Electronic pen

Abstract

The objective of the present invention is to achieve an electronic pen which has a simple configuration and which is provided with a side switch enabling input of an instruction having a plurality of states to be performed simply and appropriately. In this electronic pen, a side switch portion is provided on a side surface of a pen body (PB) which is gripped by a user. The side switch portion is provided with a sensor portion in which capacitance type sensors (CH1, CH2, CH3, CH4) and pressure sensitive sensors (CH5, CH6) are stacked on one another in such a way that sensor regions (detection regions) thereof overlap, as touch sensors having two different types of detection method. This makes it possible to instruct, by way of the side switch portion, at least a case in which an operation is performed in such a way as to act on one touch sensor, and a case in which an operation is performed in such a way as to act on both touch sensors simultaneously.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an electronic pen that enables input of information by indicating coordinates to a position detection device mounted on an electronic device such as a tablet PC (Personal Computer).

Background Art

[0002] For example, in an electronic device such as a high - performance mobile phone terminal called a tablet PC (Personal Computer) or a smartphone, in order to perform finer drawing input through a mounted position detection device, there is an electronic pen that enables input by indication. In such an electronic pen, it is considered possible to use a so - called side switch. The side switch in an electronic pen means a switch provided on the side surface of the electronic pen so that it can be operated by a finger while holding the electronic pen.

[0003] The side switch of an electronic pen is, for example, configured by using a small switch that mechanically switches on / off. However, Patent Document 1 discloses an idea related to an electronic pen that configures a side switch using a touch sensor in order to realize an electronic pen (position indicator) with a light operating pressure of the side switch and good usability. The electronic pen of the idea disclosed in Patent Document 1 is configured by connecting touch sensor electrodes that form a pair as variable resistance elements to a tuning circuit including a coil and a capacitor, and providing the pair of touch sensor electrodes on the side surface of the housing of the electronic pen.

[0004] By connecting the paired touch sensor electrodes with a fingertip, the user can change characteristics such as the reactance, impedance, or so-called Q value of the tuning circuit. That is, the on / off state of the side switch can be indicated by the characteristics of the tuning circuit that change when the paired touch sensor electrodes are connected with a finger and when they are not connected. Note that the electronic pen of the invention disclosed in Patent Document 1 is of an electromagnetic coupling type that performs position indication and the like by transmitting and receiving a magnetic field between the position detection device and the electronic pen.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0005]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0006] In the case of the invention disclosed in Patent Document 1, what can be indicated through the side switch is an on / off switching operation. In order to enable indication input of a plurality of states, as shown in FIG. 1(b) of Patent Document 1, a plurality of pairs of touch sensor electrodes must be provided. In this case, since the width of the side surface of the electronic pen is also limited, when a plurality of pairs of touch sensor electrodes are provided, it may become difficult to hold and the operability may be deteriorated. Further, when a plurality of pairs of touch sensor electrodes are provided, there is also a risk of occurrence of malfunction.

[0007] In view of the above, an object of the present invention is to realize an electronic pen provided with a side switch that has a simple configuration and can easily and appropriately perform indication input of a plurality of states.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0008] To solve the above problems, a cylindrical housing held by a user, A side switch unit provided on the side surface of the cylindrical housing, which receives operation input by a user, and is provided with the side switch unit includes a sensor unit in which two types of touch sensors with different detection methods are stacked such that the respective sensor regions overlap 、 The two types of the touch sensors are a capacitance type touch sensor and a pressure sensitive touch sensor, the capacitance type touch sensors are arranged in plurality in the axial direction of the cylindrical housing, and the pressure sensitive touch sensors are arranged in a direction intersecting the axial direction of the cylindrical housing. An electronic pen is provided, which is characterized by the above.

[0010] In this specification, the term "touch sensor" means a sensor that detects the approach or contact of a human finger, which is a dielectric, or a sensor that detects the application of pressure when pressed by a human finger or the like. In other words, the touch sensor includes various sensors that detect being operated by a human finger or the like.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0011]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Figure 7

Figure 8

Figure 9

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0012] Hereinafter, embodiments of the electronic pen according to this invention will be described with reference to the drawings. There are various types of electronic pen methods, such as the active electrostatic coupling method (AES (Active Electrostatic) method) and the electromagnetic induction method (EMR (Electro Magnetic Resonance) method). The electronic pen according to this invention is characterized by the configuration of the side switch unit. Therefore, the electronic pen of this invention can be applied to any type of electronic pen as long as it is an electronic pen equipped with a side switch. Hereinafter, the electronic pen of this invention will be described centering on the configuration of the characteristic side switch unit.

[0013] [Configuration Example of Side Switch Unit] FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view for explaining a configuration example of the side switch unit of the electronic pen according to the embodiment. The electronic pen of this invention is configured by mounting an electronic pen main body on an outer housing. In the case of the electronic pen shown in FIG. 1, the outer housing is a part composed of a front cap FC, a pen body PB, and a rear cap (not shown). The front cap FC is attached to the tip side of the pen body PB and is a tapered (taper - shaped) part that protrudes the pen tip part of the core. The pen body (cylindrical housing) PB is a part that is held by the user. The rear cap is a part that has a function of closing the rear - end opening of the pen body PB. Also, although not shown, the electronic pen main body mounted inside the outer housing is configured by mounting various components such as a core, a pen - pressure detection unit, a circuit board, and a battery, and is a part that realizes functions as an electronic pen such as a position - indication function.

