unit determines that the operation state has changed to a first state in which the electronic pen presses the pen sensor and calculates the pen pressure value as a first value. If the pen pressure signal obtained by the acquisition unit before the determination that the operation state has changed to the first state indicates that the electronic pen presses the pen sensor, the pen pressure signal is considered to be an abnormal value and the pen pressure value is calculated as a second value different from the first value.

[0019] Furthermore, in the sensor controller of the seventh invention, when the potential of the position signal drops by more than a second potential within a predetermined time, the pen pressure calculation unit determines that the operation state has changed to a second state in which the electronic pen leaves the pen sensor and calculates the pen pressure value as the second value. If the pen pressure signal acquired by the acquisition unit before determining that the operation state has changed to the second state indicates that the pen sensor has left the electronic pen, the pen pressure signal is considered to be an abnormal value and the pen pressure value is maintained.

[0020] Furthermore, the control method of the sensor controller of the eighth invention is a control method of a sensor controller connected to a pen sensor, comprising: acquiring a position signal representing the position of the electronic pen from the pen sensor that detects the position of the electronic pen; and calculating a pen pressure value related to the pen pressure of the electronic pen on the pen sensor based on the change in the signal level of the acquired position signal.

[0021] Furthermore, the ninth electronic device according to the present invention is an electronic device having the sensor controller according to the first invention, and further includes: a display panel for displaying a display object; and the pen sensor, which is arranged to overlap with the display area of ​​the display panel when viewed from above, for detecting the position of the electronic pen.

[0022] Furthermore, the electronic pen of the tenth invention is an electronic pen for indicating the position of a pen sensor, comprising: a pen tip disposed at a front end in a manner capable of reciprocating along an axial direction, having electrodes for transmitting and receiving signals between the pen sensor and the pen sensor; a pen controller that calculates a pen pressure value related to pen pressure based on changes in the signal level of an uplink signal transmitted from the pen sensor via the electrodes; and a transmission unit that transmits a pen pressure signal representing the pen pressure value calculated by the pen controller and a position signal representing the indicated position of the pen sensor to the pen sensor via the electrodes.

[0023] Furthermore, in the electronic pen of the eleventh invention, the signal level is a potential. When the potential of the uplink signal rises above a first potential within a specified time, the pen controller determines that the action state changes to the first state of pressing the pen sensor, and calculates the pen pressure value as the first value.

[0024] Furthermore, in the electronic pen of the twelfth invention, when the potential of the uplink signal drops by more than a second potential within a specified time, the pen controller determines that the operation state changes to a second state of leaving the pen sensor, and calculates the pen pressure value as a second value different from the first value.

[0025] In addition, the electronic pen of the thirteenth invention also includes a pressure sensor that detects the pressure applied to the pen tip, the signal level being a potential, and the pen controller corrects the pressure detected by the pressure sensor based on the change in the signal level of the uplink signal, thereby calculating the pen pressure value.

[0026] Furthermore, in the electronic pen of the fourteenth invention, the signal level is a potential. When the potential of the uplink signal rises above a first potential within a specified time, the pen controller determines that the operation state has changed to a first state of pressing the pen sensor and calculates the pen pressure value as a first value. If the pen pressure signal indicates that the pen sensor is being pressed before the operation state is determined to change to the first state, the pen pressure signal is considered to be an abnormal value and the pen pressure value is calculated as a second value different from the first value.

[0027] Furthermore, in the electronic pen of the fifteenth invention, when the potential of the uplink signal drops by more than a second potential within a predetermined time, the pen controller determines that the operation state has changed to a second state away from the pen sensor and calculates the pen pressure value as the second value. If the pen pressure signal indicates that it has left the pen sensor before the operation state is determined to change to the second state, the pen controller considers the pen pressure signal to be an abnormal value and maintains the pen pressure value.

[0028] Furthermore, the position detection system of the sixteenth invention is an electronic pen position detection system of the tenth invention, and also includes an electronic device having: a display panel for displaying a display object; a pen sensor disposed such that it overlaps with the display area of ​​the display panel when viewed from above, for sending the uplink signal to the electronic pen and detecting the pen pressure signal and the position signal sent from the electronic pen; and a sensor controller for controlling the display of the display panel according to the pen pressure signal and the position signal detected by the pen sensor.

[0029] Furthermore, the sensor controller of the seventeenth invention includes: an acquisition unit that acquires from a pen sensor that detects the position of an electronic pen a first signal sent from a first electrode of the electronic pen to the pen sensor, a second signal sent from a second electrode of the electronic pen different from the first electrode to the pen sensor, and a pen pressure signal representing the pen pressure of the electronic pen; and a pen pressure calculation unit that calculates a pen pressure value related to the pen pressure of the electronic pen relative to the pen sensor based on the changes in the signal levels of the first signal and the second signal acquired by the acquisition unit and the pen pressure signal.

[0030] Furthermore, in the sensor controller of the eighteenth invention, the pen pressure calculation unit calculates the pen pressure value in such a way that the larger the tilt angle of the electronic pen relative to the detection surface of the pen sensor, the larger the pen pressure value, and the smaller the tilt angle, the smaller the pen pressure value.

[0031] Furthermore, in the sensor controller of the nineteenth invention, the signal level is a potential, and when the potential of the first signal or the second signal rises above a first potential within a predetermined time, the pen pressure calculation unit determines that the operation state changes to the first state of the electronic pen pressing the pen sensor, and calculates the pen pressure value as a first value.

[0032] Furthermore, in the sensor controller of the twentieth invention, the signal level is a potential, and when the potential difference between the first signal and the second signal rises above a first potential within a predetermined time, the pen pressure calculation unit determines that the operation state changes to the first state of the electronic pen pressing the pen sensor, and calculates the pen pressure value as the first value.

[0033] Furthermore, in the sensor controller of the twenty-first invention, the pen pressure calculation unit calculates the moving speed of the electronic pen relative to the pen sensor based on the position signal, and determines the value of the first potential based on the calculated moving speed.

[0034] Furthermore, in the sensor controller of the twenty-first invention, the pen pressure calculation unit determines the value of the first potential as the value of the third potential when the moving speed is above the speed threshold, and determines the value of the first potential as the value of the fourth potential, which is larger than the third potential, when the moving speed is less than the speed threshold.

[0035] Furthermore, in the sensor controller of the twenty-first invention, the pen pressure calculation unit determines the value of the first potential in such a way that the value of the first potential is proportional to the movement speed.

[0036] Furthermore, in the sensor controller of the 24th invention, the pen pressure calculation unit calculates the moving speed of the electronic pen relative to the pen sensor based on the position signal, and determines the first value based on the calculated moving speed.

[0037] Furthermore, in the sensor controller of the present invention in the 25th embodiment, the pen pressure calculation unit calculates the pen pressure value when a predetermined condition is not met, the predetermined condition being that the time elapsed since the last calculation of the pen pressure value is less than a reference time and the distance the electronic pen has moved since the last calculation of the pen pressure value is less than a reference distance.

[0038] Furthermore, in the sensor controller of the 26th invention, the pen pressure calculation unit performs the standby processing when the specified conditions are met, provided that the standby processing for processing the standby time was not performed after the previous determination of the specified conditions, and calculates the pen pressure value when the standby processing was performed after the previous determination of the specified conditions.

[0039] The electronic pen of the present invention is an electronic pen for indicating the position of a pen sensor, comprising: a pen tip having electrodes for transmitting and receiving signals between the pen sensor and the pen sensor, and retractable into a storage member; and a pen controller that transmits and receives the signals between the pen sensor and the pen sensor via the electrodes, determines the storage state of the pen tip relative to the storage member, notifies the pen sensor when it is determined that the pen tip is stored in the storage member, and stops transmitting the signals based on a response to the notification sent from the pen sensor.

[0040] In the electronic pen of the 28th invention, when the storage state changes from a state where the pen tip is stored in the storage member to a state where the pen tip is not stored in the storage member, the pen controller notifies the pen sensor and starts transmitting the signal based on the response to the notification sent from the pen sensor.

[0041] Furthermore, the electronic pen of the 29th invention also includes the storage member as a cylindrical housing and the access member that allows the pen tip to enter and exit through an opening on one side of the housing.

[0042] Furthermore, in the electronic pen of the thirtieth invention, the entry / exit member is a snap-lock mechanism that allows the pen tip to enter and exit through an opening on one side of the housing. The electronic pen also includes a switch member that switches states according to the sliding movement of a sliding member that moves in conjunction with the snap-lock action of the snap-lock mechanism. The pen controller determines the storage state based on the state of the switch member.

[0043] Furthermore, in the electronic pen of the thirty-first invention, the insertion / exit component has an insertion / exit mechanism that allows the pen tip to enter and exit from an opening on one side of the housing by rotating a component rotatably coupled to the housing about the center line of the housing. The electronic pen also includes a detection component that switches states based on the rotational movement of the insertion / exit mechanism in conjunction with the rotation of the component rotatably coupled to the housing. The pen controller determines the storage state based on the state of the detection component.

[0044] Furthermore, in the electronic pen of the thirty-second invention, the storage component is detachably mounted to the cap of the housing on which the pen tip is provided, in a manner that covers the pen tip.

[0045] Furthermore, in the electronic pen of the thirty-third invention, the storage component is a housing of an electronic device having a hole into which the pen tip can be inserted.

[0046] Furthermore, the electronic pen of the present invention also includes a detection component that detects changes in the electric field, magnetic field, or electrostatic capacitance of the space containing the pen tip, and the pen controller determines the storage state based on the detection result of the detection component.

[0047] Furthermore, the electronic pen of the present invention, in its thirty-fifth aspect, also includes a detection component for detecting changes in the electrical conductivity state between the pen tip and the storage component, and the pen controller determines the storage state based on the detection result of the detection component.

[0048] Furthermore, in the electronic pen of the thirty-sixth invention, the electrode is a first electrode, and the electronic pen also includes a second electrode that transmits and receives signals between itself and the pen sensor, is capable of receiving signals sent from the first electrode and is different from the first electrode, and the pen controller determines whether the pen tip is housed in the housing component based on the amount of change in the signal level of the signal sent from the first electrode to the second electrode.

[0049] [Invention Effects]

[0050] According to the present invention, the sensor controller is able to calculate the pen pressure of the electronic pen on the pen sensor with high accuracy. Attached Figure Description

[0051] Figure 1 This is a diagram illustrating an example of the position detection system according to the first embodiment.

[0052] Figure 2 This is a diagram illustrating an example of the specific structure of the electronic pen according to the first embodiment.

[0053] Figure 3 This is a diagram illustrating an example of the functional structure of the sensor controller according to the first embodiment.

[0054] Figure 4 This is a coordinate graph illustrating an example of the relationship between the horizontal change of the position signal and the pen pressure value in the first embodiment.

[0055] Figure 5 This is a coordinate graph illustrating another example of the relationship between the horizontal change of the position signal and the pen pressure value in the first embodiment.

[0056] Figure 6 This is a flowchart illustrating an example of a series of processes of the electronic device according to the first embodiment.

[0057] Figure 7This is a diagram illustrating an example of the specific structure of the electronic device according to the second embodiment.

[0058] Figure 8 This is a coordinate graph illustrating an example of the relationship between the horizontal changes of the position signal and the pen pressure signal and the pen pressure value in the second embodiment.

[0059] Figure 9 This is a flowchart illustrating an example of a series of processes of the electronic device according to the second embodiment.

[0060] Figure 10A This is a cross-sectional view of the position detection system according to the third embodiment along line XX.

[0061] Figure 10B Is Figure 10A The figure shows a cross-sectional view of the position detection system with the electronic pen tilted relative to the electronic device.

[0062] Figure 11 This is a coordinate graph illustrating an example of the relationship between the horizontal change of the uplink signal and the pen pressure value when the electronic pen is tilted significantly in the third embodiment.

[0063] Figure 12A This is a diagram illustrating an example of the signal level distribution in the fourth embodiment where the electronic pen is non-contact with the electronic device and tilted slightly.

[0064] Figure 12B This is a diagram illustrating an example of the signal level distribution in the fourth embodiment, where the electronic pen is in contact with the electronic device and the tilt is small.

[0065] Figure 12C This is a diagram illustrating an example of the signal level distribution in the fourth embodiment where the electronic pen is non-contact with the electronic device and is tilted significantly.

[0066] Figure 12D This is a diagram illustrating an example of the signal level distribution in the fourth embodiment where the electronic pen is in contact with the electronic device and is tilted significantly.

[0067] Figure 13 This is a flowchart illustrating an example of a series of processes of the electronic device according to the fourth embodiment.

[0068] Figure 14 This is a flowchart illustrating an example of a series of processing steps of the electronic device according to the fifth embodiment.

[0069] Figure 15 This is a flowchart illustrating an example of a series of processing steps of the electronic device according to the sixth embodiment.

[0070] Figure 16A This diagram shows the state in which the tip of the snap-on electronic pen according to the seventh embodiment is housed within the hollow portion of the casing.

[0071] Figure 16B This diagram shows the state in which the tip of the snap-on electronic pen according to the seventh embodiment protrudes from the opening of the housing.

[0072] Figure 17A This diagram shows the state in which the tip of the rotary electronic pen of the seventh embodiment is housed within the hollow portion of the casing.

[0073] Figure 17B This diagram shows the tip of the rotary electronic pen of the seventh embodiment protruding from the opening of the housing.

[0074] Figure 18A This is a diagram illustrating an example of the structure of the cap-type electronic pen according to the seventh embodiment.

[0075] Figure 18B This is a diagram showing another example of the structure of the cap-type electronic pen according to the seventh embodiment.

[0076] Figure 18C This is a diagram illustrating an example of the structure of the electronic pen according to the seventh embodiment and an electronic device capable of housing the electronic pen.

[0077] Figure 19 This is a flowchart illustrating an example of a series of processing steps of the electronic pen according to the seventh embodiment. Detailed Implementation

[0078] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention (hereinafter referred to as "first embodiment", "second embodiment", "third embodiment", "fourth embodiment", "fifth embodiment", "sixth embodiment" or "seventh embodiment") 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 and steps in each drawing, and repeated descriptions will be omitted.

[0079] --First Implementation Method--

[0080] First, the first embodiment will be described.

[0081] <Overall Structure>

[0082] Figure 1 This is a diagram illustrating an example of the specific structure of the position detection system 5 according to the first embodiment. For example... Figure 1As shown, the position detection system 5 is configured to include an electronic device 1A and an electronic pen 3. The electronic device 1A is a user-owned computer, such as a tablet computer, smartphone, or personal computer. The electronic device 1A is configured to include, for example, a pen sensor 10, a sensor controller 20, a main processor 30, and a display panel 40. Although not shown, the electronic device 1A includes a memory, a communication module, etc. Furthermore, in... Figure 1 In this embodiment, the electronic pen 3 is an AES (Active Electrostatic) stylus. The user can write drawings or text on the display panel 40 of the electronic device 1A by pressing and moving the tip of the electronic pen 3, which is a pen-shaped indicator device, against the display panel 40. Furthermore, in the first embodiment, the electronic pen 3 is an active stylus, but it can also be a passive stylus. Additionally, in the first embodiment, the electronic pen 3 is configured to enable bidirectional communication with the electronic device 1A, but it is not limited to this; it can also be configured to enable only unidirectional communication from the electronic pen 3 towards the electronic device 1A. Furthermore, in the first embodiment, the upward direction when viewing the display panel 40 of the electronic device 1A from the front is defined as the Y-axis direction, the right direction as the X-axis direction, and the front direction as the Z-axis direction.

[0083] The pen sensor 10 is, for example, an electrostatic capacitive sensor with multiple detection electrodes arranged in a planar configuration. The pen sensor 10 is positioned to overlap with the display area of ​​the display panel 40 when viewed from above, and detects the position of the electronic pen 3. The pen sensor 10 is configured, for example, to include multiple linear detection electrodes 11 for detecting the position along the X-axis of the sensor coordinate system and multiple linear detection electrodes 12 for detecting the position along the Y-axis. The detection electrodes 11 and 12 can be made of a transparent conductive material containing ITO (Indium Tin Oxide), or they can be made of a metal mesh sensor. Alternatively, the pen sensor 10 can be a self-capacitive sensor with blocky electrodes arranged in a two-dimensional lattice, instead of the aforementioned mutual capacitance sensor. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the pen sensor 10 is an electrostatic capacitive sensor, but it is not limited to this; for example, it could be a loop coil antenna for EMR (Electro Magnetic Resonance).

[0084] The sensor controller 20 performs motion control for the pen sensor 10 to detect the position and pen pressure of the electronic pen 3. Furthermore, the sensor controller 20 performs bidirectional communication between the electronic pen 3 and the sensor controller 20 by controlling the receiving and transmitting of signals from the pen sensor 10. Additionally, the sensor controller 20 communicates with the main processor 30. Moreover, the sensor controller 20 can also receive signals transmitted from the electronic pen 3 via the pen sensor 10, performing unidirectional communication without transmitting signals to the electronic pen 3 via the pen sensor 10. The sensor controller 20 is configured, for example, to include a communication device, a storage device, a CPU (Central Processing Unit), and a memory. The sensor controller 20 functions as various functional structures described later by executing a predetermined program stored in the memory or storage device via the CPU. The communication device consists of a communication interface for communicating with external devices. The storage device, such as a hard disk, stores various programs, information, and processing results required for the execution of processing within the sensor controller 20.

[0085] The main processor 30 comprises a computing device including a CPU, a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit), and an MPU (Micro-Processing Unit). The main processor 30 executes programs stored in a memory (not shown) to run various applications such as the operating system and drawing software of the electronic device 1A. The drawing software includes functions for generating stroke data based on coordinates sequentially supplied from the sensor controller 20, rendering it, and displaying it on a display. The drawing software also includes functions for adjusting the drawing results based on data such as pen pressure values ​​supplied from the sensor controller 20 (e.g., adjusting line width based on pen pressure values).

[0086] The display panel 40 is configured to display objects including text, images, and moving images. Specifically, the display panel 40 can display monochrome or color images, and is composed of, for example, a liquid crystal panel, an organic EL (Electro-Luminescence) panel, electronic paper, a quantum dot panel, etc. Furthermore, the liquid crystal panel can be any of the following: backlighting, small LED (Light Emitting Diode), or micro LED. The display panel 40 displays the object according to the control of the host processor 30, in response to the pen sensor 10's detection of the electronic pen 3. Figure 2 As shown, the display panel 40 is positioned above the pen sensor 10 (in the Z-axis direction).

[0087] Reference Figure 2 The specific structure of the electronic pen 3 will be explained. Figure 2This is a diagram illustrating an example of the specific structure of the electronic pen 3 according to the first embodiment. (See diagram for example.) Figure 2 As shown, the electronic pen 3 includes, for example, a power supply 31, an information manager 32, a data manager 33, a sensor 34, a button 35, a pen controller 36, a communication module 361, electrodes 37 and 38, and an electrode switch 39. In the electronic pen 3, the button 35 and electrodes 37 and 38 are disposed on the surface of the housing, while the power supply 31, information manager 32, data manager 33, sensor 34, communication module 361, electrode switch 39, and pen controller 36 are disposed within the housing.

