Position indicator

Abstract

A single common position indicator can be used for multiple types of position detection systems. It comprises a first transmitter, a second transmitter, an input unit that receives input from the outside, a means for generating a position detection signal, multiple means for generating additional information of different types, and a control means. Based on the input received by the input unit, the control means controls the transmission of a position detection signal through the first transmitter, and also controls the transmission of additional information from the multiple means for generating additional information to the first transmitter or the second transmitter.

Description

Technology Field

[0001] This invention relates to a position indicator (stylus) used in conjunction with a position detection sensor. Background Technology

[0002] A position input device consisting of a position detection sensor and a position indicator called an electronic pen can be of various types, such as electronic coupling or electrostatic coupling, depending on the difference in the coupling method between the position detection sensor and the electronic pen.

[0003] Furthermore, even for position input devices of the same type, there are various configuration types depending on differences in the method of transmitting and receiving position detection signals between the position detection system and the position indicator, the method of transmitting and receiving additional information such as operation information of switches provided in the position indicator, pen pressure information, identification information of the position indicator, and internal storage data, and the method of transmitting and receiving instruction information that changes the operation of the position indicator. Conventionally, position indicators corresponding to position detection systems were provided to users with a limited method of transmitting and receiving specific position detection signals and additional information. Consequently, even for position input devices equipped with position detection systems having similar position detection sensor means, users needed to possess a dedicated position indicator; thus, they had to carry multiple position indicators and select an appropriate position indicator for each position input device.

[0004] For example, there are multiple configuration types as follows for electrostatic coupling type position indicators. That is, the first configuration type is a position indicator that detects a position by detecting a change in energy (or voltage) induced in the conductor of the sensor part of the position detection system at the location where the position indicator is present, by not transmitting a position detection signal from the position indicator and by flowing alternating electric field energy transmitted from the sensor part of the position detection system to the ground through the position indicator and the human body (passive method) (see, for example, Patent Document 1 (Japanese Patent Publication No. 2011-3035), etc.).

[0005] In addition, the second configuration type of the electrostatic coupling method is an improvement over the first configuration type described above, which has low sensitivity for position detection. It is a position indicator that receives a signal from the sensor unit of the position detection system, performs signal processing such as signal enhancement on the received signal, and then returns it to the sensor unit (an improved method of the passive method) (see, for example, Patent Document 2 (Japanese Patent No. 4683505), etc.). In the case of the position indicators of the first and second configuration types, additional information is transmitted to or received from the position detection sensor, for example, using wireless communication means.

[0006] The third configuration type of the electrostatic coupling method is a so-called active type of position indicator, which, unlike the first and second configuration types described above, has a position indicator equipped with a transmitting circuit and supplies a transmitting signal from the transmitting circuit to a position detection sensor as a signal for position detection (see, for example, Patent Document 3 (Japanese Patent Publication No. 07-295722), etc.). The position detection system uses a sensor panel of the position detection means, but performs position detection as the position indicated by the position indicator from the signal strength of individual conductors that receive the transmitting signal from this active type of position indicator.

[0007] And in the case of this third configuration type of position indicator, it is further divided into multiple types, such as a configuration type that transmits all of the additional information together with the position detection signal to a position detection system, and a configuration type that transmits a portion of the additional information together with the position detection signal and transmits the remaining additional information separately to a wireless communication means equipped by the position detection system via a wireless communication means.

[0008] Furthermore, although a detailed explanation is omitted, regarding the electronic coupling method, there exists a configuration type in which the position indicator receives a signal from the sensor part of the position detection system via a resonant circuit and returns the received signal to the sensor part of the position detection system, a configuration type equipped with a transmitting circuit and transmitting a signal from said transmitting circuit to the sensor part of the position detection system through the resonant circuit, and a configuration type in which additional information is transmitted to a wireless communication means equipped by the position detection system, and the existence of multiple configuration types is the same as in the case of the electrostatic coupling method described above. Prior art literature

[0009] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2011-3035, Japanese Patent No. 4683505, Japanese Patent Publication No. Hei 07-295722 The problem to be solved

[0010] However, as mentioned above, conventionally, even for position input devices using the same electrostatic coupling or electromagnetic induction methods, it was necessary to prepare a position indicator corresponding to each configuration type whenever the configuration type differed. However, having to prepare a position indicator for every different configuration type placed a cost burden on the user, and furthermore, it was cumbersome for the user to manage multiple position indicators of different configuration types in conjunction with the position detection system.

[0011] The present invention aims to solve the above problems and provide a position indicator that enables the use of multiple configuration types with a single position indicator. means of solving the problem

[0012] In order to solve the above-mentioned problem, this invention

[0013] The first transmitting unit, and

[0014] The second transmitter, and

[0015] An input section that receives input, and

[0016] A means for generating a position detection signal transmitted from the first transmitting unit, and

[0017] A means for generating additional information that generates additional information, and

[0018] A position indicator is provided, characterized by having a control means for transmitting the position detection signal from the first transmitter and, based on an input received from the input unit, controlling whether to transmit the additional information from the additional information generating means from the first transmitter or from the second transmitter.

[0019] In the position indicator according to the present invention having the above-described configuration, the control means controls the transmission of a position detection signal through a first transmitter based on an input received from an input unit, and also controls the transmission of additional information from a plurality of additional information generating means from the first or second transmitter.

[0020] By this, the position indicator according to the present invention can be configured to be a position indicator corresponding to a position detection system of various configuration types (modes). Effects of the invention

[0021] The position indicator according to the present invention can adopt a configuration (mode) according to the configuration type of the position detection system, so there is no need to prepare a position indicator for each position detection system of a different configuration type, thereby reducing the cost burden on the user. In addition, since the user only needs to prepare one common position indicator for multiple position detection systems of configuration types, the cumbersome management associated with the position detection system is eliminated, thereby achieving the effect of eliminating the need for cumbersome management. Brief explanation of the drawing

[0022] FIG. 1 is a drawing showing the conceptual configuration of an embodiment of a position indicator according to the present invention. FIG. 2 is a drawing for explaining an example of the mechanical configuration of an embodiment of a position indicator according to the present invention. FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view showing a detailed configuration example of a part of the mechanical configuration of an embodiment of the position indicator according to the present invention. FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating the conceptual configuration of an embodiment of a position indicator according to the present invention and the processing operation thereof. FIG. 5 is a drawing used to explain part of a conceptual configuration example of an embodiment of a position indicator according to the present invention. FIG. 6 is a diagram showing part of a flowchart to explain an example of the flow of processing operations of an embodiment of the position indicator according to the present invention. FIG. 7 is a diagram showing part of a flowchart to explain an example of the flow of processing operations of an embodiment of the position indicator according to the present invention. FIG. 8 is a drawing for explaining an example of a position indicator of a configuration type that can be configured by an embodiment of the position indicator according to the present invention. FIG. 9 is a drawing for explaining an example of a position indicator of a configuration type that can be configured by an embodiment of the position indicator according to the present invention, and a corresponding position detection system. FIG. 10 is a drawing for explaining another example of a position indicator of a configuration type that can be configured by an embodiment of the position indicator according to the present invention, and a corresponding position detection system. Figure 11 is a timing chart used to explain the example of Figure 10. FIG. 12 is a drawing for explaining another example of a position indicator of a configuration type that can be configured by an embodiment of the position indicator according to the present invention, and a corresponding position detection system. Figure 13 is a timing chart used to explain the example of Figure 12. FIG. 14 is a drawing for explaining another example of a position indicator of a configuration type that can be configured by an embodiment of the position indicator according to the present invention, and a corresponding position detection system. Figure 15 is a timing chart used to explain the example of Figure 14. FIG. 16 is a flowchart used to explain an example of the flow of processing operations of a position detection system corresponding to another example of a configuration type of position indicator that can be configured by an embodiment of the position indicator according to the present invention. FIG. 17 is a drawing used to explain another example of a configuration type that can be configured by an embodiment of the position indicator according to the present invention. FIG. 18 is a drawing showing the conceptual configuration of another embodiment of a position indicator according to the present invention. FIG. 19 is a drawing for illustrating an example of a position indicator of a configuration type that can be configured by another embodiment of the position indicator according to the present invention. Specific details for implementing the invention

[0023] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the position indicator according to the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a drawing for generalizing the conceptual configuration and processing operation of the position indicator (1) of an embodiment of the present invention, and is a drawing showing the state in which the position indicator (1) is positioned on the sensor input surface (2a) of a capacitive position detection system (2). FIG. 2 is a drawing for explaining an example of the mechanical configuration of the position indicator (1), where (A) of FIG. 2 is a partial cross-sectional view and (B) of FIG. 2 is a drawing showing a part of the external appearance. In this embodiment, the position indicator (1) is formed such that its external appearance has a rod-shaped stylus shape.

[0024] [Description of mechanical configuration example of position indicator of an embodiment]

[0025] The position indicator (1) of this embodiment is provided with a rod-shaped case (3). As shown in (A) of FIG. 2, this case (3) is composed of a hollow cylindrical insulating part (31) made of an insulating material, for example, synthetic resin. In this embodiment, at least the portion of the outer surface of the insulating part (31) of the case (3) where the operator holds the position indicator (1) is covered with a conductive part (32) made of, for example, metal.

[0026] Inside the case (3), as shown in (A) of FIG. 2, a printed circuit board (40), a battery (5), and a pressure detection unit (9) are arranged. A conductive part (32) covering the outer surface of the case (3) is not shown, but is electrically connected to the earth conductor of the printed circuit board (40).

[0027] On the printed circuit board (40), as shown in (A) of FIGS. 1 and 2, a signal transmission control circuit (41) constituting an example of a control means, a wireless communication module (42), a side switch (43) consisting of a push button switch, an ID memory (44) storing identification information (ID) of the position indicator (1), an oscillator (45, 46) outputting an oscillation signal of different frequencies f1 and f2, and wiring patterns such as conductive patterns (47a~47e), in addition, in this example, a power switch (48) and an LED (Light Emitting Diode) (49) are arranged. Also, in FIGS. 2 (A), the conductive patterns (47a~47e) are schematically shown as a single conductive pattern for the sake of simplicity of explanation, but the conductive patterns (47a~47e) may, of course, be composed of multiple conductive patterns as needed.

[0028] The battery (5) is a power source for electronic circuits and electronic components configured on the printed circuit board (40). As described later, the pressure detection unit (9) in this embodiment is configured as a variable capacitance capacitor that exhibits capacitance according to the pressure applied to the central electrode (7) constituting the core body.