[0014] Furthermore, the electronic pen of this embodiment includes a side switch portion configured using two types of touch sensors with different detection methods. As shown in FIG. 1, the pen body PB is substantially cylindrical, and the upper portion of the side surface is flat. The portion of the side surface of the pen body PB that is flat is referred to as the flat portion PBu. A rectangular opening PBh for providing the side switch portion is provided at a position slightly closer to the front cap FC on the flat portion PBu. In the electronic pen of this embodiment, in the opening PBh portion, the holding member 1, the elastic member 2, the sensor portion 3, and the operation member 4 are laminated to form the side switch portion.

[0015] As shown in FIG. 1, the holding member 1 is substantially cylindrical, and like the pen body PB, the upper portion of the side surface is flat. The portion of the side surface of the holding member 1 that is flat is referred to as the flat portion 1u. On the flat portion 1u, a pair of first protrusions (ribs) 11, 12 having a width extending in a direction intersecting the axial direction and a second protrusion (pivot) 13 having a width extending in the axial direction are provided. Also, on the flat portion 1u of the holding member 1, a fitting hole 14 is provided on the front end side, and a fitting hole 15 is provided on the rear end side. The holding member 1 is inserted into the pen body PB as indicated by the arrow IN in FIG. 1 and pushed into the opening PBh portion, and the protrusions provided at both ends of the flat portion 1u of the holding member 1 engage with the protrusions on the inner wall surface of the pen body PB and are fixed at the position PBa. In the state where the holding member 1 is fixed at the position PBa, its flat portion 1u is visible from the opening PBh.

[0016] On the flat surface portion 1u of the holding member 1 fixed at the position PBa within the pen body PB, a rectangular elastic member 2 is placed through the opening PBh. In this embodiment, the elastic member 2 is formed of PORON (registered trademark), a high-performance urethane foam. Of course, it is also possible to configure it with other elastic materials, such as rubber or sponge. The elastic member 2 functions such that when the side switch portion is pressed, pressure is not applied suddenly but gently. In this way, the elastic member 2 ensures that when it is only slightly pressed, the pressure-sensitive sensor described later does not react, and when it is surely pressed, the pressure-sensitive sensor functions. Further, first holes 21 and 22 are provided at positions corresponding to the first protrusions 11 and 12 of the holding member 1 of the elastic member 2. Also, a second hole 23 is provided at a position corresponding to the second protrusion 13 of the holding member 1 of the elastic member 2.

[0017] Thereby, when the elastic member 2 is placed on the flat surface portion 1u of the holding member 1, the first protrusions 11 and 12 and the second protrusion 13 of the holding member 1 fit into the first holes 21 and 22 and the second hole 23 of the elastic member 2. In this embodiment, the heights of the first protrusions 11 and 12 and the second protrusion 13 are made substantially the same as the thickness of the elastic member 2, and the upper surfaces of the first protrusions 11 and 12 and the second protrusion 13 are positioned on substantially the same plane as the upper surface of the elastic member 2.

[0018] On the upper surface of the elastic member 2, a sensor portion 3 formed on a flexible substrate 30 is arranged. The flexible substrate 30 is a printed wiring board made of a thin insulating material, such as a plastic film, and having deformable flexibility, and is an elongated member composed of a sensor arrangement portion 31, an extension portion 32, and a connector portion 33. The sensor arrangement portion 31 is a portion where the width is slightly widened for arranging the sensor portion 3, and a hole 31a is provided on the front end side and a hole 31b is provided on the rear end side.

[0019] The extension part 32 is a part that extends in the rear end direction from the rear end of the sensor arrangement part 31. It has a narrower width than the sensor arrangement part 31, and conductive wires that are led out from the sensor part 3 arranged in the sensor arrangement part 31 and extend in the rear end direction are arranged therein. The connector part 33 is a part provided with connection terminals to which the conductive wires extending from the sensor part 3 are connected, for each conductive wire. Note that the sensor part 3 is, as will be described in detail later, a part formed by laminating two types of touch sensors with different detection methods such that their respective sensor regions overlap.

[0020] The flexible substrate 30 configured as described above is inserted through the rear end opening of the pen body PB, and when the sensor arrangement part 31 is positioned on the upper surface of the elastic member 2, the sensor part 3 arranged in the sensor arrangement part 31 is overlapped on the elastic member 2. Also, the connector part (plug part) 33 of the flexible substrate 30 is inserted into and connected to a predetermined connector part (jack part) of the circuit board of the electronic pen main body part (not shown).

[0021] Thereby, the detection outputs from the respective touch sensors constituting the sensor part 3 are led out to the respective terminal parts of the connector part 33 through the extension part 32 and supplied to the circuit board of the electronic pen main body part (not shown). The electronic pen main body part can multiplex the detection output from the touch sensor constituting the side switch part into a position indication signal and send it to the position detection device side, or send it to the position detection device side by short-range wireless communication.

[0022] An operation member 4 is arranged on the upper surface of the sensor part 3. The operation member 4 is, for example, a rectangular plate-like body formed of a resin material, and has leg parts 41a and 41b provided on the outer side of the bottom surface. When the operation member 4 is placed on the sensor part 3, the leg parts 41a and 41b are fitted into the fitting holes 14 and 15 of the holding member 1 through the hole parts 31a and 31b of the sensor arrangement part 31. Thereby, the elastic member 2, the sensor arrangement part 31 on which the sensor part 3 is arranged, and the operation member 4 are fixed to the holding member 1 fixed to the pen body PB and function as the side switch part of the electronic pen.

