Position detection method, position detector, and integrated circuit
The position detection method and detector improve coordinate derivation accuracy by using a first and second sensor coil group to generate alternating magnetic fields and acquire pen signal levels at intersections, addressing the accuracy issues when the position indicator is inclined.
Patent Information
- Application Number
- JP2025078319
- Authority / Receiving Office
- JP · JP
- Patent Type
- Applications
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Priority Date
- 2023-10-05
- Filing Date
- 2025-05-08
- Publication Date
- 2025-07-18
AI Technical Summary
Conventional position detection devices suffer from reduced coordinate derivation accuracy when the position indicator is inclined in a diagonal direction due to dispersed information in the X-axis and Y-axis directions.
A position detection method and detector that utilize a first sensor coil group with conductive wires arranged in parallel in a first direction and a second sensor coil group with electrodes in a second direction intersecting the first, generating alternating magnetic fields and acquiring pen signal levels at intersections to improve coordinate derivation accuracy.
Enhances coordinate derivation accuracy by utilizing the two-dimensional distribution of pen signal levels, even when the position indicator is tilted, and simplifies the circuit configuration.
Smart Images

Figure 2025107608000001_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] The present invention relates to a position detection method, a position detector, and an integrated circuit.
Background Art
[0002] In recent years, an electromagnetic induction type position input device has been used as an input device such as a tablet PC (personal computer). This position input device is composed of a pen-shaped position indicator (pen type position indicator) and a position detection device having an input surface for performing a pointing operation and inputting characters, drawings, etc. using this pen type position indicator.
[0003] The position indicator includes a resonance circuit composed of a coil and a capacitor. On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 34, the position detection device, in order to obtain the coordinates of the position indicator in the X-axis direction within the active area AA, an X sensor coil group including X sensor coils X0, ···, X4 arranged in the X direction, a switch connected to the X sensor coil group, · During the transmission period, an alternating magnetic field (transmission magnetic field, the same hereinafter) is generated by passing a current through each of the X sensor coil groups arranged in the X-axis direction, · During the detection period after the transmission period, an X-axis TX / RX circuit that detects the electromotive force generated in each of the X sensor coil groups by the pen signal (alternating magnetic field generated by the circuit of the position indicator, the same hereinafter) continuously generated from the position indicator that stores energy in the resonance circuit during the transmission period as a current or a voltage, and is configured to include.
[0004] Similarly, the position detection device, in order to obtain the coordinates of the position indicator in the Y-axis direction, a Y sensor coil group including Y sensor coils Y0, ···, Y4 arranged in the Y direction, a switch connected to the Y sensor coil group, · During the transmission period, a transmission magnetic field is generated by passing a current through each of the X sensor coil groups arranged in the Y-axis direction, · During the detection period after the transmission period, the Y-axis TX / RX circuit detects, by current or voltage, the electromotive force generated in each of the Y-sensor coil groups by the pen signal that is continuously generated thereafter from the position indicator that stores energy in the resonance circuit during the transmission period. It is configured to include
[0005] The position detection device selects, for example, one sensor coil in a predetermined order from a plurality of sensor coils constituting the position detection sensor, transmits a transmission signal to the position indicator from the selected sensor coil, and charges the capacitor in the position indicator. On the other hand, the position detection device connects the sensor coil used for transmission to the reception circuit and receives the signal transmitted from the resonance circuit of the position indicator. The position detection device sequentially switches the sensor coils and performs such signal transmission and reception to detect the position of the position indicator on the position detection device.
[0006] To elaborate on the position detection of the position indicator in the position detection device, first, (1) to detect on which side of the indicated position detection sensor the position indicator is located, a global scan is performed to detect the indicated position of the position indicator by sequentially switching all the sensor coils, and the approximate position on the position detection sensor is specified. Then, (2) a sector scan is performed by sequentially selecting only a predetermined number of sensor coils near the specified approximate position to perform signal transmission and reception, and the indicated position by the position indicator is accurately specified (see, for example, Patent Document 1).
[0007] Here, in the example of FIG. 34, the Y-axis coordinate of the position indicator is derived by interpolation calculation or the like of the Y-direction coordinate from the distribution of the level values in one-axis direction such as the level value 34 obtained by the Y-sensor coil Y0, the level value 118 obtained by the Y-sensor coil Y1, ···, the level value 107 obtained by the Y-sensor coil Y4 as shown by RXdata (upper row) in the figure.
[0008] Similarly, the X-axis coordinate of the position indicator is derived by interpolation calculation or the like from the distribution of the level values in the uniaxial direction, such as the level 25 obtained by the X sensor coil X0, the level value 100 obtained by the same X1, ···, and the level value 99 obtained by the same X4, as shown by RXdata (lower part) in the figure.
[0009] Thus, in the position detection device of FIG. 30, when obtaining the two-dimensional coordinates of the position indicator, the levels on each of the two axes are acquired separately, and the coordinates are obtained for each axis of the X-axis and the Y-axis one-dimensionally based on their respective distributions (RXdata). After combining these two and performing certain processing, they are output as two-dimensional coordinates.
Prior Art Documents
Patent Documents
[0010]
Patent Document 1
Patent Document 2
Summary of the Invention
Problems to be Solved by the Invention
[0011] As described above, in the conventional position detection device, in order to detect the position of the position indicator, the transmission and reception of signals to the sensor coils in the X-axis direction and the Y-axis direction are performed independently. Therefore, one-dimensional information is obtained in each of the X-axis direction and the Y-axis direction, and based on this information, the coordinates of the position indicator, the inclination of the position indicator, etc. are derived.
[0012] However, in the conventional position detection device, while the coordinates of the position indicator can be derived with a small amount of information, the information in the diagonal direction is dispersed in the X-axis direction and the Y-axis direction. Therefore, when the position indicator is inclined in the diagonal direction, there is a problem that the derivation accuracy of the coordinates deteriorates.
[0013] Therefore, the present invention has been made in view of the above-described problems, and an object thereof is to provide a position detection method, a position detector, and an integrated circuit that improve the derivation accuracy of coordinates.
Means for Solving the Problems
[0014] Aspect 1; One or more embodiments of the present invention are a first sensor coil group including a plurality of conductive wires having a plurality of electrodes arranged in parallel in a first direction, and a second direction intersecting the first direction. A position detection method in a position detector including a second sensor coil group including a plurality of conductive wires having a plurality of electrodes arranged in parallel, the position detector generating an alternating magnetic field from the first sensor coil group in a first step; A second step of obtaining, by the position detector, at least using the second sensor coil group, a level of a pen signal that is a response alternating magnetic field from the pen stored by the alternating magnetic field; and the position detector determining, using a two-dimensional distribution of the level of the pen signal at each intersection of the plurality of electrodes of the first sensor coil group and the plurality of electrodes of the second sensor coil group, information regarding the position of the pen. A fourth step of generating the alternating magnetic field a predetermined number of times while changing the position in the first direction using the first sensor coil group; the position detector obtaining the level of the pen signal, which is the response alternating magnetic field from the pen stored by the alternating magnetic field, at each of the predetermined number of times, and determining the start position of the next predetermined number of scans as one of the plurality of conductive wires arranged in parallel in the first direction of the first sensor coil group where the level of the signal from the pen is the largest. And a fifth step of setting the conductive wire to be scanned next to the conductive wire adjacent to the conductive wire where the level of the signal from the pen is large next to the previously scanned conductive wire. A position detection method is proposed.
Effects of the Invention
[0015] According to one or more embodiments of the present invention, there is an effect that the derivation accuracy of coordinates can be improved.
Brief Description of the Drawings
[0016]
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BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
[0017] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 33.
[0018] <First Embodiment> The position detector 1 according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 7.
[0019] <Configuration of Position Detector 1> As shown in FIG. 1, the position detector 1 is composed of a TX circuit 10, a switch 11, a TX sensor coil group (first sensor coil group) 100, an RX sensor coil group (second sensor coil group) 200, an RX circuit 20, and peripheral circuits such as an amplifier.
[0020] The TX sensor coil group (first sensor coil group) 100 is a plurality of conductors arranged in parallel in the first direction (X-axis direction) of the sensor. The TX sensor coils constituting the TX sensor coil group (first sensor coil group) 100 are, for example, rectangular loop coils. Also, the TX sensor coils constituting the TX sensor coil group (first sensor coil group) 100 are arranged, for example, at equal intervals.
[0021] The RX sensor coil group (second sensor coil group) 200 is a plurality of conductors having a plurality of electrodes arranged in parallel in a second direction (Y-axis direction) intersecting the first direction (X-axis direction). The RX sensor coils constituting the RX sensor coil group (second sensor coil group) 200 are, for example, rectangular loop coils. Also, the RX sensor coils constituting the RX sensor coil group (second sensor coil group) 200 are arranged, for example, at equal intervals.
[0022] The TX circuit 10 functions as an alternating magnetic field generation unit that transmits a signal to the TX sensor coil group (first sensor coil group) 100 via the switch 11 and generates an alternating magnetic field from the TX sensor coil group (first sensor coil group) 100. That is, in the position detector 1 according to the present embodiment, the TX sensor coils T0, T1, ···, T4 are connected to the TX circuit 10 and used to generate an alternating magnetic field, but are not used for detecting the pen signal.
[0023] The RX circuit 20 functions as a pen signal level acquisition unit that receives, using a plurality of electrodes of the RX sensor coil group (second sensor coil group) 200, a pen signal that is a response alternating magnetic field from the position indicator stored by the alternating magnetic field, and acquires the level of the pen signal. That is, the RX sensor coils R0, R1, ···, R4 are connected to the RX circuit 20 and used to detect the pen signal, but not used for generating the transmission magnetic field. Also, the RX circuit 20 functions as an information derivation unit that derives information regarding the position of the position indicator using the two-dimensional distribution of the levels of the pen signals at each intersection of the plurality of conductors of the TX sensor coil group (first sensor coil group) 100 and the plurality of electrodes of the RX sensor coil group (second sensor coil group) 200. Here, the information regarding the position of the pen (position indicator) includes either the inclination of the pen with respect to the normal of the sensor plane (XY plane composed of the X-axis and the Y-axis) or the direction of the inclination of the pen with respect to the sensor plane.