[0088] The power source 31 is any type of power source, such as a battery or a power source capable of storing electricity, that supplies power to the electronic pen 3.

[0089] The information manager 32 stores pen function information of the electronic pen 3. This pen function information includes, for example, information related to predetermined functions of the electronic pen 3 and setting information related to settings of the electronic pen 3 that can be adjusted by the user. Whenever the user changes settings of the electronic pen 3, such as color or line width, the information manager 32 updates the setting information.

[0090] The data manager 33 manages the operation data of the electronic pen 3. The action data represents the operational state of the electronic pen 3, such as the pressure applied to the tip of the pen, its rotational state, and battery level. This action data is generated by the sensor 34. The sensor 34 is configured to include a pressure sensor for detecting the pressure applied to the tip of the electronic pen 3 and a rotation sensor for detecting the rotation of the electronic pen 3.

[0091] The pen controller 36 controls the operation of the communication module 361 and the electrode switch 39 in bidirectional communication with the sensor controller 20 of the electronic device 1A. Specifically, the pen controller 36 controls the electrode switch 39 to set the electrodes 37 and 38 to a transmission mode that sends pen function information and action data to the sensor controller 20 via the communication module 361 and the electrode 37.

[0092] The communication module 361 is a module for bidirectional communication with the electronic device 1A. The communication module 361 is configured to include a transmitting (TX) circuit and a receiving (RX) circuit for communicating with the electronic device 1A via at least one of electrodes 37 and 38. Electrodes 37 and 38 are used for communication with the electrodes of the pen sensor 10 of the electronic device 1A.

[0093] Electrodes 37 and 38 are disposed at different positions on the housing of the electronic pen 3. Specifically, electrode 37 is disposed at the tip of the electronic pen 3. Electrode 37 is used for indicating coordinate values ​​on the display panel 40 of the electronic pen 3 and for communication with the sensor controller 20. Electrode 38 is disposed above electrode 37 and below the grip portion of the electronic pen 3 held by the user, away from electrode 37. In addition, electrode 38 is formed as a ring-shaped electrode, disposed in such a way that it covers the outer periphery of the electronic pen 3. Electrode 38 is used to measure the posture values ​​of the electronic pen 3. Posture values ​​include, for example, tilt values ​​indicating the tilt of the electronic pen 3 and orientation values ​​indicating the orientation of the electronic pen 3 in the display panel 40. The orientation value is the value indicating the orientation of the tip of the electronic pen 3 when viewed from the Z-axis direction of the display panel 40. The tilt value is the angle of the electronic pen 3 relative to the display surface of the display panel 40 in the Z-axis direction.

[0094] Electrode switch 39 is a switch that switches the operation of electrodes 37 and 38 between transmit mode and receive mode.

[0095] <Functional Structure>

[0096] Next, refer to Figure 3 The functional structure of the sensor controller 20 of electronic device 1A is described. Figure 3 This is a diagram illustrating an example of the functional structure of the sensor controller 20 according to the first embodiment. (As shown...) Figure 3 As shown, the sensor controller 20 is configured, for example, to include a storage unit 21, an acquisition unit 22, and a pen pressure calculation unit 23 as a functional structure. Furthermore, the functional units other than the storage unit 21 are implemented by the CPU of the sensor controller 20 executing programs stored in the storage device of the sensor controller 20, etc.

[0097] The storage unit 21 is a functional structure that stores various values ​​and conditions used by the pen pressure calculation unit 23 in calculating pen pressure. Specifically, the storage unit 21 stores pen pressure reference data 211, pen pressure condition data 212, and operation state data 213.

[0098] The pen pressure reference data 211 is the data used by the pen pressure calculation unit 23 in calculating pen pressure. Specifically, the pen pressure reference data 211 includes the value of a first potential, the value of a second potential, a value representing a predetermined time period for determining the rise and fall of the potential of the position signal, a first value, and a second value. The first potential is the potential used to determine whether the operation state changes to the state where the electronic pen 3 presses the pen sensor 10, i.e., the first state. The second potential is the potential used to determine whether the operation state changes to the state where the electronic pen 3 leaves the pen sensor 10, i.e., the second state. In addition, the second potential can be the same as the first potential or a different potential. The predetermined time is the period for determining the rise and fall of the potential of the position signal. The first value is the set value of the pen pressure value in the first state. The second value is the set value of the pen pressure value in the second state, and is a value different from the first value. In addition, the pen pressure reference data 211 can also store a first signal level and a second signal level instead of the first potential and the second potential. The signal level is a level that is related to the received strength of the position signal. The signal level is, for example, the value of the potential, the value of the current, the value of the power, the digital value of the digital signal, etc.

[0099] The pen pressure condition data 212 is data related to the conditions used by the pen pressure calculation unit 23 to determine whether the electronic pen 3 is pressing the pen sensor 10 or whether the electronic pen 3 is disengaging from the pen sensor 10. Furthermore, examples of the conditions shown in the pen pressure condition data 212 will be explained later, so their explanation is omitted here.

[0100] Action state data 213 represents the current action state. Action state data 213 indicates whether the current action state is the first state or the second state.

[0101] The acquisition unit 22 acquires a position signal indicating the position of the electronic pen 3 from the pen sensor 10. Specifically, the acquisition unit 22 acquires a position signal transmitted from the detection electrode 11 and a position signal transmitted from the detection electrode 12 from the pen sensor 10.

[0102] The pen pressure calculation unit 23 calculates a pen pressure value related to the pen pressure of the electronic pen 3 on the pen sensor 10 based on the change in the potential of the position signal acquired by the acquisition unit 22. Specifically, the pen pressure calculation unit 23 refers to the potential of the position signal acquired by the acquisition unit 22 and the pen pressure reference data 211 and pen pressure condition data 212 stored in the storage unit 21. If the potential of the position signal rises above a first potential within a predetermined time, the pen pressure calculation unit 23 determines that the operation state changes to the first state. Furthermore, the pen pressure calculation unit 23 calculates a pen pressure value as the first value. Similarly, if the potential of the position signal falls below a second potential within a predetermined time, the pen pressure calculation unit 23 determines that the operation state changes to the second state. Furthermore, the pen pressure calculation unit 23 calculates a pen pressure value as the second value. If the potential of the position signal does not meet the above conditions, the pen pressure calculation unit 23 determines that the operation state has not changed and maintains the pen pressure value. The pen pressure calculation unit 23 stores the determined current operation state in the operation state data 213 of the storage unit 21. Furthermore, when determining whether the pen pressure calculation unit 23 is determining a rise or fall in the potential of the position signal, it determines a rise or fall in potential only if both the position signal sent from the detection electrode 11 and the position signal sent from the detection electrode 12 meet certain conditions. Additionally, in the first to seventh embodiments, the pen pressure calculation unit 23 uses potential in calculating the pen pressure value, but is not limited to potential. The pen pressure calculation unit 23 may also use the aforementioned signal level instead of potential in calculating the pen pressure value.

[0103] Here, refer to Figure 4 An example of pen pressure calculation by the pen pressure calculation unit 23 will be explained. Figure 4 This is a coordinate graph illustrating an example of the relationship between the horizontal change of the position signal and the pen pressure value in the first embodiment. Figure 4 In the diagram, the vertical axis represents the detection level by which the potential is transformed into a common scale using a prescribed transformation formula. Additionally, in... Figure 4 In the diagram, the horizontal axis represents the elapsed time [ms]. Figure 4 The graphs shown illustrate the differences between the detection level of detection electrode 11 and the previous level, the differences between the detection level of detection electrode 12 and the previous level, and the level of pen pressure. Additionally, in Figure 4 In this context, the detection level corresponding to both the first and second potentials is 200. Additionally, in... Figure 4 The specified time is 10ms. Additionally, in... Figure 4 In this context, the first value is set to 1000. Additionally, in... Figure 4 In this context, the second value is set to 0. Furthermore, the change in level represents how much the level value changes per unit of time. Specifically, the change in level can be, for example, the rate of increase, the rate of decrease, or the derivative value obtained by differentiating the level value over time.

[0104] After 0 ms elapsed, the acquisition unit 22 acquires the potential from the position signal. From 0 ms to 473 ms elapsed, the change in the detection level of the detection electrodes 11 and 12 (the difference from the previous time) is approximately 0. From 0 ms to 473 ms elapsed, the pen pressure calculation unit 23 determines the detection level every 10 ms elapsed. If the detection level has not changed by more than 200, the operation state remains in the second state, and the pen pressure value is calculated while maintaining 0. The main processor 30 sets the electronic pen 3 to leave the pen sensor 10 according to the pen pressure value of 0 transmitted from the pen pressure calculation unit 23, and performs the display control operation of the display panel 40.

[0105] After 500ms, the change in the detection level of detection electrode 11 is approximately 1000. Additionally, after 500ms, the change in the detection level of detection electrode 12 is approximately 700. After 500ms, the pen pressure calculation unit 23 determines that the detection level has increased by more than 200 and changes the operating state from the second state to the first state, calculating the pen pressure value as 1000.

[0106] During the 525ms interval, the pen pressure calculation unit 23 corrects the pen pressure value to the calculated value of 1000 and transmits the corrected pen pressure value to the main processor 30. The main processor 30 performs display control operations on the display panel 40 based on the pen pressure value of 1000 transmitted from the pen pressure calculation unit 23, assuming that the electronic pen 3 presses the pen sensor 10 with a force equivalent to the pen pressure value of 1000.

[0107] From 530ms to 1260ms, the change in the detection level of detection electrodes 11 and 12 is approximately 0. From 530ms to 1260ms, the pen pressure calculation unit 23 determines the detection level every 10ms. If the detection level has not changed by more than 200, the operation state remains in the first state, and the pen pressure value is maintained at 1000.

[0108] After 1290ms, the change in the detection level of detection electrode 11 is approximately -2000. Additionally, after 1290ms, the change in the detection level of detection electrode 12 is approximately -1300. After 1290ms, the pen pressure calculation unit 23 determines that the detection level has decreased by more than 200 and changes the operating state from the first state to the second state, calculating the pen pressure value as 0.

[0109] During the 1313ms elapsed period, the pen pressure calculation unit 23 corrects the pen pressure value to the calculated value of 0, and transmits the corrected pen pressure value to the main processor 30. The main processor 30, based on the pen pressure value of 0 transmitted from the pen pressure calculation unit 23, treats the electronic pen 3 as having left the pen sensor 10, and performs display control operations on the display panel 40.

[0110] <The flow of a series of actions>

[0111] The functional structure of the sensor controller 20 has been described above. Next, the specific processing flow in the electronic device 1A will be described in detail. Figure 6 This is a flowchart illustrating an example of a series of processes performed by electronic device 1A. Furthermore, the content and order of the following steps can be modified as appropriate.

[0112] (Step SP10)

[0113] Electronic device 1A acquires a position signal from electronic pen 3, indicating the position of electronic pen 3 relative to pen sensor 10, via pen sensor 10. Then, the process transitions to step SP12.

[0114] (Step SP12)

[0115] The electronic device 1A acquires the position signal transmitted from the detection electrodes 11 and 12 of the pen sensor 10 via the acquisition unit 22. Then, the processing changes to step SP14.

[0116] (Step SP14)

[0117] Electronic device 1A uses pen pressure calculation unit 23 to refer to operation state data 213 stored in storage unit 21 to determine whether the current operation state is the second state. Then, if the determination is positive, the process proceeds to step SP16. Conversely, if the determination is negative, electronic device 1A determines that the current operation state is the first state, and the process proceeds to step SP22.

[0118] (Step SP16)

[0119] Electronic device 1A determines, via pen pressure calculation unit 23, whether the potential of the position signal has risen above a first potential within a predetermined time period. Alternatively, electronic device 1A can also determine, via pen pressure calculation unit 23, whether the potential of the position signal has risen above a first potential from the potential of the previously acquired position signal. Then, if the determination is affirmative, the process proceeds to step SP18. Conversely, if the determination is negative, the process proceeds to step SP28.

[0120] (Step SP18)

[0121] Electronic device 1A determines that the operation state has changed from the second state to the first state through the pen pressure calculation unit 23. Electronic device 1A updates the operation state data 213 in the storage unit 21 through the pen pressure calculation unit 23 to indicate that the current operation state is the first state. Then, the process changes to step SP20.

[0122] (Step SP20)

[0123] Electronic device 1A calculates a pen pressure value as a first value using the pen pressure calculation unit 23. Furthermore, electronic device 1A transmits the calculated pen pressure value to the main processor 30 via the pen pressure calculation unit 23. Then, the processing transitions to step SP28.

[0124] (Step SP22)

[0125] Electronic device 1A determines, via pen pressure calculation unit 23, whether the potential of the position signal has decreased by a second potential or more within a predetermined time period. Alternatively, electronic device 1A can also determine, via pen pressure calculation unit 23, whether the potential of the position signal has decreased by a second potential or more from the potential of the previously acquired position signal. Then, if the determination is affirmative, the process proceeds to step SP24. Conversely, if the determination is negative, the process proceeds to step SP28.

[0126] (Step SP24)

[0127] Electronic device 1A determines that the operation state has changed from the first state to the second state through the pen pressure calculation unit 23. Electronic device 1A updates the operation state data 213 in the storage unit 21 through the pen pressure calculation unit 23 to indicate that the current operation state is the second state. Then, the process changes to step SP26.

[0128] (Step SP26)

[0129] Electronic device 1A calculates a pen pressure value as a second value using the pen pressure calculation unit 23. Furthermore, electronic device 1A transmits the calculated pen pressure value to the main processor 30 via the pen pressure calculation unit 23. Then, the processing transitions to step SP28.

[0130] (Step SP28)

[0131] Electronic device 1A, via main processor 30, performs display control operations on display panel 40 according to the pen pressure value transmitted from pen pressure calculation unit 23. Then, Figure 6 The series of processes shown has ended.

[0132] <Effect>

[0133] In the first embodiment described above, the sensor controller 20 includes an acquisition unit 22 that acquires a position signal representing the position of the electronic pen 3 from the pen sensor 10 that detects the position of the electronic pen 3. Furthermore, the sensor controller 20 also includes a pen pressure calculation unit 23, which calculates a pen pressure value related to the pen pressure exerted by the electronic pen 3 on the pen sensor 10 based on changes in the signal level of the position signal acquired by the acquisition unit 22. According to this structure, the sensor controller 20 calculates the pen pressure value based on changes in the signal level of the position signal, thus reducing the impact of deviations in the signal level of the position signal caused by manufacturing defects in the electronic pen 3. Therefore, the sensor controller 20 can calculate the pen pressure exerted by the electronic pen 3 on the pen sensor 10 with high accuracy.

[0134] Furthermore, in the first embodiment, when the position signal potential rises above a first potential within a predetermined time, the pen pressure calculation unit 23 determines that the operation state has changed to the first state where the electronic pen 3 presses the pen sensor 10, and calculates the pen pressure value as the first value. Here, the signal level is the potential. Therefore, the sensor controller 20 calculates the pen pressure value based on the rise in the position signal, thus enabling the determination of the electronic pen 3 pressing the pen sensor 10 with a simple structure and high accuracy, and the calculation of the pen pressure value based on the pressing.

[0135] Furthermore, in the first embodiment, when the position signal potential drops by more than a second potential within a predetermined time, the pen pressure calculation unit 23 determines that the operation state has changed to a second state where the electronic pen 3 has left the pen sensor 10, and calculates a pen pressure value as a second value different from the first value. Therefore, the sensor controller 20 calculates the pen pressure value according to the amount of drop in the position signal, thus enabling it to determine the departure of the electronic pen 3 from the pen sensor 10 with a simple structure and high accuracy, and to calculate the pen pressure value based on this departure.

[0136] --Second Implementation Method--

[0137] Next, the second embodiment will be described.

[0138] <Overall Structure>

[0139] Figure 7 This is a diagram illustrating an example of the specific structure of the electronic device 1B according to the second embodiment. (See diagram for example.) Figure 7 As shown, the electronic device 1B of the second embodiment is configured to include a pen sensor 100, a touch sensor 101, a touch sensor controller 51, a pen sensor controller 52, a main processor 30, and a display panel 40. Furthermore, the display panel 40 and the main processor 30 are the same as in the first embodiment, therefore their description is omitted.

[0140] The electronic pen 300 is a stylus equipped with a resonant circuit for EMR (Electronic Resonance Mode). The electronic pen 300 receives a magnetic field generated by the pen sensor 100, drives the resonant circuit based on the received magnetic field, and sends a position signal indicating the indicated position of the electronic pen 300 to the pen sensor 100. Additionally, the electronic pen 300 has a pen pressure sensor that detects the pen pressure applied to the pen tip. The pen pressure sensor is configured to include a capacitor whose electrostatic capacitance varies according to the pen pressure and a coil. Based on the driving of the resonant circuit, the electronic pen 300 sends a pen pressure signal indicating the pen pressure of the electronic pen 300 to the pen sensor 100.

[0141] The touch sensor 101 is similar to the pen sensor 10, for example, it is a capacitive sensor formed by multiple detection electrodes 11 and 12 arranged in a planar configuration. The touch sensor 101 detects the pointing position of the user's finger 2. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the touch sensor 101 is an "external" sensor that is mounted on the outside of the display panel 40, but it is not limited to this. The touch sensor 101 may also be an "integrated" sensor (or, if further classified, an external or embedded sensor) that is integrally formed with the display panel 40.

[0142] The pen sensor 100 is a loop coil antenna used in an EMR (Electronic Resonance) manner. The pen sensor 100 is configured to include multiple loop coils for detecting position in the X-axis direction and multiple loop coils for detecting position in the Y-axis direction. The pen sensor 100 generates a magnetic field from the coil antenna and receives a position signal transmitted from a resonant circuit disposed on the electronic pen 300, thereby detecting the indicated position of the electronic pen 300. Additionally, the pen sensor 100 generates a magnetic field from the coil antenna and receives a pen pressure signal transmitted from the resonant circuit disposed on the electronic pen 300, thereby detecting the pen pressure applied by the electronic pen 300 to the pen sensor 100.

[0143] The touch sensor controller 51 performs motion control based on the position detection of the finger 2 and the pen pressure detection of the touch sensor 101. In addition, the touch sensor controller 51 communicates with the main processor 30.

[0144] The pen sensor controller 52 performs position detection and pen pressure detection operation control of the pen sensor 100 on the electronic pen 300. Furthermore, the pen sensor controller 52 controls the transmission of signals from the pen sensor 100 to the electronic pen 300 and the reception of position signals and pen pressure signals transmitted from the resonant circuit driven by the pen sensor 100. Additionally, the pen sensor controller 52 communicates with the host processor 30.

