JP6784819B2 - Coordinate input device - Google Patents

Description

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

A coordinate input device (position input device) equipped with an electromagnetic induction method or capacitance type coordinate detection sensor (position detection sensor) and accepting input of coordinate positions indicated by an electronic pen inputs information to a personal computer. It is used as a device. An example of the electromagnetic induction type coordinate detection sensor is disclosed in Patent Document 1 and the like described later, and an example of the capacitance type coordinate detection sensor is disclosed in Patent Document 2 and the like described later. ing. Transmission (transfer) of coordinate data (position data) from such a coordinate input device to a personal computer has come to be performed by wireless communication. For example, communication methods 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 the communication methods of various wireless communication standards, when a communication method using a radio wave having a frequency lower (longer wavelength) than infrared rays is used, a problem may occur. For example, when using a communication method such as the Bluetooth (registered trademark) standard or the Wi-Fi (registered trademark) standard, radio waves transmitted from the coordinate input device to the personal computer are transmitted and received between the electronic pen and the coordinate detection sensor. It is considered that the signal may interfere with the signal. Further, it is considered that the 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.

Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 07-044304 Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 07-295722

However, with the recent miniaturization of the coordinate input device, it has become difficult to arrange the wireless communication circuit that transmits the coordinate data from the coordinate input device to the personal computer at a sufficient distance from the coordinate detection sensor. There is. In addition, considering the promotion of miniaturization of the coordinate input device and the reduction of cost, we would like to be able to use a board in which the wireless communication circuit and the 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 the coordinate detection sensor and an external electronic device without affecting the coordinate detection by the coordinate detection sensor and without hindering miniaturization. The purpose is to realize a coordinate input device equipped with a wireless communication circuit.

In order to solve the above problem, the coordinate input device of the invention according to claim 1 is
A sensor unit that detects coordinates according to the position indicated by the electronic pen,
An upper plate covering the input surface side of the sensor unit facing the electronic pen, and
A shield sheet provided so as to cover the entire surface of the sensor unit on the side opposite to the input surface side and having conductivity and magnetism.
A coordinate data forming unit that forms coordinate data based on the detection output of the sensor unit by a user's operation input via the upper plate, and a coordinate data forming unit.
The transmitting antenna, the operation button, and the light emitting element are connected, and are arranged so as to face the sensor unit with the shield sheet in between, and hold the coordinate data formed by the coordinate data forming unit, and hold the external device. Equipped with a controller that controls to transmit wirelessly to
The transmitting antenna connected to the controller is formed of a flat conductor, is arranged on the same substrate as the controller, and is arranged outside the area covered by the shield sheet.
The operation button and the light emitting element connected to the controller are arranged outside the area covered by the shield sheet.

According to the present invention, a wireless communication circuit that wirelessly transmits coordinate data or the like to a coordinate detection sensor and an external electronic device without affecting the coordinate detection by the coordinate detection sensor and without hindering miniaturization. It is possible to realize a coordinate input device equipped with.

It is a figure for demonstrating the appearance of the coordinate input device 1 of 1st Embodiment. It is a figure for demonstrating the basic structure of the coordinate input device 1. It is a figure for demonstrating the schematic structure of a controller 200. It is a figure for demonstrating the configuration example of the coordinate detection sensor 1S of the electromagnetic induction transfer type. It is a figure which shows the laminated structure of the inside when seen from the side of the side surface where the controller 200 of a 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 the sensor cover 1D. It is a figure for demonstrating the configuration example of the cover type coordinate input device 5 of the 2nd Embodiment. It is a figure for demonstrating the configuration example of the cover type coordinate input device 5A of the 2nd Embodiment. It is a figure which shows the laminated structure of the inside when viewed from the side of the side surface where the controller 200X of a 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 the lower cover 1DX. It is a figure for demonstrating the specific use mode of the coordinate input device 7. It is a block diagram for demonstrating the configuration example of the coordinate detection sensor 1SX of a capacitance type.

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 coordinate input device that can be used independently and a combined coordinate input device that is used in combination with a tablet personal computer (hereinafter, abbreviated as a tablet PC). 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 of the first embodiment is a stand-alone type that can be used independently. As shown in FIG. 1, the coordinate input device 1 includes a holding portion (handwriting recording body mounting portion) 1X that holds the notepad 3 at the upper end and fixes it on the coordinate input device 1, and is called a binder or the like. It has the same appearance as the widely used stationery. The binder as a stationery may be called a clipboard, a clipboard, or the like.

In this embodiment, the coordinate detection sensor 1S of the electromagnetic induction transfer method (EMR (Electro-Magnetic Resonance) method) is mounted inside the coordinate input device 1 to form an electronic binder. 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 has a function of repeatedly transmitting a signal that can be received by the coordinate detection sensor 1S by cooperating with the coordinate detection sensor 1S mounted inside the coordinate input device 1 (coordinate instruction function). Has. Further, the electronic pen 2 has a core body 2S filled with ink and a tip portion (pen tip) 2T provided at an end portion of the core body, so that a handwriting is left on a handwriting recording body such as a paper medium. It also has a function that can be used (ballpoint pen function).

Then, as shown in FIG. 1, characters and symbols are written on the notepad (paper spelling) 3 fixed by the clipboard 1X on the coordinate input device 1 by using the ballpoint pen function of the electronic pen 2. Suppose you draw. In this case, the ballpoint pen function of the electronic pen 2 leaves a handwriting with ink on the notepad 3. 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 instruction function of the electronic pen 2. It is stored in the memory as electronic data.

The coordinate data (handwriting data) stored in the memory of the coordinate input device 1 will be described in detail later, but is an external electronic device such as a personal computer through the controller and the transmission antenna AT mounted inside the coordinate input device 1. It is possible to transmit wirelessly to. Therefore, the information recorded in the handwriting recorder can be captured in real time as coordinate data (handwriting data) without the trouble of separately capturing the information recorded in the handwriting recorder such as a paper medium as electronic data by an image reader. , Making this available.

Further, 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 operating state of the coordinate input device 1 and the like. The operation button 207 is an operator that is operated, for example, when the power is turned on / off or the captured coordinate data is transmitted.