[0024] The information derivation unit of the RX circuit 20 derives either the inclination of the pen with respect to the normal of the sensor plane or the direction of the inclination of the pen with respect to the sensor plane based on the asymmetry of the two-dimensional distribution.
[0025] The information derivation unit of the RX circuit 20 acquires a first reference position that is the indicated position of the pen tip of the pen, acquires a second reference position that is convex upward or downward, and derives the direction of the inclination of the pen with respect to the sensor plane based on the direction of the second reference position with respect to the first reference position.
[0026] Also, the information derivation unit of the RX circuit 20 derives the inclination of the pen with respect to the normal of the sensor plane based on the level intensity of the pen signal at the first reference position and the level intensity of the pen signal at the second reference position.
[0027] Here, FIGS. 2A, 3A, 4A, 5A, and 6A are map data obtained by quantifying the levels of the pen signals at the positions where the RX sensor coils R0, R1, ···, R15 and the TX sensor coils T0, T1, ···, T15 intersect in the sensor plane. FIGS. 2B, 3B, 4B, 5B, and 6B are data obtained by summarizing the data of FIGS. 2A, 3A, 4A, 5A, and 6A using a moving average. FIGS. 2C, 3C, 4C, 5C, and 6C are graphs obtained by three-dimensionally representing FIGS. 2B, 3B, 4B, 5B, and 6B.
[0028] Figures 2A to 2C show the level change when the inclination (tilt angle) of the pen with respect to the normal of the sensor plane is 90 degrees and the direction of the inclination (angle angle) of the pen with respect to the sensor plane is 0 degrees. In each of the following figures, MATX and MARX are sensor coils corresponding to TX and RX in Figure 2A, respectively. In Figure 2A, at (TX6, RX7), and in Figure 2B, at (MATX6, MARX7), peak values are shown, and a similar change in the level of the pen signal is seen in concentric circles. Figure 2C shows the same state. From Figures 2A and 2B, (TX6, RX7) or (MATX6, MARX7) is the first reference position that is the indicated position of the pen tip of the pen. The derivation method for the inclination (tilt angle) of the pen with respect to the normal of the sensor plane and the direction of the inclination (angle angle) of the pen with respect to the sensor plane in this case is the same as that of the conventional example, so the details are omitted.
[0029] Figures 3A to 3C show the level change when the inclination (tilt angle) of the pen with respect to the normal of the sensor plane is 30 degrees and the direction of the inclination (angle angle) of the pen with respect to the sensor plane is 90 degrees. In Figure 3A, at (TX6, RX7), and in Figure 3B, at (MATX6, MARX7), peak values are shown. From here, the change in the level of the pen signal becomes significant in the upward direction. Figure 3C shows the same state. From Figures 3A and 3B, (TX6, RX7) or (MATX6, MARX7) is the first reference position that is the indicated position of the pen tip of the pen. The derivation method for the inclination (tilt angle) of the pen with respect to the normal of the sensor plane and the direction of the inclination (angle angle) of the pen with respect to the sensor plane in this case is the same as that of the conventional example, so the details are omitted.
[0030] Figures 4A to 4C show the level changes when the inclination (tilt angle) of the pen with respect to the normal of the sensor plane is 30 degrees and the direction (angle angle) of the inclination of the pen with respect to the sensor plane is 0 degrees. In Figure 4A, at (TX6, RX7), and in Figure 4B, at (MATX6, MARX7), peak values are shown. From here, the change in the level of the pen signal becomes significant in the rightward direction, and Figure 4C shows the same state. From Figures 4A and 4B, (TX6, RX7) or (MATX6, MARX7) is the first reference position which is the indicated position of the pen tip of the pen. The derivation method for the inclination (tilt angle) of the pen with respect to the normal of the sensor plane and the direction (angle angle) of the inclination of the pen with respect to the sensor plane in this case is the same as the conventional example described in paragraph numbers 0008 and 0009 of Patent Document 2, so the details are omitted.
[0031] Figures 5A to 5C show the level changes when the inclination (tilt angle) of the pen with respect to the normal of the sensor plane is 30 degrees and the direction (angle angle) of the inclination of the pen with respect to the sensor plane is 45 degrees. In Figure 5B, at (MATX6, MARX6), a peak value is shown, and this point is the first reference position which is the indicated position of the pen tip of the pen. Also, in Figure 5B, at (MATX9, MARX9), a second peak value is shown, and this point becomes the second reference position. Then, the information derivation unit of the RX circuit 20 acquires the first reference position which is the indicated position of the pen tip of the pen, acquires the second reference position which is convex upward or convex downward, and derives the direction of the inclination of the pen with respect to the sensor plane based on the direction of the second reference position with respect to the first reference position.
[0032] Figures 6A to 6C show the level changes when the inclination (tilt angle) of the pen with respect to the normal of the sensor plane is 30 degrees and the direction (angle angle) of the inclination of the pen with respect to the sensor plane is -45 degrees. In FIG. 6B, in (MATX6, MARX7), the peak value is shown, and this point is the first reference position which is the indicated position of the pen tip of the pen. Also, in FIG. 6B, in (MATX9, MARX4), the value of the second peak is shown, and this point becomes the second reference position. Then, the information derivation unit of the RX circuit 20 acquires the first reference position which is the indicated position of the pen tip of the pen, acquires the second reference position which is convex upward or downward, and derives the direction of the inclination of the pen with respect to the sensor plane based on the direction of the second reference position with respect to the first reference position.
[0033] <Processing of Position Detector 1> The processing of the position detector 1 according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 7.
[0034] The position detector 1 switches and selects one TX sensor coil from among the TX sensor coil groups (first sensor coil groups) 100 that generate a transmission magnetic field by means of the switch 11, and drives the selected TX sensor coil by the TX circuit 10 to transmit a transmission magnetic field (step S110). In FIG. 1A, a state in which the TX sensor coil T1 is selected is shown.
[0035] After a certain transmission period, that is, after a period during which, if there is a pen in the vicinity of the TX sensor coil, a predetermined amount of energy will be accumulated, the position detector 1 obtains the level of the pen signal at the positions of all the RX sensor coils. The position detector 1 detects the level values (33, 105, 118, 121, 110 in the figure) of the pen signal in the region where the TX sensor coil T1 and the RX sensor coils R1, R2... R4 cross (hereinafter, the coil cross point region). The position detector 1 sequentially switches the selection of the TX sensor coil to obtain two-dimensional heat map data RXdata at each coil cross point (step S120).
[0036] After acquiring the two-dimensional heat map data RXdata, the position detector 1 executes a process in coordinate processing to obtain the coordinates of the pen, the inclination of the pen (the angle from the normal to the sensor surface), or the orientation of the pen (the tilted direction) based on the two-dimensional heat map data RXdata (step S130).
[0037] <Function and Effect> As described above, in the position detector 1 according to the present embodiment, the position detector 1 includes a first step of generating an alternating magnetic field from a plurality of conductors arranged in parallel in a first direction of the sensor, and a second step of using a plurality of electrodes arranged in parallel in a second direction that intersects at least the first direction to obtain the level of a pen signal, which is a response alternating magnetic field from the pen stored by the alternating magnetic field, and a third step of deriving information regarding the position of the pen using the two-dimensional distribution of the levels of the pen signal at each intersection of the plurality of conductors arranged in parallel in the first direction of the sensor and the plurality of electrodes arranged in parallel in the second direction that intersects the first direction. That is, the position detector 1 according to the present embodiment uses only a plurality of conductors arranged in parallel in the first direction of the sensor (for example, TX sensor coils T0, T1, ···, T4) for generating an alternating magnetic field, uses a plurality of electrodes arranged in parallel in a second direction that intersects the first direction (for example, RX sensor coils R0, R1, ···, R4) only for detecting the level of the pen signal, and derives information regarding the position of the pen using the two-dimensional distribution of the levels of the pen signal at each intersection of the plurality of conductors arranged in parallel in the first direction of the sensor and the plurality of electrodes arranged in parallel in the second direction that intersects the first direction. Therefore, by using the two-dimensional distribution of the levels of the pen signal, it is possible to improve the derivation accuracy of the coordinates even when the position indicator is tilted in an oblique direction.
[0038] In the position detector 1 according to the present embodiment, the information regarding the position of the pen includes either the inclination of the pen with respect to the normal of the sensor plane or the direction of the inclination of the pen with respect to the sensor plane. That is, the position detector 1 according to the present embodiment uses the two-dimensional distribution of the pen signal levels to accurately derive not only the coordinate information of the pen tip of the pen but also the inclination of the pen with respect to the normal of the sensor plane or the direction of the inclination of the pen with respect to the sensor plane. Therefore, even when the position indicator is tilted in an oblique direction, the derivation accuracy of the coordinates can be improved.
[0039] The position detector 1 according to the present embodiment derives either the inclination of the pen with respect to the normal of the sensor plane or the direction of the inclination of the pen with respect to the sensor plane based on the asymmetry of the two-dimensional distribution in the same manner as the conventional examples described in paragraph numbers 0008 and 0009 of Patent Document 2. That is, since the position detector 1 according to the present embodiment derives the inclination of the pen with respect to the normal of the sensor plane or the direction of the inclination of the pen with respect to the sensor plane based on the asymmetry of the two-dimensional distribution, not only the coordinate information of the pen tip of the pen but also the inclination of the pen with respect to the normal of the sensor plane or the direction of the inclination of the pen with respect to the sensor plane can be accurately derived. Therefore, even when the position indicator is tilted in an oblique direction, the derivation accuracy of the coordinates can be improved.
[0040] The position detector 1 according to the present embodiment acquires a first reference position that is the indicated position of the pen tip of the pen and acquires a second reference position that is convex upward or convex downward. Then, the position detector 1 derives the direction of the inclination of the pen with respect to the sensor plane based on the direction of the second reference position with respect to the first reference position. That is, the position detector 1 according to the present embodiment acquires a first reference position that is the indicated position of the pen tip of the pen and a second reference position that is convex upward or convex downward, and based on the direction of the second reference position with respect to the first reference position, in order to derive the direction of the inclination of the pen with respect to the sensor plane, not only the coordinate information of the pen tip of the pen but also the direction of the inclination of the pen with respect to the sensor plane can be accurately derived. Therefore, even when the position indicator is tilted in an oblique direction, the derivation accuracy of the coordinates can be improved.
