JP2020021521A - Coordinate input device - Google Patents

Abstract

To realize a coordinate input device equipped with a coordinate detection sensor and a wireless communication circuit that wirelessly transmits coordinate data, etc. to an external electronic device without affecting coordinate detection by the coordinate detection sensor and without impeding downsizing of the coordinate input device.SOLUTION: A shield sheet 1C is provided to cover the whole of a surface (back surface) of a sensor part 1B opposite to a sensor input surface (front surface) facing an electronic pen. A controller 200 that transmits coordinate data detected by the sensor 1B to an external electronic device is disposed facing the sensor 1B across the shield sheet 1C, and an operation button 207 and LEDs 208 and 209 connected with the controller 200 are arranged outside a region covered with the shield sheet (1C).SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 6

Description

  The present invention relates to a coordinate input device including, for example, a coordinate detection sensor of an electromagnetic induction type or an electrostatic coupling type, and having a function of transmitting information indicating detected coordinates to an external electronic device.

  A coordinate input device (position input device) that includes an electromagnetic induction type or capacitance type coordinate detection sensor (position detection sensor) and receives an input of a coordinate position designated by an electronic pen is used to input information to a personal computer. It is used as a device. An example of an electromagnetic induction type coordinate detection sensor is disclosed in Patent Document 1 and the like described below, and an example of a capacitance type coordinate detection sensor is disclosed in Patent Document 2 and the like described later. ing. The transmission (transfer) of such coordinate data (position data) from a coordinate input device to a personal computer has been performed by wireless communication. For example, communication systems of various wireless communication standards such as Bluetooth (registered trademark) standard, Wi-Fi (registered trademark) standard, and IrDA standard using infrared rays are used.

  Then, among communication systems of various wireless communication standards, when using a communication system using radio waves whose frequency is lower (wavelength is longer) than that of infrared rays, a problem may occur. For example, when a communication method such as the Bluetooth (registered trademark) standard or the Wi-Fi (registered trademark) standard is used, a radio wave transmitted from the coordinate input device to the personal computer is transmitted and received between the electronic pen and the coordinate detection sensor. It is considered that there is a case where the signal interferes. Further, it is considered that a wireless communication circuit for transmitting data from the coordinate input device to the personal computer may be a source of noise for the coordinate detection sensor. Therefore, the wireless communication circuit needs to be arranged at a sufficient distance from the coordinate detection sensor.

JP-A-07-0444304 JP 07-295722 A

  However, with the recent miniaturization of the coordinate input device, it has become difficult to arrange a wireless communication circuit for transmitting coordinate data from the coordinate input device to a personal computer at a sufficient distance from the coordinate detection sensor. I have. Further, in consideration of promotion of miniaturization and cost reduction of the coordinate input device, it is desirable to use a board in which a wireless communication circuit and a transmitting antenna are compactly integrated. If such a substrate can be used, the step of connecting the wireless communication circuit and the transmitting antenna can be omitted, and the manufacturing process can be simplified.

  In view of the above, the present invention wirelessly transmits coordinate data and the like to a coordinate detection sensor and an external electronic device without affecting coordinate detection by the coordinate detection sensor and without hindering miniaturization. An object is to realize a coordinate input device equipped with a wireless communication circuit.

In order to solve the above-mentioned problem, a coordinate input device according to the first aspect of the present invention provides
A sensor unit for detecting coordinates according to the position indicated by the electronic pen,
An upper plate that covers an input surface side of the sensor unit facing the electronic pen,
A shield sheet that is provided so as to cover the entire surface of the sensor unit opposite to the input surface side, and has conductivity and magnetism,
A coordinate data forming unit that forms coordinate data based on a detection output of the sensor unit by a user's operation input via the upper plate;
A transmission antenna, an operation button, and a light-emitting element are connected, and the transmission antenna, the operation button, and the light-emitting element are disposed so as to face the sensor unit with the shield sheet interposed therebetween, and the external device holds the coordinate data formed by the coordinate data forming unit. And a controller that controls the wireless transmission to be performed.
The operation button and the light emitting element connected to the controller are arranged outside a region covered by the shield sheet.

  According to the coordinate input device of the first aspect of the present invention, the upper plate is provided so as to cover the input surface side (surface) of the sensor unit facing the electronic pen. In addition, a shield sheet that shields radio waves to the sensor unit and absorbs leakage of magnetic flux generated by the sensor is provided so as to cover the entire surface (back surface) opposite to the input surface side of the sensor unit. The controller has a function of transmitting coordinate data formed by the coordinate data forming unit to an external electronic device in response to a detection output of the sensor unit by an operation input of the user via the upper plate. The controller is arranged so as to face the sensor unit with the shield sheet interposed therebetween, but the operation buttons and the light emitting elements connected to the controller are arranged outside the area covered by the shield sheet.

  As a result, unnecessary radiation from the controller can be shielded by the shield sheet, and leakage of magnetic flux from the sensor section can be absorbed by the shield sheet. Can be provided. In addition, since the operation button and the light emitting element are arranged outside the area covered by the shield sheet, the operation button does not become difficult to operate and the state of the light emitting element does not become difficult to observe.

  According to the present invention, a wireless communication circuit that wirelessly transmits coordinate data and the like to a coordinate detection sensor and an external electronic device without affecting coordinate detection by the coordinate detection sensor and without hindering miniaturization. Can be realized.

It is a figure for explaining appearance of coordinate input device 1 of a 1st embodiment. FIG. 2 is a diagram for explaining a basic structure of the coordinate input device 1. FIG. 2 is a diagram for explaining a schematic configuration of a controller 200. It is a figure for explaining the example of composition of coordinate detection sensor 1S of an electromagnetic induction exchange method. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an internal laminated structure when viewed from a side surface on which a controller 200 of the coordinate input device 1 is arranged. It is a figure which shows the internal structure when the coordinate input device 1 is seen from the lower side except for the sensor cover 1D. It is a figure for explaining the example of composition of cover type coordinate input device 5 of a 2nd embodiment. It is a figure for explaining the example of composition of 5 A of cover type coordinate input devices of a 2nd embodiment. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an internal laminated structure when viewed from a side surface on which a controller 200X of the coordinate input device 7 is arranged. It is a figure which shows the internal structure when the coordinate input device 7 is seen from the lower side except for the lower cover 1DX. FIG. 3 is a diagram for explaining a specific use mode of the coordinate input device 7; It is a block diagram for explaining the example of composition of coordinate detection sensor 1SX of an electrostatic capacity method.

  Hereinafter, an embodiment of the coordinate input device of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In the embodiment described below, a so-called stand-alone type coordinate input device that can be used alone and a combined type coordinate input device that is used in combination with a tablet type personal computer (hereinafter, abbreviated as a tablet PC) are used. Each will be described.

[First Embodiment]
[Appearance and Basic Configuration of Coordinate Input Device 1]
FIG. 1 is a diagram for explaining the appearance of the coordinate input device 1 according to the first embodiment. The coordinate input device 1 according to the first embodiment is a stand-alone type that can be used independently. As shown in FIG. 1, the coordinate input device 1 is provided with a holding portion (handwriting recording body mounting portion) 1X for holding the note pad 3 at the upper end portion and fixing the note pad 3 on the coordinate input device 1, and is called a binder or the like. It has the same appearance as widely used stationery. Note that the binder as a stationery is sometimes called a clipboard, a tag clip, or the like.

  In this embodiment, an electronic binder is configured by mounting a coordinate detection sensor 1S of an electromagnetic induction transmission / reception (EMR (Electro-Magnetic Resonance) method) inside the coordinate input device 1. The coordinate data can be input to the coordinate input device 1 by the electronic pen 2. As will be described later, the electronic pen 2 cooperates with a coordinate detection sensor 1S mounted inside the coordinate input device 1 to repeatedly transmit a signal receivable by the coordinate detection sensor 1S (coordinate instruction function). Having. Further, the electronic pen 2 has a core 2S filled with ink and a tip portion (pen tip) 2T provided at an end of the core, thereby leaving a handwriting on a handwriting recording body such as a paper medium. It also has a function (ballpoint pen function).

  Then, as shown in FIG. 1, characters and symbols are written on the note pad (note spelling) 3 fixed on the coordinate input device 1 by the holding portion 1X using the ballpoint pen function of the electronic pen 2, Let's say you draw. In this case, handwriting with ink remains on the note pad 3 due to the ballpoint pen function of the electronic pen 2. At the same time, the coordinate data corresponding to the handwriting formed on the notepad 3 is detected by the coordinate detection sensor 1S by the signal transmitted from the electronic pen 2 to the coordinate detection sensor 1S by the coordinate indicating function of the electronic pen 2. It is stored in a memory as electronic data.

