Electronic pen

Abstract

To miniaturize an electronic pen.SOLUTION: An electronic pen 100 includes: a light source 10 for emitting irradiation light L1; a rotor 30 which reflects irradiation light L2 emitted by the light source 10 and is rotatable; a first detection member 51 for receiving the irradiation light L2 reflected by the rotor 30; and a first diffraction element 21 which is provided on the optical path from the light source 10 to the first detection member 51, and diffracts the irradiation light L1.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an electronic pen that can move a pointer or cursor and perform a click operation. [Background technology]

[0002] A known pointing device includes a light source, a ball that rotates with the movement of the entire device, and an optical image sensor that detects the movement of the device through an image (Patent Document 1). The device in Patent Document 1 detects the direction of movement by irradiating the ball with light from the light source and receiving the light reflected by the ball with the optical image sensor. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2004-139562 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] The device of Patent Document 1 requires a space within the device that can ensure a sufficient optical path length from the ball to the optical image sensor, which raises concerns about the size of the pointing device itself. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] An electronic pen according to one aspect of the present invention includes a light source that emits irradiation light, a rotatable rotating body that reflects the irradiation light emitted by the light source, a first detecting member that receives the irradiation light reflected by the rotating body, and a first diffraction element that is provided on an optical path from the light source to the first detecting member and diffracts the irradiation light. wherein the first diffraction element is provided on an optical path from the light source to the rotating body, and the light source is provided between the rotating body and the first diffraction element in a side cross-sectional view. . [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0006] [Figure 1]FIG. 2 is a vertical cross-sectional view illustrating the electronic pen of the first embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of the electronic pen taken along the line CC. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is an enlarged view illustrating a first diffraction element of the electronic pen. [Figure 4] 10A and 10B are diagrams illustrating a state in which no external force is applied to a movable member of the electronic pen. [Figure 5] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a control unit of the electronic pen. [Figure 6] FIG. 10 is a vertical cross-sectional view illustrating an electronic pen according to a modified example of the first embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 10 is a vertical cross-sectional view illustrating an electronic pen according to a second embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 10 is a vertical cross-sectional view illustrating an electronic pen according to a modified example of the second embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 10 is a vertical cross-sectional view illustrating an electronic pen according to a third embodiment. [Figure 10] 10A and 10B are diagrams illustrating a case where a movable member of an electronic pen according to a fourth embodiment is at a first position. [Figure 11] 10A and 10B are diagrams illustrating a case where the movable member of the electronic pen of the fourth embodiment is in a second position. [Figure 12] FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating a case where a movable member of an electronic pen according to a fifth embodiment is at a first position. [Figure 13] 13A and 13B are diagrams illustrating a case where the movable member of the electronic pen of the fifth embodiment is in a second position. [Figure 14] FIG. 13 is a vertical cross-sectional view illustrating an electronic pen according to a sixth embodiment. [Figure 15] FIG. 13 is a side view illustrating an electronic pen according to a seventh embodiment. [Figure 16] 13A and 13B are a DD transverse cross-sectional view and a longitudinal cross-sectional view illustrating an electronic pen according to a seventh embodiment. [Figure 17] FIG. 10 is a vertical cross-sectional view illustrating an electronic pen according to a modified example. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0007] [First embodiment] A first embodiment of an electronic pen according to the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to FIG.

[0008] 1 is a side cross-sectional view of an electronic pen 100. The electronic pen 100 is a pen-type mouse attached to a computer, and the user US can move or click a pointer or cursor displayed on a display or the like by gripping and operating the pen shaft body 5a of the electronic pen 100 with the hand HD of the user US. The electronic pen 100 is not limited to being in an upright position as shown in the figure, and can operate accurately even when tilted at any angle within a predetermined range.

[0009] The electronic pen 100 includes a light source 10, a first diffraction element 21, a first reflecting member 25, a rotating body 30, a second reflecting member 41, a first detection member 51, a movable member 61, a third reflecting member 71, a second detection member 82, a control unit 2, a power source 3, a substrate 4, and a housing 5. In the electronic pen 100, the light source 10, the first diffraction element 21, the first reflecting member 25, the rotating body 30, the second reflecting member 41, and the first detection member 51 function as an operation direction acquisition unit 91. The operation direction acquisition unit 91 acquires information regarding the operation amount and operation direction of the electronic pen 100. In addition, the light source 10, the first diffraction element 21, the movable member 61, the third reflecting member 71, and the second detection member 82 function as an operation detection unit 92. The operation detection unit 92 detects that a specific operation, such as a click, has been performed on the electronic pen 100. The light source 10 and the first diffraction element 21 are optical elements that function in common with the operation direction acquisition unit 91 and the operation detection unit 92.

[0010] In the above, the light source 10, the first diffraction element 21, and the first reflecting member 25 constitute a first light-projecting system in the operation direction acquiring unit 91, and the second reflecting member 41 and the first detecting member 51 constitute a first light-receiving system. In addition, the light source 10 and the first diffraction element 21 constitute a second light-projecting system in the operation detecting unit 92, and the second detecting member 82 constitutes a second light-receiving system.

[0011] The housing 5 is a vertically elongated cylindrical member and corresponds to the housing of an electronic pen. The housing 5 has a pen barrel body 5a and a pen tip 5b. The pen barrel body 5a is the main body of the housing 5 and has a cylindrical shape with a substantially uniform thickness. The pen tip 5b is the part to which the rotating body 30 is attached and has a tapered shape that narrows downward. The internal space 5i of the housing 5 accommodates the light source 10, the first diffraction element 21, the first reflecting member 25, the rotating body 30, the second reflecting member 41, the first detection member 51, part of the movable member 61, the third reflecting member 71, the second detection member 82, the control unit 2, the power supply 3, and the circuit board 4. The light source 10, the first diffraction element 21, and the second detection member 82 are fixed to a first plane 4a of the circuit board 4 facing the movable member 61, and the first detection member 51 and the control unit 2 are fixed to a second plane 4b of the circuit board 4 opposite the first plane 4a. The first reflecting member 25 and the second reflecting member 41 are fixed directly to the inner surface 5d of the housing 5 or fixed via a member (not shown). The movable member 61 is supported by the pen barrel body 5a and is exposed to the inside and outside.