[0041] The position detector 1 according to this embodiment derives the inclination of the pen with respect to the normal of the sensor plane based on the level intensity of the pen signal at the first reference position and the level intensity of the pen signal at the second reference position. That is, since the position detector 1 according to this embodiment derives the inclination of the pen with respect to the normal of the sensor plane based on the level intensity of the pen signal at the first reference position and the level intensity of the pen signal at the second reference position, it is possible to accurately derive not only the coordinate information of the pen tip of the pen but also the inclination of the pen with respect to the normal of the sensor plane. Therefore, even when the position indicator is tilted in an oblique direction, the derivation accuracy of the coordinates can be improved.
[0042] The position detector 1 according to this embodiment generates a transmission magnetic field, transmits the transmission magnetic field to a plurality of conductors arranged in parallel in the first direction of the sensor selected by the switch 11, and after a certain transmission period, obtains the level of the pen signal at each intersection of the plurality of conductors arranged in parallel in the first direction of the sensor and the plurality of electrodes arranged in parallel in all second directions intersecting the first direction. Therefore, the circuit configuration of the position detector 1 can be simplified.
[0043] <Modification 1> In this embodiment, the RX circuit 20 of the position detector 1 receives the pen signal, which is the response alternating magnetic field from the position indicator stored by the alternating magnetic field, using a plurality of electrodes of the RX sensor coil group (second sensor coil group) 200 and obtains the level of the pen signal. However, depending on the number of RX channels of the RX circuit 20, it is also possible to simultaneously detect using all the RX sensor coils included in the RX sensor coil group (second sensor coil group) 200, or to simultaneously detect some of the plurality of RX sensor coils.
[0044] <Second Embodiment> The position detector 1A according to this embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 8 and 9.
[0045] <Configuration of Position Detector 1A> As shown in FIG. 8, the position detector 1A includes a TX circuit 10, a switch 11, a switch 21, a TX sensor coil group (first sensor coil group) 100, an RX sensor coil group (second sensor coil group) 200, an RX circuit 20A, and peripheral circuits such as an amplifier. Note that components having the same reference numerals as those in the first embodiment have the same functions, and thus detailed descriptions thereof are omitted.
[0046] The RX circuit 20A functions as a pen signal level acquisition unit that receives a signal from the RX sensor coil group (second sensor coil group) 200 via the switch 21 and acquires the level of a pen signal, which is a response alternating magnetic field from the position indicator stored by the alternating magnetic field. That is, the RX sensor coils R0, R1, ···, R4 are connected to the RX circuit 20A and used to detect the pen signal, but not used for generating the transmission magnetic field. Further, the RX circuit 20A functions as an information derivation unit that derives information regarding the position of the position indicator using the two-dimensional distribution of the levels of the pen signals at the intersections of the plurality of conductors of the TX sensor coil group (first sensor coil group) 100 and the plurality of electrodes of the RX sensor coil group (second sensor coil group) 200. Here, the information regarding the position of the pen (position indicator) includes either the inclination of the pen with respect to the normal of the sensor plane (XY plane composed of the X-axis and the Y-axis) or the direction of the inclination of the pen with respect to the sensor plane.
[0047] The RX circuit 20A derives either the inclination of the pen with respect to the normal of the sensor plane or the direction of the inclination of the pen with respect to the sensor plane based on the asymmetry of the two-dimensional distribution.
[0048] The RX circuit 20A acquires a first reference position that is the indicated position of the pen tip of the pen, acquires a second reference position that is convex upward or downward, and derives the direction of the inclination of the pen with respect to the sensor plane based on the direction of the second reference position with respect to the first reference position.
[0049] Further, the RX circuit 20A derives the inclination of the pen with respect to the normal of the sensor plane based on the level intensity of the pen signal at the first reference position and the level intensity of the pen signal at the second reference position.
[0050] <Processing of the position detector 1A> The processing of the position detector 1A according to this embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 9.
[0051] The position detector 1A switches and selects one TX sensor coil from among the TX sensor coil groups (first sensor coil groups) 100 that generate a transmission magnetic field by means of the switch 11, and drives the selected TX sensor coil by the TX circuit 10 to transmit a transmission magnetic field (step S110). In FIG. 8, the state in which the TX sensor coil T1 is selected is shown.
[0052] After a certain transmission period, that is, after a period during which, if there is a pen near the TX sensor coil, a predetermined amount of energy will be accumulated, the position detector 1A controls the switch 21 to select the RX sensor coil that detects the pen signal, and obtains the level of the pen signal at the position of the selected RX sensor coil. In FIG. 8, the state in which the RX sensor coil R2 is selected is shown. The position detector 1A detects the level value (118 in the figure) of the pen signal in the region where the TX sensor coil T1 and the RX sensor coils R1, R2... R4 cross (hereinafter, the coil cross point region). The position detector 1A sequentially fixes the TX sensor coil and switches the selection of the RX sensor coil to obtain two-dimensional heat map data RXdata for the signal levels at each coil cross point (step S210).
[0053] After acquiring the two-dimensional heat map data RXdata, the position detector 1A executes the processes in the coordinate processing to obtain the coordinates of the pen, the inclination of the pen (the angle from the normal to the sensor surface), or the orientation of the pen (the tilted direction) based on the two-dimensional heat map data RXdata (step S130).
[0054] <Function and Effect> As described above, the position detector 1A according to the present embodiment exhibits the same function and effect as the position detector 1 according to the first embodiment.
[0055] <Third Embodiment> The position detector 1B according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 10 to 13.
[0056] <Configuration of Position Detector 1B> The position detector 1B is composed of a TX circuit 10A, a switch 11, a TX sensor coil group (first sensor coil group) 100, an RX sensor coil group (second sensor coil group) 200, an RX circuit 20, and peripheral circuits such as an amplifier. That is, as will be described below, the function of the TX circuit is different from that of the position detector 1 shown in FIG. 1. Note that components having the same reference numerals as those in the first and second embodiments have the same functions, and thus detailed descriptions thereof are omitted.
[0057] <Configuration of TX Circuit 10A> As shown in FIG. 10, the TX circuit 10A includes an alternating magnetic field generation unit 111, a global scan unit 112, a scan start position determination unit 113, and a scan pattern control unit 114.
[0058] The alternating magnetic field generation unit 111 transmits a TX signal to the TX sensor coil group (first sensor coil group) 100 via the switch 11 to generate an alternating magnetic field from the TX sensor coil group (first sensor coil group) 100. The alternating magnetic field generation unit 111 transmits a TX signal based on a control signal from a scan pattern control unit 114 described later. Specifically, the alternating magnetic field generation unit 111 uses, for example, a plurality of conductors arranged in parallel in a first direction of the sensor (for example, a TX sensor coil group (first sensor coil group) 100) to generate an alternating magnetic field a predetermined number of times while changing the position in the first direction (for example, the arrangement direction of the TX sensor coil group (first sensor coil group) 100).
[0059] The global scan unit 112 sequentially switches all the TX sensor coil groups (first sensor coil group) 100 to detect the indicated position of the position indicator in order to detect on which side of the TX sensor coil group (first sensor coil group) 100 the position indicator is located. Specifically, the global scan unit 112 acquires, for example, the level of a pen signal, which is a response alternating magnetic field from the pen stored by the alternating magnetic field, at each of a predetermined number of times. The detection result by the global scan unit 112 is output to a scan start position determination unit 113 described later.
[0060] Based on the detection result by the global scan unit 112, the scan start position determination unit 113 determines such that one of the plurality of conductors arranged in parallel in the first direction (for example, the arrangement direction of the TX sensor coil group (first sensor coil group) 100) of the sensor where the level of the signal from the pen is the largest becomes the start position. The scan start position information determined by the scan start position determination unit 113 is output to a scan pattern control unit 114 described later.
[0061] Based on the scan start position information, the scan pattern control unit 114 determines a scan pattern, and based on the scan pattern, controls the output timing of the TX signal and the switching timing of the switch 11 in the alternating magnetic field generation unit 111. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 11 for example, the scan pattern control unit 114 sets the scan pattern such that the scan order is the conductor adjacent to the conductor with the largest level of the signal from the pen next to the conductor scanned first. Also, as shown in FIG. 11 for example, the scan pattern control unit 114 sets the scan pattern such that the scan order is the conductor adjacent to the conductor with the largest level of the signal from the pen next to the conductor scanned first, and sequentially selects conductors so as to straddle the conductor scanned first.
[0062] <Processing of the position detector 1B> The processing of the position detector 1B according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 12.
[0063] The alternating magnetic field generation unit 111 generates a predetermined number of alternating magnetic fields while changing the position in the first direction (for example, the juxtaposition direction of the TX sensor coil group (first sensor coil group) 100) using a plurality of conductors (for example, the TX sensor coil group (first sensor coil group) 100) juxtaposed in the first direction of the sensor (step S310).
[0064] The global scan unit 112 acquires, for each of the predetermined number of times, the level of the pen signal, which is the response alternating magnetic field from the pen stored by the alternating magnetic field (step S320).
[0065] Based on the detection result by the global scan unit 112, the scan start position determination unit 113 determines that one of the plurality of conductors juxtaposed in the first direction (for example, the juxtaposition direction of the TX sensor coil group (first sensor coil group) 100) of the sensor with the largest level of the signal from the pen is the start position (step S330).
[0066] Specifically, as an example, the scan pattern control unit 114 sets the scan pattern such that the scan order is the conductor adjacent to the conductor with the largest level of the signal from the pen next to the conductor scanned first. Further, the scan pattern control unit 114 sets a scan pattern such that, for example, the scan order is the conductor adjacent to the conductor with the largest signal level from the pen next to the previously scanned conductor, and the conductors are sequentially selected so as to straddle the previously scanned conductor (step S340).