  The coordinate data (handwriting data) stored in the memory of the coordinate input device 1 will be described later in detail, but the controller is mounted inside the coordinate input device 1 and an external electronic device such as a personal computer through a transmission antenna AT. Wireless transmission. Therefore, the information recorded on the handwriting recording medium is fetched as coordinate data (handwriting data) in real time without the trouble of separately taking the information recorded on the handwriting recording medium such as a paper medium as electronic data by an image reader. , Making this available.

  An operation button 207 and LEDs (Light Emitting Diodes) 208 and 209 are provided at the left end of the surface of the coordinate input device 1 facing the electronic pen 2. The operation button 207 receives an operation input from the user, and the LEDs 208 and 209 notify the user of the operation state of the coordinate input device 1 and the like. The operation button 207 is an operation element that is operated, for example, when turning on / off the power or transmitting the acquired coordinate data.

[Basic structure of coordinate input device 1]
FIG. 2 is a diagram for explaining a basic structure of the coordinate input device 1. As shown in FIG. 2, the coordinate input device 1 includes an upper cover (upper plate) 1A, a sensor unit 1B for detecting coordinates, a shield sheet 1C, and a sensor cover 1D in order from the top. Prepare. The lowermost sensor cover 1D is formed of a synthetic resin, metal, or the like. In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 2, a bottom surface is provided, and side surfaces (side walls) of a predetermined height are provided around the bottom surface. Is provided. Therefore, the upper surface of the sensor cover 1D is an opening. Inside the sensor cover 1D, the shield sheet 1C and the sensor section 1B are housed from the opening on the upper surface of the sensor cover 1D.

  The area of the shield sheet 1C and the sensor section 1B is smaller than the area of the opening of the sensor cover 1D. The shield sheet 1C is formed by laminating an electromagnetic sheet made of a magnetic material on a conductive sheet formed of, for example, ITO (Indium Tin Oxide), zinc oxide, tin oxide, or the like. The shield sheet 1C is provided so as to cover the entire surface of the sensor portion 1B opposite to the side facing the electronic pen 2 (the surface facing the sensor cover 1D).

  The conductive sheet portion of the shield sheet 1C serves to prevent mixing of unnecessary signals into the sensor portion 1B, and the electromagnetic sheet portion of the shield sheet 1C eliminates leakage of magnetic flux generated from the sensor portion 1B. Play a role. In this embodiment, the shield sheet 1C has an area slightly larger than the surface (lower surface) of the sensor section 1B on the sensor cover 1D side. Further, the shield sheet 1C may be in the form of a film or a plate.

  Although details of the configuration of the sensor unit 1B will be described later, basically, a large number of linear conductors (loop coils) that transmit signals to the electronic pen 2 and receive signals from the electronic pen 2 It is configured with. The upper cover 1A is formed of a material that transmits a signal transmitted from the electronic pen 2, for example, various synthetic resins. The upper cover 1A has an area slightly larger than the area of the upper surface of the sensor cover 1D, and can cover the entire upper surface of the sensor cover 1D. Thus, the upper surface of the sensor cover 1D is sealed by the upper cover 1A, so that the sensor section 1B, the shield sheet 1C, and the like do not come out of the sensor cover 1D.

  In addition, the upper cover 1A can be formed of various materials such as glass and ceramics that transmit radio waves, in addition to synthetic resin. As shown in FIG. 1, a holding portion 1X made of, for example, metal is provided at the upper end of the upper cover 1A, and the note pad 3 is placed on the upper cover 1A (on the coordinate input device 1). I can keep it. That is, the upper cover 1A covers and protects the sensor section 1B, and also functions as an upper plate on which the note pad 3 is placed.

  Further, as shown with the shield sheet 1C in FIG. 2, the coordinate data forming unit 100 and the controller 200 are provided so as to face the sensor unit 1B with the shield sheet 1C interposed therebetween. The coordinate data forming section 100 forms coordinate data based on the detection output from the sensor section 1B. The controller 200 mainly implements a control function of storing the coordinate data formed by the coordinate data forming unit 100 in a memory and transmitting the stored coordinate data to an external electronic device such as a personal computer. I do.

  In this embodiment, the coordinate data forming unit 100 and the controller 200 are a circuit board formed by mounting electronic components, integrated circuits, and metal wires connecting them on a plate-shaped member made of resin or the like at a high density. It is. As shown in FIG. 2, even if the coordinate data forming unit 100 and the controller 200 are opposed to the sensor unit 1B with the shield sheet 1C interposed therebetween, and are disposed very close to the sensor unit 1B, Signals radiated (radiated) from these circuit boards can be prevented from entering the sensor section 1B. Further, it is possible to prevent a signal emitted (radiated) by the coordinate data forming unit 100 or the controller 200 from interfering with a signal transmitted and received between the sensor unit 1B and the electronic pen 2. In addition, the shield sheet 1C eliminates leakage of the magnetic flux generated by the sensor unit 1B and prevents the coordinate data forming unit 100 and the controller 200 from being affected.

  As will be described in detail later, the controller 200 having a circuit board configuration is provided with a transmission antenna integrally. However, if this transmission antenna is also covered by the shield sheet 1C, coordinate data and the like cannot be appropriately transmitted to an external electronic device. For this reason, in the coordinate input device 1 of this embodiment, the antenna section 200A where the transmitting antenna on the controller 200 is arranged is provided outside the area covered by the shield sheet 1C.

  That is, in FIG. 2, as indicated by the dotted line together with the shield sheet 1C, the main part of the controller 200 is provided to face the sensor section 1B with the shield sheet 1C interposed therebetween. However, the antenna section 200A where the transmission antenna of the controller 200 is arranged is provided so as to protrude from the outer edge of the shield sheet 1C. Thus, the transmission antenna provided in the controller 200 is not covered by the shield sheet 1C, and the coordinate data can be appropriately transmitted to the external electronic device.

  Note that the directivity of the transmission antenna provided in the antenna unit 200A is set to the outside direction opposite to the side (inside direction) where the sensor unit 1B is located. Accordingly, it is possible to reduce the possibility that the signal transmitted from the transmission antenna is mixed into the sensor unit 1B or interferes with the signal transmitted and received between the sensor unit 1B and the electronic pen 2.

  Further, as described above, the controller 200 is also provided with the operation button 207 for instructing the power on / off and execution of the transmission of the coordinate data, and the LEDs 208 and 209 for notifying the operation state and the like. However, if the operation buttons 207 and the LEDs 208 and 209 are also covered by the shield sheet 1C, the user cannot operate them or check the LED status. For this reason, in the coordinate input device 1 of this embodiment, a user interface unit (hereinafter, referred to as a user I / F unit) 200U provided with the operation buttons 207 and the LEDs 208 and 209 on the controller 200 uses a shield sheet 1C. It is provided outside the area to be covered.

  That is, as described above with reference to FIG. 2, as indicated by the dotted line together with the shield sheet 1C, the main part of the controller 200 is provided to face the sensor section 1B with the shield sheet 1C interposed therebetween. On the other hand, the user I / F unit 200U provided with the operation buttons 207 and the LEDs 208 and 209 of the controller 200 is provided so as to protrude from the outer edge of the shield sheet 1C. This prevents the operation buttons 207 and the LEDs 208 and 209 provided on the controller 200 from being covered by the shield sheet 1C, appropriately receives operation input from the user, and uses the operation state of the own device. To be able to notify people appropriately.

  In the coordinate input device 1 of this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 2, the note pad 3 is placed on the upper surface of the upper cover 1A and is fixed by the holding portion 1X. The electronic pen 2 is used to record handwriting.

[Configuration of Controller 200]
FIG. 3 is a diagram for explaining a schematic configuration of the controller 200. FIG. 3A shows the state of the surface (lower surface) of the controller 200 on the side facing the sensor cover 1D, and FIG. 3B shows the state of the surface (upper surface) of the controller 200 on the side facing the shield sheet 1C. It is a figure for explaining. As shown in FIG. 3, the controller 200 has a configuration of an elongated circuit board having two long sides and two short sides, and the user I / F unit 200U has two protruding portions on one long side. And an antenna unit 200A. The user I / F unit 200U is provided with operation buttons 207 and LEDs 208 and 209. Further, a transmission antenna AT is provided in the antenna section 200A.