[0145] Furthermore, the touch sensor controller 51 and the pen sensor controller 52 are configured to include, for example, a communication device, a storage device, a CPU, and a memory. The touch sensor controller 51 and the pen sensor controller 52 execute predetermined programs stored in the memory or storage device via the CPU, functioning as various functional structures described later. The communication device consists of a communication interface for communicating with external devices. The storage device consists of a hard disk or the like, storing various programs, information, and processing results required for the execution of processing in the touch sensor controller 51 or the pen sensor controller 52.

[0146] <Functional Structure>

[0147] Next, the functional structure of the pen sensor controller 52 of the electronic device 1B will be described. Furthermore, the storage unit 21 is the same as the sensor controller 20 of the first embodiment, so its description is omitted. Additionally, the functional structure of the touch sensor controller 51 is also the same as the sensor controller 20 of the first embodiment, so its description is omitted.

[0148] The acquisition unit 22 acquires position signals indicating the position of the electronic pen 300 from the pen sensor 100. Specifically, the acquisition unit 22 acquires position signals transmitted from the loop coil used for detecting the position in the X-axis direction and from the loop coil used for detecting the position in the Y-axis direction, respectively, from the pen sensor 100. In addition, the acquisition unit 22 acquires pen pressure signals indicating the pen pressure of the electronic pen 300 from the pen sensor 100.

[0149] The pen pressure calculation unit 23 corrects the pen pressure represented by the pen pressure signal acquired by the acquisition unit 22 based on the change in the potential of the position signal acquired by the acquisition unit 22, thereby calculating the pen pressure value. Specifically, the pen pressure calculation unit 23 refers to the position signal and the potential of the pen pressure signal acquired by the acquisition unit 22, as well as the pen pressure reference data 211 and pen pressure condition data 212 stored in the storage unit 21. When the potential of the position signal rises above a first potential within a predetermined time, the pen pressure calculation unit 23 determines that the operation state changes to the first state. Furthermore, the pen pressure calculation unit 23 calculates the pen pressure value by correcting the pen pressure represented by the pen pressure signal with a first value. Specifically, the pen pressure calculation unit 23 corrects the pen pressure, for example, by multiplying, adding, subtracting, or dividing the first value with the value of the pen pressure represented by the pen pressure signal, or by substituting the first value and the value of the pen pressure represented by the pen pressure signal into a predetermined formula. In addition, the pen pressure calculation unit 23 may also compare the magnitude relationship between the first value and the pen pressure represented by the pen pressure signal, and select the larger value to correct the pen pressure. In addition, the pen pressure calculation unit 23 can also calculate the pen pressure value as the first value.

[0150] Furthermore, when the potential of the position signal drops by more than a second potential within a predetermined time, the pen pressure calculation unit 23 determines that the operation state has changed to the second state. The pen pressure calculation unit 23 calculates the pen pressure value by correcting the pen pressure represented by the pen pressure signal using the second value. Specifically, the pen pressure calculation unit 23 corrects the pen pressure by multiplying, adding, subtracting, or dividing the second value with the pen pressure value represented by the pen pressure signal, or by substituting the second value and the pen pressure value represented by the pen pressure signal into a predetermined formula. Alternatively, the pen pressure calculation unit 23 may also calculate using the pen pressure value as the second value. Furthermore, if the potential of the position signal does not meet the above conditions, the pen pressure calculation unit 23 determines that the operation state has not changed and maintains the pen pressure value. The pen pressure calculation unit 23 stores the determined current operation state in the operation state data 213 of the storage unit 21.

[0151] Furthermore, if the pen pressure calculation unit 23 determines that the pen pressure signal acquired by the acquisition unit 22 before the operation state changes from the second state to the first state indicates that the electronic pen 300 is pressing the pen sensor 100, it considers the pen pressure signal to be an abnormal value. In the case of determining an abnormal value, the pen pressure calculation unit 23 corrects the pen pressure represented by the pen pressure signal using a second value. Alternatively, the pen pressure calculation unit 23 may also calculate the pen pressure represented by the pen pressure signal as a second value in the case of determining an abnormal value.

[0152] In addition, if the pen pressure signal obtained by the acquisition unit 22 before the operation state changes from the first state to the second state indicates that the pen sensor 100 has left the electronic pen 300, the pen pressure calculation unit 23 considers the pen pressure signal to be an abnormal value and maintains the pen pressure value.

[0153] Here, refer to Figure 8 An example of pen pressure calculation by the pen pressure calculation unit 23 in the second embodiment will be described. Figure 8 This is a coordinate graph illustrating an example of the relationship between the horizontal changes of the position signal and the pen pressure signal, and the pen pressure value, in the second embodiment. Figure 8 In the diagram, the vertical axis represents the detection level by which the potential is transformed into a common scale using a prescribed transformation formula. Additionally, in... Figure 8 In the diagram, the horizontal axis represents the elapsed time [ms]. Figure 8 The graphs shown illustrate the difference between the detection level of the loop coil in the X-axis direction and the previous reading, the difference between the detection level in the Y-axis direction and the previous reading, the level of the pen pressure value, and the potential of the pen pressure signal. Additionally, in Figure 8 In this context, the detection level corresponding to both the first and second potentials is 200. Additionally, in... Figure 8 The specified time is 10ms. Additionally, in... Figure 8 In this context, the first value is set to 1000. Additionally, in... Figure 8In this context, the second value is set to 0. Additionally, in... Figure 8 In the process, the pen pressure calculation unit 23 calculates the pen pressure value as either a first value or a second value.

[0154] like Figure 8 As shown, the pen pressure calculation unit 23 calculates the pen pressure value as a first value faster than the pen pressure signal representing electronic pen 300 pressing the pen sensor 100, and transmits the pen pressure value to the host processor 30. In addition, the pen pressure calculation unit 23 calculates the pen pressure value as a second value immediately after the pen pressure signal representing electronic pen 300 leaves the pen sensor 100.

[0155] <The flow of a series of actions>

[0156] The functional configuration of the pen sensor controller 52 has been described above. Next, the specific processing flow in the electronic device 1B will be described in detail. Figure 9 This is a flowchart illustrating an example of a series of processes performed by the electronic device 1B according to the second embodiment. Furthermore, the content and order of the following steps can be appropriately modified.

[0157] (Step SP50)

[0158] Electronic device 1B obtains a pen pressure signal representing the pen pressure exerted by electronic pen 300 on pen sensor 100 from electronic pen 300 via pen sensor 100. Then, the process transitions to step SP52.

[0159] (Step SP52)

[0160] Electronic device 1B acquires the position signal transmitted from the loop coil of pen sensor 100 via acquisition unit 22. Then, the processing changes to step SP54.

[0161] (Step SP54)

[0162] The electronic device 1B uses the pen pressure calculation unit 23 to refer to the operation state data 213 in the storage unit 21 to determine whether the current operation state is the second state. Then, if the determination is positive, the process proceeds to step SP56. Conversely, if the determination is negative, the electronic device 1B determines that the current operation state is the first state, and the process proceeds to step SP64.

[0163] (Step SP56)

[0164] The electronic device 1B determines whether the pen pressure signal is a value representing the pressure of the electronic pen 300 on the pen sensor 100 via the pen pressure calculation unit 23. Then, if the determination is positive, the process proceeds to step SP58. Conversely, if the determination is negative, the process proceeds to step SP62.

[0165] (Step SP58)

[0166] The electronic device 1B determines that the pen pressure signal indicates an abnormal value through the pen pressure calculation unit 23. Then, the processing changes to step SP60.

[0167] (Step SP60)

[0168] The electronic device 1B calculates a pen pressure value as a second value using the pen pressure calculation unit 23. Furthermore, the electronic device 1B transmits the calculated pen pressure value to the main processor 30 via the pen pressure calculation unit 23. Then, the processing transitions to step SP72.

[0169] (Step SP62)

[0170] The electronic device 1B determines that it is in an operating state and maintains the second state by means of the pen pressure calculation unit 23. Furthermore, the electronic device 1B calculates a pen pressure value as a second value using the pen pressure calculation unit 23. Alternatively, the electronic device 1B can also use the second value to correct the pen pressure represented by the pen pressure signal, thereby calculating the pen pressure value. Then, the process transitions to step SP72.

[0171] (Step SP64)

[0172] The electronic device 1B determines, via the pen pressure calculation unit 23, whether the pen pressure signal is a value indicating that the electronic pen 300 has left the pen sensor 100. If the determination is affirmative, the process proceeds to step SP66. Conversely, if the determination is negative, the process proceeds to step SP70.

[0173] (Step SP66)

[0174] Electronic device 1B determines that the pen pressure signal indicates an abnormal value through pen pressure calculation unit 23. Then, the processing changes to step SP68.

[0175] (Step SP68)

[0176] The electronic device 1B maintains the pen pressure value at the previously calculated value via the pen pressure calculation unit 23. Furthermore, the electronic device 1B transmits the calculated pen pressure value to the main processor 30 via the pen pressure calculation unit 23. Then, the processing transitions to step SP72.

[0177] (Step SP70)

[0178] The electronic device 1B determines that it is in an operating state and maintains the first state by using the pen pressure calculation unit 23. Furthermore, the electronic device 1B calculates a pen pressure value using the pen pressure calculation unit 23 as a first value. Alternatively, the electronic device 1B can also use the pen pressure calculation unit 23 to correct the pen pressure represented by the pen pressure signal using the first value, thereby calculating the pen pressure value. Then, the process transitions to step SP72.

[0179] (Step SP72)

[0180] Electronic device 1B, via main processor 30, performs display control operations on display panel 40 according to the pen pressure value transmitted from pen pressure calculation unit 23. Then, Figure 9 The series of processes shown has ended.

[0181] <Effect>

[0182] In the second embodiment, the acquisition unit 22 acquires a pen pressure signal from the pen sensor 100, which is transmitted from the electronic pen 300 to the pen sensor 100 and represents the pen pressure exerted by the electronic pen 300 on the pen sensor 100. Furthermore, the pen pressure calculation unit 23 calculates the pen pressure value by correcting the pen pressure represented by the pen pressure signal based on the change in the potential of the position signal. Therefore, the pen sensor controller 52 (sensor controller) can calculate the pen pressure exerted by the electronic pen 300 on the pen sensor 100 with high accuracy, even when using an electronic pen 300 with pen pressure detection capabilities.

[0183] Furthermore, in the second embodiment, when the potential of the position signal rises above a first potential within a predetermined time, the pen pressure calculation unit 23 determines that the operation state has changed to the first state of the electronic pen 300 pressing the pen sensor 100 and calculates the pen pressure value as the first value. Conversely, if the pen pressure signal acquired by the acquisition unit 22 before determining that the operation state has changed to the first state indicates that the electronic pen 300 is pressing the pen sensor 100, the pen pressure calculation unit 23 calculates the pen pressure value as a second value different from the first value, considering it an abnormal value. Here, the signal level is the potential. Therefore, the pen sensor controller 52 (sensor controller) can determine the false detection of the pressure of the electronic pen 300's pen sensor as abnormal, and thus can calculate the pen pressure of the electronic pen 300 on the pen sensor 100 with higher accuracy.

[0184] Furthermore, in the second embodiment, when the potential of the position signal drops by more than a second potential within a predetermined time, the pen pressure calculation unit 23 determines that the operation state has changed to the second state where the electronic pen 300 has left the pen sensor 100, and calculates the pen pressure value as the second value. Additionally, if the pen pressure signal acquired by the acquisition unit 22 before determining that the operation state has changed to the second state indicates that the pen sensor 100 has left the electronic pen 300, the pen pressure calculation unit 23 maintains the pen pressure value as an abnormal value. Therefore, the pen sensor controller 52 (sensor controller) can determine the false detection of the departure of the pen pressure sensor of the electronic pen 300 as an abnormality, and thus can further calculate the pen pressure of the electronic pen 300 on the pen sensor 100 with high accuracy.

[0185] --Third Implementation Method--

[0186] Next, the third embodiment will be described.

[0187] In the first and second embodiments, the pen pressure value is calculated by the sensor controller 20 provided in the electronic device 1A or the pen sensor controller 52 provided in the electronic device 1B. The third embodiment differs from the first and second embodiments in that the pen pressure value is calculated by the electronic pen 3 instead of the electronic devices 1A and 1B.

[0188] Figure 10A This is a cross-sectional view along line XX of the position detection system 5 according to the third embodiment. Additionally, Figure 10B Is Figure 10A The cross-sectional view shown is of the electronic pen 3 in the position detection system 5 tilted relative to the electronic device 1A. Furthermore, in Figure 10A as well as Figure 10B In this case, pressure Fa is applied to the tip of the electronic pen 3 in a normal direction from the display panel 40 of the electronic device 1A upwards. Additionally, in Figure 10B In this context, when the pressure Fa is vector-decomposed into the axial direction of the electronic pen 3 and the direction perpendicular to the axial direction, the axial component of the electronic pen 3 is designated as pressure Fb, and the component perpendicular to the axial direction is designated as pressure Fc. For example... Figure 10B As shown, the greater the tilt angle α of the electronic pen 3 relative to the display surface of the electronic device 1A, the smaller the pressure Fb applied in the axial direction of the tip of the electronic pen 3.

[0189] In addition, such as Figure 10AAs shown, the electronic pen 3 has a pen tip that can reciprocate along the axis of the electronic pen 3. Furthermore, a gap is provided between the pen tip and the sensor 34, and a buffer 371 is provided in this gap to transmit the pressure applied to the pen tip to the sensor 34. Additionally, the pen tip has an electrode 37 at its front end, or the pen tip itself functions as the electrode 37. The sensor 34 is configured as a capacitor switch including a capacitance that changes according to pressure. The sensor 34 detects pressure by the change in capacitance caused by the pressure applied from the pen tip via the buffer 371, and transmits the pressure detected by the data manager 33 as a pen pressure signal to the pen controller 36.

[0190] The pen controller 36 calculates the pen pressure value based on the potential change of the uplink signal transmitted from the pen sensor 10 via the electrode 37. Specifically, when the potential of the uplink signal rises above a first potential within a predetermined time, the pen controller 36 determines that the operation state changes to the first state and calculates the pen pressure value as the first value. Similarly, when the potential of the uplink signal falls below a second potential within a predetermined time, the pen controller 36 determines that the operation state changes to the second state and calculates the pen pressure value as the second value. Alternatively, the pen controller 36 can also calculate the pen pressure value by correcting the pressure detected by the sensor 34 based on the potential change of the uplink signal.

[0191] Furthermore, the more detailed description of the operation of the pen controller 36 is the same as that of the first or second embodiment, except that the pen pressure value is calculated or corrected based on the change in the potential of the uplink signal instead of the position signal, so its description is omitted.

[0192] Reference Figure 11 This is an example of how the pen pressure of the pen controller 36 is calculated. Figure 11 This is a coordinate graph illustrating an example of the relationship between the horizontal change of the uplink signal and the pen pressure value when the slope α of the electronic pen 3 is large in the third embodiment. Figure 11 In the diagram, the vertical axis represents the detection level by which the potential is transformed into a common scale using a prescribed transformation formula. Additionally, in... Figure 11 In the diagram, the horizontal axis represents the elapsed time [ms]. Figure 11 The graphs shown illustrate the difference between the level of the uplink signal transmitted from detection electrode 11 and the previous level, the difference between the level of the uplink signal transmitted from detection electrode 12 and the previous level, and the data representing the pen pressure value and the level of the pen pressure signal. Additionally, in Figure 11 In this context, the detection level corresponding to both the first and second potentials is 200. Additionally, in... Figure 11 The specified time is 10ms. Additionally, in... Figure 11 In this context, the first value is set to 1000. Additionally, in... Figure 11 In the middle, the second value is set to 0.

[0193] like Figure 11 As shown, the pen controller 36 calculates the pen pressure value as a first value relatively early than the uplink signal indicating that the electronic pen 3 is pressing the pen sensor 10, and transmits the pen pressure value to the host processor 30. Furthermore, the pen controller 36 calculates the pen pressure value as a second value immediately after the pen pressure signal indicates that the electronic pen 3 has left the pen sensor 10.

[0194] In addition, in the third embodiment, the electronic pen 3 is provided with a sensor 34 for detecting pen pressure and sending a pen pressure signal, but it is not limited to this. The electronic pen 3 may also not have a sensor 34. Furthermore, the electronic pen 3 may also calculate the pen pressure value related to pen pressure based solely on the signal level of the uplink signal.

[0195] <Effect>

[0196] In the third embodiment described above, the electronic pen 3 is an electronic pen that indicates the position of the pen sensor 10. The electronic pen 3 has a pen tip, a pen controller 36, and a transmitter TX. The pen tip has electrodes 37 that are axially reciprocating at the front end and transmitting and receiving signals with the pen sensor 10. The pen controller 36 calculates a pen pressure value related to pen pressure based on the potential change of an uplink signal transmitted from the pen sensor 10 via the electrodes 37. The transmitter TX transmits a pen pressure signal representing the pen pressure value calculated by the pen controller 36 and a position signal representing the indicated position of the pen sensor 10 to the pen sensor 10 via the electrodes 37.

[0197] According to this structure, the electronic pen 3 calculates the pen pressure value based on the change in the signal level of the uplink signal, thus reducing the impact of deviations in the signal level of the position signal caused by manufacturing deviations of the electronic pen 3. Furthermore, since the electronic pen 3 uses the uplink signal in calculating the pen pressure value, the influence of the degree of tilt of the electronic pen 3 relative to the pen sensor 10 on the sensor 34 is reduced. Therefore, the electronic pen 3 can calculate the pen pressure exerted by the electronic pen 3 on the pen sensor 10 with high accuracy.

[0198] Furthermore, in the third embodiment, when the uplink signal potential rises above a first potential within a predetermined time, the pen controller 36 determines that the operation state has changed to the first state of pressing the pen sensor 10, and calculates the pen pressure value as the first value. Here, the signal level is the potential.

[0199] Therefore, the electronic pen 3 calculates the pen pressure value based on the rise in the potential of the uplink signal. Thus, it is possible to determine the pressure of the electronic pen 3 on the pen sensor 10 with a simple structure and high accuracy, and to calculate the pen pressure value based on the pressure.

[0200] In addition, in the third embodiment, when the potential of the uplink signal drops by more than a second potential within a specified time, the pen controller 36 determines that the operation state has changed to a second state of leaving the pen sensor 10, and calculates the pen pressure value as a second value that is different from the first value.

[0201] Therefore, the electronic pen 3 calculates the pen pressure value based on the decrease in the potential of the uplink signal. Thus, it is possible to determine the departure of the electronic pen 3 from the pen sensor 10 with a simple structure and high accuracy, and to calculate the pen pressure value based on this departure.

[0202] In the third embodiment, the electronic pen 3 further includes a sensor 34 (pressure sensor) for detecting pressure applied to the pen tip. Additionally, the pen controller 36 calculates the pen pressure value by correcting the pressure detected by the sensor 34 based on changes in the signal level of the uplink signal. Here, the signal level is electrical potential.

