Stylus pen

Abstract

To provide a stylus pen which is compatible with input terminals of both electrostatic coupling type and electromagnetic coupling type using a single input tip.SOLUTION: A stylus pen to be used with an input terminal is provided, comprising a pulse electrode for emitting a signal, a ground electrode provided on the outside of the pulse electrode and insulated from the pulse electrode, a cylindrical ferrite core having a coil wound around an outer periphery thereof, and an LC circuit connected to the coil and a capacitor, where the pulse electrode penetrates through the inside of the ferrite core.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a stylus pen used for input operations to an input terminal. [Background technology]

[0002] Various types of stylus pens have been proposed for use in input operations on input terminals equipped with position detection sensors. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a signal pen using an electrostatic emission method. Patent Document 2 discloses a stylus using an electrostatic capacitance method.

[0003] Patent Document 3 discloses a stylus that includes a first electric field generator that indicates the contact point with the input surface, a second electric field generator that indicates the angle of the main body relative to the input surface, and a force sensor that determines the force applied to the input surface. Patent Document 4 discloses a position indicator that includes a first electrode and a second electrode and transmits a signal via the second electrode only when an AC signal from a position detection sensor is detected via the first electrode. Patent Document 5 further discloses a stylus that uses a pair of electrodes to switch between contact detection and pen angle detection in a time-division manner.

[0004] Patent Document 6 discloses a technology in which a single position indicator is provided with a first receiving unit, a first transmitting unit, and a second receiving unit, and a second transmitting unit, and is compatible with multiple types of position detection systems. Patent Document 7 discloses a position indicator that is provided with an electronic pen refill that protrudes from the front end of the barrel and an input unit that is provided at the rear end of the barrel. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 8-272509 [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 7-295722 [Patent Document 3] Special Publication No. 2018-531444 [Patent Document 4] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2012-221304 [Patent Document 5] WO2020 / 129336 [Patent Document 6] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2020-129416 [Patent Document 7] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2020-67797 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] Some electrostatic input devices can be used with all input terminals. However, because the electrostatic coupling method is essentially the same as operating an input terminal with a fingertip, it may not be sufficient for precise character input or drawing purposes on an electromagnetic coupling input terminal.

[0007] Therefore, an object of each embodiment of the present application is to provide a stylus pen that can be used with both electrostatic coupling type and electromagnetic coupling type input terminals with a single input tip. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] (1) First embodiment A stylus pen according to a first embodiment of the present application is used with an input terminal and includes a pulse electrode that emits a signal, a ground electrode that is provided outside the pulse electrode and insulated from the pulse electrode, and a cylindrical ferrite core around whose outer periphery an electromagnetic coupling coil is wound, and the pulse electrode penetrates the inside of the ferrite core. With this configuration, this embodiment provides a stylus pen that can be used with both electrostatic coupling and electromagnetic coupling input terminals with a single input tip.

[0009] (2) Second embodiment In a second embodiment of the present application, in addition to the configuration of the first embodiment, the ground electrode penetrates the inside of the ferrite core. In other words, a ground electrode is provided outside the pulse electrode, and a ferrite core is provided further outside the ground electrode. With this configuration, it is possible to efficiently store a pulse electrode compatible with the electrostatic coupling method, a ground electrode connected to the pulse electrode through an electric circuit, and a coil used in the electromagnetic coupling method in the input tip of the stylus pen.

[0010] (3) Third embodiment In a third embodiment of the present application, in addition to the configuration of the first embodiment, the ground electrode is located forward of the ferrite core, and the diameter of the ground electrode is smaller than the diameter of the coil. In other words, the ground electrode is located forward of the outer side of the pulse electrode, and the ferrite core is located rearward of the outer side of the pulse electrode. This configuration allows the ground electrode to be located forward of the pen tip, making erroneous input less likely when using an electrostatic coupling method. It also makes it possible to design the outer diameter of the periphery of the pulse electrode to be smaller. Furthermore, it is possible to avoid interference with electromagnetic coupling by the coil located behind the ground electrode.

