Position detection method, position detector, and integrated circuit

Abstract

The present invention improves the accuracy of coordinate derivation.　Provided is a position detection method in a position detector 1 comprising a first sensor coil group including a plurality of conductors having a plurality of electrodes arranged side by side in a first direction and a second sensor coil group including a plurality of conductors having a plurality of electrodes arranged side by side in a second direction intersecting the first direction, the position detection method comprising: a first step in which the position detector generates an alternating magnetic field from the first sensor coil group; a second step in which the position detector 1 acquires, using at least the second sensor coil group, the level of a pen signal, which is a response alternating magnetic field from a pen accumulated due to the alternating magnetic field; and a third step in which the position detector derives information on the position of the pen using a two-dimensional distribution of the level of the pen signal at intersections of the plurality of electrodes of the first sensor coil group and the plurality of electrodes of the second sensor coil group.

Description

Position detection method, position detector and integrated circuit

[0001] The present invention relates to a position detection method, a position detector, and an integrated circuit.

[0002] In recent years, electromagnetic induction position input devices have been used as input devices for tablet PCs (personal computers), etc. This position input device is composed of a pen-shaped position indicator (pen-type position indicator) and a position detection device having an input surface on which pointing operations and input of characters, figures, etc. are performed using the pen-type position indicator.

[0003] The position pointer includes a resonant circuit consisting of a coil and a capacitor. On the other hand, the position detection device, in order to determine the coordinate of the position pointer in the X-axis direction within the active area AA, includes: an X sensor coil group including X sensor coils X0, ..., X4 arranged in the X direction, a switch connected to the X sensor coil group, and an X-axis TX / RX circuit that generates an alternating magnetic field (a sending magnetic field, the same applies hereinafter) by passing a current through each of the X sensor coils arranged on the X axis during a sending period, and detects, as a current or voltage, an electromotive force generated in each of the X sensor coils by a pen signal (an alternating magnetic field generated by the circuit of the position pointer, the same applies hereinafter) that is continuously generated from the position pointer that has stored energy in the resonant circuit during the sending period.

[0004] Similarly, in order to determine the coordinate of the position indicator in the Y-axis direction, the position detection device includes: a Y sensor coil group including Y sensor coils Y0, ..., Y4 arranged in the Y direction; a switch connected to the Y sensor coil group; and a Y-axis TX / RX circuit which, during the send period, generates a send magnetic field by passing a current through each of the X sensor coil group arranged on the Y axis, and which, during the detection period after the send period, detects, by current or voltage, the electromotive force generated in each of the Y sensor coil group by a pen signal that is continuously generated from the position indicator that has stored energy in the resonant circuit during the send period.

[0005] The position detection device, for example, selects one sensor coil in a predetermined order from multiple sensor coils constituting the position detection sensor, sends a transmission signal from the selected sensor coil to the position indicator, and charges a capacitor in the position indicator. Meanwhile, the position detection device connects the sensor coil used for transmission to a receiving circuit to receive the signal transmitted from the resonant circuit of the position indicator. The position detection device detects the position of the position indicator on the position detection device by sequentially switching the sensor coils and transmitting and receiving such signals.

[0006] To explain in detail how the position of the position indicator in the position detection device is detected, first, (1) a global scan is performed in which all sensor coils are sequentially switched to detect the position indicated by the position indicator on the indicated position detection sensor to determine the approximate position on the position detection sensor, and (2) a sector scan is performed in which only a predetermined number of sensor coils in the vicinity of the determined approximate position are sequentially selected to transmit and receive signals, thereby accurately determining the position indicated by the position indicator (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

[0007] In the example of Figure 30, the coordinate of the position indicator in the Y-axis direction is derived by interpolation or the like from the distribution of uniaxial level values, such as the level value 34 obtained by the Y sensor coil Y0, the level value 118 obtained by the Y sensor coil Y1, ..., the level value 107 obtained by the Y sensor coil Y4, as shown by RXdata (top row) in the figure.

[0008] Similarly, as shown by RXdata (lower row) in the figure, the coordinate in the X-axis direction of the position indicator is derived by interpolation or the like from the distribution of level values ​​in one axis direction, such as the level 25 obtained by X sensor coil X0, the level value 100 obtained by X1, ..., the level value 99 obtained by X4.

[0009] In this way, in the position detection device of FIG. 30, in determining the two-dimensional coordinates of the position indicator, the levels on each of the two axes are acquired separately, and the coordinates are determined for each dimension for each of the X and Y axes using each distribution (RX data), and these two are combined and output as two-dimensional coordinates after undergoing certain processing.

[0010] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2002-244806

[0011] As described above, in conventional position detection devices, in order to detect the position of a position indicator, signals are transmitted and received independently from the sensor coils in the X-axis direction and the Y-axis direction, so that one-dimensional information is obtained in each of the X-axis direction and the Y-axis direction, and the coordinates and inclination of the position indicator, etc. are derived based on this information.

[0012] However, while conventional position detection devices can derive the coordinates of a position indicator with a small amount of information, the information about diagonal directions is dispersed in the X-axis and Y-axis directions, which poses a problem in that the accuracy of deriving the coordinates deteriorates when the position indicator is tilted diagonally.

[0013] The present invention has been made in view of the above-mentioned problems, and has an object to provide a position detection method, a position detector, and an integrated circuit that improve the accuracy of deriving coordinates.

[0014] Form 1: One or more embodiments of the present invention propose a position detection method for a position detector including a first sensor coil group consisting of a plurality of conductors each having a plurality of electrodes arranged side by side in a first direction, and a second sensor coil group consisting of a plurality of conductors each having a plurality of electrodes arranged side by side in a second direction intersecting the first direction, the position detection method including: a first step in which the position detector generates an alternating magnetic field from the first sensor coil group; a second step in which the position detector acquires, using at least the second sensor coil group, the level of a pen signal which is a response alternating magnetic field from a pen stored by the alternating magnetic field; and a third step in which the position detector derives information about the position of the pen using a two-dimensional distribution of the level of the pen signal at each intersection of the plurality of electrodes of the first sensor coil group and the plurality of electrodes of the second sensor coil group.

[0015] Mode 2: One or more embodiments of the present invention are a position detection method for a position detector including a first sensor coil group consisting of a plurality of conductors having a plurality of electrodes arranged in a first direction, and a second sensor coil group consisting of a plurality of conductors having a plurality of electrodes arranged in a second direction intersecting the first direction, the method comprising: a first step in which the position detector generates an alternating magnetic field from the first sensor coil group; a second step in which the position detector acquires, using at least the second sensor coil group, a level of a pen signal which is a response alternating magnetic field from a pen stored by the alternating magnetic field, or a signal level corresponding to capacitive coupling with a finger; and a second step in which the position detector acquires the level of the pen signal at each intersection of the plurality of electrodes of the first sensor coil group and the plurality of electrodes of the second sensor coil group. Alternatively, the present invention proposes a position detection method including a third step of deriving information about the position of the pen or the finger using a two-dimensional distribution of signal levels corresponding to capacitive coupling with the finger, wherein in the first step, the position detector generates the alternating magnetic field a predetermined number of times while changing its position in the first direction using the first sensor coil group, and a fifth step of the position detector acquiring the level of the pen signal, which is a response alternating magnetic field from the pen stored by the alternating magnetic field, or the signal level corresponding to capacitive coupling with the finger, for each of the predetermined number of times, and determining the order of scanning for the next predetermined number of times so that one of the multiple conductors arranged side by side in the first direction of the first sensor coil group, which had the largest level of the signal from the pen, becomes the starting position.

[0016] Form 3: One or more embodiments of the present invention propose a position detector including: a first sensor coil group consisting of a plurality of conductors having a plurality of electrodes arranged side by side in a first direction; a second sensor coil group consisting of a plurality of conductors having a plurality of electrodes arranged side by side in a second direction intersecting the first direction; an alternating magnetic field generation unit that generates an alternating magnetic field from the first sensor coil group; a pen signal level acquisition unit that uses the second sensor coil group to acquire a level of a pen signal, which is a response alternating magnetic field from a position indicator stored by the alternating magnetic field; and an information derivation unit that derives information about the position of the position indicator using a two-dimensional distribution of the level of the pen signal at each intersection of the plurality of conductors of the first sensor coil group and the plurality of electrodes of the second sensor coil group.

[0017] Mode 4: One or more embodiments of the present invention include a first sensor coil group consisting of a plurality of conductors having a plurality of electrodes arranged in parallel in a first direction, a second sensor coil group consisting of a plurality of conductors having a plurality of electrodes arranged in parallel in a second direction intersecting the first direction, an alternating magnetic field generation unit that generates an alternating magnetic field from the first sensor coil group, a signal level acquisition unit that acquires, using the second sensor coil group, a level of a pen signal that is a response alternating magnetic field from a position indicator stored by the alternating magnetic field, or a signal level corresponding to capacitive coupling with a finger, and a signal level acquisition unit that acquires, using a two-dimensional distribution of the level of the pen signal at each intersection of the plurality of electrodes of the first sensor coil group and the plurality of electrodes of the second sensor coil group, or a signal level corresponding to capacitive coupling with the finger, The proposed position detector includes an information derivation unit that derives information about the position of a pen or the finger, and a control unit that controls operation, wherein the control unit causes the alternating magnetic field generation unit to generate the alternating magnetic field a predetermined number of times while changing the position in the first direction using the first sensor coil group, causes the signal level acquisition unit to acquire the level of the pen signal, which is a response alternating magnetic field from the pen stored by the alternating magnetic field, or a signal level corresponding to capacitive coupling with the finger, for each of the predetermined number of times, and determines the scanning order for the next predetermined number of times so that one of a plurality of conductors arranged side by side in the first direction of the first sensor coil group that had the largest signal level from the pen or the largest signal level corresponding to capacitive coupling with the finger becomes the starting position.

[0018] Mode 5: One or more embodiments of the present invention propose an integrated circuit that derives information about a position indicated by a position pointer, the integrated circuit being connected to a first sensor coil group consisting of a plurality of conductors each having a plurality of electrodes arranged in parallel in a first direction, and a second sensor coil group consisting of a plurality of conductors each having a plurality of electrodes arranged in parallel in a second direction intersecting the first direction, generating an alternating magnetic field from the first sensor coil group, obtaining a level of a pen signal, which is a response alternating magnetic field from the position pointer stored by the alternating magnetic field, using the second sensor coil group, and deriving information about the position of the position pointer using a two-dimensional distribution of the level of the pen signal at each intersection of the plurality of conductors of the first sensor coil group and the plurality of electrodes of the second sensor coil group.

[0019] Mode 6: One or more embodiments of the present invention are an integrated circuit that derives information about a position indicated by a position indicator, the integrated circuit generating an alternating magnetic field from the first sensor coil group, acquiring a level of a pen signal, which is a response alternating magnetic field from the position indicator stored by the alternating magnetic field, or a signal level corresponding to capacitive coupling with a finger, using the second sensor coil group, and determining information about the position of the pen or the finger using a two-dimensional distribution of the level of the pen signal at each intersection of the plurality of electrodes of the first sensor coil group and the plurality of electrodes of the second sensor coil group, or the signal level corresponding to capacitive coupling with the finger. The present invention proposes an integrated circuit that derives information relating to the level of the pen signal or the signal level corresponding to the capacitive coupling with the finger, generates the alternating magnetic field a predetermined number of times using the first sensor coil group while changing its position in the first direction, acquires the level of the pen signal, which is a response alternating magnetic field from the pen stored by the alternating magnetic field, or the signal level corresponding to the capacitive coupling with the finger, for each of the predetermined number of times, and determines the scanning order for the next predetermined number of times so that one of the multiple conductors arranged in parallel in the first direction of the first sensor coil group, which had the largest level of the signal from the pen, becomes the starting position.

[0020] According to one or more embodiments of the present invention, it is possible to improve the accuracy of deriving coordinates.

