Stylus, touch system and operation method of touch system

Abstract

A stylus, a touch system and an operation method of the touch system are disclosed, wherein the touch system includes the stylus and a touch device. The stylus defines a stylus identity and multiple designated operation functions. The stylus includes an infrared transmitter. The infrared transmitter is configured to emit an infrared signal, and the infrared signal includes the stylus identity and one of the designated operation functions. The touch device includes an infrared receiver. The touch device defines multiple default identities and multiple default operation functions which correspond to the default identities respectively. According to the infrared signal, the touch device is configured to replace the default operation function which corresponds to the default identity that is the same as the stylus identity with the designated operation function.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] This invention relates to a stylus, a touch system, and a method for operating the touch system, and particularly to a stylus, a touch system, and a method for operating the touch system with interchangeable functions. [Previous Technology]

[0002] With the development of technology, many electronic devices on the market use touch panels as the operation input interface, such as smartphones, tablets, and laptops. Users can operate directly on the touch panel with their fingers, but in order to make the operation of the touch panel faster and more accurate, many users also choose styluses as the input tool for the touch panel.

[0003] Styluses can generally be divided into passive styluses and active styluses. Although passive styluses do not require batteries, they only have the functions of writing and clicking.

[0004] The active stylus is equipped with a Wi-Fi module, a Bluetooth module, and a battery. The active stylus can send commands to electronic devices via the Wi-Fi and Bluetooth modules to change its functions. However, even when the active stylus is writing on the touch panel, the Wi-Fi and Bluetooth modules are constantly working and consuming battery power, thus limiting the usage time of the active stylus. [Summary of the Invention]

[0005] The technical problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a stylus, a touch system, and a method for operating the touch system in light of the prior art.

[0006] The purpose of this invention is to provide a stylus, a touch system, and a method for operating the touch system, which can operate the stylus to emit infrared signals to the touch device to change its function.

[0007] To solve the above-mentioned technical problems, one of the technical solutions adopted by the present invention is to provide a stylus. The stylus includes an infrared emitter configured to emit infrared signals, wherein the stylus is defined with a stylus identity and multiple specified operation functions, and the infrared signal contains one of the stylus identity and multiple specified operation functions.

[0008] To solve the above-mentioned technical problems, another technical solution adopted by the present invention is to provide a touch system. The touch system includes a stylus and a touch device. The stylus is defined with a stylus identity and multiple specified operation functions. The stylus includes an infrared emitter configured to emit infrared signals, and the infrared signals include one of the stylus identity and multiple specified operation functions. The touch device includes an infrared receiver. The touch device is defined with multiple preset identities and their corresponding multiple preset operation functions. The touch device is configured to replace the preset operation function corresponding to the preset identity that is the same as the stylus identity with the specified operation function according to the infrared signal.

[0009] To solve the above-mentioned technical problems, another technical solution adopted by the present invention is to provide an operation method for a touch system. The operation method includes: providing a stylus, which is defined with a stylus identity and multiple specified operation functions; providing a touch device, which is defined with multiple preset identities and their corresponding multiple preset operation functions; emitting an infrared signal through the infrared emitter of the stylus, the infrared signal containing one of the stylus identity and multiple specified operation functions; receiving the infrared signal through the infrared receiver of the touch device; and replacing the preset operation function corresponding to the preset identity that is the same as the stylus identity with the specified operation function according to the infrared signal through the operating system of the touch device.

[0010] One of the beneficial effects of the present invention is that the stylus, touch system and operation method of the touch system provided by the present invention have the infrared emitter of the stylus normally in a dormant state. The user can operate the stylus to emit infrared signals to the touch device to change its function. Since the infrared emitter will only switch from the dormant state to the working state when the function of the stylus needs to be changed, the power consumption of the stylus is low and the usage time is relatively long.

[0011] To further understand the features and technical content of the present invention, please refer to the following detailed description and drawings of the present invention. However, the drawings provided are for reference and illustration only and are not intended to limit the present invention.

