JP2019096351A - Position indicator - Google Patents

Abstract

To use one common position indicator to a plurality of types of position detection systems.SOLUTION: A position indicator comprises: position detection signal generation means which generates position detection signals of plural different frequencies; additional information generation means which generates additional information; a receiving unit which receives the signal sent out from a position detection system; a first transmission unit which sends out the position detection signal to a sensor part of the position detection system, prepared in one end part side of the enclosure of the position indicator; a second transmission unit different from the first transmission unit, which sends out a wireless signal to the position detection system; and control means. The control means controls the frequency of the position detection signal generated by the position detection signal generation means, on the basis of the signal sent out and received from the position detection system, and controls whether sending out additional information through the first transmission unit, or sending out the additional information through the second transmission unit.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

  The present invention relates to a position indicator (stylus) used with a position detection sensor.

  The position input device consisting of a position detection sensor and a position pointer called an electronic pen has various types of coupling, such as an electromagnetic coupling method and an electrostatic coupling method, depending on the difference in coupling method between the position detection sensor and the electronic pen. There is a method of the method.

  And, even if it is a position input device of the same system, a method of transmitting and receiving a signal for position detection between the position detection system and the position indicator, operation information of a switch provided in the position indicator, pen pressure information There are various configuration types depending on the difference in the method of transmitting and receiving additional information such as identification information of a position pointer and internal storage data, and transmission and reception of instruction information for changing the operation of the position pointer. Heretofore, the position pointing device corresponding to the position detection system has been provided to the user limited to the method of the specific position detection signal and the method of transmitting and receiving the additional information. Therefore, even for a position input device provided with a position detection system having similar position detection sensor means, the user needs to have a dedicated position indicator, and therefore, carries a plurality of position indicators, It was necessary to select an appropriate position indicator for each position input device.

  For example, as a position indicator of a capacitive coupling method, there are a plurality of configuration types as follows. That is, in the first configuration type, no position detection signal is sent from the position indicator, but AC electric field energy sent from the sensor unit of the position detection system is sent to the ground through the position indicator and the human body. This is a position indicator of a system (passive system) that detects a change in energy (or voltage) induced in the conductor of the sensor section of the position detection system at the position where the position indicator is present (passive system) See, for example, Patent Document 1 (Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2011-3035).

  In the second configuration type of the capacitive coupling method, the first configuration type described above improves the low sensitivity of position detection, and receives a signal from the sensor unit of the position detection system and receives the signal It is a position indicator of a system (improved system of a passive system) which returns to a sensor part after performing signal processing of the signal which carried out the signal which carried out the signal, etc. (for example, refer patent document 2 (patent 4683505 etc.)). In the case of position indicators of the first and second configuration types, the additional information is transmitted or received to the position detection sensor using, for example, wireless communication means.

  The third configuration type of the electrostatic coupling method differs from the first and second configuration types described above in that the position indicator includes a transmission circuit, and the position detection signal is a transmission signal from the transmission circuit as a position detection signal. It is a so-called active position indicator supplied to a sensor (see, for example, Patent Document 3 (Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 07-295722) and the like). The position detection system uses the sensor panel of the position detection means, but performs position detection as the position indicated by the position indicator from the signal strengths of the individual conductors that have received the transmission signal from the active position indicator. .

  Then, in the case of the position indicator of this third configuration type, the configuration type in which all of the additional information is transmitted and received to the position detection system together with the position detection signal, and the part of the additional information is transmitted and received together with the position detection signal The additional information other than the above is further divided into a plurality of types of configuration types in which the additional information is separately transmitted to the wireless communication means provided in the position detection system through the wireless communication means.

  Although the detailed description is omitted, also in the electromagnetic coupling method, the position pointer receives a signal from the sensor unit of the position detection system by the resonance circuit, and the received signal is returned to the sensor unit of the position detection system. There is a configuration type to be used, a transmission circuit, and there is a configuration type that transmits the transmission signal from the transmission circuit to the sensor unit of the position detection system through the resonance circuit, etc. It is the same as in the case of the above-mentioned electrostatic coupling system that there is a configuration type to be transmitted to the wireless communication means and there are a plurality of configuration types.

JP 2011-3035 A Patent No. 4683505 JP 2011-3035 A

  By the way, as described above, conventionally, even if the position input devices of the same electrostatic coupling method or electromagnetic induction method have the same configuration type, it is necessary to prepare a position indicator corresponding to the configuration type. It was not. However, having to prepare a position indicator for each different configuration type imposes a burden on the user in cost, and the user detects position indicators of a plurality of configuration types. It had to be managed in correspondence with the system, and it was troublesome.

  An object of the present invention is to solve the above problems and to provide a position indicator capable of using a plurality of configuration types with one position indicator.

In order to solve the above problems, the present invention is
A position indicator having a pen shape, for use with a position detection system having a sensor unit, comprising:
Position detection signal generation means for generating position detection signals of a plurality of different frequencies;
Additional information generating means for generating additional information;
A receiver for receiving the signal sent from the position detection system;
A first transmission unit provided on the side of one end of a housing of the position indicator, for transmitting the position detection signal to the sensor unit of the position detection system;
A second transmitting unit different from the first transmitting unit for transmitting a wireless signal to the position detection system;
The frequency of the position detection signal generated from the position detection signal generation unit is controlled based on the signal transmitted from the position detection system received by the reception unit, and generated from the additional information generation unit Control means for controlling whether the additional information is transmitted via the first transmission unit or transmitted via the second transmission unit;
Providing a position indicator characterized by comprising:

  In the position indicator according to the present invention having the above-mentioned configuration, the control means is configured to control the frequency of the position detection signal generated from the position detection signal generator based on the signal transmitted from the position detection system received by the receiver. And control whether the additional information generated from the additional information generating means is transmitted through the first transmission unit or transmitted through the second transmission unit.

  Thereby, the position indicator according to the present invention can constitute a position indicator corresponding to position detection systems of various configuration types (modes).

  Since the position indicator according to the present invention can adopt a configuration (mode) corresponding to the configuration type according to the configuration type of the position detection system, the position indicator is prepared for each position detection system of a different configuration type. Since it is not necessary and the burden on the cost of the user can be reduced, the user only needs to prepare one common position indicator for a plurality of configuration type position detection systems. This has the effect of eliminating the need for cumbersome management associated with the system.

It is a figure showing a notional composition of an embodiment of a position indicator by this invention. It is a figure for demonstrating the mechanical structural example of embodiment of the position indicator by this invention. It is sectional drawing which shows the detailed structural example of a part of mechanical structure of embodiment of the position indicator by this invention. It is a block diagram for demonstrating notional structure of embodiment of the position indicator by this invention, and its processing operation. It is a figure used in order to demonstrate a part of conceptual structural example of embodiment of the position indicator by this invention. It is a figure showing a part of flow chart for explaining an example of a flow of processing operation of an embodiment of a position pointer by this invention. It is a figure showing a part of flow chart for explaining an example of a flow of processing operation of an embodiment of a position pointer by this invention. It is a figure for demonstrating an example of the position indicator of the structure type which can be comprised by embodiment of the position indicator by this invention. It is a figure for demonstrating an example of the position pointer of the structure type which can be comprised by embodiment of the position pointer by this invention, and a corresponding position detection system. It is a figure for demonstrating another example of the position pointer of the structure type which can be comprised by embodiment of the position pointer by this invention, and a corresponding position detection system. It is a timing chart used in order to demonstrate the example of FIG. It is a figure for demonstrating another example of the position pointer of the structure type which can be comprised by embodiment of the position pointer by this invention, and a corresponding position detection system. It is a timing chart used in order to demonstrate the example of FIG. It is a figure for demonstrating another example of the position pointer of the structure type which can be comprised by embodiment of the position pointer by this invention, and a corresponding position detection system. It is a timing chart used in order to demonstrate the example of FIG. FIG. 8 is a flowchart used to describe an example of the flow of processing operations of a position detection system corresponding to another example of a position pointer of a configuration type that can be configured by the embodiment of the position pointer according to the present invention. It is a figure used in order to demonstrate the further another example of the structure type which can be comprised by embodiment of the position indicator by this invention. It is a figure which shows the notional structure of other embodiment of the position indicator by this invention. It is a figure for demonstrating the example of the position pointer of the structure type which can be comprised by other embodiment of the position pointer by this invention.

  Hereinafter, an embodiment of a position indicator according to the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a view for schematically explaining the conceptual configuration of a position indicator 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention and the processing operation thereof. The position indicator 1 is a capacitive position detection system 2. It is a figure which shows the state located on the sensor input surface 2a. 2 is a view for explaining an example of the mechanical configuration of the position indicator 1. FIG. 2 (A) is a partial longitudinal sectional view thereof, and FIG. It is a figure which shows a part. In this embodiment, the position indicator 1 is formed as having a bar-like stylus shape in appearance.

[Description of Mechanical Configuration Example of Position Indicator of Embodiment]
The position indicator 1 of this embodiment includes a rod-shaped casing 3. As shown in FIG. 2A, the housing 3 is constituted by a hollow cylindrical insulator portion 31 made of an insulating material such as a synthetic resin. In this embodiment, at least a portion of the outer peripheral surface of the insulator portion 31 of the housing 3 at which the operator grips the position indicator 1 is covered with a conductor portion 32 made of, for example, metal.

  In the housing 3, as shown in FIG. 2A, a printed wiring board 40, a battery 5, and a writing pressure detection unit 9 are disposed. The conductor portion 32 covering the outer peripheral surface of the housing 3 is electrically connected to the ground conductor of the printed wiring board 40, although not shown.

  On the printed wiring board 40, as shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2A, a signal transmission control circuit 41 constituting an example of control means, a wireless communication module 42, and a side switch 43 consisting of a push button switch; ID memory 44 for storing identification information (ID) of the position pointer 1, oscillators 45 and 46 for outputting oscillation signals of different frequencies f1 and f2, and wiring patterns such as conductive patterns 47a to 47e, etc. In this example, a power switch 48, an LED (Light Emitting Diode) 49, and the like are disposed. In FIG. 2A, the conductive patterns 47a to 47e are schematically shown as one conductor pattern for simplification of the description, but a plurality of conductive patterns 47a to 47e may be used if necessary. Of course, it may be made of a conductor pattern of

  The battery 5 is a supply source of power to electronic circuits and electronic components configured on the printed wiring board 40. The writing pressure detection unit 9 is, as described later, configured as a variable capacitance capacitor that exhibits an electrostatic capacitance in accordance with the writing pressure applied to the center electrode 7 constituting the core body in this embodiment.