[0067] <Function and Effect> As described above, the position detector 1B according to the present embodiment uses a plurality of conductors (for example, the TX sensor coil group (first sensor coil group) 100) arranged in parallel in the first direction of the sensor to generate a predetermined number of alternating magnetic fields while changing the position in the first direction, obtains the level of the pen signal, which is the response alternating magnetic field from the pen stored by the alternating magnetic field, for each of the predetermined number of times, and determines the next scan order for the predetermined number of times such that one of the plurality of conductors arranged in parallel in the first direction of the sensor with the largest signal level from the pen is the start position. That is, the position detector 1B performs a global scan by the global scan unit 112 and determines the next scan order for the predetermined number of times such that one of the plurality of conductors arranged in parallel in the first direction of the sensor with the largest signal level from the pen is the start position. This is based on the finding that when acquiring position information of a pen or the like with a high moving speed, if it takes a long time to drive the sensor, the acquired data will be blurred. Specifically, it has been found that when writing or drawing with a pen at high speed, the coordinate accuracy deteriorates and waves occur in the drawn line. On the other hand, the important information in coordinate calculation is the data with the largest signal intensity directly under the pen, and the farther the data is from there, the less it contributes to coordinate calculation. Therefore, by determining the next scan order for the predetermined number of times such that one of the plurality of conductors arranged in parallel in the first direction of the sensor with the largest signal level from the pen is the start position, even when writing or drawing with a pen at high speed and the pen is tilted in an oblique direction, the accuracy of coordinate derivation can be improved. FIG. 13A is a diagram showing the distribution of ideal pen signal levels, and FIG. 13B is a diagram showing the distribution of pen signal levels obtained in the position detector 1B according to the present embodiment. As can be seen from these figures, the distribution of the pen signal levels obtained in the position detector 1B according to the present embodiment shows results comparable to the distribution of ideal pen signal levels.
[0068] The position detector 1B according to the present embodiment sets the scanning order to be the conductor adjacent to the conductor with the highest signal level from the pen next to the conductor scanned first. As described above, the important information in coordinate calculation is the data with the highest signal intensity directly under the pen, and the farther the data is from there, the less it is involved in coordinate calculation. Therefore, by adopting a scanning pattern that scans in order from the conductors close to the pen, it is possible to reduce the fluctuation of weighted data in coordinate calculation and suppress the deterioration of coordinate accuracy. FIG. 13A is a diagram showing the distribution of ideal pen signal levels, and FIG. 13B is a diagram showing the distribution of pen signal levels obtained in the position detector 1B according to the present embodiment. As can be seen from these figures, the distribution of the pen signal levels obtained in the position detector 1B according to the present embodiment shows results comparable to the distribution of ideal pen signal levels.
[0069] The position detector 1B according to the present embodiment sets the scanning order to be the conductor adjacent to the conductor with the highest signal level from the pen next to the conductor scanned first, and sequentially selects so as to straddle the conductor scanned first. As described above, the important information in coordinate calculation is the data with the highest signal intensity directly under the pen, and the farther the data is from there, the less it is involved in coordinate calculation. Therefore, by setting the scanning order to be the conductor adjacent to the conductor with the highest signal level from the pen next to the conductor scanned first and sequentially selecting so as to straddle the conductor scanned first, it is possible to reduce the fluctuation of weighted data in coordinate calculation and suppress the deterioration of coordinate accuracy. FIG. 13A is a diagram showing the distribution of ideal pen signal levels, and FIG. 13B is a diagram showing the distribution of pen signal levels acquired by the position detector 1B according to the present embodiment. As can be seen from these figures, the distribution of pen signal levels acquired by the position detector 1B according to the present embodiment shows results comparable to the distribution of ideal pen signal levels.
[0070] <Modification 2> In the above-described third embodiment, the position detector 1B has been described as an example. However, for example, it can also be applied to the conventional position detection device shown in FIG. 30.
[0071] <Fourth Embodiment> The position detector 1C according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 14 to 17.
[0072] <Configuration of Position Detector 1C> The position detector 1C includes a TX circuit 10B, a switch 11, a TX sensor coil group (first sensor coil group) 100, an RX sensor coil group (second sensor coil group) 200, an RX circuit 20, and peripheral circuits such as an amplifier. That is, as will be described below, the position detector 1B differs in the function of the TX circuit. Note that components having the same reference numerals as those in the first to third embodiments have the same functions, and thus detailed descriptions thereof are omitted.
[0073] <Configuration of TX Circuit 10B> As shown in FIG. 14, the TX circuit 10B includes an alternating magnetic field generation unit 111, a global scan unit 112, a scan start position determination unit 113, and a scan pattern control unit 114A. Note that components having the same reference numerals as those in the third embodiment have the same functions, and thus detailed descriptions thereof are omitted.
[0074] The scan pattern control unit 114A determines a scan pattern based on the scan start position information, and controls the output timing of the TX signal and the switching timing of the switch 11 in the alternating magnetic field generation unit 111 based on the scan pattern. Specifically, for example, the scan pattern control unit 114A sets the scan pattern such that the scan order is the conductor adjacent to the conductor with the largest signal level from the pen next to the conductor scanned first. Also, for example, as shown in FIG. 15, the scan pattern control unit 114A sets the scan pattern such that the scan order is the conductor adjacent to the conductor with the largest signal level from the pen next to the conductor scanned first, and sequentially selects so as to straddle the conductor scanned first. In the present embodiment, for example, as shown in FIG. 15, when the area to be scanned exceeds the arrangement area of the plurality of conductors arranged in parallel in the first direction of the sensor, the scan pattern control unit 114A expands the area to be scanned (for example, y5 and y6 in FIG. 15) in the area exceeding the arrangement area.
[0075] <Processing of the position detector 1C> The processing of the position detector 1C according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 16.
[0076] The alternating magnetic field generation unit 111 generates, for example, a plurality of conductors arranged in parallel in the first direction of the sensor (for example, the TX sensor coil group (first sensor coil group) 100), and generates an alternating magnetic field a predetermined number of times while changing the position in the first direction (for example, the arrangement direction of the TX sensor coil group (first sensor coil group) 100) (step S310).
[0077] The global scan unit 112 acquires, for example, the level of the pen signal, which is the response alternating magnetic field from the pen stored by the alternating magnetic field, for each of the predetermined number of times (step S320).
[0078] Based on the detection result by the global scan unit 112, the scan start position determination unit 113 determines that one of the plurality of conductors arranged in parallel in the first direction of the sensor (for example, the arrangement direction of the TX sensor coil group (first sensor coil group) 100) where the level of the signal from the pen is the largest serves as the start position (step S330).
[0079] For example, the scan pattern control unit 114A sets the scan pattern such that the scan order is the conductor adjacent to the conductor with the largest signal level from the pen next to the previously scanned conductor. Also, for example, the scan pattern control unit 114A sets the scan pattern such that the scan order is the conductor adjacent to the conductor with the largest signal level from the pen next to the previously scanned conductor, and sequentially selects so as to straddle the previously scanned conductor. Also, for example, when the area to be scanned exceeds the arrangement area of the plurality of conductors arranged in parallel in the first direction of the sensor, the scan pattern control unit 114A expands the area to be scanned to the area exceeding the arrangement area and executes the scan (step S410).
[0080] <Function and Effect> As described above, the position detector 1C according to the present embodiment expands the area to be scanned (for example, y5 and y6 in FIG. 15) to the area exceeding the arrangement area when the area to be scanned exceeds the arrangement area of the plurality of conductors (for example, the TX sensor coil group (first sensor coil group) 100) arranged in parallel in the first direction of the sensor. That is, the position detector 1C performs a global scan by the global scan unit 112, and determines the scan order of the next predetermined number of times such that one of the plurality of conductors arranged in parallel in the first direction of the sensor with the largest signal level from the pen serves as the start position. This is based on the finding that when acquiring position information of a pen or the like with a high moving speed, if it takes time to drive the sensor, the acquired data will be blurred. Specifically, it has been found that when writing or drawing quickly with a pen, the coordinate accuracy deteriorates and undulations occur in the drawn lines. On the other hand, the important information in coordinate calculation is the data with the largest signal intensity directly under the pen, and the data farther away from it is less involved in coordinate calculation. Therefore, by determining that the next predetermined number of scan orders starts from one of the plurality of conductors arranged in parallel in the first direction of the sensor with the highest signal level from the pen, even when writing or drawing quickly with a pen and the pen is tilted in an oblique direction, the accuracy of coordinate derivation can be improved. On the other hand, when the scanning area exceeds the arrangement area of the plurality of conductors (for example, the TX sensor coil group (first sensor coil group) 100) arranged in parallel in the first direction of the sensor, the position detector 1C expands the scanning area (for example, y5, y6 in FIG. 15) that exceeds the arrangement area and executes the scan. In the above scanning method, data with low signal intensity cannot be acquired, but data with high signal intensity can be captured. Therefore, compared with the conventional method, even when the pen is tilted in an oblique direction, the accuracy of coordinate derivation can be improved. FIG. 17A is a diagram showing the distribution of an ideal pen signal level, and FIG. 17B is a diagram showing the distribution of the pen signal level acquired by the position detector 1C according to the present embodiment. As can be seen from these figures, the distribution of the pen signal level acquired by the position detector 1C according to the present embodiment shows a result comparable to the distribution of the ideal pen signal level for data with high signal intensity.
[0081] <Modification Example 3> In the above fourth embodiment, the position detector 1C has been illustrated and described, but it can also be applied to, for example, the conventional position detection device shown in FIG. 34.
[0082] <Modification Example 4> In the fourth embodiment described above, as shown in FIG. 15, when the area to be scanned exceeds the arrangement area of a plurality of conductors arranged in the first direction of the sensor, the area to be scanned that exceeds the arrangement area (for example, y5 and y6 in FIG. 15) is expanded. Specifically, for example, in y5 and y6 in FIG. 15, a dummy may be prepared in advance, or y1 or y3 may be diverted, or the process may be skipped. When replacing, the accuracy may be improved rather than skipping the process. When the number of areas exceeding the arrangement area is small, the process speed can be increased while maintaining the accuracy to a certain extent by skipping the process.