[0029] The wireless communication module (42) has a transmitting function unit that is an example of a transmitting unit (second transmitting unit) of additional information of this invention, and a receiving function unit that is an example of a receiving unit (first receiving unit) that receives a signal from a location detection system. In this embodiment, it is configured as a wireless communication module of the Bluetooth (registered trademark) standard of short-range wireless communication standards. The wireless communication module (42) is connected to a signal transmission control circuit (41). Furthermore, the wireless communication module (42) is not limited to Bluetooth; for example, it may be based on infrared communication, or a wireless communication module of the Wi-Fi (registered trademark) standard may be used.

[0030] The side switch (43), ID memory (44), and pressure detection unit (9) each constitute a means for generating additional information. The side switch (43) supplies information regarding its on or off status to the signal transmission control circuit (41) as an example of additional information. The ID memory (44), in response to a reading request from the signal transmission control circuit (41), outputs the identification information (ID: Identification) of the position indicator (1) stored therein to the signal transmission control circuit (41) as an example of additional information. The variable capacitance capacitor configured by the pressure detection unit (9) indicates a change in capacitance according to the pressure value applied to the central electrode (7) constituting the core body, and the signal transmission control circuit (41) generates pressure information as an example of additional information based on that capacitance.

[0031] The oscillators (45 and 46) generate an alternating current signal to form a position detection signal transmitted from the position indicator (1) of this embodiment, and supply the generated alternating current signal to the signal transmission control circuit (41). In this embodiment, the oscillator (45) generates an alternating current signal of frequency f1, and the oscillator (46) generates an alternating current signal of frequency f2, which is different from frequency f1. The signal transmission control circuit (41) generates different position detection signals based on the oscillator (45) and the oscillator (46). That is, the signal transmission control circuit (41) together with the oscillator (45) and the oscillator (46) constitutes a means for generating a position detection signal and constitutes two transmitting units. The signal transmission control circuit (41) then selects one of the two generated position detection signals as the position detection signal transmitted from the position indicator (1). In addition, instead of the oscillator (45, 46), a plurality of transmitting units may be provided to generate and transmit position detection signals for each of the multiple types of active configuration types of position indicators described later, and configured to be selected and controlled by the signal transmission control circuit (41).

[0032] In this embodiment, the battery (5) is configured to be housed within the case (3) as shown in (A) of FIGS. 1 and 2, and the power supply voltage of the electronic circuit part, such as the signal transmission control circuit (41) on the printed circuit board (40), is generated from this battery (5). In (A) of FIG. 2, the terminal (52) is a terminal electrically connected to the power circuit part on the printed circuit board (40). The positive electrode (51) of the battery (5) is electrically connected by contacting this terminal (52). Although not shown, the negative electrode of the battery (5) is directly connected to the earth conductor of the printed circuit board (40) or is configured to make pressure contact with an elastically displaceable terminal connected to the earth conductor of the printed circuit board (40) via the conductor part (32) of the case (3).

[0033] The operator (48a) of the power switch (48) disposed on the printed circuit board (40) is configured to be operable from the outside through an opening provided in the case (3), as shown in (B) of FIG. 2. By sliding the operator (48a), the user can turn the power switch (48) on and off. Additionally, a power circuit section is formed on the printed circuit board (40) to generate a power voltage from the voltage from the battery (5) when the power switch (48) is turned on, but this has been omitted in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2 for the sake of simplicity of explanation.

[0034] One end of the hollow cylindrical insulating part (31) constituting the case (3) in the direction of the centerline is formed as a tapered part (33) that gradually tapers to a narrow end, as shown in (A) of FIG. 2. On the outer circumference of this tapered part (33), a peripheral electrode (6) made of, for example, an annular conductive metal is mounted. The peripheral electrode (6) and the conductive part (32) on the outer surface of the case (3) are insulated by the insulating part (31) being interposed between the two.

[0035] The peripheral electrode (6) forms a receiving unit (second receiving unit) for a signal from the position detection system in this embodiment by electrostatically coupling with the position detection system (2) as schematically illustrated in FIG. 1. The peripheral electrode (6) is electrically connected to a conductor pattern (47a) of a printed circuit board (40) by a lead conductor member (61) that penetrates the insulator part (31). In this example, the conductor pattern (47a) is connected to the input terminal of the signal transmission control circuit (41).

[0036] In addition, in this embodiment, a central electrode (7) made of a conductive rod-shaped body is arranged so that one end protrudes outward from the hollow portion (33) of the tapered portion (3) of the case (3). This central electrode (7) becomes the core body that forms the pen tip of the pen-shaped position indicator (1).

[0037] In this embodiment, the central electrode (7) constitutes a first transmitter for transmitting a position detection signal, and the end opposite to the side protruding outward is configured to be electrically connected to a conductive pattern (47b) formed on a printed circuit board (40). This conductive pattern (47b) is connected to the output terminal of a signal transmission control circuit (41). In this embodiment, the position indicator (1) also operates as a passive position indicator that does not transmit a position detection signal, and in that case, the central electrode (7) plays the role of absorbing electric charge from the conductor of the position detection system (2) through an electrostatic coupling part.

[0038] A peripheral electrode (6) is provided around the central electrode (7). The combination of the peripheral electrode (6) and the central electrode (7) is for position indication of the aforementioned passive method improvement method. In this embodiment, a shield member (8) is provided between the peripheral electrode (6) and the central electrode (7) to effectively prevent electrical interference between them. The shield member (8) of this embodiment is provided to surround the central electrode (7), and by doing so, the shield member (8) is interposed between the peripheral electrode (6) and the central electrode (7), thereby making the coupling capacity between the peripheral electrode (6) and the central electrode (7) as small as possible.

[0039] The central electrode (7) as the core is fitted into the pen pressure detection unit (9) disposed within the hollow portion of the case (3) of the position indicator (1) by the end opposite to the side protruding outwardly being fitted into the pen pressure detection unit (9) disposed within the hollow portion of the case (3). As described below, the central electrode (7) is configured so that the fitting with the pen pressure detection unit (9) is released by pulling it out. That is, the central electrode (7) as the core is replaceable with respect to the position indicator (1).

[0040] In this example, the pressure detection unit (9) is composed of a variable capacitance capacitor (e.g., see Japanese Patent Publication No. 2011-186803, etc.) that exhibits capacitance according to pressure (pressure) applied to the central electrode (7) as a core. The electrodes at both ends of the variable capacitance capacitor that make up the pressure detection unit (9) are connected to a signal transmission control circuit (41) by a conductive pattern (47c) in (A) of FIG. 2.

[0041] The signal transmission control circuit (41) determines and controls which of the multiple configuration types (modes) the position indicator (1) of this embodiment will be based on information received from the outside through the wireless communication module (42) or information received through the peripheral electrode (6), and based on the determination and control, controls the transmission of a position detection signal through the center electrode (7), and additionally controls the transmission of additional information through the center electrode (7) or the wireless communication module (42).

[0042] Next, with reference to FIG. 3, the detailed configuration of the central electrode (7), shield member (8), and pen pressure detection unit (9) is described. FIG. 3 shows a cross-sectional view of the central electrode (7), shield member (8), and pen pressure detection unit (9).

[0043] As shown in FIG. 3, the central electrode (7) is provided with a core (71) made of a conductive material, for example, metal, with a diameter of, for example, 1.9 mm, and in this embodiment, about half of the pen tip side of the core (71) is covered by a protective member (72) made of an insulating material. The protective member (72) has the role of preventing damage to the sensor input surface (2a) of the position detection system (2), increasing the contact area with the sensor input surface (2a), and making the insulation of the shield member (8) and the surrounding electrode (6) more robust.

[0044] As illustrated in FIG. 3, in this embodiment, the shield member (8) is configured such that a conventional body (81) made of a conductive material has its entire surface, including the outer wall surface and the inner wall surface, covered with an insulating layer (82).

[0045] The pressure detection unit (9) receives the pressure applied to the central electrode (7) through the pressure transmission member (10) and is configured as a variable capacitance capacitor with variable capacitance. As shown in FIG. 3, the central electrode (7) and the pressure transmission member (10) are combined and accommodated in a sliding manner within the hollow portion of the main body (81) of the shield member (8). The pressure transmission member (10) has a core fitting portion (11) to which the end portion (71b) of the core body (71) of the central electrode (7) is fitted, and a protrusion (12) to which the pressure detection unit (9) is fitted.

[0046] And within the concave portion (11a) of the pressure transmission member (10), as shown in FIG. 3, a terminal piece (13) for electrically connecting a central electrode (7) and a signal transmission control circuit (41) of a printed circuit board (40) is arranged, and an extension portion (13a) from said terminal piece (13) is connected to a lead electrode (14) that is connected to a conductor pattern of the printed circuit board (40).

[0047] The core (71) of the central electrode (7) is coupled with the pressure transmission member (10) by having its end (71a) inserted (pressed) into the terminal piece (13) within the concave portion (11a) of the core fitting portion (11) of the pressure transmission member (10), and the pressure applied to the core (71) is transmitted to the pressure detection unit (9) described later through the pressure transmission member (10).

[0048] Additionally, as shown in FIG. 3, a conductive metal plate (86) is provided at the contact portion between the pressure detection unit (9) and the shield member (8), and is electrically connected to the earth conductor of the printed circuit board (40). The conductive metal plate (86) is electrically connected to a terminal portion (83) in which the surface of the normal body (81) of the shield member (8) is exposed. By this, the central electrode (7) is shielded by the electric field by the shield member (8).

[0049] In addition, since the core fitting portion (11) of the pressure transmission member (10) engages with the stepped portion (84) of the hollow portion of the normal body (81) of the shield member (8), the central electrode (7) and the pressure transmission member (10) are prevented from coming out toward the pen tip. Furthermore, the stepped portion (85) on the outer surface of the shield member (8) engages with the end formed on the inner wall of the hollow portion of the insulator portion (31) of the case (3), which is not shown, thereby preventing the shield member (8) from moving in the axial direction within the hollow portion of the insulator portion (31) of the case (3).

[0050] The pressure detection unit (9) is described below. The pressure detection unit (9) of this example uses a pressure detection means of a known configuration described, for example, in Japanese Patent Publication No. 2011-186803, and is configured as a variable capacitance capacitor in which the capacitance changes according to the pressure applied to the central electrode (7).

[0051] As shown in FIG. 3, the pressure detection unit (9) of this example is configured such that a plurality of components, including a dielectric (92), a conductive member (93), an elastic member (94), a retaining member (95), and a terminal member (96), are housed within a housing member (91) made of an insulating material, for example, resin. The terminal member (96) forms the first electrode of the variable capacitance capacitor that constitutes the pressure detection unit (9). Additionally, the conductive member (93) and the elastic member (94) are electrically connected to form the second electrode of the variable capacitance capacitor.