  The wireless communication module 42 is an example of a transmission function unit which is an example of a transmission unit (second transmission unit) of the additional information of the present invention, and an example of a reception unit (first reception unit) which receives a signal from a position detection system. In this embodiment, the wireless communication module of the Bluetooth (registered trademark) standard of the short distance wireless communication standard is used. The wireless communication module 42 is connected to the signal transmission control circuit 41. The wireless communication module 42 is not limited to the Bluetooth, and may be, for example, infrared communication, or a wireless communication module of Wi-Fi (registered trademark) standard may be used.

  The side switch 43, the ID memory 44 and the writing pressure detection unit 9 constitute an additional information generating means. The side switch 43 supplies the on / off information to the signal transmission control circuit 41 as an example of the additional information. The ID memory 44 outputs the stored identification information (ID: Identification) of the position indicator 1 to the signal transmission control circuit 41 as an example of additional information in response to the read request from the signal transmission control circuit 41. Do. The variable-capacitance capacitor configured by the pen pressure detection unit 9 exhibits a capacitance change corresponding to the pen pressure value applied to the center electrode 7 constituting the core body, and the signal transmission control circuit 41 has the capacitance The pen pressure information as an example of the additional information is generated based on

  The oscillators 45 and 46 generate an AC signal for forming a position detection signal sent from the position indicator 1 of this embodiment, and supply the generated AC signal to the signal transmission control circuit 41. In this embodiment, the oscillator 45 generates an alternating current signal of frequency f1, and the oscillator 46 generates an alternating current signal of frequency f2 which is different from the frequency f1. The signal transmission control circuit 41 generates different position detection signals based on the oscillator 45 and the oscillator 46. That is, the signal transmission control circuit 41, together with the oscillator 45 and the oscillator 46, constitutes means for generating a position detection signal, and constitutes two transmitting units. Then, the signal transmission control circuit 41 sets one of the generated two types of position detection signals as a position detection signal to be transmitted from the position indicator 1. It should be noted that, instead of the oscillators 45 and 46, a plurality of transmission units are provided which generate and transmit position detection signals for position indicators of a plurality of types of configuration types of active methods described later, and a signal transmission control circuit 41 may be configured to perform selection control.

  In this embodiment, the battery 5 is configured to be housed in the housing 3 as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2A, and the signal transmission control circuit 41 on the printed wiring board 40 is provided. The power supply voltage of the electronic circuit unit such as is generated by this battery 5. In FIG. 2A, the terminal 52 is a terminal electrically connected to the power supply circuit portion on the printed wiring board 40. The positive electrode 51 of the battery 5 contacts the terminal 52 and is electrically connected. Although not shown, the negative electrode of the battery 5 is directly connected to the ground conductor of the printed wiring board 40 or connected to the ground conductor of the printed wiring board 40 via the conductor portion 32 of the housing 3. The resiliently displaced terminal is in pressure contact with the terminal.

  The operating element 48a of the power switch 48 disposed on the printed wiring board 40 is provided so as to be operable from the outside through an opening provided in the housing 3 as shown in FIG. 2B. There is. The user can turn on / off the power switch 48 by sliding the operation element 48a. In addition, although the power supply circuit part which produces | generates a power supply voltage from the voltage from the battery 5 is also formed on the printed wiring board 40, when the power switch 48 is turned ON, in FIG.1 and FIG.2, it demonstrates. It was omitted for the sake of simplicity.

  As shown in FIG. 2A, one end side of the hollow cylindrical insulating portion 31 constituting the housing 3 in the center line direction is a tapered portion 33 which gradually tapers. . A peripheral electrode 6 made of, for example, an annular conductive metal is attached to the outer peripheral side of the tapered portion 33. The peripheral electrode 6 and the conductor portion 32 on the outer peripheral surface of the housing 3 are insulated by the insulator portion 31 being interposed therebetween.

  The peripheral electrode 6 is electrostatically coupled to the position detection system 2 as schematically shown in FIG. 1. In this embodiment, the peripheral electrode 6 constitutes a receiver (second receiver) of a signal from the position detection system. Do. The peripheral electrode 6 is electrically connected to the conductor pattern 47 a of the printed wiring board 40 by the lead conductor member 61 penetrating the insulator portion 31. The conductor pattern 47 a is connected to the input end of the signal transmission control circuit 41 in this example.

  Further, in this embodiment, the center electrode 7 made of a conductive rod-like body is disposed such that one end side protrudes from the hollow portion of the tapered portion 33 of the housing 3 to the outside. The center electrode 7 is to be a core constituting a pen point of the pen-shaped position indicator 1.

  In this embodiment, the center electrode 7 constitutes a first transmission unit for transmitting a position detection signal, and the end on the side opposite to the side projecting to the outside is the printed wiring board 40. It is comprised so that it may be electrically connected to the conductive pattern 47b currently formed in these. The conductive pattern 47 b is connected to the output end of the signal transmission control circuit 41. In this embodiment, the position pointing device 1 also operates as a passive type position pointing device which does not transmit a position detection signal, and in this case, the center electrode 7 is formed of a conductor of the position detection system 2 It plays a role of sucking up the charge of the through the electrostatic coupling part.

  The peripheral electrode 6 is provided around the center electrode 7. The combination of the peripheral electrode 6 and the center electrode 7 is for the position indicator of the improved passive type described above. In this embodiment, a shield member 8 is provided between the peripheral electrode 6 and the center electrode 7 for effectively preventing mutual electrical interference. The shield member 8 of this embodiment is provided so as to surround the center electrode 7, whereby the shield member 8 is interposed between the peripheral electrode 6 and the center electrode 7 to form the peripheral electrode 6 and the center electrode 7. The coupling capacitance between them is made as small as possible.

  The center electrode 7 as the core is fitted with the writing pressure detection unit 9 disposed in the hollow portion of the housing 3 at the end opposite to the side projecting to the outside. It is locked in the hollow portion of the housing 3 of the position indicator 1. As described later, the center electrode 7 is configured to be disengaged from the writing pressure detection unit 9 by pulling it out. That is, the center electrode 7 as the core is replaceable with respect to the position indicator 1.

  The writing pressure detection unit 9 is, in this example, a variable capacitance capacitor (see, for example, JP-A-2011-186803) exhibiting an electrostatic capacitance corresponding to a pressure (writing pressure) applied to the center electrode 7 as a core. It is configured. The electrodes at both ends of the variable capacitance capacitor configured by the pen pressure detection unit 9 are connected to the signal transmission control circuit 41 by the conductive pattern 47 c in FIG. 2A.

  The signal transmission control circuit 41 sets the position indicator 1 of this embodiment to any of a plurality of configuration types (modes) based on the information received from the outside through the wireless communication module 42 or the information received through the peripheral electrode 6. Control of transmission of the position detection signal through the center electrode 7 based on the determination control, and control of transmission of the additional information through the center electrode 7 or the wireless communication module 42. Do.

  Next, with reference to FIG. 3, the detailed configuration of the center electrode 7, the shield member 8 and the portion of the writing pressure detection unit 9 will be described. FIG. 3 shows a cross-sectional view of the central electrode 7, the shield member 8 and the writing pressure detection unit 9.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the center electrode 7 includes a core 71 made of a conductive material having a diameter of, for example, 1.9 mm, such as metal, and in this embodiment, the core 71 is about the pen point side of the core 71. One half is covered by a protection member 72 made of an insulating material. The protective member 72 serves not only to damage the sensor input surface 2 a of the position detection system 2 but also to increase the contact area with the sensor input surface 2 a and to further strengthen the insulation with respect to the shield member 8 and the peripheral electrode 6. Have.

  As shown in FIG. 3, in this embodiment, the shield member 8 is configured such that the entire surface including the outer wall surface and the inner wall surface of the cylindrical body 81 made of a conductive material is covered with the insulating layer 82. It is assumed.

  The writing pressure detection unit 9 is configured as a variable capacitance capacitor that receives the writing pressure applied to the center electrode 7 through the pressure transfer member 10 and changes the capacitance. As shown in FIG. 3, the center electrode 7 and the pressure transfer member 10 are combined and housed in the hollow portion of the cylindrical body 81 of the shield member 8 in a slidable state. The pressure transfer member 10 has a core fitting portion 11 with which the end 71 b of the core 71 of the center electrode 7 is fitted, and a protrusion 12 with which the writing pressure detection unit 9 is fitted.

  Then, as shown in FIG. 3, terminal pieces 13 for electrically connecting the center electrode 7 and the signal transmission control circuit 41 of the printed wiring board 40 are disposed in the recess 11 a of the pressure transfer member 10. The extended portion 13 a from the terminal piece 13 is connected to the lead electrode 14 connected to the conductor pattern of the printed wiring board 40.

  The core 71 of the center electrode 7 is joined (pressure-fitted) to the terminal piece 13 in the recess 11 a of the core fitting portion 11 of the pressure transmission member 10 by the end 71 a of the core 71. The writing pressure applied to the core body 71 is transmitted to the writing pressure detection unit 9 described later via the pressure transmitting member 10.

  In addition, as shown in FIG. 3, a conductive metal plate 86 electrically connected to the ground conductor of the printed wiring board 40 is provided at the abutment portion between the writing pressure detection unit 9 and the shield member 8. The electrically conductive metal plate 88 is electrically connected to the terminal portion 83 where the surface of the cylindrical body 81 of the shield member 8 is exposed. Thus, the center electrode 7 is shielded from the electric field by the shield member 8.

  Since the core fitting portion 11 of the pressure transfer member 10 engages with the step portion 84 of the hollow portion of the cylindrical body 81 of the shield member 8, the center electrode 7 and the pressure transfer member 10 are on the pen point side. It does not fall off. Further, the step member 85 on the outer peripheral surface of the shield member 8 engages with the step formed on the inner wall of the hollow portion of the insulator portion 31 of the housing 3 (not shown). The hollow portion of the insulator portion 31 of the housing 3 is configured not to move in the axial direction.

  The pen pressure detection unit 9 will be described below. The pen pressure detection unit 9 of this example uses pen pressure detection means of a known configuration described in, for example, patent document: JP-A-2011-186803, and the pen pressure applied to the center electrode 7 Accordingly, a variable capacitance capacitor is configured to change the capacitance accordingly.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the pen pressure detection unit 9 of this example includes a dielectric 92, a conductive member 93, an elastic member 94, and a holding member 95 in a housing member 91 made of an insulating material such as resin. , And a plurality of parts with the terminal member 96 are accommodated. The terminal member 96 constitutes a first electrode of the variable capacitance capacitor constituting the writing pressure detection unit 9. Further, the conductive member 93 and the elastic member 94 are electrically connected to constitute a second electrode of the variable capacitance capacitor.