  Then, as shown in FIG. 3A, on the lower surface of the controller 200, various electronic components and various integrated circuits are connected by metal wiring and mounted at high density. Although the wiring is complicated and omitted, the main mounting components include a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 201, a memory 202, and a transmitting unit 203. The transmitting unit 203 is connected to a transmitting antenna AT. . Further, a USB (Universal Serial Bus) terminal 204, a battery terminal 205, a connection terminal 206 for connecting to the coordinate data forming unit 100, and the like are also provided.

  The CPU 201 controls each unit of the controller 200. Specifically, the CPU 201 performs control of turning on / off the power and turning on / off the LED according to the operation of the operation button by the user. In addition, the CPU 201 controls reception of coordinate data from the coordinate data forming unit 100 and control of writing to the memory 202, reading of coordinate data written to the memory 202, and control of transmission through the transmission unit 203. The memory 202 mainly stores and holds coordinate data. Note that other data can be recorded in the memory 202 as needed. In this embodiment, the transmission unit 203 implements a function of mainly transmitting coordinate data to an external electronic device by, for example, a wireless communication method of the Bluetooth (registered trademark) standard.

  As shown in FIG. 3B, on the upper surface of the controller 200, an operation button 207 and LEDs 208 and 209 are provided for the user I / F unit 200U. In some cases, metal wiring is provided on the upper surface of the controller 200 so as to be connected to electronic components provided on the lower surface through so-called through holes. The controller 200 configured as described above is arranged so that portions other than the antenna unit 200A provided as the protruding portion and the user I / F unit 200U face the sensor unit 1B with the shield sheet 1C interposed therebetween. That is, the antenna section 200A and the user I / F section 200U provided as protrusions can be provided outside the area covered by the shield sheet 1C.

[Configuration Example of Coordinate Detection Sensor 1S]
FIG. 4 is a diagram for explaining a configuration example of a coordinate detection sensor 1S of the electromagnetic induction transmission / reception type mounted on the coordinate input device 1 of this embodiment. The coordinate detection sensor 1S is configured by connecting a coordinate detection sensor unit 1B having a predetermined area and a coordinate data forming unit 100. The coordinate detection sensor 1S and the electronic pen 2 constitute an input device of the coordinate input device 1. The coordinate data forming unit 100 is provided so as to face the sensor unit 1B with the shield sheet 1C interposed therebetween. The sensor section 1B and the coordinate data forming section 100 are connected via a terminal section (connector section) not shown.

  FIG. 4 also shows a circuit configuration of a portion for transmitting and receiving signals of an electronic pen (pen-type position indicator) 2 used for input to the sensor unit 1B of the electromagnetic induction transfer system. The electronic pen 2 includes a resonance circuit including a coil 2L and a capacitor 2C connected in parallel to the coil 2L. Further, as described with reference to FIG. 1, the electronic pen 2 is filled with ink inside a ferrite core 2S around which the coil 2L is wound, and the paper penetrates through the tip 2T protruding from the tip of the electronic pen 2. It also has a ballpoint pen function that can leave handwriting on media and the like.

  The coordinate data forming unit 100 connected to the sensor unit 1B constitutes a control circuit of the coordinate detection sensor 1S. The coordinate data forming unit 100 includes a selection circuit 101, a transmission / reception switching circuit 102, a transmission signal generation circuit 110, a reception signal processing circuit 120, and a processing control unit 130. The transmission signal generation circuit 110 includes an oscillator 111 and a current driver 112. The reception signal processing circuit 120 includes a reception amplifier 121, a detection circuit 122, an LPF (Low Pass Filter) 123, a sampling and holding circuit (in FIG. 4, described as S / H) 124, and an A / D. (Analog / Digital) conversion circuit 125. The processing control unit 130 is configured by a so-called microprocessor.

  The selection circuit 101 is connected to the loop coil group 15X and the loop coil group 15Y of the sensor unit 1B. The selection circuit 101 sequentially selects, from the loop coil groups 15X and 15Y of the sensor unit 1B, loop coils that transmit and receive signals according to a selection control signal from the processing control unit 130. The loop coil selected by the selection circuit 101 is connected to the movable terminal M of the transmission / reception switching circuit 102.

  The transmission signal generation circuit 110 is a circuit for supplying a signal to the loop coil, and includes an oscillator 111 and a current driver 112. The oscillator 111 generates an AC signal having a frequency f0. This AC signal is supplied to the current driver 112 and converted into a current, and then supplied to the transmission / reception switching circuit 102. The transmission / reception switching circuit 102 switches the connection destination (the transmission terminal T or the reception terminal R) to which the loop coil selected by the selection circuit 101 is connected at predetermined time intervals under the control of the processing control unit 130. A current driver 112 is connected to the transmitting terminal T, and a receiving amplifier 121 is connected to the receiving terminal R.

  Therefore, when the transmission / reception switching circuit 102 selects the transmission-side terminal T (at the time of transmission), an AC signal from the current driver 112 is supplied to the loop coil selected by the selection circuit 101. When the transmission / reception switching circuit 102 selects the receiving terminal R (at the time of reception), a signal corresponding to the induced voltage generated in the loop coil selected by the selection circuit 101 is transmitted to the reception signal processing circuit 120. Supplied.

  A signal corresponding to the induced voltage generated in the loop coil selected by the selection circuit 101 is supplied to the reception signal processing circuit 120. This signal is supplied to the reception amplifier 121 via the reception side terminal R of the selection circuit 101 and the transmission / reception switching circuit 102, amplified, and sent to the detection circuit 122.

  The signal detected by the detection circuit 122 is supplied to the A / D conversion circuit 125 via the LPF 123 and the sampling and holding circuit 124. The A / D conversion circuit 125 converts the analog signal detected by the detection circuit 122 into a digital signal, and supplies the digital signal to the processing control unit 130.

  The process control unit 130 performs control for detecting the position indicated by the electronic pen 2 and specifies the position indicated by the electronic pen 2 on the sensor unit 1B. Here, the control for detecting the pointing position by the electronic pen 2 is the selection of the loop coil in the selection circuit 101, the signal switching control in the transmission / reception switching circuit 102, the control of the processing timing of the sampling and holding circuit 124, and the like.

  Next, the operation of the coordinate detection sensor 1S will be described. First, the processing control unit 130 controls the transmission / reception switching circuit 102 to switch the selection circuit 101 to be connected to the transmission terminal T. As a result, the AC signal transmitted from the transmission signal generation circuit 110 is supplied to the loop coil selected by the selection circuit 101 in the loop coil group 15X or the loop coil group 15Y. A signal is transmitted by electromagnetic induction from the loop coil supplied with the AC signal from the transmission signal generation circuit 110. In this specification, a signal transmitted from the sensor unit 1B to the electronic pen 2 as described above is referred to as a transmission signal. The resonance circuit of the electronic pen 2 receives the signal transmitted from the loop coil, charges the capacitor 2C, generates an induced voltage in the coil 2L, and transmits a reflected signal.

  Next, the processing control unit 130 performs switching control so that the transmission / reception switching circuit 102 is connected to the reception side terminal R. In this case, an induced voltage is generated in each of the loop coils of the loop coil group 15X and the loop coil group 15Y by a reflected signal transmitted from the electronic pen 2. The reflected signal transmitted from the electronic pen 2 is detected through the received signal processing circuit 120. The processing control unit 130 determines the coordinates of the indicated positions in the X-axis direction and the Y-axis direction on the sensor unit 1B (on the instruction input surface of the sensor unit 1B) based on the level of the voltage value of the induced voltage generated in each loop coil. Calculate the value.

  In other words, the process control unit 130 calculates the coordinate values of the indicated positions in the X-axis direction and the Y-axis direction on the sensor unit 1B based on the signal level of the received signal received by each loop coil, which is grasped as a voltage value. calculate. Then, the processing control unit 130 can transmit information (coordinate data) of the calculated coordinate value to the controller 200 and write the information to the memory of the controller 200. In this specification, a signal (reflection signal) transmitted from the electronic pen 2 and received by the sensor unit 1B as described above is referred to as a reception signal.

  As described above, the coordinate detection sensor 1S including the sensor unit 1B and the coordinate data forming unit 100 repeats transmission of a signal to the electronic pen 2 and reception of a reflected signal from the electronic pen 2, thereby providing the electronic pen 2 A specified position on the sensor unit 1B specified through the command is specified. By repeatedly performing such processing, handwriting recorded on the notepad 3 (paper medium) is detected by the electronic pen 2, and coordinate data corresponding thereto is formed and stored in the memory.