[0083] <Fifth Embodiment> The position detector 1D according to this embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 18 to 21.
[0084] <Configuration of Position Detector 1D> The position detector 1D is composed of a TX circuit 10C, a switch 11, a TX sensor coil group (first sensor coil group) 100, an RX sensor coil group (second sensor coil group) 200, an RX circuit 20, and peripheral circuits such as an amplifier. That is, the position detector 1C has a different function of the TX circuit as described below. Regarding the components having the same reference numerals as those in the first to fourth embodiments, since they have the same functions, their detailed descriptions are omitted.
[0085] <Configuration of TX Circuit 10C> As shown in FIG. 18, the TX circuit 10C includes an alternating magnetic field generation unit 111, a global scan unit 112, a scan start position determination unit 113, and a scan pattern control unit 114B. Regarding the components having the same reference numerals as those in the third and fourth embodiments, since they have the same functions, their detailed descriptions are omitted.
[0086] The scan pattern control unit 114B determines a scan pattern based on the scan start position information, and controls the output timing of the TX signal and the switching timing of the switch 11 in the alternating magnetic field generation unit 111 based on the scan pattern. Specifically, for example, the scan pattern control unit 114B sets the scan pattern so that the scan order is the conductor adjacent to the conductor with the largest signal level from the pen next to the conductor scanned first. Also, for example, as shown in FIG. 19, the scan pattern control unit 114B sets the scan pattern so that the scan order is the conductor adjacent to the conductor with the largest signal level from the pen next to the conductor scanned first, and sequentially selects so as to straddle the conductor scanned first. In the present embodiment, for example, as shown in FIG. 19, when the area to be scanned exceeds the arrangement area of a plurality of conductors arranged in parallel in the first direction of the sensor, the scan pattern control unit 114B extends the area to be scanned that exceeds the arrangement area to the area on the side opposite to the end of the arrangement area.
[0087] <Processing of the position detector 1D> The processing of the position detector 1D according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 20.
[0088] The alternating magnetic field generation unit 111 generates, for example, a plurality of conductors arranged in parallel in the first direction of the sensor (for example, the TX sensor coil group (first sensor coil group) 100), and generates an alternating magnetic field a predetermined number of times while changing the position in the first direction (for example, the parallel arrangement direction of the TX sensor coil group (first sensor coil group) 100) (step S310).
[0089] The global scan unit 112 acquires, for example, the level of the pen signal, which is the response alternating magnetic field from the pen stored by the alternating magnetic field, for each of the predetermined number of times (step S320).
[0090] Based on the detection result by the global scan unit 112, the scan start position determination unit 113 determines such that one of the plurality of conductors arranged in the first direction of the sensor (for example, the arrangement direction of the TX sensor coil group (the first sensor coil group) 100) where the level of the signal from the pen is the largest becomes the start position (step S330).
[0091] The scan pattern control unit 114B sets the scan pattern such that, for example, the scan order is the conductor adjacent to the conductor with the largest signal level from the pen next to the previously scanned conductor. Also, the scan pattern control unit 114B sets the scan pattern such that, for example, the scan order is the conductor adjacent to the conductor with the largest signal level from the pen next to the previously scanned conductor, and the previously scanned conductor is sequentially selected so as to straddle it. Also, when the area to be scanned exceeds the arrangement area of the plurality of conductors arranged in the first direction of the sensor, for example, the scan pattern control unit 114B expands the area to be scanned that exceeds the arrangement area to the area on the opposite side of the arrangement area end and causes the scan to be executed (step S510).
[0092] <Function and Effect> As described above, when the area to be scanned by the position detector 1D according to the present embodiment exceeds the arrangement area of the plurality of conductors (for example, the TX sensor coil group (the first sensor coil group) 100) arranged in the first direction of the sensor, the area to be scanned in the area exceeding the arrangement area is expanded to the area on the opposite side of the arrangement area end. That is, the position detector 1D performs a global scan by the global scan unit 112, and determines the scan order for the next predetermined number of times such that one of the plurality of conductors arranged in the first direction of the sensor with the largest signal level from the pen becomes the start position. This is based on the finding that when acquiring position information of a pen or the like with a high moving speed, if it takes time to drive the sensor, the acquired data will be blurred. Specifically, it has been found that when writing or drawing quickly with a pen, the coordinate accuracy deteriorates and waves or the like occur in the drawn line. On the other hand, the important information in coordinate calculation is the data with the largest signal intensity directly under the pen, and the data farther away from it is less involved in coordinate calculation. Therefore, by determining the scanning order of the next predetermined number of times so that one of the plurality of conductors arranged in parallel in the first direction of the sensor with the highest signal level from the pen is the starting position, even when writing or drawing quickly with a pen and the pen is tilted in an oblique direction, the accuracy of coordinate derivation can be improved. On the other hand, when the scanning area of the position detector 1D exceeds the arrangement area of a plurality of conductors (for example, the TX sensor coil group (first sensor coil group) 100) arranged in parallel in the first direction of the sensor, the scanning area of the area exceeding the arrangement area is extended to the area opposite to the arrangement area end, and the scan is executed. In the above scanning method, data with a small signal intensity that could not be captured in the third embodiment can be obtained. Here, data with a small signal intensity may affect the accuracy of tilt correction. However, in the position detector 1D according to the present embodiment, since data with a small signal intensity that could not be captured in the third embodiment can be obtained, even when the pen is tilted in an oblique direction, the accuracy of coordinate derivation can be improved. FIG. 21A is a diagram showing the distribution of an ideal pen signal level, and FIG. 21B is a diagram showing the distribution of the pen signal level obtained in the position detector 1D according to the present embodiment. As can also be seen from these figures, the distribution of the pen signal level obtained in the position detector 1D according to the present embodiment shows a result comparable to the distribution of the ideal pen signal level.
[0093] <Modification Example 5> In the above fifth embodiment, the position detector 1D has been exemplified and described, but it can also be applied to, for example, the conventional position detection device shown in FIG. 30.
[0094] <Sixth Embodiment> The position detector 1E according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 22 to 29.
[0095] <Stack Configuration> FIGS. 22A to 22F are diagrams showing examples of stack configurations in the case of combining (or incorporating) a position detector 1E, a touch sensor for detecting a finger or the like by a capacitance (self-capacitance or mutual capacitance) method, and a display device. In each figure, the upper side in the figure is the side close to the pen and the lower side is the side far from the pen. In any of the examples of the figures, a sheet made of a material having a predetermined magnetic permeability may be provided on the lower side of the lowermost layer to enhance the intensity of the pen signal.
[0096] FIG. 22A is a conventional stack configuration diagram. A display 300 (including a front panel layer 301 and a TFT back panel layer 302) is provided, and a TX sensor coil group (first sensor coil group) 100 and an RX sensor coil group (second sensor coil group) 200 are provided below the display 300 via an adhesive layer. A touch sensor is provided above the display 300, and a cover glass (including the case where it is a cover film, the same applies hereinafter) with which a pen contacts is provided above the touch sensor.
[0097] FIG. 22B is a diagram showing another example of the stack configuration. Above the display 300B, there is a layer in which a capacitive touch sensor, a TX sensor coil group (first sensor coil group) 100, and an RX sensor coil group (second sensor coil group) 200 are integrated, and a cover glass is provided above it.
[0098] FIGS. 22C and 22D relate to a configuration called an in-cell or on-cell in which a touch sensor function is integrated into a part of the display 300. FIG. 22C is based on a display configuration called an in-cell touch. The display 300C is configured by integrating a TX sensor coil group (first sensor coil group) 100 and an RX sensor coil group (second sensor coil group) 200 into a TFT backplane layer 302 that controls a front panel layer 301. A touch sensor is provided above the display 300C, and a cover glass is provided above the touch sensor.
[0099] FIG. 22D is based on a display configuration called an on-cell touch. The display 300D is provided with a TFT backplane layer 302 that controls a front panel layer and a front panel layer 301. FIG. 22D shows a so-called on-cell touch panel configuration in which a capacitive touch sensor is provided in a layer above the front panel layer 301 and within the module of the display 300D. The TX sensor coil group (first sensor coil group) 100 and the RX sensor coil group (second sensor coil group) 200 are integrated into the touch sensor.
[0100] FIGS. 22E and 22F are characterized in that the TX sensor coil group (first sensor coil group) 100 and the RX sensor coil group (second sensor coil group) 200 are provided in separate layers separated from each other. In FIG. 22E, the TX sensor coil group (first sensor coil group) 100 is provided and configured in the TFT backplane layer 302, and the RX sensor coil group (second sensor coil group) 200 is provided in a layer above the display front plane 301 where an on-cell touch sensor (capacitive sensor) is provided, and a cover glass is provided above it.
[0101] In FIG. 22F, the TX sensor coil group (first sensor coil group) 100 is not provided on the TFT backplane layer 302, but is provided below the display 300F, and the RX sensor coil group (second sensor coil group) 200 is provided in a layer above the display front plane 301 where the on-cell touch sensor (capacitive sensor) is provided, and a cover glass is provided above that.
