WO2017126173A1

WO2017126173A1 - Indication body position detecting device and indication body position detecting method

Info

Publication number: WO2017126173A1
Application number: PCT/JP2016/080786
Authority: WO
Inventors: 将行庄野
Original assignee: シャープ株式会社
Priority date: 2016-01-18
Filing date: 2016-10-18
Publication date: 2017-07-27

Abstract

In time-divisional position detection, the positions of a plurality of indication bodies are detected at speeds faster than heretofore. In an indication body position detecting device (1), a control unit (35) is provided with: a position detecting unit (351), an identifying unit (352) which identifies a signal received by the position detecting unit (351) through one of selection circuits (31X and 31Y); and a changing unit (353) which changes, into the signal identified by the identifying unit (352), a signal received by the position detecting unit (351) through the other of the selection circuits (31X and 31Y).

Description

Indicator position detection apparatus and indicator position detection method

The present invention relates to position detection of a pointer, and more particularly to position detection of a pointer that employs an electrostatic coupling method.

In recent years, many position detection devices using an electrostatic coupling method have been adopted as input devices for electronic terminals such as computers and communication devices. In general, the indicator used for position indication in the position detection device is a human finger or an indicator that sends a pen-shaped predetermined signal (hereinafter referred to as “active pen”). is there. In such a position detection device, the fact that a plurality of types of indicators can be used at the same time is a factor that greatly improves convenience.

As a conventional technique for simultaneously detecting such a plurality of types of indicators, “indicator, position detecting device and position detecting method” described in Patent Document 1 can be cited. In the method of Patent Document 1, so-called time-division position detection in which a pen position and writing pressure detection operation (pen tablet function) and a touch position detection operation (touch panel function) are alternately repeated at a predetermined interval (for example, 10 ms). It is carried out.

Japanese Patent Gazette “Patent 5345050 gazette (released July 14, 2011)”

However, the conventional technology has the following problems. If you try to detect multiple types of active pens with different standards, that is, multiple types of active pens with different signal cycles and signal frequencies in a time-sharing manner, the detection of the touch position is delayed depending on the timing of touching the position detection device Will occur. This will be described with reference to FIG.

FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram showing a position detection operation of a conventional pointer position detection device. As shown in FIG. 9, active pens of four different standards, that is, active pens using four different frequency bands are waiting in a time-sharing manner, and sequentially scanned in the order of standards A, B, C, and D. Waiting for an active pen.

Here, “waiting” specifically means that the position detection device waits for the specific signal so as to receive only the specific signal among the signals output by the active pen.

At this time, when the active pen (standard D) that outputs the standard D signal touches the position detection device while waiting for the standard B signal output by the active pen, the touch position is maintained until the scanning of the standard B and C is finished. Cannot be detected, and the touch position can only be detected at the stage when the standard D scan is started.

アクティブ The writing quality of the active pen improves as the first touch detection becomes faster. Therefore, it is desirable to detect the first touch as fast as possible. However, as described above, when waiting simultaneously for signals output from multiple standard active pens, they will wait in a time-sharing manner. The detection speed will decrease.

In view of the above problems, an object of the present invention is to detect the positions of a plurality of active pens (indicators) at a higher speed than in the prior art in time division position detection.

A pointer position detection device according to a first aspect of the present invention includes a first selection circuit connected to a plurality of conductors arranged in a first direction extending in a second direction and intersecting the second direction, and the first direction. A second selection circuit connected to the plurality of conductors extending in the second direction and the signals output from the plurality of indicators are received via each selection circuit, and An indicator position detection device including a position detection unit for detecting a position, wherein the position detection unit identifies a signal received via one of the selection circuits, and the position detection unit includes each selection circuit. And a changing unit that changes a signal received via the other of the signals to the signal identified by the identifying unit.

A pointer position detection method according to a second aspect of the present invention includes a first selection circuit connected to a plurality of conductors arranged in a first direction extending in a second direction and intersecting the second direction, and the first direction. And a second selection circuit connected to the plurality of conductors extending in the second direction and receiving signals output from the plurality of indicators through each selection circuit, and the plurality of instructions A pointer position detection method including a position detection step for detecting a body position, wherein an identification step for identifying a signal received through one of the selection circuits in the position detection step, A change step of changing a signal received via the other of the selection circuits to the signal identified in the identification step.

According to each aspect of the present invention, there is an effect that a total period required to detect a specific indicator is shorter than that in the past.

It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the pointer position detection apparatus of Embodiment 1. It is a table | surface which shows the specification of the signal which the active pen of the indicator position detection apparatus shown by FIG. 1 outputs. 2 is a time chart showing an operation of the position detection device waiting for a signal in the pointer position detection device shown in FIG. 1. It is a timing chart which shows operation | movement when the position detection apparatus of the indicator position detection apparatus shown by FIG. 1 detects the position of an active pen. It is a flowchart which shows operation | movement of the indicator position detection apparatus shown by FIG. It is a table | surface which shows the specification of the signal which the active pen of the indicator position detection apparatus of Embodiment 2 outputs. 6 is a time chart illustrating an operation of the position detection device waiting for a signal in the pointer position detection device according to the second embodiment. It is a timing chart which shows operation | movement when the position detection apparatus of the indicator position detection apparatus of Embodiment 2 detects the position of an active pen. It is a schematic diagram which shows the position detection operation | movement of the conventional indicator position detection apparatus.

Embodiment 1
FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a pointer position detection device 1 according to the present embodiment, where (a) illustrates the overall configuration of the pointer position detection device 1, and (b) illustrates a pointer position detection device. 1 shows a configuration of a control unit 35 of one position detection device 3.

《Configuration of indicator position detection device》
As shown in FIG. 1A, the pointer position detection device 1 includes active pens 11A to 11D (pointers), a sensor unit 2, and a position detection device 3.