[Details of Arrangement of Controller 200]
FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the coordinate input device 1 when viewed from the side, and illustrates an internal laminated structure when viewed from the side where the controller 200 is disposed. As shown in FIG. 5, the coordinate input device 1 has a sensor cover 1D first, a coordinate data forming unit 100 and a controller 200 second, a shield sheet 1C third, and a sensor fourth from the bottom. The portion 1B has a fifth structure in which an upper cover (upper plate) 1A is laminated. That is, as shown in FIG. 5 and described above with reference to FIG. 2, the coordinate data forming unit 100 and the controller 200 are not located above the sensor unit 1B or on the same plane. The coordinate data forming unit 100 and the controller 200 are located below the shield sheet 1C so as not to directly contact the sensor unit 1B.

  FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an internal structure when the coordinate input device 1 is viewed from below, excluding the sensor cover 1D. In FIG. 6, the sensor section 1B is indicated by a dotted line, and the entire lower surface of the sensor section 1B is covered with a shield sheet 1C. The shield sheet 1C has the same size as the lower surface of the sensor section 1B or is slightly larger. As shown in FIG. 6, a coordinate data forming unit 100, a controller 200, and a battery 300 are arranged on the surface of the shield sheet 1C opposite to the surface facing the sensor unit 1B.

  As shown in FIG. 6, the coordinate data forming unit 100 is connected to the controller 200 through a connection terminal 206, and the battery 300 is connected to the controller 200 through a battery terminal 205. Power from the battery 300 is also supplied to the coordinate data forming unit 100 via the controller 200.

  In the coordinate input device 1 of this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 6, the coordinate data forming unit 100, the controller 200, and the battery 300 are arranged so as to face the sensor unit 1B with the shield sheet 1C interposed therebetween. I have. That is, by interposing the shield sheet 1C, the coordinate data forming unit 100, the controller 200, and the battery 300 can be arranged close to the sensor unit 1B.

  However, the controller 200 does not entirely oppose the sensor unit 1B with the shield sheet 1C interposed therebetween. As described with reference to FIG. 3, the controller 200 is provided with two protrusions: the antenna unit 200A and the user I / F unit 200U. As shown in FIG. 6, the controller 200 is arranged such that the antenna section 200A and the user I / F section 200U are located outside the area covered by the shield sheet 1C.

  That is, except for the antenna unit 200A and the user I / F unit 200U operated by the user, a main part of the controller 200 serving as a signal generation source faces the sensor unit 1B with the shield sheet 1C interposed therebetween. It is provided near the sensor unit 1B. For this reason, even if a signal is generated and radiated in a portion of the controller 200 facing the sensor unit 1B, it is possible to prevent the radiated signal from leaking into the sensor unit 1B due to the presence of the shield sheet 1C. Further, the magnetic flux generated by the sensor unit 1B is also absorbed by the shield sheet 1C and does not affect the coordinate data forming unit 100 or the controller 200.

  On the other hand, the antenna unit 200A and the user I / F unit 200U of the controller 200 are located outside the area covered by the shield sheet 1C, as shown in FIG. Therefore, the antenna section 200A and the user I / F section 200U are not covered by the shield sheet 1C and do not face the sensor section 1B. The antenna unit 200A is provided with a transmission antenna AT formed of a flat conductor, and the transmission antenna AT can be provided at a position slightly away from the sensor unit 1B.

  In this embodiment, since the transmitting antenna AT provided in the antenna unit 200A has a directional characteristic of radiating a radio wave in a direction away from the sensor unit 1B, the radio wave radiated from the transmitting antenna AT leaks to the sensor unit 1B. I don't want to go into it. Also, the signal radiated from the transmitting antenna AT is prevented from interfering with the signal transmitted and received between the sensor unit 1B and the electronic pen 2.

[Operation on the coordinate input device 1 and transmission processing of coordinate data]
Turning on / off the power of the coordinate input device 1 of this embodiment configured as described above is performed by pressing the operation button 207 provided in the user I / F unit 200U. That is, to turn on the power when the coordinate input device 1 is in the power-off state, the operation button 207 is pressed once. As a result, the CPU 201 of the controller 200 functions, and supplies power from the battery 300 to each unit to bring it into an operation state. When the power is turned on, the CPU 201 of the controller 200 turns on the LED 209, for example. Thereby, the user can recognize that the coordinate input device 1 is in the power-on state.

  In order to turn off the power of the coordinate input device 1 whose power has been turned on, a so-called long press operation of the operation button 207 is performed. Specifically, the pressing operation on the operation button 207 is continued for about 3 seconds. When the CPU 201 detects this long press operation of the operation button 207, the CPU 201 controls each unit, terminates the process, stops supplying power to each unit, and turns off the power of the coordinate input device 1. In this case, since the LED 209 is also turned off, the user can recognize that the coordinate input device 1 has been turned off. As described above, power on / off of the coordinate input device 1 can be performed by operating the operation button 207.

  Then, after turning on the power to the coordinate input device 1, the handwriting is left by writing, for example, characters and figures on the note pad 3 fixed on the coordinate input device 1 using the electronic pen 2. I do. In this case, coordinate data corresponding to the described handwriting is formed by the functions of the sensor unit 1B and the coordinate data forming unit 100 according to the reception position of the above-described reflection signal from the electronic pen 2 in the sensor unit 1B. The coordinate data thus formed is supplied to the controller 200 and stored in the memory 202.

  Of course, the coordinate data formed by the functions of the sensor section 1B and the coordinate data forming section 100 can be transmitted to an external electronic device in real time. In this case, the data can be transmitted to an external electronic device without passing through the memory 202, or the coordinate data once recorded in the memory 202 can be transmitted. As described above, when the coordinate data is transmitted to an external electronic device in real time, the external electronic device can immediately use the coordinate data.

  However, the coordinate data is not always transmitted, but a set of coordinate data can be transmitted to an external electronic device at a timing intended by the user, for example, by completing the information writing on one page of the notepad 3. In some cases, it is easier to use. In addition, transmitting a group of image data requires less power consumption than performing a continuous transmission process.

  Therefore, in the coordinate input device 1 of this embodiment, when the operation button 207 is pressed once while the power is on, the coordinate data stored in the memory 202 is collectively stored in an external device. Can be sent to electronic devices. At this time, during the transmission of the coordinate data to the external electronic device, the CPU 201 turns on the LED 208, and turns off the LED 208 when the transmission of the coordinate data is completed. By doing so, it is possible to notify the user whether or not the coordinate data is being transmitted.

  Note that the coordinate data that can be transmitted normally is deleted from the memory 202, so that the same coordinate data is not repeatedly transmitted. For example, when an error occurs at the time of transmission, if the method of storing the coordinate data once in the memory is used, the data can be retransmitted.

  Also, coordinate data that has been properly transmitted can be stored in the memory 202 as a set of transmitted coordinate data so as to be distinguishable from untransmitted coordinate data. In brief, a file for storing untransmitted coordinate data and a file for storing transmitted coordinate data may be separated. This makes it possible to transmit the coordinate data once formed to an external electronic device at any time in response to a request from the user to use it.

  In addition, even if the operation button 207 is pressed when the coordinate input device 1 is in the power-on state, if there is no accumulated data in the memory 202, control is performed so that the coordinate data transmission processing is not performed. Can also.

  In the above-described embodiment, the transmission unit 203 of the controller 200 has been described as performing wireless communication based on the Bluetooth (registered trademark) standard, but is not limited thereto. For example, various wireless communication standards such as a Wi-Fi (registered trademark) standard and a short-range wireless communication standard called NFC (Near field radio communication) can be used. In short, various communication schemes using radio waves having a lower frequency (longer wavelength) than infrared rays can be used.

  The coordinates are always input to the coordinate input device 1 of this embodiment using the electronic pen 2. For this reason, it is desirable to provide a mounting portion for the electronic pen 2 at an appropriate position of the coordinate input device 1 so that the electronic pen 2 does not separate from the coordinate input device 1 even when not in use. As a configuration of the mounting portion, a holder portion for storing the electronic pen 2 or a pocket portion, a hook portion for hooking a clip provided on a cap of the electronic pen 2, a ring member for holding the electronic pen 2 may be provided. Various configurations, such as providing, can be adopted.

  Further, in this embodiment, the coordinate detection sensor 1S of the electromagnetic induction transmission / reception system is used, but the present invention is not limited to this. An electromagnetic induction type having only a function of receiving a signal for indicating a position from the electronic pen without transmitting a signal to the electronic pen 2 can be used. In this case, the electronic pen 2 includes a battery and can spontaneously transmit a signal for position indication to the sensor unit.

  Further, the coordinate detection sensor corresponding to the electronic pen capable of spontaneously transmitting a signal for position indication to the sensor unit is a coordinate detection sensor of the electromagnetic induction transfer type shown in FIG. The transmission signal generation circuit 110 including the driver 112 and the transmission / reception switching circuit 102 are excluded. That is, the reception signal from the selection circuit 101 is directly supplied to the reception signal processing circuit 120.