[Basic structure of coordinate input device 1]
FIG. 2 is a diagram for explaining the basic structure of the coordinate input device 1. As shown in FIG. 2, the coordinate input device 1 is roughly divided into an upper cover (upper plate) 1A, a sensor unit 1B for coordinate detection, a shield sheet 1C, and a sensor cover 1D in order from the top. Be prepared. The sensor cover 1D located at the lowermost portion is formed of synthetic resin, metal, or the like, and in this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 2, a bottom surface is provided, and a side surface (side wall) having a predetermined height is provided around the bottom surface. Is provided and configured. Therefore, the upper surface of the sensor cover 1D is an opening. Inside the sensor cover 1D, the shield sheet 1C and the sensor portion 1B are housed through an opening on the upper surface of the sensor cover 1D.

The area of the shield sheet 1C and the sensor unit 1B is smaller than the area of the opening of the sensor cover 1D. The shield sheet 1C is, for example, a conductive sheet formed of ITO (Indium Tin Oxide), zinc oxide, tin oxide, or the like, to which an electromagnetic sheet made of a magnetic material is bonded. The shield sheet 1C is provided so as to cover the entire surface of the sensor unit 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 plays a role of preventing unnecessary signals from being mixed 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 a slightly larger area than the surface (lower surface) of the sensor unit 1B on the sensor cover 1D side. Further, the shield sheet 1C may be in the form of a film or a plate.

The details of the configuration of the sensor unit 1B will be described later, but 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, for example, various synthetic resins, which are materials that transmit signals transmitted from the electronic pen 2. 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. As a result, the upper surface of the sensor cover 1D is sealed by the upper cover 1A, and the sensor portion 1B, the shield sheet 1C, and the like are prevented from coming out of the sensor cover 1D.

The upper cover 1A can be formed of various materials having transparency to radio waves, such as glass and ceramic, in addition to synthetic resin. Further, as shown in FIG. 1, the upper end portion of the upper cover 1A is provided with a holding portion 1X formed of, for example, metal, and the note pad 3 is placed on the upper cover 1A (on the coordinate input device 1). I am trying to hold it. That is, the upper cover 1A covers and protects the sensor unit 1B, and also functions as an upper plate on which the notepad 3 is placed.

Further, as shown in FIG. 2 together with the shield sheet 1C, 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 unit 100 forms coordinate data based on the detection output from the sensor unit 1B. The controller 200 mainly realizes a control function of accumulating the coordinate data formed by the coordinate data forming unit 100 in the memory and transmitting the accumulated coordinate data to an external electronic device such as a personal computer. To do.

In this embodiment, the coordinate data forming unit 100 and the controller 200 are formed by mounting electronic components, integrated circuits, metal wirings connecting them, and the like on a plate-shaped member made of resin or the like at high density. Is. As shown in FIG. 2, even if the coordinate data forming unit 100 and the controller 200 are arranged to face the sensor unit 1B by interposing the shield sheet 1C and are arranged in the immediate vicinity of the sensor unit 1B. It is possible to prevent the signals radiated (radiated) by these circuit boards from being mixed into the sensor unit 1B. Further, the signal radiated (radiated) by the coordinate data forming unit 100 or the controller 200 can be prevented from interfering with the signal transmitted and received between the sensor unit 1B and the electronic pen 2. Further, the shield sheet 1C eliminates the 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, which has a circuit board configuration, is integrally provided with a transmitting antenna. However, if this transmitting antenna is also covered with the shield sheet 1C, coordinate data and the like cannot be properly transmitted to an external electronic device. Therefore, in the coordinate input device 1 of this embodiment, the antenna portion 200A on which the transmitting antenna on the controller 200 is arranged is provided outside the region covered by the shield sheet 1C.

That is, in FIG. 2, as shown by the dotted line together with the shield sheet 1C, the main portion of the controller 200 is provided so as to face the sensor unit 1B with the shield sheet 1C sandwiched therein. However, the antenna portion 200A in which the transmitting antenna of the controller 200 is arranged is provided so as to project from the outer edge of the shield sheet 1C. As a result, the transmitting antenna provided in the controller 200 is not covered by the shield sheet 1C, and the coordinate data can be appropriately transmitted to an external electronic device.

The directivity of the transmitting antenna provided in the antenna unit 200A is set to the outer direction opposite to the side (inner direction) where the sensor unit 1B is located. As a result, it is possible to reduce that the signal transmitted from the transmitting antenna is mixed in 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 an operation button 207 for instructing power on / off and execution of transmission of coordinate data, and LEDs 208 and 209 for notifying an operating state and the like. However, if the operation buttons 207, LEDs 208, and 209 are also covered with the shield sheet 1C, the user cannot operate them or check the LED status. Therefore, in the coordinate input device 1 of this embodiment, the user interface unit (hereinafter, referred to as the user I / F unit) 200U provided with the operation buttons 207, LEDs 208, and 209 on the controller 200 is provided by the shield sheet 1C. Provided outside the covered area.

That is, as described above with reference to FIG. 2, as shown by the dotted line together with the shield sheet 1C, the main part of the controller 200 is provided so as to face the sensor unit 1B with the shield sheet 1C interposed therebetween. On the other hand, the user I / F unit 200U provided with the operation buttons 207 of the controller 200 and the LEDs 208 and 209 is provided so as to project from the outer edge of the shield sheet 1C. As a result, the operation buttons 207, LEDs 208, and 209 provided on the controller 200 are not covered by the shield sheet 1C, the operation input from the user is appropriately received, and the operating state of the own machine is used. We are trying to notify people appropriately.

Then, 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 fixed by the holding portion 1X with respect to the note pad 3. It is used so as to record handwriting using an electronic pen 2.

[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 facing the sensor cover 1D, and FIG. 3B shows the state of the surface (upper surface) of the controller 200 facing the shield sheet 1C. It is a figure for demonstrating. As shown in FIG. 3, the controller 200 is configured as an elongated circuit board having two long sides and two short sides, and the user I / F unit 200U has two protrusions on one long side. And an antenna portion 200A are provided. The user I / F unit 200U is provided with operation buttons 207, LEDs 208, and 209. Further, the antenna unit 200A is provided with a transmission antenna AT.