[0011] (4) Fourth embodiment A fourth embodiment of the present application further includes a second pulse electrode that transmits an additional information signal separate from the pulse electrode, insulated from the ground electrode and located forward of the ferrite core, and has a diameter smaller than that of the coil. In other words, with this configuration, the ground electrode is located outside the pulse electrode, the ferrite core is located further outward and rearward of the ground electrode, and the second pulse electrode is located further outward and forward of the ferrite core. This configuration allows the second pulse electrode to perform a function other than that of the pulse electrode. For example, if the pulse electrode performs the writing function, the second pulse electrode can be used to detect writing angle or transmit writing pressure information. Furthermore, interference with electromagnetic coupling by a coil located behind the second pulse electrode is avoided.

[0012] (5) Fifth embodiment A fifth embodiment of the present invention includes, in addition to the configuration of the second embodiment, a receiving electrode for receiving a signal from the input terminal, the receiving electrode being insulated from the ground electrode and located forward of the ferrite core, and the diameter of the receiving electrode being smaller than the diameter of the coil. This configuration allows the receiving electrode to receive a signal from the input terminal, and the received signal can be used to switch between an input using an electromagnetic coupling method with a pulse electrode and an input using an electromagnetic coupling method with a coil. Furthermore, interference with the electromagnetic coupling of the coil located behind the receiving electrode can be avoided.

[0013] (6) Sixth embodiment In a sixth embodiment of the present application, in addition to the configuration of any one of the first to fifth embodiments, a sensor for detecting the writing load when the pulse electrode contacts the surface of the input terminal is provided behind the ferrite core. This configuration makes it possible to further detect the writing load, and not only to detect the mere presence or absence of contact between the writing tip and the surface of the input terminal, but also to detect the degree of contact as, for example, a continuous value, which can be recognized as, for example, the thickness of a drawn line.

[0014] (7) Seventh embodiment A seventh embodiment of the present application further includes an LC circuit connected to the coil and a switch for opening and closing the LC circuit, in addition to the configuration of any one of the first to sixth embodiments. This configuration enables efficient manual switching between an electromagnetically coupled input using a pulse electrode and an electromagnetically coupled input using a coil. The open / close switch is provided to prevent attenuation of the electromagnetic energy received by the LC circuit from the input terminal. Furthermore, because an AC waveform is applied to the LC circuit, the open / close switch must have bidirectional conductivity. To achieve bidirectional conductivity, a mechanical contact switch with an on-resistance that can be considered nearly zero or a bidirectionally conductive semiconductor relay with low on-resistance is provided. When a semiconductor relay is provided, a low on-resistance is desirable, with a resistance value of less than 200 mΩ, more preferably less than 150 mΩ. [Effects of the Invention]