The sensor unit 2 includes a plurality of conductors 21X and a plurality of conductors 21Y.

The conductor 21X extends in the Y-axis direction (second direction) and is arranged in the X-axis direction (first direction). The conductor 21Y extends in the X-axis direction and is aligned in the Y-axis direction.

The position detection device 3 includes

selection circuits

31X and 31Y,

signal reception units

32X and 32Y, a control unit 35, a CPU 38, and a storage device 39.

The selection circuit 31X is connected to the plurality of conductors 21X, the signal receiving unit 32X, and the control unit 35. The selection circuit 31Y is connected to the plurality of conductors 21Y, the signal receiving unit 32Y, and the control unit 35.

The signal receiving unit 32X is connected to the selection circuit 31X and the control unit 35. The signal receiving unit 32Y is connected to the selection circuit 31Y and the control unit 35.

The control unit 35 is connected to the

selection circuits

31X and 31Y and the

signal reception units

32X and 32Y.

(Signal receiver)
Each of the

signal reception units

32X and 32Y includes an amplifier (AMP) 321, an analog / digital signal converter (ADC) 322, and a detection unit 323.

The AMP 321 of the signal receiving unit 32X is connected to the selection circuit 31X and the ADC 322. The AMP 321 of the signal receiving unit 32Y is connected to the selection circuit 31Y and the ADC 322.

The ADC 322 is connected to the AMP 321 and the detection unit 323.

The detection unit 323 is connected to the ADC 322 and the control unit 35.

The

signal receivers

32X and 32Y are connected to the storage device 39 so that information can be read and written from the storage device 39.

(Control part)
As illustrated in FIG. 1B, the control unit 35 includes a position detection unit 351, an identification unit 352, and a change unit 353.

The position detection unit 351 is connected to the

selection circuits

31X and 31Y, the

signal reception units

32X and 32Y, the identification unit 352, and the change unit 353.

The identification unit 352 is connected to the position detection unit 351 and the change unit 353.

The changing unit 353 is connected to the identifying unit 352 and the position detecting unit 351.

The position detection unit 351, the identification unit 352, and the change unit 353 are connected to the storage device 39 so that information can be read and written from the storage device 39.

<< Operation of the indicator position detection device >>
In order to detect the positions of the active pens 11A to 11D, the pointer position detection device 1 detects the position of one active pen in a certain period and then detects the position of another active pen in the next period. As described above, so-called time-division position detection is employed in which the active pen as a position detection target is switched every certain period.

FIG. 2 is a table showing the standards of signals output from the active pens 11A to 11D of the pointer position detection apparatus 1 shown in FIG.

In FIG. 2, “A” to “D” mean standards of signals output from the active pens 11A to 11D, respectively.

The “waiting cycle” means a period during which the position detection device 3 waits for signals output from the active pens 11A to 11D.

“Waiting” means that in the position detection device 3, the control unit 35 controls the

signal receiving units

32X and 32Y so that the

signal receiving units

32X and 32Y receive only specific signals.

“Signal frequency” means the frequency of the signal output from the active pens 11A to 11D.

As shown in the “A” column of FIG. 2, the position detection device 3 waits for a signal output by the active pen 11A for 10 ms. Then, the control unit 35 controls the

signal receiving units

32X and 32Y so that the

signal receiving units

32X and 32Y receive only a signal having a frequency of 0.5 MHz. The same applies to the “B” to “D” columns.

(Standby operation)
FIG. 3 is a time chart showing an operation in which the position detection device 3 waits for a signal in the pointer position detection device 1 shown in FIG.

In FIG. 3, “X” means that the control unit 35 controls the signal receiving unit 32 X so that the signal receiving unit 32 X receives only a specific signal according to the time chart of the row in which it is described. . The same applies to “Y”.

In FIG. 3, “A” indicates that the signal receiving unit according to the time chart in which the

signal receiving units

32X and 32Y describe the signal of the standard A shown in FIG. It means that the control unit 35 controls the signal receiving unit so as to receive the signal. The same applies to “B” to “D”.

As shown in FIG. 3, the control unit 35 controls the signal receiving unit 32X so that the signal receiving unit 32X receives signals of standards A and C alternately. Further, the control unit 35 controls the signal receiving unit 32Y so that the signal receiving unit 32Y alternately receives signals of standards B and D.

The above operation is called “standby mode”. As indicated by the white arrow in FIG. 3, the standby mode continues after time 0 ms.

(Operation to detect the position of a specific active pen)
FIG. 4 is a timing chart showing an operation when the position detection device 3 of the pointer position detection device 1 shown in FIG. 1A detects the position of the active pen 11D. The time axis in FIG. 4 corresponds to the time axis in FIG.

Here, after time 0 ms, the active pen 11 D is in contact with or close to the sensor unit 2.

In the period from time 0 ms to time 10 ms indicated by a white arrow in FIG. 4, the standby mode continues.

During this period, the control unit 35 controls the signal receiving unit 32X so that the signal receiving unit 32X receives a standard A signal. The control unit 35 controls the signal receiving unit 32Y so that the signal receiving unit 32Y receives a standard B signal.

Therefore, the signal receiving unit 32X does not receive the standard D signal output from the active pen 11D. Further, the signal receiving unit 32Y does not receive the signal.

On the other hand, as indicated by “Y” in the period from time 10 ms to time 11 ms, the signal receiving unit 32Y receives the standard D signal output from the active pen 11D. And the control part 35 detects the position (Y coordinate) in the Y-axis direction of the active pen 11D based on this signal.

As indicated by “X” in the period after 11 ms, the signal receiving unit 32X receives a standard D signal output from the active pen 11D. And the control part 35 detects the position (X coordinate) in the X-axis direction of the active pen 11D based on the signal.

In FIG. 4, the above operation in the period after the time 10 ms indicated by the hatched arrow is referred to as “standard D detection mode”.