[0023] FIG. 2 is a diagram for explaining the laminated structure of the side switch portion of the electronic pen according to the embodiment. In FIG. 2, FIG. 2(A) is an external view of the pen tip side portion including the side switch portion of the electronic pen according to the embodiment, and FIG. 2(B) is a cross-sectional view of the side switch portion when cut at the position indicated by the dotted arrow in FIG. 2(A). As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2(A), the side switch portion of the electronic pen according to this embodiment is formed on the side surface of the pen tip side of the electronic pen, and as shown in FIG. 2(B), it has a four-layer structure.

[0024] That is, inside the pen body PB, the elastic member 2 is placed on the flat portion 1u of the holding member 1 fixed to the opening portion PBh portion, the sensor portion 3 is placed thereon, and the operation member 4 is placed thereon, thereby constituting the side switch portion. The leg portions 41a and 41b provided on the outer bottom surface of the operation member 4 are fitted into the fitting holes 14 and 15 of the flat portion 1u of the holding member 1, so that the above four parts do not come apart and function as the side switch portion provided on the electronic pen. In the side switch portion of the electronic pen according to this embodiment, the operation member 4 has a thickness of about 0.5 mm as shown in FIG. 2(B).

[0025] In this embodiment, when the leg portions 41a of the operation member 4 41b is , are fitted into the fitting holes 14 and 15 of the holding member 1, the upper surface of the operation member 4 is positioned substantially in the same plane as the flat portion PBu of the pen body PB. However, it is not limited to this. By adjusting the thickness, shape, etc. of the operation member 4, the elastic member 2, and the holding member 1, the position of the upper surface of the operation member 4 can be changed. That is, the position of the upper surface of the operation member 4 can be set to a position lower than the flat portion PBu of the pen body PB and inside the pen body PB, or conversely, to a position protruding outside the flat portion PBu of the pen body PB.

[0026] In Fig. 2(B), for simplicity of explanation, the description of the flexible substrate 30 on which the sensor unit 3 is provided is omitted. Similarly, the description of the first protrusions 11 and 12, the second protrusion 13 provided on the flat portion 1u of the holding member 1, and the first holes 21 and 22 and the second hole 23 of the elastic member 2 provided corresponding thereto is also omitted.

[0027] As described above, in the electronic pen of this embodiment, the front cap FC is connected to the tip of the pen body PB, and the holding member 1 is inserted into the pen body PB and fixed at the fixed position PBa corresponding to the opening PBh. On this holding member 1, the elastic member 2, the sensor unit 3, and the operation member 4 are laminated to form a side switch unit. The detection output from each sensor of the sensor unit 3 of the side switch unit is supplied to the electronic pen main body through the conductive wires on the extension portion 32 of the flexible substrate 30 and the connection terminals of the connector portion 33, as described with reference to Fig. 1.

[0028] The electronic pen main body is inserted through the rear end opening of the pen body PB. The tip of the electronic pen main body passes through the inside of the pen body PB, penetrates the holding member 1, reaches the front cap FC, and protrudes the tip of the core (pen tip portion) from the tip opening of the front cap FC. After the electronic pen main body is loaded, the rear cap is fitted into the rear end opening of the pen body PB. Thereby, the electronic pen main body is fixed inside the outer housing, and an electronic pen is formed as a whole.

[0029] [Configuration Example of Sensor Unit] Fig. 3 is a diagram for explaining the sensor unit 3 included in the side switch unit of the electronic pen according to the embodiment. In Fig. 3, Fig. 3(A) is an overall view of the flexible substrate 30 on which the sensor unit 3 is provided, and Fig. 3(B) is a cross-sectional view of the sensor unit 3 when viewed from the direction indicated by the dotted line arrow in Fig. 3(A). Also, in Fig. 3, Fig. 3(C) 、(D) is a diagram showing an arrangement example of different types of touch sensors with different detection methods. In this embodiment, the two types of touch sensors with different detection methods are a pressure-sensitive (resistive film type) sensor and a capacitance type sensor.

[0030] Also, as shown in FIG. 3(A), the sensor unit 3 is disposed on the sensor arrangement portion 31 of the flexible substrate 30. As shown in FIG. 3(B), the sensor unit 3 is configured by laminating, in order from the lower side (the flexible substrate 30 side), the substrate Bd1 → the pressure-sensitive sensor CH5 (CH6) → the substrate Bd2 → the capacitance sensors CH1, CH2, CH3, and CH4. The capacitance sensors CH1, CH2, CH3, and CH4 are disposed on the substrate Bd2 that is in the same plane as shown in FIG. 3(B).

[0031] That is, as shown in FIGS. 3(B) and 3(C), the capacitance sensors CH1, CH2, CH3, and CH4 are arranged in the axial direction of the electronic pen (the direction indicated by the arrow Ar in FIG. 3(C)). The capacitance sensors CH1, CH2, CH3, and CH4 are capable of detecting whether or not an operation is performed by capturing a change in capacitance between the fingertip and the conductive film, and the detection is possible even when the fingertip is simply brought close.

[0032] The pressure-sensitive sensors CH5 and CH6 are arranged in a direction intersecting the axial direction of the electronic pen (the direction indicated by the arrow Cr in FIG. 3(D)). Note that since FIG. 3(B) is a cross-sectional view when viewed from the dotted arrow direction in FIG. 3(A), the pressure-sensitive sensor CH6 is located on the other side of the pressure-sensitive sensor CH5 and does not appear in FIG. 3(B).

