Sensors, position detection devices, and sensor controllers

Abstract

The present invention provides a sensor and position detection device having a double-wound receiving coil. [Solution] The sensor 31 includes an outer loop coil OC, one end of which is connected to output terminal T1, and an inner loop coil IC, the other end of which is connected to output terminal T2. The other end of the outer loop coil OC and one end of the inner loop coil IC are interconnected by a bridge conductor BC that spans the inner loop coil IC.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a sensor, a position detection device, and a sensor controller, and more particularly to a sensor, a position detection device, and a sensor controller used for detecting the position of a pen by electromagnetic induction. [Background technology]

[0002] A position detection device that detects the position of a pen using an electromagnetic induction (EMR) method is known. Patent documents 1 and 2 disclose an example of this type of position detection device. As disclosed in patent documents 1 and 2, this type of position detection device comprises a sensor including a plurality of loop coils and a sensor controller, which is an integrated circuit that uses this sensor to detect the position of the pen. The sensor controller emits an alternating magnetic field (hereinafter referred to as the "sensor alternating magnetic field") from the touch surface by passing an alternating current through one of the loop coils, and receives the alternating magnetic field (hereinafter referred to as the "pen alternating magnetic field") emitted from the resonant circuit of the pen that has entered the emitted sensor alternating magnetic field with each loop coil, thereby detecting the position of the pen within the touch surface.

[0003] Patent Document 2 discloses that the loop coil for receiving the Pen alternating magnetic field (hereinafter referred to as the "receiving coil") is made of mesh electrodes, and that the receiving coil is made of 1.5 turns or 2 turns or more. [Prior art documents] [Patent Documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2019-211887 [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2017-174083 [Overview of the Initiative] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0005] Incidentally, since the transmission strength of the pen alternating magnetic field is weak, EMR systems require sensors that can receive the pen alternating magnetic field with high sensitivity. In addressing this issue, if the number of turns of the receiving coil is increased to two or more, as in the idea disclosed in Patent Document 2, the reception sensitivity of the pen alternating magnetic field can be sufficiently increased. However, in conventional EMR systems, the limit is 1.5 turns, as in the receiving coil disclosed in Patent Document 2, and it has not been possible to achieve two or more turns.

[0006] Therefore, one of the objects of the present invention is to provide a sensor, a position detection device, and a sensor controller having a double-wound receiving coil.

[0007] Furthermore, the inventors of this application are considering using a comb-shaped coil (a coil with multiple comb-like teeth protruding from a single straight base) as the receiving coil. With a comb-shaped coil, although it is necessary to use it in time division, N-1 receiving coils can be constructed with N comb-like teeth, so it is possible to reduce the wiring area for the receiving coils compared to using N-1 U-shaped receiving coils. However, since each receiving coil realized by a comb-shaped coil is necessarily a single winding, the receiving sensitivity of the Pen alternating magnetic field was not sufficient.

[0008] Therefore, another object of the present invention is to provide a sensor and a position detection device that can improve the receiving sensitivity of a receiving coil while taking advantage of the benefits of a comb-shaped coil.

[0009] Furthermore, when a receiving coil is constructed using mesh electrodes as described in Patent Document 2, while there is the advantage of improved visibility of the display superimposed on the sensor, there is a problem that the DC resistance of the receiving coil becomes higher because the wiring becomes thinner compared to when flat electrodes are used.

[0010] Therefore, yet another object of the present invention is to provide a sensor that can realize a receiving coil with lower DC resistance than conventional mesh electrodes, even though it is composed of mesh electrodes.

[0011] Furthermore, in recent years, electronic devices with two screens arranged horizontally (hereinafter referred to as "two-screen electronic devices") have appeared. However, when making this type of electronic device compatible with the EMR system, the number of receiving coils required doubles because the horizontally extending receiving coils are divided for each screen, and the number of receiving circuits required also doubles.

[0012] Therefore, yet another object of the present invention is to provide a sensor that can reduce the number of receiving circuits required in a dual-screen electronic device. [Means for solving the problem]

[0013] A sensor according to a first aspect of the present invention includes an outer loop coil, one end of which is connected to a first output terminal, and an inner loop coil, the other end of which is connected to a second output terminal, wherein the other end of the outer loop coil and the one end of the inner loop coil are interconnected by a bridge conductor that spans the inner loop coil.

[0014] Furthermore, the position detection device according to the first aspect of the present invention is a position detection device that includes a sensor according to the first aspect of the present invention and a switch circuit that switches between a first state in which the first output terminal and the second output terminal are interconnected and a second state in which the first output terminal and the second output terminal are connected to the first input terminal and the second input terminal of the same differential amplifier, respectively.

[0015] Furthermore, a sensor controller according to the first aspect of the present invention is a sensor controller that detects the position of an electromagnetic induction pen or a passive pointer using a sensor according to the first aspect of the present invention, and controls a switch that switches between a first state in which the first output terminal and the second output terminal are connected to each other, and a second state in which the first output terminal and the second output terminal are connected to the first input terminal and the second input terminal of the same differential amplifier, respectively.

[0016] A sensor according to a second aspect of the present invention has a loop coil including a plurality of wirings each extending in a first direction, each of the plurality of wirings includes a plurality of main wiring sections each composed of a plurality of linear sub-wirings, and a plurality of connection sections connecting two adjacent main wiring sections to each other, wherein one of the plurality of sub-wirings constituting the main wiring section also serves as one of the plurality of sub-wirings constituting another adjacent main wiring section within the same wiring.

[0017] A sensor according to a third aspect of the present invention is a sensor having a composite coil having three or more output terminals, wherein the composite coil has a partial coil that is wound one or more times for each output terminal, one end of the partial coil is connected to the corresponding output terminal, and the other end of the partial coil is connected to another adjacent partial coil.

[0018] A sensor according to a fourth aspect of the present invention is a comb-shaped coil comprising a base extending in a first direction and a plurality of comb-tooth portions extending in a second direction intersecting the first direction, with one end of each of the plurality of comb-tooth portions connected to the base and the other end of each of the plurality of comb-tooth portions constituting an output terminal, and a plurality of loop coils provided one at a time between two adjacent comb-tooth portions.

[0019] A position detection device according to a fourth aspect of the present invention includes a sensor according to a fourth aspect of the present invention, a switch for switching between a first mode for detecting the position of a pen by electromagnetic induction and a second mode for detecting the position of a passive pointer by capacitance, and a differential amplifier, wherein in the first mode, the switch connects one end of the loop coil to one of the two output terminals corresponding to the loop coil, and connects the other end of the loop coil to the other of the two output terminals corresponding to the loop coil to the differential amplifier, thereby configuring a state in which a two-turn coil is connected to the differential amplifier.

[0020] A sensor according to a fifth aspect of the present invention is a sensor disposed inside first and second panel surfaces arranged side by side in a first direction, comprising a first coil extending in the first direction inside the first panel surface and a second coil extending in the first direction inside the second panel surface, wherein the first coil and the second coil are connected in parallel or in series to the same differential amplifier. [Effects of the Invention]

[0021] According to a first aspect of the present invention, it is possible to provide a sensor having a double-wound receiving coil. Furthermore, this sensor can be used in both capacitive and EMR (Electromagnetic Resonance) methods.

[0022] According to a second aspect of the present invention, a receiving coil can be realized that is composed of mesh electrodes but has lower DC resistance than conventional mesh electrodes.

[0023] According to the third and fourth aspects of the present invention, it becomes possible to improve the receiving sensitivity of the receiving coil while taking advantage of the benefits of the comb-shaped coil.