[0015] Since each embodiment of the present application is configured as described above, it is possible to provide a stylus pen that can be used with both electrostatic coupling type and electromagnetic coupling type input terminals with a single input tip. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0016] [Figure 1] 1A and 1B show a front view and a side view of a stylus pen according to a first embodiment. [Figure 2] 1A is a cross-sectional view taken along line II-II of FIG. 1A, and FIG. 1B is an enlarged view of the tip portion. [Figure 3] 3A is a front view of the pulse electrode, the ground electrode, and the ferrite core of FIG. 1, and FIG. 3B is a cross-sectional view taken along the line III-III of FIG. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a circuit diagram of the stylus pen of FIG. 1. [Figure 5] 1A and 1B show a front view and a side view of a stylus pen according to a second embodiment. [Figure 6] 6A is a cross-sectional view taken along line VI-VI in FIG. 5A, and FIG. 6B is an enlarged view of the tip portion. [Figure 7] 7A and 7B are a front view (A) and a cross-sectional view (VII-VII) of the pulse electrode, the ground electrode, and the ferrite core of FIG. 5. [Figure 8] FIG. 6 is a circuit diagram of the stylus pen of FIG. 5. [Figure 9] 10A and 10B show a front view and a side view of a stylus pen according to a third embodiment. [Figure 10] 9A is a cross-sectional view taken along the line XX in FIG. 9A, and FIG. 9B is an enlarged view of the tip portion. [Figure 11] 10A and 10B are a front view (A) and a cross-sectional view taken along the line XI-XI of the pulse electrode, the ground electrode, and the ferrite core of FIG. 9. [Figure 12] FIG. 10 is a circuit diagram of the stylus pen of FIG. 9. [Figure 13] 10A and 10B show a front view and a side view of a stylus pen according to a fourth embodiment. [Figure 14] 14A is a cross-sectional view taken along line XIV-XIV in FIG. 13A, and FIG. 14B is an enlarged view of the tip portion. [Figure 15] 14A and 14B are a front view and a cross-sectional view taken along the line XV-XV of the pulse electrode, the ground electrode, and the ferrite core of FIG. 13. [Figure 16] FIG. 14 is a circuit diagram of the stylus pen of FIG. 13. [Figure 17] FIG. 10 is a circuit diagram of a stylus pen according to a fifth embodiment. [Figure 18] FIG. 13 is a circuit diagram of a stylus pen according to a modified example of the fifth embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0017] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings. In the following description, the side where the input tip is located will be referred to as the "tip," and the opposite side will be referred to as the "rear end." Furthermore, common reference numerals in the various drawings indicate the same configuration even if not specifically mentioned in the description of the corresponding drawings.

[0018] (1) First embodiment FIG. 1 shows the appearance of a stylus pen 10 according to a first embodiment in a front view (A) and a side view (B). The stylus pen 10 comprises a cylindrical metal barrel 11, a synthetic resin tip cover 13 attached to the tip of the barrel 11, and a cap 15 removably attached to the rear end of the barrel 11. The tip cover 13 has a tapered shape, with an input unit 12 protruding from an opening at the tip. The cap 15 has a roughly hemispherical shape. A switch button 14 is provided near the tip on the side of the barrel 11. The tip of the input unit 12 has a roughly hemispherical shape.

[0019] Figure 2 shows a cross-sectional view (A) taken along line II-II in Figure 1 and an enlarged view (B) of the tip portion. The barrel 11 houses a circuit board 40 on which each circuit described below is formed, and a battery 41 that drives each circuit. A charging socket 16 is provided at the rear end of the barrel 11 and is covered with a cap 15. The charging socket 16 is, for example, a USB socket. Meanwhile, the tip cover 13 houses a pulse electrode 20, a ground electrode 23, and a ferrite core 31 as shown in the front view (A) and the cross-sectional view (B) taken along line III-III in Figure 3.

[0020] The pulse electrode 20 is an electrode that emits a signal toward an input terminal (not shown), and has a cylindrical shape with a roughly hemispherical tip. The outside of the pulse electrode 20 is covered with a cylindrical ground electrode 23. The pulse electrode 20 and the ground electrode 23 are insulated from each other by an insulating region 24. The insulating region 24 can be formed by applying insulating paint to either or both of the outer periphery of the pulse electrode 20 and the inner periphery of the ground electrode 23, or by wrapping an insulating film around the outer periphery of the pulse electrode 20. Alternatively, by ensuring a gap between the pulse electrode 20 and the ground electrode 23, the space corresponding to this gap can be used as the insulating region 24.

[0021] The pulse electrode 20 covered with the ground electrode 23 is surrounded by a cylindrical ferrite core 31. In other words, the pulse electrode 20 penetrates the inside of the ferrite core 31, and the ground electrode 23 also penetrates the inside of the ferrite core 31. A coil 32 is wound around the outer periphery of the ferrite core 31. The coil 32 is connected to a capacitor 33 (described later) to form an LC circuit 30.

[0022] 4 is a circuit diagram of the stylus pen 10 of this embodiment. A pulse control circuit 50, a pulse generating circuit 51, a wireless communication circuit 54, an antenna 55, a semiconductor switch 56, and a capacitor 33 are provided on a substrate 40 (see FIG. 2(A)). The capacitor 33 is connected to a coil 32 to form an LC circuit 30.