[0033] As shown in Fig. 3(B), the pressure-sensitive sensor CH5 is formed by adhering a first electrode FE1 and a second electrode FE2 with an adhesive layer Ads. The pressure-sensitive sensor CH5 applies a voltage to one of two opposing electrodes (resistive films). When pressed, the two electrodes approach each other, and a voltage is generated in the electrode to which no voltage is applied, enabling detection of whether it has been pressed. Therefore, unlike the capacitance-type sensors CH1, CH2, CH3, and CH4, the pressure-sensitive sensor CH5 does not generate a voltage simply by bringing a fingertip close, and no detection output is produced unless a certain amount of pressure is applied. Note that the pressure-sensitive sensor CH6 is also configured in the same manner as the pressure-sensitive sensor CH5.

[0034] Thus, the capacitance-type sensors CH1, CH2, CH3, and CH4 can be detected when the user's fingertip approaches to a certain distance. In contrast, the pressure-sensitive sensors CH5 and CH6 cannot detect that they are being operated unless a certain amount of force is applied and pressed.

[0035] In the electronic pen of this embodiment, Figure 3(B) As shown in, the sensor unit 3 (Fig. 3(B)) is configured by laminating in the order of the substrate Bd1 → the pressure-sensitive sensors CH5, CH6 → the substrate Bd2 → the capacitance-type sensors CH1, CH2, CH3, CH4. Thus, when the user's finger lightly traces over the operation member 4, only the operation is detected by the capacitance-type sensors CH1, CH2, CH3, and CH4. However, assume that a pressing operation is performed on the operation member 4 with a pressure equal to or greater than a predetermined value. In this case, among the capacitance-type sensors CH1, CH2, CH3, and CH4, it is possible to detect that the capacitance-type sensor at the pressed portion and the pressure-sensitive sensors CH5 and CH6 located below it have been simultaneously pressed.

[0036] Therefore, the side switch unit can receive a slide operation input in which only the capacitance sensors CH1, CH2, CH3, and CH4 of the sensor unit 3 function. Further, the side switch unit can receive a pressing operation input in which both the capacitance sensors CH1, CH2, CH3, and CH4 and the pressure sensors CH5 and CH6 function simultaneously. Further, by also considering the positions of the sensors that detect the operation input, a plurality of different types of operation inputs can be received.

[0037] [Specific Examples of Operation Modes] Figures 4, 5, and 6 are diagrams for explaining operation modes for the side switch unit of the electronic pen according to the embodiment. Figure 4 is a diagram for explaining a slide operation in which only the capacitance sensors CH1, CH2, CH3, and CH4 are caused to detect an operation input without causing the pressure sensors CH5 and CH6 to act. As shown in Figure 4(A), assume that a slide-up operation is performed in which the user's fingertip is lightly touched at a position on the pen tip side of the operation member 4 of the side switch unit of the electronic pen according to this embodiment, and the fingertip is slid in the direction indicated by arrow a in that state. In this case, as shown in Figure 4(B), the capacitance sensors CH1, CH2, CH3, and CH4 detect that they have been operated by the fingertip in the order of CH1 → CH2 → CH3 → CH4. However, since a pressure of a predetermined value or more has not been applied, the operation is not detected by the pressure sensors CH5 and CH6.

[0038] Further, as shown in Figure 4(A), assume that a slide-down operation is performed in which the user's fingertip is lightly touched at a position on the rear end side of the operation member 4 of the side switch unit of the electronic pen according to this embodiment, and the fingertip is slid in the direction indicated by arrow b in that state. In this case, as shown in Figure 4(C), the capacitance sensors CH1, CH2, CH3, and CH4 detect that they have been operated by the fingertip in the order of CH4 → CH3 → CH2 → CH1. However, since a pressure of a predetermined value or more has not been applied, the operation is not detected by the pressure sensors CH5 and CH6.

[0039] Accordingly, when the slide-up operation described with reference to FIG. 4(B) is performed, for example, a scroll-up for moving the display image upward can be instructed to the information processing apparatus including the position detection device. Further, when the slide-down operation described with reference to FIG. 4(C) is performed, for example, a scroll-down for moving the display image downward can be instructed to the information processing apparatus including the position detection device.

[0040] FIG. 5 is a diagram for explaining an up-down push operation for detecting an operation input for both the capacitance type sensors CH1, CH2, CH3, CH4 and the pressure sensitive sensors CH5, CH6 by applying a pressure equal to or greater than a predetermined value. As shown by an arrow c in FIG. 5(A), it is assumed that a position on the rear end side of the operation member 4 of the side switch unit is pressed (up push operation) so that a pressure equal to or greater than a predetermined value is applied. In this case, as shown in FIG. 5(B), it is detected that the capacitance type sensors CH3, CH4 and the pressure sensitive sensors CH5, CH6 are simultaneously pressed.

[0041] Further, as shown by an arrow d in FIG. 5(A), it is assumed that a position on the pen tip side of the operation member 4 of the side switch unit is pressed (down push operation) so that a pressure equal to or greater than a predetermined value is applied. In this case, as shown in FIG. 5(C), it is detected that the capacitance type sensors CH1, CH2 and the pressure sensitive sensors CH5, CH6 are simultaneously pressed. Accordingly, when the up push operation described with reference to FIG. 5(B) is performed, for example, a click-up for instructing the display of an image above the currently displayed image can be instructed to the information processing apparatus including the position detection device. Further, when the down push operation described with reference to FIG. 5(C) is performed, for example, a click-down for instructing the display of an image below the currently displayed image can be instructed to the information processing apparatus including the position detection device.