[0024] According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, since the first coil and the second coil are connected in parallel or in series to a single differential amplifier (receiving circuit), it becomes possible to reduce the number of receiving circuits required in a dual-screen electronic device. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0025] [Figure 1] This figure shows the configuration of the position detection system 1 according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] This figure shows the general configuration of the first and second electrodes and the internal configuration of the switch unit 34. [Figure 3] This figure shows the general configuration of the first and second electrodes and the internal configuration of the switch unit 34. [Figure 4] This figure shows the configuration of the sensor 31, flexible substrate 33, and switch unit 34 included in the position detection system 1 according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 5] This figure shows the configuration of the sensor 31, flexible substrate 33, and switch unit 34 included in the position detection system 1 according to a first modification of the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6] This figure shows the configuration of the sensor 31, flexible substrate 33, and switch unit 34 included in the position detection system 1 according to a second modification of the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7] (a) and (b) are diagrams showing the configuration of the sensor 31 included in the position detection system 1 according to a second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 8] (a) and (b) are diagrams showing the configuration of a sensor 31 included in a position detection system 1 according to a modified example of the second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 9] (a) and (b) are diagrams showing the configuration of the sensor 31, flexible substrate 33, and switch unit 34 included in the position detection system 1 according to the third embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 10] This figure shows the configuration of the sensor 31, flexible substrate 33, and switch unit 34 included in the position detection system 1 according to the third embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 11](a) is a diagram showing the case where the multiple first electrodes constituting the sensor 31 are made up of comb-shaped coils DC, and (b) is a diagram showing the case where the multiple first electrodes constituting the sensor 31 are made up of composite coils CC. [Figure 12] (a) is a diagram showing the case where the multiple first electrodes constituting the sensor 31 are made up of comb-shaped coils DC, and (b) is a diagram showing the case where the multiple first electrodes constituting the sensor 31 are made up of composite coils CC. [Figure 13] (a) is a diagram showing the strength of the sensor alternating magnetic field transmitted in the manner shown in Figure 11(a)(b), and (b) is a diagram showing the strength of the sensor alternating magnetic field transmitted in the manner shown in Figure 12(a)(b). [Figure 14] (a) and (b) are diagrams showing the configuration of the sensor 31, flexible substrate 33, and switch unit 34 included in the position detection system 1 according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 15] This figure shows the configuration of the sensor 31, flexible substrate 33, and switch unit 34 included in the position detection system 1 according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 16] (a) and (b) are diagrams showing the configuration of sensors 31-1, 31-2 and a switch unit 34 included in the position detection system 1 according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 17] (a) and (b) are diagrams showing the configuration of sensors 31-1, 31-2 and a switch unit 34 included in the position detection system 1 according to a first modification of the fifth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 18] (a) and (b) are diagrams showing the configuration of sensors 31-1, 31-2 and a switch unit 34 included in a position detection system 1 according to a second modification of the fifth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 19] (a) and (b) are diagrams showing the configuration of sensors 31-1, 31-2 and a switch unit 34 included in a position detection system 1 according to a third modification of the fifth embodiment of the present invention. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0026] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings.

[0027] Figure 1 shows the configuration of a position detection system 1 according to a first embodiment of the present invention. As shown in the figure, the position detection system 1 is composed of an electromagnetic induction pen P and a position detection device 3. The electromagnetic induction pen P is a pen (indicator) that corresponds to position detection using the EMR method and is configured to have a resonant circuit including a coil and a capacitor inside.

[0028] The position detection device 3 is an electronic device that supports position detection of an electromagnetic induction pen P using the EMR method and position detection of a passive pointer using the capacitive method. The finger F shown in Figure 1 is an example of a passive pointer. A typical example of the position detection device 3 is a computer in which the touch surface also serves as the display surface, such as a laptop computer, tablet, or smartphone. In the following explanation, we will assume that the position detection device 3 is such a computer, but the present invention is also applicable to position detection devices in which the touch surface does not serve as the display surface, such as a digitizer.

[0029] The position detection device 3 comprises a cover glass 30, a sensor 31, a display 32, a flexible substrate 33, a switch unit 34, a sensor controller 35, and a host processor 36.

[0030] The cover glass 30 is a plate-shaped glass that covers the entire sensor 31 and display 32, and its surface constitutes the panel surface 3a of the position detection device 3. In the position detection device 3, this panel surface 3a serves as both the touch surface and the display surface, and the position detection device 3 is configured to detect the positions of the electromagnetic induction pen P and the passive pointer within the panel surface 3a.

[0031] Sensor 31 is a sensor that supports both EMR-based electromagnetic induction pen P position detection and capacitive-based passive pointer position detection. It comprises a plurality of first electrodes, each formed to extend in the x-direction as shown in the figure and arranged in the y-direction as shown in the figure, and a plurality of second electrodes, each formed to extend in the y-direction and arranged in the x-direction. Sensor 31 has a multilayer structure, and the plurality of first electrodes and the plurality of second electrodes are formed in different layers. Electrically, each first electrode and each second electrode are connected to the sensor controller 35 via wiring in the flexible substrate 33 and switches in the switch section 34.

[0032] Here, the first electrode is typically a linear electrode (hereinafter referred to as "linear electrode"), but it may also be a loop-shaped electrode (hereinafter referred to as "loop coil"). Alternatively, multiple first electrodes may be constructed using comb-shaped coils (coils in which multiple comb teeth extending in the y direction are connected to a single base extending in the x direction). In this case, multiple switches for isolating each comb tooth are provided on the base, and when detecting a passive pointer, these switches are turned off, allowing each comb tooth to be used as an independent linear electrode.

[0033] Furthermore, while the second electrode is typically a loop coil, multiple second electrodes may be constructed using comb-shaped coils, similar to the multiple first electrodes. In this case as well, multiple switches for isolating each comb tooth section are provided at the base, and when detecting a passive pointer, these switches are turned off, allowing each comb tooth section to be used as an independent linear electrode. One of the features of the position detection device 3 according to this embodiment lies in the structure of the second electrode, the details of which will be described later.

[0034] The display 32 is a display device for displaying video signals supplied from the host processor 36 on the panel surface 3a. The specific type of display 32 is not limited, but may be, for example, a liquid crystal display or an organic EL display.

[0035] The switch unit 34 is a circuit that includes multiple switches for switching the connections between each of the multiple first and second electrodes constituting the sensor 31 and the sensor controller 35. The switch unit 34 also includes an operational amplifier 34f and a differential amplifier 34g, which will be described later. The switch unit 34 may be provided on a dedicated circuit board or integrated circuit, or it may be provided on the same integrated circuit as the sensor controller 35. The switching state of the switch unit 34 is controlled by the sensor controller 35. Details of the switch unit 34 will also be described later.

[0036] The sensor controller 35 is an integrated circuit that has the function of detecting the position of the electromagnetic induction pen P within the panel surface 3a using the EMR method, and the function of detecting the position of the passive pointer within the panel surface 3a using the capacitive method. The electromagnetic induction pen P is further configured to acquire data transmitted by the electromagnetic induction pen P by demodulating the alternating magnetic field emitted by the electromagnetic induction pen P. The detection of the position of the electromagnetic induction pen P and the acquisition of data from the electromagnetic induction pen P, and the detection of the position of the passive pointer are performed in a time-division multiplexer. The sensor controller 35 is configured to sequentially supply the detected position and acquired data to the host processor 36.

[0037] The host processor 36 is the central processing unit of the position detection device 3, and is configured to run the operating system and various applications of the position detection device 3 by executing a program stored in memory (not shown). The host processor 36 also generates video signals according to the execution results of the applications and supplies them to the display 32.

[0038] The program executed by the host processor 36 includes processing based on position and data supplied to the host processor 36 from the sensor controller 35. This processing includes moving the cursor displayed on the panel surface 3a and generating stroke data that shows the trajectory of the electromagnetic induction pen P or passive pointer within the panel surface 3a. Regarding the stroke data, the host processor 36 is configured to perform processing such as rendering and displaying the generated stroke data, generating and recording digital ink containing the generated stroke data, and transmitting the generated digital ink to an external device in response to user instructions.

[0039] Figures 2 and 3 show the general configuration of the first and second electrodes described above, and the internal configuration of the switch unit 34. Figures 2 and 3 show an example in which the first electrode is a linear electrode EM and the second electrode is a single-turn loop coil LC. For simplicity, Figures 2 and 3 show five loop coils LC and five linear electrodes EM. m-2 ~EL m+2 Although this is shown, the actual position detection device 3 is configured with more loop coils LC and linear electrodes EM. Also, Figure 2 shows the state of the switch unit 34 when the sensor controller 35 detects the position of a passive pointer, and Figure 3 shows the state of the switch unit 34 when the sensor controller 35 detects the position of an electromagnetic induction pen P.

[0040] As shown in Figures 2 and 3, the switch unit 34 is composed of four types of switches 34a to 34d, a drive circuit 34e, a plurality of operational amplifiers 34f, and a plurality of differential amplifiers 34g.