[0012] The substrate 4 is a plate-like member and is disposed below the pen barrel body 5a in the internal space 5i of the housing 5. Various electronic components and circuit patterns including the light source 10, the first detection member 51, the second detection member 82, and the control unit 2 are mounted on the substrate 4.

[0013] As shown in FIG. 2, the substrate 4 is fixed between two opposing lateral ends 4e and 4f of the substrate 4 on the inner surface 5d of the pen barrel body 5a, with the first flat surface 4a of the substrate 4 facing the movable member 61 in a substantially parallel relationship. The substrate 4 is positioned so as to pass through the center of the rotor 30, which is located at the center of the pen tip 5b. In the cross-sectional views of FIGS. 1 and 2, an imaginary line KL passing through the substrate 4 and extending along the first direction A or Y direction of the housing 5 passes between the first flat surface 4a corresponding to one end 4c of the substrate 4 in the second direction B, which intersects with the first direction A, and the second flat surface 4b corresponding to the other end 4d. In this embodiment, the imaginary line KL is aligned with the central axis of the pen barrel body 5a. This allows optical elements to be arranged on both sides of the substrate 4, thereby saving space. Furthermore, by positioning the substrate 4 near the center of the housing 5, a relatively large area for the substrate 4 can be ensured.

[0014] Referring to FIG. 1, the light source 10 emits irradiation light L1. The light source 10 is disposed below the first plane 4a of the substrate 4. The light source 10 is disposed between the rotor 30 and the first diffraction element 21 in a side cross-sectional view or a vertical cross-sectional view. Examples of the light source 10 include a laser and an LED. When a laser is used as the light source 10, it is possible to further reduce power consumption while improving detection accuracy. When the light source 10 is a laser or an LED, the cross section of the light beam can be adjusted by providing a lens at the light source outlet.

[0015] The first diffraction element 21 diffracts the illumination light L1 emitted from the light source 10. The first diffraction element 21 is disposed on the optical path from the light source 10 to the first detection member 51. In the illustrated example, the first diffraction element 21 is disposed on the optical path from the light source 10 to the rotating body 30. The first diffraction element 21 is also disposed between the second detection member 82 and the light source 10 on the first plane 4a of the substrate 4 in a side cross-sectional view. When a laser is used as the light source 10, the radiation angle can be made smaller than that of an LED, so that the configuration for branching the illumination light L1 is limited to the first diffraction element 21, making it easy to omit light guides and lens components.

[0016] The first diffraction element 21 includes at least one of a reflective diffraction element and a transmissive diffraction element. In the illustrated example, the first diffraction element 21 is a reflective diffraction element. In the illustrated example, the first diffraction element 21 is a volume hologram.

[0017] As shown enlarged in FIG. 3, the first diffraction element 21 has a wedge-shaped base 21a and a multilayer volume hologram layer 21b formed on the base 21a. The volume hologram layer 21b incorporates a bifurcated volume hologram fringe. The volume hologram fringe is, for example, a three-dimensional recording of two types of interference patterns, and is a composite of diffraction patterns or fringes of two types of refractive index. The first diffraction element 21 diffracts a portion of the illumination light L1 emitted from the light source 10, illumination light L2, toward the rotor 30, and another portion of the illumination light L3, toward the second detection member 82. By using a single light source 10 and splitting the illumination light L1 from the light source 10 into two by the first diffraction element 21, the power consumption of the electronic pen 100 can be reduced. The first diffraction element 21 can appropriately impart a lens effect to the volume hologram fringe. Furthermore, this lens effect can reduce the spread of the radiation angle of an LED or laser. The first diffraction element 21 may be a surface relief hologram. A surface relief hologram has a resin layer on the surface of a base, on which a three-dimensional hologram is formed as a relief surface.

[0018] 1, first reflecting member 25 is a small-sized flat mirror that reflects irradiation light L2 diffracted by first diffraction element 21 toward rotating body 30. First reflecting member 25 is disposed on the optical path from first diffraction element 21 to rotating body 30. In addition, first reflecting member 25 is disposed on the inner surface 5d of pen barrel body 5a at a height position approximately midway between movable member 61 and rotating body 30 in a side cross-sectional view.

[0019] The rotating body 30 reflects the irradiated light L2 (part of the irradiated light L1) emitted by the light source 10 and is rotatable in any direction. The rotating body 30 is fitted into a bearing member 35 provided around the opening 5o of the pen tip 5b. The bearing member 35 rotatably supports the rotating body 30. By having the rotating body 30 in contact only with the bearing member 35, the rotation of the rotating body 30 becomes smoother, improving detection accuracy. The bearing member 35 has openings 35d and 35e that expose the rotating body 30 at the top and bottom of the axial direction of the pen barrel body 5a, so that a portion of the rotating body 30 is exposed. The upper exposed portion of the rotating body 30 reflects the irradiated light L2 (part of the irradiated light L1) from the light source 10, and the lower exposed portion comes into contact with a mouse pad, a desk, or the like.

[0020] The rotating body 30 is a small sphere or ball, and is made of, for example, metal, resin, ceramic, etc. The rotating body 30 has random minute irregularities formed on its surface 30a, but the surface 30a may also have a pattern. The rotating body 30 may also have a surface that does not have minute irregularities or patterns formed on it.