[0021] 2A is a conceptual diagram showing a coordinate derivation operation of the position detector according to the first embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 2B is a diagram showing a pen signal level when the position indicator has a tilt angle of 90 degrees and an angle of 0 degrees with respect to the normal to the sensor plane in a region where the TX sensor coil and the RX sensor coil cross in the position detector according to the first embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 2C is a diagram showing a moving average of the pen signal level values ​​of FIG. 2A; FIG. 2D is a diagram showing pen signal level data shown in FIG. 2B in a 3D view in the position detector according to the first embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 3A is a diagram showing pen signal levels when the position indicator has a tilt angle of 30 degrees with respect to the normal to the sensor plane and an angle of 90 degrees with respect to the sensor plane in a region where the TX sensor coil and the RX sensor coil cross in the position detector according to the first embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 3B is a diagram showing a moving average of the pen signal level values ​​of FIG. 3A; 4A is a diagram showing a pen signal level when the position indicator has a tilt angle of 30 degrees with respect to the normal to the sensor plane and an angle of 0 degrees with respect to the sensor plane in a region where the TX sensor coil and the RX sensor coil cross in the position detector according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 4B is a diagram showing a 3D view of the pen signal level data shown in FIG. 4A in the position detector according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 5A is a diagram showing a moving average of the pen signal level values ​​shown in FIG. 5B in the position detector according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 5B is a diagram showing a 3D view of the pen signal level data shown in FIG. 5A in the position detector according to the first embodiment of the present invention. 6A is a diagram showing the pen signal level when the position indicator is tilted at an angle of 30 degrees with respect to the normal to the sensor plane and at an angle of −45 degrees with respect to the sensor plane in the region where the TX sensor coil and the RX sensor coil cross in the position detector according to the first embodiment of the present invention.6B in a 3D view in the position detector according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 6C is a diagram showing the pen signal level data shown in FIG. 6B in the position detector according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 6D is a diagram showing a coordinate derivation process in the position detector according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 6E is a conceptual diagram showing a coordinate derivation operation in the position detector according to the second embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 6F is a diagram showing the coordinate derivation process in the position detector according to the second embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 6G is a diagram showing the configuration of a TX circuit in a position detector according to the third embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 6H is a diagram showing a scan pattern in the TX circuit of the position detector according to the third embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 6I is a diagram showing the coordinate derivation process in the position detector according to the third embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 6I is a diagram showing an ideal distribution of pen signal levels. FIG. 6J is a diagram showing a distribution of pen signal levels acquired in the position detector according to the third embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 6I is a diagram showing the configuration of a TX circuit in a position detector according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 6I is a diagram showing a scan pattern in the TX circuit of the position detector according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 6I is a diagram showing the coordinate derivation process in the position detector according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 6I is a diagram showing the ideal distribution of pen signal levels. FIG. 6J is a diagram showing a distribution of pen signal levels acquired in the position detector according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 6I is a diagram showing the configuration of a TX circuit in a position detector according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 6I is a diagram showing a scan pattern in the TX circuit of the position detector according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 10 is a diagram showing a coordinate derivation process of a position detector according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 11 is a diagram showing an ideal distribution of pen signal levels. Fig. 12 is a diagram showing a distribution of pen signal levels acquired in a position detector according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 13 is a diagram showing a conventional stack configuration when a position detector, a touch sensor for detecting a finger or the like using a capacitance (self-capacitance or mutual capacitance) method, and a display device are combined (or incorporated). Fig. 14 is a diagram showing an example of a stack configuration when a position detector according to any of the first to fifth embodiments of the present invention, a touch sensor for detecting a finger or the like using a capacitance (self-capacitance or mutual capacitance) method, and a display device are combined (or incorporated).FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a stack configuration when a position detector according to the first to fifth embodiments of the present invention, a touch sensor for detecting a finger or the like using a capacitance (self-capacitance or mutual capacitance) method, and a display device are combined (or incorporated). FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of a stack configuration when a position detector according to the first to fifth embodiments of the present invention, a touch sensor for detecting a finger or the like using a capacitance (self-capacitance or mutual capacitance) method, and a display device are combined (or incorporated). FIG. 12 is a diagram showing an example of a stack configuration when a position detector according to the first to fifth embodiments of the present invention, a touch sensor for detecting a finger or the like using a capacitance (self-capacitance or mutual capacitance) method, and a display device are combined (or incorporated). FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a stack configuration when a position detector according to the first to fifth embodiments of the present invention, a touch sensor for detecting a finger or the like using a capacitance (self-capacitance or mutual capacitance) method, and a display device are combined (or incorporated). FIG. 14 is a diagram showing an example of a configuration of a TX sensor coil group in a position detector according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 15 is a diagram showing an example of a configuration of a RX sensor coil group in a position detector according to the sixth embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the configuration of a position detector according to the first to fifth embodiments of the present invention, including an integrated sensor formed by integrating a TX sensor coil group and an RX sensor coil group into a touch sensor; FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the configuration of a position detector according to the first to fifth embodiments of the present invention, including an integrated sensor formed by integrating a TX sensor coil group and an RX sensor coil group into a touch sensor; FIG. 3 is a diagram showing the configuration of a position detector according to the first to fifth embodiments of the present invention, including an integrated sensor formed by integrating a TX sensor coil group and an RX sensor coil group into a touch sensor; FIG. 4 is a diagram showing the configuration of a position detector according to the first to fifth embodiments of the present invention, including an integrated sensor formed by integrating a TX sensor coil group and an RX sensor coil group into a touch sensor;Fig. 10 is a diagram showing a coordinate derivation process of a position detector according to a seventh embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 11 is a diagram showing a coordinate derivation process of a finger according to the seventh embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 12 is a diagram showing a timing chart in the coordinate derivation process of a pen or finger according to the seventh embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 13 is a diagram showing differences in the form of the coil shapes constituting the second coil group according to the seventh embodiment of the present invention depending on the coordinate derivation process mode. Fig. 14 is a conceptual diagram showing the coordinate derivation operation of a position detector according to a conventional example.

[0022] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 33. FIG.

[0023] First Embodiment A position detector 1 according to this embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 7. FIG.

[0024] <Configuration of position detector 1> As shown in FIG. 1, the position detector 1 is configured with a TX circuit 10, a switch 11, a TX sensor coil group (first sensor coil group) 100, an RX sensor coil group (second sensor coil group) 200, an RX circuit 20, and peripheral circuits such as an amplifier.

[0025] The TX sensor coil group (first sensor coil group) 100 is a plurality of conducting wires arranged in parallel in a first direction (X-axis direction) of the sensor, and the TX sensor coils constituting the TX sensor coil group (first sensor coil group) 100 are, for example, rectangular loop coils. Furthermore, the TX sensor coils constituting the TX sensor coil group (first sensor coil group) 100 are, for example, arranged side by side at equal intervals.

[0026] The RX sensor coil group (second sensor coil group) 200 is made up of a plurality of conductors each having a plurality of electrodes arranged in a second direction (Y-axis direction) that intersects with the first direction (X-axis direction), and the RX sensor coils that make up the RX sensor coil group (second sensor coil group) 200 are, for example, rectangular loop coils. Also, the RX sensor coils that make up the RX sensor coil group (second sensor coil group) 200 are, for example, arranged side by side at equal intervals.

[0027] The TX circuit 10 transmits a signal to the TX sensor coil group (first sensor coil group) 100 via the switch 11, and functions as an alternating magnetic field generating unit that causes the TX sensor coil group (first sensor coil group) 100 to generate an alternating magnetic field. That is, in the position detector 1 according to this embodiment, the TX sensor coils T0, T1, ..., T4 are connected to the TX circuit 10 and used to generate an alternating magnetic field, but are not used to detect pen signals.

[0028] The RX circuit 20 functions as a pen signal level acquisition unit that receives a pen signal, which is a response alternating magnetic field from the position indicator stored by the alternating magnetic field, using the multiple electrodes of the RX sensor coil group (second sensor coil group) 200, and acquires the level of the pen signal. That is, the RX sensor coils R0, R1, ..., R4 are connected to the RX circuit 20 and used to detect the pen signal, but are not used to generate the transmission magnetic field. The RX circuit 20 also functions as an information derivation unit that derives information about the position of the position indicator using a two-dimensional distribution of the pen signal level at each intersection between the multiple conductors of the TX sensor coil group (first sensor coil group) 100 and the multiple electrodes of the RX sensor coil group (second sensor coil group) 200. Here, the information about the position of the pen (position indicator) includes either the inclination of the pen with respect to a normal to the sensor plane (an XY plane consisting of the X-axis and the Y-axis) or the direction of the inclination of the pen with respect to the sensor plane.

[0029] The information derivation unit of the RX circuit 20 derives either the tilt of the pen with respect to the normal to the sensor plane or the direction of the tilt of the pen with respect to the sensor plane based on the asymmetry of the two-dimensional distribution.

[0030] The information derivation unit of the RX circuit 20 acquires a first reference position, which is the position indicated by the pen tip, acquires a second reference position that is convex upward or convex downward, and derives the direction of inclination of the pen relative to the sensor plane based on the direction of the second reference position relative to the first reference position.

[0031] Furthermore, the information derivation unit of the RX circuit 20 derives the inclination of the pen with respect to the normal to the sensor plane based on the level intensity of the pen signal at the first reference position and the level intensity of the pen signal at the second reference position.

[0032] Here, Figures 2A, 3A, 4A, 5A, and 6A are map data that quantifies the levels of the pen signals at positions on the sensor plane where the RX sensor coils R0, R1, ..., R15 intersect with the TX sensor coils T0, T1, ..., T15, Figures 2B, 3B, 4B, 5B, and 6B are data that summarizes the data of Figures 2A, 3A, 4A, 5A, and 6A using moving averages, and Figures 2C, 3C, 4C, 5C, and 6C are graphs that convert Figures 2B, 3B, 4B, 5B, and 6B into 3D.

[0033] 2A to 2C show level changes when the pen tilt (tilt angle) relative to the normal to the sensor plane is 90 degrees and the pen tilt direction (angle angle) relative to the sensor plane is 0 degrees. In FIG. 2A , peak values ​​are shown at (TX6, RX7), and in FIG. 2B , at (MATX6, MARX7), similar changes in pen signal level are observed in a concentric pattern, and FIG. 2C shows a similar state. From FIGS. 2A and 2B , (TX6, RX7) or (MATX6, MARX7) is the first reference position, which is the position indicated by the pen tip. The method of deriving the pen tilt (tilt angle) relative to the normal to the sensor plane and the pen tilt direction (angle angle) relative to the sensor plane in this case is the same as in the conventional example, so details will be omitted.

[0034] 3A to 3C show the level change when the pen tilt (tilt angle) relative to the normal to the sensor plane is 30 degrees and the pen tilt direction (angle angle) relative to the sensor plane is 90 degrees. In FIG. 3A , the peak value is shown at (TX6, RX7), and in FIG. 3B , at (MATX6, MARX7), and the level of the pen signal changes significantly upward from this point, and FIG. 3C shows a similar state. From FIGS. 3A and 3B , (TX6, RX7) or (MATX6, MARX7) is the first reference position, which is the position indicated by the pen tip. The method of deriving the pen tilt (tilt angle) relative to the normal to the sensor plane and the pen tilt direction (angle angle) relative to the sensor plane in this case is the same as in the conventional example, so details will be omitted.

[0035] 4A to 4C show the level change when the pen tilt (tilt angle) relative to the normal to the sensor plane is 30 degrees and the pen tilt direction (angle angle) relative to the sensor plane is 0 degrees. In FIG. 4A , the peak value is at (TX6, RX7), and in FIG. 4B , at (MATX6, MARX7), and the level of the pen signal changes significantly from this point to the right, as shown in FIG. 4C . From FIGS. 4A and 4B , (TX6, RX7) or (MATX6, MARX7) is the first reference position, which is the position indicated by the pen tip. The method of deriving the pen tilt (tilt angle) relative to the normal to the sensor plane and the pen tilt direction (angle angle) relative to the sensor plane in this case is the same as in the conventional example, so details will be omitted.