[0052] In this pressure detection unit (9), when pressure is applied to the central electrode (7), the pressure is transmitted to the holding member (95) of the pressure detection unit (9) via the pressure transmission member (10), and the holding member (95) moves the conductive member (93) toward the dielectric (92) according to the applied pressure. Then, the contact area between the conductive member (93) and the dielectric (92) changes according to the applied pressure, and the capacitance of the variable capacitance capacitor formed between the first electrode and the second electrode changes according to the applied pressure.

[0053] [Description of an example of the configuration of the internal electronic circuit of the position indicator (1) of the embodiment]

[0054] In this embodiment, as for the position detection system (2) used together with the position indicator (1), there are multiple configuration types such as a passive type, an improved passive type, and an active type, as described above. In this embodiment, when the position detection system (2) is equipped with a wireless communication module capable of communicating with the wireless communication module (42) of the position indicator (1), the wireless communication module transmits pen type information indicating the configuration type in which the position detection system can operate to the position indicator (1). The position indicator (1) receives pen type information from the position detection system by means of the receiving function (first receiver) of the wireless communication module (42), determines which configuration type (mode) of position indicator to use based on the received pen type information, and controls the configuration to be such that the position indicator of the determined configuration type is configured.

[0055] In the case of a position indicator of a passive type or an improved passive type configuration type that receives a transmission signal from the position detection system (2), the position indicator (1) can determine which configuration type of position indicator to use by receiving a signal from the position detection system through the peripheral electrode (6) (second receiver) and control the configuration to be of the determined type of position indicator.

[0056] In this case, between the passive method and the improved method of the passive method, since there is a difference in the frequency of the signal from the position detection system or a difference in the signal content (such as a difference in spreading code or a difference in modulation method), the position indicator (1) determines such a difference and determines which configuration type of position indicator to use based on the result of the determination. In this case, even when information on the configuration type cannot be obtained from the position detection system through the wireless communication module, it is possible to determine which configuration type (mode) of position indicator to use.

[0057] The signal transmission control circuit (41) of the position indicator (1) performs a process of determining the configuration type (mode) of the position indicator (1) based on information received from the above-described position detection system (2) through the wireless communication module (42) or a signal received through the peripheral electrode (6), and also performs a process of controlling the position indicator (1) to become the determined configuration type (mode).

[0058] FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing the configuration of an electronic circuit formed on a printed circuit board (40) inside the case (3) of the position indicator (1) of this embodiment, and is mainly a diagram showing an example of the internal detailed configuration of a signal transmission control circuit (41).

[0059] As shown in FIG. 4, the signal transmission control circuit (41) is configured to include a control unit (410) made of, for example, an IC (Integrated Circuit), a pen type determination unit (411), a center electrode transmission signal generation unit (412), a wireless transmission signal generation unit (413), a switch circuit (414) for selecting a signal for position detection, a feedback signal generation circuit (415), a passive type position indicator, and switch circuits (416, 417) for switching between a passive type improvement method and an active type position indicator.

[0060] A variable capacitance capacitor configured in the pressure detection unit (9) is connected to the control unit (410), and the control unit (410) calculates the pressure (pressure value) applied to the center electrode (7) from the capacitance of the variable capacitance capacitor configured in the pressure detection unit (9). Also, an on / off state signal of the side switch (43) is supplied to the control unit (410). The control unit (410) generates side switch information, which is additional information regarding the side switch (43), from the on / off state signal of the side switch (43). Also, an ID memory (44) is connected to the control unit (410), and the control unit (410) reads and acquires the identification information (ID) of the position indicator (1) from the ID memory (44) as needed. Additionally, the ID memory (44) may be configured to store previously stored identification information in the location indicator (1), or the identification information stored in the ID memory (44) may be rewritten by a command from the location detection system (2), received, for example, through the wireless communication module (42).

[0061] The control unit (410) controls whether to transmit from the center electrode (7) or wirelessly transmit from the wireless communication module (42) for each of the additional information of multiple types, in this example, pen pressure information, side switch information, and identification information, based on information based on the pen type determination result from the pen type determination unit (411).

[0062] The control unit (410) supplies additional information transmitted through the central electrode (7) to the central electrode transmission signal generation unit (412), and additional information transmitted through the wireless communication module (42) to the wireless transmission signal generation unit (413).

[0063] The central electrode transmission signal generation unit (412) is connected to the central electrode (7), and as described below, additional information to be transmitted is transmitted to the position detection system (2) through the central electrode (7) along with the position detection signal. The wireless transmission signal generation unit (413) is connected to the transmission unit (421) of the wireless communication module (42), and additional information to be transmitted is wirelessly transmitted to the position detection system (2) through this transmission unit (421).

[0064] In the central electrode transmission signal generation unit (412), according to the switching selection by the control unit (410) of the switch circuit (414), an AC signal of frequency f1 from the oscillator (45) and an AC signal of frequency f2 from the oscillator (46) are supplied as signals for generating a position detection signal to be transmitted, and a feedback signal from the feedback signal generation circuit (415) is supplied as a position detection signal to be transmitted. The feedback signal generation circuit (415) amplifies the signal received from the position detection system (2) through the peripheral electrode (6) in this example to increase the signal strength and additionally inverts the phase. Examples of configuration and processing of this feedback signal generation circuit (415) will be described in detail below. The control unit (410) generates a switching selection signal of the switch circuit (414) based on information based on the pen type determination result from the pen type determination unit (411).

[0065] Additionally, the connection part of the central electrode transmission signal generation unit (412) and the central electrode (7) is connected to the conductor part (32) of the case (3) through a switch circuit (416). Also, the peripheral electrode (6) is connected to the conductor part (32) of the case (3) through a switch circuit (417). These switch circuits (416, 417) are switched by an on / off control signal from the control unit (410). The control unit (410) generates an on / off control signal for the switch circuits (416, 417) based on information based on the pen type determination result from the pen type determination unit (411).

[0066] The pen type determination unit (411) is composed of a pen type table memory (4111) and a determination processing unit (4112). In the determination processing unit (4112) of the pen type determination unit (411), information from the position detection system (2) received from the receiver (422) of the wireless communication module (42) is supplied, and a signal received from the position detection system (2) through the peripheral electrode (6) is supplied.

[0067] In the pen type table memory (4111), pen type table information is stored regarding the configuration types of multiple types of position indicators (1), whether or not a position detection signal is transmitted for each configuration type of position indicator, the frequency of the oscillator for generating the transmitted position detection signal, and whether additional information is transmitted from the central electrode (7) or transmitted through the wireless communication module (42). This pen type table information may be stored in the pen type table memory (4111) in advance, but in this example, it is configured to be written and rewritten by a command from the position detection system (2) through the wireless communication module (42).

[0068] The judgment processing unit (4112) determines information from the position detection system (2) received by the receiver (422) of the wireless communication module (42), or a signal received from the sensor unit of the position detection system (2) through the peripheral electrode (6), and also determines the configuration type of the position indicator suitable for the position detection system (2) to be used together with the position indicator (1) by referring to the pen type table information of the pen type table memory (4111). Then, based on the result of the judgment, it generates information regarding whether a signal is transmitted from the central electrode (7), information regarding what the position detection signal and additional information transmitted from the central electrode (7) are, and information regarding what the additional information transmitted through the wireless communication module (42) is, and supplies the generated information to the control unit (410).

[0069] The control unit (410) generates a switching selection signal for the switch circuit (414) and an on / off control signal for the switch circuit (416, 417) based on information from the pen type determination unit (411), supplies them to the switch circuit (414 and 416, 417), and determines additional information to be supplied to the center electrode transmission signal generation unit (412) and additional information to be supplied to the wireless transmission signal generation unit (413), and supplies them respectively.

[0070] FIG. 5 illustrates an example of pen type table information of the pen type determination unit (411). This example of FIG. 5 is table information for five types of position indicators, configuration type 1 to configuration type 5 (mode 1 to mode 5). After determining the configuration type (mode) of the position indicator, the pen type determination unit (411) refers to this pen type table information and generates control information to be supplied to the control unit (410). Below, it will be explained that in the position indicator (1) of this embodiment, each configuration type (mode) is switched and configured by control by the control unit (410).

[0071] Configuration type 1 (mode 1) is a passive type position indicator, and no signal is transmitted from the center electrode (7), and all additional information is transmitted through the wireless communication module (42). That is, in the signal transmission control circuit (41) of the position indicator (1), when the pen type determination unit (411) determines that this configuration type 1 (mode 1) is the case, the control unit (410) turns on the switch circuits (416, 417) and also turns the center electrode transmission signal generation unit (412) into a non-operational state. The switch circuit (417) may be off. Then, the control unit (410) controls all additional information to be transmitted to the position detection system (2) through the wireless transmission signal generation unit (413) and through the transmission unit (421) of the wireless communication module (42). In addition, there are cases where identification information does not need to be transmitted as additional information.

[0072] Configuration type 2 (mode 2) is a passive type improved type position indicator. When the pen type determination unit (411) determines that this configuration type 2 (mode 2) is the correct type, based on the information from the pen type determination unit (411), the control unit (410) turns off the switch circuits (416, 417) and switches the switch circuit (414) to a state where it selects a signal from the return signal generation circuit (415). Then, all additional information is controlled to be transmitted from the control unit (410) to the position detection system (2) through the wireless transmission signal generation unit (413) and the transmission unit (421) of the wireless communication module (42). Additionally, there are cases where identification information does not need to be transmitted as additional information.

[0073] Configuration type 3 (mode 3) is the first type of active position indicator. When the pen type determination unit (411) determines that this configuration type 3 (mode 3) is the first type, based on the information from the pen type determination unit (411), the control unit (410) turns the switch circuit (416) off and the switch circuit (417) on, and the switch circuit (414) switches to a state where, in this example, an alternating current signal from the oscillator (45) of frequency f1 is selected. Then, all additional information is controlled to be transmitted from the control unit (410) to the position detection system (2) through the wireless transmission signal generation unit (413) and the transmission unit (421) of the wireless communication module (42). Additionally, there are cases where identification information does not need to be transmitted as additional information.

[0074] Configuration type 4 (mode 4) is the second type of active position indicator. When the pen type determination unit (411) determines that this configuration type 4 (mode 4) is the second type, based on the information from the pen type determination unit (411), the control unit (410) turns the switch circuit (416) off and the switch circuit (417) on, and the switch circuit (414) switches to a state where, in this example, an alternating current signal from the oscillator (46) of frequency f2 is selected. Then, among the additional information, the pen pressure information and side switch information are transmitted together with the position detection signal from the center electrode (7), and the identification information ID is controlled to be transmitted to the position detection system (2) through the wireless transmission signal generation unit (413) and the transmission unit (421) of the wireless communication module (42).