[0042] In the case of the electronic pen of this embodiment, as described with reference to FIG. 1, the flat portion 1u of the holding member 1 is provided with first protrusions (ribs) 11 and 12. In this case, one of the first protrusions 11 is provided between the capacitance type sensors CH1 and CH2, and the other first protrusion 12 is provided between the capacitance type sensors CH3 and CH4.

[0043] Thus, when the position indicated by the arrow c in FIG. 5(A) is pressed, it acts on the capacitance type sensors CH3 and CH4, and the first protrusion 12 by this, a strong pressing force can be exerted by the pressure sensitive sensors CH5 and CH6. Similarly, when the position indicated by the arrow d in FIG. 5(A) is pressed, it acts on the capacitance type sensors CH1 and CH2, and the first protrusion 11 by this, a strong pressing force can be exerted by the pressure sensitive sensors CH5 and CH6. That is, the first protrusions (ribs) 11 and 12 act so as to surely apply a pressing force to the pressure sensitive sensors CH5 and CH6 whether the pen tip side or the rear end side of the operation member 4 is pressed.

[0044] FIG. 6 is a diagram for explaining a left - right push operation for applying a pressure equal to or greater than a predetermined value to detect an operation input for both the capacitance type sensors CH1, CH2, CH3, CH4 and the pressure sensitive sensors CH5, CH6. In FIG. 6(A), it is assumed that the electronic pen of this embodiment is held in the user's hand, with the arrow e side being the right side and the arrow f side being the left side. As shown by the arrow e in FIG. 6(A), assume that the right side position on the operation member 4 of the side switch portion is pressed with a pressure equal to or greater than a predetermined value (right push operation). In this case, as shown in FIG. 6(B), it is detected that the capacitance type sensors CH2 and CH3 and the pressure sensitive sensor CH6 are simultaneously pressed.

[0045] Also, as shown by the arrow f in FIG. 6(A), the left side position on the operation member 4 of the side switch portion is pressed with a pressure equal to or greater than a predetermined value ( left push operation )Suppose that. In this case, as shown in FIG. 6(C), it is detected that the capacitance type sensors CH2 and CH3 and the pressure sensitive sensor CH5 are simultaneously pressed. As a result, when the right push operation described with reference to FIG. 6(B) is performed, for example, an information processing apparatus including a position detection device can be instructed to perform a push right operation to move the currently displayed image to the right. Also, when the operation described with reference to FIG. 6(C) left push operation is performed, for example, an information processing apparatus including a position detection device can be instructed to perform a push left operation to move the currently displayed image to the left.

[0046] In the case of the electronic pen of this embodiment, as described with reference to FIG. 1, a second protrusion (pivot) 13 is provided on the flat portion 1u of the holding member 1. In this case, the second protrusion 13 is provided between the pressure sensitive sensor CH5 and the pressure sensitive sensor CH6. That is, the second protrusion 13 is provided so as to separate the pressure sensitive sensors CH5 and CH6 from each other left and right.

[0047] Accordingly, when the position indicated by the arrow e in FIG. 6(A) is pressed, it acts on the capacitance type sensor CH2, CH3 . At the same time, due to the presence of the second protrusion 13, a pressing force can be applied to the pressure sensitive sensor CH6 and not to the pressure sensitive sensor CH5. Similarly, when the position indicated by the arrow f in FIG. 6(A) is pressed, it acts on the capacitance type sensor CH2, CH3 . At the same time, due to the presence of the second protrusion 13, a pressing force can be applied to the pressure sensitive sensor CH5 and not to the pressure sensitive sensor CH6.

[0048] FIG. 7 is a diagram for explaining the correspondence between the operation mode of the side switch portion of the electronic pen according to the embodiment and the instruction content. The information shown in FIG. 7 corresponds to the information stored and held in an instruction content determination table formed in the storage device of an information processing apparatus including a position detection device.

[0049] Suppose that the slide-up (upper slide) operation described with reference to FIG. 4(B) is performed on the side switch section of the electronic pen according to this embodiment. In this case, as shown in the column for the upper slide in FIG. 7, the capacitance-type sensors CH1, CH2, CH3, and CH4 sequentially change from "0 (off)" to "1 (on)" in the order of CH1 → CH2 → CH3 → CH4, and detection outputs are obtained such that they return to "0 (off)". On the other hand, the pressure-sensitive sensors CH5 and CH6 both remain "0 (off)". When such detection outputs are obtained, it can be determined that a slide-up is instructed on the information processing device side, and corresponding processing can be performed.

[0050] Also, suppose that the slide-down (lower slide) operation described with reference to FIG. 4(C) is performed on the side switch section of the electronic pen according to this embodiment. In this case, as shown in the column for the lower slide in FIG. 7, the capacitance-type sensors CH1, CH2, CH3, and CH4 sequentially change from "0 (off)" to "1 (on)" in the order of CH4 → CH3 → CH2 → CH1, and detection outputs are obtained such that they return to "0 (off)". On the other hand, the pressure-sensitive sensors CH5 and CH6 both remain "0 (off)". When such detection outputs are obtained, it can be determined that a slide-down is instructed on the information processing device side, and corresponding processing can be performed.

[0051] Also, suppose that the upper push operation described with reference to FIG. 5(B) is performed on the side switch section of the electronic pen according to this embodiment. In this case, as shown in the column for the upper push in FIG. 7, the capacitance-type sensors CH3 and CH4 become "1 (on)", and the pressure-sensitive sensors CH5 and CH6 both become "1 (on)". When such detection outputs are obtained, it can be determined that a click-up is instructed on the information processing device side, and corresponding processing can be performed.