[0036] 5A to 5C show level changes when the pen is tilted 30 degrees relative to the normal to the sensor plane (tilt angle) and the pen is tilted 45 degrees relative to the sensor plane. In FIG. 5B, a peak value is shown at (MATX6, MARX7), which is the first reference position, the position indicated by the pen's tip. In FIG. 5B, a second peak value is shown at (MATX9, MARX9), which is the second reference position. The information derivation unit of the RX circuit 20 then acquires the first reference position, the position indicated by the pen's tip, and acquires a second reference position that is convex upward or convex downward. Based on the orientation of the second reference position relative to the first reference position, the tilt direction of the pen relative to the sensor plane is derived.

[0037] 6A to 6C show level changes when the pen is tilted (tilt angle) relative to the normal to the sensor plane at 30 degrees and the pen is tilted (angle) relative to the sensor plane at -45 degrees. In FIG. 6B, the peak value is shown at (MATX6, MARX7), which is the first reference position, the position indicated by the pen's tip. Also, in FIG. 6B, the second peak value is shown at (MATX9, MARX4), which is the second reference position. The information derivation unit of the RX circuit 20 then acquires the first reference position, the position indicated by the pen's tip, and acquires the second reference position, which is convex upward or convex downward. Based on the orientation of the second reference position relative to the first reference position, the tilt direction of the pen relative to the sensor plane is derived.

[0038] <Processing of Position Detector 1> Processing of the position detector 1 according to this embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.

[0039] The position detector 1 selects one TX sensor coil from the TX sensor coil group (first sensor coil group) 100 that generates a transmission magnetic field by switching it with the switch 11, and drives the selected TX sensor coil with the TX circuit 10 to transmit the transmission magnetic field (step S110). Fig. 1A shows the state in which the TX sensor coil T1 is selected.

[0040] After a certain transmission period, i.e., after a period during which a predetermined amount of energy would be accumulated if a pen were near the TX sensor coil, the position detector 1 obtains the pen signal levels at the positions of all the RX sensor coils. The position detector 1 detects the pen signal level values ​​(33, 105, 118, 121, and 110 in the figure) in the area where the TX sensor coil T1 crosses the RX sensor coils R1, R2, ..., R4 (hereinafter referred to as the coil crosspoint area). The position detector 1 obtains two-dimensional heat map data RXdata by sequentially switching the signal level at each coil crosspoint and selecting the TX sensor coil (step S120).

[0041] After acquiring the two-dimensional heat map data RXdata, the position detector 1 executes a coordinate processing process to obtain the pen coordinates, pen tilt (angle from the normal to the sensor surface), or pen orientation (tilted direction) based on the two-dimensional heat map data RXdata (step S130).

[0042] <Actions and Effects> As described above, in the position detector 1 according to this embodiment, the position detector 1 executes the following steps: a first step of generating an alternating magnetic field from a plurality of conductors arranged in parallel in a first direction of the sensor; a second step of acquiring the level of a pen signal, which is a response alternating magnetic field from the pen stored by the alternating magnetic field, using a plurality of electrodes arranged in parallel in at least a second direction intersecting with the first direction; and a third step of deriving information about the position of the pen using a two-dimensional distribution of the level of the pen signal at each intersection of the plurality of conductors arranged in parallel in the first direction of the sensor and the plurality of electrodes arranged in parallel in the second direction intersecting with the first direction. In other words, the position detector 1 according to this embodiment uses the plurality of conductors (e.g., TX sensor coils T0, T1, ..., T4) arranged in a first direction of the sensor only to generate an alternating magnetic field, and uses the plurality of electrodes (e.g., RX sensor coils R0, R1, ..., R4) arranged in a second direction intersecting the first direction to detect only the level of the pen signal, and derives information about the pen position using a two-dimensional distribution of the pen signal level at each intersection of the plurality of conductors arranged in the first direction of the sensor and the plurality of electrodes arranged in the second direction intersecting the first direction. Therefore, by using the two-dimensional distribution of the pen signal level, it is possible to improve the accuracy of deriving coordinates even when the position indicator is tilted obliquely.

[0043] In the position detector 1 according to this embodiment, the information about the pen position includes either the inclination of the pen with respect to the normal to the sensor plane or the direction of the inclination of the pen with respect to the sensor plane. In other words, by using the two-dimensional distribution of the level of the pen signal, the position detector 1 according to this embodiment can accurately derive not only the coordinate information of the pen tip, but also the inclination of the pen with respect to the normal to the sensor plane or the direction of the inclination of the pen with respect to the sensor plane. Therefore, even if the position indicator is tilted diagonally, the accuracy of deriving the coordinates can be improved.

[0044] The position detector 1 according to this embodiment derives either the tilt of the pen with respect to the normal to the sensor plane or the direction of the tilt of the pen with respect to the sensor plane based on the asymmetry of the two-dimensional distribution. In other words, the position detector 1 according to this embodiment derives the tilt of the pen with respect to the normal to the sensor plane or the direction of the tilt of the pen with respect to the sensor plane based on the asymmetry of the two-dimensional distribution, and therefore can accurately derive not only the coordinate information of the pen tip, but also the tilt of the pen with respect to the normal to the sensor plane or the direction of the tilt of the pen with respect to the sensor plane. Therefore, the accuracy of deriving the coordinates can be improved even when the position indicator is tilted in an oblique direction.

[0045] The position detector 1 according to this embodiment acquires a first reference position, which is the position indicated by the pen tip, and acquires a second reference position that is convex upward or convex downward. The position detector 1 then derives the tilt direction of the pen with respect to the sensor plane based on the orientation of the second reference position relative to the first reference position. In other words, the position detector 1 according to this embodiment acquires the first reference position, which is the position indicated by the pen tip, and the second reference position that is convex upward or convex downward, and derives the tilt direction of the pen with respect to the sensor plane based on the orientation of the second reference position relative to the first reference position. Therefore, not only the coordinate information of the pen tip but also the tilt direction of the pen with respect to the sensor plane can be accurately derived. Therefore, the accuracy of coordinate derivation can be improved even when the position indicator is tilted diagonally.

[0046] The position detector 1 according to this embodiment derives the tilt of the pen with respect to the normal to the sensor plane based on the level intensity of the pen signal at the first reference position and the level intensity of the pen signal at the second reference position. In other words, the position detector 1 according to this embodiment derives the tilt of the pen with respect to the normal to the sensor plane based on the level intensity of the pen signal at the first reference position and the level intensity of the pen signal at the second reference position, and therefore can accurately derive not only the coordinate information of the pen tip but also the tilt of the pen with respect to the normal to the sensor plane. Therefore, the accuracy of deriving the coordinates can be improved even when the position indicator is tilted diagonally.

[0047] The position detector 1 according to this embodiment generates a transmission magnetic field, transmits the transmission magnetic field to a plurality of conductors arranged in a first direction of the sensor selected by the switch 11, and after a certain transmission period, acquires the level of the pen signal at each intersection of the plurality of conductors arranged in the first direction of the sensor and all of the plurality of electrodes arranged in a second direction intersecting the first direction. This simplifies the circuit configuration of the position detector 1.

[0048] <Variation 1> In this embodiment, the RX circuit 20 of the position detector 1 receives a pen signal, which is a response alternating magnetic field from the position indicator stored by an alternating magnetic field, using multiple electrodes of the RX sensor coil group (second sensor coil group) 200, and acquires the level of the pen signal, but depending on the number of RX channels that the RX circuit 20 has, it may be configured to detect simultaneously using all of the RX sensor coils included in the RX sensor coil group (second sensor coil group) 200, or to detect simultaneously some of the multiple RX sensor coils.

[0049] Second Embodiment A position detector 1A according to this embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 8 and 9. FIG.

[0050] 8, the position detector 1 is made up of a TX circuit 10, a switch 11, a switch 21, a TX sensor coil group (first sensor coil group) 100, an RX sensor coil group (second sensor coil group) 200, an RX circuit 20A, and peripheral circuits such as an amplifier. Note that components with the same reference numerals as those in the first embodiment have similar functions, and therefore detailed descriptions thereof will be omitted.

[0051] The RX circuit 20A functions as a pen signal level acquisition unit that receives signals from the RX sensor coil group (second sensor coil group) 200 via the switch 21 and acquires the level of a pen signal, which is a response alternating magnetic field from the position indicator stored by the alternating magnetic field. That is, the RX sensor coils R0, R1, ..., R4 are connected to the RX circuit 20A and used to detect the pen signal, but are not used to generate the transmitted magnetic field. The RX circuit 20A also functions as an information derivation unit that derives information about the position of the position indicator using a two-dimensional distribution of the pen signal level at each intersection between the multiple conductors of the TX sensor coil group (first sensor coil group) 100 and the multiple electrodes of the RX sensor coil group (second sensor coil group) 200. Here, the information about the position of the pen (position indicator) includes either the inclination of the pen with respect to a normal to the sensor plane (an XY plane consisting of the X and Y axes) or the direction of the inclination of the pen with respect to the sensor plane.

[0052] Based on the asymmetry of the two-dimensional distribution, the RX circuit 20A derives either the tilt of the pen relative to the normal to the sensor plane or the direction of the tilt of the pen relative to the sensor plane.

[0053] The RX circuit 20A acquires a first reference position, which is the position indicated by the pen tip, and acquires a second reference position that is convex upward or convex downward, and derives the direction of inclination of the pen relative to the sensor plane based on the direction of the second reference position relative to the first reference position.

[0054] The RX circuit 20A also derives the inclination of the pen with respect to the normal to the sensor plane based on the level intensity of the pen signal at the first reference position and the level intensity of the pen signal at the second reference position.

[0055] <Processing of Position Detector 1A> Processing of the position detector 1A according to this embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.

[0056] The position detector 1A selects one TX sensor coil from the TX sensor coil group (first sensor coil group) 100 that generates a transmission magnetic field by switching it with the switch 11, and drives the selected TX sensor coil with the TX circuit 10 to transmit the transmission magnetic field (step S110). Figure 8 shows the state in which the TX sensor coil T1 is selected.

[0057] After a certain transmission period, i.e., after a period during which a predetermined amount of energy would be accumulated if a pen were present near the TX sensor coil, the position detector 1A controls the switch 21 to select an RX sensor coil for detecting the pen signal and obtains the level of the pen signal at the position of the selected RX sensor coil. Figure 8 shows the state in which the RX sensor coil R2 is selected. The position detector 1A detects the level value (118 in the figure) of the pen signal in the area where the TX sensor coil T1 crosses the RX sensor coils R1, R2, ..., R4 (hereinafter referred to as the coil crosspoint area). The position detector 1A obtains two-dimensional heat map data RXdata by sequentially fixing the signal level at each coil crosspoint and switching the selection of the RX sensor coil (step S210).

[0058] After acquiring the two-dimensional heat map data RXdata, the position detector 1A executes a coordinate processing process to obtain the pen coordinates, pen tilt (angle from the normal to the sensor surface), or pen orientation (tilt direction) based on the two-dimensional heat map data RXdata (step S130).

[0059] <Functions and Effects> As described above, the position detector 1A according to this embodiment has the same functions and effects as the position detector 1 according to the first embodiment.

[0060] Third Embodiment A position detector 1B according to this embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 10 to 13. FIG.

[0061] <Configuration of Position Detector 1B> The position detector 1B is configured with a TX circuit 10A, a switch 11, a TX sensor coil group (first sensor coil group) 100, an RX sensor coil group (second sensor coil group) 200, an RX circuit 20, and peripheral circuits such as an amplifier. Note that components with the same reference numerals as those in the first and second embodiments have similar functions, and therefore detailed descriptions thereof will be omitted.

[0062] <Configuration of TX Circuit 10A> As shown in FIG. 10, the TX circuit 10A includes an alternating magnetic field generating unit 111, a global scanning unit 112, a scan start position determining unit 113, and a scan pattern control unit 114.