[0021] The second reflecting member 41 is a small-sized flat mirror that reflects the illumination light L2 reflected by the rotating body 30 toward the first detection member 51. The second reflecting member 41 is disposed on the optical path from the rotating body 30 to the first detection member 51. In addition, the second reflecting member 41 is disposed on the inner surface 5d of the pen barrel body 5a at a height position approximately midway between the rotating body 30 and the second detection member 82 in a side cross-sectional view. Although not shown, if the light source 10 is an LED, imaging lenses are disposed on the optical path before and after the second reflecting member 41.

[0022] In the above, by providing the first and second reflecting members 25 and 41 on the optical path, it is possible to reflect light in any direction, thereby increasing the degree of freedom in arranging optical elements.

[0023] The first detection member 51 receives the illumination light L2 reflected by the rotating body 30 and acquires information regarding the amount and direction of operation. The first detection member 51 is located above the second reflecting member 41 on the second flat surface 4b of the substrate 4 in a side cross-sectional view. The first detection member 51 has, for example, an 18 × 18 matrix-like light intensity sensor array, specifically, a photodiode array. The light intensity sensor array detects speckle patterns from the rotating body 30 at a predetermined time interval and determines the correlation between the series of patterns that change over time, enabling the amount and direction of movement of the rotating body 30 to be acquired. The speckle pattern is a random pattern of light and dark that occurs when reflected light interferes with each other when illumination light is irradiated onto an object surface with fine irregularities. When a laser is used as the light source 10, high resolution can be achieved by detecting the speckles described above.

[0024] The optical path of the operation direction acquisition unit 91, which detects the amount of rotation and the direction of rotation of the rotating body 30, will be described. Illumination light L1 emitted from the light source 10 is incident on the first diffraction element 21. The illumination light L1 incident on the first diffraction element 21 is diffracted obliquely downward and incident on the first reflecting member 25. The illumination light L2 incident on the first reflecting member 25 is reflected by the first reflecting member 25 and incident on the surface 30a of the rotating body 30. The illumination light L2 incident on the surface 30a is reflected by the surface 30a and incident on the second reflecting member 41. The illumination light L2 incident on the second reflecting member 41 is reflected by the second reflecting member 41 and incident on the first detecting member 51. In the operation direction acquisition unit 91, the light source 10, the first diffraction element 21, and the first reflecting member 25 constitute a first light-projecting system, and the second reflecting member 41 and the first detecting member 51 constitute a first light-receiving system.

[0025] The movable member 61 is a mechanical mechanism of a button switch that enables switching of operations. The movable member 61 provides the electronic pen 100 with a click function. The movable member 61 is provided in a recess 5f formed in one location on the outer surface 5e of the pen barrel body 5a. The movable member 61 includes a button body 62, a support portion 63, and a spring 64. The button body 62 extends elongatedly in a first direction A parallel to the axis of the pen barrel body 5a. The upper portion of the button body 62 is supported by the support portion 63, which functions as a bearing, so as to be rotatable around an axis perpendicular to the paper surface, and one end of the spring 64 is held by the lower portion of the button body 62. The other end of the spring 64 is fixed to the bottom of the recess 5f of the pen barrel body 5a. By applying an external force to the bottom of button body 62, button body 62 of movable member 61 is housed in recess 5f of pen barrel body 5a against the biasing force of spring 64. A hole penetrating the side surface of pen barrel body 5a is formed in recess 5f of pen barrel body 5a, allowing irradiation light L3 from first diffraction element 21 to be incident on inner surface 61a of movable member 61. A third reflecting member 71 is fixed to inner surface 61a of movable member 61.

[0026] The third reflecting member 71 is a small-sized flat mirror that reflects another portion of the irradiation light L1 diffracted by the first diffraction element 21, i.e., the irradiation light L3, toward the second detecting member 82. The third reflecting member 71 is positioned so that the irradiation light L3 is incident on the third reflecting member 71 and reflected by the second detecting member 82 when the movable member 61 is at a first position SL1 described below.

[0027] The operation of the movable member 61 will be described below with reference to FIGS. 1 and 4. When an external force is applied to the movable member 61, as shown in FIG. 1, the button body 62 moves or displaces to a first position SL1. When no external force is applied, the button body 62 moves or displaces to a second position SL2. In the illustrated example, when the movable member 61 moves to the first position SL1, the button body 62 is pressed by a finger and an external force is applied to it, and the button body 62 moves in the second direction B with the support portion 63 as a fulcrum so that the lower part of the button body 62 fits into the recess 5f of the pen barrel body 5a (see FIG. 1). When the movable member 61 moves to the second position SL2, the button body 62 is released from the finger and is no longer pressed in, and the lower part of the button body 62 moves with the support portion 63 as a fulcrum so that it separates from the recess 5f of the pen barrel body 5a and protrudes from the pen barrel body 5a (see FIG. 4). When the movable member 61 is at the first position SL1, the third reflecting member 71 reflects the irradiation light L3 diffracted by the first diffraction element 21 so that it is incident on the second detection member 82. When the movable member 61 is at the second position SL2, the third reflecting member 71 reflects the irradiation light L3 diffracted by the first diffraction element 21 so that it is incident on the periphery of the second detection member 82.

[0028] The movable member 61 may be provided with an additional mechanical mechanism that generates a clicking sound or clicking sensation when the finger is released from the button body 62 or when the button body 62 is pressed with a finger.