[Second embodiment]
[Appearance and Basic Configuration of Cover Type Coordinate Input Devices 5, 5A]
FIGS. 7 and 8 are diagrams for describing a specific example of a combined type coordinate input device used in combination with the tablet PC according to the second embodiment. Among them, FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of a cover-type coordinate input device 5 which is a combined-type coordinate input device, and FIG. It is a figure for explaining an example of composition of cover type coordinate input device 5A. In the following, the cover type coordinate input device is simply referred to as a coordinate input device.

[Configuration Example of Coordinate Input Device 5]
First, the coordinate input device 5 will be described. As shown in FIG. 7, the coordinate input device 5 is roughly divided into a coordinate detection sensor placement section (back cover section) 51 in which the coordinate detection sensor is placed, and a tablet PC placement section (tablet placement section) on which the tablet PC is placed. It is a so-called book (book) type comprising a front cover part) 52 and a spine part 53, and can be folded in two.

  The coordinate detection sensor arrangement section (back cover section) 51 is a section configured similarly to the coordinate input device 1 of the first embodiment described with reference to FIGS. That is, the coordinate detection sensor disposition unit 51 is configured by stacking the upper cover (upper plate) 1A, the sensor unit 1B, the shield sheet 1C, and the sensor cover 1D, as described mainly with reference to FIGS. Part. In FIG. 7, a coordinate detection area AR indicated by a solid line corresponds to an area (area) in which the sensor unit 1B can detect coordinates.

  In the case of the coordinate input device 5 of the second embodiment, the clipping portion 1X of the note pad 3 is not provided, but a slit for inserting, for example, a spine of the note pad is provided in the coordinate detection area. Is provided. By inserting the spine of the note pad into this slit, the note pad 3 can be fixed on the coordinate detection sensor arrangement portion 51.

  Also, in the case of the coordinate detection sensor arranging unit 51 of this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 7, the coordinate data forming unit 100, the controller 200, and the battery 300 sandwich the sensor unit 1B with the shield sheet 1C interposed therebetween. Are provided opposite to each other. That is, by interposing the shield sheet, the coordinate data forming unit 100, the controller 200, and the battery 300 can be provided close to the sensor unit 1B. As described with reference to FIG. 3, the controller 200 includes the antenna unit 200A and the user I / F unit 200U provided as protrusions.

  For this reason, also in the coordinate detection sensor arrangement unit 51, as shown by the dotted line in FIG. 7, the antenna unit 200A and the user I / F unit 200U of the controller 200 are located outside the area covered by the shield sheet 1C. , A controller 200 is arranged. In the case of the coordinate detection sensor placement unit 51 of this embodiment, the antenna unit 200A and the user I / F unit 200U are located on the tablet PC placement unit 52 side.

  In this embodiment, the tablet PC mounting section 52 is a section on which a tablet PC having a communication function of the Bluetooth (registered trademark) standard is mounted. The tablet PC mounting section 52 is provided with a holder 57 for holding the mounted tablet PC on the tablet PC mounting section 52. Note that the tablet PC is detachably attached to the tablet PC mounting section 52 by a holder 57. The tablet PC mounting portion 52 can be formed by using various materials such as synthetic resin and aluminum, or by combining various materials.

  The spine 53 is a central part in the case where the coordinate detection sensor placement unit 51 and the tablet PC placement unit 52 are connected (connected) and folded in two. That is, the spine portion 53 is a portion having a role as a so-called hinge. The spine portion 53 can also be formed using various materials such as synthetic resin and aluminum, or by combining various materials. The spine 53 is provided with an electronic pen mounting part 54 as shown by a dotted line. An electronic pen can be attached to and detached from the electronic pen mounting portion 54.

  In the case of this example, a clip insertion portion for inserting the clip portion provided on the cap portion of the electronic pen 2 so that the electronic pen 2 can be mounted on the electronic pen mounting portion 54 is provided at the upper end of the electronic pen mounting portion 54. Is provided. Note that the holding function of the electronic pen 2 can be realized in various modes, such as by providing a holder unit or a pocket unit for storing the electronic pen 2 or by providing a ring unit for holding the electronic pen 2.

  Then, as shown in FIG. 7, the transmission antenna AT of the controller 200 is located on the tablet PC side near the spine 53. Then, as shown in FIG. 7, the coordinate detection sensor placement unit 51 and the tablet PC placement unit 52 are connected by a spine cover unit 53, and the positional relationship is maintained so as to be close to each other. Therefore, it is possible to maintain a state in which no obstacle or the like is interposed between the controller 200 and the controller of the tablet PC. Thereby, wireless communication can be favorably performed between the controller 200 of the coordinate detection sensor arrangement unit 51 and the controller of the tablet PC.

  That is, the coordinate data detected by the sensor unit 1B arranged (built-in) in the coordinate detection sensor arrangement unit 51 can be reliably and satisfactorily transmitted to the tablet PC placed on the tablet PC placement unit 52 through the controller 200. The tablet PC placed on the tablet PC placement unit 52 can reliably and satisfactorily receive and use the coordinate data transmitted from the controller 200 of the coordinate detection sensor placement unit 51. Further, the configuration in which the coordinate data forming unit 100, the controller 200, and the battery 300 can be arranged adjacent to the sensor unit 1B by interposing the shield sheet 1C is the same as that of the first embodiment.

  Then, as described above, the coordinate input device 5 of this embodiment is folded in two around the spine 53 so that the coordinate detection sensor arrangement unit 51 and the tablet PC placement unit 52 face each other. be able to. As shown in FIG. 7, a hook 55 is provided on the left side of the tablet PC placement unit 52, and a band 56 is provided on the right side of the coordinate detection sensor placement unit 51. For this reason, the band 56 is hooked on the hook 55 when the coordinate detection sensor placement unit 51 and the tablet PC placement unit 52 are folded so as to face each other around the spine 53, Can maintain the folded state.

  Thereby, the coordinate input device 5 can be reduced to about half the size of the open state in the folded state. Then, the display screen of the tablet PC 6 placed on the tablet PC placement unit 52 faces the upper surface of the coordinate detection sensor placement unit 51 and is not exposed to the outside. Since this state can be maintained by the functions of the hook 55 and the band 56, the display screen of the tablet PC 6 is protected and the tablet PC 6 is easily carried.

[Configuration Example of Coordinate Input Device 5A]
Next, the coordinate input device 5A will be described. As shown in FIG. 8, the coordinate input device 5A has basically the same configuration as the coordinate input device 5 shown in FIG. For this reason, in the coordinate input device 5A shown in FIG. 8, the same components as those of the coordinate input device 5 shown in FIG. I do. Then, in the coordinate input device 5A shown in FIG. 8, the configuration of the tablet PC mounting portion (cover) 52A on which the tablet PC is mounted is the same as the tablet PC mounting portion of the coordinate input device 5 shown in FIG. 52 is different.

  The tablet PC receiver 52A of the coordinate input device 5A is provided with a sleeve (tablet PC storage) 58 instead of the holder 57 provided on the tablet PC receiver 52 shown in FIG. is there. The tablet PC 6 can be stored inside the sleeve 58. Therefore, when the tablet PC 6 is not used, the tablet PC 6 can be stored in the sleeve 58 as shown in FIG. 8, and can be folded and carried in the same manner as the coordinate input device 5 described above with reference to FIG. .

  At the time of use, the tablet PC 6 is taken out of the sleeve 58, and the tablet PC 6 can be placed on the sleeve 58 of the tablet PC placing portion 52A and used. In this case, since the tablet PC is not fixed to the tablet PC mounting section 52A, the tablet PC 6 can be operated with only the tablet PC as necessary.

  As described above, in the case of the coordinate input device 5A shown in FIG. 8, by utilizing the sleeve 58, the tablet PC used in combination with the coordinate input device 5A is easily and safely held, and together with the coordinate input device 5A. Can be carried around. Further, since the tablet PC can be easily taken out from the sleeve 58 and used, and is not fixed to the tablet PC mounting portion 52A, it is easy to pick up only the tablet PC and use only the tablet PC. it can.

  Here, the coordinate input device 5 including the tablet PC holder 57 in the tablet PC receiver 52 shown in FIG. 7 and a sleeve for accommodating the tablet PC in the tablet PC receiver 52A shown in FIG. The coordinate input device 5 </ b> A including the above has been described. However, it is not limited to this. A coordinate input device in which neither the holder 57 nor the sleeve 58 is provided on the front cover portion serving as the tablet PC mounting portion can be configured. In this case, it is the same as the coordinate input device 1 shown in FIG. 1 in which a cover for protecting the upper surface side of the coordinate input device 1 is provided.