[0041] Switch 34a is configured to supply an alternating current Tx_EMR for generating an alternating magnetic field of sensors to a plurality of linear electrodes EM on the panel surface 3a, and includes four input pins connected to the drive circuit 34e and output pins provided for each linear electrode EM. Each output pin is connected to one end in the x direction of the corresponding linear electrode EM via a lead wire PLy. Switch 34a serves to connect each input pin to any one of the output pins according to the control of the sensor controller 35.

[0042] Drive circuit 34e is a circuit that generates an alternating current i A ,i B in response to the alternating current Tx_EMR supplied from the sensor controller 35 and supplies it to the linear electrode EM via the switch 34a. Drive circuit 34e is configured to supply the alternating current i A to two of the four input pins of the switch 34a and supply the alternating current i B to the other two.

[0043] The alternating current i A is a current generated by amplifying the alternating current Tx_EMR using, for example, a buffer circuit. On the other hand, the alternating current i B is a current generated so as to satisfy the relationship that the time derivatives of each are opposite in phase to each other with respect to the alternating current i A . Expressing this relationship by a mathematical formula gives the following formula (1). The relationship of formula (1) means that as the increase in the alternating current i A increases, the decrease in the alternating current i B increases, and as the decrease in the alternating current i A increases, the increase in the alternating current i B increases. It can also be said that as the increase in the potential at one end with respect to the other end in the longitudinal direction of each of one or more linear electrodes EM supplied with the alternating current i A increases, the increase in the potential at one end with respect to the other end in the longitudinal direction of each of one or more linear electrodes EM supplied with the alternating current i B increases.

[0044]

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[0045] A typical alternating current i that satisfies the relationship in equation (1) B This is expressed by the following equation (2), where A is an arbitrary constant. When A=0, the alternating current i B is an alternating current i A This results in the inverted signal. In this case, the alternating current i A and alternating current i B This means that their signs are opposite. On the other hand, A is an alternating current i A If it is greater than the maximum value, the alternating current i A and alternating current i B This refers to currents that have the same sign but are at different levels. Note that AC current i A The inverted signal can be generated, for example, using an inverting buffer circuit. Figures 2 and 3 show an example using this inverting buffer circuit.

[0046]

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[0047] alternating current i A ,i B The potential at the other end of each linear electrode EM receiving the AC current i A The potential generated at one end of the linear electrode EM to which the current is supplied, and the alternating current i B It is preferable that the potential is the midpoint between the potential generated at one end of the supplied linear electrode EM and the potential at the midpoint between the two. When A=0, this potential is 0 (i.e., the ground potential).

[0048] Switch 34b is configured to supply touch detection signals Tx_TP for detecting the position of a passive pointer to multiple linear electrodes EM, and has a set of input and output pins provided for each linear electrode EM. Touch detection signals Tx_TP are supplied to each input pin from the sensor controller 35. Each output pin is connected to the corresponding linear electrode EM via a lead wire PLy. Switch 34b plays the role of connecting each input pin to the corresponding output pin according to the control of the sensor controller 35.

[0049] Switch 34c is configured to switch between a state in which the other end of the linear electrode EM in the x-direction is connected to the midpoint potential described above, and a floating state in which it is not connected to anything. Figures 2 and 3 show the case where the midpoint potential described above is the ground potential, and in this case, switch 34c is configured to have a set of input pins and ground pins provided for each linear electrode EM. The following explanation will continue on the premise that the midpoint potential described above is the ground potential.

[0050] Each input pin of switch 34c is connected to the other end in the x-direction of the corresponding linear electrode EM via a lead wire PLy. On the other hand, each ground pin of switch 34c is connected to the ground terminal to which the ground potential is supplied. Switch 34c is provided because, when the sensor controller 35 detects the position of the electromagnetic induction pen P, it is preferable to set the other end in the x-direction of each linear electrode EM to ground potential as described above, whereas when the sensor controller 35 detects the position of a passive pointer, it is necessary to put the other end in the x-direction of each linear electrode EM into a floating state. Switch 34c plays the role of switching the connection state between each input pin and the corresponding ground pin according to the control of the sensor controller 35.

[0051] Switch 34d is configured to supply the alternating current generated by the alternating magnetic field of the pen (the alternating magnetic field of the pen generated by the electromagnetic induction pen P in response to the alternating magnetic field of the sensor generated by the alternating magnetic field of the alternating current Tx_EMR) detected by each loop coil LC when the sensor controller 35 detects the position of the electromagnetic induction pen P to the differential amplifier 34g, while supplying the touch detection signal Tx_TP received by each loop coil LC to the operational amplifier 34f when the sensor controller 35 detects the position of the passive pointer.

[0052] Specifically, the switch 34d is configured with input pins provided at each end of the loop coil LC, and two output pins provided for each of these input pins. Hereinafter, if we refer to one end of the loop coil LC as output terminal T1 and the other end as output terminal T2, the switch 34d is configured to have one input pin for each of the output terminals T1 and T2. Each input pin is connected to the corresponding end of the loop coil LC via a lead wire PLx. The switch 34d plays the role of connecting each input pin to one of the two corresponding output pins in accordance with the control of the sensor controller 35.

[0053] The differential amplifier 34g is a circuit that generates an EMR-type received signal Rx_EMR by amplifying the potential difference between two input signals at a predetermined amplification factor and outputs it to the sensor controller 35, and is provided for each loop coil LC. One input terminal of the differential amplifier 34g is connected to the other of two output pins corresponding to the output terminal T1 of the corresponding loop coil LC, and the other input terminal of the differential amplifier 34g is connected to the other of two output pins corresponding to the output terminal T2 of the corresponding loop coil LC.

[0054] The operational amplifier 34f is a circuit that generates a capacitive received signal Rx_TP by amplifying the voltage difference between the input terminal and the ground terminal and outputs it to the sensor controller 35, and is provided for each loop coil LC. The input terminal of the operational amplifier 34f is connected to both one of the two output pins corresponding to the output terminal T1 of the corresponding loop coil LC and one of the two output pins corresponding to the output terminal T2 of the corresponding loop coil LC. The operational amplifier 34f is provided with a parallel capacitor to remove high-frequency noise.

[0055] Referring to Figure 2, the operation of the sensor controller 35 when detecting the position of a passive pointer will be explained in detail. In this case, the sensor controller 35 first controls switch 34d so that both ends of each loop coil LC are connected to each other and are also connected in common to the input terminal of the operational amplifier 34f (first state). Next, the sensor controller 35 controls switch 34b so that each input pin is connected to the corresponding output pin. As a result, the sensor controller 35 supplies a touch detection signal Tx_TP to one end of each linear electrode EM in the x direction. The sensor controller 35 also controls switch 34c so that each input pin is disconnected from the corresponding ground pin, thereby floating the other end of each linear electrode EM in the x direction.

[0056] The specific contents of the touch detection signal Tx_TP generated by the sensor controller 35 can be represented by the matrix A shown in equation (3) below. Matrix A is a square matrix having multiple rows that correspond one-to-one with multiple linear electrodes EM, and each element of matrix A (A 11 The subscripts attached to (etc.) indicate the output order from the sensor controller 35 on the left and the serial number of the linear electrode EM on the right. M is the total number of linear electrodes EM. The specific value of each element is either "1" or "-1". Matrix A is preferably an orthogonal matrix, but it does not have to be an orthogonal matrix.

[0057]

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[0058] The sensor controller 35 generates a touch detection signal Tx_TP for each column of matrix A and supplies it to each linear electrode EM. In a typical example, the touch detection signal Tx_TP is a binary pulse signal that is high when the corresponding element of matrix A is 1, and low when it is 1. Hereinafter, the touch detection signal Tx_TP corresponding to one column of matrix A will be referred to as the "partial touch detection signal Tx_TP".

[0059] The sensor controller 35 receives a received signal Rx_TP supplied from each operational amplifier 34f while supplying one partial touch detection signal Tx_TP to each linear electrode EM. Here, the mth linear electrode EM m And the nth loop coil LC n The capacitance formed between C mn In this case, the partial touch detection signal Tx_TP corresponding to the x-th column of matrix A is supplied to each linear electrode EM, and the received signal Rx_TP supplied from the n-th operational amplifier 34f to the sensor controller 35 is the value shown in equation (4) below.

[0060]

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[0061] Therefore, the nth loop coil LC is supplied while the partial touch detection signals Tx_TP corresponding to each column of matrix A are being supplied. n The received signal Rx_TP obtained for this will be represented as a vector b shown in equation (5) below.