[0203] Therefore, the electronic pen 3 corrects the pressure detected by the sensor 34, thus enabling it to calculate the pen pressure of the electronic pen 3 on the pen sensor 10 with high accuracy.

[0204] Furthermore, in the third embodiment, when the uplink signal potential rises above a first potential within a predetermined time, the pen controller 36 determines that the operation state has changed to the first state and calculates a pen pressure value as the first value. Conversely, if the pen pressure signal indicates pressure on the pen sensor 10 before the operation state is determined to have changed to the first state, the pen controller 36 calculates a second value as an abnormal pen pressure signal. Here, the signal level is the potential.

[0205] Therefore, the electronic pen 3 can determine the false detection of the pressure of the sensor 34 as abnormal, and thus can further calculate the pen pressure of the electronic pen 3 on the pen sensor 100 with high accuracy.

[0206] Furthermore, in the third embodiment, if the uplink signal potential drops by more than a second potential within a predetermined time, the pen controller 36 determines that the operation state has changed to the second state and calculates a pen pressure value as the second value. Conversely, if the pen pressure signal indicates that the pen pressure signal has left the pen sensor 10 before the operation state is determined to change to the second state, the pen controller 36 maintains the pen pressure value as an abnormal value of the pen pressure signal indication.

[0207] Therefore, the electronic pen 3 can determine the false detection of the departure of the pen pressure sensor of the electronic pen 3 as an anomaly, and thus can further calculate the pen pressure of the electronic pen 3 to the pen sensor 10 with high accuracy.

[0208] ---Fourth Implementation Method---

[0209] Next, the fourth embodiment will be described.

[0210] The fourth embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that the sensor controller 20 of the electronic device 1A calculates the pen pressure value of the electronic pen 3 based on a first signal sent from electrode 37 of the electronic pen 3 and a second signal sent from electrode 38 of the electronic pen 3. In the fourth embodiment, the electronic pen 3 includes the sensor 34 (pressure sensor) described in the third embodiment.

[0211] Figure 12A This is a diagram illustrating an example of the signal level distribution in the fourth embodiment, where the electronic pen 3 is not in contact with the electronic device 1A and the tilt is small. Furthermore, in Figure 12A and the following Figures 12B to 12D In the graph, the vertical axis represents the signal levels (potentials, etc.) of the first and second signals. The horizontal axis represents the coordinate values ​​along the X-axis of the pen sensor 10. Additionally, in... Figure 12A as well as Figure 12B In this embodiment, the tilt of the electronic pen 3 relative to the pen sensor 10 (i.e., the angle between the normal to the detection surface of the pen sensor 10 and the axis of the electronic pen 3) is set to 0°. In the fourth embodiment, the electronic pen 3 sends a first signal to the pen sensor 10, which includes information about the indicated position, such as an indication of the coordinate value of the electronic pen 3 on the pen sensor 10. Additionally, the first signal may also include information related to the pressure detected by the sensor 34, i.e., the pen pressure exerted by the electronic pen 3 on the pen sensor 10. The electronic pen 3 sends a second signal towards the pen sensor 10, containing a posture value related to the posture of the electronic pen 3 on the pen sensor 10.

[0212] like Figure 12A As shown, the pen sensor 10 receives a first signal transmitted from the electrode 37. The first signal on the pen sensor 10 has the highest signal level at coordinate x4 (x1~x7) in the X-axis direction, becoming value V1. Similarly, the second signal on the pen sensor 10 also has the highest signal level at coordinate x4 (x1~x7) in the X-axis direction, becoming value V3. Furthermore, since the distance between the pen sensor 10 and the electrode 38 is longer than the distance between the pen sensor 10 and the electrode 37, the level of the second signal is generally smaller than the level of the first signal. Additionally, in... Figure 12A In the process, because the electronic pen 3 is tilted slightly relative to the pen sensor 10, the coordinates at which the signal level of the first signal reaches its maximum value are the same as the coordinates at which the signal level of the second signal reaches its maximum value.

[0213] Figure 12B This is a diagram illustrating an example of the signal level distribution when the electronic pen 3 is in contact with the electronic device 1A and the tilt is small in the fourth embodiment. Figure 12BIn the first signal, the signal level is highest at coordinate x4 in the X-axis coordinate range (x1~x7) on the pen sensor 10, becoming a value V2 that is larger than V1. Since the electronic pen 3 is in contact with the pen sensor 10, it can be seen that the signal level of the first signal is higher than that in the non-contact case. Furthermore, the second signal also has its highest signal level at coordinate x4 in the X-axis coordinate range (x1~x7) on the pen sensor 10, becoming a value V3. In addition, compared to the case where the electronic pen 3 is not in contact with the pen sensor 10, the distance between the electrode 38 and the pen sensor 10 is shorter. Therefore, although the signal level is slightly larger than V3, the change in the level of the second signal is negligible, and therefore, it is set to V3 for convenience. Figure 12B In, with Figure 12A Similarly, the electronic pen 3 is tilted less relative to the pen sensor 10, so the coordinates at which the signal level of the first signal reaches its maximum value are the same as the coordinates at which the signal level of the second signal reaches its maximum value.

[0214] Figure 12C This is a diagram illustrating an example of the signal horizontal distribution in the fourth embodiment when the electronic pen 3 is not in contact with the electronic device 1A and is tilted significantly. Figure 12C In this configuration, the tilt of the electronic pen 3 relative to the pen sensor 10 (i.e., the angle between the normal to the detection surface of the pen sensor 10 and the axis of the electronic pen 3) is 90°-α. Furthermore, in... Figure 12C In the first signal on the pen sensor 10, the signal level is highest at coordinate x4 out of the X-axis coordinates (x1~x7), becoming value V1. Furthermore, the second signal on the pen sensor 10 has its highest signal level at coordinate x6 out of the X-axis coordinates (x1~x7), becoming value V4, which is greater than V3. Regarding the second signal, the electronic pen 3 is tilted significantly relative to the pen sensor 10. Compared to the case with a smaller tilt, the distance between the electrode 38 and the pen sensor 10 is closer, therefore, the signal level is higher compared to the non-contact case. Figure 12C In the process, because the electronic pen 3 is tilted significantly relative to the pen sensor 10, the coordinates at which the signal level of the first signal reaches its maximum value are inconsistent with the coordinates at which the signal level of the second signal reaches its maximum value.

[0215] Figure 12D This diagram illustrates an example of the signal level distribution when the electronic pen 3 is in contact with the electronic device 1A and is tilted significantly, as shown in the fourth embodiment. Figure 12D In this configuration, the tilt of the electronic pen 3 relative to the pen sensor 10 (i.e., the angle between the normal to the detection surface of the pen sensor 10 and the axis of the electronic pen 3) is 90°-α. Figure 12DIn the first signal on the pen sensor 10, the signal level is highest at coordinate x4 out of the X-axis coordinates (x1~x7), becoming value V2. Similarly, the second signal on the pen sensor 10 has its highest signal level at coordinate x6 out of the X-axis coordinates (x1~x7), becoming value V4. Since the electronic pen 3 is in contact with the pen sensor 10, it can be seen that the signal level of the first signal is higher compared to the non-contact case. Furthermore, regarding the second signal, the electronic pen 3 has a larger tilt relative to the pen sensor 10; compared to the case with a smaller tilt, the distance between the electrode 38 and the pen sensor 10 is closer, therefore, the signal level is higher compared to the case with a smaller tilt. Figure 12D In this case, because the electronic pen 3 is tilted significantly relative to the pen sensor 10, the coordinates at which the signal level of the first signal reaches its maximum value are inconsistent with the coordinates at which the signal level of the second signal reaches its maximum value. Furthermore, in... Figures 12A-12D The example given is the coordinate value along the X-axis, but the coordinate value along the Y-axis is processed in the same way as the coordinate value along the X-axis.

[0216] Next, the pen pressure calculation method in the fourth embodiment will be described. According to the fourth embodiment, the acquisition unit 22 acquires a first signal transmitted from the electrode 37 (first electrode) of the electronic pen 3 to the pen sensor 10. Additionally, the acquisition unit 22 acquires a second signal transmitted from an electrode 38 (second electrode), which is different from the electrode 37 of the electronic pen 3, to the pen sensor 10. Furthermore, the acquisition unit 22 acquires a pen pressure signal representing the pen pressure of the electronic pen 3 from the pen sensor 10. The pen pressure signal is transmitted from the electrode 37 of the electronic pen 3. The acquisition unit 22 stores the acquired first signal, second signal, and information represented by the pen pressure signal in the storage unit 21.

[0217] Furthermore, in the fourth embodiment, the storage unit 21 stores a correction table for correcting or calculating pen pressure based on the tilt angle of the electronic pen 3 relative to the pen sensor 10 (i.e., the angle between the normal of the detection surface of the pen sensor 10 and the axis of the electronic pen 3). This correction table, for example, maps calculated values ​​based on the signal distributions of the first and second signals to correction coefficients. The correction coefficient is essentially a value that increases the pen pressure value represented by the pen pressure signal (e.g., a value greater than 1), but it is not limited to this; it can also be a value that decreases the pen pressure value represented by the pen pressure signal (e.g., a value less than 1). Alternatively, the storage unit 21 may store a prescribed formula or function with values ​​related to the signal distribution of the first signal and values ​​related to the signal distribution of the second signal as input variables and correction coefficients as output variables, instead of a correction table.

[0218] The correction table establishes a correspondence between calculated values ​​and correction coefficients, with smaller calculated values ​​resulting in larger correction coefficients. This means that the more the electronic pen 3 is tilted relative to the pen sensor 10, the closer the electrode 38 is to the pen sensor 10, and therefore the signal level of the second signal becomes larger relative to the signal level of the first signal. Alternatively, the correction table can also establish a correspondence between the difference between the coordinate values ​​of the statistical value (preferably the maximum value) of the detected signal level of the first signal and the coordinate values ​​of the statistical value (preferably the maximum value) of the detected signal level of the second signal and the correction coefficient. This example uses the tilt of the electronic pen 3 relative to the pen sensor 10 as a calculated value based on the difference in the coordinate values ​​of the detected maximum values. The more the electronic pen 3 is tilted relative to the pen sensor 10, the larger the difference between the coordinate values ​​representing the maximum signal level of the first signal and the coordinate values ​​representing the maximum signal level of the second signal. Furthermore, in the correction table, the difference between the vector of acceleration detected by the accelerometer pre-installed on the electronic pen 3 and the vector of acceleration detected by the accelerometer pre-installed on the electronic device 1A can be associated with the correction coefficient. This example demonstrates how the difference between the acceleration applied to the electronic pen 3 and the acceleration applied to the electronic device 1A is set as a calculated value representing the tilt of the electronic pen 3 relative to the pen sensor 10.

[0219] The pen pressure calculation unit 23 calculates a pen pressure value related to the pen pressure of the electronic pen 3 on the pen sensor 10 based on the changes in the potential of the first signal and the second signal acquired by the acquisition unit 22, as well as the pen pressure signal. Specifically, the pen pressure calculation unit 23 determines that the operation state changes to the first state when the potential difference between the first and second signals rises above the first potential within a predetermined time. Furthermore, the pen pressure calculation unit 23 determines that the operation state changes to the second state when the potential difference between the first and second signals falls below the second potential within a predetermined time. In addition, the pen pressure calculation unit 23 uses statistical values ​​of the signal distribution of the first and second signals when calculating the potential difference between the first and second signals. These statistical values ​​include, for example, the maximum value, median value, and average value of the signal level. The pen pressure calculation unit 23 calculates the pen pressure value according to the signal distribution of the first and second signals and the pen pressure signal. Furthermore, if the potentials of the first and second signals do not meet the above conditions, the pen pressure calculation unit 23 determines that the operation state has not changed and maintains the pen pressure value. The pen pressure calculation unit 23 stores the determined current action state in the action state data 213 of the storage unit 21.

[0220] The pen pressure calculation unit 23 calculates the pen pressure value in both the first and second states, such that a larger tilt angle of the electronic pen 3 relative to the pen sensor 10 results in a larger pen pressure value, and a smaller tilt angle results in a smaller pen pressure value. Specifically, the pen pressure calculation unit 23 calculates the value obtained by subtracting the maximum signal level of the second signal from the maximum signal level of the first signal as the calculated value. The pen pressure calculation unit 23 refers to a correction table stored in the storage unit 21 and obtains a correction coefficient corresponding to the calculated value. Furthermore, the pen pressure calculation unit 23 corrects the pen pressure value by multiplying the obtained correction coefficient by the pen pressure value represented by the pen pressure signal. In addition, the pen pressure calculation unit 23 can also calculate the pen pressure value as a first value indicating that the electronic pen 3 is pressing the pen sensor 10 when the pen pressure signal indicates that the electronic pen 3 is not pressing the pen sensor 10 in the first state.

[0221] Furthermore, in determining the operating state, the pen pressure calculation unit 23 may use either the potential of the first signal or the second signal instead of the potential difference between the first and second signals. Specifically, the pen pressure calculation unit 23 may determine that the operating state has changed to the first state if the potential of the first signal or the second signal rises above the first potential within a predetermined time in the second state. Additionally, the pen pressure calculation unit 23 may determine that the operating state has changed to the second state if the potential of the first signal or the second signal falls below the second potential within a predetermined time in the first state. Furthermore, in determining the operating state, the pen pressure calculation unit 23 may use the ratio of the potentials instead of the potential difference between the first and second signals. Furthermore, in determining the operating state, the pen pressure calculation unit 23 may use the area of ​​the signal distribution of the first signal or the area of ​​the signal distribution of the second signal. Furthermore, the pen pressure calculation unit 23 may use the ratio of the area of ​​the signal distribution of the second signal to the area of ​​the signal distribution of the first signal in determining the operating state. Furthermore, the pen pressure calculation unit 23 may use the overlapping area of ​​the signal distributions of the first signal and the second signal in determining the operating state.

[0222] Furthermore, the pen pressure calculation unit 23 can also calculate the tilt angle of the electronic pen 3 relative to the pen sensor 10 instead of the calculated value. Moreover, a correction table can establish a correspondence between the tilt angle and the correction coefficient. The tilt angle can be calculated, for example, based on the coordinates of the maximum value of the detected first signal level, the coordinates of the maximum value of the detected second signal level, and the pre-stored distance between electrodes 37 and 38, but is not limited to this.

[0223] <The flow of a series of actions>

[0224] The functional structure of the sensor controller 20 according to the fourth embodiment has been described above. Next, the specific processing flow in the electronic device 1A according to the fourth embodiment will be described in detail. Figure 13This is a flowchart illustrating an example of a series of processes of the electronic device 1A according to the fourth embodiment. Furthermore, the content and order of the following steps can be appropriately modified.

[0225] (Step SP80)

[0226] Electronic device 1A acquires a first signal and a second signal sent from electronic pen 3 to pen sensor 10 via pen sensor 10. The first signal is a signal sent from electrode 37 of electronic pen 3, indicating the indicated position of electronic pen 3 on pen sensor 10. The first signal may also include a pen pressure value related to the pen pressure exerted by electronic pen 3 on pen sensor 10. The second signal is a signal sent from electrode 38 of electronic pen 3, indicating the tilt of electronic pen 3 on pen sensor 10. Then, the process proceeds to step SP82.

[0227] (Step SP82)

[0228] Electronic device 1A acquires the position signal transmitted from the detection electrodes 11 and 12 of pen sensor 10 via acquisition unit 22. Then, the processing changes to step SP84.

[0229] (Step SP84)

[0230] Electronic device 1A uses pen pressure calculation unit 23 to refer to operation state data 213 stored in storage unit 21 to determine whether the current operation state is the second state. Then, if the determination is positive, the process proceeds to step SP86. Conversely, if the determination is negative, electronic device 1A determines that the current operation state is the first state, and the process proceeds to step SP92.

[0231] (Step SP86)

[0232] Electronic device 1A determines, via pen pressure calculation unit 23, whether the potential difference between the first signal and the second signal has risen above a first potential within a predetermined time period. Alternatively, electronic device 1A can also determine, via pen pressure calculation unit 23, whether the potential difference between the first signal and the second signal has risen above a first potential from the previously obtained potential difference. Then, if the determination is affirmative, the process proceeds to step SP88. Conversely, if the determination is negative, the process proceeds to step SP98.

[0233] (Step SP88)

[0234] Electronic device 1A determines that the operation state has changed from the second state to the first state through the pen pressure calculation unit 23. Electronic device 1A updates the operation state data 213 in the storage unit 21 through the pen pressure calculation unit 23 to indicate that the current operation state is the first state. Then, the process changes to step SP90.

[0235] (Step SP90)

[0236] Electronic device 1A calculates the pen pressure value of the signal distribution of the first and second signals using the pen pressure calculation unit 23. Furthermore, electronic device 1A transmits the calculated pen pressure value to the main processor 30 via the pen pressure calculation unit 23. Then, the processing transitions to step SP98.

[0237] (Step SP92)

[0238] Electronic device 1A determines, via pen pressure calculation unit 23, whether the potential difference between the first signal and the second signal has decreased by more than a second potential within a predetermined time period. Alternatively, electronic device 1A can also determine, via pen pressure calculation unit 23, whether the potential difference between the first signal and the second signal has decreased by more than a second potential from the previously obtained potential difference. Then, if the determination is affirmative, the process proceeds to step SP94. Conversely, if the determination is negative, the process proceeds to step SP98.

[0239] (Step SP94)

[0240] Electronic device 1A determines that the operation state has changed from the first state to the second state through the pen pressure calculation unit 23. Electronic device 1A updates the operation state data 213 in the storage unit 21 through the pen pressure calculation unit 23 to indicate that the current operation state is the second state. Then, the process changes to step SP96.

[0241] (Step SP96)

[0242] Electronic device 1A calculates the pen pressure value of the signal distribution of the first and second signals using the pen pressure calculation unit 23. Furthermore, electronic device 1A transmits the calculated pen pressure value to the main processor 30 via the pen pressure calculation unit 23. Then, the processing transitions to step SP98.

[0243] (Step SP98)

[0244] Electronic device 1A, via main processor 30, performs display control operations on display panel 40 according to the pen pressure value transmitted from pen pressure calculation unit 23. Then, Figure 13 The series of processes shown has ended.

[0245] <Effect>

[0246] In the fourth embodiment described above, the sensor controller 20 includes an acquisition unit 22 and a pen pressure calculation unit 23. The acquisition unit 22 acquires a first signal transmitted from the electrode 37 (first electrode) of the electronic pen 3 to the pen sensor 10, which detects the position of the electronic pen 3. The acquisition unit 22 also acquires a second signal transmitted from an electrode 38 (second electrode), which is different from the electrode 37 of the electronic pen 3, to the pen sensor 10. Furthermore, the acquisition unit 22 acquires a pen pressure signal representing the pen pressure of the electronic pen 3. The pen pressure calculation unit 23 calculates a pen pressure value related to the pen pressure exerted by the electronic pen 3 on the pen sensor 10, based on the changes in the signal levels of the first and second signals acquired by the acquisition unit 22 and the pen pressure signal.