  In addition, as described with reference to FIGS. 7 and 8, the transmitting antenna AT is provided on the coordinate detection sensor placement unit 51 side and on the tablet PC placement units 52 and 52A side. It is not limited. For example, the entire controller 200 or the antenna portion 200A as a protruding portion may be configured as a flexible substrate so as to be freely bendable, and may further be configured to protrude from a main portion of the controller 200.

  In this case, the transmission antenna AT can be provided on the spine 53 or the tablet PC placement units 52 and 52A. In this case, the transmitting antenna AT can be moved away from the sensor unit 1B and closer to the tablet PC.

[Other embodiments]
In a coordinate input device 7 of another embodiment described below, a binder as a general-purpose stationery is made detachable. Thus, when the binder, which is a general-purpose stationery, is attached to the coordinate input device 7 of this embodiment, the coordinate input device of the first embodiment integrally includes the function of the binder and the function of the coordinate detection sensor. The same function as in the case of 1 is realized. When the binder, which is a general-purpose stationery, is not attached to the coordinate input device 7 of this embodiment, the input device is called a tablet or a digitizer for inputting coordinate data to an information processing device such as a personal computer. Implement the function of

  In the coordinate input device 7 according to another embodiment described below, the same components as those of the coordinate input device 1 according to the above-described first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the same reference numerals are used. The detailed description of will be omitted because it is duplicated.

  FIG. 9 is a diagram showing the internal laminated structure of the coordinate input device 7 of this embodiment when viewed from the side where the controller 200X is arranged. As shown in FIG. 9, a coordinate input device 7 according to the present embodiment includes a sensor unit 1B, a shield sheet 1C, a coordinate data forming unit 100, a controller, and a controller inside a housing including an upper cover 1AX and a lower cover 1DX. 200X is stored. These arrangement relationships are substantially the same as those of the coordinate input device 1 according to the first embodiment described with reference to FIGS.

  That is, the sensor unit 1B of the electromagnetic induction transmission / reception type having a predetermined area is provided below the upper cover 1AX. A shield sheet 1C is provided below the sensor unit 1B so as to cover the entire surface of the sensor unit 1B opposite to the surface facing the electronic pen. The shield sheet 1C is interposed between the shield sheet 1C and the controller 200X. A forming part 100 is provided.

  The controller 200X of this embodiment has the same electronic components and the like, but has a different shape from the controller 200 of the first embodiment shown in FIGS. The controller 200X of this embodiment includes an IF unit 200C including a user I / F unit (operation unit) provided with operation buttons 207 and LEDs 208 and 209 and a transmission antenna unit provided with a transmission antenna AT. 7 is configured to protrude outside.

  In the coordinate input device 7 of this embodiment, the IF section 200C of the controller 200X is configured to be a flexible substrate that can be bent. Thus, the operation button 207, the LEDs 208 and 209, and the transmission antenna AT can be positioned on the upper cover 1AX of the coordinate input device 7 by bending the IF unit 200C toward the upper cover 1AX. This makes it easy for the user to operate the operation button 207, makes it easier to see the status display by the LEDs 208 and 209, and also makes it possible to transmit the radio wave from the transmission antenna AT satisfactorily.

  FIG. 10 is a diagram showing the internal structure when the coordinate input device 7 is viewed from below, except for the lower cover 1DX. The positional relationship between the sensor unit 1B and the shield sheet 1C indicated by a dotted line is the same as that of the first embodiment described with reference to FIG. The configuration in which the coordinate data forming unit 100, the main body of the controller 200X, and the battery 300 are arranged with the shield sheet 1C interposed therebetween is also the same as that of the first embodiment described with reference to FIG. . Here, the main body of the controller 200X means a part on which the CPU 201, the memory 202, the transmission unit 20, and the like are mounted. That is, by interposing the shield sheet 1C, the coordinate data forming unit 100, the main body of the controller 200X, and the battery 300 can be arranged close to the sensor unit 1B.

  As shown in FIG. 10, in the case of the coordinate input device 7 of this embodiment, a strip-shaped IF unit 200C provided with the transmitting antenna AT, operation buttons 207, LEDs 208 and 209 is connected to the main body of the controller 200X. It is configured to be. Then, a strip-shaped IF unit 200C provided with the transmission antenna AT, the operation buttons 207, the LEDs 208 and 209 is provided with a casing including the upper cover 1AX and the lower cover 1DX of the coordinate input device 7, as shown in FIG. It has a shape protruding from.

  As described above, in the case of the coordinate input device 1 of the first embodiment, the user IF unit 200U and the antenna unit 200A of the controller 200, which are located inside the housing of the coordinate input device 1, are connected to the housing. An important difference is that it is provided so as to protrude outside the body. The operation button 207 can be operated by the user, and the LEDs 208 and 209 can be monitored by the user, but the transmission antenna AT is not directly touched by the user. That is, the IF section 200C of the controller 200X of this embodiment is coated with, for example, resin or the like so that the user does not directly touch the wiring and the transmission antenna. Of course, the operation button 207 can be operated by the user, and the LEDs 208 and 209 can be viewed by the user.

  FIG. 11 is a diagram for explaining a specific use mode of the coordinate input device 7. FIG. 11A is an external view of the coordinate input device 7, and FIG. 11B is an external view of a binder 8 which is a general-purpose stationery placed and used on the coordinate input device 7. As shown in FIG. 11B, the notepad 3 can be used by being fixed on the binder 8 by the holding portion 1X. FIG. 11C is an external view of the coordinate input device 7 with the binder 8 placed thereon for use.

  That is, in this other embodiment, the binder 8 has a role of an upper plate for the coordinate input device 7, and the coordinate input device is detachable below the binder 8. In other words, the binder 8 functioning as the upper plate of the coordinate input device 7 is detachable from the coordinate input device 7.

  As shown in FIG. 11A, the four corners of the coordinate input device 7 of this embodiment have elasticity for holding the binder 8 placed on the coordinate input device 7 on the coordinate input device 7. Bands 7a, 7b, 7c and 7d are provided. The bands 7a, 7b, 7c, 7d are formed of rubber or resin. Of the four bands, the upper left band 7d is connected to the main body of the controller 200X, and also functions as a unit that holds the bendable IF unit 200C on the upper cover 1AX of the coordinate input device 7. I do.

  Therefore, when the binder 8 is placed on the coordinate input device 7 and held by the bands 7a, 7b, 7c, 7d in the state shown in FIG. It is not exposed between the device 7 and the binder 8. Therefore, for example, erroneous operation of the operation button 207 can be prevented when not being used or when being carried.

  As shown in FIG. 11C, when the binder 8 is placed on the coordinate input device 7 and used, the bendable IF unit 200C is attached to the binder 8 using the band 7d. On top. Thus, the IF unit 200C including the operation buttons 207 and the LEDs 208 and 209 is held in a state where the IF unit 200C is exposed on the binder 8. Therefore, the user can operate the operation button 207 of the IF unit 200C, and the LEDs 208 and 209 of the IF unit 200C can be viewed, and the operation state of the coordinate input device 7 can be grasped from the display state of the LED. .

  Further, the IF 200C is provided with a transmission antenna AT. In this case, as shown in FIG. 11C, the transmitting antenna AT is located at the upper left end. Thereby, the transmitting antenna AT can be located outside the coordinate input device 7, and the transmission of the coordinate data can be performed satisfactorily.

  In the coordinate input device 7 according to another embodiment described with reference to FIGS. 9 to 11, the operation button 207 and the LEDs 208 and 209 are provided on the IF unit 200 </ b> C provided so as to protrude from the coordinate input device 7. An AT is provided, but the present invention is not limited to this. At least the operation button 207 and the LEDs 208 and 209 are provided on the IF unit 200C provided so as to protrude from the coordinate input device 7. However, the transmission antenna AT is provided on a protruding portion that protrudes from the main body of the controller 200X, as in the first and second embodiments described above. Of course, it may be located inside.

  Further, in the coordinate input device 7 according to the other embodiment, the controller 200X is described as having a configuration of a flexible substrate, but is not limited thereto. The main body of the controller 200X may be a normal circuit board, and only the IF section 200C may be formed of a bendable material.