[0075] Configuration type 5 (mode 5) is the third type of active position indicator. When the pen type determination unit (411) determines that this configuration type 5 (mode 5) is the case, based on the information from the pen type determination unit (411), the control unit (410) turns the switch circuit (416) off and the switch circuit (417) on, and the switch circuit (414) switches to a state where, in this example, an alternating current signal from the oscillator (46) of frequency f2 is selected. Then, all additional information is controlled to be transmitted together with the position detection signal from the center electrode (7).

[0076] In this manner, the signal transmission control circuit (41) determines the configuration type of the position indicator based on the information and signals received from the sensor unit of the position detection system (2) through the receiver (422) of the wireless communication module (42) and the peripheral electrode (6), and configures the position indicator (1) to be configured as a position indicator of the determined configuration type. Accordingly, the position indicator (1) of this embodiment can automatically configure and use position indicators of various configuration types corresponding to various types of position detection systems (2). That is, for multiple position detection systems (2) of various types, position indicator input can be made using only the position indicator (1) of this embodiment. Because of this, there is no need to prepare a position indicator separately for each of the multiple position detection systems (2) of various types, which is very convenient and reduces the cost burden for the user.

[0077] In addition, the pen type information from the location detection system (2) received through the wireless communication module (42) is not limited to configuration type information that directly identifies each of configuration types 1 to 5, but may also be information that indirectly indicates, for example, the number of each configuration type 1 to 5 of the pen type table information or the address of each configuration type of the pen type table memory (4111).

[0078] In addition, in FIG. 4, the processing functions of the judgment processing unit (4112) of the pen type judgment unit (411), the center electrode transmission signal generation unit (412), and the wireless transmission signal generation unit (413) can be configured by the control unit (410) as a software processing function means. The same applies to the feedback signal generation circuit (415).

[0079] [Example of processing operation in signal transmission control circuit (41)]

[0080] Next, an example of a processing operation performed by the signal transmission control circuit (41) after the power switch (48) is turned on will be explained with reference to the flowcharts of FIGS. 6 and FIGS. 7.

[0081] In the signal transmission control circuit (41), first, it determines whether information has been received from the receiver (422) of the wireless communication module (42) (Step S1). When it is determined that information has been received, it determines whether the received information is pen type information (Step S2). In Step S2, when it is determined that the received information is pen type information, the signal transmission control circuit (41) determines the configuration type (pen type) of the position indicator based on the received pen type information, and by referring to the pen type table memory (4111), determines the signal to be transmitted from the central electrode (7) and the transmitter (421) of the wireless communication module (42) (Step S3). This determination includes, as described above, a determination of whether to transmit a position detection signal from the central electrode (7).

[0082] After step S3, the signal transmission control circuit (41) executes signal transmission according to the configuration type determined in step S3 through the central electrode (7) and the transmitter (421) of the wireless communication module (42) (step S4).

[0083] Then, the signal transmission control circuit (41) determines whether information from the location detection system (2) through the receiver (422) of the wireless communication module (42) can no longer be received (step S5), and when it is determined that it cannot be received, it returns the processing to step S4 and continues signal transmission according to the determined configuration type.

[0084] In step S5, when it is determined that information from the location detection system (2) through the receiver (422) of the wireless communication module (42) can no longer be received, the signal transmission control circuit (41) determines whether a predetermined amount of time has elapsed since the information could no longer be received (step S6). In step S6, when it is determined that a predetermined amount of time has not elapsed, the signal transmission control circuit (41) returns the processing to step S4 and continues signal transmission according to the determined configuration type.

[0085] In step S6, when it is determined that a predetermined amount of time has elapsed, the signal transmission control circuit (41) stops the transmission of signals from the central electrode (7) and the transmitting unit (421) of the wireless communication module (42), thereby putting the position indicator (1) into a sleep state (step S7). In this sleep state, in order to reduce the consumption of the battery (5) as much as possible and to promote power saving, the power supply to the receiving unit (422) of the wireless communication module (42), the control unit (410) of the signal transmission control circuit (41), and the pen type determination unit (411) is maintained, but the supply of unnecessary voltage to other parts is stopped.

[0086] And after this step S7, the signal transmission control circuit (41) returns the processing to step S1 and repeats the processing after step S1 described above.

[0087] When it is determined in step S1 that no information is being received from the receiver (422) of the wireless communication module (42), and when it is determined in step S2 that the received information is not pen-type information, the signal transmission control circuit (41) determines whether a signal has been received through the peripheral electrode (6) (step S11 of FIG. 7). When it is determined in step S11 that no signal has been received through the peripheral electrode (6), the signal transmission control circuit (41) turns on the switch circuit (416) and connects the center electrode (7) to the earth conductor (ground) of the printed circuit board (40) through the conductor part (32), thereby setting it to the state of configuration type 1 (step S18). Then, after step S18, the signal transmission control circuit (41) returns the processing to step S1 of FIG. 6 and repeats the processing after step S1.

[0088] Then, in step S11, when it is determined that a signal has been received through the peripheral electrode (6), it is determined whether a determination of the pen type is possible from the received signal (step S12). When it is determined in step S12 that a determination of the pen type is not possible, the signal transmission control circuit (41) turns on the switch circuit (416) and connects the center electrode (7) to the earth conductor (ground) of the printed circuit board (40) through the conductor part (32), thereby making it a configuration type 1 state (step S18). Then, after step S18, the signal transmission control circuit (41) returns the processing to step S1 of FIG. 6 and repeats the processing after step S1.

[0089] In step S12, when it is determined that a determination of the pen type is possible, the signal transmission control circuit (41) determines the configuration type (pen type) of the position indicator based on the received signal, and determines the signal to be transmitted from the central electrode (7) and the transmitting unit (421) of the wireless communication module (42) by referring to the pen type table memory (4111) (step S13). This determination includes, as described above, a determination of whether to transmit a position detection signal from the central electrode (7).

[0090] After step S13, the signal transmission control circuit (41) executes signal transmission according to the configuration type determined in step S13 through the central electrode (7) and the transmitter (421) of the wireless communication module (42) (step S14).

[0091] Then, the signal transmission control circuit (41) determines whether the signal through the peripheral electrode (6) can no longer be received (step S15), and when it is determined that the signal cannot be received, it returns the processing to step S14 and continues the signal transmission according to the determined configuration type.

[0092] In step S15, when it is determined that the signal through the peripheral electrode (6) cannot be received, the signal transmission control circuit (41) determines whether a predetermined amount of time has elapsed since the signal could not be received (step S16). In step S16, when it is determined that a predetermined amount of time has not elapsed, the signal transmission control circuit (41) returns the processing to step S14 and continues signal transmission according to the determined configuration type.

[0093] In step S16, when it is determined that more than a predetermined time has elapsed, the signal transmission control circuit (41) pauses the signal transmission from the central electrode (7) and the transmitting part (421) of the wireless communication module (42), and puts the position indicator (1) into a sleep state (step S17). Then, after this step S17, the signal transmission control circuit (41) returns the processing to step S1 and repeats the processing after step S1 described above.

[0094] [Operation Description of Position Indicators of Various Configuration Types and Corresponding Position Detection Systems]

[0095] <Position indicator (1A) of configuration type 2 and a corresponding position detection system (2A)>

[0096] FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of the circuit of the main part of the position indicator (1A) of configuration type 2, in particular showing an example of the circuit configuration of the feedback signal generation circuit (415) and an example of the circuit configuration of the power circuit part (50) that was omitted above.

[0097] The power circuit section (50) is equipped with a DC / DC converter (501) and generates a power voltage +Vcc from the voltage of the battery (5) and supplies it to the signal transmission control circuit (41) or others.

[0098] In addition, in the power circuit section (50), a power switch (48) is provided between the DC / DC converter (501) and the battery (5). Also, a series circuit of a resistor (502) and an LED (49) is connected between the output terminal of the DC / DC converter (501) and the ground conductor. Additionally, the output terminal of the DC / DC converter (501) is connected to the ground conductor through a series connection of a resistor (503) and a resistor (504), and a reference voltage Vref (=Vcc / 2) is output from the connection point of the resistor (503) and the resistor (504).

[0099] The feedback signal generation circuit (415) is configured as a signal enhancement processing circuit in this example and consists of a sense amplifier (510), a signal amplification rate variable circuit (520), and a transformer (530).

[0100] In this example, the sense amplifier (510) consists of an OP AMP (511) and a capacitor (512) connected between the inverting input terminal and the output terminal of the OP AMP (511). The inverting input terminal of the OP AMP (511) is connected to a connection terminal (513) connected to a peripheral electrode (6). Also, the aforementioned reference voltage Vref is supplied to the non-inverting input terminal of the OP AMP (511).

[0101] When the position indicator (1A) is on the position detection system (2A), as shown in FIG. 1, the peripheral electrode (6) of the position indicator (1A) and the position detection system (2A) are connected through a capacitance C1. As described later, since an alternating current signal flows through the position detection system (2A), this alternating current signal is supplied to the connection terminal (513) as a current signal through the capacitance C1 and the peripheral electrode (6) and input to the sense amplifier (510). The capacitor (512) is intended to detect the current signal input through the capacitance C1.

[0102] And the sense amplifier (510) phase-inverts the AC signal input as a current signal through the connection terminal (513) and outputs it to the signal amplification rate variable circuit (520).

[0103] The signal amplification rate variable circuit (520) consists of an OP AMP (521) and a variable resistor (522) connected between the inverting input terminal and the output terminal of the OP AMP (521). By varying the resistance value of the variable resistor (522), the amplification rate of the signal amplification rate variable circuit (520) is varied, and as a result, the signal detection sensitivity of the position indicator (1A) is controlled.

[0104] The AC signal amplified by this signal amplification rate variable circuit (520) is supplied to the primary winding (530a) of the transformer (530). The ratio of the number of turns n1 of the primary winding (530a) of the transformer (530) to the number of turns n2 of the secondary winding (530b) is set such that, for example, n1:n2=1:10, the number of turns on the secondary winding (530b) side is set to be larger (n1 < n2). Accordingly, on the secondary winding (530b) side of the transformer (530), the amplitude of the output signal of the signal amplification rate variable circuit (520) is multiplied according to the ratio of the number of turns, and an AC signal (voltage signal) with a large amplitude is obtained.