[0247] According to this structure, the sensor controller 20 uses a first signal sent from electrode 37 and a second signal sent from electrode 38 (different from electrode 37) to calculate the pen pressure value. Therefore, even when the pen pressure detection accuracy decreases due to a large tilt of the electronic pen 3 relative to the pen sensor 10, the sensor controller 20 can still calculate the pen pressure value of the electronic pen 3 relative to the pen sensor 10 with high accuracy. Furthermore, unlike the conventional structure described in Patent Document 2, the sensor controller 20 does not necessarily require calculating the angle of the electronic pen 3 relative to the pen sensor 10. Therefore, the sensor controller 20 can calculate the pen pressure value related to the pen pressure of the electronic pen 3 relative to the pen sensor 10 without calculating the angle of the electronic pen 3 relative to the pen sensor 10.

[0248] In addition, the pen pressure calculation unit 23 calculates the pen pressure value in a manner that the larger the tilt angle of the electronic pen 3 relative to the detection surface of the pen sensor 10, the larger the pen pressure value, and the smaller the tilt angle, the smaller the pen pressure value.

[0249] Based on this structure, the sensor controller 20 applies a correction to the pen pressure value when the larger the tilt angle of the electronic pen 3 relative to the pen sensor 10, the smaller the pen pressure detected by the electronic pen 3. Therefore, the sensor controller 20 can calculate the pen pressure value of the electronic pen 3 on the pen sensor 10 with high accuracy even when the electronic pen 3 is tilted relative to the pen sensor 10.

[0250] Furthermore, if the potential of the first signal or the second signal rises above a first potential within a specified time, the pen pressure calculation unit 23 determines that the operation state has changed to the first state of the electronic pen 3 pressing the pen sensor 10, and calculates the pen pressure value as the first value. Here, the signal level is the potential.

[0251] Therefore, even when the detection accuracy of the pen pressure of the electronic pen 3 decreases, the sensor controller 20 can still calculate the pen pressure value for the pen sensor 10 with high accuracy.

[0252] Furthermore, if the potential difference between the first signal and the second signal rises above the first potential within a specified time, the pen pressure calculation unit 23 determines that the operation state has changed to the first state of the electronic pen 3 pressing the pen sensor 10, and calculates the pen pressure value as the first value. Here, the signal level is the potential.

[0253] Therefore, even when the detection accuracy of the pen pressure of the electronic pen 3 decreases, the sensor controller 20 can still calculate the pen pressure value for the pen sensor 10 with high accuracy.

[0254] --Fifth Implementation Method--

[0255] Next, the fifth embodiment will be described.

[0256] In the fifth embodiment, the sensor controller 20 determines a criterion for determining whether an operation state has changed based on the moving speed of the electronic pen 3. In the fifth embodiment, the storage unit 21 stores a speed threshold related to the moving speed of the electronic pen 3 relative to the pen sensor 10. Additionally, the storage unit 21 stores a third potential and a fourth potential related to the first potential. The third potential is the value of the potential determined as the first potential when the moving speed of the electronic pen 3 is above the speed threshold. The fourth potential is the value of the potential determined as the first potential when the moving speed of the electronic pen 3 is below the speed threshold. The fourth potential is a value larger than the third potential. Furthermore, the storage unit 21 stores a fifth potential and a sixth potential related to the second potential. The fifth potential is the value of the potential determined as the second potential when the moving speed of the electronic pen 3 is above the speed threshold. The sixth potential is the value of the potential determined as the second potential when the moving speed of the electronic pen 3 is below the speed threshold. The sixth potential is a value larger than the fifth potential. In other words, the third potential and the fifth potential are the values ​​of the first potential and the second potential, respectively, under conditions that soften the judgment criterion in determining whether an operation state has changed. Furthermore, the fourth and sixth potentials are the values ​​of the first and second potentials, respectively, in the case where the judgment criterion is not eased in determining whether the action state has changed, as is the case normally.

[0257] <The flow of a series of actions>

[0258] Here, refer to Figure 14 The specific processing flow of the electronic device 1A in the fifth embodiment will be explained. Figure 14 This is a flowchart illustrating an example of a series of processing steps in the electronic device 1A according to the fifth embodiment. Furthermore, in Figure 14 In this embodiment, the processing of steps SP110 and SP112 is the same as that of steps SP10 and SP12 in the first embodiment, therefore their description is omitted here. Furthermore, in Figure 14In this embodiment, the processing of steps SP122 to SP136 is the same as that of steps SP14 to SP28 in the first embodiment, so their description is omitted here.

[0259] (Step SP114)

[0260] Electronic device 1A calculates the moving speed of electronic pen 3 relative to pen sensor 10 based on the position signal acquired by acquisition unit 22 using pen pressure calculation unit 23. Specifically, electronic device 1A extracts coordinate values ​​representing the position of electronic pen 3 on pen sensor 10 from the position signal acquired by acquisition unit 22 using pen pressure calculation unit 23. Electronic device 1A stores the extracted coordinate values ​​in storage unit 21 using pen pressure calculation unit 23. The coordinate values ​​include coordinate values ​​in the X-axis direction and coordinate values ​​in the Y-axis direction of pen sensor 10. Electronic device 1A calculates the difference between the currently extracted coordinate value and the previously extracted coordinate value using pen pressure calculation unit 23. Electronic device 1A divides the calculated difference by the time elapsed from the extraction of the previous coordinate value to the extraction of the current coordinate value using pen pressure calculation unit 23, and uses the division result as the moving speed. Then, the process transitions to step SP116.

[0261] (Step SP116)

[0262] The electronic device 1A determines, via the pen pressure calculation unit 23, whether the calculated movement speed is above a speed threshold. If the determination is affirmative, the process proceeds to step SP118. Conversely, if the determination is negative, the process proceeds to step SP120.

[0263] (Step SP118)

[0264] The electronic device 1A sets the value of the first potential to the value of the third potential (the softened value) via the pen pressure calculation unit 23. Furthermore, the electronic device 1A sets the value of the second potential to the value of the fifth potential (the softened value) via the pen pressure calculation unit 23. That is, the pen pressure calculation unit 23 softens the criteria (first potential and second potential) used to determine whether the operating state has changed. Then, the process transitions to step SP122.

[0265] (Step SP120)

[0266] Electronic device 1A sets the value of the first potential to the value of the fourth potential (a normal value) via the pen pressure calculation unit 23. Electronic device 1A sets the value of the second potential to the value of the sixth potential (a normal value) via the pen pressure calculation unit 23. That is, the pen pressure calculation unit 23 does not mitigate the reference (first potential and second potential) for determining whether the operation state has changed, but maintains the normal value. Then, the process proceeds to step SP122.

[0267] <Effect>

[0268] In the fifth embodiment described above, the pen pressure calculation unit 23 calculates the moving speed of the electronic pen 3 relative to the pen sensor 10 based on the position signal. Furthermore, the pen pressure calculation unit 23 determines the value of the first potential based on the calculated moving speed.

[0269] According to this structure, the sensor controller 20 determines the value of the first potential of whether the action state has changed to the first state of the electronic pen 3 pressing the pen sensor 10 based on the moving speed of the electronic pen 3 relative to the pen sensor 10. Therefore, even if the accuracy of the position detection of the electronic pen 3 by the pen sensor 10 varies depending on the magnitude of the moving speed of the electronic pen 3, the sensor controller 20 can still calculate the pen pressure of the electronic pen 3 on the pen sensor 10 with high accuracy.

[0270] Furthermore, when the movement speed is above a speed threshold, the pen pressure calculation unit 23 determines the value of the first potential as the value of the third potential. Conversely, when the movement speed is below the speed threshold, the pen pressure calculation unit 23 determines the value of the first potential as the value of a fourth potential, which is greater than the third potential.

[0271] The accuracy of position signal detection by detection electrodes 11 and 12 sometimes decreases when the electronic pen 3 moves at a speed exceeding a speed threshold. This decrease in accuracy occurs when the electronic pen 3 moves rapidly, and during the timing of position signal detection, the electronic pen 3 may be positioned precisely between the multiple detection electrodes 11 or 12. Based on this structure, when the electronic pen 3 moves on the pen sensor 10 at a speed exceeding the speed threshold and the accuracy of position signal detection by the pen sensor 10 decreases, the sensor controller 20 sets the value of the first potential to a third potential value that is smaller than the fourth potential. In other words, the sensor controller 20 moderates the reference for determining whether the operating state has transitioned to the first state. Therefore, even when the moving speed of the electronic pen 3 is above the speed threshold, the sensor controller 20 can still calculate the pen pressure of the electronic pen 3 on the pen sensor 10 with high accuracy.

[0272] In the fifth embodiment, the sensor controller 20 determines the first potential and the second potential based on whether the moving speed of the electronic pen 3 is equal to or higher than a speed threshold; however, the present invention is not limited thereto. Regarding the moving speed of the electronic pen 3, the sensor controller 20 may also store multiple speed thresholds in the storage unit 21. Furthermore, the sensor controller 20 may determine the first potential and the second potential based on conditions determined by multiple speed thresholds. Here, the case where the storage unit 21 stores two speed thresholds will be described as an example.

[0273] The storage unit 21 stores a first speed threshold and a second speed threshold, which is a value greater than the first speed threshold. Furthermore, regarding the first potential, the storage unit 21 stores potentials when the speed is less than the first speed threshold, potentials when the speed is greater than the first speed threshold but less than the second speed threshold, and potentials when the speed is greater than or equal to the second speed threshold. Similarly, regarding the second potential, the storage unit 21 stores potentials when the speed is less than the first speed threshold, potentials when the speed is greater than the first speed threshold but less than the second speed threshold, and potentials when the speed is greater than or equal to the second speed threshold.

[0274] The pen pressure calculation unit 23 determines which of several conditions, determined by a first speed threshold and a second speed threshold, the moving speed of the electronic pen 3 satisfies. If the moving speed of the electronic pen 3 is less than the first speed threshold, the pen pressure calculation unit 23 determines the values ​​of the first potential and the second potential to be less than the first speed threshold, respectively. Furthermore, if the moving speed of the electronic pen 3 is above the first speed threshold and less than the second speed threshold, the pen pressure calculation unit 23 determines the values ​​of the first potential and the second potential to be above the first speed threshold and less than the second speed threshold, respectively. If the moving speed of the electronic pen 3 is above the second speed threshold, the pen pressure calculation unit 23 determines the values ​​of the first potential and the second potential to be above the second speed threshold, respectively.

[0275] According to this structure, the sensor controller 20 adjusts the degree of easing of the reference for determining whether the action state has changed to three or more stages based on the moving speed of the electronic pen 3. Therefore, the sensor controller 20 can further calculate the pen pressure of the electronic pen 3 on the pen sensor 10 with high precision based on the moving speed of the electronic pen 3.

[0276] Furthermore, the sensor controller 20 determines the values ​​of the first potential and the second potential based on whether the moving speed of the electronic pen 3 meets the conditions determined by the speed threshold, but is not limited to this. The sensor controller 20 may also substitute the moving speed of the electronic pen 3 into a function determined for the first potential and use the output of the function as the first potential. Similarly, the sensor controller 20 may substitute the moving speed of the electronic pen 3 into a function determined for the second potential and use the output of the function as the second potential. The function may be, for example, a linear function. Specifically, the sensor controller 20 may also determine the first potential in a manner proportional to the moving speed of the electronic pen 3 through the pen pressure calculation unit 23. Furthermore, the sensor controller 20 may also determine the second potential in a manner proportional to the moving speed of the electronic pen 3 through the pen pressure calculation unit 23.

[0277] Based on this structure, the sensor controller 20 can further calculate the pen pressure of the electronic pen 3 on the pen sensor 10 with high precision according to the moving speed of the electronic pen 3.

[0278] Furthermore, the sensor controller 20 determines the values ​​of the first and second potentials based on the moving speed of the electronic pen 3, but is not limited to this. The sensor controller 20 may also determine the first value based on the moving speed of the electronic pen 3 via the pen pressure calculation unit 23. Additionally, the sensor controller 20 may also determine the second value based on the moving speed of the electronic pen 3 via the pen pressure calculation unit 23. Specifically, when the moving speed of the electronic pen 3 is above a speed threshold, the pen pressure calculation unit 23 determines the first value as a third value (a moderated value). Furthermore, when the moving speed of the electronic pen 3 is below the speed threshold, the pen pressure calculation unit 23 determines the first value as a fourth value (a normally lower value) smaller than the third value. Furthermore, when the moving speed of the electronic pen 3 is above the speed threshold, the pen pressure calculation unit 23 determines the second value as a fifth value (a moderated value). Furthermore, when the moving speed of the electronic pen 3 is below the speed threshold, the pen pressure calculation unit 23 determines the second value as a sixth value (a normally lower value) smaller than the fifth value.

[0279] According to this structure, the sensor controller 20 determines either a first value or a second value as the calculated pen pressure value based on the moving speed of the electronic pen 3 relative to the pen sensor 10. Specifically, when the moving speed of the electronic pen 3 is above a speed threshold, the sensor controller 20 calculates the pen pressure value in a manner that is larger than when the moving speed of the electronic pen 3 is below the speed threshold. Therefore, even when the accuracy of the position detection of the electronic pen 3 by the pen sensor 10 varies depending on the magnitude of the moving speed of the electronic pen 3, the sensor controller 20 can still calculate the pen pressure of the electronic pen 3 on the pen sensor 10 with high accuracy.

[0280] --Sixth Implementation Method--

[0281] Next, the sixth embodiment will be described.

[0282] In the sixth embodiment, the sensor controller 20 performs standby processing when the distance the electronic pen 3 has moved since the last calculation of its pen pressure value is short and the elapsed time is short. Specifically, the pen pressure calculation unit 23 calculates the distance the electronic pen 3 has moved since the last calculation of its pen pressure value. Furthermore, the pen pressure calculation unit 23 measures the elapsed time since the calculation of the pen pressure value. And, when the distance the electronic pen 3 has moved since the last calculation of its pen pressure value is less than a reference distance and the elapsed time is less than a reference time, the pen pressure calculation unit 23 performs standby processing for a predetermined standby time. Standby processing is a process that stops a series of processes related to the calculation of the pen pressure value for a predetermined time. Furthermore, the storage unit 21 stores the values ​​of the reference time, the reference distance, and the standby time.

[0283] <The flow of a series of actions>

[0284] Here, refer to Figure 15 The specific processing flow of the electronic device 1A in the sixth embodiment will be explained. Figure 15 This is a flowchart illustrating an example of a series of processing steps in the electronic device 1A according to the sixth embodiment. Furthermore, in Figure 15 In this embodiment, steps SP140-SP146 and SP168 are the same as steps SP10-SP16 and SP22 in the first embodiment, therefore their description is omitted here. Furthermore, in Figure 15 In this embodiment, the processes in steps SP158 to SP160 are the same as those in steps SP18 to SP20 of the first embodiment, and therefore their description is omitted here. Furthermore, in Figure 15 In this embodiment, steps SP168 and SP190 are the same processes as steps SP22 and SP28 in the first embodiment, therefore their description is omitted here. Furthermore, Figure 15 The processing of steps SP170 to SP178 is the same as that of steps SP148 to SP156 described later, therefore their explanation is omitted. Additionally, Figure 15 The processing of steps SP180 to SP182 in this embodiment is the same as that of steps SP24 to SP26 in the first embodiment, therefore their description is omitted. Furthermore, Figure 15 The processing of steps SP184 to SP188 is the same as that of steps SP162 to SP166 described later, so their description is omitted.

[0285] (Step SP148)

[0286] The electronic device 1A calculates the movement distance of the electronic pen 3 relative to the pen sensor 10 based on the position signal acquired by the acquisition unit 22 using the pen pressure calculation unit 23. Specifically, the electronic device 1A performs the same processing as step SP114 of the fifth embodiment, calculating the difference between the coordinate value of the electronic pen 3 on the pen sensor 10 extracted from the current position signal and the coordinate value extracted previously. The electronic device 1A sets the calculation result as the movement distance using the pen pressure calculation unit 23. Then, the processing transitions to step SP150.

[0287] (Step SP150)

[0288] Electronic device 1A calculates the elapsed time since the last calculation of the pen pressure value using the pen pressure calculation unit 23. The starting point of the elapsed time is determined in the process of step SP162 described later. Alternatively, if electronic device 1A has not performed the pen pressure value calculation process even once, the elapsed time calculation process is omitted. Then, the process transitions to step SP152.

[0289] (Step SP152)

[0290] The electronic device 1A determines, via the pen pressure calculation unit 23, whether the distance the electronic pen 3 has moved since the last pen pressure value calculation is less than a reference distance and whether the time elapsed since the last pen pressure value calculation is less than a reference time. If the determination is affirmative, the process proceeds to step SP154. Conversely, if the determination is negative, the process proceeds to step SP158.

[0291] (Step SP154)

[0292] Electronic device 1A determines whether standby processing has been completed using the pen pressure calculation unit 23. Specifically, electronic device 1A determines whether the standby processing completion flag is active using the pen pressure calculation unit 23. The standby processing completion flag is stored, for example, in the storage unit 21. Then, if the determination is positive, the process proceeds to step SP158. Conversely, if the determination is negative, the process proceeds to step SP156.

[0293] (Step SP156)

[0294] Electronic device 1A performs standby processing via pen pressure calculation unit 23. Specifically, electronic device 1A uses pen pressure calculation unit 23 to stop a series of processing actions and allow the standby time to run. Next, electronic device 1A uses pen pressure calculation unit 23 to set the standby processing completion flag to on. Then, the processing transitions to step SP190.

[0295] (Step SP162)

[0296] Electronic device 1A initializes the count of elapsed time since the last calculated pen pressure value using the pen pressure calculation unit 23. Specifically, after electronic device 1A has performed time measurement of elapsed time since the last calculated pen pressure value using the pen pressure calculation unit 23, it ends the time measurement. Next, electronic device 1A starts time measurement of elapsed time since the current pen pressure value using the pen pressure calculation unit 23, starting from the current time. Then, the process transitions to step SP164.

[0297] (Step SP164)

[0298] Electronic device 1A updates the position of electronic pen 3 on pen sensor 10 via pen pressure calculation unit 23. Specifically, electronic device 1A updates the coordinate value of electronic pen 3 at the time of pen pressure value calculation processing via pen pressure calculation unit 23, based on the current coordinate value of electronic pen 3 extracted in step SP148. Then, the processing transitions to step SP166.

[0299] (Step SP166)

[0300] Electronic device 1A sets the standby processing completion flag to off via pen pressure calculation unit 23. Furthermore, even when the standby processing completion flag is already off, electronic device 1A maintains the standby processing completion flag at off. Then, the process transitions to step SP190.