[0062]

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[0063] The sensor controller 35 performs the calculation shown on the left side of equation (6) below on this vector b, thereby determining the capacitance C for each linear electrode EM. mnSeparate and obtain the matrix A shown in equation (6). -1 This is the inverse matrix of matrix A. As shown in equation (6), matrix A is inverse of matrix A -1 Since multiplying by results in the identity matrix I, the sensor controller 35 performs this operation, as shown on the right-hand side of equation (6), resulting in the nth loop coil LC. n Regarding each linear electrode EM m Capacitance C at the intersection with mn This will allow us to obtain them separately.

[0064]

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[0065] The sensor controller 35 performs calculations similar to those in equation (6) for each loop coil LC, thereby determining the capacitance C at each intersection of the linear electrode EM and the loop coil LC. mn The following is derived. The sensor controller 35 then uses each of the derived capacitances C mn The position (2D position) of the passive pointer is derived based on the distribution within the panel surface 3a. Specifically, the position corresponding to the vertex of the distribution can be derived as the position of the passive pointer.

[0066] Next, referring to Figure 3, the operation of the sensor controller 35 when detecting the position of the electromagnetic induction pen P will be explained in detail. In this case, the sensor controller 35 first controls the switch 34d so that the output terminals T1 and T2 of each loop coil LC and the corresponding input terminals of the differential amplifier 34g are connected to each other (second state).

[0067] Next, the sensor controller 35 uses a single linear electrode EM m Two linear electrodes EM adjacent to each other on one side, flanking the other. m-1 ,EL m-2 AC current i A A supply is provided, and two adjacent linear electrodes EM are connected to the other side. m+1 ,EL m+2 AC current i BThe switch 34a is controlled so that the necessary power is supplied. The sensor controller 35 also controls the switch 34c so that each input pin is connected to the corresponding ground pin, thereby grounding the other end of each linear electrode EM in the x-direction.

[0068] This control allows for linear electrode EM m A pseudo-coil is formed around the linear electrode EM on the panel surface 3a (especially the linear electrode EM). m An alternating magnetic field is generated by the sensor (above). Below, the generation of an alternating magnetic field by the sensor in this manner will be referred to as "linear electrode EM". m The sensor emits an alternating magnetic field from the sensor. The sensor controller 35 sequentially transmits the linear electrode EMs, excluding the four linear electrode EMs located at both ends of the entire linear electrode EM. m By performing a similar process, these linear electrode EMs are configured to sequentially emit similar sensor alternating magnetic fields.

[0069] Furthermore, in order to enable position detection of the electromagnetic induction pen P across the entire panel surface 3a, it is preferable that the four linear electrodes EM excluded from the execution of the above process be positioned outside the detection area of ​​the electromagnetic induction pen P. In addition, in this embodiment, the linear electrodes EM that emit the sensor alternating magnetic field are m Although alternating current is currently flowing through two linear electrodes EM on each side, it is sufficient to flow alternating current through one or more predetermined numbers of linear electrodes EM on each side. For example, alternating current may be flowed through one linear electrode EM on each side, or through three or more linear electrodes EM on each side.

[0070] The sensor controller 35 uses a linear electrode EM m While the sensor is emitting an alternating magnetic field, the sensor controller 35 acquires the received signal Rx_EMR supplied from each differential amplifier 34g. The linear electrode EM emits the sensor alternating magnetic field. mBy switching between the two, the received signal Rx_EMR supplied from each differential amplifier 34g is acquired, thereby obtaining the received signal Rx_EMR at each intersection of the loop coil LC and the linear electrode EM. Then, based on the distribution of the received intensity of the received signal Rx_EMR within the panel surface 3a, the position (2D position) of the electromagnetic induction pen P is derived. Specifically, the position corresponding to the peak of the distribution can be derived as the position of the electromagnetic induction pen P. In addition, the sensor controller 35 acquires the data transmitted by the electromagnetic induction pen P by demodulating the received signal Rx_EMR received with the strongest intensity.

[0071] Figure 4 shows the configuration of the sensor 31, flexible substrate 33, and switch unit 34 included in the position detection system 1 according to this embodiment. The figure shows only the three loop coils LC and the corresponding internal configurations of the flexible substrate 33 and switch unit 34. In addition, each switch in the switch unit 34 is in the state when detecting a passive pointer. These points are the same in Figures 5 and 6, which will be shown later.

[0072] As shown in Figure 4, the second electrode in this embodiment is composed of a double-wound loop coil LC. Specifically, the loop coil LC includes an outer loop coil OC, one end of which is connected to the output terminal T1, and an inner loop coil IC, the other end of which is connected to the output terminal T2. The other end of the outer loop coil OC and one end of the inner loop coil IC are interconnected by a bridge conductor BC that spans the inner loop coil IC.

[0073] In a plan view, the bridge conductor BC is positioned within the region where the outer loop coil OC and inner loop coil IC are formed (the region on the sensor 31 side of the flexible substrate 33; hereinafter referred to as the "sensor region"), while in a three-dimensional view, it is formed in a layer separate from the layer on which the outer loop coil OC and inner loop coil IC are provided (EMR sensor layer). The other end of the bridge conductor BC and the outer loop coil OC are connected by a first via conductor that penetrates an interlayer insulating film (not shown). Similarly, one end of the bridge conductor BC and the inner loop coil IC are connected by a second via conductor that penetrates an interlayer insulating film (not shown).

[0074] The layer on which the bridge conductor BC is provided may be the layer on which the first electrode constituting the sensor 31 (for example, the linear electrode EM shown in Figures 2 and 3) is formed (the touch sensor layer). This makes it possible to form the bridge conductor BC without providing a new layer for the bridge conductor BC.

[0075] As described above, in the position detection system 1 according to this embodiment, the other end of the outer loop coil OC and one end of the inner loop coil IC are interconnected by a bridge conductor BC that straddles the inner loop coil IC, making it possible to provide a sensor 31 having a double-wound receiving coil. Furthermore, since the configuration of the position detection system 1 according to this embodiment is the same as the configuration shown in Figures 2 and 3, except that the loop coil LC is double-wound, the sensor 31 according to this embodiment can be used in both the capacitive and EMR methods, as explained with reference to Figures 2 and 3.

[0076] Figure 5 shows the configuration of the sensor 31, flexible substrate 33, and switch unit 34 included in the position detection system 1 according to the first modification of this embodiment. As can be seen by comparing this figure with Figure 4, the loop coil LC in this modification differs from the loop coil LC in this embodiment in that the bridge conductor BC connecting the other end of the outer loop coil OC and one end of the inner loop coil IC is located on the flexible substrate 33 rather than within the sensor area. For this reason, the other end of the outer loop coil OC and one end of the inner loop coil IC are extended to the flexible substrate 33. According to this modification, in addition to obtaining the same effects as in this embodiment, the step of providing via conductors in the sensor area can be omitted.

[0077] Figure 6 shows the configuration of the sensor 31, flexible substrate 33, and switch unit 34 included in the position detection system 1 according to a second modification of this embodiment. As can be seen by comparing this figure with Figure 4, the sensor 31 according to this modification differs from the sensor 31 according to this embodiment in that it has four output terminals T1 to T4 for each loop coil LC. As in this embodiment, one end of the outer loop coil OC is connected to output terminal T1, and the other end of the inner loop coil IC is connected to output terminal T2. Output terminal T3 is connected to the other end of the outer loop coil OC, and output terminal T4 is connected to one end of the inner loop coil IC.

[0078] In this modified configuration, switch 34d has one input pin and two output pins for output terminal T2, one input pin and one output pin for output terminal T3, and one input pin and two output pins for output terminal T4. One of the two output pins corresponding to output terminal T2 is connected to output terminal T1, and the other is connected to the input terminal of operational amplifier 34f. The output pin corresponding to output terminal T3 is connected to one input terminal of differential amplifier 34g. One of the two output pins corresponding to output terminal T4 is connected to the input terminal of operational amplifier 34f, and the other is connected to the other input terminal of differential amplifier 34g.

[0079] In this modified configuration, when detecting the position of a passive pointer, the sensor controller 35 connects the input pin corresponding to output terminal T2 to the other output pin (on the op-amp 34f side), as shown in Figure 6, and connects the input pin corresponding to output terminal T4 to one of the output pins (on the op-amp 34f side). The sensor controller 35 also disconnects the input pin corresponding to output terminal T3 from the output pin. As a result, both ends of the inner loop coil IC are connected to each other and are commonly connected to the input terminals of the op-amp 34f, so the sensor controller 35 can detect the position of the passive pointer in the same manner as in this embodiment. In this modified configuration, the outer loop coil OC is not used for detecting the position of the passive pointer.