Then, as shown in FIG. 3A, various electronic components and various integrated circuits are connected by metal wiring on the lower surface of the controller 200 and mounted at high density. Although the wiring is complicated, it is omitted, but the main mounting parts include a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 201, a memory 202, and a transmission unit 203, and a transmission antenna AT is connected to the transmission unit 203. .. 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 part of the controller 200. Specifically, the CPU 201 controls power on / off and LED lighting / extinguishing according to the operation of the user's operation buttons. Further, the CPU 201 performs reception of coordinate data from the coordinate data forming unit 100 and control of writing to the memory 202, reading of coordinate data written in the memory 202, and control of transmission through the transmitting unit 203. The memory 202 mainly stores and holds coordinate data. In addition, other data can be recorded in the memory 202 as needed. In this embodiment, the transmission unit 203 mainly realizes a function of transmitting coordinate data to an external electronic device by a wireless communication method of the Bluetooth (registered trademark) standard, for example.

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

[Configuration example of coordinate detection sensor 1S]
FIG. 4 is a diagram for explaining a configuration example of the coordinate detection sensor 1S of the electromagnetic induction transfer method 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 unit 1B and the coordinate data forming unit 100 are connected via a terminal unit (connector unit) (not shown).

FIG. 4 also shows a circuit configuration of a portion that transmits / receives a signal 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 composed of 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 made of paper via a tip portion 2T in which ink is filled inside the ferrite core 2S around which the coil 2L is wound and protrudes from the tip of the electronic pen 2. It also has a ballpoint pen function that allows you to leave a handwriting on a medium.

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 / hold circuit (described as S / H in FIG. 4) 124, and an A / D. It is provided with a (Analog / Digital) conversion circuit 125. The processing control unit 130 is composed of 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 loop coils for transmitting and receiving signals from the loop coil groups 15X and 15Y of the sensor unit 1B according to the 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 is composed of 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, converted into a current, and then supplied to the transmission / reception switching circuit 102. The transmission / reception switching circuit 102 switches the connection destination (transmission side terminal T or reception side terminal R) to which the loop coil selected by the selection circuit 101 is connected under the control of the processing control unit 130 at predetermined time intervals. 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 (during transmission), the AC signal from the current driver 112 is supplied to the loop coil selected by the selection circuit 101. Further, when the transmission / reception switching circuit 102 selects the reception side terminal R (during reception), a signal corresponding to the induced voltage generated in the loop coil selected by the selection circuit 101 is sent to the reception signal processing circuit 120. Will be 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 receiving amplifier 121 via the receiving 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 / hold circuit 124. The A / D conversion circuit 125 converts the analog signal detected by the detection circuit 122 into a digital signal and supplies it to the processing control unit 130.

The processing control unit 130 controls for detecting the indicated position by the electronic pen 2, and also performs a process of specifying the indicated position on the sensor unit 1B by the electronic pen 2. Here, the control for detecting the indicated position by the electronic pen 2 is the control of the loop coil selection in the selection circuit 101, the signal switching control in the transmission / reception switching circuit 102, the processing timing of the sampling / hold 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 so that the selection circuit 101 is connected to the transmission side 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 among the loop coil group 15X or the loop coil group 15Y. A signal is transmitted by electromagnetic induction from the loop coil to which the AC signal from the transmission signal generation circuit 110 is supplied. In this specification, the signal transmitted from the sensor unit 1B to the electronic pen 2 as described above is referred to as a transmission signal. The resonant 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 the reflected signal.

Next, the processing control unit 130 switches and controls the transmission / reception switching circuit 102 so as to be connected to the receiving 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 the 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 has 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 processing control unit 130 determines 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 grasped as the voltage value. calculate. Then, the processing control unit 130 can transmit the calculated coordinate value information (coordinate data) to the controller 200 and write it in the memory of the controller 200. In this specification, a signal (reflected signal) transmitted from the electronic pen 2 and received by the sensor unit 1B as described above is referred to as a received signal.

In this way, the coordinate detection sensor 1S including the sensor unit 1B and the coordinate data forming unit 100 repeatedly transmits a signal to the electronic pen 2 and receives a reflected signal from the electronic pen 2, so that the electronic pen 2 The indicated position on the sensor unit 1B instructed through is specified. By repeating such processing, the handwriting recorded on the notepad 3 (paper medium) is detected by the electronic pen 2, coordinate data corresponding to the handwriting is formed, and the handwriting is stored in the memory.

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

FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an internal structure of the coordinate input device 1 when viewed from below, excluding the sensor cover 1D. In FIG. 6, the sensor unit 1B is shown by a dotted line, and the entire lower surface of the sensor unit 1B is covered with the shield sheet 1C. The shield sheet 1C has the same size as or slightly larger than the lower surface of the sensor unit 1B. Then, as shown in FIG. 6, the coordinate data forming unit 100, the controller 200, and the 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 the connection terminal 206, and the battery 300 is connected to the controller 200 through the battery terminal 205. The power supply 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. There is. That is, the coordinate data forming unit 100, the controller 200, and the battery 300 can be arranged close to the sensor unit 1B by interposing the shield sheet 1C.

However, the entire controller 200 does not face 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 protruding portions, an antenna portion 200A and a user I / F portion 200U. As shown in FIG. 6, the controller 200 is arranged so that the antenna unit 200A and the user I / F unit 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, the main part of the controller 200, which is the source of the signal, faces the sensor unit 1B with the shield sheet 1C interposed therebetween. It is provided close to the sensor unit 1B. Therefore, even if a signal is generated and radiated at a portion of the controller 200 facing the sensor unit 1B, it is possible to prevent the radiated signal from leaking to 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 unit 200A and the user I / F unit 200U are not covered by the shield sheet 1C and do not face the sensor unit 1B. The antenna unit 200A is provided with a transmitting antenna AT formed of a flat conductor, and the transmitting antenna AT can be provided at a position slightly distant from the sensor unit 1B.