<< Operation Flow of Indicator Position Detection Device >>
FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing the operation (indicator position detection method) of the indicator position detection apparatus 1 shown in FIG.

(Step S10)
In step S10, the active pens 11A to 11D start outputting signals, but are not in contact with or close to the sensor unit 2.

The position detection device 3 is in a state of waiting for signals from the active pens 11A to 11D.

(Step S11)
In step S11, the position detection unit 351 of the control unit 35 reads from the storage device 39 information representing the standard shown in FIG. 2, which is a standard of signals output from the active pens 11A to 11D.

Hereinafter, the operation when Step S11 starts to be executed from time 0 ms in the timing chart shown in FIG. 3 will be described.

The position detection unit 351 controls the signal reception unit 32X so that the signal reception unit 32X receives the standard A signal according to the timing chart of the row indicated as “X” in FIG.

Specifically, the position detection unit 351 adjusts the gain of the AMP 321 so that the ADC 322 can perform analog / digital conversion of an analog signal having a significant amplitude in the signal reception unit 32X.

Further, the position detection unit 351 adjusts the sampling frequency of the ADC 322 so that the detection unit 323 can detect a digital signal having a significant frequency in the signal reception unit 32X.

Further, the position detection unit 351 adjusts the parameters of the detection unit 323 so that the control unit 35 can receive a signal having a frequency of 0.5 MHz, a predetermined amplitude, and a predetermined phase data.

The position detecting unit 351 controls the signal receiving unit 32Y so that the signal receiving unit 32Y receives a standard B signal according to the timing chart of the row indicated as “Y” in FIG.

Specifically, the position detection unit 351 adjusts the gain of the AMP 321 so that the ADC 322 can perform analog / digital conversion of an analog signal having a significant amplitude in the signal reception unit 32Y.

Further, the position detection unit 351 adjusts the sampling frequency of the ADC 322 so that the detection unit 323 can detect a digital signal having a significant frequency in the signal reception unit 32Y.

Further, the position detection unit 351 adjusts the parameters of the detection unit 323 so that the control unit 35 can receive a signal having a frequency of 1.0 MHz, a predetermined amplitude, and a predetermined phase data.

As described above, in step S11, the position detection unit 351 assigns the frequency of the signal received by the signal receiving units on both sides in the X-axis direction and the Y-axis direction to each unit of the signal receiving unit.

(Step S12)
In step S12, the position detection unit 351 controls the selection circuit 31X so that the selection circuit 31X selects one of the plurality of conductors 21X.

Also, the position detection unit 351 controls the selection circuit 31Y so that the selection circuit 31Y selects one of the plurality of conductors 21Y.

(Step S13)
In step S13, the signal receiving unit 32X receives a signal propagated by the conductor selected by the selection circuit 31X. Then, the signal reception unit 32X stores the detection result of the detection unit 323 in step S11 and the conductor position (X coordinate) selected by the selection circuit 31X in step S12 in the storage device 39.

The signal receiving unit 32Y receives the signal propagated by the conductor selected by the selection circuit 31Y. Then, the signal reception unit 32Y stores the detection result of the detection unit 323 in step S11 and the position (Y coordinate) of the conductor selected by the selection circuit 31Y in step S12 in the storage device 39.

(Step S14)
In step S14, the position detection unit 351 determines whether the selection circuit 31X has completed selection of all of the plurality of conductors 21X and the selection circuit 31Y has completed selection of all of the plurality of conductors 21Y. judge.

If the decision result in the step S14 is NO, a step S12 is executed. If the determination result is YES, step S15 is executed.

Therefore, the selection circuit 31X completes the selection of all of the plurality of conductors 21X and the selection circuit 31Y completes the selection of all of the plurality of conductors 21Y, that is, until all of the plurality of

conductors

21X and 21Y are scanned. S12 and S13 are repeated.

(Step S15)
In step S 15, the position detection unit 351 refers to the detection result, the X coordinate, and the Y coordinate stored in the storage device 39.

(Step S16)
In step S16 (position detection step), the position detection unit 351 determines whether or not the amplitude of the detected signal exceeds a predetermined threshold in the referenced detection result, that is, whether or not the X or Y coordinate is detected (extracted). Determine whether.

If the decision result in the step S16 is NO, a step S17 is executed. If this determination result is YES, step S18 is executed.

(Step S17)
In step S17, the position detection unit 351 determines whether or not a predetermined time has elapsed since step S11 was executed.

Specifically, when the position detection unit 351 controls the signal reception unit 32X so that the signal reception unit 32X receives the signal of the standard A shown in FIG. 2 in step S11, the position detection unit 351 It is determined whether or not 10 ms, which is a standby cycle corresponding to the standard A shown in FIG.

When the position detector 351 controls the signal receiver 32Y so that the signal receiver 32Y receives the standard B signal shown in FIG. 2 in step S11, the position detector 351 executes step S11. Then, it is determined whether or not 10 ms which is a standby cycle corresponding to the standard B shown in FIG.

If the decision result in the step S17 is NO, a step S12 is executed. That is, steps S12 to S17 are repeated after the execution of step S11 until the above-described standby period elapses.

On the other hand, if the determination result of step S17 is YES, step S11 is executed as follows.

(Step S11 executed when the determination result of Step S17 is YES)
Hereinafter, an operation when step S11 starts to be executed from time 10 ms in the timing chart shown in FIG. 3 will be described.

<Operation on “X” side>
In step S11, the position detection unit 351 causes the signal reception unit 32X to receive a standard C signal, that is, an unassigned signal in the timing chart, according to the timing chart of the row indicated as “X” in FIG. The signal receiving unit 32X is controlled.

When there is no unassigned signal, the position detecting unit 351 unassigns all the signals of standards A to D, and the signal receiving unit 32X in the row marked “X” in FIG. The signal receiving unit 32X is controlled so as to repeatedly receive a signal according to the timing chart.