[0029] The second detection member 82 can receive irradiated light L3 (another portion of irradiated light L1) from the light source 10 and detects a specific operation, i.e., a click operation, based on the displacement of the movable member 61. The second detection member 82 is located at a position different from the first detection member 20 and is positioned to receive the other portion of irradiated light L1 from the light source 10, i.e., irradiated light L3, when the movable member 61 is at the first position SL1. In the illustrated example, the second detection member 82 is positioned above the first diffraction element 21 on the first plane 4a of the substrate 4 in a side cross-sectional view. The change in incident irradiated light L3 caused by the movable member 61 switching between the first position SL1 and the second position SL2 prevents the movement direction of the electronic pen 100 from being unintended by the user US when a specific operation is performed. When the second detection member 82 receives irradiated light L3 with an intensity exceeding a predetermined threshold when the movable member 61 is at the first position SL1, the second detection member 82 acquires operation information, such as click-off, through processing by the control unit 2 (described later). Furthermore, when the movable member 61 is in the second position SL2 and the second detection member 82 no longer receives the irradiated light L3 at an intensity exceeding a predetermined threshold, the control unit 2 processes the second detection member 82 to acquire, for example, click-on operation information. The control unit 2 determines that the movable member 61 is in the click-on operation state when the movable member 61 is in the second position SL2, i.e., when no external force is being applied to the movable member 61. This prevents vibrations caused by the user US's hand HD and their effect on the operation, i.e., prevents unintended force from the user US from being transmitted to the rotating body 30 via the pen barrel body 5a and affecting the operation of the operation direction acquisition unit 91, thereby enabling accurate determination of the click operation. The click operation settings for the movable member 61 at the first position SL1 and the second position SL2 can be changed as needed. For example, the first position SL1 may be set as click-on and the second position may be set as click-off.

[0030] The optical path of the operation detector 92 will be described when detecting the ON state of the second detector 82 or a switching operation from OFF to ON (i.e., when the movable member 61 is in the OFF first position SL1). Illumination light L1 emitted from the light source 10 is incident on the first diffraction element 21. Illumination light L1 incident on the first diffraction element 21 is diffracted obliquely upward and incident on the third reflecting member 71. Illumination light L3 incident on the third reflecting member 71 is reflected by the third reflecting member 71 and incident on the second detector 82. In this case, the second detector 82 outputs a detected optical signal. In the operation detector 92, the light source 10 and the first diffraction element 21 constitute a second light-emitting system, and the second detector 82 constitutes a second light-receiving system.

[0031] The optical path of the operation detector 92 will be described when detecting the OFF state of the second detection member 82 or a switching operation from ON to OFF (i.e., when the movable member 61 is in the ON second position SL2). Illumination light L1 emitted from the light source 10 is incident on the first diffraction element 21. Illumination light L1 incident on the first diffraction element 21 is diffracted obliquely upward and incident on the third reflecting member 71. Illumination light L3 incident on the third reflecting member 71 is reflected by the third reflecting member 71, but the reflected illumination light L3 deviates from the optical path at the first position SL1 and does not enter the second detection member 82. In this case, the second detection member 82 does not output a detected optical signal.

[0032] The control unit 2 controls the operations of the light source 10, the first detection member 51, and the second detection member .

[0033] The power supply 3 supplies power to the light source 10, the first detection member 51, the second detection member 82, and the control unit 2.

[0034] Hereinafter, the detailed configuration of the control unit 2 will be described with reference to FIG.

[0035] The control unit 2 includes an operation direction detection circuit 2a, a click detection circuit 2b, a data communication unit 2c, and a control circuit 2d.

[0036] The operation direction detection circuit 2a operates the light source 10 and the first detection member 51 under the control of the control circuit 2d. The operation direction detection circuit 2a emits irradiation light L1 from the light source 10. The operation direction detection circuit 2a also performs image processing of speckles from the irradiation light L2 acquired by the first detection member 51, and determines the correlation of a series of speckle patterns that change over time to generate data related to the amount of movement and direction of movement (amount of operation and direction of operation) of the rotating body 30. The operation direction detection circuit 2a outputs the data related to the amount of movement and direction of movement of the rotating body 30 as two-dimensional displacement data in the horizontal or vertical direction with respect to the surface that the rotating body 30 contacts.

[0037] The click detection circuit 2b operates the second detection member 82 under the control of the control circuit 2d. The click detection circuit 2b determines that the irradiated light L3 has been detected when the second detection member 82 receives light equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold. When the second detection member 82 does not detect the irradiated light L3 when the movable member 61 is at the second position SL2, the click detection circuit 2b senses that the finger of the user US has been released from the movable member 61 and outputs a click signal. The click detection circuit 2b can detect whether or not the irradiated light L3 is incident on the second detection member 82 by switching the movable member 61 between the first position SL1 and the second position SL2, and can therefore output a click signal in response to the movement of the user US.

[0038] Under the control of the control circuit 2d, the data communication unit 2c transmits the detection results of the first detection member 51 and the second detection member 82 wirelessly or via a wired connection to another electronic device such as a personal computer. Specifically, the data communication unit 2c transmits data related to the amount and direction of movement of the rotating body 30 generated by the operation direction detection circuit 2a. The data communication unit 2c also transmits the click signal output by the click detection circuit 2b.

[0039] The control circuit 2d controls the operations of the operation direction detection circuit 2a, the click detection circuit 2b, and the data communication unit 2c.

[0040] Although not shown in the drawings, electronic pen 100 may have another optical member, such as a lens, provided on the optical path from rotating body 30 to first detection member 51. The optical member receives the irradiated light reflected by rotating body 30 and emits the irradiated light toward first detection member 51.

[0041] 6, in electronic pen 100, second diffraction element 22 and third diffraction element 23 may be arranged instead of first reflecting member 25 and second reflecting member 41 shown in FIG. 1. Specifically, second diffraction element 22 is arranged on the optical path from first diffraction element 21 to rotating body 30. Second diffraction element 22 diffracts irradiation light L2 diffracted by first diffraction element 21 toward rotating body 30. Third diffraction element 23 is arranged on the optical path from rotating body 30 to first detection member 51. Third diffraction element 23 diffracts irradiation light L2 reflected by rotating body 30 toward first detection member 51.