  In the above-described embodiment, the note pad (handwriting recording body) 3 is fixed to the binder (upper plate) 8 and the binder 8 is detachable from the coordinate input device 7. It is not limited to. Of course, the note pad may be used by directly attaching it to the coordinate input device 7. In short, it is only necessary that a handwriting recording body such as a notepad be detachable from the coordinate input device 7. As described above, when the note pad is directly attached to the coordinate input device 7, the upper cover 1AX of the coordinate input device functions as an upper plate for holding the handwriting recording body of the coordinate input device 1. To achieve.

[Other examples of coordinate detection sensor]
In the coordinate input device according to the above-described embodiment, an electromagnetic induction type (EMR type) or an electromagnetic induction type is used as the coordinate detection sensor 1S. However, the present invention is not limited to this. An electrostatic capacitance type coordinate detection sensor can be used. In the following, a configuration example of a capacitance-type coordinate detection sensor and a configuration example of an electronic pen (capacitance-type electronic pen (active electrostatic pen)) used together with the capacitance-type coordinate detection sensor will be described. I do.

  FIG. 12 shows a basic configuration of an electrostatic type electronic pen (hereinafter, simply referred to as an electronic pen) 9 and a capacitance type electronic pen which receives a signal from the electronic pen 9 and detects a designated position on the sensor unit 1BX. It is a block diagram for explaining the example of composition of coordinate detection sensor 1SX.

  First, the basic configuration of the electronic pen 9 will be described. As shown in FIG. 12, the electronic pen 9 includes a transmission circuit 91 and a core 92. The transmission circuit 91 is configured by, for example, an LC oscillation circuit using resonance by a coil and a capacitor, and generates a signal of a predetermined frequency. The core body 92 has a configuration of an electrode core made of a conductor, for example, a hard resin mixed with a conductive metal or a conductive powder. In the following description, the core body 92 is referred to as an electrode core 92.

  Also in the case of the electrode core 92 of this example, the inside is made hollow and filled with ink. The tip of the electrode core 92 is provided with a metal tip for realizing a ballpoint pen function. Then, by moving the chip portion in contact with the paper medium, handwriting by ink can be left on the paper medium. Further, the transmission circuit 91 and the electrode core 92 are connected by a connection line of a conductor, and a transmission signal from the transmission circuit 91 is supplied to the chip provided at the distal end portion through the electrode core 92, The data is transmitted from the chip unit.

  Next, the configuration of the capacitance type coordinate detection sensor 1SX will be described. As shown in FIG. 12, the coordinate detection sensor 1SX includes a sensor unit 1BX and a coordinate data forming unit 400 connected to the sensor unit 1BX. In this example, the sensor section 1BX is formed by laminating a first conductor group 16, an insulating layer (not shown), and a second conductor group 17 in order from the lower layer side, although a cross-sectional view is omitted in this example. It is. The first conductor group 16 includes, for example, a plurality of first conductors 16Y1, 16Y2,..., 16Ym (m is an integer of 1 or more) extending in the lateral direction (X-axis direction), separated from each other by a predetermined distance and arranged in parallel. , In the Y-axis direction.

  The second conductor group 17 has a plurality of extending in a direction intersecting with the extending direction of the first conductors 16Y1, 16Y2,..., 16Ym, in this example, a vertical direction (Y-axis direction) orthogonal to the extending direction. The second conductors 17X1, 17X2,..., 17Xn (n is an integer of 1 or more) are arranged in the X-axis direction in parallel with each other at predetermined intervals.

  As described above, in the sensor unit 1BX of the coordinate detection sensor 1SX, the position indicated by the electrostatic electronic pen 9 is determined using the sensor pattern formed by intersecting the first conductor group 16 and the second conductor group 17. Is detected. In the following description, when it is not necessary to distinguish the first conductors 16Y1, 16Y2,..., 16Ym, the conductors are referred to as first conductors 16Y. Similarly, for the second conductors 17X1, 17X2,..., 17Xn, when it is not necessary to distinguish each conductor, the conductor is referred to as a second conductor 17X.

  The coordinate data forming unit 400 includes a selection circuit 401 serving as an input / output interface with the sensor unit 1BX, an amplification circuit 402, a bandpass filter 403, a detection circuit 404, a sample and hold circuit 405, and an AD (Analog to Digital). A) a conversion circuit 406 and a processing control unit 407;

  The selection circuit 401 selects one conductor 16Y or 17X from the first conductor group 16 and the second conductor group 17 based on a control signal from the processing control unit 407. The conductor selected by the selection circuit 401 is connected to the amplifier circuit 402, and a signal from the electronic pen 9 is detected by the selected conductor and amplified by the amplifier circuit 402. The output of the amplifying circuit 402 is supplied to a band-pass filter 403, and only the frequency component of the signal transmitted from the electronic pen 9 is extracted.

  The output signal of the band pass filter 403 is detected by a detection circuit 404. The output signal of the detection circuit 404 is supplied to a sample and hold circuit 405, sampled and held at a predetermined timing by a sampling signal from a processing control unit 407, and then converted into a digital value by an AD conversion circuit 406. The digital data from the AD conversion circuit 406 is read and processed by the processing control unit 407.

  The processing control unit 407 operates to transmit a control signal to each of the sample and hold circuit 405, the AD conversion circuit 406, and the selection circuit 401 according to a program stored in the internal ROM. Then, the processing control unit 407 calculates the position coordinates on the sensor unit 1BX indicated by the electronic pen 9 from the digital data from the AD conversion circuit 406.

  That is, for example, the processing control unit 407 first supplies a selection signal for sequentially selecting the second conductors 17X1 to 17Xn to the selection circuit 401. The output data is read as a signal level. If all the signal levels of the second conductors 17X1 to 17Xn have not reached the predetermined value, the processing control unit 407 determines that the electronic pen 9 is not on the sensor unit 1BX, and The control for sequentially selecting 17Xn is repeated.

  When a signal having a level equal to or higher than a predetermined value is detected from any of the second conductors 17X1 to 17Xn, the processing control unit 407 determines the number of the second conductor 17X at which the highest signal level is detected and its surroundings. Of the plurality of second conductors 17X are stored. Then, the processing control unit 407 controls the selection circuit 401 to sequentially select the first conductors 16Y1 to 16Ym, and reads the signal level from the AD conversion circuit 406. At this time, the processing control unit 407 stores the numbers of the first conductor 16Y at which the highest signal level is detected and a plurality of first conductors 16Y around the first conductor 16Y.

  Then, the processing control unit 407 stores the number of the second conductor 17X, the number of the first conductor 16Y, and the plurality of second conductors around the second conductor 17X at which the highest signal level is stored, as described above. The position on the sensor unit 1BX indicated by the electronic pen 9 is detected from the 17X and the first conductor 16Y. The coordinate data indicating the position on the sensor unit 1BX detected in this way is supplied from the processing control unit 407 to the controller 200, and transmitted to the external electronic device through the transmission antenna AT provided in the antenna unit 200A of the controller 200. Sent to.

  As described above, the coordinate input device of the present invention can also be realized when the capacitance type coordinate detection sensor 1SX and the corresponding electronic pen 9 are used.

[Effects of Embodiment]
In the coordinate input device of the above-described embodiment, the entire surface of the sensor unit 1B opposite to the side facing the electronic pen 2 is covered with the shield sheet 1C. By interposing the shield sheet 1C, the controller 200 serving as a signal generation source can be disposed close to the sensor unit 1B so as to face the sensor unit 1B. Therefore, the controller 200 and the sensor unit 1B do not need to be separated from each other in distance, so that the coordinate input device can be reduced in size. The transmitting antenna AT connected to the controller 200 is arranged outside the area covered by the shield sheet 1C. Thereby, coordinate data to be transmitted to the external electronic device can be appropriately transmitted to the external electronic device without being shielded by the shield sheet 1C.

  Further, as described with reference to FIG. 3, the controller 200 can be configured as a circuit board in which a main part provided with the CPU 201, the memory 202, the transmission unit 203, and the like and the transmission antenna are integrated. In this case, as described with reference to FIG. 3, the transmission antenna is provided in the antenna unit 200A formed to protrude from a main part of the controller 200 having a circuit board configuration. Accordingly, the main part of the controller 200 can be arranged close to the sensor unit 1B with the shield sheet 1C interposed therebetween, and the transmission antenna AT can be arranged outside the area covered by the shield sheet.

  The coordinate data detected by the sensor unit 1B is transmitted to an external electronic device via a memory (storage unit). This makes it possible to take measures such as retransmission when an inconvenience occurs. In addition, coordinate data can be sequentially stored in a memory (storage unit), and when the operation button 207 is operated, the coordinate data can be collectively transmitted to an external electronic device. Therefore, it is possible to collectively transmit one page of coordinate data corresponding to the handwriting described on one page of the note pad to an external electronic device.