[0105] One end of the secondary winding (530b) of the transformer (530) is connected to a connection terminal (523) connected to a core (71) made of a rod-shaped conductor of a center electrode (7) shielded by a shield member (8), and the other end of the secondary winding (530b) of the transformer (530) is connected to an earth conductor of a printed circuit board (40). Accordingly, the output signal, which is converted into a large-amplitude AC signal voltage by the feedback signal generation circuit (415), is supplied to the center electrode (7) through the connection terminal (523).

[0106] When the position indicator (1A) is on the position detection system (2A), the central electrode (7) of the position indicator (1A) and the position detection system (2A) are coupled through capacitance, so an alternating current signal is returned from the position indicator (1A) to the position detection system (2A) through the central electrode (7) of the position indicator (1A).

[0107] Next, the position detection system (2A) of this example will be described with reference to FIG. 9. The position detection system (2A) of this example is configured as a mutual capacitance type position detection system in which the sensor electrode is composed of an input electrode and an output electrode, and the position indicator (1A) detects a change in the combined capacitance of the touch point it contacts.

[0108] As illustrated in FIG. 9, the position detection system (2A) of this example comprises a sensor unit (20A), a transmitter (21), a receiver (22), a wireless communication unit (25), and a control unit (composed of electrodes A). The sensor unit (20A) comprises a plurality of straight-shaped transmitting conductors (23Y1, 23Y2, …, 23Y) that extend in the horizontal direction (X-axis direction) of the sensor input surface. In this example, m transmitting conductors (23Y1, 23Y2, …, 23Y m )(m is an integer greater than or equal to 1) and this transmitting conductor (23Y1~23Y m Multiple receiving conductors (24X1, 24X2, …, 24X) extending in the vertical direction (Y-axis direction) of the sensor input surface, orthogonal to ) and, in this example, n receiving conductors (24X1, 24X2, …, 24X n It is equipped with )(n is an integer greater than or equal to 1). Multiple transmitting conductors (23Y1~23Y m ) are arranged at equal intervals in the Y-axis direction and are connected to the transmitting unit (21). In addition, a plurality of receiving conductors (24X1~24X n ) are arranged at equal intervals in the X-axis direction and are connected to the receiver (22).

[0109] In addition, in the following description of this specification, the transmitting conductor (23Y1~23Y m ) and receiving conductor (24X1~24X n Regarding ), when there is no need to distinguish which one is which, they shall be referred to as the transmitting conductor (23Y) and the receiving conductor (24X), respectively.

[0110] A plurality of transmitting conductors (23Y) and a plurality of receiving conductors (24X) are arranged at a predetermined interval to form an orthogonal arrangement relationship with each other, and form a plurality of crosspoints. At each crosspoint, the transmitting conductor (23Y) and the receiving conductor (24X) can be seen as being coupled through a predetermined capacitance.

[0111] The transmitter (21) supplies a predetermined AC signal to a transmitting conductor (23Y) based on the control of the control circuit (220A). In this case, the transmitter (21) supplies the same AC signal to a plurality of transmitting conductors (23Y1, 23Y2, …, 23Y m It may be supplied to ) by switching sequentially one by one, and multiple different AC signals may be supplied to multiple transmitting conductors (23Y1, 23Y2, …, 23Y m It may be supplied simultaneously to ). Also, multiple transmitting conductors (23Y1, 23Y2, …, 23Y m It is also possible to divide the ) into multiple groups and use different AC signals for each group.

[0112] The receiver (22) is controlled by the control circuit (220A) and the receiving conductors (24X1, 24X2, …, 24X n For each of the ), the signal component transmitted through the predetermined capacitance of the alternating current signal supplied to the transmitting conductor (23Y) is detected. If the combined capacitance between the transmitting conductor (23Y) and the receiving conductor (24X) is equal at all crosspoints, then when the position indicator (1) is not present on the sensor unit (20A), all receiving conductors (24X1, 24X2, …, 24X) of the sensor unit (20A) n A reception signal of a predetermined level is detected in the receiving unit (22) from ).

[0113] Regarding this, when the position indicator (1A) comes into contact with the sensor unit (20A), the transmitting conductor (23Y) and the receiving conductor (24X) constituting the crosspoint of the contact location, and the position indicator (1A) are coupled through capacitance. That is, the capacitance changes due to the position indicator (1A), and the receiving signal level obtained from the receiving conductor (24X) of the crosspoint where the position indicator (1A) is located changes when compared with the receiving signal level of another crosspoint.

[0114] The receiving unit (22) has a plurality of receiving conductors (24X1, 24X2, …, 24X n Among them, by detecting the receiving conductor (24X) where there was a change in the level of the receiving signal, the indicated position by the position indicator (1A) is detected. And the control unit of the position detection system (2A), which is not shown, detects the cross point that the position indicator (1A) is in contact with by detecting the receiving conductor (24X) where there was a change in the level of the receiving signal from the transmitting unit (21) and the transmitting conductor (23Y) that is supplying the alternating current signal from the transmitting unit (21) and the receiving conductor (24X) where there was a change in the level of the receiving signal from the receiving unit (22).

[0115] Even when a finger approaches or contacts the sensor unit (20A) rather than the position indicator (1A), the position detection system (2A) detects the crosspoint to which the finger approaches or contacts by the same principle. In that case, a portion of the alternating current signal supplied to the transmitting conductor (23Y) flows to the ground through the finger and through the user's body. Consequently, the receiving signal level of the receiving conductor (24X) constituting the crosspoint where the finger is located changes. The receiving unit (22) detects the receiving conductor (24X) constituting the crosspoint where the finger is located by detecting this change in the receiving signal level.

[0116] In the case of a position indicator of configuration type 1, the position detection system (2A) can detect the indicated position in the sensor unit (20A) in the same way as the principle of finger position detection. However, in the case of a position indicator of configuration type 1, the contact area between the position detection system (2A) and the position indicator is not large, as in the case of a finger, so the coupling capacity is small, and the detection sensitivity of the position detection system (2A) is low. Therefore, the position detection system corresponding to a position indicator of configuration type 1 compensates for the decrease in detection sensitivity by using a spreading code as an AC signal transmitted to the position indicator, and detecting the indicated position of the position indicator by taking the correlation between the transmitted signal and the received signal.

[0117] Regarding this, in the case of the position indicator (1A) and position detection system (2A) of this configuration type 2, even without using spreading codes, the affinity between the position indicator (1A) and the position detection system (2A) is high, and additionally, the versatility is high, and additionally, a predetermined waveform correlation is secured between the input signal and the output signal, so that position detection on the sensor unit (20A) is possible with high sensitivity.

[0118] That is, when a position indicator (1A) is brought into or contacted with the sensor part (20A) of the position detection system (2A), the alternating current signal supplied to the transmitting conductor (23Y) passes through the capacitance C1 as shown in FIG. 1 and also through the peripheral electrode (6), and is input to the return signal generation circuit (415) as a current signal through the connection terminal (513).

[0119] The AC signal (current signal) input to the feedback signal generation circuit (415) is phase-inverted in the sense amplifier (510), then amplified in the signal amplification rate variable circuit (520), and boosted (multiplied) by the transformer (530) to increase the signal strength, and is supplied to the center electrode (7) as a voltage signal through the connection terminal (523). That is, the AC signal input to the feedback signal generation circuit (415) from the sensor unit (20A) through the peripheral electrode (6) becomes inverse phase in the feedback signal generation circuit (415), becomes a large amplitude signal, and is returned to the sensor unit (20A) through the center electrode (7).

[0120] In this case, the alternating current signal returning from the center electrode (7) of the position indicator (1A) to the sensor part (20A) of the position detection system (2A) is an amplified signal in the opposite phase to the alternating current signal supplied to the transmitting conductor (23Y), so the position indicator (1A) functions to further amplify the change in the alternating current signal in the receiving signal of the receiving conductor (24X). Because of this, the position detection system (2A) can detect the contact position of the position indicator (1A) with high sensitivity. In addition, the detection operation is further stabilized by connecting the earth conductor of the position indicator (1A) to the human body. That is, in this embodiment, the case (3) of the position indicator (1A) is covered with a conductor part (32) connected to the earth conductor of the printed circuit board (40). For this reason, the alternating current signal supplied to the transmitting conductor (23Y) in the position detection system (2A) flows to ground through the position indicator (1A) and through the user's body, thereby further stabilizing the signal detection operation.

[0121] Also, let V be the voltage at the transmitting conductor (23Y) of the sensor part (20A) of the position detection system (2A), let e be the voltage at the center electrode (7) of the position indicator (1) of this embodiment, and let C2 be the capacitance between the peripheral electrode (6) and the center electrode (7) (see FIG. 1).

[0122] e≤C1 / C2·V

[0123] It has a relationship. Because of this, the capacitance C2 between the peripheral electrode (6) and the central electrode (7) should be as small as possible to increase the voltage e of the central electrode (7).

[0124] For this reason, in the position indicator (1) of this embodiment, a shield member (8) is interposed between the peripheral electrode (6) and the central electrode (7) to minimize the coupling between the two. Therefore, in the position indicator (1) of this embodiment, by interposing the shield member (8), the capacitance C2 between the peripheral electrode (6) and the central electrode (7) is reduced, allowing the voltage e to be increased, thereby efficiently increasing sensitivity.

[0125] The position indicator (1) of the above-described embodiment is configured to receive an alternating current signal from a position detection system (2A) at a peripheral electrode (6) and to return a signal-enhanced output alternating current signal from a central electrode (7) to the position detection system (2A). However, the electrode for receiving the alternating current signal from the position detection system (2A) may be the central electrode (7), and the electrode for returning the signal-enhanced alternating current signal to the position detection system (2A) may be the peripheral electrode (6).

[0126] Additionally, as illustrated in FIG. 9, the position indicator (1A) of this configuration type 2 transmits pressure information, side switch information, and identification information wirelessly from the wireless communication module (42) to the wireless communication unit (25) of the position detection system (2A). The pressure information, side switch information, and identification information received by the wireless communication unit (25) are supplied to the control circuit (220A) and, together with the detected position information, are transmitted to, for example, a host computer. In the same way, additional information from the position indicator of configuration type 1 is also transmitted from the wireless communication module (42) to the position detection system.

[0127] <Position indicator (1B) of configuration type 3 and a corresponding position detection system (2B)>

[0128] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a circuit of a main part of a position indicator (1B) of configuration type 3 and a corresponding position detection system (2B). The position indicator (1B) of configuration type 3 transmits an alternating current signal of frequency f1 as a signal for position detection, and additional information such as pen pressure information, side switch information, and identification information is all transmitted from a wireless communication module (42) to a wireless communication unit (25B) of the position detection system (2B).