[0023] As described above, the barrel 11 is made of metal and is connected to the earth through the ground electrode 23. On the other hand, the tip cover 13 is made of a material that does not impede electrostatic coupling and electromagnetic coupling, such as the synthetic resin described above.

[0024] The wireless communication circuit 54 communicates wirelessly with an input terminal (not shown) via an antenna 55. The wireless communication circuit 54 can be, for example, Bluetooth (registered trademark) Low Energy (BLE). The pulse control circuit 50 controls the pulse generation circuit 51 and the semiconductor switch 56 in response to switch operations using the switch button 14 and signals from the wireless communication circuit 54. The pulse generation circuit 51 generates an electrostatic signal, which is emitted by the pulse electrode 20 and flows from the ground electrode 23 to earth. The semiconductor switch 56 opens and closes the LC circuit 30. When the LC circuit 30 is closed, an electric charge is generated by electromagnetic induction with the magnetic field on the surface of the input terminal, enabling input operation via electromagnetic coupling. When the LC circuit 30 is opened, input operation via electromagnetic coupling is not possible. The semiconductor switch 56 can be, for example, a bidirectionally conductive solid-state relay, specifically a MOS FET. Furthermore, the ON resistance of the semiconductor switch 56 is preferably less than 200 mΩ, and more preferably 150 mΩ or less.

[0025] Input to the input terminal using the stylus pen 10 of this embodiment is performed as follows. First, when the user operates the switch button 14 to select an input operation using the electrostatic coupling method, the pulse control circuit 50 controls the semiconductor switch 56 so that the LC circuit 30 opens, while causing the pulse generation circuit 51 to generate an electrostatic signal. On the other hand, when the user operates the switch button 14 to select an input operation using the electromagnetic coupling method, the pulse control circuit 50 controls the semiconductor switch 56 so that the LC circuit 30 closes, while causing the pulse generation circuit 51 to stop generating an electrostatic signal.

[0026] Furthermore, the pulse control circuit 50 can be made to recognize the input method of the input terminal by a signal received from the input terminal by the wireless communication circuit 54, without operating the switch button 14. This allows the pulse control circuit 50 to make the pulse generation circuit 51 generate an electrostatic signal while making the semiconductor switch 56 open the LC circuit 30, or to make the pulse generation circuit 51 stop generating an electrostatic signal while making the semiconductor switch 56 close the LC circuit 30.

[0027] As a modification of this embodiment, the switch button 14, wireless communication circuit 54, pulse control circuit 50, and semiconductor switch 56 may be omitted, and a pulse generating circuit 51 that constantly generates an electrostatic signal may be provided together with an LC circuit 30 that is normally closed. When the stylus pen 10 of this modification is used in an input terminal that uses an electrostatic coupling system, input operations can be performed using the electrostatic signal emitted from the pulse electrode 20 and the ground electrode 23. When the stylus pen 10 of this modification is used in an input terminal that uses an electromagnetic coupling system, an electrostatic signal is emitted from the pulse electrode 20, but this signal is unrelated to the input operation, and only the input operation via the LC circuit 30 is valid.

[0028] (2) Second embodiment 5A and 5B show the appearance of a stylus pen 10 according to the second embodiment in a front view and a side view, respectively. The appearance of the stylus pen 10 is the same as that of the first embodiment.

[0029] Figure 6 shows a cross-sectional view (A) taken along line VI-VI in Figure 5 and an enlarged view (B) of the tip portion. The internal structure of the barrel 11 is the same as that of the first embodiment. Meanwhile, the tip cover 13 contains a pulse electrode 20, a ground electrode 23, and a ferrite core 31 as shown in the front view (A) and the VII-VII cross-sectional view (B) of Figure 7.