[0301] <Effect>

[0302] In the sixth embodiment, the pen pressure calculation unit 23 calculates the pen pressure value even when certain conditions are not met. These conditions are that the time elapsed since the last calculation of the pen pressure value is less than a reference time and the distance the electronic pen 3 has moved since the last calculation of the pen pressure value is less than a reference distance.

[0303] According to this structure, the sensor controller 20 calculates the pen pressure value when the distance the electronic pen 3 moves after calculating the pen pressure value is long, or when the time elapsed after calculating the pen pressure value is long. Therefore, the sensor controller 20 does not calculate the pen pressure value when the electronic pen 3 moves on the pen sensor 10 only in the vertical direction (relative to the normal direction of the detection surface) for a short time. Thus, the sensor controller 20 can suppress the calculation of the pen pressure value when the user is drawing with the electronic pen 3, and the electronic pen 3 shakes on the pen sensor 10 due to hand tremors, habits, etc. Furthermore, the sensor controller 20 does not calculate the pen pressure value as a false detection of the electronic pen 3 by the pen sensor 10 when the signal level changes within a short period of time, or when the movement is beyond the user's ability to perceive the action. Therefore, the sensor controller 20 can calculate the pen pressure of the electronic pen 3 on the pen sensor 10 with higher accuracy.

[0304] Furthermore, in the sixth embodiment, the pen pressure calculation unit 23 performs standby processing if, under predetermined conditions, standby processing for setting up a standby time has not been performed since the determination of the previously predetermined conditions. Conversely, the pen pressure calculation unit 23 calculates the pen pressure value if, under predetermined conditions, standby processing has been performed since the determination of the previously predetermined conditions.

[0305] According to this structure, the sensor controller 20 performs standby processing when certain conditions are met (the distance the electronic pen 3 moves from the time the pen pressure value is calculated is short, and the time elapsed from the time the pen pressure value is calculated is short). Therefore, even if the signal level changes within a short period at approximately the same location, the sensor controller 20 determines it to be a false detection or caused by the user's hand tremor, habit, etc., and puts the pen pressure value calculation into standby mode. Thus, the sensor controller 20 can calculate the pen pressure of the electronic pen 3 on the pen sensor 10 with higher accuracy.

[0306] Furthermore, the sensor controller 20 can adjust whether to calculate the pen pressure value based on the vertical position of the electronic pen 3 relative to the pen sensor 10 (the normal direction of the detection surface). Specifically, the sensor controller 20 extracts coordinate values ​​representing the position (i.e., height) of the electronic pen 3 relative to the detection surface of the pen sensor 10 in the normal direction from the position signal via the pen pressure calculation unit 23. The sensor controller 20 calculates the pen pressure value when the extracted coordinate value is less than a reference height. Conversely, the sensor controller 20 does not calculate the pen pressure value when the extracted coordinate value is greater than the reference height. The reference height is stored, for example, in the storage unit 21.

[0307] According to this structure, the sensor controller 20 calculates the pen pressure value independently of the change in signal level when the electronic pen 3 is positioned higher than the pen sensor 10. Therefore, the sensor controller 20 suppresses false detections when the electronic pen 3 is at a height where it should not be in contact with the pen sensor 10 and when the change in signal level is large. Thus, the sensor controller 20 can calculate the pen pressure of the electronic pen 3 on the pen sensor 10 with higher accuracy.

[0308] --Seventh Implementation Method--

[0309] Next, the seventh embodiment will be described.

[0310] Figure 16A This diagram shows the state in which the tip 375 of the electronic pen 3 according to the seventh embodiment is housed within the hollow portion 3000a of the housing 3000. Additionally, Figure 16B This diagram shows the tip 375 of the electronic pen 3 according to the seventh embodiment protruding from the opening 3000b of the housing 3000. It should be noted that... Figure 16A and 16B The electronic pen 3 is shown. The pen's housing 3000 is made of transparent synthetic resin, and its interior is visible through the light. The housing 3000 functions as a storage component for holding the pen tip 375. Additionally, in... Figure 16A and Figure 16B In this case, the housing 3000 and the snap-on mechanism 303 disposed within the housing 3000 are constructed in the same manner as commercially available snap-on ballpoint pens.

[0311] The snap-on mechanism 303 is an access component that allows the pen tip 375 to move in and out of one opening 3000b of the housing 3000. The pressing mechanism 303 is composed of a cam body 3031, a pressing rod 3032, and a rotor 3033. The cam body 3031 is formed on the inner wall of the cylindrical housing 3000. The pressing rod 3032 is configured to receive pressing operations from the user of the electronic pen 3. The end 3032a is provided to protrude from the opening 3000c on the opposite side of the pen tip 375 side of the housing 3000. The rotor 3033 has a fitting part 3033a that engages with the rear end of the main body 301 on the opposite side of the pen tip 375 side. The cam body 3031 and the rotor 3033 function as sliding components that slide according to the pressing operation of the pressing rod 3032.

[0312] Electronic Pen 3 Figure 16A In the indicated state, when the end 3032a of the pressing rod 3032 is pressed, the main body 301 is locked within the housing 3000 by the pressing mechanism 303. Figure 16B The state shown is such that the pen tip 375 of the main body 301 protrudes from the opening 3000b of the housing 3000. Furthermore, when the electronic pen 3 is drawn from this... Figure 16B When the end 3032a of the pressing rod 3032 is pressed again, the locking state is released by the pressing mechanism 303. As a result, the position of the main body 301 within the housing 3000 is returned to its original position by the reset spring 320. Figure 16A The state of the snap-on mechanism 303 is as follows. Furthermore, the detailed structure and operation of the snap-on mechanism 303 are well known, therefore its description is omitted here.

[0313] Additionally, the electronic pen 3 includes a switch member 3040 for determining whether the pen tip 375 is housed within the housing 3000. The switch member 3040 is disposed on the inner wall of the housing 3000. The switch member 3040 has a movable portion (not shown) capable of moving along the axial direction of the electronic pen 3. The movable portion moves in conjunction with the axial movement of the fitting portion 3033a or the rotor 3033. The switch member 3040 switches states by moving the movable portion in conjunction with the sliding movement of the fitting portion 3033a based on the snapping operation of the snapping mechanism 303.

[0314] The electronic pen 3 has a pen controller 36 inside the main body 301. The pen controller 36 determines the storage state based on the switching state of the switch member 3040. Specifically, the pen controller 36 determines the storage state when the movable part of the switch member 3040 is located on the pen tip 375 side. Figure 16B That is, the pen tip 375 is not retracted. In contrast, when the movable part of the switch component 3040 is located on the side of the press rod 3032, the pen controller 36 determines that... Figure 16AThe pen tip 375 is then retracted. Furthermore, the switch member 3040 switches its electrical conduction state to on or off based on the position of the movable part. Then, the pen controller 36 applies a potential to the switch member 3040 and determines the on / off state of the switch member 3040 by measuring the current and resistance values. Thus, the pen controller 36 determines the state of the switch member 3040.

[0315] Additionally, the pen controller 36 transmits and receives position signals and other signals with the pen sensor 10 via electrodes 37 or 38 provided on the pen tip 375. The signals sent from the electronic pen 3 to the pen sensor 10 are downlink signals to the pen sensor 10. Conversely, the signals sent from the pen sensor 10 to the electronic pen 3 are uplink signals. The pen controller 36 determines the state of the switch component 3040. When the state of the switch component 3040 changes, the pen controller 36 notifies the pen sensor 10 of the determination result via electrodes 37 or 38. Furthermore, the pen controller 36 receives a response to this notification from the pen sensor 10 via electrodes 37 or 38. Then, the pen controller 36 stops transmitting signals to the pen sensor 10.

[0316] Here, the operation of the pen sensor 10 and sensor controller 20 in the seventh embodiment will be described. The pen sensor 10 transmits and receives signals with the electronic pen 3 according to the operation control of the sensor controller 20. The sensor controller 20 controls the position detection operation of the pen sensor 10. The sensor controller 20 receives a notification from the electronic pen 3 when the storage state of the pen tip 375 relative to the storage component (in this example, the housing 3000). If the notification indicates that the storage state of the pen tip 375 has changed to being stored in the storage component, the sensor controller 20 responds to the electronic pen 3 by stopping the transmission of downlink signals to the pen sensor 10. Conversely, if the notification indicates that the storage state of the pen tip 375 has changed to being not stored in the storage component, the sensor controller 20 responds to the electronic pen 3 by starting the transmission of downlink signals to the pen sensor 10. Furthermore, the sensor controller 20 performs a response by transmitting uplink signals from the pen sensor 10 to the electronic pen 3.

[0317] Returning to the description of pen controller 36, when pen controller 36 sends a notification indicating that pen tip 375 has been received to pen sensor 10, it receives a response from pen sensor 10 indicating that it intends to stop sending signals to pen sensor 10. Then, pen controller 36 stops sending signals to pen sensor 10. Conversely, when pen controller 36 sends a notification indicating that pen tip 375 has not been received to pen sensor 10, it receives a response from pen sensor 10 indicating that it intends to start sending signals to pen sensor 10. Then, pen controller 36 starts sending signals to pen sensor 10.

[0318] Furthermore, the electronic pen 3 transmits notifications to the pen sensor 10 and receives responses from the pen sensor 10 to those notifications using downlink and uplink signals, but is not limited to these methods. The electronic pen 3 may also transmit and receive signals via short-range wireless communication such as Bluetooth (registered trademark) instead of uplink and downlink signals.

[0319] <The flow of a series of actions>

[0320] Here, refer to Figure 19 This section explains the specific processing flow of the electronic pen 3 in the seventh embodiment. Figure 19 This is a flowchart illustrating an example of a series of processing steps of the electronic pen 3 according to the seventh embodiment.

[0321] (Step SP200)

[0322] The electronic pen 3 undergoes initialization processing via the pen controller 36. During initialization, the electronic pen 3 temporarily sets its operating mode to normal mode, for example. The electronic pen 3 has, for example, a normal mode and a power-saving mode as operating modes, and operates in either mode. The power-saving mode is an operating mode that suppresses the power consumption of the electronic pen 3. The normal mode is an operating mode that does not suppress the power consumption of the electronic pen 3 compared to the power-saving mode. Then, the process transitions to step SP202.

[0323] (Step SP202)

[0324] The electronic pen 3 determines whether the operating mode is power-saving mode via the pen controller 36. Then, if the determination is positive, the process proceeds to step SP204. Conversely, if the determination is negative, the process proceeds to step SP206.

[0325] (Step SP204)

[0326] The electronic pen 3 performs operation processing in power-saving mode. In power-saving mode, the electronic pen 3, for example, stops transmitting signals to the pen sensor 10. Additionally, in power-saving mode, the electronic pen 3 reduces the frequency of signal transmission to the pen sensor 10 compared to normal mode. Furthermore, the electronic pen 3 receives signals from the pen sensor 10. When transmitting signals to the pen sensor 10, the electronic pen 3 transmits information related to its position relative to the pen sensor 10 and pen pressure to the pen sensor 10 through signal transmission and reception with the pen sensor 10. Then, the processing transitions to step SP208.

[0327] (Step SP206)

[0328] The electronic pen 3 performs operation processing in normal mode. In normal mode, the electronic pen 3 sends signals to the pen sensor 10 at predetermined intervals. Additionally, the electronic pen 3 receives signals from the pen sensor 10 in normal mode. Through the transmission and reception of signals with the pen sensor 10, the electronic pen 3 transmits information related to its position relative to the pen sensor 10 and pen pressure to the pen sensor 10. Then, the processing transitions to step SP208.

[0329] (Step SP208)

[0330] The electronic pen 3 determines whether the pen tip 375 is stored in the storage component via the pen controller 36. Then, if the determination is positive, the process proceeds to step SP210. Conversely, if the determination is negative, the process proceeds to step SP212.

[0331] (Step SP210)

[0332] When the electronic pen 3 is in normal operating mode, the pen controller 36 sends a notification to the pen sensor 10 indicating that the pen tip 375 is retracted into the storage component. Next, the electronic pen 3 receives a response to this notification from the pen sensor 10 via the pen controller 36. The response sent from the pen sensor 10 to the electronic pen 3 includes a control command to switch the electronic pen 3's operating mode from normal mode to power-saving mode. The electronic pen 3 switches its operating mode from normal mode to power-saving mode according to the control command indicated by the response received from the pen sensor 10. Furthermore, if the electronic pen 3 is already in power-saving mode, it does not send a notification to the pen sensor 10. Additionally, if the electronic pen 3 is already in power-saving mode, it maintains the operating mode in power-saving mode. Then, the process proceeds to step SP214.

[0333] (Step SP212)

[0334] When the electronic pen 3 is in power-saving mode, it sends a notification to the pen sensor 10 via the pen controller 36 indicating that the pen tip 375 is not retracted into the storage component. Next, the electronic pen 3 receives a response to this notification from the pen sensor 10 via the pen controller 36. The response sent from the pen sensor 10 to the electronic pen 3 includes a control command to switch the electronic pen 3's operating mode from power-saving mode to normal mode. The electronic pen 3 switches its operating mode from power-saving mode to normal mode according to the control command indicated by the response received from the pen sensor 10. Furthermore, if the electronic pen 3 is already in normal mode, it does not send a notification to the pen sensor 10. Additionally, if the electronic pen 3 is already in normal mode, it maintains the operating mode as normal mode. Then, the process proceeds to step SP214.

[0335] (Step SP214)

[0336] The electronic pen 3, via the pen controller 36, determines whether a command to stop the operation of the electronic pen 3 has been received based on user input, signals sent from the pen sensor 10, etc. Stopping the operation, for example, involves disconnecting the power supply to the electronic pen 3. Then, if the determination is negative, the process returns to step SP202. Conversely, if the determination is positive, the electronic pen 3 stops its operation via the pen controller 36. Then... Figure 19 The process shown has ended.

[0337] Another example related to the electronic pen 3 of the seventh embodiment will be described. Figure 17A This diagram shows the state in which the tip 375 of the rotary electronic pen 3 of the seventh embodiment is housed within the hollow portion of the housing 3000. Additionally, Figure 17B This is a diagram showing the tip 375 of the rotary electronic pen 3 of the seventh embodiment protruding from the opening 3000b of the housing 3000.

[0338] like Figure 17A and Figure 17B As shown, the electronic pen 3 includes a housing 3001 and a housing 3002 rotatably fitted into the housing 3001 about its center line O. The housing 3001 functions as a storage component for the pen tip 375. Furthermore, the housing 3001 includes an insertion / exit mechanism 3050 that allows the pen tip 375 of the main body 301 to rotate in and out. The main body 301 is inserted into and held by the insertion / exit mechanism 3050. The housing 3002 is fitted into the insertion / exit mechanism 3050 and has a structure that applies rotation to the insertion / exit mechanism 3050. Additionally, in... Figure 17A and Figure 17B In the middle, the main body 301 has a fitting part that is fixed to the insertion / exit mechanism 3050 by inserting into the insertion / exit mechanism 3050.

[0339] A detection element 3051 is provided in housing 3001, near housing 3002. A detection element 3052 is provided in housing 3002, near housing 3001. The detection element 3051 is, for example, a magnet. The detection element 3052 is, for example, a magnetic sensor. Figure 17A As shown, with the pen tip 375 retracted into the housing 3001, the electronic pen 3 is in a state where the detection component 3052 of the housing 3002 is separated from the detection component 3051 of the housing 3001. In this situation, the detection level of the magnetic force generated by the detection component 3051 weakens, and the sensor output of the detection component 3052 becomes low. In contrast, the electronic pen 3... Figure 17B In this state, with the pen tip 375 not retracted into the housing 3001, the detection component 3052 of the housing 3002 approaches the detection component 3051 of the housing 3001. In this case, the sensor output of the detection component 3052 detects the strong magnetic force emitted from the detection component 3051 and becomes high-level.

[0340] In the electronic pen 3, a pen controller 36 is provided in the main body 301. The pen controller 36 determines whether the pen tip 375 is housed in the housing 3001 based on the value output by the sensor of the detection unit 3052. Furthermore, the processing flow of the pen controller 36 is as described above, and therefore its description is omitted here.

[0341] Another example related to the electronic pen 3 of the seventh embodiment will be described. Figure 18A This is a diagram illustrating an example of the structure of the pen-type electronic pen 3A according to the seventh embodiment. (See diagram below.) Figure 18A As shown, the electronic pen 3A has a housing 3000 and a cap 350. The cap 350 is a storage component that can accommodate the pen tip 375. Specifically, the cap 350 is detachably mounted to the housing 3000 on which the pen tip 375 is provided, in a manner that covers the pen tip 375 of the electronic pen 3A.

[0342] exist Figure 18A In the case, the housing 3000 has a detection component 3053 for detecting whether the pen tip 375 is housed in the cap 350. The detection component 3053 is disposed on the outer periphery of the housing 3000. The detection component 3053 is disposed on the outer periphery of the housing 3000 at a position that contacts the detection component 3054 disposed on the inner wall of the cap 350 when the cap 350 is mounted on the housing 3000.

[0343] The cap 350 has a detection component 3054 for detecting whether the pen tip 375 is housed within the cap 350. The detection component 3054 is disposed on the inner periphery of the cap 350. The detection component 3054 is disposed in the inner periphery of the cover 350 at a position that contacts the detection component 3053 of the housing 3000 when the cover 350 is mounted on the housing 3000.

[0344] Detection components 3053 and 3054 are, for example, physical switching components, electrodes, magnets, etc. The case where detection components 3053 and 3054 are switching components will be described. Detection component 3053 has a button that can be pressed in the normal direction toward the outer periphery of the housing 3000. Detection component 3054 is formed as a protrusion extending from the inner periphery of the cover 350 toward the inward side of the cover 350. When the cover 350 is mounted on the housing 3000, detection component 3053 is pressed by detection component 3054. Conversely, when the cover 350 is detached from the housing 3000, the pressing of detection component 3054 is released. The pen controller 36 of the electronic pen 3A determines whether the pen tip 375 is retracted into the cap 350 based on whether the button of detection component 3053 is pressed. Furthermore, the determination of the pressed state of the button of the detection component 3053 is performed by measuring the current flowing in the detection circuit formed between the pen controller 36 and the button.

[0345] The following describes the cases where detection components 3053 and 3054 are electrodes. Detection component 3053, for example, has an electrode functioning as an input terminal and an electrode functioning as an output terminal. Detection component 3054 has an electrode that contacts the input and output terminals of detection component 3053 when cover 350 is mounted on housing 3000. When cover 350 is mounted on housing 3000, the current path from the output terminal of detection component 3053 through the electrode of detection component 3054 to the input terminal of detection component 3053 is continuous. Conversely, when cover 350 is removed from housing 3000, the current path from the output terminal of detection component 3053 through the electrode of detection component 3054 to the input terminal of detection component 3053 is interrupted. The pen controller 36 of electronic pen 3A applies a potential toward the output terminal of detection component 3053 in determining whether pen tip 375 is housed. The pen controller 36 measures the current and potential at the input terminal of detection component 3053. The pen controller 36 determines whether the pen tip 375 is stored in the cap 350 based on the magnitude of the measurement result.