Implementation Method

[0012] The following specific embodiments illustrate the implementation methods of the "stylus, touch system, and operation method of the touch system" disclosed in this invention. Those skilled in the art can understand the advantages and effects of this invention from the content disclosed in this specification. This invention can be implemented or applied through other different specific embodiments, and various details in this specification can also be modified and changed based on different viewpoints and applications without departing from the concept of this invention. Furthermore, the accompanying drawings of this invention are for simple illustration only and are not depictions of actual dimensions; this is stated in advance. The following embodiments will further describe the relevant technical content of this invention in detail, but the disclosed content is not intended to limit the scope of protection of this invention.

[0013] It should be understood that although terms such as “first,” “second,” and “third” may be used herein to describe various components or signals, these components or signals should not be limited by these terms. These terms are primarily used to distinguish one component from another, or one signal from another. In addition, the term “or” as used herein may include, as appropriate, any combination of any one or more of the associated listed items.

[0014] Figure 1 is a functional block diagram of a stylus provided according to an embodiment of the present invention. Referring to Figure 1, the stylus 1 includes a processing circuit 11, a storage circuit 12, an infrared emitter 13, a charging port 14, a capacitor 15, and multiple function buttons A1-A5. The capacitance value of the capacitor 15 is in the range of, for example, 0.5 farads to 1 farad. The capacitor 15 is electrically connected to the processing circuit 11, the storage circuit 12, the infrared emitter 13, and the multiple function buttons A1-A5 to provide power to the processing circuit 11, the storage circuit 12, the infrared emitter 13, and the multiple function buttons A1-A5. The charging port 14 is, for example, a Type-C USB port. The charging port 14 is electrically connected to the capacitor 15. When the power stored in the capacitor 15 is insufficient and the stylus 1 cannot work, the user can connect the charging port 14 to an external power source and charge the capacitor 15 through the external power source.

[0015] For example, capacitor 15 is a super / ultra capacitor or a gold capacitor. Super capacitors and gold capacitors are capacitors for low-power batteries, and they have a faster charging speed compared to lithium batteries on the market.

[0016] The processing circuit 11 is also electrically connected to the storage circuit 12, the infrared transmitter 13, and multiple function buttons A1-A5, which can be operated by the user. In other embodiments, the multiple function buttons A1-A5 can be replaced by a dial or a lever.

[0017] The processing circuit 11 is, for example, a programmable logic controller circuit, a micro-processor circuit, a micro-control circuit, or a central processing unit.

[0018] The storage circuit 12 is, for example, random access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), flash memory, hard disk or other storage device that can be used to store data.

[0019] The storage circuit 12 stores the stylus identity B and multiple different designated operation functions C1~C5. Multiple function buttons A1~A5 correspond to multiple designated operation functions C1~C5 respectively. The initial function of the stylus 1 may be the same as one of the multiple designated operation functions C1~C5.

[0020] For example, the specified operation function C1 is the red writing function, the specified operation function C2 is the blue writing function, the specified operation function C3 is the black writing function, the specified operation function C4 is the eraser function, the specified operation function C5 is the drag object function, and the initial function of the stylus 1 is the red writing function.

[0021] The infrared transmitter 13 is normally in a sleep state. Only when the user presses one of the multiple function buttons A1 to A5 will the processing circuit 11 drive the infrared transmitter 13 to switch from the sleep state to the working state. The infrared transmitter 13 in the working state emits infrared signals, which include the stylus identity B and one of the multiple designated operation functions C1 to C5.

[0022] For example, the stylus identity B and the designated operation function C1 are represented by a first combination code; the stylus identity B and the designated operation function C2 are represented by a second combination code; the stylus identity B and the designated operation function C3 are represented by a third combination code; the stylus identity B and the designated operation function C4 are represented by a fourth combination code; and the stylus identity B and the designated operation function C5 are represented by a fifth combination code.

[0023] Figure 2 is a functional block diagram of a touch system provided according to an embodiment of the present invention. Referring to Figure 2, the touch system includes a stylus 1 and a touch device 2, such as a tablet computer or notebook computer with a touch panel. The touch device 2 includes an infrared receiver 21, a function operation table 22, and an operating system 23. The infrared receiver 21 is configured to receive infrared signals emitted by the stylus 1. The function operation table 22 defines multiple different preset identities D1-D5, multiple different preset pen diameter ranges E1-E5, and multiple different preset operation functions F1-F5. The multiple preset pen diameter ranges E1-E5 correspond to the multiple preset identities D1-D5, and the multiple preset identities D1-D5 correspond to the multiple preset operation functions F1-F5.