[0080] On the other hand, when detecting the position of the electromagnetic induction pen P, the sensor controller 35 in this modified example connects the input pin corresponding to output terminal T2 to one output pin (on the side of output terminal T1), the input pin corresponding to output terminal T3 to an output pin, and the input pin corresponding to output terminal T4 to the other output pin (on the side of differential amplifier 34g). As a result, a double-wound loop coil is formed between one input terminal and the other input terminal of the differential amplifier 34g. Therefore, this modified example also makes it possible to provide a sensor having a double-wound receiving coil, and the sensor controller 35 can detect the position of the electromagnetic induction pen P in the same manner as in this embodiment.

[0081] Next, a position detection system 1 according to a second embodiment of the present invention will be described. Figures 7(a) and 7(b) show the configuration of the sensor 31 included in the position detection system 1 according to this embodiment. The position detection system 1 according to this embodiment differs from the position detection system 1 according to the first embodiment in that the loop coil LC constituting the second electrode included in the sensor 31 includes a mesh electrode. In other respects, it is the same as the position detection system 1 according to the first embodiment, so the following description will focus on the differences from the position detection system 1 according to the first embodiment.

[0082] Figure 7(a) shows only one of the multiple loop coils LC included in the sensor 31 and the dummy mesh electrode DM located in its central part. In Figure 7(a), the internal region of the plate-shaped conductor is shown with hatching, and even if an area is enclosed by a solid line, if there is no hatching, it is assumed that no conductor is formed there. These points are the same in Figure 8(a), which will be shown later. Figure 7(b) is a magnified view of a part of the loop coil LC shown in Figure 7(a).

[0083] As shown in Figure 7(a), the sensor 31 according to this embodiment is composed of a plurality of main wiring sections ML, each of which is an octagonal conductor, and a plurality of connecting sections CL that connect two adjacent main wiring sections ML to each other. The plurality of main wiring sections ML are arranged in a matrix, and two rows of main wiring sections ML constitute one side of the loop coil LC. Specifically, referring to the example shown in Figure 7(a), from left to right, two rows of main wiring sections ML constitute one side of the outer loop coil OC, the next two rows of main wiring sections ML constitute one side of the inner loop coil IC, the next six rows of main wiring sections ML constitute the dummy mesh electrode DM, the next two rows of main wiring sections ML constitute the other side of the inner loop coil IC, and the next two rows of main wiring sections ML constitute the other side of the outer loop coil OC. The connecting sections CL play the role of connecting adjacent main wiring sections ML in the x direction on the same side. Furthermore, the other end of the outer loop coil OC and one end of the inner loop coil IC are interconnected by a bridge conductor BC that spans the inner loop coil IC, similar to the loop coil LC in the first embodiment.

[0084] Each side of each main wiring section ML is composed of a linear sub-wiring BL as shown in Figure 7(b). As described above, the main wiring section ML in this embodiment is octagonal, and is therefore composed of eight sub-wiring BLs. In the main wiring sections ML other than those located at both ends in the y-direction of the matrix, one of the multiple sub-wiring BLs that make up each section also serves as one of the multiple sub-wiring BLs that make up another main wiring section ML adjacent in the y-direction (region A shown in Figure 7(b)). This makes it possible to reduce the DC resistance of the loop coil LC compared to when adjacent main wiring sections ML in the y-direction are connected at a single point via a thin wire such as a connection section CL.

[0085] As described above, the position detection system 1 according to this embodiment makes it possible to construct a loop coil LC similar to the position detection device 3 according to the first embodiment using mesh electrodes. Furthermore, even though it is composed of mesh electrodes, it is possible to realize a loop coil LC with lower DC resistance compared to the case where adjacent main wiring sections ML in the y direction are connected at a single point using conventional mesh electrodes.

[0086] Figures 8(a) and 8(b) show the configuration of a sensor 31 included in a modified position detection system 1 of this embodiment. This modified position detection system 1 is the same as the position detection system 1 of this embodiment, except that the main wiring section ML is hexagonal instead of octagonal. Thus, the main wiring section ML is not limited to an octagon, and may have various polygonal shapes such as a square or rhombus, in addition to the hexagon shown in Figures 8(a) and 8(b). However, since open ends may increase DC resistance, it is preferable that the main wiring section ML has a closed shape.

[0087] Next, a position detection system 1 according to a third embodiment of the present invention will be described. Figures 9(a)(b) and 10 show the configurations of the sensor 31, flexible substrate 33, and switch unit 34 included in the position detection system 1 according to this embodiment, respectively. The position detection system 1 according to this embodiment differs from the position detection system 1 according to the first embodiment in that the plurality of second electrodes included in the sensor 31 are composed of composite coils CC having electrical characteristics similar to the comb-shaped coil described above. In other respects, it is the same as the position detection system 1 according to the first embodiment, so the following description will focus on the differences from the position detection system 1 according to the first embodiment.

[0088] Referring first to Figure 9(a), the sensor 31 according to this embodiment is configured to have a composite coil CC which includes a plurality of output terminals T and a partial coil PC provided for each output terminal T.

[0089] Each sub-coil PC has 1.5 turns. Each sub-coil PC is connected to an output terminal T at the end on the flexible substrate 33 side, which is located on the outermost edge, and at the other end, it is connected to the outermost edge of another sub-coil PC adjacent in the x direction via a bridge conductor BC that spans it.

[0090] A switch 31a is provided near the bridge conductor BC of each section coil PC, which is configured to be switched on and off by control from the sensor controller 35. When the switch 31a is off, each section coil PC is electrically disconnected.

[0091] The switch 34d in this embodiment is configured to have an input pin provided for each output terminal T, and three output pins provided for each input pin. In this embodiment, one differential amplifier 34g is provided for two switches 34d. Hereafter, if we assign sequential numbers with subscripts to the switches, such as switches 34d1, 34d2, etc., starting from one side in the x direction, then the differential amplifier 34g n One of the input terminals is switch 34d 2n-1 The third output pin and switch 34d2n It is connected in common to the second output pin of the differential amplifier 34g. n The other input terminal is switch 34d 2n The third output pin and switch 34d 2n+1 It is connected in common to the second output pin of the switch 34d. There is one op-amp 34f for each switch 34d, and the input terminal of each op-amp 34f is connected to the first output pin of the corresponding switch 34d.

[0092] In this embodiment, when detecting the position of a passive pointer, the sensor controller 35 controls each switch 34d so that the output terminal T is connected to the input terminal of the operational amplifier 34f, as shown in Figure 10, and turns off all switches 31a. As a result, one end of the partial coil PC is connected to the input terminal of each operational amplifier 34f, and the other end of the partial coil PC is left open, so the sensor controller 35 can detect the position of the passive pointer in the same manner as in the first embodiment.

[0093] On the other hand, when detecting the position of the electromagnetic induction pen P, the sensor controller 35 according to this embodiment controls all switches 31a to be ON and controls the switch 34d in two stages: the state shown in Figure 9(a) and the state shown in Figure 9(b). In the state shown in Figure 9(a), the sensor controller 35 controls the differential amplifier 34g n One of the input terminals has an output terminal T. 2n The differential amplifier 34g is connected. n The other input terminal is output terminal T 2n+1 The switch 34d is controlled so that it is connected. As a result, output terminal T is connected as shown by the dashed line in Figure 9(a). 2n A receiving coil is formed with two turns on the corresponding partial coil PC, and this receiving coil detects the alternating magnetic field of the Penn.

[0094] On the other hand, in the state shown in Figure 9(b), the sensor controller 35 controls the differential amplifier 34g n One of the input terminals has an output terminal T. 2n-1 The differential amplifier 34g is connected.n The other input terminal is output terminal T 2n The switch 34d is controlled so that it is connected. As a result, output terminal T is connected as shown by the dashed line in Figure 9(b). 2n-1 A receiving coil is formed with two turns on the corresponding partial coil PC, and this receiving coil detects the alternating magnetic field of the Penn.

[0095] The action of the composite coil CC described above is none other than the action of a comb-shaped coil. Furthermore, in the composite coil CC, each receiving coil is wound twice (a 1.5-turn partial coil PC + one side of the adjacent partial coil PC), so it can be said that the position detection system 1 according to this embodiment makes it possible to improve the receiving sensitivity of the receiving coil while taking advantage of the benefits of a comb-shaped coil.