[0052] Also, assume that the lower push operation described with reference to FIG. 5(C) is performed on the side switch portion of the electronic pen of this embodiment. In this case, as shown in the lower push column of FIG. 7, the capacitance type sensors CH1 and CH2 become "1 (ON)", and the pressure sensitive sensors CH5 and CH6 both become "1 (ON)". When such a detection output is obtained, it is determined that a click down is instructed on the information processing device side, and corresponding processing can be performed.

[0053] Also, assume that the right push operation described with reference to FIG. 6(B) is performed on the side switch portion of the electronic pen of this embodiment. In this case, as shown in the right push column of FIG. 7, the capacitance type sensors CH2 and CH3 become "1 (ON)", and the pressure sensitive sensor CH6 becomes "1 (ON)". When such a detection output is obtained, it is determined that a click right is instructed on the information processing device side, and corresponding processing can be performed.

[0054] Also, assume that the left push operation described with reference to FIG. 6(C) is performed on the side switch portion of the electronic pen of this embodiment. In this case, as shown in the left push column of FIG. 7, the capacitance type sensors CH2 and CH3 become "1 (ON)", and the pressure sensitive sensor CH5 becomes "1 (ON)". When such a detection output is obtained, it is determined that a click left is instructed on the information processing device side, and corresponding processing can be performed.

[0055] Although not shown, if the right side of the rear end of the side switch portion is pushed, the capacitance type sensors CH3 and CH4 become "1 (ON)", and the pressure sensitive sensor CH6 becomes "1 (ON)". Similarly, if the left side of the rear end of the side switch portion is pushed, the capacitance type sensors CH3 and CH4 become "1 (ON)", and the pressure sensitive sensor CH5 becomes "1 (ON)".

[0056] Also, although not shown, if the right side of the front end (pen tip side) of the side switch section is pushed, the capacitance sensors CH1 and CH2 will become "1 (on)", and the pressure sensor CH6 will become "1 (on)". Similarly, if the left side of the front end (pen tip side) of the side switch section is pushed, the capacitance sensors CH1 and CH2 will become "1 (on)", and the pressure sensor CH5 will become "1 (on)". Therefore, since these operations can also be distinguished, it is of course possible to assign a predetermined function to these operations.

[0057] [Example of the overall configuration of the electronic pen] As described above, the electronic pen of this embodiment can multiplex the detection output from the sensor unit 3 that constitutes the side switch section into the position indication signal and send it to the position detection device side, or send it to the position detection device side by short-range wireless communication. However, the configuration of the electronic pen differs depending on the method of transmitting the detection output. In the following, a configuration example of an electronic pen that multiplexes the detection output from the sensor unit 3 into the position indication signal and sends it to the position detection device side, and a configuration example of an electronic pen that sends it to the position detection device side by short-range wireless communication will be described. The electronic pen described below is conductive from the core This will be described as an example of applying this invention to an AES method electronic pen that sends a position indication signal.

[0058] FIG. 8 is a block diagram for explaining a configuration example of an electronic pen when the operation content for the side switch section is multiplexed into the position indication signal and sent. The electronic pen shown in FIG. 8 includes a conductive core 5, an oscillation circuit 6, a pen pressure detection unit 7 configured as a variable capacitance capacitor, a power supply circuit 8, and a controller 9, and is configured such that the detection output from the sensor unit 3 of the side switch section is supplied to the controller 9. The oscillation circuit 6 and the controller 9 are supplied with driving power from the power supply circuit 8 so that they can be driven.

[0059] In the case of the electronic pen shown in FIG. 8, the controller 9 controls the oscillation circuit 6 to shift the transmission timing between the position indication signal transmitted through the core body 5 and the detection output from the sensor unit 3. That is, at the timing of transmitting the position indication signal, the controller 9 controls the oscillation circuit 6 to oscillate a predetermined position indication signal and transmit it through the core body 5. Also, at the timing of transmitting the detection output from the sensor unit 3, the controller 9 supplies the detection output from the sensor unit 3 to the oscillation circuit 6.

[0060] The oscillation circuit 6 oscillates a signal corresponding to the detection output of the sensor unit 3 from the controller 9 and transmits it through the core body 5. Thereby, the position indication signal and the detection output from the sensor unit 3 can be time-division multiplexed, output from the core body 5, and transmitted to the position detection device side. Note that the information indicating the pen pressure can be included in the position indication signal, or the information indicating the pen pressure can also be time-division multiplexed and transmitted.

[0061] FIG. 9 is a block diagram for explaining a configuration example of an electronic pen when the operation content for the side switch unit is transmitted by short-range wireless communication. The electronic pen shown in FIG. 9 includes a conductive core body 5, an oscillation circuit 6, a pen pressure detection unit 7 configured with a variable capacitor, a power supply circuit 8, a controller 10, a short-range wireless communication unit CM, and an antenna AT. The electronic pen in this example is also configured such that the detection output from the sensor unit 3 of the side switch unit is supplied to the controller 10. The oscillation circuit 6, the controller 10, and the short-range wireless communication unit CM are supplied with driving power from the power supply circuit 8 so that they can be driven.

[0062] In the case of the electronic pen shown in FIG. 9, the controller 10 controls the oscillation circuit 6 to generate a position indication signal and send it out through the core body 5. Further, the controller 10 forms a transmission signal from the detection output from the sensor unit 3 of the side switch unit, supplies this to the short-range wireless communication unit CM, and controls it to be transmitted through the antenna AT. Thereby, the position indication signal can be transmitted to the position detection device side through the core body 5 as before, and the detection output from the sensor unit 3 can be transmitted to the information processing device on the position detection device side by short-range wireless communication.