[0129] The position detection system (2B) is composed of a sensor unit (20B), a pen indication detection circuit (26B) connected to the sensor unit (20B), and a wireless communication unit (25B), as shown in FIG. 10.

[0130] The sensor portion (20B) is formed by stacking a first conductor group (211), an insulating layer (not shown), and a second conductor group (212) in order from the lower side. The first conductor group (211) consists of a plurality of first conductors (211Y1, 211Y2, … , 211Y) extending in the horizontal direction (X-axis direction). m )(m is an integer greater than or equal to 1) are arranged in parallel in the Y-axis direction at predetermined intervals from each other.

[0131] Also, the second conductor group (212) is the first conductor (211Y1, 211Y2, … , 211Y m A plurality of second conductors (212X1, 212X2, … , 212X) extending in a direction intersecting the extension direction of ), in this example, in an orthogonal vertical direction (Y-axis direction). n )(n is an integer greater than or equal to 1) are arranged in parallel in the X-axis direction with a predetermined spacing between them.

[0132] In addition, in the following description, the first conductor (211Y1, 211Y2, … , 211Y m With respect to ), when there is no need to distinguish each conductor, that conductor is referred to as the first conductor (211Y). Likewise, the second conductor (212X1, 212X2, … , 212Xn Regarding ), when there is no need to distinguish each conductor, that conductor shall be referred to as the second conductor (212X).

[0133] The pen indicator detection circuit (26B) is composed of a selection circuit (221) which serves as an input / output interface with the sensor unit (20B), an amplification circuit (222), a band-pass filter (223B), a detection circuit (224), a sample-hold circuit (225), an AD (Analog to Digital) conversion circuit (226), and a control circuit (220B).

[0134] The selection circuit (221) selects one conductor each from the first conductor group (211) and the second conductor group (212) based on a control signal from the control circuit (220B). The conductor selected by the selection circuit (221) is connected to an amplification circuit (222), and a signal from the position indicator (1B) is detected by the selected conductor and amplified by the amplification circuit (222). The output of this amplification circuit (222) is supplied to a band-pass filter (223B), and only the component of the frequency f1 of the signal transmitted from the position indicator (1B) is extracted.

[0135] The output signal of the bandpass filter (223B) is detected by the detection circuit (224). The output signal of the detection circuit (224) is supplied to the sample hold circuit (225), and after being sample-held at a predetermined timing by the sampling signal from the control circuit (220B), is converted into a digital value by the AD conversion circuit (226). The digital data from the AD conversion circuit (226) is read and processed by the control circuit (220B).

[0136] The control circuit (220B) operates to send control signals to the sample hold circuit (225), the AD conversion circuit (226), and the selection circuit (221), respectively, by means of a program stored in the internal ROM. Additionally, the control circuit (220B) calculates the position coordinates on the sensor unit (20B) indicated by the position indicator (1B) from the digital data from the AD conversion circuit (226).

[0137] FIG. 11 is a timing chart for explaining the signal transmitted from the position indicator (1B) of this configuration type 3 to the corresponding position detection system (2B). As described above, from the position indicator (1B) of this configuration type 3, a signal based, for example, on an alternating current signal of frequency f1 is continuously transmitted through the central electrode (7) as a signal for position detection.

[0138] However, the position indicator (1B) of this example's configuration type 3 utilizes the advantage that the position indicator (1) of this embodiment has a configuration capable of transmitting an alternating current signal of frequency f1 and an alternating current signal of frequency f2 as a position detection signal, so that if noise of the same frequency as the position detection signal exists, the frequency of the position detection signal can be switched.

[0139] That is, in the position indicator (1B) of configuration type 3 of this embodiment, as shown in (A) of FIG. 11, the position detection signal is configured with a continuous transmission period of a predetermined period length Ta and a rest period of a predetermined period length Tb as one cycle, and the said cycle is repeated.

[0140] And in the control circuit (220B) of the position detection system (2B), as shown in (B) of FIG. 11, a rest period of a predetermined length Tb is set as a window period for detecting the presence or absence of noise, and in the window period, it is detected whether there is noise of the same frequency as the position detection signal. And when it is detected that there is noise of the same frequency as the position detection signal in the window period, the control circuit (220B) of the position detection system (2B) notifies the position indicator (1B) of this fact through the wireless communication unit (25B).

[0141] When the receiver (422) of the wireless communication module (42) of the position indicator (1B) receives this notification from the position detection system (2B), it transmits it to the control unit (410) of the signal transmission control circuit (41). The control unit (410) of the signal transmission control circuit (41) switches the switch circuit (414) in accordance with this notification to switch to a state where the oscillator (45) of frequency f1 is switched to a state where the oscillator (46) of frequency f2 is selected. Additionally, if the position detection signal from the position indicator (1B) at the time of receiving the notification from the position detection system (2B) is based on a signal from the oscillator (46) of frequency f2, the control unit (410) switches the switch circuit (414) in accordance with the notification from the position detection system (2B) to a state where the oscillator (45) of frequency f1 is selected from the oscillator (46) of frequency f2.

[0142] For example, when the position detection signal from the position indicator (1B) is a signal of frequency f1 as shown in (A) of FIG. 11, and when noise NR of the same frequency f1 exists as shown in (C) of FIG. 11, the control circuit (220B) of the position detection system (2B) detects the noise NR in the window section shown in (B) of FIG. 11 and sends the information to the position indicator (1B) through the wireless communication unit (25B).

[0143] In the position indicator (1B), the control unit (410) receives a notification from the position detection system (2B) through the receiver (422) of the wireless communication module (42) and controls the switch circuit (414) to switch the frequency of the position detection signal from frequency f1 to frequency f2 as shown in (D) of FIG. 11. Therefore, even if noise of the same frequency as the frequency of the position detection signal exists near the position detection system (2B), it is possible to prevent the noise from being affected by the switching of the frequency of the position detection signal.

[0144] In the position detection system (2B) below, the bandpass filter (223B) is configured to have a state in which the pass frequency band with frequency f1 as the center frequency and a state in which the pass frequency band with frequency f2 as the center frequency are configured to be switched by control from the control circuit (220B) so as to be able to correspond to both sides of the position detection signals of frequency f1 and frequency f2, and so that which pass frequency band is used is switched.

[0145] <Position indicator (1C) of configuration type 4 and a corresponding position detection system (2C)>

[0146] FIG. 12 is a diagram showing an example of a circuit of a main part of a position indicator (1C) of configuration type 4 and a corresponding position detection system (2C). The position indicator (1C) of configuration type 4 transmits an alternating current signal of frequency f2 as a position detection signal, and also transmits pen pressure information and side switch information, which are examples of important additional information for the position indicator, to the position detection system (2C) through the central electrode (7) together with the position detection signal. Furthermore, the position indicator (1C) transmits identification information of the additional information from the wireless communication module (42) to the wireless communication unit (25C) of the position detection system (2C).

[0147] As shown in FIG. 12, the position detection system (2C) is composed of a sensor unit (20C), a pen indication detection circuit (26C) connected to the sensor unit (20C), and a wireless communication unit (25C). In this example, the sensor unit (20C) has the same configuration as the sensor unit (20B) of the position detection system (2B). Also, the pen indication detection circuit (26C) has the same configuration as the pen indication detection circuit (26B), except for the band pass filter (223C) and the control circuit (220C).

[0148] In this example, the band-pass filter (223C) of the position indicator (1C) of this configuration type 4 is configured to have a pass-frequency band with frequency f2 as the center frequency. Also, the control circuit (220C) is configured to have a function of detecting pressure information and side switch information that are sent together with the position detection signal.

[0149] In the position indicator (1C) of configuration type 4 of this example, the center electrode transmission signal generator (412) receives control from the control unit (410) and outputs a signal with a pattern in which the continuous transmission period and the transmission data period are one cycle. Figure 13 (A) shows an example of a control signal supplied from the control unit (410) of the position indicator (1C) to the center electrode transmission signal generator (412). During a certain period in which the center electrode transmission signal generator (412) maintains a high level of the control signal of Figure 13 (A), it continuously transmits an oscillation signal of frequency f2 as a burst signal, as shown in Figure 13 (B) (continuous transmission period of Figure 13 (C)).

[0150] The length of this continuous transmission period is a time length during which it is possible to detect the indicated position on the sensor part (20C) by the position indicator (1C) in the pen indicator detection circuit (26C) of the position detection system (2C), and, for example, a time length during which both the first conductor (211Y) and the second conductor (212X) can be scanned at least once, preferably at least multiple times.

[0151] During this continuous transmission period, the control unit (410) of the position indicator (1C) calculates the pressure applied to the center electrode (7) based on the capacitance of the variable capacitance capacitor of the pressure detection unit (9), and obtains information of the calculated pressure value as a multiple-bit value (binary code). In addition, the control unit (410) generates on / off information of the side switch (43) as side switch information, as one-bit or multiple-bit information.

[0152] And the control unit (410), as shown in (A) of FIG. 13, modulates an AC signal of frequency f2 using ASK (Amplitude Shift Keying) by controlling the control signal to a high level or a low level at a predetermined period (Td) during the transmission data period after the end of the continuous transmission period. Instead of ASK modulation, an OOK (On Off Keying) signal may be used.

[0153] At this time, the first of the predetermined period (Td) after the continuous transmission period must be set to a high level and used as the start signal of (C) in FIG. 13. This start signal is a timing signal that allows the pen indicator detection circuit (26C) of the position detection system (2C) to accurately determine the subsequent data transmission timing. In addition, instead of this start signal, the burst signal of the continuous transmission period may be used as the timing signal.

[0154] The center electrode transmission signal generation unit (412) of the position indicator (1C) receives control from the above control unit (410) and, during the transmission data period, sequentially transmits multiple bits of pressure information and one or multiple bits of side switch information following the start signal. In this case, as shown in (A) and (B) of FIG. 13, when the transmission data (binary code) is "0", the control signal ((A) of FIG. 13) is set to a low level so that the AC signal is not transmitted, and when the transmission data (binary code) is "1", the control signal is set to a high level so that the AC signal is transmitted, thereby performing ASK modulation.

[0155] In the pen indication detection circuit (26C) of the position detection system (2C), the control circuit (220C) detects the indicated position by the position indicator (1C) from the received signal of the continuous transmission period, in the same manner as the position detection system (2B) described above. Then, the control circuit (220C) waits for the end of the continuous transmission period, and when it detects the start signal after the end of the continuous transmission period, it detects the data of the pen pressure information and side switch information of the transmission data period and performs the operation of restoring them. Then, the control circuit (220C) outputs the detection information of the indicated position by the position indicator (1C), the pen pressure information, and the side switch information, along with the identification information received through the wireless communication unit (25C), to a host computer, etc.