[0042] In the above, by providing the second and third diffraction elements 22, 23 on the optical path, it is possible to diffract light in any direction, and also to add a lens function, thereby increasing the degree of freedom in arranging optical elements.

[0043] Furthermore, in electronic pen 100, a fourth diffraction element 24 may be arranged in place of third reflecting member 71 arranged on movable member 61. Specifically, fourth diffraction element 24 diffracts another portion (illumination light L3) of illumination light L1 diffracted by first diffraction element 21 toward second detection member 82. When movable member 61 is at first position SL1, fourth diffraction element 24 diffracts illumination light L3 diffracted by first diffraction element 21 so that it is incident on second detection member 82.

[0044] Like the first diffraction element 21, the second, third and fourth diffraction elements 22, 23 and 24 can be volume holograms or surface relief holograms.

[0045] The electronic pen 100 of the first embodiment described above comprises a light source 10 that emits irradiation light L1, a rotatable rotating body 30 that reflects irradiation light L2 emitted by the light source 10, a first detection member 51 that receives the irradiation light L2 reflected by the rotating body 30, and a first diffraction element 21 that is arranged on the optical path from the light source 10 to the first detection member 51 and diffracts the irradiation light L1.

[0046] In the above electronic pen 100, by arranging a first diffraction element 21 that diffracts the light L1 emitted from the light source 10 on the optical path from the light source 10 to the first detection member 51, restrictions on the arrangement of the light source 10 and the first diffraction element 21 are relaxed, thereby making it possible to make the electronic pen 100 smaller.

[0047] Second Embodiment An electronic pen according to a second embodiment of the present invention will be described below. Note that the electronic pen of the second embodiment is a partial modification of the electronic pen of the first embodiment, and a description of common parts will be omitted.

[0048] 7, in the electronic pen 100 of this embodiment, the first diffraction element 21 is a transmissive diffraction element. The electronic pen 100 of this embodiment is configured such that the second and third diffraction elements 22 and 23 guide the irradiation light L2 diffracted by the first diffraction element 21 to the first detection member 51, and the fourth diffraction element 24 guides the irradiation light L3 diffracted by the first diffraction element 21 to the second detection member 82. In this embodiment as well, the diffraction elements 21, 22, 23, and 24 can be volume holograms or surface relief holograms.

[0049] Note that the first diffraction element 21 may be a diffraction element that can be used as both a reflective and transmissive element, as shown in Fig. 8. In Fig. 8, a reflective diffraction element and a transmissive diffraction element are arranged on both sides of a transparent substrate as the first diffraction element 21, but a diffraction element with stripes that has both transmissive and reflective functions may also be arranged on one side.

[0050] Third Embodiment An electronic pen according to a third embodiment of the present invention will be described below. Note that the electronic pen according to the third embodiment is a partial modification of the electronic pen according to the first embodiment, and a description of the common parts will be omitted.

[0051] 9, in the electronic pen 100 of this embodiment, the first diffraction element 21 is a transmissive diffraction element. In this embodiment, the first diffraction element 21 is disposed on the optical path from the light source 10 to the rotating body 30, upstream of the second diffraction element 22. In addition, the first diffraction element 21 is disposed between the rotating body 30 and the light source 10 in a side cross-sectional view.

[0052] [Fourth embodiment] An electronic pen according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described below. Note that the electronic pen of the fourth embodiment is a partial modification of the electronic pen of the first embodiment, and a description of common parts will be omitted.

[0053] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a state in which an external force is applied to the movable member of the electronic pen, and FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a state in which no external force is applied to the movable member of the electronic pen.

[0054] 10 and other figures, in the electronic pen 100 of this embodiment, the second detection member 82 is fixed to the movable member 61. Specifically, the second detection member 82 is fixed to the inner surface 61a of the button body 62 by adhesive. The second detection member 82 is electrically connected to the control unit 2 and the like via an FPC cable (not shown) or the like. In addition, in the movable member 61, specifically on the inner surface 61a of the button body 62, a light-absorbing member 7 that has approximately the same size as the second detection member 82 and absorbs the irradiated light L3 is fixed by adhesive adjacent to and above the second detection member 82.

[0055] The second detection member 82 is a light-receiving element that receives light, and is disposed so as to receive the irradiation light L3 (another part of the irradiation light L1) diffracted by the first diffraction element 21 when the movable member 61 is at the first position SL1 (see FIG. 10). When the second detection member 82 receives the irradiation light L3 with an intensity exceeding a predetermined threshold when the movable member 61 is at the first position SL1, the control unit 2 processes the second detection member 82 to obtain click-off operation information (see FIG. 10). When the second detection member 82 no longer receives the irradiation light L3 with an intensity exceeding a predetermined threshold when the movable member 61 is at the second position SL2, the control unit 2 processes the second detection member 82 to obtain click-on operation information (see FIG. 11).

[0056] The light absorbing member 7 can absorb the irradiated light L3. The light absorbing member 7 is formed of a resin sheet or the like mixed with a light absorbing material such as carbon, and may have a fine light trap structure on its surface.

[0057] When the movable member 61 is at the second position SL2, the irradiation light L3 diffracted by the first diffraction element 21 is incident on the light-absorbing member 7. In other words, when the movable member 61 is at the second position SL2, the irradiation light L3 is absorbed by the light-absorbing member 7 and does not enter the second detection member 82 (see FIG. 11).