[0102] <Details of the TX sensor coil group (first sensor coil group) 100> FIG. 23 shows a configuration example of the TX sensor coil group (first sensor coil group) 100. The configuration of the TX sensor coil group (first sensor coil group) 100 in the figure is effective when the TX sensor coil group (first sensor coil group) 100 and the RX sensor coil group (second sensor coil group) 200 are provided in separate layers and the TX sensor coil group (first sensor coil group) 100 is provided below the display as in FIG. 22F in particular. The TX sensor coil group (first sensor coil group) 100 includes TX electrodes 120, ···, TX electrodes 135 that respectively form TX sensor coils T0, T1, ···, T15, and a connection conductor 130 that connects the TX electrodes 120, ···, TX electrodes 135 to each other, and is configured in a comb shape (SAW shape). Here, the comb shape refers to the shape formed by the following first wiring and a plurality of second wirings. The first wiring is a wiring extending in the first direction, and the second wirings are a plurality of wirings extending in a second direction intersecting the first direction, and the plurality of second wirings are arranged side by side in the first direction at a predetermined interval. Furthermore, the first wiring and the plurality of second wirings are electrically connected. Here, for the sake of convenience, in the plurality of second wirings, if the side connected to the first wiring is the terminal and the other end is the open end, one ends of the plurality of second wirings are all connected to the first wiring, and the other ends are open, and its shape is a comb shape. The open ends, which are the other ends of the plurality of second wirings, are connected to the integrated circuit and are used, for example, for supplying a drive signal or detecting a received signal. The position detector 1E controls the switches 11 (S0, ···, S15) to bundle, for example, the TX electrode 125 and the TX electrode 126 and connect them to the TX terminal of the TX circuit 10, while bundling the TX electrode 128 and the TX electrode 129 and connecting them to the TX_inv terminal of the TX circuit 10. The TX circuit 10 controls the TX terminal and the TX_inv terminal so that the amount of change in current is opposite to each other, thereby forming a stronger transmission magnetic field between the bundle of the TX electrode 125 and the TX electrode 126 and the bundle of the TX electrode 128 and the TX electrode 129 (near the TX electrode 127) compared to the case where they are not bundled and compared to the case where TX_inv is set to a fixed potential.
[0103] <Details of the RX sensor coil group (second sensor coil group) 200> FIG. 24 shows a configuration example of the RX sensor coil group (second sensor coil group) 200. The RX sensor coil group (second sensor coil group) 200 in the figure is a sensor used above the display (closer to the pen side), includes the RX sensor coils R0 to R8, (1) It is substantially transparent within the active area AA, (2) It is configured on only one side of the film, (3) Adjacent RX coil sensors do not overlap each other and have a gap therebetween, (4) It is wound in one turn (not wound in multiple turns) and is characterized by this.
[0104] The outermost RX sensor coil R0 is composed of the AA outer long side portion 201, which is an opaque metal conductor arranged outside the active area AA, the AA long side portion 202, which is a substantially transparent conductor (typically a mesh conductor) arranged inside the active area AA, and the connection conductor 203, which is an opaque metal conductor arranged outside the active area AA. Similarly, the outermost RX sensor coil R8 is composed of an opaque metal conductor AA outer long side part 282 arranged outside the active area AA, an AA long side part 281 which is a substantially transparent conductor (typically a mesh conductor) arranged inside the active area AA, and a connection conductor 283 which is an opaque metal conductor arranged outside the active area AA.
[0105] The RX sensor coil R1 not located outermost is composed of an AA long side part 211 which is a substantially transparent conductor (typically a mesh conductor) arranged inside the active area AA, an AA long side part 212, and a connection conductor 203 which is an opaque metal conductor arranged outside the active area AA and connects them. Similarly, the RX sensor coils R2 ··· R7 which are not the outermost are each composed of two AA long side parts (such as 221, 222, etc.) which are substantially transparent conductors (typically mesh conductors) arranged inside the active area AA, and connection conductors (such as 223, etc.) which are opaque metal conductors arranged outside the active area AA and connect them. One end of each RX sensor coil of the RX sensor coil group (the second sensor coil group) 200 is connected to the RX circuit 20 via the switch 21, and the other end of each RX sensor coil is connected to a reference potential such as GND. When a differential amplification circuit is provided in the RX circuit 20, one end and the other end of each RX sensor coil of the RX sensor coil group (the second sensor coil group) 200 may be connected to the differential amplification circuit.
[0106] <Configuration of integrated sensor> FIGS. 25 to 29 are diagrams for explaining the configuration of a position detector 1E including an integrated sensor (Integrated / Universal Sensor Module) in which a TX sensor coil group (the first sensor coil group) 100 and an RX sensor coil group (the second sensor coil group) 200 are integrated in a touch sensor. This configuration is useful in the case of a stack configuration called so-called on-cell touch provided on the upper side (pen side) of a display 300D as shown in FIG. 22D.
[0107] FIG. 25 is a diagram showing an example of a mesh pattern of a mesh electrode layer provided on one surface of a transparent substrate. The mesh patterns forming the TX sensor coils T0, ···, T5 are each composed of an island portion 611, a peripheral portion 612 surrounding the island portion 611, and a mesh connection portion 613 connecting the peripheral portions 612 to each other in the extending direction of the transmission coil electrode T0 in the mesh electrode layer. The mesh patterns that do not form the TX sensor coils T0, ···, T5 are insulated in the mesh electrode layer, and are each composed of an island portion 621 and a peripheral portion 622 surrounding the island portion 621, and are connected to each other by jumper wirings described later.
[0108] FIG. 26 shows the configuration of a jumper provided on the other surface of the transparent substrate. The jumper 701 is a wiring forming the RX sensor coil ER1. The jumper 702 is a jumper wiring connecting the coils of the RX sensor coil group (second sensor coil group). The jumper 703 is a jumper for forming a touch electrode TR4 for performing touch detection by capacitance (mutual capacitance method).
[0109] FIG. 27 is a diagram of an integrated sensor showing the superposition of the mesh electrode layer of FIG. 25 and the jumper wiring of FIG. 26. In the integrated sensor, (1) pen detection by electromagnetic induction method and (2) finger detection for detecting a finger or the like by capacitance (mutual capacitance) method are executed. Regarding TX (drive), (1) generation of a transmission magnetic field in pen detection by electromagnetic induction method and (2) generation of a transmission electric field in finger detection for detecting a finger or the like by capacitance (mutual capacitance) method are executed by the TX sensor coils T0, ···, T4 commonly used in both methods. Regarding RX (detection), (1) for detecting the pen signal, RX sensor coils ER0 to ER5 that constitute the RX sensor coil group (the second sensor coil group) 200 are provided, and (2) as the RX electrodes in the mutual capacitance method, touch detection electrodes TR0 to TR4 for electrostatic touch are separately provided in coexistence with the RX sensor coil group (the second sensor coil group).
[0110] <Operation during pen detection by electromagnetic induction method> FIG. 28 is a diagram showing the operation of the position detector 1E in the mode of performing pen detection by the electromagnetic induction method. First, during the transmission period, the TX circuit 10 located on the left side in the figure · Drives one end of the sensor coil (T1 in the figure) selected by the switch 11 among the TX sensor coils T0 to T4 of the TX sensor coil group (the first sensor coil group) 100 through the TX terminal with a positive-phase signal, and · Drives one end of the sensor coil (T3 in the figure) selected by the switch 11 through the TX_inv terminal with an inverted-phase signal that generates a change in current opposite to the change in current of the positive-phase signal, At the same time, the TX circuit 10 located on the right side in the figure · Drives the other end of the sensor coil (T1 in the figure) selected by the switch 11 through the TX_inv terminal with an inverted-phase signal that generates a change in current opposite to the change in current of the positive-phase signal, · Drives the other end of the sensor coil (T3 in the figure) selected by the switch 11 among the TX sensor coils T0 to T4 of the TX sensor coil group (the first sensor coil group) 100 through the TX terminal with a positive-phase signal. Thereby, the strong transmission magnetic field described above can be formed near the pen position (near T2 in the figure).
[0111] During the detection period after the transmission period, the RX circuit 20 connects the RX sensor coil ER2 and the RX sensor coil ER3, which logically form one loop coil, to both ends of a differential amplifier circuit through the switch 21, and detects the signal level of the pen signal passing through this loop coil. After that, the two-dimensional heat map data (RXdata) described in FIGS. 1 and 8 is acquired, and based on this two-dimensional heat map data, the coordinates of the pen, the leading direction, the direction of the inclination, etc. are derived.
[0112] <Operation at the time of detecting capacitance (finger touch) by the capacitance (mutual capacitance) detection method> FIG. 29 is a diagram showing the operation of the position detector 1E at the time of detecting capacitance (finger touch) by the capacitance (mutual capacitance) detection method. Also during the capacitance detection operation, the TX sensor coil electrodes T0, ···, T4 constituting the TX sensor coil group (first sensor coil group) 100 are used in the same manner as during the electromagnetic induction method detection. When one end of the TX sensor coil electrode T1 selected by the switch 11 in the TX circuit 10 on the left side in the figure is driven by a positive-phase touch signal, and the other end of the TX sensor coil electrode T1 selected by the switch 11 in the TX circuit 10 on the right side in the figure is driven by a positive-phase touch signal. Thereby, it becomes possible to supply a desired potential (TX signal) to the TX sensor coil electrode T1. The RX circuit 20 detects the change in mutual capacitance from the reference value at the cross point (the intersection of T1 and TR2) with the selected RX touch electrode TR2. The RX circuit 20 acquires the change in capacitance for each cross point of the capacitance as two-dimensional heat map data, and derives the position of the finger touch using operations such as centroid calculation used in capacitance detection.
[0113] As described above, according to the position detector 1E using the integrated sensor of FIGS. 25 to 29, by the mesh sensor pattern group provided on one metal mesh layer and the jumper wiring connecting them, (1) generation of the transmission magnetic field to the pen by the electromagnetic induction method and detection of the pen signal, and (2) detection of finger touch (change in capacitance) by the capacitance (mutual capacitance) method can be realized.
[0114] <Seventh Embodiment> The position detector 1F according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 30 to 33. Note that since the configuration of the position detector 1F is the same as that of the position detector 1B and the like according to the third embodiment, a detailed description thereof will be omitted.
[0115] The position detector 1F according to the present embodiment has the same hardware configuration, and acquires the level of a pen signal which is an alternating magnetic field response from the pen, or a signal level corresponding to the capacitive coupling with a finger, and acquires information regarding the position of the pen and information regarding the position of the finger.