Further, the position detection unit 351 adjusts the parameters of the detection unit 323 so that the control unit 35 can receive a signal having a frequency of 1.5 MHz, a predetermined amplitude, and a predetermined phase data.

<Operation on “Y” side>
The position detection unit 351 receives the signal of the standard D according to the timing chart of the row described as “Y” in FIG. 3, that is, the signal reception unit 32 Y so as to receive an unassigned signal in the timing chart. 32Y is controlled.

When there is no unassigned signal, the position detecting unit 351 unassigns all the signals of standards A to D, and the signal receiving unit 32Y in the row marked “Y” in FIG. The signal receiving unit 32Y is controlled so as to repeatedly receive signals according to the timing chart.

Further, the position detection unit 351 adjusts the parameters of the detection unit 323 so that the control unit 35 can receive a signal having a frequency of 2.0 MHz, a predetermined amplitude, and a predetermined phase data.

<Summary>
Similarly, the operations of S11 to S17 are repeated. That is, as shown in FIG. 3, the same standby operation is repeated in units of 20 ms. Therefore, the position detection device 3 waits at a higher speed for all of the active pens 11A to 11D that output the signals of the standards A to D as compared with the conventional position detection device that operates as shown in FIG. Can do.

(Step S18)
Below, operation | movement of the indicator position detection apparatus 1 when it determines with the position detection part 351 having detected the Y coordinate of active pen 11D in step S16 is demonstrated.

Step S18 starts to be executed from, for example, time 11 ms in the timing chart shown in FIG.

In step S18 (identification step / change step), the position detection unit 351 transmits information indicating that the Y coordinate of the active pen 11D has been detected to the identification unit 352 of the control unit 35.

Based on this information, the identification unit 352 identifies that the signal received by the position detection unit 351 via the selection circuit 31Y is a standard D signal.

That is, the identification unit 352 identifies the signal output by the active pen 11D received by the position detection unit 351 via one of the

selection circuits

31X and 31Y.

Then, the identification unit 352 transmits information representing the identification result to the changing unit 353 of the control unit 35.

Based on this information, the changing unit 353 changes the signal received by the position detecting unit 351 via the selection circuit 31X from the standard C signal to the standard D signal identified by the identifying unit 352.

That is, the changing unit 353 receives the signal received by the position detecting unit 351 via the other of the

selection circuits

31X and 31Y (the selection circuit that is not the selection circuit that propagates the signal identified by the identification unit 352). Is changed to the signal of the standard D which is the type identified by.

Then, the changing unit 353 transmits information indicating the identification result to the position detecting unit 351.

Based on this information, the position detection unit 351 determines whether or not there is an X coordinate in which the amplitude of the detected signal of the standard D exceeds a predetermined threshold value in step S23 to be described later. To control.

As described above, in step S18, the position detection unit 351 determines the frequency of the signal received by the signal reception unit on one side in the X-axis direction or the Y-axis direction (X-axis direction side in the example of this embodiment). Assigned to each part of the signal receiver.

(Step S19)
In step S19, the position detection unit 351 controls the selection circuit 31X so that the selection circuit 31X selects one of the plurality of conductors 21X.

(Step S20)
In step S20, the signal receiving unit 32X receives a signal propagated by the conductor selected by the selection circuit 31X. The signal reception unit 32X stores the detection result of the detection unit 323 and the position (X coordinate) of the conductor selected by the selection circuit 31X in step S12 in the storage device 39.

(Step S21)
In step S21, the position detection unit 351 determines whether the selection circuit 31X has completed selection of all of the plurality of conductors 21X.

If the decision result in the step S21 is NO, a step S19 is executed. If the determination result is YES, step S22 is executed.

Therefore, the selection circuit 31X completes the selection of all of the plurality of conductors 21X and the selection circuit 31Y completes the selection of all of the plurality of conductors 21Y, that is, until all of the plurality of conductors 21X are scanned. S20 is repeated.

(Step S22)
In step S 22, the position detection unit 351 refers to the detection result stored in the storage device 39 and the X coordinate.

(Step S23)
In step S23 (position detection step), the position detection unit 351 extracts (detects) whether or not there is an X coordinate in which the amplitude of the detected signal exceeds a predetermined threshold in the referenced detection result, that is, the X coordinate. Determine whether or not.

If the decision result in the step S23 is NO, a step S24 is executed. If the determination result is YES, step S25 is executed.

(Step S24)
In step S24, the position detector 351 determines whether or not a predetermined time has elapsed since step S18 was executed.

Specifically, when the position detection unit 351 controls the signal reception unit 32X so that the signal reception unit 32X receives the signal of the standard D shown in FIG. 2 in step S18, the position detection unit 351 It is determined whether or not 10 ms, which is a standby cycle corresponding to the standard D shown in FIG. 2, has elapsed since S18 was executed.

If the decision result in the step S24 is NO, a step S19 is executed. That is, steps S19 to S24 are repeated until the above-described standby period elapses after step S18 is executed.

On the other hand, if the decision result in the step S24 is YES, the step S11 is repeatedly executed. At this time, the position detection unit 351 controls the

signal reception units

32X and 32Y so that the

signal reception units

32X and 32Y receive unassigned signals in the timing chart shown in FIG.

(Step S25)
In step S15, one of the X and Y coordinates (Y coordinate in the example of this embodiment) is detected, and the other of the X and Y coordinates (X coordinate in the example of this embodiment) is detected in step S22.

Therefore, in step S25, the detection of the X and Y coordinates of the position where the active pen 11D touches the sensor unit 2 is completed in a period from time 11 ms to time 20 ms (time 10 several ms) shown in FIG.

<< Effect of this embodiment >>
In the conventional time-sharing method, as the total number of active pens increases, the number of times the active pen to be detected is switched every time the fixed period elapses, so it is necessary to detect a specific active pen. The total period becomes longer.