Then, in this embodiment, the transmitting antenna AT provided in the antenna unit 200A has a directional characteristic of radiating radio waves in a direction away from the sensor unit 1B, so that the radio waves radiated from the transmitting antenna AT leak to the sensor unit 1B. It doesn't get crowded. Further, 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 for coordinate input device 1 and transmission process of coordinate data]
The power of the coordinate input device 1 of this embodiment configured as described above is turned on / off by pressing the operation button 207 provided on the user I / F unit 200U. That is, in order to turn on the power while 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 power is supplied from the battery 300 to each part to bring it into an operating state. Further, when the power is turned on, the CPU 201 of the controller 200 turns on, for example, the LED 209. As a result, the user can recognize that the coordinate input device 1 is in the power-on state.

Further, 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 the long press operation of the operation button 207, the CPU 201 controls each part, ends the process, stops the supply of power to each part, 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. In this way, the power of the coordinate input device 1 can be turned on / off by operating the operation button 207.

Then, after the power is turned on to the coordinate input device 1, a handwriting is left by writing, for example, characters or figures on the note pad 3 fixed on the coordinate input device 1 using the electronic pen 2. To do. In this case, the 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-mentioned reflected signal from the electronic pen 2 in the sensor unit 1B. The coordinate data formed in this way is supplied to the controller 200 and stored in the memory 202.

Of course, it is also possible to transmit the coordinate data formed by the functions of the sensor unit 1B and the coordinate data forming unit 100 to an external electronic device in real time. In this case, it can be transmitted to an external electronic device without going through the memory 202, or the coordinate data once recorded in the memory 202 can be transmitted. In this way, when the coordinate data is transmitted to an external electronic device in real time, the coordinate data can be immediately made available to the external electronic device.

However, instead of constantly transmitting the coordinate data, it is possible to transmit a set of coordinate data to an external electronic device at the timing intended by the user, for example, when the information has been described on one page of the notepad 3. In some cases, it is easier to use. In addition, transmitting a set of image data requires less power consumption than performing constant transmission processing.

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 externally displayed. Can be sent to electronic devices. At this time, while the coordinate data is being transmitted to an 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. In this way, the user can be notified whether or not the coordinate data is being transmitted.

By deleting the coordinate data that could be transmitted normally from the memory 202, the same coordinate data will not be repeatedly transmitted. For example, when an error occurs during transmission, it is possible to retransmit if the method of storing the coordinate data once in the memory is used.

Further, the coordinate data that can be appropriately transmitted can also be stored in the memory 202 as a set of coordinate data that has been transmitted so as to be distinguishable from the coordinate data that has not been transmitted. Simply, a file for accumulating untransmitted coordinate data and a file for accumulating transmitted coordinate data may be separated. In this way, the coordinate data once formed can be transmitted to an external electronic device for use at any time according to the request of the user.

Further, even if the operation button 207 is pressed while the coordinate input device 1 is in the power-on state, if the stored data does not exist in the memory 202, the coordinate data transmission process is controlled so as not to be performed. You can also.

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

Further, the coordinate input device 1 of this embodiment is always input with the coordinates using the electronic pen 2. Therefore, it is desirable to provide the mounting portion of 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 the configuration of the mounting portion, a holder portion and a pocket portion for storing the electronic pen 2 are provided, a hook portion for hooking a clip provided on the cap of the electronic pen 2 is provided, and a ring member for holding the electronic pen 2 is provided. It can have various configurations such as being provided.

Further, in this embodiment, the coordinate detection sensor 1S of the electromagnetic induction transfer method is used, but the present invention is not limited to this. An electromagnetic induction type that does not transmit a signal to the electronic pen 2 and has only a function of receiving a signal for position instruction from the electronic pen can be used. In this case, the electronic pen 2 is provided with a battery and can spontaneously transmit a signal for position instruction 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 the oscillator 111 and the current in the electromagnetic induction transfer type coordinate detection sensor shown in FIG. The configuration is such that the transmission signal generation circuit 110 including the driver 112 and the transmission / reception switching circuit 102 are excluded. That is, the received signal from the selection circuit 101 is directly supplied to the received signal processing circuit 120.

[Second Embodiment]
[Appearance and basic configuration of cover type coordinate input devices 5 and 5A]
7 and 8 are diagrams for explaining a specific example of the combined type coordinate input device used in combination with the tablet PC of the second embodiment. Of these, FIG. 7 is a diagram for explaining a configuration example of the cover type coordinate input device 5 which is a combined type coordinate input device, and FIG. 8 is a combined type coordinate input device and another It is a figure for demonstrating the configuration example of the cover type coordinate input device 5A. In the following, the cover type coordinate input device will be 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 can be roughly divided into a coordinate detection sensor arrangement unit (back cover unit) 51 on which the coordinate detection sensor is arranged and a tablet PC installation unit (back cover unit) on which the tablet PC is placed. It is a so-called book type including a front cover portion) 52 and a spine cover portion 53, and can be folded in half.

The coordinate detection sensor arrangement unit (back cover unit) 51 is a portion configured in the same manner as the coordinate input device 1 of the first embodiment described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 6. That is, the coordinate detection sensor arranging unit 51 is configured by laminating the upper cover (upper plate) 1A, the sensor unit 1B, the shield sheet 1C, and the sensor cover 1D, as mainly described with reference to FIGS. 2 and 5. This is the part. In FIG. 7, the coordinate detection area AR shown by the solid line corresponds to the area (area) in which the coordinates can be detected by the sensor unit 1B.

In the case of the coordinate input device 5 of the second embodiment, the holding portion 1X of the note pad 3 is not provided, but the coordinate detection area portion has, for example, a slit into which the spine of the note pad is inserted. It 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.

Further, 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 shield sheet 1C and the sensor unit 1B. It is provided opposite to. 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. Further, as described with reference to FIG. 3, the controller 200 is provided with an antenna portion 200A and a user I / F portion 200U as protruding portions.

Therefore, also in the coordinate detection sensor arranging 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. , The controller 200 is arranged. In the case of the coordinate detection sensor arranging unit 51 of this embodiment, the antenna unit 200A and the user I / F unit 200U are located on the tablet PC mounting unit 52 side.