[0116] The position detector 1F according to the present embodiment includes a first sensor coil group 100 composed of a plurality of conductors each having a plurality of electrodes arranged in parallel in a first direction, a second sensor coil group 200 composed of a plurality of conductors each having a plurality of electrodes arranged in parallel in a second direction intersecting the first direction, an alternating magnetic field generation unit 111 that generates an alternating magnetic field from the first sensor coil group 100, a signal level acquisition unit (RX circuit 20) that uses the second sensor coil group 200 to acquire the level of a pen signal which is an alternating magnetic field response from a position indicator stored by the alternating magnetic field, or a signal level corresponding to the capacitive coupling with a finger, and an information derivation unit (RX circuit 20) that derives information regarding the position of the pen or the finger using the two-dimensional distribution of the level of the pen signal or the signal level corresponding to the capacitive coupling with a finger at each intersection of the plurality of electrodes of the first sensor coil group 100 and the plurality of electrodes of the second sensor coil group 200, and a control unit that controls the operation. The control unit causes the alternating magnetic field generation unit 111 to generate a predetermined number of alternating magnetic fields while changing the position in the first direction using the first sensor coil group 100, and causes the signal level acquisition unit (RX circuit 20) to acquire the level of a pen signal which is an alternating magnetic field response from the pen stored by the alternating magnetic field, or a signal level corresponding to the capacitive coupling with a finger at each of the predetermined number of times, and determines the next scanning order such that one of the plurality of conductors arranged in parallel in the first direction of the first sensor coil group 100 where the signal level from the pen or the signal level corresponding to the capacitive coupling with a finger is the largest becomes the start position. Also, in the position detector 1F according to the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 32, the derivation processes of the pen or finger position information are alternately executed. In the derivation process of the pen position information, the alternating magnetic field generation process of the alternating magnetic field generation unit 111 is executed until a period in which a predetermined energy is accumulated in the pen, and then stopped. After the stop, the signal level acquisition process of the signal level acquisition unit (RX circuit 20) that acquires the alternating magnetic field generated by the energy accumulated in the pen is executed. In the derivation process of the finger position information, the alternating magnetic field generation process of the alternating magnetic field generation unit 111 and the signal level acquisition process of the signal level acquisition unit (RX circuit 20) are continuously executed within the same period. Also, in the position detector 1F according to the present embodiment, in the derivation process of the finger position information, the first sensor coil group 100 serves as a drive coil that generates an alternating magnetic field by the alternating magnetic field generation unit 111, and the second sensor coil group 200 serves as a reception coil that receives a signal corresponding to the capacitive coupling with the finger. Furthermore, as shown in FIGS. 33(A) and (B), each of the second sensor coil groups 200 is formed in a U-shape. In the derivation process of the pen position information, each operates as a coil (FIG. 33(A)), and in the derivation process of the finger position information, the open portion of the U-shape is short-circuited and functions as one reception electrode (FIG. 33(B)). <Processing of the position detector 1F> The processing of the position detector 1F according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 30 and 31.
[0117] <Processing when acquiring pen position information> The processing when acquiring the pen position information in the position detector 1F according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 30.
[0118] During the derivation period of the pen position information, the alternating magnetic field generation unit 111 uses, for example, a plurality of conductors arranged in parallel in the first direction of the sensor (for example, the TX sensor coil group (the first sensor coil group) 100) to generate a predetermined number of alternating magnetic fields while changing the position in the first direction (for example, the arrangement direction of the TX sensor coil group (the first sensor coil group) 100) (step S310).
[0119] The global scan unit 112 obtains, for each of a predetermined number of times, the level of a pen signal, which is an alternating magnetic field response from the pen stored by an alternating magnetic field (step S320).
[0120] Based on the detection result by the global scan unit 112, the scan start position determination unit 113 determines such that one of the plurality of conductors arranged in parallel with the first direction (for example, the TX sensor coil group (the first sensor coil group)) 100 of the sensor where the level of the signal from the pen is the largest, that is, where the pen is presumed to exist, becomes the start position (step S330).
[0121] The scan pattern control unit 114 sets a scan pattern such that, for example, the scan order is the conductor adjacent to the conductor where the level of the signal from the pen is the largest next to the previously scanned conductor. Also, the scan pattern control unit 114 sets a scan pattern such that, for example, the scan order is the conductor adjacent to the conductor where the level of the signal from the pen is the largest next to the previously scanned conductor, and sequentially selects so as to straddle the previously scanned conductor (step S340).
[0122] The position detector 1F switches and selects one of the TX sensor coils of the TX sensor coil group (the first sensor coil group) 100 that generates a transmission magnetic field according to the processing result of step S340 by the switch 11, and drives the selected TX sensor coil by the TX circuit 10 to transmit a transmission magnetic field (step S110).
[0123] After a certain transmission period, that is, after a period during which predetermined energy would be accumulated if there is a pen near the TX sensor coil, the position detector 1F obtains the level of the pen signal at the positions of all the RX sensor coils. The position detector 1F detects the pen signal level values (33, 105, 118, 121, 110 in the figure) in the region where the TX sensor coil T1 and the RX sensor coils R1, R2... R4 cross (hereinafter, the coil cross point region). The position detector 1F obtains two-dimensional heat map data RXdata by sequentially switching the selection of each coil cross point to change the signal level at each coil cross point (step S120).
[0124] <Processing for obtaining finger position information> With reference to FIG. 31, the processing for obtaining finger position information in the position detector 1F according to the present embodiment will be described.
[0125] During the period of deriving the finger position information, the alternating magnetic field generation unit 111 generates a predetermined number of alternating magnetic fields while changing the position in the first direction (for example, the juxtaposition direction of the TX sensor coil group (the first sensor coil group) 100) using, for example, a plurality of conductors juxtaposed in the first direction of the sensor (for example, the TX sensor coil group (the first sensor coil group) 100) (step S311).
[0126] The global scan unit 112 obtains, for example, the signal level corresponding to the capacitive coupling with the finger each time for a predetermined number of times (step S321).
[0127] Based on the detection result by the global scan unit 112, the scan start position determination unit 113 determines the start position as one of the plurality of conductors juxtaposed in the first direction of the sensor (for example, the TX sensor coil group (the first sensor coil group) 100) in which the signal level corresponding to the capacitive coupling with the finger is the largest, that is, where the finger is presumed to exist (step S331).
[0128] The scan pattern control unit 114 sets the scan pattern so that, for example, the scan order is the conductor adjacent to the conductor having the largest signal level corresponding to the capacitive coupling with the finger next to the previously scanned conductor. Further, the scan pattern control unit 114 sets a scan pattern such that, for example, the scan order is set to the conductor adjacent to the conductor with the largest signal level according to the capacitive coupling with the finger next to the conductor scanned first, and the conductors scanned first are sequentially selected so as to straddle the previously scanned conductor (step S341).
[0129] The position detector 1F switches and selects one of the TX sensor coils in the TX sensor coil group (first sensor coil group) 100 that generates the transmission magnetic field according to the processing result of step S340 by the switch 11, and drives the selected TX sensor coil by the TX circuit 10 to transmit the transmission magnetic field (step S351).
[0130] During the period when the position detector 1F acquires the position information of the finger, the position detector 1F obtains the signal levels according to the capacitive coupling with the finger at the positions of all the RX sensor coils. The position detector 1F detects the signal level values (33, 105, 118, 121, 110 in the figure) according to the capacitive coupling with the finger in the region where the TX sensor coil T1 and the RX sensor coils R1, R2... R4 cross (hereinafter, the coil cross point region). The position detector 1F obtains two-dimensional heat map data RXdata by sequentially switching the selection of the TX sensor coils according to the signal levels at each coil cross point (step S120).
[0131] <Function and Effect> As described above, the position detector 1F according to the present embodiment includes a first sensor coil group 100 composed of a plurality of conductive wires each having a plurality of electrodes arranged in parallel in a first direction, a second sensor coil group 200 composed of a plurality of conductive wires each having a plurality of electrodes arranged in parallel in a second direction intersecting the first direction, an alternating magnetic field generation unit 111 that generates an alternating magnetic field from the first sensor coil group 100, a signal level acquisition unit (RX circuit 20) that uses the second sensor coil group 200 to acquire the level of a pen signal that is a response alternating magnetic field from a position indicator stored by the alternating magnetic field, or a signal level corresponding to a capacitive coupling with a finger, and an information derivation unit (RX circuit 20) that derives information regarding the position of the pen or the finger using a two-dimensional distribution of the level of the pen signal or the signal level corresponding to the capacitive coupling with the finger at each intersection of the plurality of electrodes of the first sensor coil group 100 and the plurality of electrodes of the second sensor coil group 200, and a control unit that controls the operation. The control unit causes the alternating magnetic field generation unit 111 to generate a predetermined number of alternating magnetic fields while changing the position in the first direction using the first sensor coil group 100, and causes the signal level acquisition unit (RX circuit 20) to acquire the level of the pen signal that is a response alternating magnetic field from the pen stored by the alternating magnetic field, or the signal level corresponding to the capacitive coupling with the finger at each of the predetermined number of times, and determines the scan order of the next predetermined number of times such that one of the plurality of conductive wires arranged in parallel in the first direction of the first sensor coil group 100 where the signal level from the pen or the signal level corresponding to the capacitive coupling with the finger is the largest becomes the start position. That is, the position detector 1F according to the present embodiment performs a global scan and determines the scan order of the next predetermined number of times such that one of the plurality of conductive wires arranged in parallel in the first direction of the sensor where the signal level from the pen or the signal level corresponding to the capacitive coupling with the finger is the largest becomes the start position. This is based on the finding that when acquiring position information of a pen or a finger with a high moving speed, if it takes a long time to drive the sensor, the acquired data will be blurred. Specifically, it has been found that when writing or drawing with a pen at high speed, the coordinate accuracy deteriorates and undulations occur in the drawn line. On the one hand, the important information in coordinate calculation is the data with the largest signal strength directly under the pen or finger, and the farther the data is from there, the less it is involved in coordinate calculation. Therefore, by determining the scanning order of the next predetermined number of times such that one of the plurality of conductors arranged in parallel in the first direction of the sensor with the highest signal level from the pen or the signal level corresponding to the capacitive coupling with the finger serves as the starting position, the derivation accuracy of coordinates can be improved. After the above processing, a plurality of conductors (for example, TX sensor coils T0, T1, ···, T4) arranged in parallel in the first direction of the sensor are only used for generating an alternating magnetic field, and a plurality of electrodes (for example, RX sensor coils R0, R1, ···, R4) arranged in parallel in the second direction intersecting the first direction are used. Information regarding the position of the pen or finger is derived using the two-dimensional distribution of the pen signal level or the signal level corresponding to the capacitive coupling with the finger at each intersection of the plurality of conductors arranged in parallel in the first direction of the sensor and the plurality of electrodes arranged in parallel in the second direction intersecting the first direction. Therefore, by using the two-dimensional distribution of the pen signal level or the signal level corresponding to the capacitive coupling with the finger, the derivation accuracy of coordinates can be improved. Also, with the same hardware configuration, it is possible to execute control according to its characteristics, and since the coordinate information of the pen and the coordinate information of the finger can be obtained, high-precision coordinate information can be detected while reducing costs.
