Electronic Pen Mode Switching Before Pen-Down Input
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing input systems with electronic pens face delays in switching communication modes due to the timing of pen-down operations, which can disrupt smooth communication sessions.
Innovation Solution
An input system that includes an electronic pen and an electronic device, where the device outputs a power supply signal to the pen via a different communication method than capacitive coupling, allowing the pen to receive update information and adjust communication modes proactively, such as switching to bidirectional or unidirectional modes, before a pen-down operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the electronic pen waits for pen-down operation to switch communication mode, then the communication mode can be updated based on user action, but the timing of updating the communication mode is delayed
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary action by detecting the approach of the electronic pen to the touch panel and proactively switching the communication mode before the actual pen-down operation occurs. The sensor controller detects when the electronic pen approaches the touch panel and automatically switches to a communication mode suitable for pen input, eliminating the delay that would occur if waiting for pen-down operation.
2Ease of operation
If the electronic pen uses capacitive coupling communication, then communication can be established through touch, but the communication mode cannot be switched proactively before pen-down
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses feedback from the touch panel sensor to automatically trigger communication mode switching. When the sensor detects the approach of the electronic pen, it provides feedback to the sensor controller, which then automatically switches the communication mode without requiring manual intervention or waiting for pen-down operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary action by detecting the approach of the electronic pen to the touch panel and proactively switching the communication mode before the actual pen-down operation occurs. The sensor controller detects when the electronic pen approaches the touch panel and automatically switches to a communication mode suitable for pen input, eliminating the delay that would occur if waiting for pen-down operation.
3Reliability
If the electronic pen waits for pen-down operation to establish communication, then communication can be confirmed through user interaction, but the communication session start is delayed
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary action by detecting the approach of the electronic pen to the touch panel and proactively switching the communication mode before the actual pen-down operation occurs. The sensor controller detects when the electronic pen approaches the touch panel and automatically switches to a communication mode suitable for pen input, eliminating the delay that would occur if waiting for pen-down operation.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables the communication mode to be switched or prepared to be switched earlier than the pen-down operation, reducing delays and ensuring seamless communication between the electronic pen and device.
Implementation Method 1
a power transmitter that, in a case where the electronic pen is in a specific state, outputs, to the electronic pen, a power supply signal that supplies power to the electronic pen through a different communication from the capacitive coupling communication
Implementation Method 2
a receiver that, in operation, receives an uplink signal from the electronic device
Implementation Method 3
a transmitter that, in operation, transmits a downlink signal to the electronic device
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is an input system including an electronic pen and an electronic device. The electronic device includes a touch sensor that performs capacitive coupling communication with the electronic pen, a sensor controller that performs communication control relating to the capacitive coupling communication, and a power transmitter that, in a case where the electronic pen is in a specific state, outputs, to the electronic pen, a power supply signal through a different communication from the capacitive coupling communication in response to a command from the sensor controller. The electronic pen includes a receiver that receives an uplink signal from the electronic device, a transmitter that transmits a downlink signal to the electronic device, a power receiver that receives the power supply signal from the electronic device through the different communication, and a pen controller that performs communication control and acquires data indicated by the power supply signal.