  In addition, since the transmission of the coordinate data is performed by radio waves, the transmission and reception of the data can be performed more reliably than the wireless transmission using infrared rays. Further, since the entire surface of the sensor unit 1B opposite to the surface facing the electronic pen 2 is covered with the shield sheet 1C, the battery and the coordinate data forming unit also face the sensor unit 1B with the shield sheet 1C interposed therebetween. So that it can be arranged close to the sensor unit 1B. This makes it possible to further reduce the size of the coordinate input device.

  Further, an operation element for switching on / off of power supply can be provided integrally with the controller 200. Thereby, the configuration of the coordinate input device can be simplified. In addition, by providing the mounting portion of the electronic pen on the coordinate input device, loss of the electronic pen when not in use can be prevented. Further, by providing the holding portion 1X as a mounting portion for the note pad (handwriting recording medium), the note pad can be used together.

  By providing the electronic pen with a function of leaving a handwriting (ballpoint pen function), it is possible to simultaneously record the handwriting on the notepad and input coordinate data corresponding thereto. Thus, the coordinate data (electronic data) corresponding to the handwriting recorded on the notepad can be used based on the coordinate data input at the same time without reading the handwriting recorded on the notepad with a scanner or the like.

  Further, as described with reference to FIGS. 7 and 8, in the case of the cover-type coordinate input devices 5 and 5A, it can be easily used together with the tablet PC 6. The transmission antenna AT of the controller 200 is provided so as to be located on the mounting side of the tablet PC used together. This makes it possible to reliably transmit and receive the coordinate data from the coordinate detection sensor 1S to and from the adjacent tablet PC. Further, in the case of the cover type coordinate input device 5, 5A, it can be folded in two, so that it is possible to protect the tablet PC to be used together and to make it a portable configuration.

  In addition, as the coordinate detection sensor, an electromagnetic induction type, an electromagnetic induction transmission / reception type, or a capacitance type can be used, so that variations of the actual configuration of the coordinate input device can be increased. Accordingly, an appropriate type of the coordinate detection sensor can be selected according to the conditions such as the application and the cost.

[Modification]
In the above-described embodiment, the controller 200 has been described as having the function of transmitting the coordinate data to the external electronic device. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the controller 200 may have a transmission / reception function and perform mutual communication with an external electronic device. Thus, for example, when coordinate data cannot be properly received on the external electronic device side, a request for retransmission of coordinate data can be made, and retransmission of coordinate data can be performed.

  Also, a request for providing coordinate data may be transmitted from an external electronic device, and the coordinate data may be transmitted from the coordinate input devices 1, 5, and 5A in response to the request. In this case, the external electronic device and the controller 200 of the coordinate input device 1, 5, 5A may be provided with software for realizing the function.

  In the above-described embodiment, the power is turned on / off through the operation buttons. However, the power-on portion can be divided into several portions. For example, when there is no target external electronic device in the immediate vicinity, there is no need to transmit coordinate data. For this reason, a mode in which power is not supplied to the transmission unit 203 or the like that implements the transmission function and a mode in which the entire power is supplied may be provided, and these may be selectively used.

  For example, when the operation button is pressed once, power is not supplied to a circuit portion that realizes a transmission function, but power is supplied to other circuit portions. When the operation button is pressed twice, power is supplied to all circuit parts. Thus, power-on control can be performed. In this case, when the transmission function is not operated, only the LED 208 is turned on, and when the entire power is supplied, the LED 208 and the LED 209 are turned on to notify the user of the power mode. Further, when transmitting the coordinate data, for example, by controlling the LEDs 208 and 209 to blink, when the coordinate data is being transmitted, the user can be notified of this.

  In the above-described embodiment, the case where the tablet PC and the coordinate input device are used together has been described, but the present invention is not limited to this. The coordinate input devices 1, 5, and 5A can be used not only with a tablet PC but also with various electronic devices having a wireless communication function of the same communication method. For example, the coordinate input device of the present invention can be used in combination with a desktop personal computer, a notebook personal computer, a high-performance mobile phone terminal called a smartphone, or the like.

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Coordinate input device, 1A ... Upper cover (upper plate), 1B, 1BX ... Sensor part, 1C ... Shield sheet, 1D ... Sensor cover, 1S, 1SX ... Coordinate detection sensor, 1X ... Holding part, 100, 400 ... Coordinates Data forming unit, 200: controller, 200A: antenna unit, 200U: user I / F unit, 200C: IF unit, 201: CPU, 202: memory, 203: transmitting unit, 204: USB terminal, 205: connection terminal, 206 ... Power supply terminal, 207 ... Operation buttons, 208, 209 ... LED, 300 ... Battery, 5, 5A ... Cover type coordinate input device, 51 ... Coordinate detection sensor arrangement part, 52, 52A ... Tablet PC placement part, 53 ... Back Cover part, 54 ... Electronic pen holder, 55 ... Hook, 56 ... Band, 57 ... Holder, 58 ... Sleeve, 2, 9 ... Electronic pen, 3 ... No Pad, 8 ... binder

Claims (17)

A sensor unit for detecting coordinates according to the position indicated by the electronic pen,
An upper plate that covers an input surface side of the sensor unit facing the electronic pen,
A shield sheet that is provided so as to cover the entire surface of the sensor unit opposite to the input surface side, and has conductivity and magnetism,
A coordinate data forming unit that forms coordinate data based on a detection output of the sensor unit by a user's operation input via the upper plate;
A transmission antenna, an operation button, and a light-emitting element are connected, and the transmission antenna, the operation button, and the light-emitting element are disposed so as to face the sensor unit with the shield sheet interposed therebetween, and the external device holds the coordinate data formed by the coordinate data forming unit. And a controller that controls the wireless transmission to be performed.
The coordinate input device, wherein the operation button and the light emitting element connected to the controller are arranged outside a region covered by the shield sheet. The coordinate input device according to claim 1,
A storage unit that stores the coordinate data formed by the coordinate data forming unit,
The coordinate input device, wherein the controller controls the coordinate data stored in the storage unit to be transmitted to an external device. The coordinate input device according to claim 2, wherein
The coordinate input device, wherein the controller controls the coordinate data stored in the storage unit to be transmitted when the operation button is operated. The coordinate input device according to claim 1,
The coordinate input device, wherein the controller transmits the coordinate data by radio waves. The coordinate input device according to claim 1,
A coordinate input device, wherein a battery that supplies power to the coordinate data forming unit and the controller is disposed so as to face the sensor unit with the shield sheet interposed therebetween. The coordinate input device according to claim 1,
The coordinate input device, wherein the sensor unit is detachable from the upper plate. The coordinate input device according to claim 1,
A coordinate input device, comprising: a handwriting recording body mounting unit that allows a handwriting recording body to be mounted on the sensor input surface of the sensor unit facing the electronic pen. The coordinate input device according to claim 1,
When the handwriting recording body is in a mounted state, an operation unit having the operation buttons and the light emitting element is provided on the upper plate surface where the handwriting recording body is located. A coordinate input device. The coordinate input device according to claim 7, wherein
A coordinate input device, comprising: an electronic pen mounting unit that allows the electronic pen to be mounted. The coordinate input device according to claim 7 or 8,
A coordinate input device, wherein an input of a designated position is received by the electronic pen having a core body capable of leaving a handwriting on a handwriting recording body. The coordinate input device according to claim 1,
The upper plate is foldable, and the sensor unit is disposed on one surface side of the opposing surfaces when folded in two, and a receiving unit for a signal transmitted from the transmission antenna is disposed on the other surface side. A coordinate input device on which an electronic device is disposed. The coordinate input device according to claim 1,
The upper plate is foldable, and the sensor unit is disposed on one surface side of the opposing surfaces when folded in two, and a receiving unit for a signal transmitted from the transmission antenna is disposed on the other surface side. A coordinate input device comprising a storage section for storing an electronic device having the same. The coordinate input device according to claim 11, wherein
The coordinate input device, wherein the operation button and the light emitting element connected to the controller are provided near a center portion when the upper plate is folded in two. The coordinate input device according to claim 11, wherein
The operation button and the light-emitting element connected to the controller are provided at a central portion when folded in two so that the one surface side and the other surface side are opposed to each other. Coordinate input device. The coordinate input device according to claim 1,
The coordinate input device, wherein the sensor unit is of an electromagnetic induction type. The coordinate input device according to claim 1,
The coordinate input device according to claim 1, wherein the sensor unit is of an electromagnetic induction transfer type that cooperates with the electronic pen. The coordinate input device according to claim 1,
The coordinate input device, wherein the sensor unit is of a capacitance type.

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