[0024] When the user does not need to change the function of the stylus 1, the user directly contacts the stylus 1 with the touch panel of the touch device 2. At this time, the capacitance value of the touch panel of the touch device 2 changes. The operating system 23 of the touch device 2 calculates the diameter of the stylus 1 based on the area of ​​the changed capacitance value. Then, the operating system 23 of the touch device 2 determines whether the diameter of the stylus 1 matches one of the multiple preset diameter ranges E1-E5. When the operating system 23 of the touch device 2 determines that the diameter of the stylus 1 matches one of the multiple preset diameter ranges E1-E5, the operating system 23 of the touch device 2 responds to the stylus 1 by providing one of the multiple preset operation functions F1-F5.

[0025] For example, the preset pen diameter range E1 is 1 mm to 3 mm, the preset pen diameter range E2 is 3 mm to 5 mm, the preset pen diameter range E3 is 5 mm to 8 mm, the preset pen diameter range E4 is 8 mm to 15 mm, and the preset pen diameter range E5 is 15 mm to 18 mm. The preset operation function F1 is black writing, the preset operation function F2 is red writing, the preset operation function F3 is blue writing, the preset operation function F4 is dragging objects, and the preset operation function F5 is an eraser function. When the stylus 1 with a pen diameter of 2.5 mm contacts the touch panel of the touch device 2, the operating system 23 of the touch device 2 determines that the pen diameter of the stylus 1 conforms to the preset pen diameter range E1. Since the preset pen diameter range E1 corresponds to the preset identity D1 and the preset identity D1 corresponds to the preset operation function F1, the operating system 23 of the touch device 2 responds to the stylus 1 to provide the preset operation function F1. At this time, the stylus 1 can write in black on the touch panel of the touch device 2.

[0026] For example, when a stylus 1 with a diameter of 10 mm comes into contact with the touch panel of the touch device 2, the operating system 23 of the touch device 2 determines that the diameter of the stylus 1 conforms to the preset diameter range E4. Since the preset diameter range E4 corresponds to the preset identity D4 and the preset identity D4 corresponds to the preset operation function F4, the operating system 23 of the touch device 2 responds to the stylus 1 and provides the preset operation function F4. At this time, the stylus 1 can drag objects displayed on the touch panel of the touch device 2.

[0027] When the user needs to change the function of the stylus 1, the user can press one of the function buttons A1 to A5 before the stylus 1 comes into contact with the touch panel of the touch device 2, causing the processing circuit 11 to drive the infrared emitter 13 to switch from the sleep state to the working state. The infrared emitter 13 in the working state emits an infrared signal toward the touch device 2, wherein the infrared signal includes the stylus identity B and one of the multiple designated operation functions C1 to C5.

[0028] For example, stylus 1 is initially a black writing pen. When the user presses function button A1, the infrared signal emitted by the infrared emitter 13 of stylus 1 contains stylus identity B and designated operation function C1, where designated operation function C1 is a red writing function. When the infrared receiver 21 of the touch device 2 receives the infrared signal emitted by stylus 1, the operating system 23 of the touch device 2 determines that stylus identity B is the same as the preset identity D1, and the operating system 23 of the touch device 2 changes the preset operation function F1 corresponding to the preset identity D1 to the designated operation function C1. Since the designated operation function C1 is a red writing function, stylus 1 changes from a black writing pen to a red writing pen.

[0029] For example, stylus 1 is initially a blue writing pen. When the user presses function button A4, the infrared signal emitted by the infrared emitter 13 of stylus 1 contains stylus identity B and designated operation function C4. When the infrared receiver 21 of the touch device 2 receives the infrared signal emitted by stylus 1, the operating system 23 of the touch device 2 determines that stylus identity B is the same as the preset identity D3. The operating system 23 of the touch device 2 then changes the preset operation function F3 corresponding to the preset identity D3 to the designated operation function C4. Since the designated operation function C4 is an eraser function, stylus 1 changes from a blue writing pen to an eraser.

