Terminal device and position detection sensor

Abstract

To enable high quality drawing input by an electronic pen even when a display device used is extremely thin and flexible like electronic paper.SOLUTION: A plurality of first electrodes X1, X2, X3, ... are arranged in a first direction on a first surface of an insulating layer 13 on an electronic paper 2 side. One or more first wire rods d1, d2, d3, ... drawn in a direction along the first electrodes are arranged on the first surface of the insulating layer 13 between the plurality of first electrodes X1, X2, X3, ... arranged in the first direction to be spaced apart by a given distance in the first direction.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a terminal device including, for example, a thin display device and a position detection sensor that accepts input operations using a pen-type position indicator such as an electronic pen, and to the position detection sensor mounted on the terminal device. [Background technology]

[0002] Terminal devices such as highly functional mobile phone terminals known as smartphones and tablet PCs (Personal Computers) are equipped with touch sensors to enable touch operations by the user's fingers. The touch sensor is made of transparent electrodes and is arranged on the display screen of a display device such as an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display). The touch sensor and the display device thus constitute a touch panel as an input device. Furthermore, some terminal devices are provided that allow instruction input using an electronic pen (a pen-shaped position indicator) to enable more detailed operations and handwritten input of characters, figures, symbols, etc.

[0003] The position detection device capable of inputting an instruction using an electronic pen includes, for example, a capacitance type and an electromagnetic induction type. The capacitance type is also used in the above-mentioned touch sensor, and includes a sensor unit having a plurality of linear conductors (line electrodes) arranged in the X-axis direction and the Y-axis direction. When the electronic pen is brought close to the sensor, the sensor detects the instruction position according to a change in capacitance (charge) generated in the linear conductor constituting the sensor. Note that the capacitance type electronic pen is also called an electrostatic pen, and includes a pen-type position indicator that is simply conductive, and a so-called active type position indicator that is driven by a battery and sends a signal from an oscillation circuit. An example of an input device (position detection device) composed of a capacitance type coordinate detection sensor and an electronic pen is disclosed in Patent Document 1 described later.

[0004] The electromagnetic induction method includes a sensor unit having multiple loop coils arranged in the X-axis direction and the Y-axis direction. A transmission period in which a magnetic field is generated by sequentially supplying current to the multiple loop coils of the sensor unit, and a reception period in which the current supply is stopped and a magnetic field from the outside are alternately provided. The corresponding electronic pen includes a resonant circuit made of a coil and a capacitor, and generates a signal by causing a current to flow through the coil in response to the magnetic field from the sensor unit, and transmits the signal to the sensor unit. The signal is received through the sensor unit during the reception period to detect the position indicated by the electronic pen. An example of an input device including an electromagnetic induction type coordinate detection sensor and an electronic pen is disclosed in Patent Document 2 described later.

[0005] Furthermore, the display devices used in terminal devices often use the LCDs described above or organic electroluminescence (EL) displays. In recent years, so-called electronic paper, which is thin, light, and capable of displaying clear images, has been used as a display device in electronic book readers and the like. It is expected that electronic paper will continue to be widely used in the future, for example as a display device for various terminal devices. Various improvements have also been made to electronic paper, examples of which are disclosed in Patent Documents 3 and 4, which will be described later. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0006] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 07-295722 [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 07-044304 [Patent Document 3] JP 2009-037119 A [Patent Document 1] Special equipment 2019-060946 publication Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0007] In a terminal device, when it is necessary to realize both rough touch operations by a user's finger mainly for icon selection and detailed drawing operations using an electronic pen, the terminal device is equipped with both a capacitive touch sensor and an electromagnetic induction position detection sensor. For example, as shown in Fig. 5(A), a conventional terminal device employs a layered structure in which a capacitive touch sensor 500 is disposed on the upper side of a display device 600 and an electromagnetic induction position detection sensor 700 is disposed on the lower side of the display device 600.

[0008] In recent years, there has been a trend to provide a more easily usable, low-cost mobile terminal that uses electronic paper as a display device and an electromagnetic induction type position detection device to enable instruction input by an electronic pen. That is, the input device does not include a capacitive touch sensor, but only an electromagnetic induction type position detection sensor. That is, as shown in FIG. 5B, a terminal device is considered in which electronic paper 600E is used as a display device and an electromagnetic induction type position detection sensor 700 is arranged below it. In this case, the display screen of electronic paper 600E is used as an operation surface, and an instruction is input by touching an electronic pen to the display screen of electronic paper 600E.