[0063] In this way, according to the configuration of the electronic pen, the detection output from the sensor unit 3 that constitutes the side switch unit can be multiplexed with the position indication signal and sent out from the core body 5, or sent out by short-range wireless communication. As for which path to use to send out the detection output from the sensor unit 3, an appropriate path may be used according to the functions of the position detection device and the information processing device on the position detection device side.

[0064] In addition, when the electronic pen is an EMR type electronic pen, a variable capacitance capacitor whose capacitance changes in response to the detection output from the sensor unit 3 is connected in parallel to the resonant circuit. Thereby, the detection output from the sensor unit 3 can be superimposed and sent out as a change in the phase of the position indication signal. Also, even in the case of an EMR type electronic pen, it is also possible to send out the position indication signal and the detection output from the sensor unit 3 through the same path by time division multiplexing that separates the transmission timing of the normal position indication signal and the transmission timing of the detection output from the sensor unit 3. Also, even in the case of an EMR type electronic pen, similar to the case of the electronic pen shown in FIG. 9, the detection output from the sensor unit 3 can be sent out by short-range wireless communication separately from the position indication signal.

[0065] [Effects of the Embodiment] According to the electronic pen of the above-described embodiment, an electronic pen with a side switch that has a simple configuration and can easily and appropriately perform instruction inputs in a plurality of states can be realized. More specifically, by superimposing and arranging different types of touch sensors with different detection methods, an electronic pen with a side switch that can receive various types of operation inputs can be realized without increasing the size of the side switch portion itself.

[0066] [Modification Example] In the case of the electronic pen of the above-described embodiment, a pressure-sensitive sensor is provided in the lower layer and a capacitance-type sensor is provided in the upper layer as viewed from the operation surface side to form the sensor unit, but it is not limited to this. As viewed from the operation surface side, a capacitance-type sensor may be provided in the lower layer and a pressure-sensitive sensor may be provided in the upper layer to form the sensor unit.

[0067] Also, in the case of the electronic pen of the above-described embodiment, four capacitance-type sensors are provided in the axial direction and two pressure-sensitive sensors are provided in a direction intersecting the axial direction, but it is not limited to this. In the axial direction, two or more capacitance-type sensors may be provided, and in a direction intersecting the axial direction, two or more pressure-sensitive sensors may be provided. That is, a plurality of capacitance-type sensors may be arranged in the axial direction, and a plurality of pressure-sensitive sensors may be arranged in a direction intersecting the axial direction to form the sensor unit 3.

[0068] Also, in the case of the electronic pen of the above-described embodiment, the first protrusions (ribs) 11 and 12 and the second protrusion (pivot) 13 are provided on the flat portion 1u of the holding member 1 so as to appropriately obtain the detection output from the sensor unit 3. However, it is not limited to this. If a desired detection output can be obtained, the first protrusions (ribs) 11 and 12 and the second protrusion (pivot) 13 do not have to be provided. It is also possible to provide the first protrusions (ribs) 11 and 12 on the flat portion 1u of the holding member 1 and not provide the second protrusion (pivot) 13, or conversely, provide the second protrusion 13 and not provide the first protrusions 11 and 12.

[0069] Also, when transmitting the detection output from the sensor unit 3 by short-range wireless communication, it is possible to use various standards of short-range wireless communication including the Bluetooth (registered trademark) standard. Also, the electronic pen and the information processing device that performs operations using the same are usually in close proximity. For this reason, the detection output from the sensor unit 3 can also be transmitted to the information processing device side using infrared communication. Also, the electronic pen and the information processing device that performs operations using the same can be wired-connected using a cable, and the detection output from the sensor unit 3 can be transmitted through the cable.

[0070] Also, in the above-described embodiment, the holding member 1 has been described as having a substantially cylindrical shape. However, it is not limited to this. The function of the holding member 1 is to prevent pressure from being applied to the electronic pen main body when the side switch unit is pressed. For this reason, the holding member 1 may of course be configured in a so-called half-pipe shape obtained by cutting a pipe in half in the longitudinal direction or a plate-like body, and fixed to the inner wall surface of the pen body PB.

[0071] Also, in the above-described embodiment, it has been described that six types of inputs, namely, slide up, slide down, click up, click down, click light, and click left, are possible through the side switch unit. What kind of processing is performed in response to these operation inputs can be determined on the information processing device side.

[0072] Also, in the above-described embodiment, it has been described that a capacitance type sensor and a pressure sensitive type sensor are used as two types of touch sensors with different detection methods, but it is not limited to this. For example, a pressure sensitive type sensor having a configuration of a button switch can also be used. That is, the side switch unit of the electronic pen of the present invention can be configured using a capacitance type sensor and a so-called force sensor (pressure sensor) capable of detecting that it has been pressed. However, when a capacitance type sensor and a pressure sensitive type sensor are used, both the thickness of the side switch unit and the area of the operation surface can be reduced.

[0073] Further, the pen body PB may be a cylindrical body whose cross-section in a direction intersecting the axial direction is polygonal, and side switch portions having the above-described configuration may be provided on a plurality of different side surfaces. Also, depending on the width of the side surface, there may be only one pressure-sensitive sensor instead of a plurality of them. In this case, the left and right click operations cannot be performed. For example, the operation content received by the side switch portion may be changed for each side surface of the pen body. Of course, it is also possible to form only the portion where the side switch portion of the pen body PB is provided in a planar shape.