[0156] In addition, the position indicator (1C) of this configuration type 4 may also be configured to switch the frequency of the position detection signal in the same way as the position indicator (1B) of configuration type 3 so as to reduce the influence of noise. In that case, the band-pass filter (223C) and control circuit (220C) of the position detection system (2C) are also configured to have the same function as the band-pass filter (223B) and control circuit (220B) of the position detection system (2B) corresponding to configuration type 3.

[0157] <Position indicator (1D) of configuration type 5 and a corresponding position detection system (2D)>

[0158] FIG. 14 is a diagram showing an example of a circuit of the main part of a position indicator (1D) of configuration type 5 and a corresponding position detection system (2D). The position indicator (1D) of configuration type 5 transmits an alternating current signal of frequency f2 as a position detection signal, and at the same time, all additional information, in this example, pressure information, side switch information and identification information ID1, is transmitted to the position detection system (2D) through the center electrode (7) together with the position detection signal.

[0159] As shown in FIG. 14, the position detection system (2D) is configured to include a sensor unit (20D), a pen indication detection circuit (26D) connected to the sensor unit (20D), and a wireless communication unit (25D). In this example, the sensor unit (20D) has the same configuration as the sensor unit (20B) of the position detection system (2B). Also, the pen indication detection circuit (26D) includes a band-pass filter (223D), excluding the control circuit (220D), and has the same configuration as the pen indication detection circuit (26C). That is, in this example, the band-pass filter (223D) is configured to have a pass-through frequency band with a center frequency of f2. The control circuit (220D) is configured to have a function of detecting pen pressure information, side switch information, and identification information ID1 that are sent along with the position detection signal.

[0160] In the position indicator (1D) of configuration type 5 of this example, just like the position indicator (1C) of configuration type 4 described above, the center electrode transmission signal generating unit (412) receives control from the control unit (410) and outputs a signal with a pattern in which the continuous transmission period and the transmission data period are one cycle, as shown in FIG. 15.

[0161] Figure 15 (A) shows an example of a control signal supplied from the control unit (410) of the position indicator (1D) to the center electrode transmission signal generation unit (412). The center electrode transmission signal generation unit (412) of the position indicator (1D) in this example receives control from the control signal of Figure 15 (A), and during the continuous transmission period, as shown in Figure 15 (B), continuously transmits an oscillation signal of frequency f2 as a burst signal, and during the transmission data period, as shown in Figures 15 (B) and (C), transmits the pressure information, side switch information, and identification information ID1 as an ASK signal to the position detection system (2D) through the center electrode (7).

[0162] The control circuit (220D) of the position detection system (2D) detects the position on the sensor unit (20D) indicated by the position indicator (1D) based on the burst signal of the continuous transmission period, and also detects and restores the pressure information, side switch information, and identification information ID1 during the transmission data period.

[0163] In this example, to make the exchange of signals between the position indicator (1D) and the position detection system (2D) safer, the position indicator (1D) transmits identification information ID2 from the wireless communication module (42) to the wireless communication unit (25D) of the position detection system (2D). In this case, identification information ID1 and identification information ID2 become the same information (ID1=ID2). The control circuit (220D) compares the identification information ID2 obtained through the wireless communication unit (25D) with the identification information ID1 received and detected through the center electrode (7), and processes the signal obtained from the position indicator (1D) as valid only when the two match.

[0164] And when the control circuit (220D) makes the signal obtained from the position indicator (1D) valid, it outputs the detection information of the indicated position by the position indicator (1D), the pressure information, the side switch information, and the identification information ID1 to a host computer, etc.

[0165] FIG. 16 is a flowchart showing the flow of secure processing using identification information ID1 and ID2 in the control circuit (220D) of the location detection system (2D).

[0166] The control circuit (220D) temporarily retains the identification information ID2 received through the wireless communication unit (25D) (Step S21). Next, the control circuit (220D) acquires the identification information ID1 included in the information transmitted through the center electrode (7) of the position indicator (1D) (Step S22). Then, the control circuit (220D) determines whether the identification information ID1 and the identification information ID2 match (Step S23), and when it is determined that both identification information ID1 and ID2 match, processes the signal from the position indicator (1D) as valid (Step S24), and then returns the processing to Step S21 and repeats the processing after Step S21. Also, when it is determined in step S23 that identification information ID1 and identification information ID2 do not match, the control circuit (220D) processes the signal from the position indicator (1D) as invalid (step S25), and then returns the processing to step S21 and repeats the processing after step S21.

[0167] In addition, in the location detection system (2D), secure processing using the comparison of identification information ID2 from the wireless communication module (42) and identification information ID1 obtained through the center electrode (7) is not mandatory and therefore does not need to be performed.

[0168] [Other embodiments]

[0169] <Other examples of electrostatic coupling methods>

[0170] It goes without saying that the multiple configuration types of the position indicator described above are not limited to the configuration type connected here as an example. For example, in the active type position indicator described above, a signal is transmitted only from the central electrode (7), but in order to detect the inclination angle or rotation angle on the position detection system of the position indicator, the peripheral electrode (6) is divided into multiple parts, and a position indicator configured to transmit a signal to identify such peripheral divided electrode from each of the multiple divided peripheral electrodes may be used as a single configuration type.

[0171] FIG. 17 is a drawing showing the main part of a position indicator (1E) that can be configured with such a configuration type of position indicator, where (A) of FIG. 17 is a drawing for explaining the configuration part on the central electrode (7) side, and (B) of FIG. 17 is a drawing of the position indicator (1E) when viewed from the tip side of the central electrode (7) in the axial direction.

[0172] In this position indicator (1E), the peripheral electrode, which is made of a conductor and is provided around the opening (3a) into which the central electrode (7) of the case (3) is inserted, is provided as a three-part peripheral divided electrode (6A, 6B, 6C). These peripheral divided electrodes (6A, 6B, 6C) are provided electrically insulated from each other and separated, as shown in (A) and (B) of FIG. 17.

[0173] In addition, in the case of the above-described passive configuration type 1 and active configuration types 3, 4, and 5, these peripheral split electrodes (6A, 6B, 6C) are not used. In the case of the passive improved configuration type 2, the peripheral split electrodes (6A, 6B, 6C) are electrically connected to synthesize the signals received from all of the peripheral split electrodes (6A, 6B, 6C) and supply them to the feedback signal generation circuit (415).

[0174] And in the case of configuring a position indicator of a configuration type that can detect an inclination angle or a rotation angle on a position detection system in the position indicator (1E), the central electrode (7) is configured to transmit a signal for position detection and additional information selected according to the configuration type, and each of the peripheral split electrodes (6A, 6B, 6C) is configured to transmit a signal that can detect each of the peripheral split electrodes (6A, 6B, 6C) in the position detection system.

[0175] For example, it is configured to transmit identification information (e.g., a 2-bit signal) corresponding to each of the peripheral split electrodes (6A, 6B, 6C). Or, it is configured to transmit signals of different frequencies or phases from each of the peripheral split electrodes (6A, 6B, 6C). Or, after the transmission of a signal from the center electrode (7) is terminated, it is configured to transmit a signal of one frequency in the order of peripheral split electrodes 6A, 6B, and 6C for a predetermined period.

[0176] A position detection system corresponding to a position indicator of a configuration type capable of detecting an inclination angle or a rotation angle on a position detection system has the function of detecting the rotation angle or inclination angle of the position indicator (1E) from the reception strength of the signal from each of the peripheral split electrodes (6A, 6B, 6C) or the spread distribution pattern of the received signal.

[0177] <Examples of Electronic Coupling Methods>

[0178] In addition, although the above-described embodiment was for a position indicator and position detection system using electrostatic coupling, this invention is also applicable to a position indicator and position detection system using electronic coupling.

[0179] FIG. 18 shows an example of the configuration of an electronic coupling type position indicator (100) according to the present invention, corresponding to the conceptual configuration diagram of FIG. 1 which illustrates the position indicator (1) of the above-described embodiment.

[0180] As illustrated in FIG. 18, the position indicator (100) of this embodiment is provided with a signal transmission control circuit (141), a wireless communication module (142), a side switch (143), an ID memory (144), and an oscillator (145) within a conventional case (103) made of an insulating material, such as resin, and also provides a pen pressure detection unit (109). Additionally, a battery (105) is provided within the case (103) as a source of power voltage for the signal transmission control circuit (141), the wireless communication module (142), the side switch (143), the ID memory (144), the oscillator (145), etc. The signal transmission control circuit (141) is provided with a pen type identification unit (1411).

[0181] In addition, a core body (107) penetrating a ferrite core (110) is coupled to the pressure detection unit (109), and the pressure detection unit (109) detects the pressure applied to the core body (107) as the capacitance of a variable capacitance capacitor composed of the pressure detection unit (109). A coil (111) is wound around the ferrite core (110), and both ends of the coil (111) are connected to a signal transmission control circuit (141). Also, a capacitor (112) that forms a resonance circuit with the coil (111) is connected between the two ends of the coil (111).

[0182] In the signal transmission control circuit (141), a wireless communication module (142), a side switch (143), an ID memory (144), and an oscillator (145) are connected, similar to the position indicator (1) of the above-described embodiment, and a variable capacitance capacitor consisting of a pressure detection unit (109) is also connected to the signal transmission control circuit (141).

[0183] The signal transmission control circuit (141) in this position indicator (100) selects and controls the signal transmitted through a resonant circuit including a coil (111) and a capacitor (112), and also selects and controls whether additional information such as pressure information, side switch information, and identification information is transmitted from the wireless communication module (142) or as a signal from the resonant circuit.

[0184] That is, in the case of the position indicator (100) of this embodiment, a resonant circuit constitutes the first transmitting unit, and the transmitting function unit of the wireless communication module (142) constitutes the second transmitting unit. In addition, the receiving function unit of the wireless communication module (142) constitutes a receiving unit that receives pen-type information from the position detection system. In the receiving function unit of the wireless communication module (142), the pen-type information received from the position detection system is supplied to the pen-type discrimination unit (1411) of the signal transmission control circuit (141). Although not shown, the pen-type discrimination unit (1411) can be composed of a pen-type judgment processing unit and a pen-type table memory in this embodiment as well.

[0185] The signal transmission control circuit (141) of the position indicator (100) of this embodiment receives pen type information from a position detection system, determines the pen type by the pen type determination unit (1411), and configures three types of configuration types 6, 7, and 8 of position indicators (100A, 100B, 100C) such as (A), (B), and (C) of FIG. 19.