[0009] As shown in Fig. 5(A) and (B), the electromagnetic induction type position detection sensor is formed by stacking a plurality of loop coil groups 701, 703 formed of conductive wires on a predetermined substrate 702 such as a rigid substrate or a flexible substrate. Electronic paper is very thin compared to LCDs and organic EL displays. In this case, it is considered that drawing input is performed by bringing electronic pen 200 into contact with electronic paper 600E and moving it. As shown in Fig. 5(B), electronic paper 600E is thin and flexible, so when electronic pen 200 is moved on electronic paper 600E, the pen tip of electronic pen 200 moves up and down in areas where loop coils are present and areas where they are not present.

[0010] That is, when drawing is performed with the electronic pen 200 in contact with the electronic paper 600E, the distance between the tip of the electronic pen 200 and the sensor surface of the electromagnetic induction type position detection sensor 700 varies. In this case, the level of the signal received from the electronic pen 200 by each loop coil of the loop coil group 701 constituting the position detection sensor 700 also varies. For this reason, as shown in FIG. 5C, there is a possibility that a so-called waving phenomenon occurs in which a trajectory input by the electronic pen 200 appears wavy when displayed on the electronic paper 600E. In this case, the quality of drawing input by the electronic pen 200 is degraded, and a mobile terminal capable of high-quality drawing input cannot be realized.

[0011] In view of the above, an object of the present invention is to enable high-quality drawing input using an electronic pen, even when an extremely thin and flexible display device such as electronic paper is used. [Means for solving the problem]

[0012] In order to solve the above problems, A terminal device comprising: a thin and flexible electronic paper that functions as a display medium and has a display screen that serves as an operation surface to be touched by an electronic pen; and a position detection sensor that is disposed below the display screen of the electronic paper and detects a position on the display screen pointed to by the electronic pen, The position detection sensor includes: a plurality of first electrodes are disposed in a first direction on a first surface of the insulating substrate that faces the display screen; Between adjacent electrodes of the plurality of first electrodes arranged in the first direction on the first surface of the insulating substrate, one or more first wire rods are formed of a non-conductive material such as resin or a conductive material, and are wire rods that are not connected to the first electrodes or a position detection circuit and extend in a direction along the first electrodes, and are arranged at intervals such that when an electronic pen is brought into contact with the display screen of the electronic paper to draw, the electronic paper has portions that are pressed down and portions that are not pressed down in the presence and absence of the first electrodes, causing the electronic pen to move up and down. The present invention provides a terminal device characterized by the above-mentioned.

[0013] This terminal device is configured to include electronic paper and a position detection sensor disposed below the display screen of the electronic paper. The position detection sensor has a plurality of first electrodes disposed in a first direction on a first surface of an insulating substrate that faces the display screen. In this manner, one or more first wires extending in a direction along the first electrodes are disposed between the plurality of first electrodes disposed in the first direction on the first surface of the insulating substrate, the first electrodes being spaced apart from each other by a predetermined distance in the first direction.

[0014] This makes it possible to prevent the electronic pen, which performs drawing input by touching and moving on the display screen of the electronic paper, from moving up and down in a direction perpendicular to the display screen between the areas where the first electrode is present and the areas where the first electrode is not present. This makes it possible to prevent the so-called waving phenomenon, in which the drawn line appears wavy when the electronic pen is touched to the display screen of the electronic paper and moved in a direction intersecting the first electrode to draw a line, from occurring. This makes it possible to realize a terminal device that allows high-quality drawing input. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0015] [Figure 1] FIG. 2 is a diagram for explaining a configuration example of a terminal device according to an embodiment; [Diagram 2] 2 is a diagram for explaining a configuration example of a position detection device mounted on the terminal device shown in FIG. 1 and a configuration example of an electronic pen used for the position detection device. [Diagram 3] 1 is a diagram for explaining a configuration example of a position detection sensor according to an embodiment; [Figure 4] 1 is a diagram for explaining a configuration example of a position detection sensor according to an embodiment; [Diagram 5] 1A and 1B are diagrams for explaining a configuration example of a conventional terminal device and problems that may occur in a terminal device using electronic paper. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0016] [Example of the configuration of an electronic device equipped with a display device and a position detection sensor] Fig. 1 is a diagram for explaining a configuration example of a terminal device according to this embodiment. As shown in Fig. 1, an electronic paper 2 serving as a display device is located above a position detection sensor 1, and a motherboard 3 is located below the position detection sensor 1. As a result, the motherboard 3, the position detection sensor 1, and the electronic paper 2 are stacked in this order from the bottom, and are stored in a housing 4A, which is then sealed from above by a front panel 4B, thereby forming the terminal device according to this embodiment.