[0096] Here, the composite coil CC described in this embodiment can be used not only as multiple second electrodes of the sensor 31 but also as multiple first electrodes. By doing so, the detection height of the electromagnetic induction pen P can be increased compared to the case where a comb-shaped coil is used as multiple first electrodes. This point will be explained in detail below with reference to Figures 11 to 13.

[0097] Figure 11(a) shows a case where the multiple first electrodes constituting the sensor 31 are configured with comb-shaped coils DC, and Figure 11(b) shows a case where the multiple first electrodes constituting the sensor 31 are configured with composite coils CC.

[0098] As shown in Figure 11(a), when multiple first electrodes are configured, the comb-shaped coil DC has a shape in which multiple comb teeth TP protrude in the x direction from a linear base BP extending in the y direction. This is nothing more than the shape in which the other ends in the x direction of multiple linear electrodes EM shown in Figure 2 are connected to each other with a linear conductor. In this case, the alternating current i described in the first embodiment A ,i B It is not necessary to use both, for example, AC current i ABy supplying this to one or more adjacent comb teeth TPs (three in Figure 11(a)) (hereinafter referred to as "transmitting comb teeth TPs") and receiving it with one or more adjacent comb teeth TPs (three in Figure 11(a)) (hereinafter referred to as "receiving comb teeth TPs"), the sensor alternating magnetic field can be transmitted from the region between the transmitting comb teeth TPs and the receiving comb teeth TPs, as shown by the dashed line in Figure 11(a).

[0099] The same applies to the composite coil CC. As shown in Figure 11(b), for example, the alternating current i A By supplying this to one or more (three in Figure 11(b)) adjacent output terminals T (hereinafter referred to as "transmitting terminals T") and receiving it at one or more (three in Figure 11(b)) adjacent output terminals T (hereinafter referred to as "receiving terminals T"), the sensor alternating magnetic field can be transmitted from the partial coil PC located between the transmitting terminals T and the receiving terminals T, as shown by the dashed line in Figure 11(b).

[0100] Figure 12(a) shows a case where the multiple first electrodes constituting the sensor 31 are configured with comb-shaped coils DC, similar to Figure 11(a). However, it differs from the example in Figure 11(a) in that there is only one transmitting comb tooth TP, and the receiving comb tooth TP is separated by four teeth from the transmitting comb tooth TP. In the example in Figure 12(a) as well, the sensor alternating magnetic field is emitted from the region between the transmitting comb tooth TP and the receiving comb tooth TP. However, because the transmitting comb tooth TP and the receiving comb tooth TP are separated, the sensor alternating magnetic field is emitted from a wide area.

[0101] Furthermore, Figure 12(b) shows a case where the multiple first electrodes constituting the sensor 31 are configured with a composite coil CC, similar to Figure 11(a). However, it differs from the example in Figure 11(b) in that there is only one transmitting terminal T, and the receiving terminal T is located four terminals away from the transmitting terminal T. In the example in Figure 12(b), the sensor alternating magnetic field is emitted from the partial coil PC between the transmitting terminal T and the receiving terminal T. However, since there are multiple partial coil PCs between the transmitting terminal T and the receiving terminal T, the sensor alternating magnetic field is emitted from each of these partial coil PCs, resulting in the sensor alternating magnetic field being emitted from a wide area.

[0102] Figure 13(a) shows the intensity of the sensor alternating magnetic field transmitted in the manner shown in Figures 11(a) and 11(b), and Figure 13(b) shows the intensity of the sensor alternating magnetic field transmitted in the manner shown in Figures 12(a) and 12(b). In each figure, the horizontal axis is the y-coordinate, and the vertical axis shows the mutual inductance between the comb-shaped coil DC or composite coil CC in the sensor 31 and the coil in the electromagnetic induction pen P. In both figures, the y-coordinate of the peak position of the transmitted sensor alternating magnetic field is set to 0.

[0103] From the results in Figures 13(a) and 13(b), it can be seen that, in both cases where the sensor alternating magnetic field transmission range is relatively narrow and wide, transmitting the field from the composite coil CC results in a larger mutual inductance than transmitting it from the comb-shaped coil DC. Therefore, by configuring the multiple first electrodes constituting the sensor 31 with the composite coil CC, it is possible to increase the detection height of the electromagnetic induction pen P compared to the case where it is configured with the comb-shaped coil DC.

[0104] Next, a position detection system 1 according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described. Figures 14(a)(b) and 14(b) and 15 are diagrams showing the configurations of the sensor 31, flexible substrate 33, and switch unit 34 included in the position detection system 1 according to this embodiment, respectively. The position detection system 1 according to this embodiment differs from the position detection system 1 according to the third embodiment in that the plurality of second electrodes included in the sensor 31 are composed of a combination of comb-shaped coil DC and loop coil LC. In other respects, it is the same as the position detection system 1 according to the third embodiment, so the following description will focus on the differences from the position detection system 1 according to the third embodiment.

[0105] Referring first to Figure 14(a), the sensor 31 according to this embodiment is composed of a comb-shaped coil DC which includes a base BP extending in the x direction and a plurality of comb-tooth portions TP each extending in the y direction, with one end of each of the plurality of comb-tooth portions TP connected to the base BP and the other end of each of the plurality of comb-tooth portions TP forming an output terminal T1, and a plurality of loop coils LC provided one at a time between two adjacent comb-tooth portions TP. One end of the loop coil LC forms an output terminal T2, and the other end forms an output terminal T3.

[0106] The switch section 34 in this embodiment is configured to have, instead of switch 34d, a switch 34d1 provided for each output terminal T1, a switch 34d2 provided for each output terminal T2, and a switch 34d3 provided for each output terminal T3. Switch 34d1 is an on / off switch having an input pin connected to the corresponding output terminal T1 and one output pin. Switch 34d2 is configured to have an input pin connected to the corresponding output terminal T2 and three output pins. Similarly, switch 34d3 is configured to have an input pin connected to the corresponding output terminal T3 and three output pins. Hereafter, if we assign sequential numbers with subscripts to switches 34d31, 34d32, etc., starting from one side in the x direction, then switch 34d2 2n ,34d3 2n The third output pin of each, and switch 34d2 2n+1 ,34d32n+1 The first output pin of each of these is an open terminal that is not connected to anything. Also, switch 34d3 2n The first output pin is output terminal T. 2n It is connected to switch 34d3 2n+1 The third output pin is output terminal T. 2n+1 It connects to the network.

[0107] In this embodiment, one operational amplifier 34f is provided for one loop coil LC, and one differential amplifier 34g is provided for two output terminals T1. The input terminal of operational amplifier 34f is commonly connected to the second output pin of the corresponding switches 34d2 and 34d3. Differential amplifier 34g n One of the input terminals is switch 34d2 2n The first output pin and switch 34d2 2n+1 It is connected in common to the third output pin of the differential amplifier 34g. n The other input terminal is switch 34d1 2n+1 Output pin and switch 34d1 2n+2 It is connected in common to the output pins.

[0108] In this embodiment, when detecting the position of a passive pointer, the sensor controller 35 controls all switches 34d1 to the OFF position, as shown in Figure 15, while controlling switches 34d2 and 34d3 so that their output terminals T2 and T3 are connected to the input terminals of the operational amplifier 34f. As a result, both ends of the loop coil LC are connected to the input terminals of each operational amplifier 34f, allowing the sensor controller 35 to detect the position of the passive pointer in the same manner as in the first embodiment. In this embodiment, the comb-type coil DC is not used for detecting the position of the passive pointer.

[0109] On the other hand, when detecting the position of the electromagnetic induction pen P, the sensor controller 35 according to the present embodiment controls the switches 34d1, 34d2, and 34d3 in two steps: the state shown in FIG. 14(a) and the state shown in FIG. 14(b). In the state shown in FIG. 14(a), the sensor controller 35 connects the output terminal T1 to the other input terminal of the differential amplifier 34g n and controls each switch 34d1 so that the output terminal T1 is disconnected from the other input terminal of the differential amplifier 34g 2n+1 . While connecting the output terminal T2 to one input terminal of the differential amplifier 34g n , the sensor controller 35 controls each switch 34d2 so that the output terminal T2 is disconnected from one input terminal of the differential amplifier 34g 2n+2 . While connecting the output terminal T3 to the output terminal T1 n and controlling each switch 34d3 so that the output terminal T3 is disconnected from the output terminal T1 2n . As a result, as shown by the dashed line in FIG. 14(a), the comb teeth portion TP2 n , the loop coil LC 2n+1 , and the comb teeth portion TP2 2n form a two-turn receiving coil, and the pen alternating magnetic field is detected by this receiving coil.