On the other hand, according to the present embodiment, the changing unit 353 identifies the time when the identifying unit 352 identifies a signal output from one of the active pens 11A to 11D (the active pen 11D in the example of the present embodiment) (this embodiment). In the example of FIG. 4, the signal received by the position detection unit 351 can be changed to the signal at time 11 ms in FIG. Therefore, in the time division position detection, the number of times of switching the active pen to be detected in a certain period is reduced. For this reason, the total period required to detect a specific active pen is shorter than before.

(Comparison with conventional technology)
For example, in the prior art shown in FIG. 9, the active pen to be detected is switched four times from “A” to “D” in a certain period until the active pen 11D is detected. If the periods “A” to “D” are each 10 ms, the total period required until the active pen 11D is detected is 30 ms.

On the other hand, for example, in the present embodiment shown in FIG. 4, it is only necessary to switch the active pen to be detected for a certain period of time at the

signal reception units

32X and 32Y at most three times until the active pen 11D is detected. At this time, the total period required until the active pen 11D is detected is 11 ms, which is shorter than the conventional one.

(Summary)
As described above in detail, according to the present embodiment, the first touch detection is performed at high speed by waiting for an active pen signal of a different frequency band on the signal receiving unit 32X side and the signal receiving unit 32Y side. Can be

That is, on the X side and the Y side of the sensor unit 2, an independent pen of a different standard is searched for by scanning independently. By receiving the signals of the active pens of multiple standards waiting simultaneously at the X side and the Y side of the sensor unit 2 in parallel, the detection speed can be reduced to 1/2 even in the worst case.

Furthermore, the more the standards await at the same time, the greater the above effects.

(Total number of indicators)
In the example of the present embodiment, the total number of active pens in the pointer position detection apparatus 1 is four. However, this total number may be four or more, or two or three.

(Conductor direction)
In the sensor unit 2, the direction in which the

conductors

21X and 21Y are arranged is not limited to the direction shown in FIG. The conductor 21X extends in the second direction and is aligned in the first direction intersecting the second direction, and the conductor 21Y extends in the first direction and is aligned in the second direction. May be.

(Identification based on frequency)
As shown in FIG. 2, the position detection unit 351 receives a plurality of signals having different frequencies. Then, the identification unit 352 identifies these signals based on the frequency of these signals.

Thus, for example, the active pens 11A to 11D to be detected can be switched reliably using a filter for an electric signal.

(Simultaneous waiting for multiple signals)
As shown in FIG. 4, from time 0 ms to time 10 ms, the position detection unit 351 receives the standard D signal (first signal) via the selection circuit 31X and the standard A signal via the selection circuit 31Y. (Second signal) is received at the same time.

Then, after time 10 ms, the identification unit 352 identifies the standard D signal.

Thereby, the identification unit 352 can identify each signal at a higher speed than the conventional identification unit that sequentially identifies each signal received by the position detection unit 351 as shown in FIG.

(Standby change immediately after identification)
As shown in FIG. 4, the changing unit 353 receives the standard C signal received by the position detecting unit 351 via the selection circuit 31X immediately after the identifying unit 352 identifies the signal (time 11 ms). Is changed to the signal of the standard D identified.

Thereby, the changing unit 353 changes the signal received by the position detecting unit 351 from the standard C signal to the standard D signal immediately after the identifying unit 352 identifies the standard D signal output from the active pen 11D. it can. For this reason, the total period required until the active pen 11D is detected is shorter than that of the conventional art.

(Number of waiting signals)
As shown in FIG. 3, the types of signals received by the position detection unit 351 via the

selection circuits

31X and 31Y are different from each other.

The number of signals received by the position detection unit 351 via the selection circuit 31X is two. The number of signals received by the position detection unit 351 via the selection circuit 31Y is two.

Further, the identification unit 352 identifies a signal received by the position detection unit 351 via only the selection circuit 31X.

Here, as shown in FIG. 9, in the conventional technique, the number of signals identified by the identification unit that sequentially identifies each signal received by the position detection unit is four.

On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 3, in the present embodiment, the number of signals identified by the identification unit 352 is two.

Thus, the number of signals identified by the identification unit 352 is at most half the number of signals identified by the conventional identification unit. Therefore, the total period required to detect the active pen 11D is surely shorter than in the past.

[Embodiment 2]
In the following, for convenience of explanation, members having the same functions as those described in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals and description thereof is omitted.

<< Configuration and operation of indicator position detection apparatus >>
FIG. 6 is a table showing standards of signals output from the active pens 11A to 11D of the pointer position detection apparatus of the present embodiment.

The pointer position detection device of the present embodiment has the same configuration as the pointer position detection device 1 shown in FIG. However, the standard of signals output from the active pens 11A to 11D is different from the standard shown in FIG. 2 and is the standard shown in FIG.

(Standby operation)
FIG. 7 is a time chart showing an operation of the position detection device 3 waiting for a signal in the pointer position detection device of the present embodiment.

In FIG. 7, “X” means that the control unit 35 controls the signal receiving unit 32 X so that the signal receiving unit 32 X receives only a specific signal according to the time chart of the row in which it is described. . The same applies to “Y”.

In FIG. 7, “A” indicates that the signal receiving unit on the side of the

signal receiving units

32X and 32Y receiving the signal of the standard A shown in FIG. 6 in the time zone in which it is described. Thus, it means that the control unit 35 controls the signal receiving unit. The same applies to “B” to “D”.

As shown in FIG. 7, the control unit 35 controls the signal receiving unit 32X so that the signal receiving unit 32X sequentially receives signals of standards A, D, B, and C. Further, the control unit 35 controls the signal receiving unit 32Y so that the signal receiving unit 32Y sequentially receives signals of standards B, C, A, and D.

The above operation is called “standby mode”. As shown by the white arrow in FIG. 7, the standby mode continues after time 0 ms.