[0030] For example, stylus 1 is initially a red writing pen. When the user presses function button A5, the infrared signal emitted by the infrared emitter 13 of stylus 1 includes stylus identity B and designated operation function C5. When the infrared receiver 21 of the touch device 2 receives the infrared signal emitted by stylus 1, the operating system 23 of the touch device 2 determines that stylus identity B is the same as the preset identity D2. The operating system 23 of the touch device 2 then changes the preset operation function F2 corresponding to the preset identity D2 to the designated operation function C5. Since the designated operation function C5 is a drag-and-drop function, stylus 1 changes from a red writing pen to a pen that can drag objects displayed on the touch panel.

[0031] Figure 3 is a functional block diagram of a touch system provided according to a second embodiment of the present invention. The difference between the touch system in Figure 3 and the touch system in Figure 2 is that the frequency of the infrared signal emitted by the infrared emitter 13 of the stylus 1 depends on the diameter of the stylus 1. For example, the frequency of the infrared signal emitted by a stylus 1 with a diameter less than 3 mm is 36 kHz, and the frequency of the infrared signal emitted by a stylus 1 with a diameter greater than 3 mm and less than 5 mm is 38 kHz.

[0032] The function operation table 22 of the touch device 2 also defines multiple preset frequencies G1-G5, and the multiple preset frequencies G1-G5 correspond to multiple preset identities D1-D5 respectively. The operating system 23 of the touch device 2 determines whether the frequency of the infrared signal of the stylus 1 matches one of the multiple preset frequencies G1-G5. When the frequency of the infrared signal of the stylus 1 matches one of the multiple preset frequencies G1-G5, it means that the stylus identity B of the stylus 1 matches one of the multiple preset identities D1-D5, and the touch device 2 then changes the initial function of the stylus 1 according to the infrared signal.

[0033] For example, when a user presses the function button A1 of a 2.5mm diameter stylus 1, the infrared emitter 13 of the stylus 1 emits an infrared signal toward the touch device 2. This infrared signal contains the stylus's identity B and a specified operation function C1. The infrared receiver 21 of the touch device 2 receives the infrared signal, and the operating system 23 of the touch device 2 determines that the frequency of the infrared signal matches the preset frequency G1 in the function operation table 22. Since the preset frequency G1 corresponds to the preset identity D1 and the preset identity D1 corresponds to the preset operation function F1, the operating system 23 of the touch device 2 changes the preset operation function F1 in the function operation table 22 to the specified operation function C1.

[0034] In other embodiments of the touch system, the touch system may include multiple styluses 1 with different pen diameters and a touch device 2, and the multiple styluses 1 may simultaneously perform different functions on the touch panel of the touch device 2.

[0035] Figure 4 is a flowchart of an embodiment of the operation method of the touch system of Figure 2. Referring together to Figures 2 and 4, in step S401, the user presses one of the multiple function buttons A1-A5 of the stylus 1 to drive the infrared emitter 13 of the stylus 1 to switch from the sleep state to the working state.

[0036] In step S402, the infrared transmitter 13, which is in operation, emits an infrared signal toward the touch device 2. The infrared signal includes the stylus identity B and the specified operation function corresponding to the pressed function button. For example, when the user presses function button A1, the infrared signal emitted by the infrared transmitter 13 includes the stylus identity B and the specified operation function C1.

[0037] In step S403, the infrared transmitter 13 switches from the working state to the sleep state. Specifically, after the infrared transmitter 13 emits an infrared signal once, the infrared transmitter 13 switches from the working state to the sleep state, thereby saving the power of the stylus 1.

[0038] In step S404, the infrared receiver 21 of the touch device 2 receives the infrared signal from the stylus 1.

[0039] In step S405, the operating system 23 of the touch device 2 determines whether the stylus identity B of the infrared signal is the same as one of the multiple preset identities D1-D5. If yes, proceed to step S406. If no, end the operation method (step S407).