[0063] The alternating magnetic field generation unit 111 transmits a TX signal to the TX sensor coil group (first sensor coil group) 100 via the switch 11, causing the TX sensor coil group (first sensor coil group) 100 to generate an alternating magnetic field. The alternating magnetic field generation unit 111 transmits the TX signal based on a control signal from a scan pattern control unit 114, which will be described later. Specifically, the alternating magnetic field generation unit 111 generates an alternating magnetic field a predetermined number of times using, for example, a plurality of conductors (for example, the TX sensor coil group (first sensor coil group) 100) arranged in parallel in a first direction of the sensor, while changing the positions in the first direction (for example, the arrangement direction of the TX sensor coil group (first sensor coil group) 100).

[0064] The global scan unit 112 detects the position indicated by the position indicator by sequentially switching all of the TX sensor coil group (first sensor coil group) 100 to detect where the position indicator is located in the TX sensor coil group (first sensor coil group). Specifically, the global scan unit 112 acquires the level of a pen signal, which is a response alternating magnetic field from the pen stored by an alternating magnetic field, for example, a predetermined number of times. The detection result by the global scan unit 112 is output to a scan start position determination unit 113, which will be described later.

[0065] The scan start position determination unit 113 determines, based on the detection result by the global scan unit 112, that one of the multiple conductors arranged in a first direction (for example, the direction in which the TX sensor coil group (first sensor coil group) 100 are arranged) of the sensor in which the level of the signal from the pen is greatest, to be the start position. The scan start position information determined by the scan start position determination unit 113 is output to the scan pattern control unit 114, which will be described later.

[0066] The scan pattern control unit 114 determines a scan pattern based on the scan start position information, and controls the output timing of the TX signal in the alternating magnetic field generation unit 111 and the switching timing of the switch 11 based on the scan pattern. Specifically, the scan pattern control unit 114 sets the scan pattern so that the scan order is the conductor adjacent to the conductor with the highest signal level from the pen after the first scanned conductor, for example, as shown in Fig. 11. The scan pattern control unit 114 also sets the scan pattern so that the scan order is the conductor adjacent to the conductor with the highest signal level from the pen after the first scanned conductor, for example, as shown in Fig. 11, and sequentially selects conductors across the first scanned conductor.

[0067] <Processing of Position Detector 1B> Processing of the position detector 1B according to this embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.

[0068] The alternating magnetic field generating unit 111 generates an alternating magnetic field a predetermined number of times using, for example, a plurality of conductors (for example, a TX sensor coil group (first sensor coil group) 100) arranged in parallel in a first direction of the sensor, while changing the position in the first direction (for example, the parallel arrangement direction of the TX sensor coil group (first sensor coil group) 100) (step S310).

[0069] The global scanning unit 112 acquires the level of the pen signal, which is, for example, a response alternating magnetic field from the pen stored by the alternating magnetic field, at each of a predetermined number of times (step S320).

[0070] Based on the detection results by the global scan unit 112, the scan start position determination unit 113 determines that the start position is one of the multiple conductors arranged in the arrangement direction of the first direction (e.g., the TX sensor coil group (first sensor coil group)) 100 of the sensor in which the signal level from the pen was the largest (step S330).

[0071] The scan pattern control unit 114 sets the scan pattern, for example, so that the scan order is the conductor adjacent to the conductor with the highest signal level from the pen after the first scanned conductor. Also, the scan pattern control unit 114 sets the scan pattern, for example, so that the scan order is the conductor adjacent to the conductor with the highest signal level from the pen after the first scanned conductor, and the conductors are selected sequentially so as to cross the first scanned conductor (step S340).

[0072] <Functions and Effects> As described above, the position detector 1B according to this embodiment uses a plurality of conductors (e.g., the TX sensor coil group (first sensor coil group) 100) arranged in a first direction of the sensor to generate an alternating magnetic field a predetermined number of times while changing the position in the first direction, acquires the level of a pen signal, which is a response alternating magnetic field from the pen stored by the alternating magnetic field, each of the predetermined number of times, and determines the order of the next predetermined number of scans so that the start position is one of the plurality of conductors arranged in a first direction of the sensor that has the largest level of the signal from the pen. In other words, the position detector 1B performs a global scan using the global scan unit 112, and determines the order of the next predetermined number of scans so that the start position is one of the plurality of conductors arranged in a first direction of the sensor that has the largest level of the signal from the pen. This is based on the finding that when acquiring position information of a pen or the like that moves quickly, if it takes a long time to drive the sensor, the acquired data will be unstable. Specifically, it is known that writing or drawing with a pen at high speed degrades coordinate accuracy and causes wavy lines. Meanwhile, the most important information in coordinate calculation is the data with the highest signal strength directly under the pen, while data further away from that point contributes less to coordinate calculation. Therefore, by determining the order of the next predetermined number of scans so that one of the multiple conductors arranged in a first direction of the sensor with the highest pen signal level becomes the starting position, the accuracy of coordinate derivation can be improved even when writing or drawing with a pen at high speed and the pen is tilted diagonally. FIG. 13A is a diagram showing an ideal distribution of pen signal levels, and FIG. 13B is a diagram showing the distribution of pen signal levels acquired by the position detector 1B according to this embodiment. As can be seen from these figures, the distribution of pen signal levels acquired by the position detector 1B according to this embodiment compares favorably with the ideal distribution of pen signal levels.

[0073] The position detector 1B according to this embodiment scans the conductor adjacent to the conductor with the highest pen signal level after the first conductor scanned. As described above, the most important information in coordinate calculation is the data with the highest signal strength directly below the pen, and data further away from that point contributes less to coordinate calculation. Therefore, by adopting a scan pattern that scans conductors in order from closest to the pen, it is possible to reduce the fluctuation of data that is important in coordinate calculation and prevent a deterioration in coordinate accuracy. Figure 13A shows an ideal distribution of pen signal levels, and Figure 13B shows the distribution of pen signal levels acquired by the position detector 1B according to this embodiment. As can be seen from these figures, the distribution of pen signal levels acquired by the position detector 1B according to this embodiment compares favorably with the ideal distribution of pen signal levels.

[0074] The position detector 1B according to this embodiment sequentially selects the conductor adjacent to the conductor with the highest pen signal level after the first scanned conductor, crossing the first scanned conductor. As described above, the data with the highest signal strength directly below the pen is important for coordinate calculation, and data further away from that data plays less of a role in coordinate calculation. Therefore, by sequentially selecting the conductor adjacent to the conductor with the highest pen signal level after the first scanned conductor and crossing the first scanned conductor, it is possible to reduce the fluctuation of data that is important for coordinate calculation and prevent a deterioration in coordinate accuracy. FIG. 13A shows an ideal distribution of pen signal levels, and FIG. 13B shows a distribution of pen signal levels acquired by the position detector 1B according to this embodiment. As can be seen from these figures, the distribution of pen signal levels acquired by the position detector 1B according to this embodiment compares favorably with the ideal distribution of pen signal levels.

[0075] <Modification 2> In the third embodiment, the position detector 1B has been described as an example, but the present invention can also be applied to a conventional position detector shown in FIG. 30, for example.

[0076] Fourth Embodiment A position detector 1C according to this embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 14 to 17. FIG.

[0077] <Configuration of Position Detector 1C> The position detector 1C is configured with a TX circuit 10B, a switch 11, a TX sensor coil group (first sensor coil group) 100, an RX sensor coil group (second sensor coil group) 200, an RX circuit 20, and peripheral circuits such as an amplifier. Note that components with the same reference numerals as those in the first to third embodiments have similar functions, and therefore detailed descriptions thereof will be omitted.

[0078] 14, the TX circuit 10B includes an alternating magnetic field generation unit 111, a global scan unit 112, a scan start position determination unit 113, and a scan pattern control unit 114A. Note that components with the same reference numerals as those in the third embodiment have similar functions, and therefore detailed descriptions thereof will be omitted.

[0079] The scan pattern control unit 114A determines a scan pattern based on the scan start position information, and controls the output timing of the TX signal in the alternating magnetic field generation unit 111 and the switching timing of the switch 11 based on the scan pattern. Specifically, the scan pattern control unit 114A sets the scan pattern, for example, so that the scan order is the conductor adjacent to the conductor with the highest signal level from the pen after the first scanned conductor. Furthermore, the scan pattern control unit 114A sets the scan pattern, for example, as shown in FIG. 15 , so that the scan order is the conductor adjacent to the conductor with the highest signal level from the pen after the first scanned conductor, and sequentially selects conductors so as to cross the first scanned conductor. In this embodiment, for example, as shown in FIG. 15 , when the scanned area exceeds the arrangement area of ​​multiple conductors arranged in parallel in the first direction of the sensor, the scan pattern control unit 114A extends the scanned area (e.g., y5 and y6 in FIG. 15 ) to an area beyond the arrangement area.

[0080] <Processing of Position Detector 1C> Processing of the position detector 1C according to this embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.

[0081] The alternating magnetic field generating unit 111 generates an alternating magnetic field a predetermined number of times using, for example, a plurality of conductors (for example, a TX sensor coil group (first sensor coil group) 100) arranged in parallel in a first direction of the sensor, while changing the position in the first direction (for example, the parallel arrangement direction of the TX sensor coil group (first sensor coil group) 100) (step S310).

[0082] The global scanning unit 112 acquires the level of the pen signal, which is, for example, a response alternating magnetic field from the pen stored by the alternating magnetic field, at each of a predetermined number of times (step S320).

[0083] Based on the detection results by the global scan unit 112, the scan start position determination unit 113 determines that one of the multiple conductors arranged in a first direction (e.g., the arrangement direction of the TX sensor coil group (first sensor coil group) 100) of the sensor in which the signal level from the pen was the largest will be the start position (step S330).

[0084] The scan pattern control unit 114A sets the scan pattern, for example, so that the scan order is the conductor adjacent to the conductor with the highest signal level from the pen after the first scanned conductor. The scan pattern control unit 114A also sets the scan pattern, for example, so that the scan order is the conductor adjacent to the conductor with the highest signal level from the pen after the first scanned conductor, and sequentially selects conductors that cross the first scanned conductor. If the scanned area exceeds the layout area of ​​the multiple conductors arranged in the first direction of the sensor, the scan pattern control unit 114A extends the scanned area to include an area beyond the layout area and executes the scan (step S410).

[0085] <Actions and Effects> As described above, when the scanned area exceeds the arrangement area of ​​the plurality of conductors (e.g., the TX sensor coil group (first sensor coil group) 100) arranged in the first direction of the sensor, the position detector 1C according to this embodiment expands the scanned area (e.g., y5 and y6 in FIG. 15 ) to an area beyond the arrangement area. That is, the position detector 1C performs a global scan using the global scanning unit 112 and determines the order of the next predetermined number of scans so that the starting position is one of the plurality of conductors arranged in the first direction of the sensor that has the highest signal level from the pen. This is based on the finding that when acquiring position information from a pen that moves quickly, if it takes a long time to drive the sensor, the acquired data will be blurred. Specifically, it is known that when writing or drawing with a pen at high speed, coordinate accuracy deteriorates and the drawn line will become wavy. On the other hand, the important information in coordinate calculation is the data with the strongest signal directly below the pen, and data further away from that point contributes less to the coordinate calculation. Therefore, by determining the order of the next predetermined number of scans so that one of the conductors arranged in the first direction of the sensor with the highest pen signal level is the starting position, the accuracy of coordinate derivation can be improved even when writing or drawing with the pen at high speed and the pen is tilted diagonally. On the other hand, if the scanned area exceeds the arrangement area of ​​the conductors arranged in the first direction of the sensor (e.g., the TX sensor coil group (first sensor coil group) 100), the position detector 1C expands the scanned area (e.g., y5 and y6 in FIG. 15 ) to include an area beyond the arrangement area and performs scanning. With the above scanning method, data with low signal strength cannot be acquired, but data with high signal strength can be captured. Therefore, compared to conventional methods, the accuracy of coordinate derivation can be improved even when the pen is tilted diagonally. FIG. 17A is a diagram showing an ideal distribution of pen signal levels, and FIG. 17B is a diagram showing the distribution of pen signal levels acquired by the position detector 1C according to this embodiment.As can be seen from these figures, the distribution of pen signal levels acquired by the position detector 1C according to this embodiment shows results that are comparable to ideal distribution of pen signal levels for data with high signal strength.

[0086] <Modification 3> In the fourth embodiment, the position detector 1C has been described as an example, but the present invention can also be applied to, for example, a conventional position detector shown in FIG.

[0087] 15 , in the fourth embodiment, when the scanning area exceeds the arrangement area of ​​the plurality of conductors arranged in parallel in the first direction of the sensor, the scanning area (for example, y5 and y6 in FIG. 15 ) is expanded to include an area beyond the arrangement area. However, specifically, for example, for y5 and y6 in FIG. 15 , dummy values ​​may be prepared in advance, or y1 or y3 may be used, or the processing may be skipped. Substitution may result in higher accuracy than skipping the processing, and when only a small number of elements exceed the arrangement area, skipping the processing may increase the processing speed while maintaining a certain degree of accuracy.

[0088] Fifth Embodiment A position detector 1D according to this embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 18 to 21. FIG.

[0089] <Configuration of Position Detector 1D> The position detector 1D is configured with a TX circuit 10C, a switch 11, a TX sensor coil group (first sensor coil group) 100, an RX sensor coil group (second sensor coil group) 200, an RX circuit 20, and peripheral circuits such as an amplifier. Note that components with the same reference numerals as those in the first to fourth embodiments have similar functions, and therefore detailed descriptions thereof will be omitted.

[0090] 18, the TX circuit 10C is configured to include an alternating magnetic field generation unit 111, a global scan unit 112, a scan start position determination unit 113, and a scan pattern control unit 114B. Note that components with the same reference numerals as those in the third and fourth embodiments have similar functions, and therefore detailed descriptions thereof will be omitted.

[0091] The scan pattern control unit 114B determines a scan pattern based on the scan start position information, and controls the output timing of the TX signal in the alternating magnetic field generation unit 111 and the switching timing of the switch 11 based on the scan pattern. Specifically, the scan pattern control unit 114B sets the scan pattern, for example, so that the scan order is the conductor adjacent to the conductor with the highest signal level from the pen after the first scanned conductor. Furthermore, the scan pattern control unit 114B sets the scan pattern, for example, as shown in FIG. 19 , so that the scan order is the conductor adjacent to the conductor with the highest signal level from the pen after the first scanned conductor, and sequentially selects conductors so as to cross the first scanned conductor. In this embodiment, for example, as shown in FIG. 19 , when the scanned area exceeds the arrangement area of ​​multiple conductors arranged in a row in the first direction of the sensor, the scan pattern control unit 114B extends the scanned area beyond the arrangement area to the area opposite the end of the arrangement area.

[0092] <Processing of Position Detector 1D> Processing of the position detector 1D according to this embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.

[0093] The alternating magnetic field generating unit 111 generates an alternating magnetic field a predetermined number of times using, for example, a plurality of conductors (for example, a TX sensor coil group (first sensor coil group) 100) arranged in parallel in a first direction of the sensor, while changing the position in the first direction (for example, the parallel arrangement direction of the TX sensor coil group (first sensor coil group) 100) (step S310).

[0094] The global scanning unit 112 acquires the level of the pen signal, which is, for example, a response alternating magnetic field from the pen stored by the alternating magnetic field, at each of a predetermined number of times (step S320).

[0095] Based on the detection results by the global scan unit 112, the scan start position determination unit 113 determines that one of the multiple conductors arranged in a first direction (e.g., the arrangement direction of the TX sensor coil group (first sensor coil group) 100) of the sensor in which the signal level from the pen was the largest will be the start position (step S330).

[0096] The scan pattern control unit 114B sets the scan pattern, for example, so that the scan order is the conductor adjacent to the conductor with the highest signal level from the pen after the first scanned conductor. The scan pattern control unit 114B also sets the scan pattern, for example, so that the scan order is the conductor adjacent to the conductor with the highest signal level from the pen after the first scanned conductor, and sequentially selects conductors that cross the first scanned conductor. If the scanned area exceeds the arrangement area of ​​the multiple conductors arranged in the first direction of the sensor, the scan pattern control unit 114B extends the scanned area beyond the arrangement area to the area opposite the end of the arrangement area and executes scanning (step S510).

[0097] <Actions and Effects> As described above, when the scanned area exceeds the arrangement area of ​​the plurality of conductors (e.g., the TX sensor coil group (first sensor coil group) 100) arranged in a first direction of the sensor, the position detector 1D according to this embodiment expands the scanned area beyond the arrangement area to the area opposite the end of the arrangement area. That is, the position detector 1D performs a global scan using the global scanning unit 112 and determines the order of the next predetermined number of scans so that the starting position is one of the plurality of conductors arranged in a first direction of the sensor that has the highest signal level from the pen. This is based on the finding that when acquiring position information from a pen that moves quickly, if it takes a long time to drive the sensor, the acquired data will be blurred. Specifically, it is known that when writing or drawing with a pen at high speed, coordinate accuracy deteriorates and the drawn line will become wavy. On the other hand, the important information in coordinate calculation is the data with the strongest signal directly below the pen, and data further away from that point contributes less to the coordinate calculation. Therefore, by determining the order of the next predetermined number of scans so that one of the multiple conductors arranged in the first direction of the sensor with the highest pen signal level is the starting position, the accuracy of coordinate derivation can be improved even when writing or drawing with the pen at high speed and the pen is tilted diagonally. On the other hand, if the scanned area exceeds the arrangement area of ​​the multiple conductors arranged in the first direction of the sensor (e.g., the TX sensor coil group (first sensor coil group) 100), the position detector 1D extends the scanned area beyond the arrangement area to the area opposite the edge of the arrangement area and performs scanning. The above scanning method can acquire data with low signal strength that could not be acquired in the third embodiment. Here, data with low signal strength may affect the accuracy of tilt correction. However, the position detector 1D according to this embodiment can acquire data with low signal strength that could not be acquired in the third embodiment, thereby improving the accuracy of coordinate derivation even when the pen is tilted diagonally.21A is a diagram showing an ideal distribution of pen signal levels, and FIG. 21B is a diagram showing the distribution of pen signal levels acquired by the position detector 1D according to this embodiment. As can be seen from these diagrams, the distribution of pen signal levels acquired by the position detector 1D according to this embodiment shows results that compare favorably with the ideal distribution of pen signal levels.

[0098] <Modification 5> In the fifth embodiment, the position detector 1D has been described as an example, but the present invention can also be applied to, for example, a conventional position detection device shown in FIG.

[0099] Sixth Embodiment A position detector 1E according to this embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 22 to 29. FIG.

[0100] 22A to 22F are diagrams showing examples of stack configurations in which a position detector 1E, a touch sensor for detecting a finger or the like by electrostatic capacitance (self-capacitance or mutual capacitance), and a display device are combined (or incorporated). In all of the diagrams, the upper side is the side closer to the pen and the lower side is the side farther from the pen. In all of the examples shown, a sheet made of a material with a predetermined magnetic permeability may be provided below the bottom layer in order to increase the strength of the pen signal.

[0101] 22A is a diagram showing a conventional stack configuration. A display 300 (including a front panel layer 301 and a TFT back panel layer 302) is provided, and a TX sensor coil group (first sensor coil group) 100 and an RX sensor coil group (second sensor coil group) 200 are provided below the display 300 via an adhesive layer. A touch sensor is provided above the display 300, and a cover glass (including a cover film; the same applies below) that comes into contact with a pen is provided above the touch sensor.

[0102] 22B is a diagram showing another example of a stack configuration, in which a capacitive touch sensor and a layer in which a TX sensor coil group (first sensor coil group) 100 and an RX sensor coil group (second sensor coil group) 200 are integrated are provided on the upper side of a display 300B, and a cover glass is provided on the upper side thereof.

[0103] 22C and 22D relate to a configuration known as an in-cell or on-cell, in which a touch sensor function is integrated into a part of the display 300. Fig. 22C is based on a display configuration known as an in-cell touch. The display 300C is configured by integrating a TX sensor coil group (first sensor coil group) 100 and an RX sensor coil group (second sensor coil group) 200 into a TFT backplane layer 302 that controls a front panel layer 301. A touch sensor is provided on the upper side of the display 300C, and a cover glass is provided above that.

[0104] Fig. 22D is based on a display configuration known as on-cell touch. The display 300D includes a TFT backplane layer 302 that controls the front panel layer, and a front panel layer 301. Fig. 22D shows a so-called on-cell touch panel configuration in which a capacitive touch sensor is provided in the module of the display 300D, which is an upper layer of the front panel layer 301. The touch sensor is configured by integrating a TX sensor coil group (first sensor coil group) 100 and an RX sensor coil group (second sensor coil group) 200.

[0105] 22E and 22F are characterized in that the TX sensor coil group (first sensor coil group) 100 and the RX sensor coil group (second sensor coil group) 200 are provided on separate layers. In Fig. 22E, the TX sensor coil group (first sensor coil group) 100 is provided on the TFT backplane layer 302, and the RX sensor coil group (second sensor coil group) 200 is provided on an upper layer above the display front plane 301 on which the on-cell touch sensor (capacitive sensor) is provided, with a cover glass provided above that.

[0106] In Figure 22F, the TX sensor coil group (first sensor coil group) 100 is not provided on the TFT backplane layer 302, but is provided below the display 300F, and the RX sensor coil group (second sensor coil group) 200 is provided on a layer above the display front plane 301 on which the on-cell touch sensor (capacitive sensor) is provided, with a cover glass provided above that.

[0107] <Details of the TX Sensor Coil Group (First Sensor Coil Group) 100> Fig. 23 shows an example configuration of the TX sensor coil group (first sensor coil group) 100. The configuration of the TX sensor coil group (first sensor coil group) 100 shown in Fig. 23 is effective when the TX sensor coil group (first sensor coil group) 100 and the RX sensor coil group (second sensor coil group) 200 are provided on separate layers, and the TX sensor coil group (first sensor coil group) 100 is provided below the display, as shown in Fig. 22F. The TX sensor coil group (first sensor coil group) 100 is configured in a comb (SAW) shape, including TX electrodes 120, ..., 135 that respectively constitute TX sensor coils T0, T1, ..., T15, and connecting conductors 130 that connect the TX electrodes 120, ..., 135 to each other. Here, the term "comb-shaped" refers to the shape formed by a first wiring and a plurality of second wirings described below. The first wiring is a wiring extending in a first direction, and the second wiring is a plurality of wirings extending in a second direction intersecting the first direction, with the plurality of second wirings arranged side by side in the first direction at a predetermined interval. Furthermore, the first wiring and the plurality of second wirings are electrically connected. For convenience, if the end of the plurality of second wirings connected to the first wiring is considered a terminal end and the other end is considered an open end, then the plurality of second wirings have one end connected to the first wiring and the other end open, forming a comb-shaped configuration. The other open ends of the plurality of second wirings are connected to an integrated circuit and are used, for example, to output a drive signal or detect a received signal. The position detector 1E controls the switches 11 (S0, ..., S15) to, for example, bundle the TX electrodes 125 and 126 and connect them to the TX terminal of the TX circuit 10, while also bundling the TX electrodes 128 and 129 and connecting them to the TX_inv terminal of the TX circuit 10. The TX circuit 10 controls the TX terminal and the TX_inv terminal so that the amount of change in current is in opposite phase to each other, thereby forming a stronger transmission magnetic field between the bundle of TX electrodes 125 and 126 and the bundle of TX electrodes 128 and 129 (near the TX electrode 127) compared to when they are not bundled and compared to when TX_inv is set to a fixed potential.

[0108] <Details of the RX sensor coil group (second sensor coil group) 200> Fig. 24 shows an example of the configuration of the RX sensor coil group (second sensor coil group) 200. The RX sensor coil group (second sensor coil group) 200 in the figure is a sensor for use above the display (closer to the pen), and includes RX sensor coils R0 to R8, and is characterized in that (1) it is substantially transparent within the active area AA, (2) it is configured on only one side of the film, (3) adjacent RX coil sensors do not overlap each other and there is a gap between them, and (4) it is wound with one turn (not multiple turns).

[0109] The outermost RX sensor coil R0 is composed of an AA outer long side portion 201 which is an opaque metal conductor arranged outside the active area AA, an AA long side portion 202 which is a substantially transparent conductor (typically a mesh conductor) arranged inside the active area AA, and a connecting conductor 203 which is an opaque metal conductor arranged outside the active area AA. Similarly, the outermost RX sensor coil R8 is composed of an AA outer long side portion 282 which is an opaque metal conductor arranged outside the active area AA, an AA long side portion 281 which is a substantially transparent conductor (typically a mesh conductor) arranged inside the active area AA, and a connecting conductor 283 which is an opaque metal conductor arranged outside the active area AA.

[0110] The RX sensor coil R1 that is not located at the outermost position is composed of an AA long side portion 211 and an AA long side portion 212 that are substantially transparent conductors (typically mesh conductors) arranged inside the active area AA, and a connecting conductor 203 that connects them and is an opaque metal conductor arranged outside the active area AA. Similarly, the RX sensor coils R2 to R7 that are not located at the outermost position are each composed of two AA long side portions (221, 222, etc.) that are substantially transparent conductors (typically mesh conductors) arranged inside the active area AA, and a connecting conductor (223, etc.) that connects them and is an opaque metal conductor arranged outside the active area AA. One end of each RX sensor coil in the RX sensor coil group (second sensor coil group) 200 is connected to the RX circuit 20 via a switch 21, and the other end of each RX sensor coil is connected to a reference potential such as GND. When a differential amplifier circuit is provided in the RX circuit 20, one end and the other end of each RX sensor coil of the RX sensor coil group (second sensor coil group) 200 may be connected to the differential amplifier circuit.

[0111] 25 to 29 are diagrams illustrating the configuration of a position detector 1E including an integrated sensor (Integrated / Universal Sensor Module) configured by integrating a TX sensor coil group (first sensor coil group) 100 and an RX sensor coil group (second sensor coil group) 200 into a touch sensor. This configuration is useful in the case of a stack configuration known as on-cell touch, which is provided on the upper side (pen side) of a display 300D as shown in FIG. 22D .

[0112] 25 is a diagram showing an example of a mesh pattern of a mesh electrode layer provided on one surface of a transparent substrate. The mesh patterns forming the TX sensor coils T0, ..., T5 are each composed of an island portion 611, a peripheral portion 612 surrounding the periphery of the island portion 611, and a mesh connection portion 613 connecting the peripheral portions 612 to each other in the direction of extension of the sending coil electrode T0. The mesh patterns not forming the TX sensor coils T0, ..., T5 are insulated in the mesh electrode layer and each composed of an island portion 621 and a peripheral portion 622 surrounding the periphery of the island portion 621, which are connected to each other by jumper wiring, which will be described later.

[0113] 26 shows the configuration of jumpers provided on the other surface of the transparent substrate. Jumper 701 is wiring that configures the RX sensor coil ER1. Jumper 702 is jumper wiring that connects the coils of the RX sensor coil group (second sensor coil group). Jumper 703 is a jumper that configures the touch electrode TR4 for performing touch detection by electrostatic capacitance (mutual capacitance method).

[0114] 27 is a diagram of an integrated sensor in which the mesh electrode layer of FIG. 25 and the jumper wiring of FIG. 26 are superimposed. The integrated sensor performs (1) pen detection using an electromagnetic induction method and (2) finger detection using a capacitance (mutual capacitance) method to detect a finger or the like. Regarding TX (drive), (1) the generation of a transmission magnetic field in pen detection using the electromagnetic induction method and (2) the generation of a transmission electric field in finger detection using the capacitance (mutual capacitance) method are performed by TX sensor coils T0 to T4 that are commonly used for both methods. Regarding RX (detection), (1) RX sensor coils ER0 to ER5 that constitute an RX sensor coil group (second sensor coil group) 200 are provided for detecting pen signals, and (2) touch detection electrodes TR0 to TR4 for electrostatic touch are provided separately in conjunction with the RX sensor coil group (second sensor coil group) as RX electrodes in the mutual capacitance method.

[0115] <Operations During Pen Detection Using Electromagnetic Induction Method> FIG. 28 is a diagram showing the operations of the position detector 1E in a mode in which pen detection is performed using electromagnetic induction method. First, during the transmission period, the TX circuit 10 located on the left side of the figure: drives one end of the sensor coil (T1 in the figure) selected by the switch 11 from the TX sensor coils T0, ..., T4 of the TX sensor coil group (first sensor coil group) 100 with a positive-phase signal via the TX terminal, and drives one end of the sensor coil (T3 in the figure) selected by the switch 11 with a negative-phase signal that produces a current change that is opposite in phase to the current change of the positive-phase signal via the TX_inv terminal. At the same time, the TX circuit 10 located on the right side of the figure: drives the other end of the sensor coil (T3 in the figure) selected by the switch 11 with a negative-phase signal that produces a current change that is opposite in phase to the current change of the positive-phase signal via the TX_inv terminal, and drives the other end of the sensor coil (T1 in the figure) selected by the switch 11 from the TX sensor coils T0, ..., T4 of the TX sensor coil group (first sensor coil group) 100 with a positive-phase signal via the TX terminal. This makes it possible to form the aforementioned strong magnetic field near the pen position (near T2 in the drawing).

[0116] In the detection period after the transmission period, the RX circuit 20 connects the RX sensor coils ER2 and ER3, which logically form one loop coil, to both ends of the differential amplifier circuit via the switch 21, and detects the signal level of the pen signal passing through this loop coil. After this, the two-dimensional heat map data (RX data) described in Figures 1 and 8 is acquired, and the pen coordinates, area, tilt direction, etc. are derived based on this two-dimensional heat map data.

[0117] <Operation During Capacitance (Finger Touch) Detection Using the Capacitance (Mutual Capacitance) Detection Method> Figure 29 shows the operation of the position detector 1E during capacitance (finger touch) detection using the capacitance (mutual capacitance) detection method. During capacitance detection, the TX sensor coil electrodes T0, ..., T4 constituting the TX sensor coil group (first sensor coil group) 100 are used, just as during detection using the electromagnetic induction method. The TX circuit 10 on the left side of the figure drives one end of the TX sensor coil electrode T1 selected by the switch 11 with a positive-phase touch signal, while the TX circuit 10 on the right side of the figure drives the other end of the selected TX sensor coil electrode T1 with a positive-phase touch signal. This allows the TX sensor coil electrode T1 to be supplied with a desired potential (TX signal). The RX circuit 20 detects a change in mutual capacitance from a reference value at the crosspoint (the intersection of T1 and TR2) of the selected RX touch electrode TR2. The RX circuit 20 acquires the change in capacitance at each cross point as two-dimensional heat map data, and derives the position of the finger touch using calculations used in capacitance detection, such as center of gravity calculations.

[0118] Thus, with the position detector 1E using the integrated sensor of Figures 25 to 29, by using a group of mesh sensor patterns provided on one metal mesh layer and the jumper wiring connecting them, it is possible to realize (1) the generation of a magnetic field transmitted to a pen using an electromagnetic induction method and the detection of a pen signal, and (2) the detection of a finger touch (change in capacitance) using a capacitance (mutual capacitance) method.

[0119] Seventh Embodiment A position detector 1F according to this embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 30 to Fig. 33. Note that the configuration of the position detector 1F is similar to that of the position detector 1B according to the third embodiment, and therefore detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0120] The position detector 1F of this embodiment has the same hardware configuration, but acquires the level of the pen signal, which is a response alternating magnetic field from the pen, or the signal level corresponding to the capacitive coupling with the finger, and acquires information regarding the position of the pen and the position of the finger.

[0121] The position detector 1F according to this embodiment includes a first sensor coil group 100 made up of a plurality of conductors each having a plurality of electrodes arranged in parallel in a first direction, a second sensor coil group 200 made up of a plurality of conductors each having a plurality of electrodes arranged in parallel in a second direction intersecting the first direction, an alternating magnetic field generating unit 111 that generates an alternating magnetic field from the first sensor coil group 100, a signal level acquiring unit (RX circuit 20) that acquires, using the second sensor coil group 200, the level of a pen signal which is a response alternating magnetic field from a position indicator stored by the alternating magnetic field or a signal level corresponding to capacitive coupling with a finger, and a signal level acquiring unit (RX circuit 20) that acquires the level of the pen signal at each intersection between the plurality of electrodes of the first sensor coil group 100 and the plurality of electrodes of the second sensor coil group 200 or the signal level corresponding to capacitive coupling with a finger. and a control unit that controls the operation. The control unit causes the alternating magnetic field generating unit 111 to generate an alternating magnetic field a predetermined number of times while changing the position in a first direction using the first sensor coil group 100, causes the signal level acquiring unit (RX circuit 20) to acquire a pen signal level, which is a response alternating magnetic field from the pen stored by the alternating magnetic field, or a signal level corresponding to capacitive coupling with the finger, each of the predetermined number of times, and determines the scanning order for the next predetermined number of times so that one of the multiple conductors arranged side by side in the first direction of the first sensor coil group 100 that has the largest signal level from the pen or the largest signal level corresponding to capacitive coupling with the finger becomes the starting position. Furthermore, in the position detector 1F of this embodiment, as shown in Figure 32, the process of deriving position information of the pen or finger is executed alternately, and in the process of deriving position information of the pen, the alternating magnetic field generation process of the alternating magnetic field generation unit 111 is executed for a period until a predetermined amount of energy is accumulated in the pen, and then stopped, and after the stoppage, the signal level acquisition process of the signal level acquisition unit (RX circuit 20) is executed to acquire the alternating magnetic field generated by the energy accumulated in the pen, and in the process of deriving position information of the finger, the alternating magnetic field generation process of the alternating magnetic field generation unit 111 and the signal level acquisition process of the signal level acquisition unit (RX circuit 20) are executed continuously within the same period.In the position detector 1F according to this embodiment, in the process of deriving finger position information, the first sensor coil group 100 serves as a drive coil that generates an alternating magnetic field using the alternating magnetic field generator 111, and the second sensor coil group 200 serves as a receiver coil that receives signals corresponding to capacitive coupling with the finger. Furthermore, as shown in Figures 33(A) and (B), each of the second sensor coil groups 200 is formed in a U-shape. In the process of deriving pen position information, each acts as a coil (Figure 33(A)), and in the process of deriving finger position information, the open parts of the U-shape are short-circuited and function as a single receiver electrode (Figure 33(B)). <Processing of the Position Detector 1F> The processing of the position detector 1F according to this embodiment will be described using Figures 30 and 31.

[0122] <Processing for Acquiring Pen Position Information> Processing for acquiring pen position information in the position detector 1F according to this embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.

[0123] During the processing period for deriving the pen position information, the alternating magnetic field generating unit 111 generates an alternating magnetic field a predetermined number of times while changing the position in a first direction (e.g., the direction in which the TX sensor coil group (first sensor coil group) 100 is arranged) using, for example, multiple conductors arranged in a first direction of the sensor (e.g., the TX sensor coil group (first sensor coil group) 100) (step S310).

[0124] The global scanning unit 112 acquires the level of the pen signal, which is, for example, a response alternating magnetic field from the pen stored by the alternating magnetic field, at each of a predetermined number of times (step S320).

[0125] Based on the detection results by the global scan unit 112, the scan start position determination unit 113 determines that the start position is one of the multiple conductors arranged in parallel in the first direction of the sensor (e.g., the TX sensor coil group (first sensor coil group)) 100 where the signal level from the pen was the largest, i.e., where it is estimated that the pen is present (step S330).

[0126] The scan pattern control unit 114 sets the scan pattern, for example, so that the scan order is the conductor adjacent to the conductor with the highest signal level from the pen after the first scanned conductor. Also, the scan pattern control unit 114 sets the scan pattern, for example, so that the scan order is the conductor adjacent to the conductor with the highest signal level from the pen after the first scanned conductor, and the conductors are selected sequentially so as to cross the first scanned conductor (step S340).

[0127] Depending on the processing result of step S340, the position detector 1F selects one TX sensor coil from the TX sensor coil group (first sensor coil group) 100 that generates the transmission magnetic field by switching it using the switch 11, and drives the selected TX sensor coil using the TX circuit 10 to emit the transmission magnetic field (step S110).

[0128] After a certain transmission period, i.e., after a period during which a predetermined amount of energy would be accumulated if a pen were near the TX sensor coil, the position detector 1F obtains the pen signal levels at the positions of all the RX sensor coils. The position detector 1F detects the pen signal level values ​​(33, 105, 118, 121, and 110 in the figure) in the area where the TX sensor coil T1 crosses the RX sensor coils R1, R2, ..., R4 (hereinafter referred to as the coil crosspoint area). The position detector 1F obtains two-dimensional heat map data RXdata from the signal levels at each coil crosspoint by sequentially switching the selection of the TX sensor coil (step S120).

[0129] <Processing for Acquiring Finger Position Information> Processing for acquiring finger position information in the position detector 1F according to this embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.

[0130] During the processing period for deriving finger position information, the alternating magnetic field generating unit 111 generates an alternating magnetic field a predetermined number of times while changing the position in the first direction (e.g., the direction in which the TX sensor coil group (first sensor coil group) 100 is arranged) using, for example, multiple conductors arranged in a first direction of the sensor (e.g., the TX sensor coil group (first sensor coil group) 100) (step S311).

[0131] The global scanning unit 112 acquires, for example, a signal level corresponding to the capacitive coupling with the finger a predetermined number of times (step S321).

[0132] Based on the detection results by the global scan unit 112, the scan start position determination unit 113 determines the start position to be one of the multiple conductors arranged in the arrangement direction of the first direction of the sensor (e.g., the TX sensor coil group (first sensor coil group)) 100 where the signal level corresponding to the capacitive coupling with the finger is the largest, i.e., where it is estimated that a finger is present (step S331).

[0133] The scan pattern control unit 114 sets the scan pattern, for example, so that the scan order is the conductor adjacent to the conductor with the largest signal level corresponding to capacitive coupling with the finger after the first scanned conductor. Also, the scan pattern control unit 114 sets the scan pattern, for example, so that the scan order is the conductor adjacent to the conductor with the largest signal level corresponding to capacitive coupling with the finger after the first scanned conductor, and the scan pattern is selected sequentially so as to cross the first scanned conductor (step S341).

[0134] Depending on the processing result of step S340, the position detector 1F selects one TX sensor coil from the TX sensor coil group (first sensor coil group) 100 that generates the transmission magnetic field by switching it using the switch 11, and drives the selected TX sensor coil using the TX circuit 10 to emit the transmission magnetic field (step S351).

[0135] During the period in which the position detector 1F acquires finger position information, it obtains signal levels corresponding to the capacitive coupling with the finger at the positions of all RX sensor coils. The position detector 1F detects signal level values ​​(33, 105, 118, 121, and 110 in the figure) corresponding to the capacitive coupling with the finger in the region where the TX sensor coil T1 crosses the RX sensor coils R1, R2, ..., R4 (hereinafter referred to as the coil crosspoint region). The position detector 1F obtains two-dimensional heat map data RXdata from the signal levels at each coil crosspoint by sequentially switching the selection of the TX sensor coil (step S120).

[0136] <Actions and Effects> As described above, the position detector 1F according to this embodiment includes the first sensor coil group 100 made up of a plurality of conductors each having a plurality of electrodes arranged in parallel in a first direction, the second sensor coil group 200 made up of a plurality of conductors each having a plurality of electrodes arranged in parallel in a second direction intersecting the first direction, an alternating magnetic field generation unit 111 that generates an alternating magnetic field from the first sensor coil group 100, a signal level acquisition unit (RX circuit 20) that acquires, using the second sensor coil group 200, the level of a pen signal which is a response alternating magnetic field from a position indicator stored by the alternating magnetic field or a signal level corresponding to capacitive coupling with a finger, and a signal level acquisition unit (RX circuit 20) that acquires the level of the pen signal at each intersection between the plurality of electrodes of the first sensor coil group 100 and the plurality of electrodes of the second sensor coil group 200 or the level of a signal corresponding to capacitive coupling with a finger. The control unit includes an information derivation unit (RX circuit 20) that derives information about the position of the pen or finger using the two-dimensional distribution of the signal level obtained by the detection, and a control unit that controls the operation. The control unit causes the alternating magnetic field generation unit 111 to generate an alternating magnetic field a predetermined number of times while changing the position in a first direction using the first sensor coil group 100, causes the signal level acquisition unit (RX circuit 20) to acquire a pen signal level, which is a response alternating magnetic field from the pen stored by the alternating magnetic field, or a signal level corresponding to capacitive coupling with the finger, each of the predetermined number of times, and determines the scanning order for the next predetermined number of times so that one of the multiple conductors arranged side by side in the first direction of the first sensor coil group 100 that has the largest signal level from the pen or the largest signal level corresponding to capacitive coupling with the finger becomes the starting position. In other words, the position detector 1F according to this embodiment performs a global scan and determines the order of the next predetermined number of scans so that the starting position is one of the multiple conductors arranged in a first direction of the sensor that has the largest signal level from the pen or the largest signal level corresponding to the capacitive coupling with the finger. This is based on the knowledge that when acquiring position information of a pen or finger that moves quickly, if it takes a long time to drive the sensor, the acquired data will be blurred. Specifically, it is known that when writing or drawing with a pen at high speed, the coordinate accuracy deteriorates and the drawn line will become wavy.On the other hand, the important information in coordinate calculation is the data with the greatest signal strength directly under the pen or finger, and the further away from there the data is, the less relevant it is to the coordinate calculation. Therefore, by determining the order of the next predetermined number of scans so that the starting position is one of the multiple conductors arranged in a first direction of the sensor that has the largest signal level from the pen or the largest signal level corresponding to capacitive coupling with the finger, the accuracy of coordinate derivation can be improved. Furthermore, after the above processing, the multiple conductors arranged in a first direction of the sensor (e.g., TX sensor coils T0, T1, ..., T4) are used only to generate an alternating magnetic field, and the multiple electrodes arranged in a second direction intersecting the first direction (e.g., RX sensor coils R0, R1, ..., R4) are used to derive information about the position of the pen or finger using the pen signal levels at each intersection between the multiple conductors arranged in the first direction of the sensor and the multiple electrodes arranged in a second direction intersecting the first direction, or the two-dimensional distribution of signal levels corresponding to capacitive coupling with the finger. Therefore, by using the two-dimensional distribution of the pen signal level or the signal level according to the capacitive coupling with the finger, the accuracy of coordinate derivation can be improved. Furthermore, since the same hardware configuration can be used to execute control according to its characteristics and to acquire pen coordinate information and finger coordinate information, it is possible to detect highly accurate coordinate information while reducing costs.

[0137] In the position detector 1F of this embodiment, the process of deriving the position information of the pen or finger is executed alternately, and in the process of deriving the position information of the pen, the alternating magnetic field generation process of the alternating magnetic field generation unit 111 is executed for a period until a predetermined amount of energy is accumulated in the pen, and then stopped, and after the stoppage, the signal level acquisition process of the signal level acquisition unit (RX circuit 20) is executed to acquire the alternating magnetic field generated by the energy accumulated in the pen, and in the process of deriving the position information of the finger, the alternating magnetic field generation process of the alternating magnetic field generation unit 111 and the signal level acquisition process of the signal level acquisition unit (RX circuit 20) are executed continuously within the same period. 32, the process of deriving the position information of the pen or the finger is executed alternately, and in the process of deriving the position information of the pen, the alternating magnetic field generation process of the alternating magnetic field generation unit 111 is executed for a period during which a predetermined amount of energy is accumulated in the pen and then stopped, and after the stoppage, the signal level acquisition unit (RX circuit 20) executes the signal level acquisition process of acquiring the alternating magnetic field generated by the energy accumulated in the pen, and in the process of deriving the position information of the finger, the alternating magnetic field generation process of the alternating magnetic field generation unit 111 and the signal level acquisition process of the signal level acquisition unit (RX circuit 20) are executed continuously within the same period. Since it is possible to execute control according to the characteristics with the same hardware configuration, it is possible to detect coordinate information with high accuracy while reducing costs.

[0138] In the position detector 1F according to this embodiment, in the process of deriving finger position information, the first sensor coil group 100 serves as a drive coil that generates an alternating magnetic field using the alternating magnetic field generator 111, and the second sensor coil group 200 serves as a receiver coil that receives signals corresponding to capacitive coupling with the finger. In other words, despite having the same hardware configuration, it is possible to execute appropriate control depending on the detection target, thereby reducing costs and detecting highly accurate coordinate information.

[0139] In the position detector 1F according to this embodiment, the second sensor coil group 200 is formed in a U-shape. In the process of deriving pen position information, each sensor coil operates as a coil ( FIG. 33(A) ). In the process of deriving finger position information, the open portion of the U-shape is short-circuited and functions as a single receiving electrode ( FIG. 33(B) ). In other words, when detecting finger position information, if the coil is U-shaped, the length of the conductor forming the coil becomes long, and the resulting capacitance reduces detection sensitivity. However, in the position detector 1F according to this embodiment, the open portion of the U-shape is short-circuited and functions as a single receiving electrode, so detection sensitivity does not decrease. Therefore, it is possible to detect coordinate information with high accuracy while reducing costs.

[0140] The processing of the TX circuits 10, 10A, 10B, 10C, and 10D can be recorded on a recording medium readable by a computer system, and the program recorded on this recording medium can be read into the TX circuits 10, 10A to 10E and executed, thereby realizing the position detectors 1, 1A to 1E of the present invention. The computer system here includes hardware such as an OS and peripheral devices.

[0141] Furthermore, if the WWW (World Wide Web) system is used, the "computer system" also includes the homepage providing environment (or display environment). The above program may be transmitted from a computer system storing the program in a storage device or the like to another computer system via a transmission medium or by transmission waves in the transmission medium. Here, the "transmission medium" that transmits the program refers to a medium that has the function of transmitting information, such as a network (communication network) such as the Internet or a communication line (communication line) such as a telephone line.

[0142] The program may also be a program for implementing some of the functions described above, or may be a so-called differential file (differential program) that can implement the functions described above in combination with a program already stored in the computer system.

[0143] The above describes an embodiment of the present invention in detail with reference to the drawings, but the specific configuration is not limited to this embodiment, and includes designs within the scope of the gist of the present invention.

[0144] <Supplementary Item 1> A position detector comprising: one or more processors; one or more memories communicatively connected to the one or more processors; a first sensor coil group consisting of a plurality of conductors having a plurality of electrodes arranged side by side in a first direction; and a second sensor coil group consisting of a plurality of conductors having a plurality of electrodes arranged side by side in a second direction intersecting the first direction, wherein the one or more processors include: an alternating magnetic field generation unit that generates an alternating magnetic field from the first sensor coil group; a pen signal level acquisition unit that acquires, using the second sensor coil group, a level of a pen signal that is a response alternating magnetic field from a position indicator stored by the alternating magnetic field; and an information derivation unit that derives information on a position of the position indicator using a two-dimensional distribution of the level of the pen signal at each intersection of the plurality of conductors of the first sensor coil group and the plurality of electrodes of the second sensor coil group.

[0145] <Supplementary Item 2> A sensor device comprising one or more processors, one or more memories communicatively connected to the one or more processors, a first sensor coil group consisting of a plurality of conductors having a plurality of electrodes arranged in parallel in a first direction, and a second sensor coil group consisting of a plurality of conductors having a plurality of electrodes arranged in parallel in a second direction intersecting the first direction, wherein the one or more processors include: an alternating magnetic field generation unit that generates an alternating magnetic field from the first sensor coil group; a pen signal level acquisition unit that acquires, using the second sensor coil group, a level of a pen signal that is a response alternating magnetic field from a position indicator stored by the alternating magnetic field; an information derivation unit that derives information about a position of the position indicator using a two-dimensional distribution of the level of the pen signal at each intersection of the plurality of conductors of the first sensor coil group and the plurality of electrodes of the second sensor coil group; and a control unit that controls operation of the one or more processors. The control unit causes the alternating magnetic field generating unit to generate the alternating magnetic field a predetermined number of times using the first sensor coil group while changing its position in the first direction, causes the pen signal level acquiring unit to acquire the level of the pen signal, which is a response alternating magnetic field from the pen stored by the alternating magnetic field, or the signal level corresponding to capacitive coupling with the finger, for each of the predetermined number of times, and determines the scanning order for the next predetermined number of times so that one of multiple conductors arranged side by side in the first direction of the first sensor coil group, which had the largest level of the signal from the pen or the largest signal level corresponding to capacitive coupling with the finger, becomes the starting position.

[0146] 1; Position detector 1A; Position detector 1B; Position detector 1C; Position detector 1D; Position detector 1E; Position detector 1F; Position detector 10; TX circuit 10A; TX circuit 10B; TX circuit 10C; TX circuit 11; Switch 12; Switch 20; RX circuit 20A; RX circuit 21; Switch 100; TX sensor coil group (first sensor coil group) 111; Alternating magnetic field generating unit 112; Global scan unit 113; Scan start position determining unit 114; Scan pattern control unit 114A; Scan pattern control unit 114B; Scan pattern control units 120 to 135; TX electrode 130; Connecting conductor 200; RX sensor coil group (second sensor coil group) 201; AA outer long side portion 202; AA long side portion 203; Connecting conductor 211; AA long side portion 212; AA long side portion 281; AA long side portion 282; AA outer long side portion 283; connecting conductor 300; display 300B; display 300C; display 300D; display 300E; display 300F; display 611; island portion 612; peripheral portion 613; mesh connection portion 621; island portion 622; peripheral portion 701; jumper AA; active area

Claims

1. A position detection method for a position detector including a first sensor coil group consisting of a plurality of conductors having a plurality of electrodes arranged in parallel in a first direction, and a second sensor coil group consisting of a plurality of conductors having a plurality of electrodes arranged in parallel in a second direction intersecting the first direction, comprising: a first step in which the position detector generates an alternating magnetic field from the first sensor coil group; a second step in which the position detector acquires, using at least the second sensor coil group, a level of a pen signal, which is a response alternating magnetic field from a pen stored by the alternating magnetic field; and a third step in which the position detector derives information regarding the position of the pen using a two-dimensional distribution of the level of the pen signal at each intersection between the plurality of electrodes of the first sensor coil group and the plurality of electrodes of the second sensor coil group.

2. A position detection method according to claim 1, wherein the information relating to the position of the pen includes either an inclination of the pen relative to a normal to the sensor plane or a direction of inclination of the pen relative to the sensor plane.

3. A position detection method as described in claim 2, wherein in the third step, the position detector derives either the inclination of the pen with respect to the normal to the sensor plane or the direction of the inclination of the pen with respect to the sensor plane based on the asymmetry of the two-dimensional distribution.

4. A position detection method as described in claim 3, comprising: a fourth step in which, in the third step, the position detector acquires a first reference position which is an indicated position of the tip of the pen; a fifth step in which the position detector acquires a second reference position which is convex upward or convex downward; and a sixth step in which the position detector derives a direction of inclination of the pen with respect to the sensor plane based on a direction of the second reference position with respect to the first reference position.

5. A position detection method as described in claim 4, further comprising: a seventh step in which, in the third step, the position detector derives the inclination of the pen with respect to the normal to the sensor plane based on the level intensity of the pen signal at the first reference position and the level intensity of the pen signal at the second reference position.

6. A position detection method as described in claim 1, comprising: an eighth step in which, in the first step, the position detector generates the alternating magnetic field a predetermined number of times while changing the position in the first direction by using the first sensor coil group; and a ninth step in which the position detector acquires the level of the pen signal, which is a response alternating magnetic field from the pen stored by the alternating magnetic field, for each of the predetermined number of times, and determines the scanning order for the next predetermined number of times so that one of the multiple conductors arranged in parallel in the first direction of the first sensor coil group having the largest level of the signal from the pen becomes the starting position.

7. A position detection method as described in claim 6, wherein in the first step, the position detector changes the scanning order to the conductor adjacent to the conductor having the largest signal level from the pen after the conductor scanned first.

8. A position detection method as described in claim 6, wherein in the first step, the position detector changes the scanning order to the conductor adjacent to the conductor having the largest signal level from the pen after the previously scanned conductor, and sequentially selects the conductor so as to cross the previously scanned conductor.

9. A position detection method as described in claim 6, wherein in the ninth step, the position detector acquires the level of the pen signal, which is the response alternating magnetic field from the pen stored by the alternating magnetic field, at each of the specified number of times using the plurality of electrodes arranged in a second direction different from the first direction and each intersecting the one conductor.

10. A position detection method as described in claim 8, wherein in the first step, when the scanning area exceeds an arrangement area of ​​the multiple conductors arranged in parallel in the first direction, the position detector extends the scanning area to an area beyond the arrangement area.

11. A position detection method as described in claim 8, wherein in the first step, when the scanning area exceeds the arrangement area of ​​the multiple conductors arranged side by side in the first direction, the position detector extends the scanning area beyond the arrangement area to an area opposite to the end of the arrangement area.

12. A position detection method for a position detector including a first sensor coil group consisting of a plurality of conductors having a plurality of electrodes arranged in parallel in a first direction, and a second sensor coil group consisting of a plurality of conductors having a plurality of electrodes arranged in parallel in a second direction intersecting the first direction, comprising: a first step in which the position detector generates an alternating magnetic field from the first sensor coil group; a second step in which the position detector acquires, using at least the second sensor coil group, a level of a pen signal which is a response alternating magnetic field from a pen stored by the alternating magnetic field, or a signal level corresponding to capacitive coupling with a finger; and a third step in which the position detector derives information regarding the position of the pen or the finger using a two-dimensional distribution of the level of the pen signal at each intersection between the plurality of electrodes of the first sensor coil group and the plurality of electrodes of the second sensor coil group, or the signal level corresponding to capacitive coupling with the finger, wherein in the first step: a fourth step in which the position detector generates the alternating magnetic field a predetermined number of times while changing its position in the first direction using the first sensor coil group; and a fifth step in which the position detector acquires a level of the pen signal, which is a response alternating magnetic field from the pen stored by the alternating magnetic field, or a signal level corresponding to capacitive coupling with the finger, for each of the predetermined number of times, and determines the scanning order for the next predetermined number of times so that one of the multiple conductors arranged in parallel in the first direction of the first sensor coil group having the largest level of the signal from the pen becomes a starting position.

13. A position detection method as described in claim 12, wherein the process of deriving position information of the pen or the finger is executed alternately, and with regard to the process of deriving position information of the pen, the first step is stopped after a period during which a predetermined energy is accumulated in the pen by the first step has elapsed, and the second step is executed after the first step is stopped, and with regard to the process of deriving position information of the finger, the first step and the second step are executed at the same timing.

14. A position detector comprising: a first sensor coil group consisting of a plurality of conductors having a plurality of electrodes arranged in parallel in a first direction; a second sensor coil group consisting of a plurality of conductors having a plurality of electrodes arranged in parallel in a second direction intersecting the first direction; an alternating magnetic field generating unit that generates an alternating magnetic field from the first sensor coil group; a pen signal level acquiring unit that acquires a level of a pen signal, which is a response alternating magnetic field from a position indicator stored by the alternating magnetic field, using the second sensor coil group; and an information derivation unit that derives information regarding the position of the position indicator using a two-dimensional distribution of the level of the pen signal at each intersection of the plurality of conductors of the first sensor coil group and the plurality of electrodes of the second sensor coil group.

15. A device comprising: a first sensor coil group consisting of a plurality of conductors having a plurality of electrodes arranged in parallel in a first direction; a second sensor coil group consisting of a plurality of conductors having a plurality of electrodes arranged in parallel in a second direction intersecting the first direction; an alternating magnetic field generating unit that generates an alternating magnetic field from the first sensor coil group; a signal level acquiring unit that acquires, using the second sensor coil group, a level of a pen signal which is a response alternating magnetic field from a position indicator stored by the alternating magnetic field, or a signal level corresponding to capacitive coupling with a finger; an information derivation unit that derives information regarding a position of a pen or the finger using a two-dimensional distribution of the level of the pen signal at each intersection between the plurality of electrodes of the first sensor coil group and the plurality of electrodes of the second sensor coil group, or the signal level corresponding to capacitive coupling with the finger; and a control unit that controls operation. The control unit causes the alternating magnetic field generating unit to generate the alternating magnetic field a predetermined number of times using the first sensor coil group while changing the position in the first direction, causes the signal level acquiring unit to acquire the level of the pen signal, which is a response alternating magnetic field from the pen stored by the alternating magnetic field, or a signal level corresponding to capacitive coupling with the finger, for each of the predetermined number of times, and determines the scanning order for the next predetermined number of times so that one of the multiple conductors arranged side by side in the first direction of the first sensor coil group, which had the largest signal level from the pen or the largest signal level corresponding to capacitive coupling with the finger, becomes the starting position.

16. A position detector as described in claim 15, wherein the process of deriving position information of the pen or the finger is executed alternately, and in the process of deriving position information of the pen, the alternating magnetic field generation process of the alternating magnetic field generation unit is executed for a period of time until a predetermined energy is accumulated in the pen and then stopped, and after the stop, the signal level acquisition process of the signal level acquisition unit is executed, and in the process of deriving position information of the finger, the alternating magnetic field generation process of the alternating magnetic field generation unit and the signal level acquisition process of the signal level acquisition unit are executed at the same timing.

17. A position detector as described in claim 16, wherein in the process of deriving position information of the finger, the first group of sensor coils serves as driving coils that generate an alternating magnetic field using the alternating magnetic field generating unit, and the second group of sensor coils serves as receiving coils that receive signals corresponding to capacitive coupling with the finger.

18. A position detector as described in claim 17, wherein each of the second sensor coil group is formed in a U-shape, and in the process of deriving position information of the pen, each acts as a coil, and in the process of deriving position information of the finger, the open part of the U-shape is short-circuited and functions as a single receiving electrode.

19. An integrated circuit that derives information regarding a position indicated by a position indicator, the integrated circuit being connected to a first sensor coil group consisting of a plurality of conductors having a plurality of electrodes arranged in parallel in a first direction, and a second sensor coil group consisting of a plurality of conductors having a plurality of electrodes arranged in parallel in a second direction intersecting the first direction, and generating an alternating magnetic field from the first sensor coil group, and obtaining a level of a pen signal, which is a response alternating magnetic field from the position indicator stored by the alternating magnetic field, using the second sensor coil group, and deriving information regarding the position of the position indicator using a two-dimensional distribution of the level of the pen signal at each intersection of the plurality of conductors of the first sensor coil group and the plurality of electrodes of the second sensor coil group.

20. An integrated circuit for deriving information on a position indicated by a position indicator, comprising: a first sensor coil group generating an alternating magnetic field; a second sensor coil group acquiring a level of a pen signal, which is a response alternating magnetic field from a position indicator stored by the alternating magnetic field, or a signal level corresponding to capacitive coupling with a finger; and deriving information on the position of the pen or the finger using a two-dimensional distribution of the level of the pen signal at each intersection between a plurality of electrodes of the first sensor coil group and a plurality of electrodes of the second sensor coil group, or the signal level corresponding to capacitive coupling with the finger. and generating the alternating magnetic field a predetermined number of times while changing the position in a first direction using the first sensor coil group, acquiring the level of the pen signal, which is a response alternating magnetic field from the pen stored by the alternating magnetic field, or a signal level corresponding to capacitive coupling with the finger, for each of the predetermined number of times, and determining the scanning order for the next predetermined number of times so that one of the multiple conductors arranged in parallel in the first direction of the first sensor coil group having the largest level of the signal from the pen becomes the starting position.

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