[0017] Electronic paper 2 refers to all display media that maintain the advantages of paper, such as visibility and portability, and whose display content can be electrically rewritten. There are various display methods for electronic paper, such as electrophoresis and electronic powder, but electronic paper is thinner and less expensive than LCD and organic EL displays. The motherboard 3 is a so-called printed circuit board that is provided with a position detection circuit to which the position detection sensor 1 is connected, a power circuit, a control circuit, a display circuit for the electronic paper 2, and an interface circuit for external devices.

[0018] In this embodiment, the position detection sensor 1 is of the electromagnetic induction type, and is connected to a position detection circuit formed on the motherboard 3. The position detection sensor 1 and the position detection circuit on the motherboard 3 constitute a position detection device. The position detection sensor 1 corresponds to the entire surface of the display screen of the electronic paper 2, and is capable of detecting any position on the display screen of the electronic paper 2 that is designated by the electronic pen.

[0019] In a terminal device configured as described above, drawing input can be performed by touching and moving an electronic pen on the display screen of the electronic paper 2. Of course, it is also possible to select and input an icon by touching the electronic pen on the display screen of the electronic paper 2. In this manner, the terminal device of this embodiment is configured to include the electronic paper 2 as a display device, and an electromagnetic induction type position detection sensor 1 provided below the electronic paper 2.

[0020] Therefore, there is no capacitive touch sensor on the upper side of the electronic paper 2. Therefore, various instructions are input by directly touching the electronic pen to the display screen of the electronic paper 2. In other words, the electronic device of this embodiment is equipped with only an electromagnetic induction type position detection device as the main input device other than the power button and other operation buttons.

[0021] [Example of position detection device configuration] 2 is a diagram for explaining a configuration example of a position detection device 100 including a position detection sensor 1 and a position detection circuit 102, and a configuration example of an electronic pen 200. The position detection device 100 and the electronic pen 200 in this embodiment are of an electromagnetic induction type. Specifically, as shown in the upper left of FIG. 2, the electronic pen 200 includes a coil L for signal transmission and reception, a pen pressure detection unit Cv which is a variable capacitor, and a resonant circuit formed by connecting a resonant capacitor Cf and the like in parallel.

[0022] The position detection device 100 includes a position detection sensor 1 formed by stacking an X-axis direction loop coil group 12X and a Y-axis direction loop coil group 12Y. Each of the loop coils X1, X2, ..., X40 of the X-axis direction loop coil group 12X and the loop coils Y1, Y2, ..., Y30 of the Y-axis direction loop coil group 12Y may have one turn or may have two or more turns. Note that in FIG. 2, the position detection sensor 1 is shown in a simplified manner, and a detailed configuration of the position detection sensor 1 will be described later. The position detection sensor 1 is connected to a position detection circuit 102 to constitute the position detection device 100 as a whole.

[0023] In this embodiment, the position detection circuit 102 is formed on the motherboard 3. The position detection circuit 102 includes an oscillator 104, a current driver 105, a selection circuit 106, a switching connection circuit 107, a receiving amplifier 108, a position detection circuit 109, a pen pressure detection circuit 110, and a processing control unit 111. As shown in FIG. 2, the X-axis loop coil group 12X and the Y-axis loop coil group 12Y of the position detection sensor 1 are connected to the selection circuit 106. The selection circuit 106 sequentially selects one of the two loop coil groups 12X and 12Y according to the control of the processing control unit 111.

[0024] The processing control unit 111 is configured by a microprocessor. The processing control unit 111 controls the selection of the loop coil in the selection circuit 106 and the switching of the switching connection circuit 107, and also controls the processing timing in the position detection circuit 109 and the writing pressure detection circuit 110.

[0025] The oscillator 104 generates an AC signal with a frequency f0. The oscillator 104 supplies the generated AC signal to a current driver 105 and a pen pressure detection circuit 110. The current driver 105 converts the AC signal supplied from the oscillator 104 into a current and sends it to a switching connection circuit 107. Under the control of the processing control unit 111, the switching connection circuit 107 switches the connection destination (transmission side terminal T, reception side terminal R) to which the loop coil selected by the selection circuit 106 is connected. Of these connection destinations, the current driver 105 is connected to the transmission side terminal T, and the reception side terminal R is connected to the reception amplifier 108.

[0026] The switching connection circuit 107 is switched to the transmitting terminal T side during the transmission period, and is switched to the receiving terminal R side during the reception period. As a result, during the transmission period, the loop coil that receives current from the current driver 105 through the transmitting terminal T generates a magnetic field, transmits it to the electronic pen 200, and acts on the resonant circuit of the electronic pen 200. In this case, the resonant circuit of the electronic pen 200 generates a position indication signal (radio wave) and transmits it to the position detection sensor 1 side.