[0058] Fifth Embodiment Hereinafter, an electronic pen according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention will be described. Note that the electronic pen according to the fifth embodiment is a partial modification of the electronic pens according to the first and fourth embodiments, and a description of the common parts will be omitted.

[0059] FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a state in which an external force is applied to the movable member of the electronic pen, and FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a state in which no external force is applied to the movable member of the electronic pen.

[0060] 12 and other figures, in electronic pen 100 of this embodiment, light-absorbing member 7 is provided on substrate 4 together with second detection member 82, light source 10, and the like. Light-absorbing member 7 is arranged on first plane 4a of substrate 4 on one side of first direction A in which housing 5 extends relative to second detection member 82 and light source 10, and in the example shown, light-absorbing member 7 is arranged above light source 10 and adjacent to the upper side of second detection member 82. In addition, a third reflecting member 71 is arranged on movable member 61. Note that a fourth diffraction element 24 may be arranged instead of third reflecting member 71.

[0061] The light-absorbing member 7 is adapted to receive the irradiation light L3 diffracted by the first diffraction element 21 when the movable member 61 is at the second position SL2. That is, when the movable member 61 is at the second position SL2, the irradiation light L3 is incident on the light-absorbing member 7 and absorbed by the light-absorbing member 7, and does not enter the second detection member 82 (see FIG. 13). Providing the light-absorbing member 7 prevents the irradiation light L3 reflected by the third reflecting member 71 corresponding to the second position SL2 from entering the periphery of the second detection member 82 at an unintended timing and causing stray light.

[0062] Although not shown, in a configuration in which the irradiated light L3 is incident on the lower side of the second detection member 82 when the movable member 61 is at the second position SL2, the light-absorbing member 7 is disposed on the first flat surface 4a of the substrate 4 on the other side of the first direction A in which the housing 5 extends, relative to the second detection member 82 and the light source 10. In other words, the light-absorbing member 7 is disposed above the light source 10 and adjacent to the lower side of the second detection member 82.

[0063] Sixth Embodiment An electronic pen according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention will be described below. Note that the electronic pen of the sixth embodiment is a partial modification of the electronic pen of the first embodiment, and a description of common parts will be omitted.

[0064] As shown in FIG. 14 , the electronic pen 100 of this embodiment does not include a substrate 4. The electronic pen 100 of this embodiment includes a light source 10, a first diffraction element 21, an optical member LN, a second reflecting member 41, a first detection member 51, a movable member 61, a third reflecting member 71, a second detection member 82, a control unit 2, and a power supply 3. The light source 10, the first diffraction element 21, the first detection member 51, the second detection member 82, and the control unit 2 are fixed to the inner surface 5d of the housing 5 directly or via a reinforcing member 6. The optical member LN and the second reflecting member 41 are fixed to the housing 5 via a member (not shown). In the electronic pen 100, the light source 10, the first diffraction element 21, the rotating body 30, the second reflecting member 41, and the first detection member 51 function as an operation direction acquisition unit 91. Furthermore, the light source 10, the first diffraction element 21, the movable member 61, the third reflecting member 71, and the second detecting member 82 function as an operation detecting unit 92.

[0065] The optical member LN is disposed on the optical path from the rotating body 30 to the first detection member 51, which is part of the optical path of the operation direction acquisition unit 91. The optical member LN receives the illumination light L2 reflected by the rotating body 30 and emits the incident illumination light L2 toward the first detection member 51. The optical member LN is, for example, a condenser lens, and converges the illumination light L2 that is reflected while being diffused by the surface 30a of the rotating body 30.

[0066] Seventh Embodiment An electronic pen according to a seventh embodiment of the present invention will be described below. Note that the electronic pen of the seventh embodiment is a partial modification of the electronic pen of the first embodiment, and a description of common parts will be omitted.

[0067] 15, the electronic pen 100 of this embodiment has a plurality of movable members. Specifically, the electronic pen 100 has a first movable member 161 for the index finger, a second movable member 261 for the thumb, and a third movable member 361 for the middle finger. Different click functions or button functions can be set for the first movable member 161, the second movable member 261, and the third movable member 361.

[0068] 16 , in electronic pen 100, light source 10, first diffraction element 21, movable member 161 for the index finger, fourth diffraction element 124 for the index finger, and second detection member 182 for the index finger are arranged on the optical path of operation detection unit 192 for the index finger. Also, light source 10, first diffraction element 21, fifth diffraction element 227 for the thumb, movable member 261 for the thumb, fourth diffraction element 224 for the thumb, sixth diffraction element 228 for the thumb, and second detection member 282 for the thumb are arranged on the optical path of operation detection unit 292 for the middle finger. Also, light source 10, first diffraction element 21, fifth diffraction element 327 for the middle finger, movable member 361 for the middle finger, fourth diffraction element 324 for the middle finger, sixth diffraction element 328 for the middle finger, and second detection member 382 for the middle finger are arranged on the optical path of operation detection unit 292 for the middle finger. In this embodiment, the light source 10, the first diffraction element 21, and the second detection member 182 for the index finger are arranged on the first plane 4a of the substrate 4. The first detection member 51, the second detection member 282 for the thumb, the second detection member 382 for the middle finger, and the control unit 2 are arranged on the second plane 4b of the substrate 4. The fifth diffraction elements 227, 327 and the sixth diffraction elements 228, 328 are arranged in appropriate positions on the inner surface 5d of the housing 5.