[0030] The pulse electrode 20 is an electrode that emits a signal toward an input terminal (not shown), and has a cylindrical shape with a substantially hemispherical tip. An annular ground electrode 23 is fitted around the outer tip of the pulse electrode 20. The diameter of the ground electrode 23 narrows toward the tip. The pulse electrode 20 and the ground electrode 23 are insulated from each other by an insulating region 24. The insulating region 24 is the same as in the first embodiment.

[0031] A cylindrical ferrite core 31 is fitted around the outside of the pulse electrode 20 and behind the ground electrode 23. In other words, the pulse electrode 20 penetrates through the inside of the ferrite core 31 and also penetrates through the inside of the ground electrode 23. A coil 32 is wound around the outer periphery of the ferrite core 31. The coil 32 is connected to a capacitor 33 (described later) to form an LC circuit 30. The diameter of the ground electrode 23 is smaller than the diameter of the coil 32.

[0032] 8 is a circuit diagram of the stylus pen 10 of this embodiment. A pulse control circuit 50, a pulse generating circuit 51, a wireless communication circuit 54, an antenna 55, a semiconductor switch 56, and a capacitor 33 are provided on a substrate 40 (see FIG. 6(A)). The capacitor 33 is connected to a coil 32 to form an LC circuit 30.

[0033] As described above, the barrel 11 is made of metal and is connected to the earth through the ground electrode 23. On the other hand, the tip cover 13 is made of a material that does not impede electrostatic coupling and electromagnetic coupling, such as the synthetic resin described above.

[0034] The functions of the wireless communication circuit 54, pulse control circuit 50, pulse generating circuit 51, and semiconductor switch 56, as well as input to the input terminal using the stylus pen 10 of this embodiment, are the same as those of the first embodiment. The ground electrode 23 is provided near the tip of the outer periphery of the pulse electrode 20, thereby shortening the distance between the tip of the pulse electrode 20 and the ground electrode 23, thereby preventing erroneous input at a position away from the contact point between the input tablet and the pulse electrode 20. The diameter of the ground electrode 23 is smaller than the diameter of the coil 32, preventing the ground electrode 23 from interfering with electromagnetic induction by the coil 32.

[0035] (3) Third embodiment 9A and 9B show the appearance of a stylus pen 10 according to the third embodiment in a front view and a side view, respectively. The appearance of the stylus pen 10 is the same as that of the first embodiment.

[0036] Fig. 10 shows a cross-sectional view (A) taken along line XX in Fig. 9 and an enlarged view (B) of the tip portion. The internal structure of the barrel 11 is the same as that of the first embodiment. Meanwhile, the tip cover 13 contains the pulse electrode 20, the second pulse electrode 21, the ground electrode 23, and the ferrite core 31 as shown in the front view (A) and the cross-sectional view (B) taken along line XI-XI in Fig. 11.

[0037] The pulse electrode 20 is an electrode that emits a signal toward an input terminal (not shown), and has a cylindrical shape with a substantially hemispherical tip. The outside of the pulse electrode 20 is covered with a cylindrical ground electrode 23. The pulse electrode 20 and the ground electrode 23 are insulated from each other by an insulating region 24. The insulating region 24 is the same as in the first embodiment.

[0038] The pulse electrode 20 covered with the ground electrode 23 is surrounded by a cylindrical ferrite core 31. In other words, the pulse electrode 20 penetrates the inside of the ferrite core 31, and the ground electrode 23 also penetrates the inside of the ferrite core 31. A coil 32 is wound around the outer periphery of the ferrite core 31. The coil 32 is connected to a capacitor 33 (described later) to form an LC circuit 30.

[0039] Furthermore, a ring-shaped second pulse electrode 21 is fitted around the tip of the pulse electrode 20 covered with the ground electrode 23 and in front of the ferrite core 31. The diameter of the second pulse electrode 21 is reduced on the forward end. The second pulse electrode 21 and the ground electrode 23 are insulated from each other by an insulating region (not shown), similar to the insulating region 24 in the first embodiment.