[0027] On the other hand, during the reception period, the loop coil selected by the selection circuit 106 is connected to the reception amplifier 108 through the reception side terminal R. When the loop coil is subjected to the effect of the magnetic field from the electronic pen 200, an induced voltage is generated in the loop coil, and this induced voltage is sent to the reception amplifier 108 via the selection circuit 106 and the switching connection circuit 107. The reception amplifier 108 amplifies the induced voltage supplied from the loop coil, and sends it to the position detection circuit 109 and the writing pressure detection circuit 110.

[0028] That is, an induced voltage is generated in each loop coil of the X-axis direction loop coil group 12X and the Y-axis direction loop coil group 12Y by the radio waves transmitted from the electronic pen 200. Therefore, the position detection circuit 109 detects the induced voltage (received signal) generated in the loop coils, converts the detection output signal into a digital signal, and outputs it to the processing control unit 111. The processing control unit 111 calculates the coordinate values ​​of the indicated position in the X-axis direction and the Y-axis direction of the electronic pen 200 based on the digital signal from the position detection circuit 109, i.e., the level of the voltage value of the induced voltage generated in each loop coil.

[0029] The writing pressure detection circuit 110 synchronously detects the output signal of the receiving amplifier 108 with the AC signal from the oscillator 104 to obtain a signal with a level corresponding to the phase difference (frequency shift) between them, converts the signal corresponding to the phase difference (frequency shift) to a digital signal, and outputs it to the processing control unit 111. The processing control unit 111 detects the writing pressure applied to the electronic pen 200 based on the digital signal from the writing pressure detection circuit 110, i.e., the level of the signal corresponding to the phase difference (frequency shift) between the transmitted radio wave and the received radio wave.

[0030] In this way, the position detection circuit 102 switches between a signal transmission period and a signal reception period, supplies driving power to the electronic pen 200 to drive it during the transmission period, and receives a signal from the electronic pen 200 to detect the pointing position and writing pressure during the reception period. The detected pointing position and writing pressure are sent to a control circuit on the motherboard 3, and are capable of executing a process corresponding to an icon displayed at the pointing position, or displaying a drawn image on the electronic paper 2 in response to the instruction input.

[0031] [Example of configuration of position detection sensor 1] 3 is a diagram for explaining a configuration example of the position detection sensor 1, and is an enlarged view of a left end portion of the X-axis direction loop coil group 12X of the position detection sensor 1 shown in FIG. 2. That is, in FIG. 3, for the sake of simplicity, the Y-axis direction loop coil group 12Y is omitted. As shown in FIG. 3, on the surface of the position detection sensor 1 facing the electronic paper 2 (the first surface of the position detection sensor 1), a plurality of loop coils X1, X2, X3, X4, ... constituting the X-axis direction loop coil group 12X are arranged at predetermined intervals in the X-axis direction. Note that in FIG. 3, the horizontal direction of the figure is the X-axis direction, and the vertical direction of the figure is the Y-axis direction.

[0032] In this embodiment, each of the loop coils X1, X2, X3, X4, ... is a one-turn coil formed in a rectangular shape as shown in Fig. 3. Each of the loop coils X1, X2, X3, X4, ... has two long sides L1 and R1, L2 and R2, ... extending in the Y-axis direction intersecting with the X-axis direction, and short sides S1, S2, ... extending in the X-axis direction connecting them. In this embodiment, as shown in Fig. 3, the adjacent loop coils are arranged so as to have overlapping portions. One end of each of the loop coils X1, X2, X3, X4, ... is connected to the selection circuit 106, and the other end is grounded.

[0033] In the case of a conventional electromagnetic induction type position detection sensor, there is no space between the left long side L1 of loop coil X1 and the left long side L2 of loop coil X2, and between the right long side R1 of loop coil X1 and the left long side L3 of loop coil X3. Similarly, there is no space between the right long side R2 of loop coil X2 and the left long side L4 of loop coil X4, and between the right long side R3 of loop coil X3 and the left long side L5 of loop coil X5.

[0034] Thus, there was a relatively large empty space between each long side. This empty space does not cause a problem in detecting the position pointed to by the electronic pen 200. However, as described with reference to FIG. 5, when the electronic pen 200 is moved in contact with the display screen of the electronic paper 2 to draw, the pen tip of the electronic pen 200 moves up and down. This may cause the drawn line to be displayed as if it is waving, which is a so-called waving phenomenon. In particular, it is considered that the waving phenomenon is likely to occur in a terminal device that uses the very thin and flexible electronic paper 2 as a display device.