[0110] On the other hand, in the state shown in FIG. 14(b), the sensor controller 35 connects the output terminal T1 to the other input terminal of the differential amplifier 34g n and controls each switch 34d1 so that the output terminal T1 is disconnected from the other input terminal of the differential amplifier 34g 2n+2 . While connecting the output terminal T2 to one input terminal of the differential amplifier 34g n and controlling each switch 34d2 so that the output terminal T2 is disconnected from one input terminal of the differential amplifier 34g 2n+1 . While connecting the output terminal T3 to the output terminal T1 n and controlling each switch 34d3 so that the output terminal T3 is disconnected from the output terminal T1 2n+1 n 2n 2n+1 2n+1 ​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​On the other hand, it is connected to output terminal T3 2n output terminal T1 2n Each switch 34d3 is controlled to disconnect from the comb teeth TP2 as shown by the dashed line in Figure 14(b). 2n+1 , loop coil LC 2n+1 , and comb teeth TP2 2n+2 This creates a double-wound receiving coil, and this receiving coil detects the Penn alternating magnetic field.

[0111] As explained above, in this embodiment as well, the same effect as a comb-shaped coil can be obtained, and since each receiving coil is made up of two turns (a single-turn loop coil LC + comb teeth on both sides thereof), it can be said that the position detection system 1 according to this embodiment, like the position detection device 3 according to the third embodiment, makes it possible to improve the receiving sensitivity of the receiving coil while taking advantage of the benefits of a comb-shaped coil.

[0112] Next, a position detection system 1 according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention will be described. Figures 16(a) and 16(b) show the configuration of sensors 31-1, 31-2 and a switch unit 34 included in the position detection system 1 according to this embodiment. The position detection system 1 according to this embodiment is the two-screen electronic device described above, and is configured to have two panel surfaces 3a. Sensors 31-1 and 31-2 are sensors that are arranged on one and the other of these two panel surfaces 3a, respectively.

[0113] Figures 16(a) and 16(b) show only a portion of the multiple second electrodes included in sensors 31-1 and 31-2, and the corresponding configuration within the switch section 34. Furthermore, the configuration for detecting the passive pointer is omitted from Figures 16(a) and 16(b). These points also apply to Figures 17(a) and 18(a) and 19(a) and 19(a) and 19(b), which will be discussed later.

[0114] As shown in Figures 16(a) and 16(b), the multiple second electrodes included in each of the sensors 31-1 and 31-2 according to this embodiment are all composed of comb-shaped coils DC. The number of comb teeth TP in the comb-shaped coil DC constituting sensor 31-1 is the same as the number of comb teeth TP in the comb-shaped coil DC constituting sensor 31-2. Furthermore, each comb tooth TP in the comb-shaped coil DC constituting sensor 31-1 and each comb tooth TP in the comb-shaped coil DC constituting sensor 31-2 are located at the same position in the x-direction.

[0115] The switch unit 34 in this embodiment is configured to have two switch units 34d-1 and 34d-2, corresponding to sensors 31-1 and 31-2, respectively. Switch unit 34d-1 is configured to have input pins corresponding to each output terminal T of the comb-type coil DC of sensor 31-1, and one fewer output pin than the input pins. Switch unit 34d-2 is configured to have input pins corresponding to each output terminal T of the comb-type coil DC of sensor 31-2, and one fewer output pin than the input pins. The output pins of switch unit 34d-1 and switch unit 34d-2 are interconnected one by one, starting from one side in the x-direction.

[0116] Furthermore, the switch unit 34 in this embodiment has one differential amplifier 34g for each of the two output pins of the switch unit 34d-1. One input terminal of the differential amplifier 34g is connected to one of the two corresponding output pins, and the other input terminal is connected to the other of the two corresponding output pins.

[0117] In this embodiment, when detecting the position of the electromagnetic induction pen P, the sensor controller 35 controls switches 34d-1 and 34d-2 in two separate steps: the state shown in Figure 16(a) and the state shown in Figure 16(b). Hereinafter, if we assign sequential numbers to the output terminals T1, T2, etc., starting from one side in the x-direction, in the state shown in Figure 16(a), the sensor controller 35 controls the differential amplifier 34g n One of the input terminals is connected to the output terminals T of sensors 31-1 and 31-2, respectively. 2n-1 The differential amplifier 34g is connected. nThe other input terminal is connected to the output terminal T of sensors 31-1 and 31-2, respectively. 2n Switch 34d is controlled so that the output terminal T is connected. As a result, as shown by the dashed line in Figure 16(a), the output terminal T is connected to sensors 31-1 and 31-2, respectively. 2n-1 and output terminal T 2n A single-turn receiving coil is formed between them, and this receiving coil detects the Penn alternating magnetic field.

[0118] On the other hand, in the state shown in Figure 16(b), the sensor controller 35 controls the differential amplifier 34g n One of the input terminals is connected to the output terminals T of sensors 31-1 and 31-2, respectively. 2n The differential amplifier 34g is connected. n The other input terminal is connected to the output terminal T of sensors 31-1 and 31-2, respectively. 2n+1 Switch 34d is controlled so that the output terminal T is connected. As a result, as shown by the dashed line in Figure 16(b), the output terminal T is connected to sensors 31-1 and 31-2, respectively. 2n and output terminal T 2n+1 A single-turn receiving coil is formed between them, and this receiving coil detects the Penn alternating magnetic field.

[0119] As described above, in the position detection system 1 according to this embodiment, the receiving coil formed in sensor 31-1 and the receiving coil formed in sensor 31-2 are connected in parallel to a single differential amplifier 34g (receiving circuit). Therefore, compared to the case where a differential amplifier is provided for each panel surface 3a, it is possible to reduce the number of receiving circuits required in a two-screen electronic device.

[0120] Figure 17 shows the configuration of sensors 31-1, 31-2 and a switch unit 34 included in the position detection system 1 according to the first modification of this embodiment. The position detection system 1 according to this modification differs from the position detection system 1 according to this embodiment in that the multiple second electrodes included in each of sensors 31-1 and 31-2 are all composed of composite coils CC similar to those described in the third embodiment. In other respects, it is the same as the position detection system 1 according to this embodiment, so in the position detection system 1 according to this modification, the receiving coil formed in sensor 31-1 and the receiving coil formed in sensor 31-2 are connected in parallel to one differential amplifier 34g (receiving circuit). Therefore, the position detection system 1 according to this modification also makes it possible to reduce the number of receiving circuits required in a dual-screen electronic device.

[0121] Figure 18 shows the configuration of sensors 31-1, 31-2 and a switch unit 34 included in the position detection system 1 according to a second modification of this embodiment. This modified position detection system 1 differs from the first modified position detection system 1 in that the second electrode included in sensor 31-2 is composed of a loop coil LC similar to that described in the first embodiment.

[0122] In this embodiment, each partial coil PC within the sensor 31-1 has an output terminal T provided on its outermost circumference, as well as output terminals T1 and T2 obtained by dividing the shorter side on the inner circumference facing the sensor 31-2 into two. The output terminal T1 of the partial coil PC is connected to the output terminal T1 of the loop coil LC in the corresponding sensor 31-2, and the output terminal T2 of the partial coil PC is connected to the output terminal T2 of the loop coil LC in the corresponding sensor 31-2.

[0123] The switch unit 34 in this embodiment has a switch unit 34d-1 corresponding to sensor 31-1, but does not have a switch unit 34d-2 corresponding to sensor 31-2. The configuration of the switch unit 34d-1 is the same as that of the switch unit 34d-1 in this embodiment.

[0124] In other respects, the position detection system 1 according to this modified example is the same as the position detection system 1 according to this embodiment. Therefore, in the position detection system 1 according to this modified example, the receiving coil formed in sensor 31-1 and the receiving coil (loop coil LC itself) formed in sensor 31-2 are connected to one differential amplifier 34g (receiving circuit). Consequently, the position detection system 1 according to this modified example makes it possible to reduce the number of receiving circuits required in a dual-screen electronic device. However, in this modified example, since the two receiving coils are connected in series to one differential amplifier 34g, the position detection system 1 according to this modified example also makes it possible to reduce the number of switches 34b compared to the position detection system 1 according to this embodiment.