Explanation of Reference Numerals

[0074] FC... Front cap, PB... Pen body, 1... Holding member, 11, 12... First protrusion (rib), 13... Second protrusion (pivot), 14, 15... Fitting hole, 2... Elastic member, 21, 22... First hole portion, 23... Second hole portion, 24... Slit, 3... Sensor portion, 30... Flexible substrate, 31... Sensor arrangement portion, 31a, 31b... Hole portion, 32... Extension portion, 33... Connector portion, 4... Operating member, 41a, 41b... Leg portion, CH1, CH2, CH3, CH4... Capacitive sensor, CH5, CH6... Pressure-sensitive sensor, Bd1, Bd2... Substrate, FE1... First electrode, FE2... Second electrode, Ads... Adhesive layer, 5... Core body, 6... Oscillation circuit, 7... Pen pressure detection portion, 8... Power supply circuit, 9, 10... Controller, CM... Short-range wireless communication portion, AT... Antenna

Claims

1. A cylindrical housing held by a user, and a side switch unit provided on a side surface of the cylindrical housing and receiving an operation input by the user are provided, wherein the side switch unit includes a sensor unit in which two types of touch sensors having different detection methods are stacked such that their respective sensor regions overlap, the two types of touch sensors are a capacitance type touch sensor and a pressure sensitive type touch sensor, the capacitance type touch sensors are arranged in a plurality in an axial direction of the cylindrical housing, and the pressure sensitive type touch sensor is arranged in a direction intersecting the axial direction of the cylindrical housing characterizing an electronic pen.

2. The electronic pen according to claim 1, wherein the upper side is the capacitance type touch sensor and the lower side is the pressure sensitive type touch sensor characterizing the electronic pen.

3. The electronic pen according to claim 1, wherein the upper side is the pressure sensitive type touch sensor and the lower side is the capacitance type touch sensor characterizing the electronic pen.

4. The electronic pen according to claim 1, wherein a plurality of the pressure sensitive type touch sensors are arranged in a direction intersecting the axial direction of the cylindrical housing characterizing the electronic pen.

5. The electronic pen according to claim 1, wherein the side switch unit includes a holding member provided inside the cylindrical housing, an elastic member provided on an upper surface of the holding member, and an operation member provided on an upper surface of the elastic member and receiving an operation by the user are provided, and the sensor unit is arranged between the elastic member and the operation member characterizing the electronic pen.

6. A cylindrical housing held by a user, and a side switch unit provided on a side surface of the cylindrical housing and receiving an operation input by the user are provided, wherein the side switch unit includes a sensor unit in which two types of touch sensors having different detection methods are stacked such that their respective sensor regions overlap, the side switch unit includes a holding member provided inside the cylindrical housing and having a protrusion extending in a direction intersecting an axial direction that divides an operation region in the axial direction, an elastic member provided on an upper surface of the holding member and having a hole portion into which the protrusion is fitted at a position corresponding to the protrusion, and an operation member provided on an upper surface of the elastic member and receiving an operation by the user are provided, and the sensor unit is arranged between the elastic member and the operation member characterizing the electronic pen.

7. A cylindrical housing gripped by a user, and a side switch unit provided on a side surface of the cylindrical housing to receive an operation input by the user are provided, wherein the side switch unit includes a sensor unit in which two types of touch sensors having different detection methods are stacked such that their respective sensor regions overlap, the side switch unit includes a holding member provided inside the cylindrical housing and having a protrusion extending in an axial direction and having a width that divides an operation region in a direction intersecting the axial direction, an elastic member provided on an upper surface of the holding member and having a hole portion into which the protrusion is fitted at a position corresponding to the protrusion, and an operation member provided on an upper surface of the elastic member to receive an operation by the user are provided, and the sensor unit is disposed between the elastic member and the operation member characterizing an electronic pen.

8. A cylindrical housing gripped by a user, and a side switch unit provided on a side surface of the cylindrical housing to receive an operation input by the user are provided, wherein the side switch unit includes a sensor unit in which two types of touch sensors having different detection methods are stacked such that their respective sensor regions overlap, the side switch unit includes a holding member provided inside the cylindrical housing and having a first protrusion extending in a direction intersecting the axial direction and having a width that divides an operation region in the axial direction, and a second protrusion extending in a direction intersecting the axial direction and having a width that divides an operation region in the axial direction, an elastic member provided on an upper surface of the holding member and having a first hole portion into which the first protrusion is fitted at a position corresponding to the first protrusion, and a second hole portion into which the second protrusion is fitted at a position corresponding to the second protrusion, and an operation member provided on an upper surface of the elastic member to receive an operation by the user are provided, and the sensor unit is disposed between the elastic member and the operation member characterizing an electronic pen.

9. The electronic pen according to claim 1, wherein the cylindrical housing is a cylindrical body having a cross section in a direction intersecting the axial direction that is polygonal, and the side switch unit is provided on one or more different side surfaces of the polygonal cylindrical housing characterizing an electronic pen.

10. The electronic pen according to any one of claims 1 to 9, including an oscillation circuit, and a core formed of a conductive material that sends out a signal from the oscillation circuit are provided, The oscillation circuit multiplexes the instruction input received through the sensor unit into a position instruction signal and supplies the same to the core body. An electronic pen characterized by the above. **Claim 11** An electronic pen according to any one of Claims 1 to 9, comprising a short-range wireless communication unit, wherein the short-range wireless communication unit transmits the instruction input received through the sensor unit included in a signal to be output. An electronic pen characterized by the above.

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