[0035] 3, in the position detection sensor 1 of this embodiment, wires d1, d2, and d3 are provided between the left long side L1 of the loop coil X1 and the left long side L2 of the loop coil X2. Wires d4 and d5 are provided between the right long side R1 of the loop coil X1 and the left long side L3 of the loop coil X3. Similarly, wires d6 and d7 are provided between the right long side R2 of the loop coil X2 and the left long side L4 of the loop coil X4, and wires d8 and d9 are provided between the right long side R3 of the loop coil X3 and the left long side L5 of the loop coil X5.

[0036] In this way, all the loop coils constituting the X-axis direction loop coil group 12X are targeted, and predetermined wires are provided between adjacent long sides at intervals large enough to allow the pen tip of the electronic pen 200 to sink, as shown by wires d1, d2, d3, etc. The predetermined wires such as wires d1, d2, d3, etc. may be made of a conductive material such as metal, or may be made of a non-conductive material such as resin. Regardless of the material used, the predetermined wires are not connected to the loop coils or the circuit of the position detection circuit 102. This smoothes the sensor surface of the position detection sensor 1, and prevents the pen tip of the electronic pen 200 from sinking significantly.

[0037] Note that, for example, when there is no empty space between adjacent long sides that is large enough to allow the pen tip of the electronic pen 200 to sink, such as between the left long side L2 of the loop coil X2 and the right long side R1 of the loop coil X1, there is no need to provide a specific wire. The same is true between the left long side L3 of the loop coil X3 and the right long side R2 of the loop coil X2, and between the left long side L4 of the loop coil X4 and the right long side R3 of the loop coil X3.

[0038] Also, here, the case of the X-axis direction loop coil group 12X has been described as an example. However, in the case of the position detection sensor 1 of this embodiment, the predetermined wire is also arranged in the Y-axis direction loop coil group 12Y arranged on the second surface, which is the surface opposite to the first surface on which the X-axis direction loop coil group is arranged. That is, the predetermined wire is arranged in the portion where there is a vacant space of a predetermined width between adjacent long sides of all the loop coils Y1, Y2, Y3, ... constituting the Y-axis direction loop coil group 12Y, as in the case of the X-axis direction loop coil group 12X.

[0039] Since the Y-axis direction loop coil group 12Y is formed on the second surface of the insulating layer (insulating substrate) 13, it is considered that the influence is smaller than that of the X-axis direction loop coil group 12X formed on the first surface. However, it contributes to further smoothing of the sensor surface of the position detection sensor 1. The predetermined empty space in the Y-axis direction loop coil group 12Y is similar to that in the X-axis direction loop coil group 12X. That is, when the Y-axis direction loop coil group 12Y is formed on the first surface of the insulating layer 13, the space where the tip of the electronic pen 200 touching the display screen of the electronic paper 2 moves up and down in a direction perpendicular to the display screen becomes the predetermined empty space.

[0040] FIG. 4 is a diagram for explaining a configuration example of the position detection sensor 1. Specifically, FIG. 4(A) is a top view in the case where electronic paper 2 is layered on the position detection sensor 1. FIG. 4(B) is a cross-sectional view of the position detection sensor 1 and the left end portion of the electronic paper 2 when viewed from the side indicated by the arrow a in FIG. 4(A). FIG. 4(C) is a diagram showing an example of a drawn image (handwritten image) when a straight line is drawn by bringing the electronic pen 200 into contact with the display screen of the electronic paper 2. FIG. 4(D) is a cross-sectional view of the position detection sensor 1 and the left end portion of the electronic paper 2 when viewed from the side indicated by the arrow b in FIG. 4(A).

[0041] 4(A), a position detection sensor 1 is disposed below the electronic paper 2, and the sensor surface of the position detection sensor 1 corresponds to the entire display screen of the electronic paper 2. This means that no matter where on the display screen of the electronic paper 2 is pointed to by the electronic pen 200, the pointed position can be properly detected.

[0042] As shown in Fig. 4(B), when a cross section of the left end portion of the position detection sensor 1 and the electronic paper 2 is viewed from the side of the arrow a in Fig. 4(A), an X-axis direction loop coil group 12X is formed on a surface (first surface) of the insulating layer 13 facing the electronic paper 2. Also, a Y-axis direction loop coil group 12Y is formed on a surface (second surface) opposite to the surface (first surface) of the insulating layer 13 facing the electronic paper 2.