In this embodiment, the tablet PC mounting unit 52 is a portion on which a tablet PC having a Bluetooth (registered trademark) standard communication function is mounted. The tablet PC mounting portion 52 is provided with a holder 57 for holding the mounted tablet PC on the tablet PC mounting portion 52. The tablet PC is attached to and detached from the tablet PC mounting portion 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 cover portion 53 serves as a central portion when the coordinate detection sensor arrangement portion 51 and the tablet PC mounting portion 52 are connected (connected) and folded in half. That is, the spine cover portion 53 is a portion having a role as a so-called hinge. The spine cover portion 53 can also be formed by using various materials such as synthetic resin and aluminum, or by combining various materials. The spine cover portion 53 is provided with an electronic pen mounting portion 54 as shown by a dotted line. The electronic pen is 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 in the cap portion of the electronic pen 2 so that the electronic pen 2 can be attached to the electronic pen mounting portion 54 is provided at the upper end portion of the electronic pen mounting portion 54. It is provided. The holding function of the electronic pen 2 can be realized by various aspects such as providing a holder portion and a pocket portion for accommodating the electronic pen 2 and providing a ring portion 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 cover portion 53. Then, as shown in FIG. 7, the coordinate detection sensor arranging portion 51 and the tablet PC mounting portion 52 are connected by the spine cover portion 53, and their 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 intervenes between the controller 200 and the controller of the tablet PC. As a result, wireless communication can be satisfactorily 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 mounted on the tablet PC mounting unit 52 through the controller 200. The tablet PC mounted on the tablet PC mounting unit 52 can reliably and satisfactorily receive the coordinate data transmitted from the controller 200 of the coordinate detection sensor arranging unit 51 and use it. 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 in the case of the first embodiment described above.

Then, as described above, the coordinate input device 5 of this embodiment is folded in half with the spine cover portion 53 as the center so that the coordinate detection sensor arrangement portion 51 and the tablet PC mounting portion 52 face each other. be able to. Further, as shown in FIG. 7, a hook 55 is provided on the left side surface of the tablet PC mounting portion 52, and a band 56 is provided on the right side surface of the coordinate detection sensor arranging portion 51. Therefore, when the coordinate detection sensor arrangement portion 51 and the tablet PC mounting portion 52 are in a folded state so as to face each other with the spine cover portion 53 as the center, the band 56 is hooked on the hook 55. Can be kept folded.

As a result, the coordinate input device 5 can be made about half the size of the open state in the folded state. The display screen of the tablet PC 6 mounted on the tablet PC mounting unit 52 faces the upper surface of the coordinate detection sensor arranging 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 it becomes easy to carry.

[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 basically has the same configuration as the coordinate input device 5 shown in FIG. Therefore, in the coordinate input device 5A shown in FIG. 8, the same reference numerals are given to the parts configured in the same manner as the coordinate input device 5 shown in FIG. 7, and the description of these parts is omitted because they are duplicated. To do. Then, in the coordinate input device 5A shown in FIG. 8, the configuration of the tablet PC mounting portion (front cover portion) 52A on which the tablet PC is mounted is the tablet PC mounting portion of the coordinate input device 5 shown in FIG. It is different from 52.

The tablet PC mounting portion 52A of the coordinate input device 5A is provided with a sleeve (tablet PC storage portion) 58 in place of the holder 57 provided on the tablet PC mounting portion 52 shown in FIG. 7. 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 in half and carried in the same manner as in the case of the coordinate input device 5 described above using FIG. ..

Then, at the time of use, the tablet PC 6 is taken out from the sleeve 58, and the tablet PC 6 can be mounted and used on the sleeve 58 of the tablet PC mounting portion 52A. In the case of this example, since the tablet PC is not fixed to the tablet PC mounting portion 52A, the tablet PC 6 can be operated by holding only the tablet PC as needed.

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 can be easily and safely held together with the coordinate input device 5A. Can be carried around. In addition, the tablet PC can be easily taken out from the sleeve 58 and used, and since it 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, a coordinate input device 5 having a tablet PC holder 57 on the tablet PC mounting portion 52 shown in FIG. 7 and a sleeve for storing the tablet PC in the tablet PC mounting portion 52A shown in FIG. The coordinate input device 5A provided with the above is described. However, it is not limited to this. It is also possible to configure a coordinate input device in which neither the holder 57 nor the sleeve 58 is provided on the front cover portion to be the tablet PC mounting portion. In this case, it is the same as the coordinate input device 1 shown in FIG. 1 provided with a cover that protects the upper surface side of the coordinate input device 1.

Further, as described with reference to FIGS. 7 and 8, the transmitting antenna AT has been described as being provided on the side of the coordinate detection sensor placement portion 51 and on the side of the tablet PC mounting portions 52 and 52A. Not limited. For example, the entire controller 200 or the antenna portion 200A portion as a protruding portion may be configured as a flexible substrate so as to be bendable and further protrude from the main portion of the controller 200.

In this way, the transmitting antenna AT can be provided on the spine cover portion 53 and the tablet PC mounting portions 52 and 52A. In this case, the transmitting antenna AT can be separated from the sensor unit 1B and brought closer to the tablet PC.

[Other embodiments]
The coordinate input device 7 of another embodiment described below has a binder, which is a general-purpose stationery, made removable. As a result, 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 has the function of the binder and the function of the coordinate detection sensor. The same function as in the case of 1 is realized. Further, when the binder, which is a general-purpose stationery, is not attached to the coordinate input device 7 of this embodiment, as an input device called a tablet or a digitizer that inputs coordinate data to an information processing device such as a personal computer, for example. To realize the function of.

In the coordinate input device 7 of another embodiment described below, the same reference code is attached to a portion configured in the same manner as the coordinate input device 1 of the first embodiment described above, and the portion thereof. Since the detailed explanation of is duplicated, it is omitted.

FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an internal laminated structure when viewed from the side where the controller 200X of the coordinate input device 7 of this embodiment is arranged. As shown in FIG. 9, the coordinate input device 7 of this embodiment has a sensor unit 1B, a shield sheet 1C, a coordinate data forming unit 100, and a controller inside a housing composed of an upper cover 1AX and a lower cover 1DX. It is configured by storing 200X. These arrangement relationships are substantially the same as in the case of the coordinate input device 1 of the first embodiment described with reference to FIGS. 2 and 5.

