Patent ID: 8749501
Filing Date: 2014-06-10
Classification: G06F

Abstract:
1. A pointer detection apparatus capable of detecting a pointed position of and a pressure applied by a pointer, comprising: a detection sensor including a plurality of first conductors disposed in a first direction, a plurality of second conductors disposed in a second direction crossing with the first direction, and a pressure sensitive material disposed between the plurality of first conductors and the plurality of second conductors and having a variable resistance characteristic; a signal supplying circuit configured to supply signals to the plurality of first conductors; and a signal detection circuit configured to carry out signal detection based on reception signals received from the plurality of second conductors and based on a reference signal level defined as a reception signal level in case a pointer is not positioned in the proximity of the detection sensor, the signal detection circuit including a switch circuit configured to selectively couple the reception signals from the plurality of second conductors to the signal detection circuit operating in a capacitive touch detection mode, and to the signal detection circuit operating in a resistive touch detection mode; wherein the switch circuit is configured to control the signal detection circuit to detect, in case the pointer is positioned in the proximity of said detection sensor or the pointer is in contact with said detection sensor, a level of the reception signal(s) received from the second conductor(s) that is decreased relative to said reference signal level to indicate variation in electrostatic capacity between the plurality of first conductors and the plurality of second conductors, and to detect, in case the pointer is pressed against said detection sensor, the level of the reception signal(s) received from the second conductor(s) that is increased, according to an amount of pressure applied by the pointer against said detection sensor, relative to said reference signal level to indicate variation in resistance characteristic between the plurality of first conductors and the plurality of second conductors.