[0125] Figure 19 shows the configuration of sensors 31-1, 31-2 and a switch unit 34 included in the position detection system 1 according to a third modification of this embodiment. The position detection system 1 according to this modification is similar to the position detection system 1 according to the first modification in that the plurality of second electrodes included in each of sensors 31-1 and 31-2 are all composed of composite coils CC similar to those described in the third embodiment. However, it differs from the position detection system 1 according to the first modification in that the composite coil CC of sensor 31-1 and the composite coil CC of sensor 31-2 are directly connected.

[0126] To achieve the direct connection described above, each partial coil PC of the composite coil CC of sensor 31-1 according to this embodiment is configured to have output terminals T1 and T2 obtained by dividing the short side on the inner circumference facing sensor 31-2 into two, in addition to the output terminal T provided on the outermost circumference, similar to the partial coil PC in the second modified example. The output terminal T1 of the partial coil PC is connected to the output terminal T in the corresponding sensor 31-2, and the output terminal T2 of the partial coil PC is connected to the output terminal T in the adjacent sensor 31-1 via a bridge conductor BC2.

[0127] The switch unit 34 according to this embodiment, like the switch unit 34 according to the second modified example, has a switch unit 34d-1 corresponding to sensor 31-1, but does not have a switch unit 34d-2 corresponding to sensor 31-2. The configuration of the switch unit 34d-1 is the same as that of the switch unit 34d-1 according to this embodiment.

[0128] In other respects, the position detection system 1 according to this modified example is the same as the position detection system 1 according to this embodiment. Therefore, in the position detection system 1 according to this modified example, the receiving coil formed in sensor 31-1 and the receiving coil (loop coil LC itself) formed in sensor 31-2 are connected to one differential amplifier 34g (receiving circuit). Consequently, the position detection system 1 according to this modified example makes it possible to reduce the number of receiving circuits required in a dual-screen electronic device. Furthermore, in this modified example as well, since the two receiving coils are connected in series to one differential amplifier 34g, the position detection system 1 according to this modified example also makes it possible to reduce the number of switches 34b compared to the position detection system 1 according to this embodiment.

[0129] Although preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the present invention is not limited in any way to these embodiments, and it goes without saying that the present invention can be implemented in various forms without departing from its essence. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0130] 1. Position detection system 3. Position detection device 3a Panel surface 30 Cover glass 31 Sensors 31a switch 32 displays 33 Flexible circuit board 34 Switch section 34a~34d, 34d1~34d3 Switch 34e drive circuit 34f op-amp 34g differential amplifier 35 Sensor Controller 36 host processors BC, BC2 bridge conductor BL partial wiring BP base CC composite coil CL connection DC comb-type coil DM dummy mesh electrode EM linear electrode F finger IC inner loop coil LC Loop Coil ML main wiring section OC outer loop coil P Electromagnetic Induction Pen PC partial coil PLx, PLy leader wires T, T1~T4 Output terminals TP comb tooth part

Claims

1. An outer loop coil, one end of which is connected to the first output terminal, It includes an inner loop coil whose other end is connected to a second output terminal, The other end of the outer loop coil and one end of the inner loop coil are connected to each other by a bridge conductor that spans the inner loop coil. Sensor.

2. The flexible printed circuit board has wiring formed on it for connecting the wiring in the sensor area where the outer loop coil and the inner loop coil are formed to an integrated circuit. The bridge conductor is arranged in the sensor area. The sensor according to claim 1.

3. The aforementioned sensor region is The EMR sensor layer on which the outer loop coil and the inner loop coil are formed, A touch sensor layer on which linear electrodes used for touch detection are formed, The bridge conductor is arranged in the touch sensor layer. One end and the other end of the bridge conductor are connected to the other end and one end of the outer loop coil, respectively, by via conductors. The sensor according to claim 2.

4. The flexible printed circuit board has wiring formed on it for connecting the wiring in the sensor area where the outer loop coil and the inner loop coil are formed to an integrated circuit. The bridge conductor is arranged on the flexible printed circuit board. The sensor according to claim 1.

5. A sensor according to any one of claims 1 to 4, A switch that switches between a first state in which the first output terminal and the second output terminal are connected to each other, and a second state in which the first output terminal and the second output terminal are connected to the first input terminal and the second input terminal of the same differential amplifier, A position detection device including a position detection device.

6. A sensor controller that detects the position of an electromagnetic induction pen or passive pointer using a sensor according to any one of claims 1 to 4, A switch is controlled to switch between a first state in which the first output terminal and the second output terminal are connected to each other, and a second state in which the first output terminal and the second output terminal are connected to the first input terminal and the second input terminal of the same differential amplifier, respectively. Sensor controller.

7. Each has a loop coil containing multiple wires extending in a first direction, Each of the aforementioned plurality of wires is, Multiple main wiring sections, each composed of multiple linear sub-wirings, It includes a plurality of connection parts that connect two adjacent main wiring sections to each other, One of the multiple sub-wirings constituting the main wiring section also serves as one of the multiple sub-wirings constituting other adjacent main wiring sections within the same wiring. Sensor.

8. One of the multiple sub-wirings constituting the main wiring section also serves as one of the multiple sub-wirings constituting other main wiring sections adjacent to it in the first direction within the same wiring section. The sensor according to claim 7.

9. The main wiring section has a closed shape. The sensor according to claim 7.

10. The main wiring section has a polygonal shape. The sensor according to claim 9.

11. The main wiring section has an octagonal or hexagonal shape. The sensor according to claim 10.

12. Each of the plurality of connection parts connects two adjacent main wiring parts to each other in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction. The sensor according to any one of claims 7 to 11.

13. It has a composite coil with three or more output terminals, The composite coil has a partial coil, which is wound one or more times, for each of the output terminals. One end of the aforementioned partial coil is connected to the corresponding output terminal. The other end of the aforementioned partial coil is connected to another adjacent partial coil. Sensor.

14. The aforementioned end of the partial coil is provided at the outermost circumference of the partial coil. The sensor according to claim 13.

15. The other end of the aforementioned partial coil is connected to the outermost periphery of an adjacent partial coil via a bridge conductor that spans the partial coil. The sensor according to claim 13.

16. A comb-shaped coil comprising a base extending in a first direction and a plurality of comb-tooth portions extending in a second direction intersecting the first direction, wherein one end of each of the plurality of comb-tooth portions is connected to the base, and the other end of each of the plurality of comb-tooth portions constitutes an output terminal, Multiple loop coils are provided one at a time between two adjacent comb teeth, A sensor that includes this.

17. The sensor according to claim 16, A switch that toggles between a first mode that detects the pen's position using electromagnetic induction and a second mode that detects the passive pointer's position using capacitive sensing. A differential amplifier, and In the first mode, the switch connects one end of the loop coil to one of the two output terminals corresponding to the loop coil, and connects the other end of the loop coil to the other of the two output terminals corresponding to the loop coil to the differential amplifier, thereby configuring a state in which a two-turn coil is connected to the differential amplifier. Position detection device.

18. In the second mode, the switch shorts both ends of the loop coil. The position detection device according to claim 17.

19. The comb-shaped coil and the plurality of loop coils are formed in the same layer. The sensor according to claim 16.

20. A sensor positioned inside first and second panel surfaces arranged in a first direction, A first coil extending in the first direction on the inside of the first panel surface, The second coil extends inward along the first direction on the inner side of the second panel surface, The first coil and the second coil are connected in parallel or in series to the same differential amplifier. Sensor.

21. The first coil and the second coil are located at the same position in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction. The sensor according to claim 20.

22. The first coil and the second coil are connected in parallel to the differential amplifier. The sensor according to claim 20.

23. The first coil and the second coil are connected in series with the differential amplifier. The sensor according to claim 20.

24. At least one of the first coil and the second coil is wound multiple times. The sensor according to claim 20.

25. Including a composite coil formed inside the first screen, The composite coil has three or more output terminals and each output terminal has a partial coil that is wound one or more times, one end of the partial coil is connected to the corresponding output terminal, and the other end of the partial coil is connected to another adjacent partial coil via a bridge conductor. Both ends of the first coil are connected by the two output terminals of the adjacent composite coil. The sensor according to claim 20.

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