[0069] The illumination light emitted from the light source 10 is branched into four directions by the first diffraction element 21. The branched first illumination light L2 is reflected by the first reflecting member 25, the rotating body 30, and the second reflecting member 41 and enters the first detection member 51. The branched second illumination light L3a is diffracted by the fourth diffraction element 124 of the first movable member 161 for the index finger and enters the second detection member 182 for the index finger. The branched third illumination light L3b is diffracted by the fifth diffraction element 227 and then enters the fourth diffraction element 224 of the second movable member 261 for the thumb. The illumination light L3b is then diffracted by the fourth diffraction element 224 and then diffracted by the sixth diffraction element 228 and enters the second detection member 282 for the thumb. The branched fourth illumination light L3c is diffracted by the fifth diffraction element 327 and then enters the fourth diffraction element 324 of the third movable member 361 for the middle finger. Thereafter, the irradiation light L3c is diffracted by the fourth diffraction element 324, and then diffracted by the sixth diffraction element 328, and is incident on the second detection member 382 for the middle finger.

[0070] In this embodiment, a plurality of light sources 10 may be provided, and the diffraction elements onto which the light emitted from the light sources 10 is incident may be arranged as appropriate.

[0071] [Other matters] The structure described above is an example, and various modifications can be made within the scope of achieving the same function.

[0072] In the above, the first to third reflecting members 25, 41, and 71 or the second to fourth diffraction elements 22, 23, and 24 are provided as optical elements for guiding the illumination light L2 and L3 diffracted by the first diffraction element 21 to the first or second detection member 51 and 82, respectively. However, the number, positions, and combination of the reflecting members and diffraction elements can be changed as appropriate. The location of the first diffraction element 21 can also be changed as appropriate. For example, as shown in FIG. 17 , the first diffraction element 21 may be provided on the inner surface 5d of the housing 5, below the movable member 61. In this case, the operation direction acquisition unit 91 is configured with the light source 10, the first diffraction element 21, the rotating body 30, the third diffraction element 23, and the first detection member 51. The operation detection unit 92 is configured with the light source 10, the first diffraction element 21, the fifth diffraction element 27, the movable member 61, the fourth diffraction element 24, and the second detection member 82. 17, the light source 10, the fifth diffraction element 27, and the second detection member 82 are arranged on the first plane 4a of the substrate 4. The first detection member 51 and the control unit 2 are arranged on the second plane 4b of the substrate 4.

[0073] In a specific embodiment, the electronic pen comprises a light source that emits irradiation light, a rotatable rotating body that reflects the irradiation light emitted by the light source, a first detection member that receives the irradiation light reflected by the rotating body, and a first diffraction element that is arranged on the optical path from the light source to the first detection member and diffracts the irradiation light.

[0074] In the above electronic pen, by arranging a first diffraction element that diffracts the light emitted from the light source on the optical path from the light source to the first detection member, restrictions on the arrangement of the light source and the first diffraction element are relaxed, thereby making it possible to make the electronic pen smaller.

[0075] In a specific aspect, the optical element includes a first reflecting member provided on the optical path from the first diffraction element to the rotating body, and reflects the irradiated light diffracted by the first diffraction element toward the rotating body, and a second reflecting member provided on the optical path from the rotating body to the first detecting member, and reflects the irradiated light reflected by the rotating body toward the first detecting member. In this case, light can be reflected in any direction, thereby increasing the degree of freedom in the arrangement of optical elements.

[0076] In a specific aspect, the optical system includes a second diffraction element provided on the optical path from the first diffraction element to the rotating body, the second diffraction element diffracting the irradiated light diffracted by the first diffraction element toward the rotating body, and a third diffraction element provided on the optical path from the rotating body to the first detection member, the third diffraction element diffracting the irradiated light reflected by the rotating body toward the first detection member. In this case, it is possible to diffract light in any direction, and a lens function can be added, thereby increasing the degree of freedom in the arrangement of optical elements.

[0077] In a specific aspect, the first diffraction element is provided on an optical path from the light source to the rotating body, and the light source is provided between the rotating body and the first diffraction element in a cross-sectional view.

[0078] In a specific aspect, the optical element is provided on the optical path from the rotating body to the first detection member, and receives the irradiated light reflected by the rotating body and emits the irradiated light toward the first detection member.

[0079] In a specific aspect, the first diffraction element includes at least one of a reflective diffraction element and a transmissive diffraction element.

[0080] In a specific aspect, the first diffraction element is a transmission type diffraction element and is provided on the optical path from the light source to the rotating body, and the first diffraction element is provided between the rotating body and the light source in a cross-sectional view.

[0081] In a specific aspect, the electronic pen includes a substrate on which the light source and the first detection member are mounted, and a virtual line passing through the center of the rotor and along a first direction in which the electronic pen housing extends passes between one end and the other end of the substrate in a second direction that intersects with the first direction. In this case, optical elements can be arranged on both sides of the substrate, thereby saving space. Furthermore, by arranging the substrate near the center of the electronic pen housing, a relatively large area can be secured for the substrate.

[0082] In a specific aspect, the electronic pen includes a second detection member disposed at a position different from the first detection member and configured to receive the irradiated light, and the first diffraction element diffracts a portion of the irradiated light emitted from the light source toward the rotating body and another portion toward the second detection member. In this case, by using a single light source and splitting the irradiated light from the light source into two by the first diffraction element, the power consumption of the electronic pen can be reduced.

[0083] In a specific aspect, the electronic pen includes a movable member that moves to a first position when an external force is applied and moves to a second position when no external force is applied, and the second detection member is configured to receive another portion of the irradiated light when the movable member is in the first position. In this case, the provision of the movable member gives the electronic pen a click function. The change in the incident light caused by switching the movable member between the first and second positions can prevent the electronic pen from moving in a direction unintended by the user when a specific operation is performed.

[0084] In a specific aspect, the movable member includes a light-absorbing member that absorbs the irradiated light, and the second detecting member and the light-absorbing member are provided on the movable member, and the irradiated light diffracted by the first diffraction element is incident on the light-absorbing member when the movable member is in the second position. By making the irradiated light incident on the absorbing member when the movable member is in the second position, stray light is prevented from entering the second detecting member, and the detection accuracy of the second detecting member can be improved.