[0043] As explained with reference to Fig. 3 and also shown in Fig. 4(B), wires d1, d2, and d3 are provided between the left long side of loop coil X1 and the left long side of loop coil X2. Wires d4 and d5 are provided between the right long side of loop coil X1 and the left long side of loop coil X3. Similarly, wires d6 and d7 are provided between the right long side of loop coil X2 and the left long side of loop coil X4, and wires d8 and d9 are provided between the right long side R3 of loop coil X3 and the left long side L5 of loop coil X5.

[0044] In this way, for the X-axis direction loop coil group 12X formed on the first surface of the insulating layer 13, the long sides are spaced apart by a predetermined distance, and the tip of the electronic pen 200 moves up and down, causing a waving phenomenon, and a predetermined wire is arranged in the empty space. As a result, even if the tip of the electronic pen 200 is brought into contact with the display screen of the electronic paper 2 to perform drawing input, as shown in Fig. 4(B), the tip of the electronic pen 200, indicated by a black circle, does not sink significantly in a direction perpendicular to the display screen of the electronic paper 2.

[0045] For this reason, when the pen tip of the electronic pen 200 is brought into contact with the display screen of the electronic paper 2 to draw a straight line, the pen tip of the electronic pen 200 does not move up and down in a direction intersecting with the display screen, and even if it does move up and down, it is very little. For this reason, the drawn image (handwriting image) of the straight line drawn in this case is a high-quality drawn image that does not wave or in which the wave is not noticeable, as shown in FIG.

[0046] As shown in Fig. 4(D) , when a cross section of the left end portion of the position detection sensor 1 and the electronic paper 2 is viewed from the side indicated by the arrow b in Fig. 4(A), a Y-axis direction loop coil group is formed on the second surface of the insulating layer 13. The Y-axis direction loop coil group 12Y is formed by arranging loop coils in a direction intersecting with the X-axis direction loop coil group 12X. In the case of the position detection sensor 1 of this embodiment, a predetermined wire is provided for the Y-axis direction loop coil group 12Y in the same manner as for the above-mentioned X-axis direction loop coil group 12X.

[0047] That is, as shown in Fig. 4(D), wires da, db, and dc are provided between the left long side of loop coil Y1 and the left long side of loop coil Y2. Wires dd and de are provided between the right long side of loop coil Y1 and the left long side of loop coil Y3. Similarly, wires df and dg are provided between the right long side of loop coil Y2 and the left long side of loop coil Y4, and wires dh and di are provided between the right long side of loop coil Y3 and the left long side of loop coil Y5.

[0048] In this way, predetermined wires are arranged in the free space not only for the X-axis direction loop coil group 12X arranged on the first surface of the insulating layer 13 facing the electronic paper 2, but also for the Y-axis direction loop coil group 12Y arranged on the second surface of the insulating layer 13. This makes it possible to further smooth the sensor surface of the position detection sensor 1. This makes it possible to perform drawing more smoothly. In other words, it becomes possible to perform high-quality drawing input even in a terminal device using the electronic paper 2 as a display device.

[0049] [Effects of the embodiment] As described above, in the position detection sensor 1 of this embodiment, when there is a predetermined empty space between the long sides in the direction in which the loop coils are arranged in the X-axis direction loop coil group 12X, one or more predetermined wires are arranged in the empty space. Similarly, when there is a predetermined empty space between the long sides in the direction in which the loop coils are arranged in the Y-axis direction loop coil group 12Y, one or more predetermined wires are arranged in the empty space.

[0050] This makes it possible to smooth the sensor surface of the position detection sensor 1. Therefore, even if the electronic pen 200 is brought into contact with the display screen of the electronic paper 2 arranged above the position detection sensor 1 and moved to perform drawing input, the pen tip of the electronic pen 200 does not move up and down significantly, so that the so-called waving phenomenon does not occur.

[0051] Therefore, even when a terminal device is configured in which extremely thin and flexible electronic paper 2 as a display device is placed on the position detection sensor 1 and this is used, high quality drawing input can be performed with the electronic pen 200. In other words, even when a terminal device is configured using electronic paper 2 as a display device, a terminal device capable of high quality detailed drawing input can be realized.

[0052] [Variations] In the above embodiment, the adjacent loop coils are described as being arranged so as to overlap each other partially, but this is not limited thereto. As long as the pointing position can be appropriately detected by the electronic pen, the adjacent loop coils do not need to be arranged so as to overlap each other.

[0053] Furthermore, the number of predetermined wires arranged between the long sides of the loop coil can be set appropriately depending on the size of the empty space between the long sides of the loop coil.

[0054] Furthermore, if the specified wire material placed between the long sides of the loop coil is made of a conductive material, by arranging an appropriate number of the specified wire materials, it is possible to efficiently supply power to the electronic pen 200 and efficiently receive signals from the electronic pen 200.