[0040] 12 is a circuit diagram of the stylus pen 10 of this embodiment. A pulse control circuit 50, a pulse generating circuit 51, a second pulse generating circuit 52, a wireless communication circuit 54, an antenna 55, a semiconductor switch 56, and a capacitor 33 are provided on a substrate 40 (see FIG. 10(A)). The capacitor 33 is connected to the coil 32 to form an LC circuit 30.

[0041] As described above, the barrel 11 is made of metal and is connected to the earth through the ground electrode 23. On the other hand, the tip cover 13 is made of a material that does not impede electrostatic coupling and electromagnetic coupling, such as the synthetic resin described above.

[0042] The wireless communication circuit 54 is the same as in the first embodiment. The pulse control circuit 50 receives a switch operation by the switch button 14 and a signal from the wireless communication circuit 54, and controls the pulse generation circuit 51, the second pulse generation circuit 52, and the semiconductor switch 56. The pulse generation circuit 51 generates an electrostatic signal, which is emitted by the pulse electrode 20 and flows from the ground electrode 23 to the earth. The second pulse generation circuit 52 generates an electrostatic signal, which is emitted by the second pulse electrode 21 and flows from the ground electrode 23 to the earth. The semiconductor switch 56 is the same as in the first embodiment.

[0043] Input to the input terminal using the stylus pen 10 of this embodiment is performed as follows. First, when a user operates the switch button 14 to select an input operation using the electrostatic coupling method, the pulse control circuit 50 controls the semiconductor switch 56 to open the LC circuit 30 while causing the pulse generation circuit 51 and the second pulse generation circuit 52 to generate electrostatic signals. On the other hand, when an input operation using the electromagnetic coupling method is selected by operating the switch button 14, the pulse control circuit 50 controls the semiconductor switch 56 to close the LC circuit 30 while stopping the generation of electrostatic signals by the pulse generation circuit 51 and the second pulse generation circuit 52.

[0044] Furthermore, the pulse control circuit 50 can be made to recognize the input method of the input terminal by a signal received from the input terminal by the wireless communication circuit 54, without operating the switch button 14. This allows the pulse control circuit 50 to make the pulse generation circuit 51 and the second pulse generation circuit 52 generate electrostatic signals while making the semiconductor switch 56 open the LC circuit 30, or to make the pulse generation circuit 51 and the second pulse generation circuit 52 stop generating electrostatic signals while making the semiconductor switch 56 close the LC circuit 30.

[0045] The second pulse electrode 21 can be used to transmit additional information signals other than the input operation to the input terminal by the pulse electrode 20, such as pulses for detecting the writing angle of the stylus pen 10 or pulses for transmitting writing pressure information.

[0046] (4) Fourth embodiment 13A and 13B show the appearance of a stylus pen 10 according to the fourth embodiment in a front view and a side view, respectively. The appearance of the stylus pen 10 is the same as that of the first embodiment.

[0047] Figure 14 shows a cross-sectional view (A) taken along line XIV-XIV in Figure 13 and an enlarged view (B) of the tip portion. The internal structure of the barrel 11 is the same as that of the first embodiment. Meanwhile, the tip cover 13 contains the pulse electrode 20, receiving electrode 22, ground electrode 23, and ferrite core 31 as shown in the front view (A) and the XV-XV cross-sectional view (B) of Figure 15.

[0048] The pulse electrode 20 is an electrode that emits a signal toward an input terminal (not shown), and has a cylindrical shape with a substantially hemispherical tip. The outside of the pulse electrode 20 is covered with a cylindrical ground electrode 23. The pulse electrode 20 and the ground electrode 23 are insulated from each other by an insulating region 24. The insulating region 24 is the same as in the first embodiment.

[0049] The pulse electrode 20 covered with the ground electrode 23 is surrounded by a cylindrical ferrite core 31. In other words, the pulse electrode 20 penetrates the inside of the ferrite core 31, and the ground electrode 23 also penetrates the inside of the ferrite core 31. A coil 32 is wound around the outer periphery of the ferrite core 31. The coil 32 is connected to a capacitor 33 (described later) to form an LC circuit 30.