[0346] Alternatively, the detection component 3053 can also be an electrode of an electrostatic capacitance sensor. The detection component 3053 is connected to an electrostatic capacitance detection sensor circuit provided in the electronic pen 3A. In this case, the detection component 3054 may be, for example, metal. The pen controller 36 detects the electrostatic capacitance around the detection component 3053 via the detection sensor circuit. When the cover 350 is mounted on the housing 3000 and the detection component 3053 is close to or in contact with the detection component 3054, the sensor output value of the detection sensor increases. Conversely, when the cover 350 is detached from the housing 3000 and the detection component 3053 is separated from the detection component 3054, the sensor output value of the detection sensor decreases. The pen controller 36 determines whether the pen tip 375 is retracted into the cap 350 based on the magnitude of the sensor output, etc.

[0347] The case where the detection component 3053 is a magnet and the detection component 3054 is a magnetic sensor will be explained. The pen controller 36 measures the sensor output of the magnetic sensor of the detection component 3054. Furthermore, the determination by the pen controller 36 of whether the pen tip 375 is housed in the cap 350 is the same as the case where the detection component 3053 is an electrode of an electrostatic capacitive sensor, except for the different measurement object, so its explanation is omitted here.

[0348] Next, another example related to the electronic pen 3 of the seventh embodiment will be described. Figure 18B This is a diagram showing another example of the structure of the pen-type electronic pen 3B according to the seventh embodiment.

[0349] like Figure 18B As shown, the electronic pen 3B includes electrodes 37 and 38. Additionally, the inner periphery of the cap 350 is shaped to follow the shape of the pen tip 375, so that when mounted in the housing 3000, the space between the inner periphery of the cap 350 and the pen tip 375 is reduced.

[0350] The pen controller 36, located in the electronic pen 3B, sends a signal from electrode 37 to electrode 38 to determine whether the pen tip 375 is retracted into cap 350. The pen controller 36 receives the signal sent from electrode 37 via electrode 38. The pen controller 36 detects whether the pen tip 375 is retracted into cap 350 based on the change in the signal level of the signal received by electrode 38. When cap 350 is removed from housing 3000, there is no obstruction to signal propagation between electrode 37 and electrode 38, except for housing 3000 itself. Therefore, when cap 350 is removed from housing 3000, the signal level received by electrode 38 increases. When cap 350 is installed on housing 3000, signal transmission is obstructed by cap 350 located between electrode 37 and electrode 38. Therefore, when cap 350 is installed on housing 3000, the signal level received by electrode 38 decreases. The pen controller 36 determines that the retraction state of pen tip 375 has changed when the change in the signal level received by electrode 38 is large. Specifically, when the signal level received by the electrode 38 increases sharply, the pen controller 36 determines that the storage state has changed to a state where the pen tip 375 is not stored in the cap 350. Conversely, when the signal level received by the electrode 38 decreases sharply, the pen controller 36 determines that the storage state has changed to a state where the pen tip 375 is stored in the cap 350.

[0351] Furthermore, in the seventh embodiment, the electronic pens 3A and 3B have a cap 350 as a storage component for housing the pen tip 375, but are not limited to this. The storage component is not limited to the cap 350; any component capable of housing the pen tip 375 is acceptable. For example, the storage component could be a housing provided in a laptop computer or similar device with a hole for housing the electronic pen 3. (See reference...) Figure 18C The above examples will be used to illustrate this. Figure 18C This is a diagram illustrating an example of the structure of the electronic pen 3A according to the seventh embodiment and the electronic device 1C capable of housing the electronic pen 3A.

[0352] Electronic device 1C is, for example, an information processing device such as a laptop computer, tablet computer, or smartphone. Electronic device 1C is preferably a portable information processing device, but it can also be a desktop computer or other information processing device that is difficult to carry. Electronic device 1C has a housing with a hole 1050 for storing an electronic pen 3A. A [feature / feature] is provided on the inner periphery of the hole 1050. Figure 18A The detection component 3054 is disposed on the inner periphery of the cover 350. When the electronic pen 3A is housed in the hole 1050 of the electronic device 1C, the detection component 3053 detects that the pen tip 375 is housed in the storage component. Conversely, when the electronic pen 3A is removed from the hole 1050 of the electronic device 1C, the detection component 3053 detects that the pen tip 375 is not housed in the storage component.

[0353] <Effect>

[0354] In the seventh embodiment described above, the electronic pen 3 includes a pen tip 375 that can be stored in a storage component and a pen controller 36. The pen tip 375 has electrodes 37 for transmitting and receiving signals with the pen sensor 10. The pen controller 36 transmits and receives signals with the pen sensor 10 via the electrodes 37. The pen controller 36 determines the storage state of the pen tip 375 relative to the storage component. When the pen controller 36 determines that the pen tip 375 is stored in the storage component, it notifies the pen sensor 10. Furthermore, the pen controller 36 stops transmitting signals based on the response to the notification sent from the pen sensor 10.

[0355] According to this structure, the electronic pen 3 does not stop transmitting signals independently; it always stops transmitting signals based on the response from the pen sensor 10 after notifying the pen sensor 10. Therefore, by allowing the pen sensor 10 to share the retracted state of the pen tip 375 relative to the storage component, the electronic pen 3 can improve the processing efficiency of the processing related to the electronic pen 3 performed by the pen sensor 10. Furthermore, by stopping signal transmission when the pen tip 375 is retracted and the electronic pen 3 is not in use by the user, power consumption can be reduced.

[0356] Furthermore, when the pen controller 36 changes from a state where the pen tip 375 is stored in the storage component to a state where the pen tip 375 is not stored in the storage component, it notifies the pen sensor 10. Additionally, the pen controller 36 begins transmitting a signal based on the response to the notification sent from the pen sensor 10.

[0357] According to this structure, the electronic pen 3 does not initiate signal transmission independently, but rather always initiates signal transmission based on the response from the pen sensor 10 after notification has been given. Therefore, the electronic pen 3 allows the pen sensor 10 to share the retracted state of the pen tip 375 relative to the storage component, improving the processing efficiency of the pen sensor 10's processing related to the electronic pen 3. Furthermore, the electronic pen 3 initiates signal transmission only when the pen tip 375 is removed from the storage component, making it usable by the user; thus, no special user operation is required, enhancing convenience.

[0358] In addition, the electronic pen 3 also has a storage component that serves as a cylindrical housing 3000 and an access component that allows the pen tip 375 to enter and exit through an opening 3000b on one side of the housing 3000.

[0359] Therefore, with the pen tip 375 housed in the cylindrical housing 3000, the processing efficiency of the pen sensor 10 related to the electronic pen 3 can be improved. Furthermore, with the pen tip 375 housed in the cylindrical housing 3000, power consumption can be reduced.

[0360] Additionally, the access component is a snap-lock mechanism 303 that allows the pen tip 375 to enter and exit through an opening 3000b on one side of the housing. Furthermore, the electronic pen 3 also includes a switch member 3040 that switches states based on the sliding movement of a sliding member (cam body 3031 and rotor 3033) that moves in conjunction with the snap-lock mechanism 303. The pen controller 36 determines the storage state based on the state of the switch member 3040.

[0361] Therefore, even when the pen tip 375 is moved in and out via the snap-fit ​​mechanism 303, the processing efficiency of the pen sensor 10 related to the electronic pen 3 can be improved. Furthermore, the electronic pen 3 can reduce power consumption when the pen tip 375 is moved in and out via the snap-fit ​​mechanism 303.

[0362] Furthermore, the insertion / exit component has an insertion / exit mechanism 3050, which allows the pen tip 375 to enter and exit through an opening 3000b on one side of the housing 3001 by rotating a member (housing 3002) that is rotatable about the center line O of the housing 3001. Additionally, the electronic pen 3 also includes detection units 3051 and 3052 that switch states based on rotational movement of the insertion / exit mechanism 3050 in conjunction with the rotation of the member (housing 3002) rotatably coupled to the housing 3001. Furthermore, the pen controller 36 determines the storage state based on the states of the detection units 3051 and 3052.

[0363] Therefore, even when the pen tip 375 moves in and out of the electronic pen 3 by rotating the component (housing 3002) that is rotatably connected to the housing 3001 relative to the pen 3001, the processing efficiency of the processing related to the electronic pen 3 performed by the pen sensor 10 can be improved. In addition, even when the pen tip 375 moves in and out of the electronic pen 3 by rotating the component (housing 3002) that is rotatably connected to the pen 3001 relative to the pen 3001, power consumption can be reduced.

[0364] In addition, the storage component is detachably mounted on the cap 350 of the housing 3000 on which the pen tip 375 is provided, in a manner that covers the pen tip 375.

[0365] Therefore, even when the storage component is the cap 350, the electronic pen 3 can improve the processing efficiency of the pen sensor 10 related to the electronic pen 3. In addition, the electronic pen 3 can also reduce power consumption when the storage component is the cap 350.

[0366] Additionally, the storage component is the housing of the electronic device 1C, which has a hole 1050 for inserting a pen tip 375.

[0367] Therefore, when the storage component of the electronic pen 3 is an electronic device 1C with a hole 1050 for inserting the pen tip 375, the processing efficiency of the pen sensor 10 related to the electronic pen 3 can be improved. Furthermore, when the storage component of the electronic pen 3 is an electronic device 1C with a hole 1050 for inserting the pen tip 375, power consumption can also be reduced.

[0368] In addition, the electronic pen 3 also has detection components 3053 and 3054 or 3051 and 3052 that detect changes in the electric field, magnetic field, or electrostatic capacitance of the space including the pen tip 375. Furthermore, the pen controller 36 determines the storage state based on the detection results of the detection components 3053 and 3054 or 3051 and 3052.

[0369] Therefore, the electronic pen 3 can utilize various detection components to improve the processing efficiency of the pen sensor 10 related to the electronic pen 3. Furthermore, the electronic pen 3 can utilize various detection components to reduce power consumption.

[0370] In addition, the electronic pen 3 also includes detection components 3053 and 3054 that detect changes in the electrical conductivity between the pen tip 375 and the storage component. Furthermore, the pen controller 36 determines the storage state based on the detection results of the detection components 3053 and 3054.

[0371] Therefore, the electronic pen 3 can improve the processing efficiency of the pen sensor 10 related to the electronic pen 3 through a simple structure. In addition, the electronic pen 3 can reduce power consumption through a simple structure.

[0372] Furthermore, electrode 37 is the first electrode (electrode 37). In addition, the electronic pen 3 transmits and receives signals with the pen sensor 10, and also has a second electrode (electrode 38) that is different from the first electrode and can receive signals transmitted from the first electrode. In addition, the pen controller 36 determines whether the pen tip 375 is stored in the storage component based on the amount of change in the signal level of the signal transmitted from the first electrode to the second electrode.

[0373] Therefore, the electronic pen 3 does not require additional components solely for determining the retracted state of the pen tip 375, thus improving the processing efficiency of the pen sensor 10 related to the electronic pen 3 with fewer components. Furthermore, the electronic pen 3 does not require additional components solely for determining the retracted state of the pen tip 375, thus reducing power consumption with fewer components.

[0374] --Variation Example--

[0375] Furthermore, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above. That is, any design modifications made to the above embodiments by those skilled in the art that possess the features of the present invention are also included within the scope of the present invention. In addition, the elements of the above embodiments and the variations described below can be combined as much as possible technically, and any combination thereof that includes the features of the present invention is also included within the scope of the present invention.

[0376] For example, in the first embodiment, the pen pressure calculation unit 23 calculates the pen pressure value based on the potential changes of both the position signal sent from the detection electrode 11 and the position signal sent from the detection electrode 12, but is not limited thereto. The pen pressure calculation unit 23 may also calculate the pen pressure value based on the potential changes of either the position signal sent from the detection electrode 11 or the position signal sent from the detection electrode 12. The same applies to the second embodiment. According to this structure, the sensor controller 20 can calculate the pen pressure of the electronic pen 3 on the pen sensor 10 with higher sensitivity.

[0377] Furthermore, in the first and second embodiments, the pen pressure calculation unit 23 uses the change in the potential of the position signal within a predetermined time period or the difference relative to the previously acquired potential when determining the amount of change in the potential of the position signal, but is not limited to these methods. The pen pressure calculation unit 23 may also calculate the difference in the potential of the currently acquired position signal relative to a moving average of the potentials of position signals acquired a predetermined number of times in the past, and calculate the pen pressure value based on the change in this difference. According to this structure, the sensor controller 20 calculates the pen pressure value based on the difference relative to the moving average of past position signals, thus enabling more accurate calculation of the pen pressure of the electronic pen 3 on the pen sensor 10.

[0378] Furthermore, in the first embodiment, the pen pressure calculation unit 23 calculates the pen pressure value in such a way that it becomes either the first value or the second value, but is not limited to this. For example, the pen pressure calculation unit 23 may also calculate the pen pressure value in a stepwise manner, changing from the first value to the second value or from the second value to the first value, when the operation state changes between the first state and the second state.

[0379] Here, refer to Figure 5 This is another example illustrating the relationship between pen pressure value calculation and other related methods. Figure 5This is another example of a coordinate graph showing the relationship between the horizontal change of the position signal and the pen pressure value in the first embodiment. For example... Figure 5 As shown, when the pen pressure calculation unit 23 determines that the operation state has changed from the second state to the first state, it calculates the pen pressure value in a manner that gradually changes from the second value to the first value over time. Similarly, when the pen pressure calculation unit 23 determines that the operation state has changed from the first state to the second state, it calculates the pen pressure value in a manner that gradually changes from the first value to the second value over time. Furthermore, the pen pressure calculation unit 23 changes the pen pressure value according to a predetermined function with time as the variable. Additionally, the pen pressure calculation unit 23, for example, changes the pen pressure value to a quantity represented by a predetermined change ratio or amount over time.

[0380] According to this structure, in the sensor controller 20, the pen pressure calculation unit 23 calculates the pen pressure value in a stepwise manner between the first value and the second value, thereby reducing the abruptness and unnaturalness of the drawing that may occur with the abrupt change in pen pressure value.

[0381] In the second embodiment, the pen pressure calculation unit 23 calculates the pen pressure value based on a position signal transmitted from the tip electrode at the front end of the electronic pen 300 and received by the pen sensor 100, but is not limited thereto. The pen pressure calculation unit 23 may also calculate the pen pressure value based on the amount of potential change of a posture signal containing the posture value of the electronic pen 300, transmitted from the ring electrode of the electronic pen 300. According to this structure, the sensor controller 20 can calculate the pen pressure value based on the amount of potential change of other signals, independent of the position signal of the electronic pen 300.

[0382] Furthermore, the pen pressure calculation unit 23 can also adjust the correction amount for correcting the pen pressure signal according to the position signal based on the change in the potential of the posture signal. Specifically, the pen pressure calculation unit 23 can increase the correction amount of the pen pressure signal when the change in the potential of the posture signal is above the reference potential, and decrease the correction amount of the pen pressure signal when the change in the potential of the posture signal is below the reference potential. Conversely, the pen pressure calculation unit 23 can also decrease the correction amount of the pen pressure signal when the change in the potential of the posture signal is above the reference potential, and increase the correction amount of the pen pressure signal when the change in the potential of the posture signal is below the reference potential. According to this structure, the pen sensor controller 52 adjusts the correction amount based on the posture signal of the electronic pen 300, thus enabling further high-precision calculation of the pen pressure value.

[0383] Furthermore, in the fourth embodiment, the pen pressure calculation unit 23 determines the operating state of the electronic pen 3 based on whether the change in the potential difference between the first signal and the second signal is greater than or equal to a predetermined value, but is not limited to this. The pen pressure calculation unit 23 may also determine the operating state of the electronic pen 3 based on whether the ratio of the change in the potential of the second signal to the change in the potential of the first signal is greater than or equal to a predetermined ratio. The ratio of the change in the potential of the second signal to the change in the potential of the first signal is the result obtained by dividing the change in the potential of the first signal by the change in the potential of the second signal. The predetermined ratio is, for example, 2 or 3.

[0384] When the operating state of the electronic pen 3 transitions from the second state to the first state, the potential of the first signal detected by the pen sensor 10 rises sharply. Conversely, when the operating state of the electronic pen 3 transitions from the first state to the second state, the potential of the first signal detected by the pen sensor 10 drops sharply. This phenomenon occurs because the air layer existing between the electronic pen 3 and the pen sensor 10 when the electrode 37 of the electronic pen 3 is not in contact with the pen sensor 10 disappears when the electrode 37 of the electronic pen 3 comes into contact with the pen sensor 10. Furthermore, regarding the potential of the second signal, it is unlikely that the electrode 38, which transmits and receives the second signal, will come into contact with the pen sensor 10, thus making it difficult for the same phenomenon as with the first signal to occur. This modified example is based on the principle that, according to the above phenomena, the operating state can be determined by judging whether the change in the potential of the first signal and the change in the potential of the second signal satisfy a predetermined condition.

[0385] Here, refer again Figure 13 The details of the above-described variations will be explained. Furthermore, the processes other than those in step SP86 and step SP92 are the same as in the fourth embodiment, and therefore their description is omitted here.

[0386] (Step SP86)

[0387] The pen pressure calculation unit 23 determines whether the ratio of the change in the potential of the second signal to the change in the potential of the first signal is greater than or equal to a first ratio. The first ratio is used to determine whether the operation state has changed to the state of the electronic pen 3 pressing the pen sensor 10, i.e., the first state. Then, if the determination is affirmative, the process proceeds to step SP88. Conversely, if the determination is negative, the process proceeds to step SP98.

[0388] (Step SP92)

[0389] The pen pressure calculation unit 23 determines whether the ratio of the change in the potential of the second signal to the change in the potential of the first signal is greater than or equal to a second ratio. The second ratio is used to determine whether the operation state has transitioned to the state where the electronic pen 3 leaves the pen sensor 10, i.e., the second state. Furthermore, the second ratio can be the same as the first ratio or a different ratio. Then, if the determination is affirmative, the process proceeds to step SP94. Conversely, if the determination is negative, the process proceeds to step SP98.

[0390] Furthermore, the sensor controller 20 is not limited to the examples described above. For instance, it may also store model data representing the time transition of the potential changes of the first signal and the second signal when the operating state of the electronic pen 3 changes from the first state to the second state. Additionally, the sensor controller 20 may also store model data representing the time transition of the potential changes of the first signal and the second signal when the operating state of the electronic pen 3 changes from the second state to the first state. Regarding changes in the operating state of the electronic pen 3, the sensor controller 20 may refer to this model data and determine that a change in operating state has occurred if the data is consistent with or substantially consistent with the model data.