(Operation to detect the position of a specific active pen)
FIG. 8 is a timing chart showing an operation when the position detection device 3 of the pointer position detection device of the present embodiment detects the position of the active pen 11C. The time axis in FIG. 8 corresponds to the time axis in FIG.

Here, after time 0 ms, the active pen 11 C is in contact with or close to the sensor unit 2.

In the period from time 0 ms to time 5 ms indicated by a white arrow in FIG. 8, the standby mode is continued.

Therefore, the signal receiving unit 32X does not receive the standard C signal output from the active pen 11C. Further, the signal receiving unit 32Y does not receive the signal.

On the other hand, as indicated by “Y” in the period from time 5 ms to time 6 ms, the signal receiving unit 32Y receives the standard C signal output by the active pen 11C. And the control part 35 detects the position (Y coordinate) in the Y-axis direction of the active pen 11C based on this signal.

As indicated by “X” in the period after 6 ms, the signal receiving unit 32X receives the standard C signal output from the active pen 11D. And the control part 35 detects the position (X coordinate) in the X-axis direction of the active pen 11C based on the signal.

In FIG. 8, the above operation in the period after the time 5 ms indicated by the hatched arrow is referred to as “standard C detection mode”.

<< Operation Flow of Indicator Position Detection Device >>
The pointer position detection apparatus of the present embodiment operates as shown in the flowchart of FIG.

(Step S11)
In step S11, the position detection unit 351 of the control unit 35 reads from the storage device 39 information representing the standard shown in FIG. 6, which is a standard of signals output from the active pens 11A to 11D.

Hereinafter, the operation when Step S11 starts to be executed from time 0 ms in the timing chart shown in FIG. 7 will be described.

The position detection unit 351 controls the signal reception unit 32X so that the signal reception unit 32X receives a standard A signal according to the timing chart of the row indicated as “X” in FIG.

The position detecting unit 351 controls the signal receiving unit 32Y so that the signal receiving unit 32Y receives the standard B signal according to the timing chart of the row indicated as “Y” in FIG.

conductors

21X and 21Y are scanned. S12 and S13 are repeated.

(Step S16)
In step S16, the position detection unit 351 determines whether or not the amplitude of the detected signal exceeds a predetermined threshold in the referenced detection result, that is, whether or not the X or Y coordinate is detected (extracted).

Specifically, when the position detector 351 controls the signal receiver 32X so that the signal receiver 32X receives the standard A signal shown in FIG. 6 in step S11, the position detector 351 It is determined whether or not 10 ms, which is a standby cycle corresponding to the standard A shown in FIG. 6, has elapsed since S11 was executed.

In step S11, when the position detection unit 351 controls the signal reception unit 32Y so that the signal reception unit 32Y receives the signal of the standard B shown in FIG. 6, the position detection unit 351 executes step S11. Then, it is determined whether or not 5 ms which is a standby cycle corresponding to the standard B shown in FIG. 6 has elapsed.

If any of the determination results in step S17 is NO, step S12 is executed. That is, steps S12 to S17 are repeated after the execution of step S11 until the above-described standby period elapses.

(Step S11 executed when the determination result of Step S17 is YES)
<Operation on “Y” side>
Hereinafter, an operation when step S11 starts to be executed from time 5 ms in the timing chart shown in FIG. 7 will be described.

The position detection unit 351 receives the signal of the standard C according to the timing chart of the row described as “Y” in FIG. 7, that is, the signal reception unit 32 Y so as to receive an unassigned signal in the timing chart. 32Y is controlled.

When there are no unassigned signals, the position detection unit 351 unassigns all signals of the standards A to D, and the signal reception unit 32Y displays the line “Y” in FIG. The signal receiving unit 32Y is controlled so as to repeatedly receive signals according to the timing chart.

The processing described below is executed from time 10 ms in the timing chart shown in FIG.

The position detection unit 351 receives the signal of the standard A according to the timing chart of the row described as “Y” in FIG. 7, that is, the signal reception unit 32 Y so as to receive an unassigned signal in the timing chart. 32Y is controlled.

<Operation on “X” side>
In step S11, the position detection unit 351 causes the signal reception unit 32X to receive a standard D signal, that is, an unassigned signal in the timing chart, according to the timing chart of the row described as “X” in FIG. The signal receiving unit 32X is controlled.

When there is no unassigned signal, the position detector 351 unassigns all signals of the standards A to D, and the signal receiver 32X in the row marked “X” in FIG. The signal receiving unit 32X is controlled so as to repeatedly receive a signal according to the timing chart.

<Summary>
Similarly, the operations of S11 to S17 are repeated. That is, as shown in FIG. 7, the same standby operation is repeated in units of 30 ms. Therefore, the position detection device 3 waits at a higher speed for all of the active pens 11A to 11D that output the signals of the standards A to D as compared with the conventional position detection device that operates as shown in FIG. Can do.

(Step S18)
Below, operation | movement of the indicator position detection apparatus 1 when it determines with the position detection part 351 having detected the Y coordinate of the active pen 11C in step S16 is demonstrated.

Step S18 starts to be executed from, for example, 6 ms in the timing chart shown in FIG.

In step S18, the position detection unit 351 transmits information indicating that the Y coordinate of the active pen 11C has been detected to the identification unit 352 of the control unit 35.

Based on this information, the identification unit 352 identifies that the signal received by the position detection unit 351 via the selection circuit 31Y is a standard C signal.

That is, the identification unit 352 identifies the signal output by the active pen 11C received by the position detection unit 351 via one of the

selection circuits

31X and 31Y.

Based on this information, the changing unit 353 changes the signal received by the position detecting unit 351 via the selection circuit 31X from the standard A signal to the standard C signal that is the signal identified by the identifying unit 352.

selection circuits

31X and 31Y (the selection circuit that is not the selection circuit that propagates the signal identified by the identification unit 352). The signal is changed to a standard C signal which is the type identified by.