That is, an electromagnetic induction transfer type sensor unit 1B having a predetermined area is provided on the lower side of the upper cover 1AX. A shield sheet 1C is provided on the lower side of the sensor unit 1B so as to cover the entire surface of the sensor unit 1B opposite to the surface facing the electronic pen, and the controller 200X and coordinate data are sandwiched between the shield sheet 1C. A forming portion 100 is provided.

The controller 200X of this embodiment has the same electronic components and the like, but its shape is different from that of the controller 200 of the first embodiment shown in FIGS. 3 and 7. In the controller 200X of this embodiment, the IF unit 200C including the user I / F unit (operation unit) provided with the operation buttons 207, LEDs 208, and 209 and the transmission antenna unit provided with the transmission antenna AT is a coordinate input device. It is configured to project to the outside of 7.

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

FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an internal structure of the coordinate input device 7 when viewed from below, except for the lower cover 1DX. The arrangement relationship between the sensor unit 1B and the shield sheet 1C shown by the 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 portion of the controller 200X, and the battery 300 are arranged with the shield sheet 1C interposed therebetween is also the same as in the case of the first embodiment described with reference to FIG. .. Here, the main body portion of the controller 200X means a portion 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 portion of the controller 200X, and the battery 300 can be arranged close to the sensor unit 1B.

Then, as shown in FIG. 10, in the case of the coordinate input device 7 of this embodiment, the strip-shaped IF unit 200C provided with the transmission antenna AT, the operation buttons 207, the LEDs 208, and 209 is connected to the main body of the controller 200X. It is configured to be. Then, as shown in FIG. 9, the strip-shaped IF unit 200C provided with the transmission antenna AT, the operation buttons 207, the LEDs 208, and 209 is a housing composed of the upper cover 1AX and the lower cover 1DX of the coordinate input device 7. It has a shape that protrudes 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 housed in a housing. The important difference is that it is provided so as to protrude to the outside of the body. The operation button 207 is operated by the user, and the LEDs 208 and 209 can be monitored by the user, but the transmitting antenna AT is not directly touched by the user. That is, the IF unit 200C of the controller 200X of this embodiment is covered with, for example, resin or the like so that the user does not directly touch the wiring or the transmitting antenna. Of course, the operation button 207 is made operable by the user, and the LEDs 208 and 209 are visible to the user.

FIG. 11 is a diagram for explaining a specific usage 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 the binder 8 which is a general-purpose stationery mounted and used on the coordinate input device 7. As shown in FIG. 11B, the binder 8 can be used by fixing the note pad 3 on the binder 8 by the holding portion 1X. FIG. 11C is an external view showing a state in which the binder 8 is placed on the coordinate input device 7 so that it can be used.

That is, in another embodiment, the binder 8 has a role of an upper plate with respect to the coordinate input device 7, and the coordinate input device is detachable under the binder 8. In other words, the binder 8 that functions as the upper plate of the coordinate input device 7 can be attached to and detached from the coordinate input device 7.

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

Therefore, when the binder 8 is placed on the coordinate input device 7 and held by the bands 7a, 7b, 7c, and 7d in the state shown in FIG. 11A, the IF unit 200C inputs the coordinates. It is sandwiched between the device 7 and the binder 8 and is not exposed. Therefore, for example, it is possible to prevent erroneous operation of the operation button 207 when it is not in use or when it is carried.

Then, as shown in FIG. 11C, when the binder 8 is placed on the coordinate input device 7 and used, the IF portion 200C having a bendable configuration is used in the binder 8 by using the band 7d. Try to hold it on. As a result, the IF unit 200C provided with the operation buttons 207 and LEDs 208 and 209 is held in a state of being exposed on the binder 8. Therefore, the operation button 207 of the IF unit 200C can be operated by the user, the LEDs 208 and 209 of the IF unit 200C can be viewed, and the operating state of the coordinate input device 7 can be grasped from the LED display state. ..

Further, the IF200C 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 portion. As a result, the transmission antenna AT can be positioned outside the coordinate input device 7, and the coordinate data can be transmitted satisfactorily.

In the coordinate input device 7 of the other embodiment described with reference to FIGS. 9 to 11, the IF unit 200C provided so as to project from the coordinate input device 7 has an operation button 207, LEDs 208, 209, and a transmission antenna. An AT is provided, but the present invention is not limited to this. At least, the operation buttons 207 and LEDs 208 and 209 are provided in the IF unit 200C provided so as to project from the coordinate input device 7. However, as in the case of the first and second embodiments described above, the transmitting antenna AT is provided on the protruding portion protruding from the main body portion of the controller 200X, and the transmitting antenna AT itself is the housing of the coordinate input device 7. Of course, it may be located inside.

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

Further, in the above-described embodiment, the note pad (handwriting recording body) 3 can be fixed to the binder (upper plate) 8, and the binder 8 can be attached to and detached from the coordinate input device 7. It is not limited to. Of course, the notepad may be used so as to be directly attached to the coordinate input device 7. In short, it suffices that a handwriting recording body such as a notepad can be attached to and detached from the coordinate input device 7. In this way, when the notepad 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 realize.

[Other examples of coordinate detection sensor]
In the coordinate input device of the above-described embodiment, the coordinate detection sensor 1S has been described as using an electromagnetic induction transfer method (EMR method) or an electromagnetic induction method, but the present invention is not limited to this. A 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. To do.

FIG. 12 shows a basic configuration of an electrostatic electronic pen (hereinafter, simply referred to as an electronic pen) 9 and a capacitance type that receives a signal from the electronic pen 9 and detects an indicated position on the sensor unit 1BX. It is a block diagram for demonstrating the configuration example of the 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 body 92. The transmission circuit 91 is composed of, for example, an LC oscillation circuit utilizing resonance by a coil and a capacitor, and generates a signal having a predetermined frequency. The core body 92 is composed of a conductor, for example, an electrode core made of a hard resin mixed with a conductive metal or a conductive powder. In the following description, the core body 92 will be referred to as an electrode core 92.