  In the writing pressure detection unit 9, when writing pressure is applied to the center electrode 7, the writing pressure is transmitted to the holding member 95 of the writing pressure detection unit 9 via the pressure transfer member 10, and the holding member 95 The conductive member 93 is moved to the dielectric 92 side according to the applied writing pressure. Then, the contact area between the conductive member 93 and the dielectric 92 changes according to the applied writing pressure, and the capacitance of the variable capacitance capacitor formed between the first electrode and the second electrode is It is variable according to the applied pen pressure.

[Description of Configuration Example of Internal Electronic Circuit of Position Indicator 1 of Embodiment]
In this embodiment, as the position detection system 2 used together with the position indicator 1, there are a plurality of configuration types such as the passive method, the improvement method of the passive method, and the active method as described above. In this embodiment, when the position detection system 2 includes a wireless communication module capable of communicating with the wireless communication module 42 of the position indicator 1, a pen type indicating a configuration type in which the position detection system can be operated by the wireless communication module. Information is to be sent to the position indicator 1. The position indicator 1 receives pen type information from the position detection system by the reception function (first receiving unit) of the wireless communication module 42, and based on the received pen type information, any configuration type ((1) It determines whether it should become a position indicator of the mode), and it controls so that it becomes the structure of the position indicator of the determined structure type.

  In the case of the position indicator of the configuration type of the passive type or the passive type improved type that receives the transmission signal from the position detection system 2 side, the position indicator 1 applies the position indicator 1 through the peripheral electrode 6 (second receiving unit). By receiving a signal from the position detection system, it is possible to determine which configuration type of position pointer should be, and to control the configuration of the determined type of position indicator.

  In this case, since there are differences in the frequency of the signal from the position detection system and differences in the signal content (difference in spreading code, difference in modulation method, etc.) between the passive method and the improvement method of the passive method The device 1 determines the difference between them and determines which configuration type of position indicator should be used according to the determination result. In this case, even when configuration type information can not be obtained from the position detection system, it is possible to determine which configuration type (mode) of position indicator should be used through the wireless communication module.

  The signal transmission control circuit 41 of the position indicator 1 is a configuration type (a mode (mode) of the position indicator 1 based on the information received from the position detection system 2 through the wireless communication module 42 or the signal received through the peripheral electrode 6 described above. ), And also controls the position indicator 1 to be of the determined configuration type (mode).

  FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the electronic circuit formed on the printed wiring board 40 in the housing 3 of the position pointing device 1 of this embodiment, and mainly the internal detailed configuration of the signal transmission control circuit 41. It is a figure which shows an example.

  As shown in FIG. 4, the signal transmission control circuit 41 includes, for example, a control unit 410 formed of an IC (Integrated Circuit), a pen type determination unit 411, a center electrode transmission signal generation unit 412, and a wireless transmission signal generation unit 413. , Switch circuit 414 for switching between position detection signal selection switch circuit 414, feedback signal generation circuit 415, passive type position indicator, and position type indicator of passive type improvement type and active type And is included.

  The control unit 410 is connected to a variable capacitance capacitor formed of the writing pressure detection unit 9, and the control unit 410 is configured of the central electrode 7 based on the capacitance of the variable capacitance capacitor formed of the writing pressure detection unit 9. Calculate the pressure (pen pressure value) applied to the Further, an on / off state signal of the side switch 43 is supplied to the control unit 410. The control unit 410 generates side switch information which is additional information on the side switch 43 from the on / off state signal of the side switch 43. Further, an ID memory 44 is connected to the control unit 410, and the control unit 410 reads out and acquires identification information (ID) of the position indicator 1 from the ID memory 44 as necessary. The ID memory 44 may store in advance identification information stored in the position pointing device 1, and the identification information stored in the storage ID memory 44 may be received, for example, through the wireless communication module 42. It may be configured to be able to be rewritten by a command from the position detection system 2.

  The control unit 410 controls the center electrode 7 for each of a plurality of types of additional information, in this example, writing pressure information, side switch information, and identification information, according to the information based on the pen type determination result from the pen type determination unit 411. It controls whether to transmit from the wireless communication module 42 or to transmit wirelessly from the wireless communication module 42.

  The control unit 410 supplies the additional information transmitted through the center electrode 7 to the center electrode transmission signal generation unit 412, and supplies the additional information transmitted through the wireless communication module 42 to the wireless transmission signal generation unit 413.

  The center electrode transmission signal generation unit 412 is connected to the center electrode 7 and sends additional information to be sent out to the position detection system 2 through the center electrode 7 together with the position detection signal, as described later. The wireless transmission signal generation unit 413 is connected to the transmission unit 421 of the wireless communication module 42, and the additional information to be transmitted is wirelessly transmitted to the position detection system 2 through the transmission unit 421.

  The center electrode transmission signal generation unit 412 detects the position to which the alternating current signal of the frequency f1 from the oscillator 45 and the alternating current signal of the frequency f2 from the oscillator 46 should be sent according to the switching selection by the control unit 410 of the switch circuit 414. The feedback signal from the feedback signal generation circuit 415 is supplied as a signal for detecting the position to be sent out, as well as being supplied as a signal for generating a signal for communication. The feedback signal generation circuit 415 amplifies and intensifies the signal received from the position detection system 2 through the peripheral electrode 6 in this example, and further reverses the phase. A configuration example and processing example of the feedback signal generation circuit 415 will be described in detail later. The control unit 410 generates a switching selection signal of the switch circuit 414 based on the information based on the pen type determination result from the pen type determination unit 411.

  Further, a connection portion between the center electrode transmission signal generation unit 412 and the center electrode 7 is connected to the conductor portion 32 of the housing 3 through the switch circuit 416. In addition, the peripheral electrode 6 is connected to the conductor portion 32 of the housing 3 through the switch circuit 417. The switch circuits 416 and 417 are switched by the on / off control signal from the control unit 410. The control unit 410 generates on / off control signals of the switch circuits 416 and 417 based on information based on the pen type determination result from the pen type determination unit 411.

  The pen type determination unit 411 includes a pen type table memory 4111 and a determination processing unit 4112. While the information from the position detection system 2 received by the reception unit 422 of the wireless communication module 42 is supplied to the judgment processing unit 4112 of the pen type judgment unit 411, the signal received from the position detection system 2 through the peripheral electrode 6 is Supplied.

  The pen type table memory 4111 is used to generate the presence / absence of transmission of position detection signals and the position detection signals to be transmitted in the plurality of configuration types of the position pointer 1 and the position pointers of each configuration type. The frequency of the oscillator and pen type table information indicating whether additional information is sent from the central electrode 7 or transmitted through the wireless communication module 42 are stored. Although this pen type table information may be stored in advance in the pen type table memory 4111, in this example, it is configured to be able to write and rewrite by a command from the position detection system 2 through the wireless communication module 42. ing.

  The determination processing unit 4112 determines information from the position detection system 2 received by the reception unit 422 of the wireless communication module 42 or a signal received from the sensor unit of the position detection system 2 through the peripheral electrode 6 and a pen type table The pen type table information of the memory 4111 is referenced to determine the configuration type of the pointer that is compatible with the position detection system 2 to be used with the pointer 1. Then, based on the judgment result, the presence or absence of signal transmission from the center electrode 7, information on the position detection signal sent from the center electrode 7, information on what additional information is, additional information transmitted through the wireless communication module 42 Information on what is generated is generated, and the generated information is supplied to the control unit 410.

  The control unit 410 generates the switch selection signal of the switch circuit 414 and the on / off control signal of the switch circuits 416 and 417 based on the information from the pen type determination unit 411, and switches the switch circuits 414 and 416 and 417. And the additional information to be supplied to the center electrode transmission signal generation unit 412 and the additional information to be supplied to the wireless transmission signal generation unit 413, respectively.

  FIG. 5 shows an example of pen type table information of the pen type determination unit 411. The example of FIG. 5 is table information on five types of position indicators of configuration type 1 to configuration type 5 (mode 1 to mode 5). After determining the configuration type (mode) of the position indicator, the pen type determination unit 411 refers to the pen type table information to generate control information to be supplied to the control unit 410. Hereinafter, in the position indicator 1 of this embodiment, it will be described that each configuration type (mode) is switched and configured by the control of the control unit 410.

  The configuration type 1 (mode 1) is a position indicator of a passive system, and no signal is transmitted from the center electrode 7, and all additional information is transmitted through the wireless communication module 42. That is, in the signal transmission control circuit 41 of the position indicator 1, when the pen type determination unit 411 determines this configuration type 1 (mode 1), the control unit 410 turns on the switch circuits 416 and 417, and the center electrode The transmission signal generation unit 412 is inactivated. The switch circuit 417 may be off. Then, the control unit 410 controls all the additional information to be transmitted to the position detection system 2 through the wireless transmission signal generation unit 413 and the transmission unit 421 of the wireless communication module 42. The identification information may not need to be transmitted as additional information.

  The configuration type 2 (mode 2) is a position indicator of a passive type improvement type. When the pen type determination unit 411 determines that the configuration type 2 (mode 2), the control unit 410 turns off the switch circuits 416 and 417 based on the information from the pen type determination unit 411, and switches the switch circuit. 414 switches to a state of selecting the signal from the feedback signal generation circuit 415. Then, the control unit 410 controls all of the additional information to be transmitted to the position detection system 2 through the wireless transmission signal generation unit 413 and the transmission unit 421 of the wireless communication module 42. The identification information may not need to be transmitted as additional information.

  The configuration type 3 (mode 3) is a first type of position indicator of the active method. When the pen type determination unit 411 determines that the configuration type 3 (mode 3), the control unit 410 turns off the switch circuit 416 and turns on the switch circuit 417 based on the information from the pen type determination unit 411. The switch circuit 414 switches to a state of selecting an AC signal from the oscillator 45 of the frequency f1 in this example. Then, the control unit 410 controls all of the additional information to be transmitted to the position detection system 2 through the wireless transmission signal generation unit 413 and the transmission unit 421 of the wireless communication module 42. The identification information may not need to be transmitted as additional information.

  The configuration type 4 (mode 4) is a second type of position indicator of the active method. When it is determined by the pen type determination unit 411 that the configuration type 4 (mode 4) is set, the control unit 410 turns off the switch circuit 416 and turns on the switch circuit 417 based on the information from the pen type determination unit 411. The switch circuit 414 switches to the state of selecting an AC signal from the oscillator 46 of the frequency f2 in this example. Then, among the additional information, the pen pressure information and the side switch information are sent out together with the position detection signal from the center electrode 7, and the identification information ID is detected through the wireless transmission signal generator 413 through the transmitter 421 of the wireless communication module 42. Control to transmit to the system 2.

  The configuration type 5 (mode 5) is a second type of position indicator of the active method. When the pen type determination unit 411 determines that the configuration type 5 (mode 5), the control unit 410 turns off the switch circuit 416 and turns on the switch circuit 417 based on the information from the pen type determination unit 411. The switch circuit 414 switches to the state of selecting an AC signal from the oscillator 46 of the frequency f2 in this example. Then, all the additional information is controlled to be sent out from the center electrode 7 together with the position detection signal.

  As described above, the signal transmission control circuit 41 sets the configuration type of the position indicator based on the information and the signal received from the sensor unit of the position detection system 2 through the receiving unit 422 of the wireless communication module 42 and the peripheral electrode 6. Then, the position indicator 1 is made to have the configuration of the position indicator of the determined configuration type. Therefore, the position indicator 1 of this embodiment can automatically configure and use various configuration types of position indicators corresponding to various types of position detection systems 2. That is, position pointing can be input to the plurality of position detection systems 2 of various types by using only the position indicator 1 of this embodiment. For this reason, it is not necessary to prepare a separate position indicator for each of a plurality of position detection systems 2 of various types, which is very convenient and reduces the cost burden for the user. Become.

  The pen type information from the position detection system 2 received through the wireless communication module 42 is not limited to the configuration type information that directly identifies each of the configuration types 1 to 5, for example, It may be information indirectly indicating the number of each configuration type 1 to 5 of the pen type table information, the address of each configuration type of the pen type table memory 4111, and the like.

  In FIG. 4, each processing function of the judgment processing unit 4112 of the pen type judgment unit 411, the center electrode transmission signal generation unit 412, and the wireless transmission signal generation unit 413 is configured by the control unit 410 as software processing function means. Is also possible. The same applies to the feedback signal generation circuit 415.

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

  In the signal transmission control circuit 41, first, the receiving section 422 of the wireless communication module 42 determines whether or not the information is received (step S1). When it is determined that the information is received, it is determined whether the received information is pen type information It discriminates (step S2). When it is determined in step S2 that the received information is pen type information, the signal transmission control circuit 41 determines the configuration type (pen type) of the position pointer based on the received pen type information, and the pen type is determined. The signal to be transmitted from the center electrode 7 and the transmission unit 421 of the wireless communication module 42 is determined with reference to the table memory 4111 (step S3). This determination includes the determination of whether or not to transmit the position detection signal from the center electrode 7 as described above.

  Next to step S3, the signal transmission control circuit 41 executes signal transmission according to the configuration type determined in step S3 through the center electrode 7 and the transmission unit 421 of the wireless communication module 42 (step S4).

  Then, the signal transmission control circuit 41 determines whether the information from the position detection system 2 through the receiving unit 422 of the wireless communication module 42 can not be received (step S5), and determines that the information can not be received. Sometimes, the process returns to step S4 to continue signal transmission according to the determined configuration type.

  When it is determined in step S5 that the information from the position detection system 2 through the reception unit 422 of the wireless communication module 42 can not be received, whether or not a predetermined time has passed since the signal transmission control circuit 41 can not receive. It is determined (step S6). When it is determined in step S6 that the predetermined time or more has not elapsed, the signal transmission control circuit 41 returns the process to step S4 and continues signal transmission according to the determined configuration type.

  When it is determined in step S6 that the predetermined time or more has elapsed, the signal transmission control circuit 41 pauses the signal transmission from the central electrode 7 and the transmission unit 421 of the wireless communication module 42, and puts the position indicator 1 in the sleep state. (Step S7). In the sleep state, the power supply to the receiving unit 422 of the wireless communication module 42, the control unit 410 of the signal transmission control circuit 41, and the pen type determining unit 411 in order to reduce the consumption of the battery 5 as much as possible and save power. Maintain the supply, but stop the useless supply of voltage to the other parts.

  Then, after the step S7, the signal transmission control circuit 41 returns the process to the step S1, and repeats the process after the step S1 described above.

  When it is determined in step S1 that the information is not received by the receiving unit 422 of the wireless communication module 42, and when it is determined in step S2 that the received information is not pen type information, the signal transmission control circuit 41 It is determined whether a signal is received through the peripheral electrode 6 (step S11 in FIG. 7). When it is determined in step S11 that the signal is not received through the peripheral electrode 6, the signal transmission control circuit 41 turns on the switch circuit 416 to ground the center electrode 7 through the conductor portion 32 and ground the printed wiring board 40. The connection is made to the conductor (ground) to make the configuration type 1 (step S18). Then, after the step S18, the signal transmission control circuit 41 returns the process to the step S1 of FIG. 6, and repeats the processes after the step S1.

  When it is determined in step S11 that a signal is received through the peripheral electrode 6, it is determined from the received signal whether or not the pen type can be determined (step S12). When it is determined that the pen type can not be determined in this step S12, the signal transmission control circuit 41 turns on the switch circuit 416 to ground the center electrode 7 through the conductor portion 32 to the ground conductor of the printed wiring board 40 (ground To be connected to the configuration type 1 (step S18). Then, after the step S18, the signal transmission control circuit 41 returns the process to the step S1 of FIG. 6, and repeats the processes after the step S1.

  When it is determined in step S12 that the pen type can be determined, the signal transmission control circuit 41 determines the configuration type (pen type) of the position pointing device based on the received signal, and determines the pen type table 4111. Referring to the center electrode 7 and the transmission unit 421 of the wireless communication module 42, a signal to be transmitted is determined (step S13). This determination includes the determination of whether or not to transmit the position detection signal from the center electrode 7 as described above.

  Next to step S13, the signal transmission control circuit 41 executes signal transmission according to the configuration type determined in step S13 through the center electrode 7 and the transmission unit 421 of the wireless communication module 42 (step S14).

  Then, the signal transmission control circuit 41 determines whether or not the signal can not be received through the peripheral electrode 6 (step S15). When it is determined that the signal can not be received, the process returns to step S14. Continue signal transmission according to the determined configuration type.

  When it is determined in step S15 that the signal can not be received through the peripheral electrode 6, the signal transmission control circuit 41 determines whether a predetermined time or more has elapsed since the signal can not be received (step S16). If it is determined in step S16 that the predetermined time or more has not elapsed, the signal transmission control circuit 41 returns the process to step S14 and continues signal transmission according to the determined configuration type.

  When it is determined in step S16 that the predetermined time or more has elapsed, the signal transmission control circuit 41 suspends the signal transmission from the central electrode 7 and the transmission unit 421 of the wireless communication module 42, and puts the position indicator 1 in the sleep state. (Step S17). Then, after the step S17, the signal transmission control circuit 41 returns the process to the step S1, and repeats the process from the step S1 described above.

[Description of operations of position indicators of various configuration types and corresponding position detection systems]
<Position Indicator 1A of Configuration Type 2 and Corresponding Position Detection System 2A>
FIG. 8 is a diagram showing a circuit example of the main part of the position pointer 1A of the configuration type 2, and in particular, a circuit configuration example of the feedback signal generation circuit 415 and a circuit configuration example of the power supply circuit unit 50 omitted above. It is shown.

  The power supply circuit unit 50 includes a DC / DC converter 501, generates a power supply voltage + Vcc from the voltage of the battery 5, and supplies it to the signal transmission control circuit 41 and the like.

  In the power supply circuit unit 50, a power supply switch 48 is provided between the DC / DC converter 501 and the battery 5. Further, a series circuit of a resistor 502 and an LED 49 is connected between the output terminal of the DC / DC converter 501 and the ground conductor. Furthermore, the output terminal of the DC / DC converter 501 is connected to the ground conductor through the series connection of the resistor 503 and the resistor 504, and the reference voltage Vref (= Vcc / 2) is output from the connection point of the resistor 503 and the resistor 504.

  The feedback signal generation circuit 415 is configured as a signal enhancement processing circuit in this example, and includes a sense amplifier 510, a signal amplification ratio variable circuit 520, and a transformer 530.

  In this example, the sense amplifier 510 includes an operational amplifier 511 and a capacitor 512 connected between the inverting input terminal and the output terminal of the operational amplifier 511. The inverting input terminal of the operational amplifier 511 is connected to the connection terminal 513 connected to the peripheral electrode 6. Further, the above-described reference voltage Vref is supplied to the non-inverting input terminal of the operational amplifier 511.

  When the position indicator 1A is on the position detection system 2A, as shown in FIG. 1, the peripheral electrode 6 of the position indicator 1A and the position detection system 2A are coupled via the capacitance C1. As described later, since an alternating current signal flows in the position detection system 2A, this alternating current signal is supplied as a current signal to the connection terminal 513 through the capacitance C1 and the peripheral electrode 6, and is input to the sense amplifier 510. Be done. The capacitor 512 is for detecting a current signal input via the electrostatic capacitance C1.

  Then, the sense amplifier 510 inverts the phase of the alternating current signal input as a current signal through the connection terminal 513 and outputs the inverted signal to the signal amplification factor variable circuit 520.

  The signal amplification factor variable circuit 520 includes an operational amplifier 521 and a variable resistor 522 connected between the inverting input terminal and the output terminal of the operational amplifier 521. By variably setting the resistance value of the variable resistor 522, the amplification factor of the signal amplification factor variable circuit 520 is variably set, and as a result, the signal detection sensitivity of the position indicator 1A is controlled.

  The alternating current signal amplified by the signal amplification factor variable circuit 520 is supplied to the primary winding 530 a of the transformer 530. The ratio of the number n1 of turns of the primary winding 530a of the transformer 530 to the number n2 of turns of the secondary winding 530b is, for example, n1: n2 = 1: 10. The number of lines is set large (n1 <n2). Therefore, on the secondary winding 530b side of the transformer 530, the amplitude of the output signal of the signal amplification factor variable circuit 520 is multiplied according to the turns ratio to obtain an AC signal (voltage signal) having a large amplitude. Be

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

  When the position indicator 1A is on the position detection system 2A, the center electrode 7 of the position indicator 1A and the position detection system 2A are coupled via a capacitance, so the center electrode 7 of the position indicator 1A is An alternating current signal is fed back from the position indicator 1A to the position detection system 2A.

  Next, the position detection system 2A of this example will be described with reference to FIG. The position detection system 2A of this example has a configuration of a mutual capacitance type position detection system in which a sensor electrode is composed of an input electrode and an output electrode and detects a change in coupling capacitance of a touch point touched by the position indicator 1A. is there.

As shown in FIG. 9, a position detection system 2A of this example includes a sensor unit 20A, a transmission unit 21, a reception unit 22, a wireless communication unit 25, and a control unit 220A. Sensor unit 20A, linear plurality of stretching in the transverse direction of the sensor input surface (X-axis direction), the transmission conductors _23Y 1 of m in this _example, 23Y 2, · · ·, _23Y m (m is 1 or more And an integer number of n receiving conductors 24X ₁ , 24X ₂ ,... In this example, which extend in the longitudinal direction (Y-axis direction) of the sensor input surface orthogonal to the transmission conductors 23Y _{1 to} 23Y _m. • 24X _n (n is an integer of 1 or more). A plurality of transmission conductors _23Y 1 _{~23Y m} are arranged at equal intervals in the Y-axis direction and is connected to the transmitter 21. The plurality of receiving conductors 24X _{1 to} 24X _n are arranged at equal intervals in the X-axis direction and connected to the receiving unit 22.

In the following description of this specification, when it is not necessary to distinguish between the transmission conductors 23Y _{1 to} 23Y _m and the reception conductors 24X _{1 to} 24X _n , they are respectively referred to as a transmission conductor 23Y and a reception conductor 24X. To

  The plurality of transmission conductors 23Y and the plurality of reception conductors 24X are arranged at predetermined intervals, have an arrangement relationship orthogonal to each other, and form a plurality of intersection points (cross points). At each cross point, it can be considered that the transmission conductor 23Y and the reception conductor 24X are coupled via a predetermined capacitance.

The transmission unit 21 supplies a predetermined AC signal to the transmission conductor 23Y based on the control of the control unit 220. In this case, transmission unit 21, the same AC signal a plurality of transmission conductors _{23Y 1,} 23Y 2, · · ·, to 23Y _m, may be supplied while switching one by one sequentially, different plurality The alternating current signals may be simultaneously supplied to the plurality of transmission conductors 23Y ₁ , 23Y ₂ ,..., 23Y _m . Alternatively, the plurality of transmission conductors 23Y ₁ , 23Y ₂ ,..., 23Y _m may be divided into a plurality of groups, and different AC signals may be used for each group.

Receiver 22, under the control of the control unit 220, the reception conductors _{24X 1,} 24X 2, · · ·, each of 24X _n, alternating current signal supplied to the transmission conductor 23Y is via the predetermined capacitance To detect the signal component transmitted. Assuming that the coupling capacitances between the transmission conductor 23Y and the reception conductor 24X are equal at all cross points, when the position indicator 1 is not present on the sensor unit 20, all the reception conductors of the sensor unit 20 are _{24X 1,} 24X 2, ···, the received signal of a predetermined level is detected at the receiver 22 from the 24X _n.

  On the other hand, when the position indicator 1A contacts the sensor unit 20A, the transmission conductor 23Y and the reception conductor 24X, which constitute the cross point of the contact position, and the position indicator 1A are coupled through the capacitance. That is, the capacitance is changed by the position indicator 1A, and the reception signal level obtained from the reception conductor 24X of the cross point where the position indicator 1A exists is compared with the reception signal level of the other cross points. It will change.

Receiver 22, a plurality of reception conductors _{24X 1,} 24X 2, · · ·, among 24X _n, by detecting the reception conductor 24X which a change in the level of the received signal, the position indicated by the position indicator 1A To detect Then, the control unit of the position detection system 2 (not shown) detects the transmission conductor 23Y supplying the AC signal from the transmission unit 21 and the reception conductor 24X in which the reception signal level has been changed by the reception unit 22. Thus, the cross point with which the position indicator 1A is in contact is detected.

  When a finger approaches or touches the sensor unit 20 instead of the position indicator 1A, the position detection system 2 detects a cross point where the finger approaches or contacts according to the same principle. In that case, a part of the AC signal supplied to the transmission conductor 23Y flows to the ground through the finger and through the human body of the user. Therefore, the reception signal level of the reception conductor 24X constituting the cross point where the finger is present changes. The receiving unit 22 detects the change in the received signal level to detect the receiving conductor 24X that constitutes the cross point where the finger is present.

  In the case of the configuration type 1 position pointer, the position detection system 2A can detect the indicated position on the sensor unit 20A in the same manner as the finger position detection principle. However, in the case of the configuration type 1 position pointer, the contact area with the position detection system 2A is not large as in the case of the finger, so the coupling capacity is small and the position detection system 2A has low detection sensitivity. For this reason, the position detection system corresponding to the position pointer of the configuration type 1 uses the spread code as the AC signal to be transmitted to the position pointer, and correlates the transmission signal and the reception signal to indicate the indicated position of the position indicator. To compensate for the decrease in detection sensitivity.

  On the other hand, in the case of the position indicator 1A and the position detection system 2A of this configuration type 2, the affinity between the position indicator 1A and the position detection system 2A is high even without using a diffusion code etc. The versatility is high, and furthermore, a predetermined waveform correlation is secured between the input signal and the output signal, and the position detection on the sensor unit 20A can be performed with high sensitivity.

  That is, when the position indicator 1A is brought close to or in contact with the sensor unit 20A of the position detection system 2A, the alternating current signal supplied to the transmission conductor 23Y passes through the capacitance C1 as shown in FIG. Further, the current signal is input to the feedback signal generation circuit 415 through the connection terminal 513 through the peripheral electrode 6.

  The AC signal (current signal) input to the feedback signal generation circuit 415 is phase-inverted by the sense amplifier 510 and then amplified by the signal amplification factor variable circuit 520 and boosted (multiplied) by the transformer 530 to enhance the signal It is supplied to the center electrode 7 through the connection terminal 523 as a voltage signal. That is, the alternating current signal input from the sensor unit 20A to the feedback signal generation circuit 415 through the peripheral electrode 6 is in reverse phase in the feedback signal generation circuit 415 and is also a signal of large amplitude through the center electrode 7. It is returned to the sensor unit 20A.

  In this case, since the AC signal fed back from the center electrode 7 of the position indicator 1A to the sensor unit 20A of the position detection system 2A is an enhanced signal of the reverse phase to the AC signal supplied to the transmission conductor 23Y. The position indicator 1A functions to further increase the change of the AC signal in the reception signal of the reception conductor 24X. Therefore, the position detection system 2A can detect the contact position of the position indicator 1A with high sensitivity. The detection operation is further stabilized by connecting the ground conductor of the position indicator 1A to the human body. That is, in this embodiment, the housing 3 of the position indicator 1A is covered with the conductor portion 32 connected to the ground conductor of the printed wiring board 40. Therefore, the alternating current signal supplied to the transmission conductor 23Y in the position detection system 2A flows to the ground through the human body of the user through the position indicator 1A, whereby the signal detection operation can be further stabilized.

Further, the voltage at the transmission conductor 23Y of the sensor unit 20A of the position detection system 2A is V, the voltage at the center electrode 7 of the position indicator 1A of this embodiment is e, and the voltage between the peripheral electrode 6 and the center electrode 7 is Assuming that the capacitance is C2 (see FIG. 1),
e ≦ C1 / C2 · V
There is Therefore, it is advantageous to increase the potential e of the center electrode 7 if the capacitance C2 between the peripheral electrode 6 and the center electrode 7 is as small as possible.

  To this end, in the position indicator 1 of this embodiment, the shield member 8 is interposed between the peripheral electrode 6 and the center electrode 7 so as to minimize the coupling between the both. Therefore, in the position indicator 1 of this embodiment, by interposing the shield member 8, the capacitance C2 between the peripheral electrode 6 and the center electrode 7 can be reduced, and the voltage e can be increased. You can increase the sensitivity well.

  The position indicator 1A according to the above-described embodiment is configured to receive an alternating current signal from the position detection system 2A by the peripheral electrode 6, and return an output alternating signal whose signal is enhanced from the center electrode 7 to the position detection system 2A. . However, the electrode for receiving the AC signal from the position detection system 2A may be the center electrode 7, and the electrode for returning the signal-enhanced AC signal to the position detection system 2 may be the peripheral electrode 6.

  As shown in FIG. 9, in the position indicator 1A of this configuration type 2, the pen pressure information, the side switch information, and the identification information are wirelessly transmitted from the wireless communication module 42 to the wireless communication unit 25 of the position detection system 2A. It is The pen pressure information, the side switch information, and the identification information received by the wireless communication unit 25 are supplied to the control circuit 220A, and transmitted to, for example, a host computer together with the detected position information. Similarly, additional information from the configuration type 1 position indicator is transmitted from the wireless communication module 42 to the position detection system.

<Position Indicator 1B of Configuration Type 3 and Corresponding Position Detection System 2B>
FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a circuit of main parts of a position indicator 1B of configuration type 3 and a corresponding position detection system 2B. Position indicator 1B of configuration type 3 sends out an alternating current signal of frequency f1 as a position detection signal, and the pen pressure information, side switch information and identification information as additional information are all transmitted from wireless communication module 42 to the position detection system It is sent to the wireless communication unit 25B of 2B.

  As shown in FIG. 10, the position detection system 2B includes a sensor unit 20B, a pen indication detection circuit 26B connected to the sensor unit 20B, and a wireless communication unit 25B.

The sensor unit 20B is formed by laminating a first conductor group 211, an insulating layer (not shown), and a second conductor group 212 in this order from the lower layer side. The first conductor group 211 is parallel to the plurality of first conductors 211Y ₁ , 211Y ₂ ,..., 211Y _m (m is an integer of 1 or more) extending in the lateral direction (X-axis direction). In the Y-axis direction.

The second conductor group 212, first conductor 211Y _1, 211Y _2, ..., a direction crossing the extending direction of 211Y _m, extending in the longitudinal direction (Y-axis direction) orthogonal in this example The plurality of second conductors 212X ₁ , 212X ₂ ,..., 212X _n (n is an integer of 1 or more) are arranged in parallel in the X-axis direction with a predetermined interval therebetween.

In the following description, when it is not necessary to distinguish between the first conductors 211Y ₁ , 211Y ₂ ,..., 211Y _m , the conductors are referred to as a first conductor 211Y. Similarly, for the second conductors 212X ₁ , 212X ₂ ... 212X _n , when it is not necessary to distinguish the respective conductors, the conductors are referred to as the second conductor 212X.

  The pen pointing detection circuit 26B includes a selection circuit 221 serving as an input / output interface with the sensor unit 20B, an amplification circuit 222, a band pass filter 223, a detection circuit 224, a sample hold circuit 225, and an AD (Analog to Digital). And the control circuit 220B.

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

  The output signal of the band pass filter 223 B is detected by the detection circuit 224. An output signal of the detection circuit 224 is supplied to a sample and hold circuit 225, sampled and held at a predetermined timing by a sampling signal from the control circuit 220B, and then converted to a digital value by an AD conversion circuit 226. Digital data from the AD conversion circuit 226 is read and processed by the control circuit 220B.

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

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

  However, the position indicator 1B of this configuration type 3 in this example can transmit the alternating current signal of the frequency f1 and the alternating current signal of the frequency f2 as the position detection signal of the position indicator 1 of this embodiment. By taking advantage of the configuration, it is possible to switch the frequency of the position detection signal when noise of the same frequency as the position detection signal is present.

  That is, in the position indicator 1B of the configuration type 3 of this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 11A, the position detection signal includes a continuous transmission period of a predetermined period length Ta and a pause period of a predetermined period length Tb. The one cycle is repeated with one cycle as.

  Then, in the control circuit 220B of the position detection system 2B, as shown in FIG. 11B, the pause period of the predetermined period length Tb is used as a window period for detecting the presence or absence of noise in the window period. It is detected whether or not there is noise of the same frequency as that of the input signal. Then, when it is detected that noise having the same frequency as that of the position detection signal is present in the window section, the control circuit 220B of the position detection system 2B notifies the position indicator 1B to that effect through the wireless communication unit 25B. .

  When receiving the notification from the position detection system 2B, the reception unit 422 of the wireless communication module 42 of the position indicator 1B transfers the notification to the control unit 410 of the signal transmission control circuit 41. According to this notification, the control unit 410 of the signal transmission control circuit 41 switches and controls the switch circuit 414 to switch from the oscillator 45 of frequency f1 to the state of selecting the oscillator 46 of frequency f2. When the position detection signal from the position indicator 1B when notified from the position detection system 2B is based on the signal from the oscillator 46 of the frequency f2, the position detection system 2B is In response to the notification from the control unit 410, the control unit 410 switches and controls the switch circuit 414 to switch the oscillator 46 of frequency f2 to the state of selecting the oscillator 45 of frequency f1.

  For example, as shown in FIG. 11 (A), when the position detection signal from the position indicator 1B is a signal of frequency f1, as shown in FIG. 11 (C), noise NR of the same frequency f1 is present. If it exists, the control circuit 220B of the position detection system 2B detects the noise NR in the window section shown in FIG. 11 (B), and notifies the position indicator 1B to that effect through the wireless communication unit 25B. send.

  In the position indicator 1B, the control unit 410 receives the notification from the position detection system 2B through the reception unit 422 of the wireless communication module 42, and the frequency of the position detection signal is as shown in FIG. The switch circuit 414 is switched and controlled to switch from the frequency f1 to the frequency f2. Therefore, even if noise having the same frequency as the frequency of the position detection signal is present in the vicinity of the position detection system 2B, the influence of the noise is prevented by switching the frequency of the position detection signal. it can.

  In the position detection system 2B, the band pass filter 223B has a pass frequency band whose center frequency is the frequency f1 so as to be compatible with both the frequency f1 and the frequency f2 position detection signals. A state in which a pass frequency band having the center frequency at frequency f2 is set is provided, and it is configured to switch which pass frequency band is used under the control of the control circuit 220B.

<Position Indicator 1C of Configuration Type 4 and Corresponding Position Detection System 2C>
FIG. 12 is a diagram showing a circuit example of main parts of a position indicator 1C of configuration type 4 and a corresponding position detection system 2C. Position indicator 1C of configuration type 4 transmits an AC signal of frequency f2 as a position detection signal, and also pen pressure information and side switch information which are examples of additional information important as a position indicator are position detection signals. And the position detection system 2C through the center electrode 7. Then, the position indicator 1C sends out the identification information of the additional information from the wireless communication module 42 to the wireless communication unit 25C of the position detection system 2C.

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

  In this example, the band pass filter 223C of the position indicator 1C of this configuration type 4 is a pass frequency band whose center frequency is the frequency f2. Further, the control circuit 220C has a function of detecting writing pressure information and side switch information sent together with the position detection signal.

  In the position indicator 1C of the configuration type 4 in this example, the central electrode transmission signal generation unit 412 repeatedly receives a control from the control unit 410 and repeats a signal of a pattern having a continuous transmission period and a transmission data period as one cycle. Make it output. FIG. 13A shows an example of the control signal supplied from the control unit 410 of the position indicator 1C to the center electrode transmission signal generation unit 412. The center electrode transmission signal generation unit 412 continuously transmits the oscillation signal of the frequency f2 as a burst signal, as shown in FIG. 13B, for a fixed period maintaining the high level of the control signal of FIG. 13A. (Continuous transmission period of FIG. 13C).

  The length of the continuous transmission period is a time length that can detect the indication position on the sensor unit 20C by the position indicator 1C in the pen indication detection circuit 26C of the position detection system 2C, for example, the first conductor The length of time during which all of 211Y and the second conductor 212X can be scanned once or more, preferably a plurality of times or more is set.

  During the continuous transmission period, the control unit 410 of the position indicator 1C calculates the writing pressure applied to the center electrode 7 based on the capacitance of the variable capacitance capacitor of the writing pressure detection unit 9, and calculates the writing pressure. Information on pen pressure values is obtained as multi-bit values (binary code). Further, the control unit 410 generates on / off information of the side switch 43 as side switch information as information of one bit or plural bits.

  Then, as shown in FIG. 13A, the control unit 410 controls the control signal to the high level or the low level at a predetermined period (Td) in the transmission data period after the end of the continuous transmission period. ASK (Amplitude Shift Keying) modulation is performed on an alternating current signal of frequency f2. Instead of ASK modulation, an OOK (On Off Keying) signal may be used.

  At this time, the first time of a predetermined period (Td) after the continuous transmission period is always set to the high level, and this is set as the start signal of FIG. 13 (C). The start signal is a timing signal for enabling the pen indication detection circuit 26C of the position detection system 2C to accurately determine the subsequent data transmission timing. Note that instead of this start signal, a burst signal of a continuous transmission period can be used as a timing signal.

  The center electrode transmission signal generation unit 412 of the position pointer 1C receives the control from the control unit 410 as described above, and in the transmission data period, following the start signal, pen pressure information of a plurality of bits and one or more sides of one or more bits Transmit switch information sequentially. In this case, as shown in FIGS. 13 (A) and 13 (B), when the transmission data (binary code) is “0”, the control signal (FIG. 13A) is set to the low level and the AC signal is not sent. When the transmission data (binary code) is "1", the control signal is controlled to be high level to send out an AC signal to perform ASK modulation.

  In the pen indication detection circuit 26C of the position detection system 2C, the control circuit 220C detects the indication position by the position indicator 1C from the reception signal of the continuous transmission period in the same manner as the position detection system 2B described above. Then, the control circuit 220C waits for the end of the continuous transmission period, and when detecting the start signal after the end of the continuous transmission period, detects data of the pen pressure information and the side switch information of the transmission data period and restores them. Do the action. Then, the control circuit 220C outputs the detection information of the designated position by the position indicator 1C, the writing pressure information, and the side switch information to the host computer or the like together with the identification information received through the wireless communication unit 25C.

  In the position indicator 1C of the configuration type 4 as well, the frequency of the position detection signal may be switched similarly to the position indicator 1B of the configuration type 3 so that the influence of noise can be reduced. . In that case, the band pass filter 223C and the control circuit 220C of the position detection system 2C are also configured to have the same function as the band pass filter 223B and the control circuit 220B of the position detection system 2B corresponding to the configuration type 3.

<Position indicator 1D of configuration type 5 and corresponding position detection system 2D>
FIG. 14 is a diagram showing a circuit example of the main part of a position indicator 1D of configuration type 5 and a corresponding position detection system 2D. Position indicator 1D of configuration type 5 transmits an alternating current signal of frequency f2 as a position detection signal, and all additional information, in this example, pen pressure information, side switch information, and identification information ID1, is a position detection signal. And the position detection system 2D through the center electrode 7.

  As shown in FIG. 14, the position detection system 2D includes a sensor unit 20D, a pen indication detection circuit 26D connected to the sensor unit 20D, and a wireless communication unit 25D. In this example, the sensor unit 20D has the same configuration as the sensor unit 20B of the position detection system 2B. Further, the pen indication detection circuit 26D has the same configuration as the pen indication detection circuit 26C, including the band pass filter 223D, except for the control circuit 220D. That is, in this example, the band pass filter 223D is set as a pass frequency band whose center frequency is the frequency f2. The control circuit 220D has a function of detecting the pen pressure information, the side switch information, and the identification information ID1 sent together with the position detection signal.

  Also in the position indicator 1D of the configuration type 5 in this example, the center electrode transmission signal generation unit 412 receives the control from the control unit 410 in the same manner as the position indicator 1C of the configuration type 4 described above. As shown in FIG. 5, the signal of the pattern which makes a continuous transmission period and a transmission data period 1 period is repeatedly output.

  FIG. 15A shows an example of a control signal supplied from the control unit 410 of the position indicator 1D to the center electrode transmission signal generation unit 412. Under the control by the control signal of FIG. 15A, the center electrode transmission signal generation unit 412 of the position pointer 1D of this example receives the control of the control signal of FIG. 15A, and as shown in FIG. The oscillation signal is continuously transmitted as a burst signal, and in the transmission data period, as shown in FIGS. 15 (B) and (C), pen pressure information, side switch information, and identification information ID1 are used as ASK signals. It transmits to position detection system 2D through center electrode 7.

  The control circuit 220D of the position detection system 2D detects the position on the sensor unit 20D indicated by the position indicator 1D based on the burst signal of the continuous transmission period, and at the transmission data period, pen pressure information, side switch Information and identification information ID1 are detected and restored.

  And in this example, in order to make transmission and reception of a signal between position indicator 1D and position detection system 2D more secure, position indicator 1D transmits identification information ID2 from wireless communication module 42 to position detection system 2D. It sends to the wireless communication unit 25D. In this case, the identification information ID1 and the identification information ID2 are the same information (ID1 = ID2). The control circuit 220D collates the identification information ID2 acquired through the wireless communication unit 25D with the identification information ID1 received and detected through the center electrode 7, and the signal acquired from the position indicator 1D only when the both coincide with each other. Treat as valid.

  Then, when the control circuit 220D validates the signal acquired from the position indicator 1D, the detection information of the indicated position by the position indicator 1D, the pen pressure information, the side switch information and the identification information ID1, the host computer, etc. Output to

  FIG. 16 is a flowchart showing a flow of secure processing using identification information ID1 and ID2 in the control circuit 220D of the position detection system 2D.

  The control circuit 220D temporarily holds the identification information ID2 received through the wireless communication unit 25D (step S21). Next, the control circuit 220D acquires identification information ID1 included in the information transmitted through the center electrode 7 of the position indicator 1D (step S22). Then, the control circuit 220D determines whether or not the identification information ID1 and the identification information ID2 match (step S23), and when it is determined that both the identification information ID1 and ID2 match, from the position indicator 1D Is processed as valid (step S24), and then the process is returned to step S21, and the processes after step S21 are repeated. When it is determined in step S23 that the identification information ID1 and the identification information ID2 do not match, the control circuit 220D processes the signal from the position indicator 1D as invalid (step S25), and then performs the process. It returns to step S21 and repeats the process after this step S21.

  The secure processing using the comparison between the identification information ID2 from the wireless communication module 42 and the identification information ID1 acquired through the center electrode 7 in the position detection system 2D is not essential and may not be performed.

[Other embodiments]
<Another example of electrostatic coupling method>
It goes without saying that the plurality of configuration types of the position pointer described above are merely examples, and the present invention is not limited to the configuration types connected thereto. For example, in the above-mentioned active type position indicator, the signal is sent only from the center electrode 7, but it is possible to detect the inclination angle and rotation angle on the position detection system of the position indicator. In order to do this, the peripheral electrode 6 is divided into a plurality of parts, and a signal is sent out so that the peripheral divided electrodes can be identified from each of the divided plurality of peripheral divided electrodes. The position indicator may be of one configuration type.

  FIG. 17 is a view showing the main part of a position indicator 1E which can also constitute a position indicator of such a configuration type, and FIG. 17 (A) illustrates the components on the center electrode 7 side. FIG. 17 (B) is a view when the position pointing device 1E is viewed from the tip side of the center electrode 7 in the axial direction.

  In this position pointing device 1E, peripheral electrodes made of a conductor provided around the opening 3a of the housing 3 into which the center electrode 7 is inserted are provided as peripheral divided electrodes 6A, 6B, 6C divided into three. . These peripheral divided electrodes 6A, 6B, 6C are provided so as to be electrically insulated from each other and separated as shown in FIGS. 17 (A) and 17 (B).

  The peripheral divided electrodes 6A, 6B, and 6C are not used in the case of the above-described configuration type 1 of the passive method and the configuration types 3, 4 and 5 of the active method. In the case of the configuration type 2 of the improvement method of the passive method, the peripheral divided electrodes 6A, 6B, 6C are electrically connected, and the signals received by all of the peripheral divided electrodes 6A, 6B, 6C are synthesized and feedback is performed. The signal generation circuit 415 is configured to be supplied.

  When the position indicator 1E is configured to be able to detect an inclination angle or a rotation angle on the position detection system, the position detection indicator 1E can be used for position detection from the center electrode 7. A position detection system detects each of the peripheral divided electrodes 6A, 6B, 6C from each of the peripheral divided electrodes 6A, 6B, 6C while transmitting additional information selected according to the signal and the configuration type. Configure to send out a signal that can be

  For example, identification information (for example, a 2-bit signal) corresponding to each of the peripheral divided electrodes 6A, 6B, 6C is transmitted. Alternatively, signals of different frequencies and phases are transmitted from the peripheral divided electrodes 6A, 6B and 6C, respectively. Alternatively, after the transmission of the signal from the center electrode 7 is finished, the signal of one frequency is configured to be transmitted in the order of the peripheral divided electrodes 6A, 6B, 6C for a predetermined period.

  The position detection system corresponding to the configuration type of position indicator enabling detection of the tilt angle and the rotation angle on the position detection system is the reception intensity of the signal from each of the peripheral divided electrodes 6A, 6B, 6C. And the function of detecting the rotation angle and the inclination angle of the position indicator 1E from the spread distribution pattern of the received signal and the like.

<Example of electromagnetic coupling method>
Further, although the above-described embodiment is the case of the electrostatically coupled position indicator and position detection system, the present invention is also applicable to the electromagnetically coupled position indicator and position detection system. .

  FIG. 18 shows a configuration example of the electromagnetic coupling type position indicator 100 according to the present invention, and corresponds to the conceptual configuration diagram of FIG. 1 showing the position indicator 1 of the embodiment described above.

  As shown in FIG. 18, the position indicator 100 of this embodiment includes a signal transmission control circuit 141, a wireless communication module 142, and a side switch 143 in a cylindrical casing 103 made of an insulator, for example, a resin. , An ID memory 144, an oscillator 145, and a writing pressure detection unit 109. In addition, a battery 105 is provided in the housing 103 as a supply source of power supply voltage to the signal transmission control circuit 141, the wireless communication module 142, the side switch 143, the ID memory 144, the oscillator 145, and the like. The signal transmission control circuit 141 includes a pen type determination unit 1411.

  The writing pressure detection unit 109 is coupled to the core 107 penetrating the ferrite core 110, and the writing pressure detection unit 109 determines the writing pressure applied to the core 107 by the writing pressure detection unit 109. As the capacitance of the variable capacitor configured of A coil 111 is wound around the ferrite core 110, and both ends of the coil 111 are connected to the signal transmission control circuit 141. Moreover, between the both ends of the coil 111, the capacitor | condenser 112 which comprises the said coil 111 and a resonance circuit is connected.

  The signal transmission control circuit 141 is connected to the wireless communication module 142, the side switch 143, the ID memory 144, the oscillator 145, and the writing pressure detection unit as in the position indicator 1 of the above-described embodiment. A variable capacitance capacitor configured by 109 is also connected to the signal transmission control circuit 141.

  The signal transmission control circuit 141 selectively controls a signal to be transmitted through the resonance circuit including the coil 111 and the capacitor 112 in the position pointer 100, and adds pen pressure information, side switch information, identification information and the like. Information is selectively controlled to be transmitted from the wireless communication module 142 or transmitted as a signal from the resonant circuit.

  That is, in the case of the position indicator 100 of this embodiment, the resonance circuit constitutes a first transmission unit, and the transmission function unit of the wireless communication module 142 constitutes a first transmission unit. In addition, the reception function unit of the wireless communication module 142 configures a reception unit that receives pen type information from the position detection system. The pen type information received from the position detection system in the reception function unit of the wireless communication module 142 is supplied to the pen type determination unit 1411 of the signal transmission control circuit 141. Although not shown, the pen type determination unit 1411 can be configured of a pen type determination processing unit and a pen type table memory also in this embodiment.

  The signal transmission control circuit 141 of the position indicator 100 of this embodiment receives pen type information from the position detection system, makes a determination by the pen type determination unit 1411, and determines the pen type, as shown in FIG. The position indicator 100A, 100B, 100C of three types of configuration types 6, 7, 8 as shown in FIG.

  When the pen type information received from the position detection system through the reception function unit of the wireless communication module 142 of the position indicator 100 is the configuration type 6, as shown in FIG. The position indicator 100A is configured. That is, in this configuration type 6, a variable capacitance capacitor formed of the writing pressure detection unit 109 is connected in parallel to a parallel resonant circuit formed of the coil 111 and the capacitor 112, and further, the side switch 143 and the capacitor 113 are connected. A series circuit is connected.

  The sensor unit of the position detection system 200A, which is used together with the position indicator 100A of this configuration type 6 and sends the configuration type 6 to the position indicator 100A as pen type information, is not shown, but a plurality of loop coils Transmission signals (AC signals) of frequency fa are transmitted from the loop coil to the position indicator 100A.

  In the position pointing device 100A, the alternating current signal from the position detection system 200A is received by a resonance circuit by electromagnetic coupling, and then the alternating current signal is returned from the resonance circuit to the position detection system 200A. In the position detection system 200A, the position indicated by the position indicator 100A is detected from the position of the loop coil that has transmitted the AC signal and the position of the loop coil that has received the feedback signal from the position indicator 100A. .

  In this case, the feedback signal from the position indicator 100A is changed by changing the resonance frequency of the resonance circuit according to the value of the capacitance of the variable capacitance capacitor formed by the writing pressure detection unit 109, so position detection In the system 200A, pen pressure information is detected by the change of the frequency (or the change of the phase).

  Further, since the capacitor 113 is connected or not connected to the resonant circuit due to the on / off of the side switch 143, the resonant frequency of the resonant circuit changes according to the on / off of the side switch 143. In the position detection system 200A, side switch information corresponding to on / off of the side switch 143 is detected by the change in frequency (or change in phase) of the feedback signal from the position indicator 100A.

  The position indicator 100A of this configuration type 6 transmits identification information to the wireless communication unit of the position detection system 200A through the transmission function unit of the wireless communication module 142.

  As shown in FIG. 19B by the signal transmission control circuit 141 when pen type information received from the position detection system through the reception function unit of the wireless communication module 142 of the position indicator 100 is the configuration type 7. The position indicator 100B is configured. That is, in this configuration type 7, the parallel resonant circuit is composed of the coil 111 and the capacitor 112. Then, the writing pressure information, the side switch information, and the identification information are all transmitted to the wireless communication unit of the position detection system 200B through the transmission function unit of the wireless communication module 142.

  The sensor unit of the position detection system 200B which is used together with the configuration type 7 position indicator 100B and sends the configuration type 7 to the position indicator 100B as pen type information has the same configuration as the sensor unit of the position detection system 200A. A transmission signal (AC signal) of frequency fa is transmitted from the coil to the position indicator 100B.

  Like the position indicator 100A, the position indicator 100B receives an AC signal from the position detection system 200B by electromagnetic coupling at the resonance circuit, and then returns the AC signal from the resonance circuit to the position detection system 200B. The position detection system 200B detects the position designated by the position indicator 100B in the same manner as the position detection system 200A.

  The position detection system 200B of this configuration type 7 does not have a function of monitoring changes in the frequency or phase of the feedback signal to detect additional information. Then, the position detection system 200B decodes the additional information received through the wireless communication unit to acquire the pen pressure information, the side switch information, and the identification information.

  If the pen type information received from the position detection system through the reception function unit of the wireless communication module 142 of the position indicator 100 is the configuration type 8, as shown in FIG. 19C by the signal transmission control circuit 141. The position indicator 100C is configured. That is, in the position pointer 100C of this configuration type 8, the parallel resonant circuit composed of the coil 111 and the capacitor 112 is combined with the oscillator 145 to configure the oscillator circuit 145S. Then, the oscillation signal from the oscillation circuit 145S is transmitted to the position detection system 200C through the parallel resonance circuit including the coil 111 and the capacitor 112.

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

  The sensor unit of the position detection system 200C, which is used together with the position indicator 100C of the configuration type 8 and sends the configuration type 8 to the position indicator 100C as pen type information, is not shown, but a plurality of loop coils They are arranged in the X and Y directions orthogonal to each other.

  Then, the position detection system 200C receives the AC signal transmitted from the position indicator 100C by the loop coil by electromagnetic coupling. Then, the position detection system 200C detects the position indicated by the position indicator 100C from the positions of the loop coils in the X direction and the Y direction which have received the alternating current signal.

  The above configuration types 6 to 8 are also an example, and there are various other configuration types for the electromagnetic coupling position indicator and position detection system, and the position indicator of the present invention is not limited to these various types. It is needless to say that it can be configured to correspond to the configuration type of. For example, in the examples of the configurations 6 to 8 described above, identification information is not transmitted through the resonant circuit, but the on / off of the resonant operation of the resonant circuit or the oscillation operation of the oscillator circuit 145S is controlled. The identification information may be transmitted from the core 107 side as an ASK modulation signal or an OOK signal.

[Other Embodiments or Modifications]
The pen pressure detection unit 9, 109 according to the above-described embodiment sandwiches the dielectric between the first electrode and the second electrode, and one of the first electrode and the second electrode is an axis according to the pen pressure. By making it possible to move in the cardiac direction, a variable capacitance capacitor is used in which the capacitance is variable according to the writing pressure, but the present invention is not limited to this configuration. For example, the pen pressure detection unit 9 can also be configured using a semiconductor element whose capacitance is variable according to the pen pressure as disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2013-161307. In addition, the writing pressure detection unit may be configured by using a structure or an element in which the inductance value or the resistance value is variable according to the writing pressure, not the capacitance.

  Further, as described above, the additional information is not limited to the pen pressure information, the side switch information, the identification information, etc. For example, various other information such as the remaining amount information of the battery can be used as the additional information. .

  In the above description of the embodiment, the drive power source of the position indicator is a battery, but a capacitor for storing a power supply voltage may be provided in the position indicator, and the capacitor may be used as a drive power source. In that case, the configuration for storing the power supply voltage in the capacitor may be a configuration of a charging circuit for receiving and charging power energy from the outside by electromagnetic induction or electric field coupling, or a position indicator may further be provided with a charging terminal for exclusive use. The charging device may be configured to supply charging current through the charging terminal from the charging device. The power energy from the outside (electromagnetic energy or electric field energy) may be supplied from the position detection device to the position indicator or may be supplied from a dedicated power supply device.

  Further, in the above-described embodiment, the position pointing device has two transmitting units, ie, the center electrode and the wireless communication module, but may have three or more.

  In the description of the position indicator according to the above-described embodiment, the position indicator automatically becomes a configuration type corresponding to the position detection system by, for example, bringing the position indicator close to the sensor unit of the position detection system. I did it. However, instead of communicating with an external device such as a personal computer that can communicate with the wireless communication module of the position indicator instead of the position detection system, the position indicator can be obtained by selecting the configuration type with an external device such as a personal computer. It may be configured to be able to set to a selected desired configuration type.

  Also, even if the position indicator is provided with a switch for setting the configuration type, the position indicator can be set to the desired configuration type by switching operation using the switch for the switching setting. Good. That is, for example, in the example of FIG. 18, the case 103 is provided with a push button switch 146 which can be operated by the user, and a pressing operation signal of the push button switch 146 is supplied to the signal transmission control circuit 141. In this case, the signal transmission control circuit 141 controls, for example, to change the configuration type each time the user presses the push button switch 146. Also in the example of FIG. 1, of course, the push button switch may be provided.

1, 1A to 1E, 100A to 100C: Position indicator, 2, 2A to 2D, 200A to 200C: Position detection system, 3: Case, 31: Insulator part, 32: Conductor part, 5: Battery, 6 ... Peripheral electrode 6 ... Center electrode, 8 ... Shield member, 9 ... Pen pressure detection unit, 40 ... Printed wiring board, 41 ... Signal transmission control circuit, 42 ... Wireless communication module, 43 ... Side switch, 44 ... ID memory, 45 , 46: oscillator, 48: power switch, 410: control unit, 411: pen type determination unit

Claims (19)

A position indicator having a pen shape, for use with a position detection system having a sensor unit, comprising:
Position detection signal generation means for generating position detection signals of a plurality of different frequencies;
Additional information generating means for generating additional information;
A receiver for receiving the signal sent from the position detection system;
A first transmission unit provided on the side of one end of a housing of the position indicator, for transmitting the position detection signal to the sensor unit of the position detection system;
A second transmitting unit different from the first transmitting unit for transmitting a wireless signal to the position detection system;
The frequency of the position detection signal generated from the position detection signal generation unit is controlled based on the signal transmitted from the position detection system received by the reception unit, and generated from the additional information generation unit Control means for controlling whether the additional information is transmitted via the first transmission unit or transmitted via the second transmission unit;
A position indicator comprising: The first transmission unit includes a center electrode provided to protrude in the axial center direction of the housing from the one end of the housing, and a peripheral electrode provided around the center electrode. Yes,
Does the control means send out the position detection signal generated from the position detection signal generation means through the center electrode based on the signal transmitted from the position detection system received by the reception unit? The position indicator according to claim 1, further comprising: controlling whether the signal is delivered via the peripheral electrode or the peripheral electrode. The control means includes information storage means to be referred to based on the signal transmitted from the position detection system received by the reception unit,
Whether the frequency control of the position detection signal generated from the position detection signal generation means and the additional information are transmitted via the first transmission unit or are transmitted via the second transmission unit The position indicator according to claim 1, wherein at least one of the control of is executed with reference to the information stored in the information storage means. The position indicator according to claim 3, wherein the information stored in the information storage means is configured to be rewritable. The position indicator according to claim 3, wherein the information stored in the information storage means is configured to be rewritten based on a command sent from the position detection system. The additional information generation means includes the pressure detection means when the position indicator is provided with a pressure detection means for detecting a pressure applied to the center electrode. The position indicator according to item 1. The additional information generating means is configured to include the identification information storage means when the position pointer is provided with identification information storage means for storing identification information for identifying the position pointer. The position indicator according to claim 1, characterized in that: The position indicator according to claim 1, wherein the additional information generation means includes the operation switch when the position indicator is provided with an operation switch. The position indicator according to claim 1, wherein the receiving unit is configured to receive a signal via the sensor unit of the position detection system. The position indicator according to claim 1, wherein the receiving unit is configured to receive a signal based on a spread code transmitted via the sensor unit of the position detection system. The position indicator according to claim 1, wherein the receiving unit is configured to receive a radio signal transmitted from the position detection system. The position according to claim 1, wherein the first transmission unit is configured to transmit the position detection signal by being electrostatically coupled to the sensor of the position detection system. Indicator. The position according to claim 1, wherein the first transmission unit is configured to transmit the position detection signal by being electromagnetically coupled to the sensor unit of the position detection system. Indicator. The receiving unit is configured to receive a wireless signal sent from the position detection system, and constitutes a near field wireless communication means together with the second transmission unit that sends the wireless signal to the position detection system. The position indicator according to claim 1, characterized in that: The position indicator according to claim 14, wherein the near field communication means performs wireless communication of Bluetooth (registered trademark) standard. The control unit is configured to cause the first transmission unit and the second transmission unit to be in a paused state in response to the fact that the signal transmitted from the position detection system by the reception unit can not be received for a predetermined time. The position indicator according to claim 1, wherein the position indicator is controlled. A position indicator having a pen shape, for use with a position detection system having a sensor unit, comprising:
Position detection signal generation means for generating position detection signals of a plurality of different frequencies;
Additional information generating means for generating additional information;
A receiver for receiving the signal sent from the position detection system;
A first transmission unit provided on the side of one end of a housing of the position indicator, for transmitting a position detection signal to the sensor of the position detection system;
A second transmitting unit different from the first transmitting unit for transmitting a wireless signal to the position detection system;
The frequency of the position detection signal generated from the position detection signal generation unit is controlled based on the signal transmitted from the position detection system received by the reception unit, and generated from the additional information generation unit A control unit configured to control whether the additional information is transmitted via the first transmission unit or the second transmission unit;
The first transmission unit includes a center electrode provided to protrude in the axial center direction of the housing from the one end of the housing, and a peripheral electrode provided around the center electrode. Yes,
Does the control means send out the position detection signal generated from the position detection signal generation means through the center electrode based on the signal transmitted from the position detection system received by the reception unit? It controls whether it sends out via the said peripheral electrode, or the said peripheral electrode. The position indicator characterized by the above-mentioned. A position indicator having a pen shape, for use with a position detection system having a sensor unit, comprising:
Position detection signal generation means for generating position detection signals of a plurality of different frequencies;
Additional information generating means for generating additional information;
A receiver for receiving the signal sent from the position detection system;
A first transmission unit provided on the side of one end of a housing of the position indicator, for transmitting the position detection signal to the sensor of the position detection system;
A second transmitting unit different from the first transmitting unit for transmitting a wireless signal to the position detection system;
The frequency of the position detection signal generated by the position detection signal generation unit is controlled based on the signal transmitted from the position detection system received by the reception unit, and the additional information generated by the additional information generation unit It comprises control means for controlling whether information is sent through the first transmission unit or through the second transmission unit,
The control means includes an information storage means to be referred to based on the signal transmitted from the position detection system received by the reception unit, and the position detection signal generated from the position detection signal generation means At least one of the following frequency control and control of whether the additional information is sent via the first transmission unit or sent via the second transmission unit is stored in the information storage unit: The position indicator characterized in that it is executed with reference to the information. A position indicator having a pen shape, for use with a position detection system having a sensor unit, comprising:
Position detection signal generation means for generating position detection signals of a plurality of different frequencies;
Additional information generating means for generating additional information;
A receiver for receiving the signal sent from the position detection system;
A first transmission unit provided on the side of one end of a housing of the position indicator, for transmitting the position detection signal to the sensor of the position detection system;
A second transmitting unit different from the first transmitting unit for transmitting a wireless signal to the position detection system;
The frequency of the position detection signal generated from the position detection signal generation unit is controlled based on the signal transmitted from the position detection system received by the reception unit, and generated from the additional information generation unit A control unit configured to control whether the additional information is transmitted via the first transmission unit or the second transmission unit;
The control unit is configured to cause the first transmission unit and the second transmission unit to be in a paused state in response to the fact that the signal transmitted from the position detection system by the reception unit can not be received for a predetermined time. A position indicator characterized by controlling.

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