[0132] In the position detector 1F according to this embodiment, the derivation processes of the position information of the pen or finger are alternately executed. In the derivation process of the position information of the pen, the alternating magnetic field generation process of the alternating magnetic field generation unit 111 is executed until a period in which a predetermined energy is accumulated in the pen, and then stopped. After the stop, the signal level acquisition process of the signal level acquisition unit (RX circuit 20) that acquires the alternating magnetic field generated by the energy accumulated in the pen is executed. In the derivation process of the position information of the finger, the alternating magnetic field generation process of the alternating magnetic field generation unit 111 and the signal level acquisition process of the signal level acquisition unit (RX circuit 20) are continuously executed within the same period. That is, as shown in FIG. 32, the derivation processes of the pen or finger position information are alternately executed. In the derivation process of the pen position information, the alternating magnetic field generation process of the alternating magnetic field generation unit 111 is executed until a period in which a predetermined energy is accumulated in the pen, and then stopped. After the stop, the signal level acquisition process of the signal level acquisition unit (RX circuit 20) that acquires the alternating magnetic field generated by the energy accumulated in the pen is executed. In the derivation process of the finger position information, the alternating magnetic field generation process of the alternating magnetic field generation unit 111 and the signal level acquisition process of the signal level acquisition unit (RX circuit 20) are continuously executed within the same period. Since it is possible to execute control according to its characteristics with the same hardware configuration, it is possible to detect high-precision coordinate information while reducing costs.
[0133] In the position detector 1F according to the present embodiment, in the derivation process of the finger position information, the first sensor coil group 100 serves as a drive coil that generates an alternating magnetic field by the alternating magnetic field generation unit 111, and the second sensor coil group 200 serves as a reception coil that receives a signal corresponding to the capacitive coupling with the finger. That is, although it has the same hardware configuration, it is possible to execute appropriate control according to the detection target, so that it is possible to detect high-precision coordinate information while reducing costs.
[0134] In the position detector 1F according to the present embodiment, each of the second sensor coil groups 200 is formed in a U-shape. In the derivation process of the pen position information, each operates as a coil (FIG. 33(A)). In the derivation process of the finger position information, the open portion of the U-shape is short-circuited and functions as one reception electrode (FIG. 33(B)). That is, in the detection of the finger position information, when the shape of the coil is U-shaped, the length of the conductor forming the coil becomes long, and the capacitance generated thereby reduces the detection sensitivity. However, in the position detector 1F according to the present embodiment, since the open portion of the U-shape is short-circuited and functions as one reception electrode, the detection sensitivity does not decrease. Therefore, it is possible to detect highly accurate coordinate information while reducing costs.
[0135] Note that the processing of the TX circuits 10, 10A, 10B, 10C, and 10D can be recorded on a computer - readable recording medium, and the position detectors 1, 1A to 1E of the present invention can be realized by having the TX circuits 10, 10A to 10E read and execute the program recorded on this recording medium. Here, the computer system includes hardware such as an OS and peripheral devices.
[0136] In addition, the "computer system" shall also include a homepage providing environment (or display environment) if it uses the WWW (World Wide Web) system. Also, the above - mentioned program may be transmitted from a computer system storing the program in a storage device or the like to another computer system via a transmission medium or by a transmission wave in the transmission medium. Here, the "transmission medium" for transmitting the program refers to a medium having a function of transmitting information, such as a network (communication network) like the Internet or a communication line (communication wire) like a telephone line.
[0137] Also, the above - mentioned program may be for realizing a part of the functions described above. Furthermore, it may be a so - called differential file (differential program) that can realize the functions described above in combination with a program already recorded in the computer system.
[0138] As described above, the embodiments of this invention have been described in detail with reference to the drawings. However, the specific configuration is not limited to this embodiment, and designs and the like within the scope not departing from the gist of this invention are also included.
[0139] <Appended Claim 1> One or more processors, one or more memories communicably connected to the one or more processors, a first sensor coil group including a plurality of conductive wires having a plurality of electrodes arranged in parallel in a first direction, and a second sensor coil group including a plurality of conductive wires having a plurality of electrodes arranged in parallel in a second direction intersecting the first direction. The one or more processors An alternating magnetic field generation unit that generates an alternating magnetic field from the first sensor coil group A pen signal level acquisition unit that uses the second sensor coil group to acquire the level of a pen signal, which is a response alternating magnetic field from a position indicator stored by the alternating magnetic field An information derivation unit that derives information regarding the position of the position indicator using a two-dimensional distribution of the levels of the pen signal at each intersection of the plurality of conductive wires of the first sensor coil group and the plurality of electrodes of the second sensor coil group A position detector including
[0140] <Appended Claim 2> One or more processors, one or more memories communicably connected to the one or more processors, a first sensor coil group including a plurality of conductive wires having a plurality of electrodes arranged in parallel in a first direction, and a second sensor coil group including a plurality of conductive wires having a plurality of electrodes arranged in parallel in a second direction intersecting the first direction. The one or more processors An alternating magnetic field generation unit that generates an alternating magnetic field from the first sensor coil group A pen signal level acquisition unit that uses the second sensor coil group to acquire the level of a pen signal, which is a response alternating magnetic field from a position indicator stored by the alternating magnetic field An information derivation unit that derives information regarding the position of the position indicator using a two-dimensional distribution of the levels of the pen signal at each intersection of the plurality of conductive wires of the first sensor coil group and the plurality of electrodes of the second sensor coil group A control unit that controls operations Including The control unit causes the alternating magnetic field generation unit to generate the alternating magnetic field a predetermined number of times while changing the position in the first direction using the first sensor coil group, and causes the pen signal level acquisition unit to acquire, for each of the predetermined number of times, the level of the pen signal that is the response alternating magnetic field from the pen stored by the alternating magnetic field, or the signal level corresponding to the capacitive coupling with the finger, and determines the next scan order of the predetermined number of times such that one of the plurality of conductors arranged in parallel in the first direction of the first sensor coil group where the level of the signal from the pen or the signal level corresponding to the capacitive coupling with the finger is the largest becomes the start position.
Explanation of Signs
[0141] 1; Position detector 1A; Position detector 1B; Position detector 1C; Position detector 1D; Position detector 1E; Position detector 1F; Position detector 10; TX circuit 10A; TX circuit 10B; TX circuit 10C; TX circuit 11; Switch 12; Switch 20; RX circuit 20A; RX circuit 21; Switch 100; TX sensor coil group (first sensor coil group) 111; Alternating magnetic field generation unit 112; Global scan unit 113; Scan start position determination unit 114; Scan pattern control unit 114A; Scan pattern control unit 114B; Scan pattern control unit 120~135; TX electrode 130; Connection conductor 200; RX sensor coil group (second sensor coil group) 201; AA outer long side part 202; AA long side part 203; Connecting conductor 211; AA long side part 212; AA long side part 281; AA long side part 282; AA outer long side part 283; Connecting conductor 300; Display 300B; Display 300C; Display 300D; Display 300E; Display 300F; Display 611; Island part 612; Peripheral part 613; Mesh connection part 621; Island part 622; Peripheral part 701; Jumper AA; Active area
Claims
1. A position detection method in a position detector including: a first sensor coil group composed of a plurality of conductive wires having a plurality of electrodes arranged in parallel in a first direction; and a second sensor coil group composed of a plurality of conductive wires having a plurality of electrodes arranged in parallel in a second direction intersecting the first direction, the method comprising: a first step of the position detector generating an alternating magnetic field from the first sensor coil group; a second step of the position detector obtaining a level of a pen signal, which is a response alternating magnetic field from the pen stored by the alternating magnetic field, using at least the second sensor coil group; a third step of the position detector deriving information regarding the position of the pen using a two-dimensional distribution of the level of the pen signal at each intersection of the plurality of electrodes of the first sensor coil group and the plurality of electrodes of the second sensor coil group; including; in the first step, the position detector generating the alternating magnetic field a predetermined number of times using the first sensor coil group while changing a position in the first direction; the position detector obtaining the level of the pen signal, which is the response alternating magnetic field from the pen stored by the alternating magnetic field, at each of the predetermined number of times, determining, as one of the plurality of conductive wires arranged in parallel in the first direction of the first sensor coil group where the level of the signal from the pen is the largest, a start position for the next predetermined number of scans, and setting, as a conductive wire adjacent to the conductive wire having the largest level of the signal from the pen next to the previously scanned conductive wire, the conductive wire to be scanned next after the start position; a position detection method including the above.
2. In the first step, the position detector sets, as a conductive wire adjacent to the conductive wire having the largest level of the signal from the pen next to the previously scanned conductive wire, the conductive wire to be scanned next, and sequentially selects the previously scanned conductive wire so as to straddle it. The position detection method according to claim 1.
3. In the fifth step, the position detector arranges the level of the pen signal, which is the response alternating magnetic field from the pen stored by the alternating magnetic field, in a second direction different from the first direction, and obtains the level at each of the predetermined number of times using the plurality of electrodes each intersecting the one conductive wire. The position detection method according to claim 1.
4. In the first step, The position detector according to claim 2, wherein when the scanning region exceeds the arrangement region of the plurality of conductors arranged in the first direction, the scanning region is extended to a region beyond the arrangement region.
5. In the first step, The position detector according to claim 2, wherein when the scanning region exceeds the arrangement region of the plurality of conductors arranged in the first direction, the scanning region of the region beyond the arrangement region is extended to a region opposite to the end of the arrangement region.
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