[0050] Furthermore, an annular receiving electrode 22 is fitted around the tip of the pulse electrode 20 covered with the ground electrode 23 and in front of the ferrite core 31. The diameter of the receiving electrode 22 is reduced on the forward end. The receiving electrode 22 and the ground electrode 23 are insulated from each other by an insulating region (not shown), similar to the insulating region 24 in the first embodiment.

[0051] 16 is a circuit diagram of the stylus pen 10 of this embodiment. A pulse control circuit 50, a pulse generation circuit 51, a pulse reception circuit 53, a wireless communication circuit 54, an antenna 55, a semiconductor switch 56, and a capacitor 33 are provided on a substrate 40 (see FIG. 14(A)). The capacitor 33 is connected to a coil 32 to form an LC circuit 30.

[0052] As described above, the barrel 11 is made of metal and is connected to the earth through the ground electrode 23. On the other hand, the tip cover 13 is made of a material that does not impede electrostatic coupling and electromagnetic coupling, such as the synthetic resin described above.

[0053] The wireless communication circuit 54 is the same as in the first embodiment. The pulse receiving circuit 53 receives a signal received by the receiving electrode 22 from the input terminal. The pulse control circuit 50 receives a switch operation by the switch button 14, a signal from the wireless communication circuit 54, and a signal from the pulse receiving circuit 53, and controls the pulse generating circuit 51 and the semiconductor switch 56. The pulse generating circuit 51 generates an electrostatic signal, which is emitted by the pulse electrode 20 and flows from the ground electrode 23 to the earth. The semiconductor switch 56 is the same as in the first embodiment.

[0054] Input to an input terminal using the stylus pen 10 of this embodiment is performed as follows. First, the case where the user operates the switch button 14 to select input operation using the electrostatic coupling method is the same as in the first embodiment. Furthermore, the case where the input method of the input terminal is recognized by the pulse control circuit 50 using a signal received from the input terminal by the wireless communication circuit 54, without operating the switch button 14, is also the same as in the first embodiment.

[0055] Furthermore, the pulse control circuit 50 can be made to recognize the input method of the input terminal by the signal received by the pulse receiving circuit 53 from the input terminal via the receiving electrode 22. As a result, the pulse control circuit 50 can make the pulse generating circuit 51 generate an electrostatic signal while making the semiconductor switch 56 open the LC circuit 30, or make the pulse generating circuit 51 stop generating an electrostatic signal while making the semiconductor switch 56 close the LC circuit 30.

[0056] (5) Fifth embodiment 17, the stylus pen 10 according to the fifth embodiment has the same configuration as the stylus pen 10 according to the first embodiment, but is also provided with a writing load detection sensor 57, which is a sensor for detecting the writing load, behind the coil 32. Information on the writing load detected by the writing load detection sensor 57 is input to a pulse control circuit 50, which may control the semiconductor switch 56 or the pulse generation circuit 51 in accordance with the writing load.

[0057] Furthermore, as in a modified example of the fifth embodiment shown in the circuit diagram of FIG. 18, a variable capacitor 58 that functions as a variable capacitance load sensor of the LC circuit 30 may be provided between the semiconductor switch 56 and the coil 32. [Industrial Applicability]

[0058] The present invention can be used in a stylus pen used for input operations to an input terminal. [Explanation of symbols]

[0059] 10 stylus pen 11 barrel 12 input unit 13 Tip cover 14 Switch button 15 Cap 16 Charging socket 20 pulse electrode 21 second pulse electrode 22 receiving electrode 23 Ground electrode 24 Insulation area 30 LC circuit 31 ferrite core 32 coil 33 Capacitor 40 Circuit board 41 Battery 50 pulse control circuit 51 pulse generation circuit 52 second pulse generation circuit 53 pulse receiving circuit 54 wireless communication circuit 55 antenna 56 Semiconductor switch 57 Writing load detection sensor 58 Variable capacitor

Claims

[Claim 1] The invention described herein.

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