[0186] When the pen type information received from the position detection system through the receiving function of the wireless communication module (142) of the position indicator (100) is configuration type 6, the position indicator (100A) as shown in (A) of FIG. 19 is configured by the signal transmission control circuit (141). That is, in this configuration type 6, a variable capacitance capacitor configured as a pen pressure detection unit (109) is connected in parallel to a parallel resonance circuit composed of a coil (111) and a capacitor (112), and additionally, a series circuit of a side switch (143) and a capacitor (113) is connected.

[0187] And the sensor part of the position detection system (200A), which is used together with the position indicator (100A) of this configuration type 6 and sends the configuration type 6 to the position indicator (100A) as pen type information, is configured such that, although not shown, a plurality of loop coils are arranged in the X and Y directions that are orthogonal to each other, and a transmission signal (AC signal) of frequency fa is transmitted from the loop coils to the position indicator (100A).

[0188] In the position indicator (100A), an alternating current signal from the position detection system (200A) is received in a resonant circuit by electronic coupling, and then the alternating current signal is returned from the resonant circuit to the position detection system (200A). The position detection system (200A) detects the position indicated by the position indicator (100A) from the position of the loop coil that transmitted the alternating current signal and the position of the loop coil that received the return signal from the position indicator (100A).

[0189] In this case, the return signal from the position indicator (100A) is such that the resonant frequency of the resonant circuit changes as the capacitance value of the variable capacitance capacitor configured as the pressure detection unit (109) changes, so the position detection system (200A) detects pressure information by the change in frequency (or change in phase).

[0190] Additionally, since the capacitor (113) is connected or disconnected to the resonant circuit by the on / off of the side switch (143), the resonant frequency of the resonant circuit changes according to the on / off of the side switch (143). In the position detection system (200A), side switch information corresponding to the on / off of the side switch (143) is detected by the change in frequency (or change in phase) of the return signal from the position indicator (100A).

[0191] In addition, the identification information of the location indicator (100A) of this configuration type 6 is transmitted to the wireless communication unit of the location detection system (200A) through the transmission function unit of the wireless communication module (142).

[0192] When the pen type information received from the position detection system through the receiving function of the wireless communication module (142) of the position indicator (100) is configuration type 7, the position indicator (100B) as shown in (B) of FIG. 19 is configured by the signal transmission control circuit (141). That is, in this configuration type 7, the parallel resonant circuit is composed of a coil (111) and a capacitor (112). Then, the pen pressure information, side switch information, and identification information are all transmitted to the wireless communication unit of the position detection system (200B) through the transmitting function of the wireless communication module (142).

[0193] The sensor part of the position detection system (200B), which is used together with the position indicator (100B) of this configuration type 7 and sends the configuration type 7 to the position indicator (100B) as pen type information, has the same configuration as the sensor part of the position detection system (200A) and transmits a transmission signal (AC signal) of frequency fa from the loop coil to the position indicator (100B).

[0194] In the position indicator (100B), just like in the position indicator (100A), an alternating current signal from the position detection system (200B) is received in a resonant circuit by electronic coupling, and then the alternating current signal is returned from the resonant circuit to the position detection system (200B). In the position detection system (200B), just like in the position detection system (200A), the position indicated by the position indicator (100B) is detected.

[0195] The position detection system (200B) of this configuration type 7 does not have a function to detect additional information by monitoring changes in the frequency or phase of the return signal. The position detection system (200B) decodes additional information received through a wireless communication unit to obtain pressure information, side switch information, and identification information.

[0196] When the pen type information received from the position detection system through the receiving function of the wireless communication module (142) of the position indicator (100) is of configuration type 8, the position indicator (100C) as shown in (C) of FIG. 19 is configured by the signal transmission control circuit (141). That is, in this position indicator (100C) of configuration type 8, a parallel resonant circuit consisting of a coil (111) and a capacitor (112) is combined with an oscillator (145) to form an oscillation circuit (145S). Then, an oscillation signal from this oscillation circuit (145S) is transmitted to the position detection system (200C) through the parallel resonant circuit consisting of a coil (111) and a capacitor (112).

[0197] And the pen pressure information, side switch information, and identification information are all transmitted to the wireless communication unit of the position detection system (200C) through the transmission function unit of the wireless communication module (142).

[0198] And the sensor part of the position detection system (200C), which is used together with the position indicator (100C) of this configuration type 8 and sends the configuration type 8 to the position indicator (100C) as pen type information, is configured such that a plurality of loop coils are arranged in the X and Y directions that are orthogonal to each other, although the drawing is omitted.

[0199] And the position detection system (200C) receives the alternating current signal transmitted from the position indicator (100C) into the loop coil by electronic coupling. And the position detection system (200C) detects the position indicated by the position indicator (100C) from the positions of the loop coils in the X and Y directions that received the alternating current signal.

[0200] The above configuration types 6 to 8 are merely examples, and there are various other configuration types for electronic coupling type position indicators and position detection systems, and it goes without saying that the position indicator of this invention can be configured to correspond to such various configuration types. For example, in the examples of configuration types 6 to 8 described above, identification information is not transmitted through the resonance circuit, but by controlling the on / off of the resonance operation of the resonance circuit or the oscillation operation of the oscillation circuit (145S), it may be configured to transmit identification information from the body (107) side as an ASK modulation signal or an OOK signal.

[0201] [Other embodiments or variations]

[0202] The pressure detection unit (9, 109) of the above-described embodiment utilizes a variable capacitance capacitor in which the capacitance varies according to the pressure by placing a dielectric between the first electrode and the second electrode and making one of the first electrode and the second electrode movable in the axial direction according to the pressure, but it is not limited to this configuration. For example, the pressure detection unit (9) may be configured using a semiconductor device that varies the capacitance according to the pressure, as disclosed in Japanese Patent Publication No. 2013-161307. In addition, the pressure detection unit may be configured by using a structure or device that varies the inductance value or resistance value according to the pressure, rather than the capacitance.

[0203] In addition, as mentioned in the previous example, additional information is not limited to pressure information, side switch information, identification information, etc., and various other information, such as remaining battery level information, can be used as additional information.

[0204] Furthermore, in the description of the above-described embodiment, although the driving power source of the position indicator was stated to be a battery, a capacitor that accumulates power voltage may be provided in the position indicator and said capacitor may be used as the driving power source. In that case, the configuration for accumulating power voltage in the capacitor may be configured as a charging circuit that charges by receiving electrical energy from an external source through electromagnetic induction or electric field coupling, or it may be configured to additionally provide a charging terminal in the position indicator and supply charging current from a dedicated charging device through said charging terminal. In addition, electrical energy from an external source (electronic energy or electric field energy) may be supplied to the position indicator from a position detection device or supplied from a dedicated power supply device.

[0205] In addition, in the above-described embodiment, the position indicator consists of two transmitting parts, a central electrode and a wireless communication module, but may be equipped with three or more.

[0206] In addition, in the description of the position indicator of the above-described embodiment, the position indicator was made to automatically become a configuration type corresponding to the position detection system by bringing the position indicator close to the sensor part of the position detection system. However, the position indicator may be configured to be set to a desired configuration type selected by communicating with an external device, such as a PC, which is not a position detection system and can communicate with the wireless communication module of the position indicator, and by selecting a configuration type with the external device, such as a PC.

[0207] Additionally, a switch for setting the configuration type may be provided on the position indicator, and the position indicator may be configured to be set to the desired configuration type by switching operation using the switch for setting the configuration type. That is, for example, in the example of FIG. 18, a push button switch (146) operable by a user is provided on the case (103), and the push button switch (146) is configured to supply a press operation signal to the signal transmission control circuit (141). In this case, the signal transmission control circuit (141) controls the configuration type to change whenever the push button switch (146) is pressed by the user, for example. Of course, a push button switch may also be provided in the example of FIG. 1 below. Explanation of the symbols

[0208] 1, 1A~1E, 100A~100C … position indicator, 2, 2A~2D, 200A~200C … Position detection system, 3 … case, 31 … insulator part, 32 … conductor, 5 … battery, 6 … peripheral electrode, 7 … central electrode, 8 … shield absence, 9 … pressure detection unit, 40 … printed circuit board, 41 … signal transmission control circuit, 42 … wireless communication module, 43 … side switch, 44 … ID memory, 45, 46 … oscillator, 48 … power switch, 410 … control unit, 411 … Pen type judgment unit

Claims

Claim 1 A position indicator characterized by comprising: a pressure detection unit having a semiconductor element as a detection unit for detecting pressure applied to the tip of the position indicator; a first communication unit for transmitting a signal through the tip of the position indicator; a second communication unit different from the first communication unit; and a control unit for controlling the pressure detected by the pressure detection unit having the semiconductor element to be transmitted from the second communication unit. Claim 2 A position indicator according to claim 1, further comprising a generating unit for generating a position detection signal and an electrode provided at the tip of the position indicator, wherein the control unit controls the position detection signal to be transmitted from the first communication unit through the electrode and the pressure detected by the pressure detection unit having the semiconductor element to be transmitted from the second communication unit. Claim 3 A position indicator according to claim 1, characterized in that the semiconductor device is a semiconductor device that varies its capacitance according to pressure applied to the tip of the position indicator. Claim 4 A position indicator according to claim 1, wherein the semiconductor device varies the inductance value or resistance value according to the pressure applied to the tip of the position indicator. Claim 5 A position indicator according to claim 1, further comprising an operation unit configured to receive operation by a user, wherein the control unit controls the transmission of information generated according to the user's operation of the operation unit from the second communication unit. Claim 6 A position indicator according to claim 1, further comprising a memory unit including identification information of the position indicator, wherein the control unit controls the identification information to be transmitted from the second communication unit. Claim 7 A position indicator according to claim 1, wherein the first communication unit is configured to receive a signal based on a spreading code transmitted through the sensor unit of a position detection system. Claim 8 A position indicator according to claim 1, wherein the first communication unit is configured to transmit a position detection signal through electrostatic coupling with a sensor unit of a position detection system. Claim 9 A position indicator according to claim 1, wherein the first communication unit is configured to transmit a position detection signal through electronic coupling with a sensor unit of a position detection system. Claim 10 A position indicator according to claim 1, characterized in that the second communication unit comprises a wireless communication unit. Claim 11 A position indicator according to claim 10, wherein the wireless communication unit is a wireless communication means of the Bluetooth (registered trademark) standard. Claim 12 A position indicator according to claim 1, wherein the control unit controls the first communication unit or the second communication unit to be in a resting state in response to the first communication unit or the second communication unit not receiving a signal transmitted from a position detection system for a predetermined time.

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