[0040] In step S406, the operating system 23 of the touch device 2 replaces the preset operation function corresponding to the preset identity that is the same as the stylus identity B with the specified operation function. For example, the operating system 23 of the touch device 2 determines that the stylus identity B is the same as the preset identity D1, and then the operating system 23 of the touch device 2 replaces the preset operation function F1 corresponding to the preset identity D1 with the specified operation function C1.

[0041] In step S408, the stylus 1 comes into contact with the touch device 2.

[0042] In step S409, the operating system 23 of the touch device 2 identifies the diameter of the stylus 1 and determines whether the diameter of the stylus 1 conforms to one of the multiple preset diameter ranges E1-E5. If yes, proceed to step S410. If no, end the operation method (step S411).

[0043] In step S410, the touch device 2 responds to the stylus 1 by providing a specified operation function C1 with an infrared signal. For example, the operating system 23 of the touch device 2 determines that the diameter of the stylus 1 conforms to a preset diameter range E1. Since the preset diameter range E1 corresponds to a preset identity D1 and the preset identity D1 corresponds to the specified operation function C1, the operating system 23 of the touch device 2 responds to the stylus 1 by providing the specified operation function C1.

[0044] Figure 5 is a flowchart of an embodiment of the operation method of the touch system of Figure 3. Referring together to Figures 3 and 5, in step S501, the user presses one of the multiple function buttons A1-A5 of the stylus 1 to drive the infrared emitter 13 of the stylus 1 to switch from the sleep state to the working state.

[0045] In step S502, the infrared transmitter 13, which is in operation, emits an infrared signal toward the touch device 2, wherein the infrared signal contains the stylus identity B and the specified operation function corresponding to the pressed function button.

[0046] In step S503, the infrared transmitter 13 switches from the working state to the sleep state.

[0047] In step S504, the infrared receiver 21 of the touch device 2 receives the infrared signal from the stylus 1.

[0048] In step S505, the operating system 23 of the touch device 2 determines whether the frequency of the infrared signal is the same as one of the multiple preset frequencies G1-G5. If yes, proceed to step S506. If no, end the operation method (step S507).

[0049] In step S506, the operating system 23 of the touch device 2 replaces the preset operation function corresponding to the preset frequency that is the same as the frequency of the infrared signal with the specified operation function. For example, the operating system 23 of the touch device 2 determines that the frequency of the infrared signal emitted by the stylus 1 is the same as the preset frequency G2. In the function operation table 22, the preset frequency G2 corresponds to the preset identity D2 and the preset identity D2 corresponds to the preset operation function F2, so the operating system 23 of the touch device 2 replaces the preset operation function F2 corresponding to the preset identity D2 with the specified operation function C1.

[0050] In step S508, the stylus 1 comes into contact with the touch device 2.

[0051] In step S509, the operating system 23 of the touch device 2 responds to the stylus 1 by providing a specified operation function for the infrared signal. Specifically, the operating system 23 has confirmed that the infrared signal emitted by the stylus 1 is the same as the preset frequency G2. Since the preset frequency G2 corresponds to the preset identity D2 and the preset identity D2 corresponds to the specified operation function C2, the operating system 23 of the touch device 2 responds to the stylus 1 by providing the specified operation function C2.

[0052] The smaller the diameter of the stylus 1, the easier it is for the operating system 23 of the touch device 2 to misjudge the diameter of the stylus 1, thus leading to a misjudgment of the true identity of the stylus 1. By judging the frequency of the infrared signal, the operating system 23 of the touch device 2 can more accurately confirm the true identity of the stylus 1.

[0053] [Beneficial Effects of the Embodiments]

[0054] One of the beneficial effects of the present invention is that the stylus, touch system, and operation method of the touch system provided by the present invention include a stylus and a touch device. The stylus includes an infrared emitter configured to emit infrared signals. The stylus is defined with a stylus identity and multiple specified operation functions, and the infrared signal includes one of the stylus identity and multiple specified operation functions. The touch device includes an infrared receiver and is defined with multiple preset identities and their corresponding multiple preset operation functions. The touch device is configured to replace the preset operation function corresponding to the preset identity that is the same as the stylus identity with the specified operation function according to the infrared signal. The infrared emitter of the stylus is normally in a dormant state. The user can operate the stylus to emit infrared signals to the touch device to change its function. Since the infrared emitter only switches from the dormant state to the working state when the function of the stylus needs to be changed, the power consumption of the stylus is low and the usage time is relatively long.