[0055] In the above embodiment, the electromagnetic induction type position detection sensor 1 is used, but the present invention is not limited to this. The position detection sensor of the present invention can also be applied to an active electrostatic coupling type position detection sensor that is disposed below electronic paper 2 as a display device.

[0056] An active electrostatic coupling type position detection sensor includes a sensor section in which a plurality of linear conductors (line electrodes) are arranged in each of the X-axis and Y-axis directions. The position detection sensor detects the indicated position according to a change in electrostatic capacitance (charge) generated in the linear conductors by receiving a signal transmitted from an electrostatic pen at the sensor section. In such an active electrostatic coupling type position detection sensor, a predetermined wire may be arranged in the space between the linear conductors arranged in each of the X-axis and Y-axis directions to suppress the up and down movement of the tip of the electronic pen.

[0057] In the above-described embodiment, the predetermined wire is arranged in the empty space between the long sides of both the X-axis loop coil group 12X and the Y-axis loop coil group 12Y. Also, in the case of an active electrostatic sensor, the predetermined wire is arranged in the space between the linear conductors arranged in the X-axis direction and the Y-axis direction. However, this is not limited to this. At least, the predetermined wire may be arranged in the empty space between the adjacent long sides of the loop coil group located on the electronic paper side, or in the empty space between the adjacent linear conductors of the linear conductor group.

[0058] However, in order to smooth the sensor surface of the position detection sensor, it is desirable to supplement the loop coils and linear conductors formed on the surface that does not face the electronic paper with a predetermined amount of wire material.

[0059] In the above embodiment, the electronic paper 2 is used as the display device, but the present invention is not limited to this. Regardless of the display method adopted, the present invention can be applied to various display devices that are thin and flexible like electronic paper. In other words, the present invention can be applied to various display devices that may be affected when inputting instructions with an electronic pen if the sensor surface of the position detection sensor arranged below is not smooth. [Explanation of symbols]

[0060] 1...position detection sensor, 12X...X-axis direction loop coil group, 12Y...Y-axis direction loop coil group, 13...insulating layer, X1, X2, X3, X4, X5...loop coil, Y1, Y2, Y3, Y4, Y5...loop coil, L1, L2, L3, L4, L5...left long side, R1, R2, R3, R4...right long side, S1, S2, S3, S4, S5...short side, d1 to d9...predetermined wire, da to di...predetermined wire, 100...position detection device, 102...position detection circuit, 104...oscillator, 105...power driver, 106...selection circuit, 107...switching connection circuit, 108...receiving amplifier, 109...position detection circuit, 110...pen pressure detection circuit, 111...processing control unit, 200...electronic pen, 2...electronic paper, 3...motherboard, 4A...housing, 4B...front panel

Claims

1. A terminal device comprising: a thin and flexible electronic paper that functions as a display medium and has a display screen that serves as an operation surface to be touched by an electronic pen; and a position detection sensor that is disposed below the display screen of the electronic paper and detects a position on the display screen pointed to by the electronic pen, The position detection sensor includes: a first surface of the insulating substrate, the first surface being the display screen side, and a plurality of first electrodes are disposed in a first direction; Between adjacent electrodes of the plurality of first electrodes arranged in the first direction on the first surface of the insulating substrate, when an electronic pen is brought into contact with the display screen of the electronic paper to draw, the electronic paper is pressed down in a portion where the first electrode is present and in a portion where the first electrode is not present, causing vertical movement of the electronic pen. One or more first wire rods are formed of a non-conductive material such as resin or a conductive material, and are wire rods that are not connected to the first electrodes or a position detection circuit, and extend in a direction along the first electrodes, and are arranged at intervals that do not cause vertical movement of the pen tip of the electronic pen. A terminal device comprising:

2. The terminal device according to claim 1, The position detection sensor includes: a plurality of second electrodes are disposed on a second surface of the insulating substrate opposite to the first surface in a second direction intersecting the first direction; Between adjacent electrodes of the plurality of second electrodes arranged in the second direction on the second surface of the insulating substrate, when an electronic pen is brought into contact with the display screen of the electronic paper to draw, the electronic paper has a portion where it is pressed down and a portion where it is not pressed down in the presence and absence of the second electrodes, causing the electronic pen to move up and down. One or more second wire rods are formed of a non-conductive material such as resin or a conductive material, and are wire rods that are not connected to the second electrodes or a position detection circuit, and are extended in a direction along the second electrodes, and are arranged at intervals that do not cause the tip of the electronic pen to move up and down. A terminal device comprising:

3. The terminal device according to claim 1, In the position detection sensor, Each of the first electrodes is an electromagnetic induction type having a loop coil configuration having long sides and short sides connecting the long sides, Between adjacent long sides of the loop coils which are the plurality of first electrodes, when an electronic pen is brought into contact with the display screen of the electronic paper to draw, the electronic paper has portions which are pressed downward and portions which are not pressed downward in the presence and absence of the first electrodes, causing the electronic pen to move up and down. One or more first wire rods are formed of a non-conductive material such as resin or a conductive material, and are wire rods which are not connected to the first electrodes or a position detection circuit, and are extended in a direction along the long sides, and are arranged at intervals such that the tip of the electronic pen does not move up and down. A terminal device comprising:

4. The terminal device according to claim 2, In the position detection sensor, Each of the plurality of second electrodes is an electromagnetic induction type having a loop coil configuration having long sides and short sides connecting the long sides, Between adjacent long sides of the loop coils which are the plurality of second electrodes, when an electronic pen is brought into contact with the display screen of the electronic paper to draw, the electronic paper has portions which are pressed downward and portions which are not pressed downward in the presence and absence of the second electrodes, causing the electronic pen to move up and down. One or more second wire rods are formed of a non-conductive material such as resin or a conductive material, and are wire rods which are not connected to the second electrodes or a position detection circuit, and are extended in a direction along the long sides, and are arranged at intervals such that the tip of the electronic pen does not move up and down. A terminal device comprising:

5. A position detection sensor that functions as a display medium and has a display screen that serves as an operation surface to be touched by an electronic pen, is disposed under a thin and flexible electronic paper, and detects a position on the display screen pointed to by the electronic pen, a first surface of the insulating substrate, the first surface being the display screen side, and a plurality of first electrodes are disposed in a first direction; Between adjacent electrodes of the plurality of first electrodes arranged in the first direction on the first surface of the insulating substrate, when an electronic pen is brought into contact with the display screen of the electronic paper to draw, the electronic paper is pressed down in a portion where the first electrode is present and in a portion where the first electrode is not present, causing vertical movement of the electronic pen. One or more first wire rods are formed of a non-conductive material such as resin or a conductive material, and are wire rods that are not connected to the first electrodes or a position detection circuit, and extend in a direction along the first electrodes, and are arranged at intervals that do not cause vertical movement of the pen tip of the electronic pen. A position detection sensor comprising:

6. 6. The position detection sensor according to claim 5, a plurality of second electrodes are disposed on a second surface of the insulating substrate opposite to the first surface in a second direction intersecting the first direction; Between adjacent electrodes of the plurality of second electrodes arranged in the second direction on the second surface of the insulating substrate, when an electronic pen is brought into contact with the display screen of the electronic paper to draw, the electronic paper has a portion where it is pressed down and a portion where it is not pressed down in the presence and absence of the second electrodes, causing the electronic pen to move up and down. One or more second wire rods are formed of a non-conductive material such as resin or a conductive material, and are wire rods that are not connected to the second electrodes or a position detection circuit, and are extended in a direction along the second electrodes, and are arranged at intervals that do not cause the tip of the electronic pen to move up and down. A position detection sensor comprising:

7. 6. The position detection sensor according to claim 5, Each of the first electrodes is an electromagnetic induction type having a loop coil configuration having long sides and short sides connecting the long sides, Between adjacent long sides of the loop coils which are the plurality of first electrodes, when an electronic pen is brought into contact with the display screen of the electronic paper to draw, the electronic paper has portions which are pressed downward and portions which are not pressed downward in the presence and absence of the first electrodes, causing the electronic pen to move up and down. One or more first wire rods are formed of a non-conductive material such as resin or a conductive material, and are wire rods which are not connected to the first electrodes or a position detection circuit, and are extended in a direction along the long sides, and are arranged at intervals such that the tip of the electronic pen does not move up and down. A position detection sensor comprising:

8. 7. The position detection sensor according to claim 6, Each of the plurality of second electrodes is an electromagnetic induction type having a loop coil configuration having long sides and short sides connecting the long sides, Between adjacent long sides of the loop coils which are the plurality of second electrodes, when an electronic pen is brought into contact with the display screen of the electronic paper to draw, the electronic paper has portions which are pressed downward and portions which are not pressed downward in the presence and absence of the second electrodes, causing the electronic pen to move up and down. One or more second wire rods are formed of a non-conductive material such as resin or a conductive material, and are wire rods which are not connected to the second electrodes or a position detection circuit, and are extended in a direction along the long sides, and are arranged at intervals such that the tip of the electronic pen does not move up and down. A position detection sensor comprising:

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