Also in the case of the electrode core 92 of this example, the inside is hollow and filled with ink. A metal tip portion that realizes a ballpoint pen function is provided at the tip of the electrode core 92. Then, by moving the chip portion in contact with the paper medium, it is possible to leave a handwriting by ink on the paper medium. Further, the transmission circuit 91 and the electrode core 92 are connected by a connecting wire of a conductor, and a transmission signal from the transmission circuit 91 is supplied to a chip portion provided at the tip portion thereof through the electrode core 92. It is designed to be transmitted from the chip section.

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. Although the cross-sectional view is omitted in this example, the sensor unit 1BX is formed by laminating the first conductor group 16, the insulating layer (not shown), and the second conductor group 17 in order from the lower layer side. Is. In the first conductor group 16, 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) are separated from each other for a predetermined time and arranged in parallel. , Arranged in the Y-axis direction.

Further, the second conductor group 17 extends in a direction intersecting the extending direction of the first conductors 16Y1, 16Y2, ..., 16Ym, in this example, a plurality of extending in the orthogonal vertical direction (Y-axis direction). The second conductors 17X1, 17X2, ..., 17Xn (n is an integer of 1 or more) are separated from each other for a predetermined time and arranged in parallel in the X-axis direction.

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

The coordinate data forming unit 400 includes a selection circuit 401, an amplifier circuit 402, a bandpass filter 403, a detection circuit 404, a sample hold circuit 405, and an AD (Analog to Digital), which are input / output interfaces with the sensor unit 1BX. ) It is composed of 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 the control signal from the processing control unit 407. The conductor selected by the selection circuit 401 is connected to the amplifier circuit 402, and the signal from the electronic pen 9 is detected by the selected conductor and amplified by the amplifier circuit 402. The output of the amplifier circuit 402 is supplied to the bandpass filter 403, and only the frequency component of the signal transmitted from the electronic pen 9 is extracted.

The output signal of the bandpass filter 403 is detected by the detection circuit 404. The output signal of the detection circuit 404 is supplied to the sample hold circuit 405, sample-held by the sampling signal from the processing control unit 407 at a predetermined timing, and then converted into a digital value by the 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 so as to send a control signal to the sample hold circuit 405, the AD conversion circuit 406, and the selection circuit 401 by the program stored in the internal ROM. Then, the processing control unit 407 calculates the position coordinates on the sensor unit 1BX instructed 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, and at the time of each selection of the second conductors 17X1 to 17Xn, the AD conversion circuit 406 Read the output data as a signal level. Then, if all the signal levels of the second conductors 17X1 to 17Xn do not reach a predetermined value, the processing control unit 407 determines that the electronic pen 9 is not on the sensor unit 1BX, and the second conductors 17X1 to 17Xn The control of 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 in which the highest signal level is detected and its surroundings. The numbers of the plurality of second conductors 17X of the above are stored. Then, the processing control unit 407 controls the selection circuit 401, sequentially selects 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 in which the highest signal level is detected and the plurality of first conductors 16Y around the first conductor 16Y.

Then, the processing control unit 407 stores the numbers of the second conductor 17X and the numbers of the first conductor 16Y in which the largest signal level is detected and the numbers of the first conductor 16Y and a plurality of second conductors around the conductors stored as described above. From the 17X and the first conductor 16Y, the position on the sensor unit 1BX indicated by the electronic pen 9 is detected. 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 is passed through the transmitting antenna AT provided in the antenna unit 200A of the controller 200 to an external electronic device. Will be sent to.

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

[Effect 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, which is the source of the signal, can be arranged close to the sensor unit 1B so as to face the sensor unit 1B. Therefore, since it is not necessary to separate the controller 200 and the sensor unit 1B from each other, it is possible to promote the miniaturization of the coordinate input device. The transmitting antenna AT connected to the controller 200 is arranged outside the area covered by the shield sheet 1C. As a result, the coordinate data or the like 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 portion provided with a CPU 201, a memory 202, a transmission unit 203, and the like and a transmission antenna are integrated. In this case, as described with reference to FIG. 3, the transmitting antenna is provided in the antenna portion 200A formed so as to project from the main portion of the controller 200, which is configured as a circuit board. As a result, 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 transmitting antenna AT can be arranged so as to be located outside the area covered by the shield sheet.

Further, the coordinate data detected by the sensor unit 1B is configured to be transmitted to an external electronic device via a memory (storage unit). As a result, it is possible to take measures such as re-transmission when an inconvenience occurs. Further, the coordinate data can be sequentially stored in the 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 the coordinate data for one page corresponding to the handwriting described on one page of the notepad to an external electronic device.

Further, since the coordinate data is transmitted by radio waves, the data can be transmitted and received 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, the coordinate data forming unit, and the like also face the sensor unit 1B with the shield sheet 1C sandwiched between them. As such, it can be arranged close to the sensor unit 1B. As a result, the coordinate input device can be further miniaturized.

Further, the controller 200 can be integrally provided with an operator for switching the power supply on / off. As a result, the configuration of the coordinate input device can be simplified. Further, by providing the mounting portion of the electronic pen in the coordinate input device, it is possible to prevent the electronic pen from being lost when not in use. Further, by providing the holding portion 1X as a mounting portion of the note pad (handwriting recording medium), the note pad can be used together.

Then, by giving the electronic pen a function of leaving a handwriting (ballpoint pen function), it is possible to record the handwriting on the notepad and input the corresponding coordinate data at the same time. As a result, the coordinate data (electronic data) corresponding to the handwriting recorded on the notepad can be used by the coordinate data input at the same time without scanning 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, the tablet PC 6 can be easily used in combination. Then, it is provided so as to be located on the mounting side of the tablet PC in which the transmission antenna AT of the controller 200 is also used. This makes it possible to reliably send and receive the coordinate data from the coordinate detection sensor 1S to and from the tablet PC used adjacently. Further, in the case of the cover type coordinate input devices 5 and 5A, since they can be folded in half, the tablet PC to be used together can be protected and the configuration can be conveniently carried.

Further, as the coordinate detection sensor, an electromagnetic induction method, an electromagnetic induction transfer method, or a capacitance method can be used, so that the variation of the actual configuration mode of the coordinate input device can be increased. As a result, an appropriate type of coordinate detection sensor can be selected according to conditions such as application and cost.