[0055] The content disclosed above is only a preferred and feasible embodiment of the present invention, and is not intended to limit the scope of the patent application of the present invention. Therefore, all equivalent technical changes made using the contents of the present invention specification and drawings are included in the scope of the patent application of the present invention. [Simplified Explanation of the Diagram]

[0056] Figure 1 is a functional block diagram of a stylus provided according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0057] Figure 2 is a functional block diagram of the touch system provided according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0058] Figure 3 is a functional block diagram of a touch system provided according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

[0059] Figure 4 is a flowchart of the operation method of the touch system provided according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0060] Figure 5 is a flowchart of the operation method of the touch system provided according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

Claims

1. A stylus, comprising: Multiple function buttons; The system includes an infrared transmitter, a stylus defined with a stylus identity and multiple specified operation functions, and multiple function buttons corresponding to multiple specified operation functions. When one of the multiple function buttons is triggered, the infrared transmitter switches from a sleep state to an operating state. In the operating state, the infrared transmitter emits an infrared signal, and the infrared signal contains the stylus identity and the specified operation function corresponding to the triggered function button. After the infrared transmitter emits the infrared signal, the infrared transmitter switches from the operating state to the sleep state.

2. The stylus as claimed in claim 1 further includes a processing circuit and a storage circuit, the processing circuit being electrically connected to the infrared emitter and the storage circuit, the processing circuit being configured to transmit the stylus identity and one of the plurality of specified operation functions to the infrared emitter, and the storage circuit storing the stylus identity and the plurality of specified operation functions.

3. The stylus as claimed in claim 1 further includes a charging port and a capacitor, the charging port being used to connect to an external power source, and the capacitor being electrically connected to the charging port and the infrared emitter.

4. The stylus as claimed in claim 1 further includes a processing circuit electrically connected to the plurality of function buttons and the infrared emitter.

5. A touch system, comprising: A stylus as described in any one of claims 1 to 4; And a touch device including an infrared receiver, the touch device defining multiple preset identities and their corresponding multiple preset operation functions, the touch device being configured to replace the preset operation function corresponding to the preset identity that is the same as the stylus identity with the specified operation function according to the infrared signal.

6. The touch system as described in claim 5 includes a function operation table, wherein the function operation table defines a plurality of preset identities, a plurality of different preset pen diameter ranges, and a plurality of preset operation functions corresponding to each other.

7. The touch system as claimed in claim 5, wherein when the stylus touches the touch device, the touch device responds to the stylus by providing the specified operation function of the infrared signal.

8. The touch system as claimed in claim 5, wherein the touch device further defines a plurality of preset frequencies, the plurality of preset frequencies respectively corresponding to a plurality of preset identities, and the touch device is configured to replace the preset operation function corresponding to the preset frequency that is the same as the frequency of the infrared signal with the specified operation function.

9. A method of operating a touch system, comprising: providing a stylus, which defines a stylus identity and multiple specified operation functions and includes multiple function buttons and an infrared transmitter, wherein the multiple function buttons respectively correspond to the multiple specified operation functions; providing a touch device, which defines multiple preset identities and their corresponding multiple preset operation functions; triggering one of the multiple function buttons to switch the infrared transmitter from a sleep state to an operating state; emitting an infrared signal through the infrared transmitter, the infrared signal including the stylus identity and the specified operation function corresponding to the triggered function button; after the infrared transmitter emits the infrared signal, the infrared transmitter switches from the operating state to the sleep state; receiving the infrared signal through an infrared receiver of the touch device; and replacing the preset operation function corresponding to the preset identity that is the same as the stylus identity with the specified operation function through an operating system of the touch device according to the infrared signal.

10. The method of operating a touch system as described in claim 9, wherein the touch device further defines a plurality of preset pen diameter ranges, the plurality of preset pen diameter ranges respectively corresponding to a plurality of preset identities, and the operating system of the touch device identifies the pen diameter of the stylus and finds the preset pen diameter range in which the pen diameter is located.

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