(Step S23)
In step S23, the position detection unit 351 determines whether or not there is an X coordinate in which the amplitude of the detected signal exceeds a predetermined threshold in the referenced detection result, that is, whether or not the X coordinate is extracted (detected). judge.

Specifically, when the position detection unit 351 controls the signal reception unit 32X so that the signal reception unit 32X receives the signal of the standard C shown in FIG. 6 in step S18, the position detection unit 351 It is determined whether or not 5 ms, which is a standby cycle corresponding to the standard C shown in FIG. 6, has elapsed since S18 was executed.

On the other hand, if the decision result in the step S24 is YES, the step S11 is repeatedly executed. At this time, the position detector 351 controls the

signal receivers

32X and 32Y so that the

signal receivers

32X and 32Y receive unassigned signals in the timing chart shown in FIG.

Therefore, in step S25, the detection of the X and Y coordinates of the position where the active pen 11C touches the sensor unit 2 is completed in the period from time 6 ms to time 10 ms (less than time 10 ms) shown in FIG.

<< Effect of this embodiment >>
According to the present embodiment, the changing unit 353 identifies the time when the identifying unit 352 identified a signal output from one of the active pens 11A to 11D (the active pen 11D in the example of the present embodiment) (example of the present embodiment). Then, at time 6 ms) in FIG. 8, the signal received by the position detection unit 351 can be changed to the signal. Therefore, in the time division position detection, the number of times of switching the active pen to be detected in a certain period is reduced. For this reason, the total period required to detect a specific active pen is shorter than before.

(Simultaneous waiting for multiple signals)
As shown in FIG. 8, from time 0 ms to time 5 ms, the position detector 351 receives the standard B signal (first signal) via the selection circuit 31Y and the standard A signal via the selection circuit 31X. (Second signal) is received at the same time.

In addition, from time 5 ms to time 10 ms, the position detector 351 receives the standard C signal (third signal) via the selection circuit 31Y and receives the standard C signal (second signal) via the selection circuit 31X. Reception is performed at the same time.

Then, after time 5 ms, the identification unit 352 identifies the standard C signal.

Thus, the period for receiving the standard B signal (5 ms) may be shorter than the period for receiving the standard A signal (10 ms). At this time, it is preferable that other signals can be received outside the period for receiving the signal of the standard A.

According to the present embodiment, in addition to the reception of the standard B and standard A signals, the reception of the standard C and standard A signals can be performed at the same time, so that each signal received by the position detection unit 351 as shown in FIG. Each signal can be identified at a higher speed than the conventional identification unit that sequentially identifies.

[Embodiment 3]
<Examples of software implementation and their effects>
The control unit 35 of the position detection device 3 of the indicator position detection device 1 shown in FIG. 1A may be realized by a logic circuit (hardware) formed in an integrated circuit (IC chip) or the like. Alternatively, it may be realized by software using a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 38.

In the latter case, the position detection device 3 includes a CPU 38 for executing instructions of a program which is software for realizing each function, and a ROM (Read Only Memory) in which the above-described program and various data are recorded so as to be readable by the computer (or CPU) ) Or a storage device 39 (these are referred to as “recording media”), a RAM (Random Access Memory) that expands the above-described program, and the like. And the objective of this invention is achieved when a computer (or CPU38) reads the above-mentioned program from the above-mentioned recording medium, and runs it. As the above-described recording medium, a “non-temporary tangible medium” such as a tape, a disk, a card, a semiconductor memory, a programmable logic circuit, or the like can be used. Further, the above-described program may be supplied to the above-described computer via any transmission medium (such as a communication network or a broadcast wave) that can transmit the program. The present invention can also be realized in the form of a data signal embedded in a carrier wave in which the above-described program is embodied by electronic transmission.

Thereby, the pointer position detection apparatus 1 can be operated by software as shown in FIG.

[Summary]
A pointer position detection apparatus 1 according to aspect 1 of the present invention includes:
A first selection circuit 31X connected to a plurality of conductors 21X extending in the second direction (Y-axis direction) and arranged in the first direction (X-axis direction) intersecting with the direction;
A second selection circuit 31Y connected to a plurality of conductors 21Y extending in the first direction and arranged in the second direction;
A position detection unit 351 that receives signals output from the plurality of indicators (active pens 11A to 11D) via each selection circuit and detects the positions of the plurality of indicators;
An indicator position detecting device comprising:
An identification unit 352 for identifying a signal received by the position detection unit via one of the selection circuits;
A change unit 353 that changes a signal received by the position detection unit via the other of the selection circuits into a signal identified by the identification unit;
Is further provided.

The position detector detects the position of the indicator in the first direction from the position information received via the first selection circuit, and also detects the position of the indicator in the second direction from the position information received via the second selection circuit. The position at is detected. And the indicator position detection apparatus detects the position of an indicator by providing a position detection part.

Conventionally, in order to detect the positions of a plurality of indicators, the position of one indicator is detected in a certain period, and then the position of another indicator is detected in the next certain period. A so-called time-division method is employed in which the indicator to be detected is switched every time.

However, in the conventional time-division method, when the total number of indicators increases, the number of times the indicator to be detected in a certain period is switched every time the certain period elapses, so a specific indicator is detected. The total period required for is increased.

According to the above configuration, the changing unit can change the signal received by the position detecting unit to the signal after the identifying unit identifies the signal output from the indicator. Therefore, in the time division position detection, the number of times of switching the indicator to be detected is reduced. For this reason, the total period required to detect a specific indicator becomes shorter than before.

In the pointer position detection device according to aspect 2 of the present invention, in aspect 1,
The position detection unit receives a plurality of signals having different frequencies,
The identification unit desirably identifies the signal based on the frequency of the signal.