[0391] According to this structure, the sensor controller 20 determines the operating state of the electronic pen 3 based on whether the change in the potential of the first signal and the change in the potential of the second signal meet the specified conditions. Therefore, even if the absolute values ​​of the potentials of the first and second signals change due to differences in the model of the electronic pen 3, the pen sensor 10, etc., or manufacturing deviations, the sensor controller 20 can still calculate the pen pressure of the electronic pen 3 on the pen sensor 10 with high accuracy.

[0392] Furthermore, in the first to fourth embodiments, the position detection system 5 performs the determination of the change in electrical potential and the calculation of the pen pressure value using the same device (e.g., electronic device 1A, electronic device 1B, electronic pen 3, etc.), but is not limited to this. The position detection system 5 may also perform the determination of the change in electrical potential and the calculation of the pen pressure value using different devices. (Refer to again...) Figure 6 Specific examples will be explained. Furthermore, the processes of steps SP10 to SP16, SP22, and SP28 are the same as in the first embodiment, therefore their descriptions are omitted.

[0393] (Step SP18)

[0394] Electronic device 1A determines that the operation state has changed from the second state to the first state through the pen pressure calculation unit 23. Electronic device 1A updates the operation state data 213 in the storage unit 21 through the pen pressure calculation unit 23 to indicate that the current operation state is the first state. Then, electronic device 1A sends an uplink signal containing a control command that calculates the pen pressure value to electronic pen 3. Alternatively, electronic device 1A may send control commands to electronic pen 3 via short-range wireless communication such as Bluetooth (registered trademark) instead of an uplink signal. Then, the process proceeds to step SP20.

[0395] (Step SP20)

[0396] The electronic pen 3 receives an uplink signal from the electronic device 1A via the pen controller 36. The electronic pen 3, via the pen controller 36, performs a pen pressure value calculation process according to a control command that calculates the pen pressure value contained in the uplink signal. In this pen pressure value calculation process, the electronic pen 3 calculates, for example, a pen pressure value as a first value. Additionally, in the same pen pressure value calculation process, the electronic pen 3 calculates, for example, the pressure detected by the sensor 34 installed on the electronic pen 3 as the pen pressure value. The electronic pen 3 then transmits a downlink signal containing the calculated pen pressure value to the electronic device 1A. Alternatively, the electronic pen 3 may transmit the pen pressure value to the electronic device 1A via short-range wireless communication such as Bluetooth (registered trademark) instead of a downlink signal. The process then proceeds to step SP28.

[0397] (Step SP24)

[0398] Electronic device 1A determines that the operation state has changed from the first state to the second state through the pen pressure calculation unit 23. Electronic device 1A updates the operation state data 213 in the storage unit 21 through the pen pressure calculation unit 23 to indicate that the current operation state is the second state. Then, electronic device 1A sends an uplink signal containing a control command that calculates the pen pressure value to the electronic pen 3. Alternatively, electronic device 1A can send control commands to the electronic pen 3 via short-range wireless communication such as Bluetooth (registered trademark) instead of an uplink signal. Then, the process proceeds to step SP26.

[0399] (Step SP26)

[0400] The electronic pen 3 receives an uplink signal from the electronic device 1A via the pen controller 36. The electronic pen 3, via the pen controller 36, performs a pen pressure value calculation process according to a control command that calculates the pen pressure value contained in the uplink signal. In the pen pressure value calculation process, the electronic pen 3 calculates, for example, a pen pressure value as a second value. Additionally, in the pen pressure value calculation process, the electronic pen 3 calculates, for example, the pressure detected by the sensor 34 installed on the electronic pen 3 as a pen pressure value. The electronic pen 3 transmits a downlink signal containing the calculated pen pressure value to the electronic device 1A. Alternatively, the electronic pen 3 may transmit the pen pressure value to the electronic device 1A via short-range wireless communication such as Bluetooth (registered trademark) instead of a downlink signal. Then, the process proceeds to step SP28.

[0401] According to this structure, the position detection system 5 performs the detection of changes in electrical potential via the electronic device 1A, and performs the calculation of the pen pressure value via the electronic pen 3 when a control command is sent from the electronic device 1A. Therefore, the position detection system 5 performs the calculation of the pen pressure value only when a control command is sent from the electronic device 1A, thus suppressing power consumption or the decrease in processing speed associated with the calculation of the pen pressure value.

[0402] Furthermore, in the seventh embodiment, when the electronic pen 3 determines that the state change is that the pen tip 375 is retracted into the storage component, it switches the operating mode from the normal mode to the power-saving mode based on the response sent from the pen sensor 10, but is not limited to this. The electronic pen 3 may also completely disconnect the power supply and stop operation based on the response sent from the pen sensor 10 when it determines that the state change is that the pen tip 375 is retracted into the storage component. That is, the electronic pen 3 may also stop the operation of internal circuits such as the pen controller 36.

[0403] According to this structure, the electronic pen 3 notifies the pen sensor 10 of the retracted state of the pen tip 375 relative to the storage component. Furthermore, the electronic pen 3 stops its operation based on the response from the pen sensor 10 to the notification. Therefore, the electronic pen 3 stops its operation solely by retracting the pen tip 375, without relying on user input, thus improving the convenience of the electronic pen 3. Additionally, the processing efficiency of the pen sensor 10 related to the electronic pen 3 is improved.

[0404] Furthermore, when the electronic pen 3 determines that the state change is that the pen tip 375 is retracted into the storage component, it switches the operating mode from the normal mode to the power-saving mode based on the response sent from the pen sensor 10, but is not limited to this. The sensor controller 20, which controls the sending and receiving of the pen sensor 10, can also change the scanning mode when the pen sensor 10 receives a notification indicating that the state change is that the pen tip 375 is retracted into the storage component.

[0405] The scanning modes are explained below. The sensor controller 20 has, for example, four modes as shown below as scanning modes. The sensor controller 20 typically switches these modes in the following order to perform position detection processing for the electronic pen 3, finger 2, etc.

[0406] The first mode is for detecting the position of finger 2. In this mode, the sensor controller 20 temporarily stops transmitting and receiving signals with the electronic pen 3 and instead detects the position indication of finger 2 on the pen sensor 10. The second mode is for sending uplink signals to the electronic pen 3. The third mode is for receiving downlink signals from the electronic pen 3 to detect the indicated position of the electronic pen 3. The fourth mode is for receiving downlink signals from the electronic pen 3 and acquiring various information about the electronic pen 3. In other words, modes two through four involve transmitting and receiving signals with the electronic pen 3.

[0407] The sensor controller 20 can also switch the scanning mode from sequentially switching between the first to fourth modes to repeating the first mode when the pen sensor 10 receives a notification indicating that the pen tip 375 is retracted into the storage component. That is, when the state change is that the pen tip 375 of the electronic pen 3 is retracted into the storage component, the sensor controller 20 stops transmitting and receiving signals with the electronic pen 3 and changes the processing to detect the position indication of the finger 2.

[0408] Additionally, when the pen sensor 10 receives a notification indicating a change in state where the pen tip 375 is not retracted into the storage component, the sensor controller 20 can switch the scanning mode from repeating the first mode to sequentially switching between the first to fourth modes. That is, when the state changes to the point where the pen tip 375 of the electronic pen 3 is not retracted into the storage component, the sensor controller 20 changes the processing so that the detection of the finger 2's position indication and the transmission and reception of signals with the electronic pen 3 are performed as normally.

[0409] According to this structure, the position detection system 5, which includes the electronic pen 3 and the sensor controller 20, switches the scanning mode of the sensor controller 20 based on the retracted state of the pen tip 375 of the electronic pen 3 relative to the retracted component. Therefore, the position detection system 5 stops transmitting and receiving signals between the pen sensor 10 and the electronic pen 3 when the pen tip 375 of the electronic pen 3 is retracted, thus reducing the power consumption of the electronic pen 3 and the sensor controller 20. Furthermore, the position detection system 5 improves the processing efficiency of the sensor controller 20.

[0410] [Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures]

[0411] 1A…electronic device, 1B…electronic device, 3…electronic pen, 10…pen sensor, 20…sensor controller, 21…acquisition unit, 23…pen pressure calculation unit, 40…display panel.

Claims

1. A sensor controller, comprising: The acquisition unit acquires a position signal representing the position of the electronic pen from a pen sensor that detects the position of the electronic pen; and The pen pressure calculation unit calculates a pen pressure value related to the pen pressure of the electronic pen on the pen sensor based on the change in the signal level of the position signal acquired by the acquisition unit.

2. The sensor controller according to claim 1, wherein, The signal level is a potential. If the potential of the position signal rises above a first potential within a specified time, the pen pressure calculation unit determines that the operation state has changed to the first state where the electronic pen presses the pen sensor, and calculates the pen pressure value as the first value.

3. The sensor controller according to claim 2, wherein, When the potential of the position signal drops by more than a second potential within a specified time, the pen pressure calculation unit determines that the operation state has changed to a second state in which the electronic pen leaves the pen sensor, and calculates the pen pressure value as a second value that is different from the first value.

4. The sensor controller according to claim 3, wherein, When the operation state changes from the second state to the first state, the pen pressure calculation unit calculates the pen pressure value in a manner that changes from the first value to the second value in stages.

5. The sensor controller according to claim 1, wherein, The signal level is a potential. The acquisition unit acquires from the pen sensor a pen pressure signal, which is sent from the electronic pen to the pen sensor and represents the pen pressure exerted by the electronic pen on the pen sensor. The pen pressure calculation unit calculates the pen pressure value by correcting the pen pressure represented by the pen pressure signal based on the change in the potential of the position signal.

6. The sensor controller according to claim 5, wherein, If the potential of the position signal rises above a first potential within a specified time, the pen pressure calculation unit determines that the operation state has changed to the first state where the electronic pen presses the pen sensor and calculates the pen pressure value as the first value. If the pen pressure signal obtained by the acquisition unit before the operation state is determined to have changed to the first state indicates that the electronic pen presses the pen sensor, the pen pressure calculation unit considers the pen pressure signal to be an abnormal value and calculates the pen pressure value as a second value that is different from the first value.

7. The sensor controller according to claim 6, wherein, If the potential of the position signal drops by more than a second potential within a specified time, the pen pressure calculation unit determines that the operation state has changed to a second state in which the electronic pen leaves the pen sensor and calculates the pen pressure value as the second value. If the pen pressure signal acquired by the acquisition unit before the determination that the operation state has changed to the second state indicates that the pen sensor has left the electronic pen, the pen pressure calculation unit considers the pen pressure signal to be an abnormal value and maintains the pen pressure value.

8. A control method for a sensor controller, wherein, is a control method for a sensor controller connected to a pen sensor, include: A position signal representing the position of the electronic pen is obtained from the pen sensor that detects the position of the electronic pen; as well as Based on the change in the signal level of the acquired position signal, a pen pressure value related to the pen pressure exerted by the electronic pen on the pen sensor is calculated.

9. An electronic device comprising the sensor controller of claim 1, wherein, The electronic device also includes: The display panel displays the objects to be displayed; and The pen sensor is configured to overlap with the display area of ​​the display panel when viewed from above, and detects the position of the electronic pen.

10. An electronic pen that provides position indication to a pen sensor, wherein, have: The pen tip, which is reciprocating along the axial direction at the front end, has electrodes for transmitting and receiving signals with the pen sensor; The pen controller calculates a pen pressure value related to pen pressure based on the change in the signal level of the uplink signal transmitted from the pen sensor via the electrodes; as well as The transmitting unit transmits a pen pressure signal, representing the pen pressure value calculated by the pen controller, and a position signal, representing the indicated position of the pen sensor, to the pen sensor via the electrodes.

11. The electronic pen according to claim 10, wherein, The signal level is a potential. When the potential of the uplink signal rises above a first potential within a specified time, the pen controller determines that the action state has changed to the first state of the electronic pen pressing the pen sensor, and calculates the pen pressure value as the first value.

12. The electronic pen according to claim 11, wherein, When the potential of the uplink signal drops by more than a second potential within a specified time, the pen controller determines that the operation state has changed to a second state in which the electronic pen leaves the pen sensor, and calculates the pen pressure value as a second value that is different from the first value.

13. The electronic pen according to claim 10, wherein, The electronic pen also features a pressure sensor that detects the pressure applied to the pen tip. The signal level is a potential. The pen controller calculates the pen pressure value by correcting the pressure detected by the pressure sensor based on the potential change of the uplink signal.

14. The electronic pen according to claim 10, wherein, The signal level is a potential. When the uplink signal potential rises above a first potential within a specified time, the pen controller determines that the action state has changed to the first state of pressing the pen sensor and calculates the pen pressure value as the first value. If the pen pressure signal indicates pressing the pen sensor before the action state is determined to change to the first state, the pen pressure signal is considered to be an abnormal value and the pen pressure value is calculated as a second value different from the first value.

15. The electronic pen according to claim 14, wherein, If the potential of the uplink signal drops by more than a second potential within a specified time, the pen controller determines that the operation state has changed to a second state of leaving the pen sensor and calculates the pen pressure value as the second value. If the pen pressure signal indicates that the pen sensor has left before the operation state is determined to change to the second state, the pen pressure signal is considered to be an abnormal value and the pen pressure value is maintained.

16. A position detection system comprising the electronic pen of claim 10, wherein, The location detection system also includes electronic equipment. The electronic device includes: a display panel for displaying a display object; and a pen sensor arranged to overlap with the display area of ​​the display panel when viewed from above, for sending the uplink signal to the electronic pen and detecting the pen pressure signal and the position signal sent from the electronic pen. And a sensor controller, which controls the display panel according to the pen pressure signal and the position signal detected by the pen sensor.

17. A sensor controller, comprising: The acquisition unit acquires from the pen sensor that detects the position of the electronic pen a first signal sent from a first electrode of the electronic pen to the pen sensor, a second signal sent from a second electrode of the electronic pen (different from the first electrode) to the pen sensor, and a pen pressure signal representing the pen pressure; and The pen pressure calculation unit calculates a pen pressure value related to the pen pressure of the electronic pen on the pen sensor based on the changes in the signal levels of the first signal and the second signal acquired by the acquisition unit, and the pen pressure signal.

18. The sensor controller according to claim 17, wherein, The pen pressure calculation unit calculates the pen pressure value in such a way that the larger the tilt angle of the electronic pen relative to the detection surface of the pen sensor, the larger the pen pressure value, and the smaller the tilt angle, the smaller the pen pressure value.

19. The sensor controller according to claim 17 or 18, wherein, The signal level is a potential. If the potential of the first signal or the second signal rises above a first potential within a specified time, the pen pressure calculation unit determines that the operation state has changed to the first state where the electronic pen presses the pen sensor, and calculates the pen pressure value as the first value.

20. The sensor controller according to claim 17 or 18, wherein, The signal level is a potential. If the potential difference between the first signal and the second signal rises above a first potential within a specified time, the pen pressure calculation unit determines that the action state has changed to the first state where the electronic pen presses the pen sensor, and calculates the pen pressure value as the first value.

21. The sensor controller according to claim 2, wherein, The pen pressure calculation unit calculates the moving speed of the electronic pen relative to the pen sensor based on the position signal, and determines the value of the first potential based on the calculated moving speed.

22. The sensor controller according to claim 21, wherein, The pen pressure calculation unit determines the value of the first potential as the value of the third potential when the moving speed is above the speed threshold, and determines the value of the first potential as the value of the fourth potential, which is larger than the third potential, when the moving speed is less than the speed threshold.

23. The sensor controller according to claim 21, wherein, The pen pressure calculation unit determines the value of the first potential in a manner that is proportional to the movement speed.

24. The sensor controller according to claim 2, wherein, The pen pressure calculation unit calculates the moving speed of the electronic pen relative to the pen sensor based on the position signal, and determines the first value based on the calculated moving speed.

25. The sensor controller according to claim 1, wherein, The pen pressure calculation unit calculates the pen pressure value if the specified conditions are not met. The specified condition is that the time elapsed since the last calculation of the pen pressure value is less than the reference time, and the distance the electronic pen has moved since the last calculation of the pen pressure value is less than the reference distance.

26. The sensor controller according to claim 25, wherein, When the specified conditions are met, the pen pressure calculation unit performs the standby process if the standby process for processing the standby time was not performed after the previous determination of the specified conditions, and calculates the pen pressure value if the standby process was performed after the previous determination of the specified conditions.

27. An electronic pen that provides position indication to a pen sensor, wherein, have: The pen tip has electrodes that transmit and receive signals with the pen sensor and can be housed in a storage component; as well as The pen controller transmits and receives signals between itself and the pen sensor via the electrodes, determines the storage state of the pen tip relative to the storage component, notifies the pen sensor when it is determined that the pen tip is stored in the storage component, and stops transmitting the signal based on the response to the notification sent from the pen sensor.

28. The electronic pen according to claim 27, wherein, The pen controller notifies the pen sensor when the storage state changes from the state where the pen tip is stored in the storage component to the state where the pen tip is not stored in the storage component, and starts sending the signal based on the response to the notification sent from the pen sensor.

29. The electronic pen according to claim 27, wherein, The electronic pen also features: The storage component serves as a cylindrical shell; and An access component that allows the pen tip to enter and exit through an opening on one side of the housing.

30. The electronic pen according to claim 29, wherein, The insertion / exit component is a snap-lock mechanism that allows the pen tip to enter and exit through an opening on one side of the housing. The electronic pen also includes a switch component, which switches states according to the sliding movement of a sliding component that moves in conjunction with the snapping action of the snapping mechanism. The pen controller determines the storage state based on the state of the switch component.

31. The electronic pen according to claim 29, wherein, The in-and-out component has an in-and-out mechanism that allows the pen tip to enter and exit through an opening on one side of the housing by means of rotation of a component of the housing that is rotatable about the center line of the housing. The electronic pen also includes a detection component that switches states based on the rotational movement of the input / output mechanism in conjunction with the rotation of the component rotatably coupled to the housing. The pen controller determines the storage status based on the state of the detection component.

32. The electronic pen according to claim 28, wherein, The storage component is detachably mounted on a cap of a housing on which the pen tip is located, in a manner that covers the pen tip.

33. The electronic pen according to claim 28, wherein, The storage component is the housing of an electronic device having a hole into which the pen tip can be inserted.

34. The electronic pen according to claim 32 or 33, wherein, The electronic pen also includes a detection component that detects changes in the electric field, magnetic field, or electrostatic capacitance of the space including the pen tip. The pen controller determines the storage status based on the detection results of the detection component.

35. The electronic pen according to claim 32 or 33, wherein, The electronic pen also has a detection component that detects changes in the electrical conductivity between the pen tip and the storage component. The pen controller determines the storage status based on the detection results of the detection component.

36. The electronic pen according to claim 32 or 33, wherein, The electrode is the first electrode. The electronic pen also has a second electrode that transmits and receives signals with the pen sensor and is capable of receiving signals sent from the first electrode, and is different from the first electrode. The pen controller determines whether the pen tip is retracted into the retracting component based on the change in the signal level of the signal sent from the first electrode to the second electrode.

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