[Modification example]
In the above-described embodiment, the controller 200 has been described as having a function of transmitting coordinate data to an external electronic device, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the controller 200 may have a transmission / reception function and may communicate with each other with an external electronic device. Thereby, for example, when the coordinate data cannot be properly received on the external electronic device side, the coordinate data can be requested to be retransmitted and the coordinate data can be retransmitted.

Further, it is also possible to transmit a coordinate data provision request from the external electronic device side, and to transmit the coordinate data from the coordinate input devices 1, 5, and 5A in response to the provision request. In this case, software for realizing the function may be mounted on the external electronic device and the controller 200 of the coordinate input devices 1, 5, and 5A.

Further, in the above-described embodiment, the power is turned on / off through the operation buttons, but the part for turning on the power can be divided into several parts. For example, if there is no target external electronic device in the immediate vicinity, there is no need to transmit coordinate data. For this reason, it is possible to provide a mode in which power is not supplied to the transmission unit 203 or the like that realizes the transmission function and a mode in which power is supplied as a whole, and these modes can be used properly.

For example, if the operation button is pressed once, power is not supplied to the circuit portion that realizes the transmission function, but power is supplied to the other circuit portions. Also, if the operation button is pressed twice, power will be supplied to all circuit parts. It is possible to control the power on. In this case, when the transmission function is not activated, only the LED 208 is turned on, and when the power is supplied to the whole, the LED 208 and the LED 209 are turned on to notify the user of the power mode. Further, when the coordinate data is transmitted, for example, by controlling the LEDs 208 and 209 to blink, the user can be notified when the coordinate data is being transmitted.

Further, in the case of the above-described embodiment, the case where the tablet PC and the coordinate input device are used in combination 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, a desktop personal computer, a notebook personal computer, a high-performance mobile phone terminal called a smartphone, or the like can be used in combination with the coordinate input device of the present invention.

1 ... Coordinate input device, 1A ... Upper cover (upper plate), 1B, 1BX ... Sensor unit, 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 terminal, 207 ... Operation button, 208, 209 ... LED, 300 ... Battery, 5, 5A ... Cover type coordinate input device, 51 ... Coordinate detection sensor placement unit, 52, 52A ... Tablet PC mounting part, 53 ... Back Cover, 54 ... Electronic pen holder, 55 ... Hook, 56 ... Band, 57 ... Holder, 58 ... Sleeve, 2, 9 ... Electronic pen, 3 ... Notepad, 8 ... Binder

Claims (17)

A sensor unit that detects coordinates according to the position indicated by the electronic pen,
An upper plate covering the input surface side of the sensor unit facing the electronic pen, and
A shield sheet provided so as to cover the entire surface of the sensor unit on the side opposite to the input surface side and having conductivity and magnetism.
A coordinate data forming unit that forms coordinate data based on the detection output of the sensor unit by a user's operation input via the upper plate, and a coordinate data forming unit.
The transmitting antenna, the operation button, and the light emitting element are connected, and are arranged so as to face the sensor unit with the shield sheet in between, and hold the coordinate data formed by the coordinate data forming unit, and hold the external device. Equipped with a controller that controls to transmit wirelessly to
The transmitting antenna connected to the controller is formed of a flat conductor, is arranged on the same substrate as the controller, and is arranged outside the area covered by the shield sheet.
A coordinate input device characterized in that the operation button and the light emitting element connected to the controller are arranged outside the area covered by the shield sheet. The coordinate input device according to claim 1.
A storage unit for accumulating the coordinate data formed by the coordinate data forming unit is provided.
The controller is a coordinate input device characterized in that the coordinate data stored in the storage unit is controlled to be transmitted to an external device. The coordinate input device according to claim 2.
The controller is a coordinate input device that controls to transmit the coordinate data stored in the storage unit when the operation button is operated. The coordinate input device according to claim 1.
The controller is a coordinate input device characterized by transmitting the coordinate data by radio waves. The coordinate input device according to claim 1.
A coordinate input device characterized in that a battery that supplies power to the coordinate data forming unit and the controller is arranged so as to face the sensor unit with the shield sheet interposed therebetween. The coordinate input device according to claim 1.
A coordinate input device characterized in that 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 capable of mounting a handwriting recording body on the sensor input surface of the sensor unit facing the electronic pen. The coordinate input device according to claim 7 .
When the handwriting recording body is attached, the operation unit having the operation button and the light emitting element is provided so as to be positioned on the upper plate surface on which the handwriting recording body is located. A coordinate input device characterized by. The coordinate input device according to claim 7.
A coordinate input device including an electronic pen mounting portion that enables mounting of the electronic pen. In the coordinate input device according to claim 7 or 8.
A coordinate input device characterized in that an input of a designated position is received by the electronic pen provided with a core body capable of leaving a handwriting on a handwriting recording body. The coordinate input device according to claim 1.
The upper plate can be folded in half, and the sensor unit is arranged on one surface side of the surfaces facing each other when folded in half, and the receiving unit of the signal transmitted from the transmitting antenna is arranged on the other surface side. A coordinate input device, characterized in that an electronic device having the device is arranged. The coordinate input device according to claim 1.
The upper plate can be folded in half, and the sensor unit is arranged on one surface side of the surfaces facing each other when folded in half, and the receiving unit of the signal transmitted from the transmitting antenna is arranged on the other surface side. A coordinate input device including a storage unit for storing an electronic device to be carried. The coordinate input device according to claim 11.
A coordinate input device characterized in that the operation button and the light emitting element connected to the controller are provided in the vicinity of a central portion when the upper plate is folded in half. The coordinate input device according to claim 11.
The operation button and the light emitting element connected to the controller are provided at a central portion when the one surface side and the other surface side are folded in half so as to face each other. Coordinate input device. The coordinate input device according to claim 1.
The sensor unit is a coordinate input device characterized by being of an electromagnetic induction type. The coordinate input device according to claim 1.
The sensor unit is a coordinate input device characterized by an electromagnetic induction transfer system that cooperates with the electronic pen. The coordinate input device according to claim 1.
The sensor unit is a coordinate input device characterized by being of a capacitance type.

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