[0085] In a specific aspect, the movable member is provided with a fourth diffraction element that diffracts another portion of the irradiation light diffracted by the first diffraction element toward the second detection member, and when the movable member is in the first position, the fourth diffraction element diffracts the irradiation light diffracted by the first diffraction element so that it is incident on the second detection member.

[0086] In a specific aspect, the movable member is provided with a third reflecting member that reflects another portion of the irradiation light diffracted by the first diffraction element toward the second detection member, and when the movable member is in the first position, the third reflecting member reflects the irradiation light diffracted by the first diffraction element so that it is incident on the second detection member.

[0087] In a specific aspect, the electronic pen includes a light-absorbing member that is provided on one side of the first direction in which the electronic pen housing extends relative to the light source and absorbs the irradiated light, and when the movable member is in the second position, the irradiated light diffracted by the first diffraction element is incident on the light-absorbing member. When the movable member is in the second position, the irradiated light is incident on the absorbing member, thereby preventing stray light from entering the second detection member and improving the detection accuracy of the second detection member. [Explanation of symbols]

[0088] HD...hand, KL...virtual line, L1, L2, L3, L3a, L3b, L3c...irradiated light, LN...optical member, SL1...first position, SL2...second position, US...user, 2...control unit, 2a...operation direction detection circuit, 2b...click detection circuit, 2c...data communication unit, 2d...control circuit, 3...power supply, 4...board, 4a...first plane, 4b...second plane, 4c...one end, 4d...other end, 5...casing, 5a...pen barrel body, 5b...pen tip, 5d...inner surface, 5e...outer surface, 5f...recess, 5i...internal space, 5o...opening, 7...light-absorbing member, 10...light source, 20...detection member, 21...first diffraction element, 21a... Base portion, 21b...volume hologram layer, 22...second diffraction element, 23...third diffraction element, 24,124,224,324...fourth diffraction element, 25...first reflection member, 27,227,327...fifth diffraction element, 228,328...sixth diffraction element, 30...rotating body, 35...bearing member, 41...second reflection member, 51...first detection member, 61,161,261,361...movable member, 62...button body, 63...support portion, 64...spring, 71...third reflection member, 82,182,282,382...second detection member, 91...operation direction acquisition unit, 92,192,292...operation detection unit, 100...electronic pen

Claims

1. a light source that emits irradiation light; a rotating body that reflects the irradiation light emitted by the light source and is rotatable; a first detection member that receives the irradiated light reflected by the rotating body; a first diffraction element that is provided on an optical path from the light source to the first detection member and that diffracts the irradiation light; the first diffraction element is provided on an optical path from the light source to the rotating body, The light source is provided between the rotating body and the first diffraction element in a side cross-sectional view.

2. a first reflecting member that is provided on an optical path from the first diffraction element to the rotating body and that reflects the irradiation light diffracted by the first diffraction element toward the rotating body; The electronic pen according to claim 1 , further comprising: a second reflecting member provided on an optical path from the rotating body to the first detecting member, the second reflecting member reflecting the irradiation light reflected by the rotating body toward the first detecting member.

3. a second diffraction element that is provided on an optical path from the first diffraction element to the rotating body and that diffracts the irradiation light diffracted by the first diffraction element toward the rotating body; 2. The electronic pen according to claim 1, further comprising: a third diffraction element provided on an optical path from the rotating body to the first detection member, the third diffraction element diffracting the irradiation light reflected by the rotating body toward the first detection member.

4. An electronic pen as described in any one of claims 1 to 3, comprising an optical element arranged on an optical path from the rotating body to the first detection element, into which the illumination light reflected by the rotating body is incident and which emits the incident illumination light toward the first detection element.

5. The electronic pen according to claim 1 , wherein the first diffraction element includes at least one of a reflective diffraction element and a transmissive diffraction element.

6. a substrate on which the light source and the first detection member are provided, An electronic pen described in any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein a virtual line passing through the center of the rotating body and along a first direction in which the electronic pen housing extends passes between one end and the other end of a second direction in the substrate that intersects with the first direction.

7. a second detection member provided at a position different from the first detection member and configured to receive the irradiated light; The electronic pen according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the first diffraction element diffracts a portion of the irradiation light emitted from the light source toward the rotating body and another portion toward the second detection member.

8. a movable member that moves to a first position when an external force is applied and to a second position when no external force is applied; The electronic pen according to claim 7 , wherein the second detection member is provided so as to receive another part of the emitted light when the movable member is in the first position.

9. a light absorbing member that absorbs the irradiated light; the second detection member and the light absorbing member are provided on the movable member, The electronic pen according to claim 8 , wherein the light absorbing member receives the irradiation light diffracted by the first diffraction element when the movable member is in the second position.

10. a fourth diffraction element provided on the movable member and diffracting another part of the irradiation light diffracted by the first diffraction element toward the second detection member; The electronic pen according to claim 8 , wherein the fourth diffraction element diffracts the irradiation light diffracted by the first diffraction element so that the irradiation light is incident on the second detection member when the movable member is in the first position.

11. a third reflecting member provided on the movable member and configured to reflect another portion of the irradiation light diffracted by the first diffraction element toward the second detecting member; The electronic pen according to claim 8 , wherein the third reflecting member reflects the irradiation light diffracted by the first diffraction element so as to be incident on the second detecting member when the movable member is in the first position.

12. a light absorbing member that is provided on one side of the electronic pen housing in a first direction in which the electronic pen housing extends relative to the light source and absorbs the irradiated light; The electronic pen according to claim 10 , wherein the light absorbing member receives the irradiation light diffracted by the first diffraction element when the movable member is in the second position.

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