According to the above configuration, for example, a filter for an electric signal can be used to reliably switch the indicator to be detected.

In the pointer position detection device according to aspect 3 of the present invention, in aspect 1 or 2,
The position detector is
Receiving the first signal via one of the selection circuits;
Receiving a second signal via the other of each selection circuit;
At the same time,
It is desirable that the identification unit identify one of the first and second signals.

According to the above configuration, the identification unit can identify each signal at a higher speed than the conventional identification unit that sequentially identifies each signal received by the position detection unit.

In the pointer position detection device according to aspect 4 of the present invention, in aspect 1 or 2,
The position detector is
Receiving the first signal via one of the selection circuits;
Receiving a second signal via the other of each selection circuit;
At the same time,
Receiving a third signal via one of the selection circuits;
Receiving a second signal via the other of each selection circuit;
At the same time,
It is desirable that the identification unit identify one of the first to third signals.

For example, the period during which the position detection unit receives the first signal may be shorter than the period during which the second signal is received. At this time, it is preferable that other signals can be received outside the period of receiving the first signal.

According to the above configuration, in addition to the reception of the first and second signals, the third signal and the second signal can be received at the same time, so that the position detection unit further identifies each signal received sequentially than the conventional identification unit. Each signal can be identified at high speed.

In the pointer position detection device according to aspect 5 of the present invention, in any one aspect of aspects 1 to 4,
The change unit preferably changes the signal received by the position detection unit via the other of the selection circuits to the signal identified by the identification unit immediately after the identification unit identifies the signal.

According to the above configuration, the changing unit can change the signal received by the position detecting unit to the signal immediately after the identifying unit identifies the signal output from the indicator. For this reason, the total period required to detect a specific indicator becomes even shorter than before.

In the pointer position detection device according to aspect 6 of the present invention, in any one aspect of aspects 1 to 5,
The types of signals received by the position detection unit via each selection circuit are different from each other,
The number of signals received by the position detection unit via one of the selection circuits is the same as the number of signals received by the position detection unit via the other of the selection circuits.
The identification unit desirably identifies a signal received by the position detection unit via only one of the selection circuits.

According to the above configuration, the number of signals identified by the identification unit is at most half the number of signals identified by the conventional identification unit that sequentially identifies each signal received by the position detection unit. Therefore, the total period required to detect a specific indicator is surely shorter than in the past.

A pointer position detection method according to aspect 7 of the present invention includes:
A first selection circuit 31X connected to a plurality of conductors 21X extending in the second direction (Y-axis direction) and arranged in the first direction (X-axis direction) intersecting with the direction;
A second selection circuit 31Y connected to a plurality of conductors 21Y extending in the first direction and arranged in the second direction;
Use
A pointer position detection method including position detection steps S16 and S23 for receiving signals output from a plurality of pointers (active pens 11A to 11D) via each selection circuit and detecting the positions of the plurality of pointers. Because
An identification step S18 for identifying a signal received via one of the selection circuits in the position detection step;
A change step S18 for changing the signal received via the other of the selection circuits in the position detection step to the signal identified in the identification step;
Further included.

Each unit included in the pointer position detection device according to any one of the first to sixth aspects of the present invention may be realized by a computer. At this time, by causing the computer to operate as these units (software elements), a program for realizing the indicator position detection device by the computer and a computer-readable recording medium on which the program is recorded are also included in the scope of the present invention. enter.

[Additional Notes]
The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications are possible within the scope shown in the claims, and embodiments obtained by appropriately combining technical means disclosed in different embodiments. Is also included in the technical scope of the present invention. Furthermore, a new technical feature can be formed by combining the technical means disclosed in each embodiment.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Indicator position detection apparatus 2 Sensor part 3 Position detection apparatus 11A-11D Active pen (indicator)
21X / 21Y Conductor 31X / 31Y Selection circuit 32X / 32Y Signal receiving unit 35 Control unit 351 Position detection unit 352 Identification unit 353 Change unit S16 / S23 Position detection step S18 Identification step / change step

Claims

A first selection circuit connected to a plurality of conductors arranged in a first direction extending in the second direction and intersecting in the direction;
A second selection circuit connected to a plurality of conductors extending in the first direction and arranged in the second direction;
A position detection unit that receives signals output by the plurality of indicators via each selection circuit and detects positions of the plurality of indicators;
An indicator position detecting device comprising:
An identification unit for identifying a signal received by the position detection unit via one of the selection circuits;
A change unit that changes the signal received by the position detection unit via the other of the selection circuits into a signal identified by the identification unit;
The indicator position detecting device further comprising:
The position detector is
Receiving the first signal via one of the selection circuits;
Receiving a second signal via the other of each selection circuit;
At the same time,
The indicator position detection device according to claim 1, wherein the identification unit identifies one of the first and second signals.
The position detector is
Receiving the first signal via one of the selection circuits;
Receiving a second signal via the other of each selection circuit;
At the same time,
Receiving a third signal via one of the selection circuits;
Receiving a second signal via the other of each selection circuit;
At the same time,
The indicator position detection apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the identification unit identifies one of the first to third signals.
The change unit changes a signal received by the position detection unit via the other of the selection circuits to a signal identified by the identification unit immediately after the identification unit identifies the signal. Item 4. The pointer position detection device according to any one of Items 1 to 3.
A first selection circuit connected to a plurality of conductors arranged in a first direction extending in the second direction and intersecting in the direction;
A second selection circuit connected to a plurality of conductors extending in the first direction and arranged in the second direction;
Use
Including a position detection step of receiving signals output by the plurality of indicators via each selection circuit and detecting the positions of the plurality of indicators;
A pointer position detection method comprising:
An identification step for identifying a signal received via one of the selection circuits in the position detection step;
A change step of changing the signal received via the other of each selection circuit in the position detection step to the signal identified in the identification step;
A pointer position detection method, further comprising: