Position detection device and control method for position detection sensor

A position detection device includes an accommodation portion, a planar coil, a first control circuit, and a first detection circuit. The accommodation portion accommodates therein an electronic pen having a position indication coil wound in an axial direction of the electronic pen. The planar coil is disposed adjacent to the accommodation portion at a position at which a center axis direction of the planar coil crosses the axial direction of the electronic pen while the electronic pen is accommodated in the accommodation portion. The first control circuit performs control such that supply of a signal to the planar coil and reception of a signal through the planar coil by electromagnetic induction are performed alternately. The first detection circuit detects a state regarding accommodation of the electronic pen in the accommodation portion in accordance with a presence or an absence of a signal received through the planar coil.

BACKGROUND

1. Technical Field of the

The present disclosure relates to a position detection device which includes a position detection sensor and is used as an inputting device for various information terminals and a control method for a position detection sensor used in the position detection device.

2. Description of the Related Art

A large number of mobile information terminals in which a touch panel is incorporated such as a high function mobile phone terminal called smartphone or a tablet personal computer (PC) have been provided. A touch panel is an electronic part in which a display unit such as a liquid crystal display unit and a position detection device including a position detection sensor or a position detection circuit are combined. The touch panel allows various operation inputs by a touch operation by a finger of a user or the like.

As a position detection sensor (hereinafter referred to simply as sensor), a sensor of the capacitive type and a sensor of the electromagnetic induction type are available. The capacitive type sensor detects a variation of the capacitance between an indicator and a plurality of conductors provided on the sensor to detect a position indicated by the indicator. Since a finger of the user may be used as the indicator, the sensor allows a touch input by a finger. Meanwhile, in the electromagnetic induction type sensor, a signal is transferred through electromagnetic induction between an electronic pen (position indictor) for exclusive use, which has a built-in resonance circuit formed from an inductor element (coil) and a capacitor element (capacitor), and a loop coil group provided on the sensor side to detect a position indicated by the electronic pen. Since the electronic pen for exclusive use is used, a fine instruction input can be performed, and also it is possible to input information according to a writing pressure by a writing pressure detection function of the electronic pen.

Also a mobile information terminal is available which includes a sensor of the hybrid type provided with both a sensor of the capacitive type and a sensor of the electromagnetic induction type and compatible with both an input by a finger of the user and a fine input by an electronic pen for exclusive use. In a mobile information terminal in which such a hybrid type sensor as just described is incorporated, many simple operations are performed by a touch operation by a finger of the user. Therefore, to normally keep a sensor of the electromagnetic induction type in an operative state is not preferable in that it accelerates the exhaustion of the battery.

Therefore, some mobile information terminals in which a sensor of the hybrid type is incorporated includes an accommodation portion for an electronic pen in a housing such that, when an electronic pen is accommodated in the accommodation portion, the sensor of the electromagnetic induction type is kept in an inoperative state. In other words, when an electronic pen is accommodated in the accommodation portion for an electronic pen, operation only of the sensor of the capacitive type is permitted. On the other hand, if no electronic pen is accommodated in the accommodation portion for an electronic pen, at least operation of the sensor of the electromagnetic induction type is permitted. Since this makes it possible for the sensor of the electromagnetic induction type to operate only when the electronic pen is in a used state, power saving of the battery can be anticipated.

Conventionally, detection of whether or not an electronic pen is accommodated in an accommodation portion for an electronic pen provided on a mobile information terminal is performed by such a mechanical switch as disclosed, for example, in FIG. 2 of Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 1998-013893. Also it is known to incorporate a magnet in an electronic pen and provide a magnetic sensor having a configuration of a Hall element in a mobile information terminal such that detection of whether or not the electronic pen is accommodated in the accommodation portion is performed.

In recent years, it has been and is demanded for a mobile information terminal and an electronic pen to have a waterproof specification so as to withstand its use outdoors on a rainy day or around a body of water such as a sea, a river or a lake. However, where a mechanical switch for detecting whether or not such an electronic pen as described above is accommodated is to be provided in an accommodation portion for an electronic pen on a mobile information terminal, since a gap is generated at a portion which operates as the switch, it is difficult to have the waterproof specification. Also, where a magnet is incorporated in an electronic pen and a magnetic sensor is provided on a mobile information terminal side, the magnet incorporated in the electronic pen has an influence on the resonance circuit of the electronic pen, a circuit portion of the sensor side for position detection and so forth or a circuit portion of the mobile information terminal side has an influence on the magnetic sensor, which is not preferable.

Thus, it seems advisable to adopt such a countermeasure that a coil is disposed in an accommodation portion for an electronic pen in such a manner as to cover a coil which is built in the electronic pen such that it is detected through electromagnetic induction whether or not the electronic pen is accommodated in the accommodation portion. In particular, as depicted inFIG. 10A, an accommodation portion203for an electronic pen which has an opening202is provided on a housing of a mobile information terminal200in which a touch panel201is incorporated, and a coil204is provided at a position of an inner wall of the accommodation portion203at which, when an electronic pen is accommodated in the accommodation portion203, the coil204covers a coil built in the electronic pen.

A case is considered in which an electronic pen300is accommodated into the accommodation portion203for an electronic pen. In this case, the electronic pen300is inserted into the inside of the coil204disposed in the accommodation portion203as indicated by an arrow mark inFIG. 10Bsuch that the coil204covers a coil301of the electronic pen300. Then, a signal is transmitted from the coil204within a fixed period, and within a later fixed period, a signal from the coil301which is a component of a resonance circuit of the electronic pen300is received. In this case, if a transmission signal from the electronic pen300can be received, then it can be detected that the electronic pen300is accommodated in the accommodation portion203.

However, to provide the coil204on the inner wall of the accommodation portion203for an electronic pen of the mobile information terminal200as depicted inFIG. 10Acomplicates the fabrication process or may possibly result in increase of the thickness of the mobile information terminal. The fabrication process preferably is simplified as far as possible, and in recent years, also it is demanded to further reduce the thickness of a mobile information terminal. Therefore, a mobile information terminal is demanded to satisfy the requirement also for reduction of the thickness.

BRIEF SUMMARY

Taking the foregoing into consideration, it is an object of the present disclosure to provide a position detection device and a control method for a position detection sensor which can be suitably applied to a mobile information terminal and can achieve implementation of a waterproof specification, avoidance of complication of a fabrication process and further reduction in thickness of the mobile information terminal and also reduction of power consumption.

In order to attain the object described above, according to the present disclosure, there is provided a position detection device having an accommodation portion that accommodates therein an electronic pen having a position indication coil wound in an axial direction of the electronic pen. A planar coil is disposed adjacent to the accommodation portion at a position at which a center axis direction of the planar coil crosses the axial direction of the electronic pen while the electronic pen is accommodated in the accommodation portion, and numbers of magnetic fluxes, from among magnetic fluxes generated by the planar coil, interlinking in directions opposite to each other with the position indication coil of the electronic pen are not equal to each other. A first control circuit controls a supply process in which a first signal is supplied to the planar coil and a reception process in which a second signal is received through the planar coil by electromagnetic induction are performed alternately. A first detection circuit, in operation, detects a state regarding accommodation of the electronic pen in the accommodation portion in accordance with a presence or an absence of the second signal received through the planar coil. Such a configuration enables efficient transfer of a signal between the position indication coil of the electronic pen accommodated in the accommodation portion and the planar coil provided on the position detection device.

Further, supply of a signal to the planar coil and reception of a signal through the planar coil through electromagnetic induction are performed alternately by the first control circuit. While the electronic pen is accommodated in the accommodation portion, transfer of the first signal is performed through electromagnetic induction between the planar coil and the position indication coil of the electronic pen accommodated in the accommodation portion. Therefore, the accommodation state regarding accommodation of the electronic pen in the accommodation portion, namely, whether or not the electronic pen is accommodated in the accommodation portion, is detected by the first detection circuit in accordance with a presence or an absence of the second signal received through the planar coil.

Consequently, detection of whether or not the electronic pen is accommodated in the accommodation portion can be performed appropriately without providing a mechanical switch, a magnetic sensor or a coil formed spirally in the accommodation portion for an electronic pen of the electronic apparatus. Besides, since the planar coil is used, it is easy to implement a waterproof specification and complication of the fabrication process can be avoided and besides reduction in thickness of a mobile information terminal can be anticipated. In particular, although the planar coil is formed by winding a coated wire on a board, since it is planar in shape, reliable waterproof work can be performed readily by coating, for example, using a resist technology, an overall face of the planar coil with a resin material which does not block a signal. Further, even if waterproof work is applied, the thickness of the planar coil part does not increase significantly. Further, if a sensor of the electromagnetic induction type for detecting a position indicated by the electronic pen is rendered operative only when the electronic pen is not accommodated in the accommodation portion and may be used in high possibility, then also reduction of power consumption by an electronic apparatus in which the position detection device is incorporated can be anticipated.

According to the present disclosure, a position detection device and a control method for a position detection sensor which can be suitably applied to a mobile information terminal and can achieve, by using a planar coil, implementation of a waterproof specification, avoidance of complication of a fabrication process and further reduction in thickness of the mobile information terminal and also reduction of power consumption can be implemented.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In the following description, a position detection device and a control method for a position detection sensor according to embodiments of the present disclosure are described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

First Embodiment

[Particular Example of Electronic Apparatus]

An example of an electronic apparatus configured incorporating an inputting device including a position detection device according to the present disclosure and an electronic pen (pen type position indicator) for use with the position detection device is described with reference toFIG. 1. The electronic apparatus of the present example is a tablet PC or a high function mobile phone terminal which includes a display unit such as, for example, a liquid crystal display (LCD) unit. The electronic apparatus includes an electronic apparatus main body1in which the position detection device is incorporated, and an electronic pen2.

The electronic apparatus main body1is configured such that an LCD unit, two position detection sensors of detection types different from each other, a mother board and so forth are stacked (disposed in an overlapping relationship with each other) between a housing1A and a front panel1F. In the present embodiment, of the two position detection sensors of different detection types, one is a position detection sensor of the electromagnetic induction type and the other is a position detection sensor of the capacitive type.

An opening1FW is provided in the front panel1F. The opening1FW is set to a size equal to that of a display region of a display screen of the LCD unit and that of an operation region for accepting an input by a user using the electronic pen2or the like. Further, an accommodation portion11for accommodating therein the electronic pen2hereinafter described is provided in the housing1A of the electronic apparatus main body1such that, when the electronic pen2is not used, the electronic pen2is accommodated in the accommodation portion11.

The electronic pen2is used to input information through a position detection sensor of the magnetic induction type. The user takes out the electronic pen2accommodated in the accommodation portion11as occasion demands and perform a position indication operation on the operation region1FW using the electronic pen2. The electronic pen2is suitably used to perform inputting of fine information such as, for example, to input a figure or a picture.

Further, the electronic apparatus main body1has a position detection sensor of the capacitive type incorporated therein such that, if the user touches the operation region1FW with a finger of a hand thereof, then such operations as rendering, inputting of a hand-written character, selection of an icon or a display button and so forth can be performed.

It is assumed here that an operation is performed by the electronic pen2on the operation region1FW of the electronic apparatus main body1. In this case, the position and the writing pressure of the operation by the electronic pen2are detected by the position detection sensor of the electromagnetic induction type provided in the inside of the electronic apparatus main body1. A display control circuit (microcomputer) of the electronic apparatus main body1controls a display process on the display screen of the LCD unit in response to the detected position and writing pressure.

Similarly, it is assumed that, in the electronic apparatus, an operation is performed on the operation region1FW of the electronic apparatus main body1by a finger of a hand or the like of the user. In this case, the position indicated by the finger or the like is detected by the position detection sensor of the capacitive type provided in the inside of the electronic apparatus main body1. Then, in response to the detected indication position, the display control circuit of the electronic apparatus main body1controls a display process on the display screen of the LCD unit.

The electronic pen2interacts with the position detection sensor of the electromagnetic induction type as described above and includes, although details are hereinafter described, a coil21and a capacitor (capacitor element) which cooperate with each other to configure a resonance circuit. The coil21transfers a signal to and from the position detection sensor and is a position indication coil. In the case of the electronic apparatus main body1of the present embodiment, a planar coil160is provided on the lower side of the accommodation portion11at a position which comes in the proximity of the coil21built in the electronic pen2when the electronic pen2is accommodated in the accommodation portion11as depicted inFIG. 1.

The planar coil160and the coil21of the electronic pen2can transfer a signal through electromagnetic induction such that a state of accommodation of the electronic pen2in the accommodation portion11can be detected in response to a presence or an absence of a transmission signal from the coil21of the electronic pen2. In other words, it can be detected whether or not the electronic pen2is accommodated in the accommodation portion11. If the electronic pen2is accommodated in the accommodation portion11, then detection of a position indicated by the electronic pen2is not performed using the position detection sensor of the electromagnetic induction type thereby to implement reduction of power consumption by the electronic apparatus main body1.

Further, since the planar coil160is used, it is possible to prevent generation of a gap more easily than in a case where a mechanical switch is provided for detection of the accommodation state of an electronic pen in the accommodation portion11, and a waterproof specification can be achieved readily. Further, different from an alternative case in which the accommodation state of an electronic pen in the accommodation portion11is detected by a magnetic sensor provided in the proximity of the accommodation portion11and a magnet mounted on the electronic pen, there is no possibility that a magnet may have an influence on the position detection sensor or the like. Further, in comparison with another alternative case in which the accommodation state of an electronic pen in the accommodation portion11is detected by a spiral coil provided in the accommodation portion11, the fabrication process can be simplified, and also reduction in thickness of the electronic apparatus main body1can be anticipated.

[Example of Configuration of Electronic Pen]

Now, an example of a configuration of the electronic pen2used to indicate a position on the position detection sensor of the electromagnetic induction type incorporated in the electronic apparatus main body1depicted inFIG. 1is described.FIGS. 2A and 2Bare views depicting an example of a configuration of the electronic pen2of the present embodiment, and particularly,FIG. 2Ais a cross sectional view of the electronic pen2andFIG. 2Bis a circuit diagram depicting an equivalent circuit of the electronic pen2.

As depicted inFIGS. 2A and 2B, the electronic pen2is configured such that various components that perform an electronic pen function are incorporated in a housing23. A ferrite core22is formed, for example, from a cylindrical member of a ferrite material and has a through-hole formed at a position including a center line of an axial direction thereof (e.g., a central axis). The through-hole is formed with a predetermined diameter (for example, diameter=1 mm) and extends in the axial direction such that a bar-like core member24formed, for example, from a resin or the like is inserted therein.

The core member24is inserted in the through-hole of the ferrite core22so as to extend through the ferrite core22. In particular, the core member24is longer than the length of the ferrite core22in the axial direction. Further, a portion of the core member24inserted in the through-hole of the ferrite core22has a diameter a little smaller than the diameter of the through-hole such that the core member24can slidably move in the axial direction in the through-hole. It is to be noted that an end portion of the core member24which serves as a pen tip has a diameter a little greater than the diameter of the through-hole of the ferrite core22and has a distal end portion formed in a semispherical shape such that it can move smoothly on an operation face of a touch panel or the like.

Further, as depicted inFIG. 2A, a portion of a predetermined length of the ferrite core22including the center in the axial direction is used as a coil wound portion around which the coil21is wound along the axial direction, and the portions of the ferrite core22on the opposite sides of the predetermined length portion are used as coil non-wound portions around which no coil is wound. In other words, when the ferrite core22is viewed in the axial direction, a portion from an end portion on the pen tip side to an end portion of the coil wound portion on the pen tip side is a first coil non-wound portion around which no coil is wound. Further, a portion of the ferrite core22from the other end of the coil wound portion to an end portion on the side opposite to the pen tip side is a second coil non-wound portion around which the coil21is not wound.

Extension wires (conductor lines)21aand21bfrom the opposite ends of the coil21wound around the ferrite core22are extended to a printed board26hereinafter described on the inner side of the housing23and connected to a capacitor Cf provided on the printed board26. Consequently, a resonance circuit is configured from the coil21and the capacitor Cf on the printed board26such that a signal can be transferred through electromagnetic induction between the resonance circuit and the position detection device of the electromagnetic induction type hereinafter described.

A connection portion25is provided on the opposite side to the pen tip of the core member24and includes a molded portion25A, a writing pressure detection portion25B, a fitting portion25C and a connection terminal portion25D. The connection portion25is a portion which integrally connects a pen tip side portion configured from the coil21, ferrite core22and core member24and the printed board26and a board protection pipe27hereinafter described to each other. The molded portion25A is a portion formed cylindrically from a resin or the like, and an outer circumference of an end face of the molded portion25A on the ferrite core22side is a little greater than an outer circumference of the coil wound portion of the ferrite core22. A recessed portion is provided on the end face side of the molded portion25A opposing to the ferrite core22such that the second coil non-wound portion of the ferrite core22is fitted in the recessed portion.

Further, a core member holding portion A1, a conductive rubber member A2, a ring spacer A3, a dielectric member A4and a terminal member A5are provided in the inside of the molded portion25A as depicted inFIG. 2A. The members mentioned are sandwiched by the molded portion25A and the fitting portion25C hereinafter described and configure the writing pressure detection portion25B for detecting a writing pressure.

In particular, the core member holding portion A1is formed in a cup shape, for example, from hard rubber, and an end portion of the core member24on the side opposite to the pen tip side is inserted in and held by the core member holding portion A1. A bottom face portion of the core member holding portion A1on the opposite side to the core member24is formed in a spherical shape. Thus, the core member holding portion A1functions as a pressing portion for pressing the conductive rubber member A2in response to a writing pressure applied to the core member24.

The conductive rubber member A2has a predetermined thickness and has a same shape and a same size as those of an opposing face of the dielectric member A4. Further, a face of the conductive rubber member A2on the pen tip side is opposed to the bottom face portion of the core member holding portion A1formed in a spherical shape while the other face is opposed to one face of the dielectric member A4with the ring spacer A3interposed therebetween.

The ring spacer A3is a member formed in a ring shape and provides a gap of a magnitude equal to the thickness of the ring spacer A3between the conductive rubber member A2and the face of the dielectric member A4on the pen tip side to separate them from each other. The dielectric member A4is formed from a substance having dielectricity superior to conductivity such as, for example, a ceramic material and behaves, for a direct current (DC) voltage, as an insulator which blocks electricity. The terminal member A5having a predetermined area is provided in such a manner as to be pasted to the other face of the dielectric member A4. A variable capacitor is configured from the conductive rubber member (first electrode) A2and the terminal member (second electrode) A5between which the dielectric member A4is sandwiched.

In particular, the core member24slidably moves upwardly and downwardly along the axial direction in response to the writing pressure applied to the pen tip thereof. The core member holding portion A1pushes the conductive rubber member A2to move upwardly and downwardly in an interlocked relationship with the sliding movement of the core member24. Since a gap is provided between the conductive rubber member A2and the dielectric member A4by the ring spacer A3, the conductive rubber member A2moves toward and into contact with the dielectric member A4to vary the contact area in response to the writing pressure applied to the core member24. Consequently, the capacitance between the conductive rubber member A2and the terminal member A5between which the dielectric member A4is sandwiched varies in response to the writing pressure. It is to be noted that, when no writing pressure is applied, the conductive rubber member A2is spaced from the dielectric member A4due to the presence of the ring spacer A3.

The conductor line connected to the conductive rubber member A2and the conductor line connected to the terminal member A5pass, for example, along the outer side of the molded portion25A and the fitting portion25C and are connected to terminals of the connection terminal portion25D hereinafter described and further connected to an electronic circuit of the printed board26hereinafter described through the terminals of the connection terminal portion25D. Consequently, the electronic circuit of the printed board26can detect the writing pressure applied to the core member24as a variation of the capacitance of the variable capacitor configured in such a manner as described above.

In the present example, the writing pressure detection portion25B configured from the core member holding portion A1, conductive rubber member A2, ring spacer A3, dielectric member A4and terminal member A5is similar to a writing pressure detection unit of a known configuration disclosed, for example, in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 1993-275283. Alternatively, the writing pressure detection portion25B can be configured similarly to a writing pressure detection unit of a known configuration disclosed in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2011-186803. Also it is possible to configure the writing pressure detection portion25B using such a semiconductor element whose capacitance is variable in response to the writing pressure as disclosed, for example, in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2013-161307.

The fitting portion25C is a portion to fit with the board protection pipe27hereinafter described. The fitting portion25C is formed, for example, in a substantially cylindrical shape from a resin or hard rubber and is fitted firmly and integrally with the molded portion25A. Consequently, as described hereinabove, the core member holding portion A1, conductive rubber member A2, ring spacer A3, dielectric member A4and terminal member A5are sandwiched by the molded portion25A and the fitting portion25C, and the writing pressure detection portion25B configured from the members just described is held stably in the housing23.

Further, a recessed portion is provided on the inner side of the fitting portion25C such that a distal end portion of the printed board26hereinafter described is fitted into the recessed portion. It is to be noted that the outer diameter of the fitting portion25C is a little greater than the inner diameter of the board protection pipe27such that the fitting portion25C can fit firmly with the board protection pipe27. Thus, where the board protection pipe27is fitted with the fitting portion25C, the outer circumference of the board protection pipe27coincides with the outer circumference of the fitting portion25C or the molded portion25A.

The connection terminal portion25D is a portion formed from two upper and lower plate portions connecting to the fitting portion25C as depicted inFIG. 2A. The plate portions sandwich therebetween the printed board26hereinafter described. In this case, the distance between the two upper and lower plate portions is a little smaller than the thickness of the printed board26such that the two upper and lower plate portions can sandwich the printed board26therebetween.

One of the two plate portions, for example, the upper side plate portion inFIG. 2A, is provided such that the terminal described hereinabove to which the conductor lines from the conductive rubber member A2and the terminal member A5are connected extends from the upper side face to the lower side face of the upper side place portion surrounding an end face of the upper side place portion on the circuit board side. Consequently, when the printed board26is inserted into the connection terminal portion25D, the terminal of the upper side plate portion is automatically connected to a terminal portion of the electronic circuit provided on the printed board26.

The printed board26is formed such that terminals to the electronic circuit described hereinabove and various circuit parts configuring the electronic circuit are mounted on an insulating board of a rectangular shape and wiring lines connecting the terminals and the circuit parts to each other are provided. The various circuit parts include an integrated circuit (IC) which functions as a control circuit, a plurality of capacitors Cf and so forth. The printed board26is accommodated in the inside of and protected by the board protection pipe27as depicted inFIG. 2A.

The board protection pipe27is formed using a metal, a carbon material, a synthetic resin or the like and is a hard pipe member which is less likely to bend or curve. The board protection pipe27has a core member side opening and a rear end side opening at the opposite ends thereof. The core member side opening and the rear end side opening are opening portions extending in a direction crossing with the axial direction. The fitting portion25C of the connection portion25is inserted into and fitted with a portion of the board protection pipe27within a predetermined range from the core member side opening.

Similarly, a pipe lid28is inserted into and fitted with a portion of the board protection pipe27within a predetermined range from the rear end side opening. Also the pipe lid28has a recessed portion provided thereon in which an end portion of the printed board26is to be inserted.

Consequently, the pen tip side portion in which the core member24is inserted in the ferrite core22having the coil21wound thereon, the connection portion25, the board protection pipe27in which the printed board26is accommodated and the pipe lid28are connected integrally with each other and accommodated in the housing23thereby to configure the electronic pen2.

The electronic pen2of the present embodiment is represented by an equivalent circuit depicted inFIG. 2B. In particular, the coil21, the writing pressure detection portion25B having a configuration of a variable capacitor and the capacitor Cf on the printed board26are connected in parallel to each other to configure a resonance circuit. Consequently, the electronic pen2can transmit and receive a signal to and from the position detection device which includes a position detector sensor of the electromagnetic induction type hereinafter described.

Further, the electronic pen2of the present embodiment can transmit and receive a signal to and from the planar coil160, which is provided in the proximity of the accommodation portion11of the electronic apparatus main body1in which the electronic pen2is accommodated, through electromagnetic induction. Consequently, the electronic apparatus main body1can appropriately detect whether or not the electronic pen2is accommodated in the accommodation portion11and can control, when the electronic pen2is accommodated in the accommodation portion11, such that detection of an indication position by the position detection device of the electromagnetic induction type is not performed.

[Outline of Coordinate Detection Sensor of Electromagnetic Induction Transfer Type]

Now, an example of a circuit configuration of an embodiment of a position detection device100of the electromagnetic induction transfer type which performs detection of an indication position and a writing pressure using the electronic pen2of the electromagnetic induction transfer type described hereinabove with reference toFIGS. 2A and 2B.FIG. 3is a block diagram depicting a general configuration of the electronic pen2and an example of a circuit configuration of the position detection device100. As described hereinabove, the electronic apparatus main body1incorporates the position detection device of the electromagnetic induction type and the position detection device of the capacitive coupling type, and the position detection device100depicted inFIG. 3is incorporated as the position detection device of the electromagnetic induction type in the electronic apparatus main body1.

The electronic pen2has the pen tip side portion in which the core member24extends through the through-hole provided in the ferrite core22around which the coil21is wound, the through-hole extending at a position including the axis of the ferrite core22along the axis, as described hereinabove with reference toFIG. 2A. Further, as described hereinabove with reference toFIGS. 2A and 2B, the coil21of the electronic pen2is connected to the writing pressure detection portion25B and the capacitor Cf of the printed board26so as to configure the resonance circuit.

Meanwhile, the position detection device100is configured from a position detection circuit (main sensor unit) for detecting a position indicated by the electronic pen2and a writing pressure applied to the electronic pen2, and an accommodation sensor circuit (sub sensor unit) for detecting whether or not the electronic pen2is accommodated in the accommodation portion11. First, a configuration of the position detection circuit is described.

The position detection circuit includes a position detection sensor110which is a main sensor. The position detection sensor110is configured by providing an X-axis direction loop coil group111and a Y-axis direction loop coil group112in a stacked state. Each of the loop coil groups111and112is configured, for example, from 40 or more rectangular loop coils. The loop coils configuring each of the loop coil groups111and112are disposed in a juxtaposed relationship at equal distances and in a successively overlapping relationship with each other.

The position detection sensor110configured from the loop coil groups111and112is connected to a circuit including a reception amplifier AP, an oscillation circuit unit120, a position detection circuit130, a writing pressure detection circuit unit140and a control circuit (e.g., a central processing unit, controller, or microprocessor storing instructions for performing the processing described below)150through a selection circuit113and a switch circuit SW1. The selection circuit113is connected to the X-axis direction loop coil group111and the Y-axis direction loop coil group112. The selection circuit113selects an arbitrary one of the loop coils of the two loop coil groups111and112under the control of the control circuit150hereinafter described.

The oscillation circuit120is configured from an oscillator121and a current driver122. The oscillator121generates an alternating current (AC) signal of a frequency f0and supplies the AC signal to the current driver122and a synchronous detector141of the writing pressure detection circuit140hereinafter described. The current driver122converts the AC signal supplied thereto from the oscillator121into current and sends out the current to the switch circuit SW1. The switch circuit SW1changes over the connection destination (a transmission side terminal T or a reception side terminal R) to which a loop coil selected by the selection circuit113under the control of the control circuit150hereinafter described. Of the connection destinations, the transmission side terminal T is connected to the current driver122and the reception side terminal R is connected to the reception amplifier AP.

An induced voltage generated in a loop coil selected by the selection circuit113(a reception signal from the electronic pen2) is sent out to the reception amplifier AP through the selection circuit113and the switch circuit SW1. The reception amplifier AP amplifies the induced voltage supplied thereto from the loop coil and sends out the amplified induced voltage to a detector131of the position detection circuit unit130and the synchronous detector141of the writing pressure detection circuit unit140.

The detector131of the position detection circuit130detects an induced voltage generated in a loop coil, namely, a reception signal, and sends out the detected reception signal to a low-pass filter132. The low-pass filter132has a cutoff frequency sufficiently lower than the frequency f0, and converts an output signal of the detector131into a DC signal and sends out the DC signal to a sample and hold circuit133. The sample and hold circuit133holds a voltage value at a predetermined timing of the output signal of the low-pass filter132, particularly at a predetermined timing within a reception period, and sends out the held voltage value to an analog to digital (A/D) conversion circuit134. The A/D conversion circuit134converts an analog output of the sample and hold circuit133into a digital signal and sends out the digital signal to the control circuit150.

On the other hand, the synchronous detector141of the writing pressure detection circuit140synchronously detects an output signal of the reception amplifier AP with an AC signal from the oscillator121and sends out a signal of a level according to a phase difference between the signals to a low-pass filter142. The low-pass filter142has a cutoff frequency sufficiently lower than the frequency f0, and converts an output signal of the synchronous detector141into a DC signal and sends out the DC signal to a sample and hold circuit143. The sample and hold circuit143holds a voltage value at a predetermined timing of the output signal of the low-pass filter142and sends out the held voltage value to an A/D conversion circuit144. The A/D conversion circuit144converts an analog output of the sample and hold circuit143into a digital signal and sends out the digital signal to the control circuit150.

The control circuit150controls the components which configure the position detection circuit (main sensor unit) and the accommodation sensor circuit (sub sensor unit) hereinafter described. In particular, the control circuit150controls selection of a loop coil by the selection circuit113, changeover of the switch circuit SW1, and timings of the sample and hold circuits133and143. The processing control unit150controls the X-axis direction loop coil group111and the Y-axis direction loop coil group112to transmit a signal (electromagnetic induction signal) within a fixed transmission duration on the basis of input signals from the A/D conversion circuits134and144.

In each of the loop coils of the X-axis direction loop coil group111and the Y-axis direction loop coil group112, an induced voltage is generated by a signal transmitted thereto from the electronic pen2. The control circuit150calculates a coordinate value in each of the X-axis direction and the Y-axis direction of a position indicated by the electronic pen2on the basis of the voltage values of the induced voltages generated in the loop coils. Further, the control circuit150detects a writing pressure on the basis of a phase difference between a transmitted signal and a received signal.

Now, a configuration of the accommodation sensor circuit (sub sensor unit) is described. As described hereinabove, the accommodation sensor circuit includes the planar coil160which is a sub sensor provided in the proximity of the accommodation portion11for the electronic pen2. The planar coil160is connected at one end portion thereof to the oscillation circuit120or the ground through a switch circuit SW2. Further, the planar coil160is connected at the other end portion thereof to a sample and hold circuit170such that an output of the sample and hold circuit170is supplied to the control circuit150.

The switch circuit SW2and the sample and hold circuit170are controlled by a control signal from the control circuit150. The control circuit150forms a control signal for alternately providing a transmission period and a reception period. Here, the transmission period is a period within which current from the oscillation circuit120is supplied to the planar coil160such that an induced voltage is generated in the coil21of the electronic pen2through electromagnetic induction and within which the control signal from the control circuit150indicates an on state (high level). On the other hand, the reception period is a period within which current from the capacitor Cf is supplied to the coil21of the electronic pen2such that an induced voltage (reception signal) generated in the planar coil160through electromagnetic induction is detected and within which the control signal from the control circuit150indicates an off state (low level).

In this manner, the control circuit150forms a control signal which indicates an on state within a transmission period and indicates an off state within a reception period, and supplies the control signal to the switch circuit SW2and further to the sample and hold circuit170through an inversion circuit IV. Accordingly, while a control signal for an on state is supplied to the switch circuit SW2, a control signal for an off state is supplied to the sample and hold circuit170. In contrast, while a control signal for an off state is supplied to the switch circuit SW2, a control signal for an on state is supplied to the sample and hold circuit170.

Consequently, within a transmission period within which the control signal from the control circuit150indicates an on state, the switch circuit SW2is changed over to a terminal Ta side, and current from the oscillation circuit120is supplied to the planar coil160. On the other hand, within a transmission period within which the control signal from the control circuit150indicates an on state, since the sample and hold circuit170is supplied with a control signal for an off state by the function of the inversion circuit IV, the sample and hold circuit170does not operate within this period but is grounded though not depicted.

Accordingly, within a transmission period, since magnetic fluxes are generated from current flowing through the planar coil160, if the coil21of the electronic pen2is positioned in the proximity of the planar coil160, then current flows through the coil21and an induced voltage is generated across the coil21. In other words, transmission of a signal from the planar coil160to the coil21of the electronic pen2is performed through electromagnetic induction. Since the resonance circuit is formed from the coil21and the capacitor Cf in the electronic pen2, charge according to the induced voltage is accumulated into the capacitor Cf.

On the other hand, within a reception period within which the control signal from the control circuit150indicates an off state, the switch circuit SW2is changed over to a terminal Ra side and one end portion of the planar coil160is grounded. In this case, within a transmission period within which the control signal from the control circuit150indicates an off state, the sample and hold circuit170is supplied with a control signal for an on state by the function of the inversion circuit IV and operates within this period.

As described hereinabove, since, within a transmission period, charge is accumulated into the capacitor Cf configuring the resonance circuit of the electronic pen2, within a reception period, the charge accumulated in the capacitor Cf flows as current to the coil21of the electronic pen2such that magnetic fluxes are generated in the coil21. Therefore, the magnetic fluxes generated by the coil21of the electronic pen2act to cause current to flow through the planar coil160positioned in the proximity of the coil21of the electronic pen2, whereupon an induced voltage is generated across the planar coil160. In other words, transmission of a signal from the coil21of the electronic pen2to the planar coil160is performed through electromagnetic induction. The sample and hold circuit170samples the induced voltage generated across the planar coil160within a reception period and holds the sampled voltage value and then transmits the sampled voltage value to the control circuit150.

Consequently, if the voltage value from the sample and hold circuit170is equal to or higher than a fixed value, then it can be recognized that transfer of a signal between the planar coil160and the coil21of the electronic pen2through electromagnetic induction is performed. In this case, the control circuit150can detect that the electronic pen2is accommodated in the accommodation portion11. In contrast, if the voltage value from the sample and hold circuit170is lower than the fixed value, then it can be recognized that transfer of a signal between the planar coil160and the coil21of the electronic pen2through electromagnetic induction is not performed. In this case, the control circuit150can detect that the electronic pen2is not accommodated in the accommodation portion11.

Then, if the control circuit150detects that the electronic pen2is accommodated in the accommodation portion11, then it controls the components so as not to perform a detection process of an indication position and a writing pressure through the position detection sensor110. In contrast, if the control circuit150detects that the electronic pen2is not accommodated in the accommodation portion11, then it controls the components so as to perform a detection process of an indication position and a writing pressure through the position detection sensor110. Consequently, it is possible to avoid, when such detection is not required, driving of the position detection sensor110thereby to achieve reduction of the power consumption.

[Positional Relationship Between Coil of Electronic Pen and Planar Coil]

FIGS. 4A to 4Cillustrate a positional relationship between the planar coil160and the coil21of the electronic pen2and a magnetic field and magnetic fluxes generated by the planar coil160. The coil21built in the electronic pen2is wound along the axial direction indicated by a broken line on the electronic pen2inFIGS. 4A and 4Bas described hereinabove. Further, the planar coil160provided in the proximity of the accommodation portion11in which the electronic pen2is accommodated is provided in the proximity of the coil21of the electronic pen2accommodated in the accommodation portion11such that the planar coil160extends substantially in parallel to the axis of the electronic pen2as depicted inFIGS. 4A and 4B.

As depicted inFIGS. 4A to 4C, an aggregate of fluxes of a magnetic field generated by current flowing in a direction of arrow marks along conductors Cal and Cat positioned on a short side Ca side of the planar coil160is denoted by reference symbol Mfa. Similarly, an aggregate of fluxes of a magnetic field generated by current flowing in a direction of arrow marks along conductors Cb1and Cb1positioned on a short side Cb side of the planar coil160is denoted by reference symbol Mfb.

Then, the planar coil160is disposed such that, if the electronic pen2is accommodated into the accommodation portion11of the housing1A, then the planar coil160is positioned in the proximity of the coil21of the electronic pen2. In this case, the magnetic fluxes Mfa and Mfb generated by the planar coil160interlink with the coil21of the electronic pen2, whereupon current is induced in the coil21and charge is accumulated into the capacitor Cf connected to the coil21. Here, the interlink signifies that the magnetic fluxes Mfa and Mfb sneak like chains through the coil21.

It is assumed here as illustrated inFIG. 4Athat the number of the magnetic fluxes Mfa interlinking with a right side portion of the coil21with reference to the center in the axial direction (direction indicated by a broken line inFIG. 4A) of the coil21provided in the electronic pen2and the number of the magnetic fluxes Mfb interlinking with a left side portion of the coil21are equal to each other. The magnetic fluxes Mfa and the magnetic fluxes Mfb act in directions opposite to each other on the coil21of the electronic pen2(in directions in which the magnetic fluxes Mfa and Mfb advance in an interlinking relationship with the coil21) as illustrated inFIG. 4A.

In other words, the magnetic fluxes Mfa generated on the right side by the planar coil160and the magnetic fluxes Mfb generated on the left side by the planar coil160act such that current components of the opposite directions to each other are generated in the coil21of the electronic pen2. Therefore, the current components generated in the coil21of the electronic pen2through electromagnetic induction cancel each other, and current does not flow efficiently through the coil21. Consequently, sufficient charge cannot be accumulated into the capacitor Cf.

Accordingly, in this case, even if supply of current to the planar coil160stops, since charge is not accumulated in the capacitor Cf of the electronic pen2, current does not flow into the coil21of the electronic pen2and a magnetic field (magnetic flux) is not generated in the coil21. Therefore, current does not flow through the planar coil160in response to magnetic fluxes generated in the coil21of the electronic pen2, and consequently, even if the electronic pen2is accommodated into the accommodation portion11, this cannot be detected.

Therefore, in the present embodiment, the planar coil160is disposed such that the magnetic fluxes Mfa generated in the right side portion of the planar coil160or the magnetic fluxes Mfb generated in the left side portion interlink more with the coil21of the electronic pen2accommodated in the accommodation portion11than the other magnetic fluxes. For example, the planar coil160is displaced to the right side with respect to the coil21of the electronic pen2accommodated in the accommodation portion11in such a manner as depicted inFIG. 4Bsuch that the magnetic fluxes Mfb generated in the left side portion of the planar coil160interlink more with the coil21of the electronic pen2. Consequently, current can be generated efficiently in the coil21of the electronic pen2through electromagnetic induction in response to the magnetic fluxes Mfb generated in the left side portion of the planar coil160, and charge can be accumulated sufficiently into the capacitor Cf.

Naturally, the planar coil160may be displaced reversely to the left side with respect to the coil21of the electronic pen2accommodated in the accommodation portion11such that the magnetic fluxes Mfa generated in the right side portion of the planar coil160may interlink more with the coil21of the electronic pen2. It is to be noted that, in this case, since there is the possibility that the magnetic fluxes Mfb generated in the left side portion of the planar coil160may have an influence on some other portion of the electronic pen2, it is necessary to take this point into consideration.

Further, in the present embodiment, the planar coil160has a configuration of a flexible printed circuit (FPC) as depicted inFIG. 4C. In particular, the planar coil160is formed such that a coil formed on a plane from a conductive metal such as, for example, copper is pasted to a thin and soft base film171having an insulating property such as, for example, polyimide. Consequently, the coil can be fixed on the same plane such that the turns of the coil are not spaced away from each other upwardly or downwardly (in a direction of the center axis) or not displaced from each other on the plane.

A magnetic metal plate172and a conductive metal shield173are provided on the lower side of the planar coil160in a center axis direction indicated by the line with the arrow inFIG. 4C. The magnetic metal plate172strengthens magnetic fluxes generated by the planar coil160and acts, in the example depicted inFIGS. 4A to 4C, so as to lift the magnetic fluxes efficiently from the lower side to the upper side in the axial direction of the planar coil160. The conductive metal shield173is provided so as to prevent electromagnetic waves arriving from the outside from having an influence on the planar coil160. In this manner, in the present embodiment, transfer of a signal through electromagnetic induction can be performed efficiency between the coil21of the electronic pen2accommodated in the accommodation portion11and the planar coil160.

FIG. 5is a view more particularly illustrating a positional relationship between the coil21of the electronic pen2accommodated in the accommodation portion11and the planar coil160in the present embodiment. As depicted inFIG. 5, the width of the area in which the planar coil160is formed is, for example, equal to or greater than 6 mm such that the coil21of the electronic pen2can be positioned on the inner side of the planar coil160.

It is assumed that the electronic pen2advances in the longitudinal direction of the planar coil160above the planar coil160such that the distal end (pen tip) of the core member24of the electronic pen2is positioned at a position at which it abuts with an end portion Tb of the planar coil160. A case is assumed in which, in the case just described, magnetic fluxes Mfa and Mfb generated by the planar coil160are equal in number and interlink with a half of the coil21on the pen tip side and the other half on the opposite side to the pen tip side with reference to the center in the axial direction of the coil21of the electronic pen2similarly as in the case depicted inFIG. 4A.

In this case, the position of the electronic pen2accommodated in the accommodation portion11is set so as to be spaced by a distance at least equal to or greater than 1 mm from the end portion Tb of the planar coil160toward the other end portion side as depicted inFIG. 5. If the electronic pen2is displaced by a distance equal to or greater than 1 mm from the end portion Tb of the planar coil160in this manner, then the magnetic fluxes Mfb can interlink more with the coil21of the electronic pen2similarly as in the case of the example depicted inFIG. 4B. Consequently, current can be efficiently generated in the coil21of the electronic pen2through electromagnetic induction in response to the magnetic fluxes generated by the planar coil160.

Further, a rectangular area160Ar which has a length equal to the sum of the length L1from the end portion Tb of the planar coil160to a point at which the distal end of the core member24of the electronic pen2is positioned and the length L2spaced by 30 mm or more from the distal end of the core member24of the electronic pen2to the rear end side of the electronic pen2and has a length of 6 mm or more in the vertical direction inFIG. 5is determined as an area in which a magnetic metal plate or a conductive metal shield is to be provided. Accordingly, in the case of the example depicted inFIG. 5, the rectangular area160Ar at least of a vertical dimension of 6 mm and a horizontal dimension of 31 mm is an area in which the planar coil160is to be provided and in which a magnetic metal plate or a conductive metal shield is to be provided.

Further, if the positional relationship between the planar coil160and the coil21of the electronic pen2is set in such a manner as illustrated inFIG. 5, then transfer of a signal through electromagnetic induction can be performed efficiently between the planar coil160and the coil21of the electronic pen2. It is to be noted that by what distance the distal end of the core member24of the electronic pen2is to be spaced from the end portion Tb of the planar coil160may be determined by determining a position at which transfer of a signal can be performed efficiently through electromagnetic induction, for example, by an experiment.

[Particular Example of Control by Position Detection Device100]

Now, a particular example of processing control by the control circuit unit150of the position detection device100having the configuration described hereinabove with reference toFIG. 3is described.FIG. 6is a flow chart illustrating a process performed by the control circuit150of the position detection device100after the main power supply to the electronic apparatus main body1is turned on. To the process of the flow chart depicted inFIG. 6, the “control method for a position detection sensor” of the disclosure disclosed herein is applied.

The control circuit150first performs an accommodation detection process for detecting whether or not the electronic pen2is accommodated in the accommodation portion11using the planar coil160which is a sub sensor (S101). In particular, the control circuit150forms a control signal which indicates alternate repetitions of an on period and an off period and supplies the control signal to the switch circuit SW2and also to the sample and hold circuit170through the inversion circuit IV. Consequently, to the switch circuit SW2and the sample and hold circuit170, control signals of the opposite phases to each other are supplied.

Accordingly, if a control signal for an on state is supplied to the switch circuit SW2, then a control signal for an off state is supplied to the sample and hold circuit170. In this case, the switch circuit SW2is changed over to the terminal Ta side, and the sample and hold circuit170is rendered inoperative and grounded. Therefore, current from the oscillation circuit120is supplied to the planar coil160, whereupon magnetic fluxes are generated in the planar coil160. Consequently, current flows into the coil21of the electronic pen2through electromagnetic induction and a signal is transmitted.

In contrast, if a control signal for an off state is supplied to the switch circuit SW2, then a control signal for an on state is supplied to the sample and hold circuit170. In this case, the switch circuit SW2is changed over to the terminal Ra side and grounded while the sample and hold circuit170is rendered operative. Therefore, current flows through the planar coil160through electromagnetic induction by an influence of magnetic fluxes generated by the coil21of the electronic pen2, whereupon an induced voltage is generated. The induced voltage is sampled and held by the sample and hold circuit170.

Transmission and reception of a signal through electromagnetic induction through the planar coil160are repeated in this manner. Then, if an induced voltage of a value equal to or higher than a fixed value determined in advance is detected, then it can be detected that the electronic pen2is accommodated in the accommodation portion11. In contrast, if an induced voltage of a value equal to or higher than the fixed value determined in advance is not detected, then it can be detected that the electronic pen2is not accommodated in the accommodation portion11.

Then, the control circuit150decides based on a result of the accommodation detection process at S101whether or not the electronic pen2is accommodated in the accommodation portion11(S102). It is assumed that it is decided at S102that the electronic pen2is not accommodated in the accommodation portion11. In this case, since the electronic pen2is in a used state, the control circuit150controls the position detection sensor110which is a main sensor to function thereby to start a detection process of a position indicated by the electronic pen2and a writing pressure through the position detection sensor110(S103).

In particular, at S103, the control circuit150supplies control signals to control the selection circuit113, switch circuit SW1, sample and hold circuit133of the position detection circuit130and sample and hold circuit143of the writing pressure detection circuit140. In this case, the control circuit150starts a process for successively selecting loop coils to be used for transmission and reception of a signal from within the loop coil groups111and112and alternately changing over between a transmission period within which current from the oscillation circuit120is to be supplied to the selected loop coil therefor and a reception period within which a signal from the electronic pen2is to be received through the selected loop coil therefor. Then, within the reception period, detection of a position indicated by the electronic pen2on the position detection sensor110and detection of a writing pressure applied to the electronic pen2through contact of the electronic pen2with the position detection sensor110are performed by the position detection circuit130and the writing pressure detection circuit140.

Thereafter, the control circuit150executes, at a suitable timing, an accommodation detection process for detecting whether or not the electronic pen2is accommodated in the accommodation portion11using the planar coil160which is a sub sensor similarly as in the process executed at step S101(S104). Then, the control circuit150decides, on the basis of a result of the accommodation detection process at S104, whether or not the electronic pen2is accommodated in the accommodation portion11(S105) similarly as in the decision process executed at S102.

If it is decided in the decision process at S105that the electronic pen2is not accommodated in the accommodation portion11, then the control circuit150repeats the processes beginning at S104. Consequently, for a period until the electronic pen2is accommodated into the accommodation portion11, detection of a position indicated by the electronic pen2and detection of a writing pressure applied to the electronic pen2are performed continuously through the position detection sensor110which is a main sensor.

On the other hand, it is assumed that it is decided in the decision process at S105that the electronic pen2is accommodated in the accommodation portion11. In this case, since the electronic pen2is not in a used state, the control circuit150ends the detection process of an indication position and a writing pressure through the position detection sensor110which is a main sensor (S106).

In particular, at S106, the control circuit150stops supply of the control signals to the selection circuit113, switch circuit SW1, sample and hold circuit133of the position detection circuit130and sample and hold circuit143of the writing pressure detection circuit140. Consequently, operation of the components is stopped, and the process through the position detection sensor110for performing detection of a position indicated by the electronic pen2and detection of a writing pressure applied to the electronic pen2is ended.

Thereafter, the control circuit150decides whether or not the main power supply to the electronic apparatus main body1is off (S107). If it is decided in the decision process at S107that the main power supply is not off, then the control circuit150repeats the processes beginning at S101. On the other hand, if it is decided in the decision process at S107that the main power supply is off, then the control circuit150performs a predetermined ending process such as to stop supply of power to the control circuit150(S108), thereby ending the process illustrated inFIG. 6.

On the other hand, it is assumed that it is decided in the decision process at S102described hereinabove that the electronic pen2is accommodated in the accommodation portion11. Also in this case, since the electronic pen2is not in a used state, the control circuit150does not perform detection of an indication position and a writing pressure through the position detection sensor110which is a main sensor and decides whether or not the main power supply to the electronic apparatus main body1is off (S107).

If it is decided in the decision process at S107that the main power supply is not off, then the control circuit150repeats the processes beginning at S101. On the other hand, if it is decided in the decision process at S107that the main power supply is off, then the control circuit150performs a predetermined ending process such as to stop supply of power to the control circuit150(S108), thereby ending the process illustrated inFIG. 6.

In this manner, the control circuit150can appropriately detect whether or not the electronic pen2is accommodated in the accommodation portion11using the planar coil160which is a sub sensor. Then, only when the electronic pen2is not accommodated in the accommodation portion11but is in a used state, the control circuit150can perform detection of a position indicated by the electronic pen2and detection of a writing pressure applied to the electronic pen2through the position detection sensor110which is a main sensor. Consequently, when the electronic pen2is in a state in which it is accommodated in the accommodation portion11, since none of detection of a position indicated by the electronic pen2and detection of a writing pressure applied to the electronic pen2through the position detection sensor110is performed, reduction of the power consumption can be anticipated. Further, since the planar coil160is used as a sub sensor, for example, if a resist technology is used to cover the planar coil160with a waterproof sheet of a resin or the like, then the gap can be closed up fully and a waterproof specification can be achieved readily. Further, since the planar coil160is used, in comparison with an alternative case in which a coil of a spiral shape is used, complication of the fabrication process can be avoided and also reduction in thickness can be anticipated.

Second Embodiment

FIG. 7is a block diagram depicting a general configuration of the electronic pen of the embodiments and a position detection device100A of a second embodiment. Also the position detection device100A of the second embodiment described below is of the electromagnetic induction type similarly to the position detection device100of the first embodiment and is incorporated and used together with the position detection device of the capacitive coupling type in the electronic apparatus main body1depicted inFIG. 1. Accordingly, also the position detection device100A of the second embodiment is operated by the electronic pen2described hereinabove with reference toFIGS. 1 and 2.

Therefore, also the position detection device100A of the present second embodiment has a function for detecting whether or not the electronic pen2is accommodated in the accommodation portion11. However, as depicted inFIG. 7, the position detection device100A of the present second embodiment does not include the accommodation sensor circuit configured from the planar coil160, switch circuit SW2, sample and hold circuit170and inversion circuit IV provided in the position detection device100of the first embodiment.

The position detection device100A of the present second embodiment is configured from a planar coil160A as a sub sensor and a position detection circuit (main sensor unit) which functions also as an accommodation sensor circuit. The position detection circuit unit has a basic configuration similar to that of the position detection device100of the first embodiment described hereinabove. Therefore, inFIG. 7which is a block diagram of the position detection device100A of the second embodiment, like elements to those of the position detection device100of the first embodiment depicted inFIG. 3are denoted by like reference symbols, and overlapping detailed description of them is omitted herein to avoid redundancy.

Also the planar coil160A in the present second embodiment is provided in the proximity of the accommodation portion11for the electronic pen2provided on the electronic apparatus main body1similarly as in the case of the planar coil160in the first embodiment. Also in the position detection device100A of the second embodiment, magnetic fluxes of different directions generated by the planar coil160A do not act uniformly on the coil21of the electronic pen2accommodated in the accommodation portion11. In particular, also in the position detection device100A of the second embodiment, the positional relationship between the coil21of the electronic pen2accommodated in the accommodation portion11and the planar coil160A disposed in the proximity of the accommodation portion11is set to such a relationship as described hereinabove with reference toFIGS. 4B and 5.

As depicted inFIG. 7, in the position detection device100A of the second embodiment, the planar coil160A serving as a sub sensor is connected at one end thereof to a selection circuit113A and grounded at the other end thereof. The configuration of the other part is similar to that of the position detection device100of the first embodiment depicted inFIG. 3.

Therefore, in the position detection device100A of the present second embodiment, when it is to be detected whether or not the electronic pen2is accommodated in the accommodation portion11, the control circuit150controls the selection circuit113A to select the planar coil160A. Then, the control circuit150controls the switch circuit SW1to perform changeover between a period (transmission period) within which current from the oscillation circuit120is supplied to the planar coil160A and another period (reception period) within which a voltage generated across the planar coil160A is detected through electromagnetic induction. Within the reception period, the control circuit150controls the position detection circuit130to function so as to detect whether or not the planar coil160A receives a signal from the coil21of the electronic pen2through electromagnetic induction thereby to detect whether or not the electronic pen2is accommodated in the accommodation portion11.

On the other hand, detection of a position indicated by the electronic pen2and detection of a writing pressure applied to the electronic pen2are performed quite similarly to those in the case of the position detection device100of the first embodiment described hereinabove. In particular, the control circuit150supplies control signals to the selection circuit113A, switch circuit SW1, sample and hold circuit133of the position detection circuit130and sample and hold circuit143of the writing pressure detection circuit140to control them.

In this case, the control circuit150successively selects a loop coil to be used for each of transmission and reception of a signal from and by the loop coil groups111and112and performs a process for performing alternate changeover between a transmission period within which current from the oscillation circuit120is supplied to the selected loop coil and a reception period within which a signal from the electronic pen2is received through the selected loop coil. Then, within the reception period, the control circuit150performs detection of a position indicated by the electronic pen2on the position detection sensor110and detection of a writing pressure applied to the electronic pen2by contact of the electronic pen2with the position detection sensor110through the position detection circuit130and the writing pressure detection circuit140.

In this manner, also in the case of the position detection device100A of the present second embodiment, it is possible to perform detection of whether or not the electronic pen2is accommodated in the accommodation portion11using the planar coil160A serving as a sub sensor. Further, also in the case of the position detection device100A of the present second embodiment, it is possible to perform detection of a position indicated on the position detection sensor110by the electronic pen2and detection of a writing pressure applied to the electronic pen2.

[Particular Example of Control in Position Detection Device100A] Now, a particular example of processing control by the control circuit150of the position detection device100A of the second embodiment having the configuration described above with reference toFIG. 7is described.FIG. 8is a flow chart illustrating a process executed by the control circuit150of the position detection device100A of the second embodiment after the main power supply to the electronic apparatus main body1is turned on. To the process of the flow chart depicted inFIG. 8, the “control method for a position detection sensor” of the disclosure disclosed herein is applied.

The control circuit150first uses the planar coil160A which is a sub sensor to execute an accommodation detection process for detecting whether or not the electronic pen2is accommodated in the accommodation portion11(S201). In particular, the control circuit150controls the selection circuit113A to select the planar coil160A and maintain the selection. Then, the control circuit150forms a control signal for repeating alternate changeover between an on period and an off period and supplies the control signal to the switch circuit SW1. Further, within an off period, the control circuit150controls the sample and hold circuit133of the position detection circuit130to operate.

Then, if transmission and reception of a signal through electromagnetic induction through the planar coil160A are repeated until an induced voltage of a value equal to or higher than a fixed value determined in advance is detected through the position detection circuit130within a reception period, then it can be detected that the electronic pen2is accommodated in the accommodation portion11. In contrast, if an induced voltage of a value equal to or higher than the fixed value determined in advance is not detected through the position detection circuit130within a reception period, then it can be detected that the electronic pen2is not accommodated in the accommodation portion11.

Then, the control circuit150decides on the basis of a result of the accommodation detection process at S201whether or not the electronic pen2is accommodated in the accommodation portion11(S202). It is assumed that it is decided at S202that the electronic pen2is not accommodated in the accommodation portion11. In this case, since the electronic pen2is in a used state, the control circuit150controls the position detection sensor110which is a main sensor to function so as to start a detection process of a position indicated by the electronic pen2and a writing pressure through the position detection sensor110(S203). The process at S203is similar to that at S103performed in the position detection device100of the first embodiment depicted inFIG. 6.

Thereafter, at a predetermined timing, the control circuit150controls the selection circuit113A to change over so as to select the planar coil160A and executes an accommodation detection process for detecting whether or not the electronic pen2is accommodated in the accommodation portion11(S204). In particular, the process at S204is similar to that executed at S201. Further, the predetermined timing is such a timing after, in the detection process of an indication position and a writing pressure started at S203, the detection process of one cycle determined in advance ends but before the detection process of a next cycle is started, for example.

It is to be noted that the detection process of one cycle determined in advance signifies such a detection process as one unit of processes, for example, after a detection process is started until an indication position and a writing pressure are detected successfully or until a scanning process using all loop coils of the position detection sensor110is completed. Accordingly, when the detection process of one cycle is completed, a new detection process is started. Therefore, if an accommodation detection process of the electronic pen2is performed within a period between a detection process of a certain one cycle and a detection process of a next one cycle, then the accommodation detection process of the electronic pen2can be performed without having an influence on the detection process of a position indicated by the electronic pen2and a writing pressure.

Then, the control circuit150decides on the basis of a result of the accommodation detection process at S204whether or not the electronic pen2is accommodated in the accommodation portion11similarly as in the decision process performed at S202(S205).

If it is decided in the decision process at S205that the electronic pen2is not accommodated in the accommodation portion11, then the control circuit150repeats the processes beginning at S204. Consequently, within a period until the electronic pen2is accommodated into the accommodation portion11, detection of a position indicated by the electronic pen2and detection of a writing pressure applied to the electronic pen2through the position detection sensor110which is a main sensor are performed continuously.

On the other hand, it is assumed that it is decided in the decision process at S205that the electronic pen2is accommodated in the accommodation portion11. In this case, since the electronic pen2is not in a used state, the control circuit150controls the position detection sensor110which is a main sensor to end the detection process of an indication position and a writing pressure (S206).

In particular, at S206, the control circuit150controls the selection circuit113A to maintain the state in which the planar coil160A is selected such that transmission and reception of a signal through the planar coil160A are repeated. Accordingly, at S206, any one of the loop coils configuring the X-axis direction loop coil group111and the loop coils configuring the Y-axis direction loop coil group112is not selected. Consequently, since the detection process of a position indicated by the electronic pen2using the position detection sensor110which is a main sensor is not performed, the power consumption can be reduced significantly.

Further, in this case, since the oscillation circuit120, position detection circuit130and control circuit150are kept in an operative state, if the electronic pen2is taken out from the accommodation portion11, then this can be also detected. It is to be noted that, when the electronic pen2is accommodated in the accommodation portion11, since the writing pressure detection circuit140need not operate, operation of the writing pressure detection circuit140may be stopped.

Thereafter, the control circuit150decides whether or not the main power supply to the electronic apparatus main body1is off (S207). If it is decided in the decision process at S207that the main power supply is not off, then the processes beginning at S201are repeated. On the other hand, if it is decided in the decision process at S207that the main power supply is off, then the control circuit150performs such a predetermined ending process as to stop supply of power to the control circuit150(S208), thereby ending the process illustrated inFIG. 8.

Further, it is assumed that it is decided in the decision process at S202described hereinabove that the electronic pen2is accommodated in the accommodation portion11. Also in this case, since the electronic pen2is not in a used state, the control circuit150does not perform detection of an indication position and a writing pressure through the position detection sensor110which is a main sensor but decides whether or not the main power supply to the electronic apparatus main body1is off (S207).

If it is decided in the decision process at S207that the main power supply is not off, then the processes beginning at S201are repeated. On the other hand, if it is decided in the decision process at S207that the main power supply is off, then the control circuit150performs such a predetermined ending process as to stop supply of power to the control circuit150(S208), thereby ending the process illustrated inFIG. 8.

In this manner, also in the case of the position detection device100A of the present second embodiment, the control circuit150can appropriately detect whether or not the electronic pen2is accommodated in the accommodation portion11using the planar coil160A which is a sub sensor. Then, only when the electronic pen2is not accommodated in the accommodation portion11but is in a used state, detection of a position indicated by the electronic pen2and detection of a writing pressure applied to the electronic pen2through the position detection sensor110which is a main sensor can be performed. Consequently, when the electronic pen2is accommodated in the accommodation portion11, since none of detection of a position indicated by the electronic pen2and detection of a writing pressure applied to the electronic pen2through the position detection sensor110is performed, reduction of the power consumption can be anticipated.

Further, since the planar coil160A is used as a sub sensor, for example, if a waterproof sheet is used, then the gap can be closed up fully and a waterproof specification can be achieved readily. Further, since the planar coil160A is used, in comparison with an alternative case in which a coil formed in a spiral shape is used, complication of the fabrication process can be avoided and also reduction in thickness can be anticipated.

Third Embodiment

FIG. 9is a block diagram depicting a position detection device100B of a third embodiment. Also the position detection device100B of the third embodiment described below is of the electromagnetic induction type similarly to the position detection devices100and100A of the first and second embodiments and is incorporated and used together with the position detection device of the capacitive coupling type in the electronic apparatus main body1depicted inFIG. 1. Accordingly, also the position detection device100B of the third embodiment is operated by the electronic pen2described hereinabove with reference toFIGS. 1 and 2.

Therefore, also the position detection device100B of the present third embodiment has a function for detecting whether or not the electronic pen2is accommodated in the accommodation portion11. However, different from the position detection devices100and100A of the first and second embodiments described hereinabove, the position detection device100B of the present third embodiment does not include any of the planar coils160and160A for exclusive use as a sub sensor.

The position detection device100B of the present third embodiment is configured such that one of the loop coils in the loop coil groups111and112configuring the position detection sensor110is used also as a planar coil as a sub sensor as depicted inFIG. 9. In the case of the example depicted inFIG. 9, it is depicted that the Xath loop coil in the X-axis direction loop coil group111is used also as a planar coil as a sub sensor. In particular, in the case of the position detection device100B of the third embodiment, the Xath loop coil of the X-axis direction loop coil group111is extended so as to form a planar coil portion which functions as a sub sensor in the proximity of the accommodation portion11.

Accordingly, in the case of the position detection device100B of the present third embodiment, the position detection circuit130has a configuration which functions also as an accommodation sensor circuit. Further, the position detection device100B is configured similarly to the position detection device100of the first embodiment described hereinabove except the Xath loop coil of the X-axis direction loop coil group111. Therefore, inFIG. 9which is a block diagram of the position detection device100B of the third embodiment, like elements to those of the position detection device100of the first embodiment depicted inFIG. 3are denoted by like reference symbols, and overlapping detailed description of them is omitted herein to avoid redundancy.

Thus, in the present third embodiment, also the planar coil portion formed by extending the Xath loop coil and functioning as a sub sensor in the proximity of the accommodation portion11has a positional relationship with the coil21of the electronic pen2accommodated in the accommodation portion11similar as in the case of the first embodiment. In other words, also in the position detection device100B of the present third embodiment, the positional relationship between the coil21of the electronic pen2accommodated in the accommodation portion11and the planar coil portion formed by extending the Xath loop coil disposed in the proximity of the accommodation portion11is set to such a relationship as described hereinabove with reference toFIGS. 4B and 5. Consequently, the magnetic fluxes Mfa and Mfb of different directions generated by the planar coil portion do not act uniformly on the coil21of the electronic pen2accommodated in the accommodation portion11.

Further, in the case of the position detection device100B of the third embodiment, the control circuit150performs processing control similar to that performed by the control circuit150of the position detection device100A of the second embodiment described hereinabove with reference toFIG. 8. However, the processes performed at S201, S204and S206depicted inFIG. 8are a little different from those performed by the position detection device100A of the second embodiment.

In particular, in the position detection device100B of the third embodiment, the control circuit150performs, at S201and S204depicted inFIG. 8, the following processes. In particular, the control circuit150first controls the selection circuit113to select the Xath loop coil, which forms the planar coil portion, in the proximity of the accommodation portion11and maintains the selection. Then, the control circuit150forms a control signal including alternate repetitions of an on period and an off period and supplies the control signal to the switch circuit SW1. Further, within an off period, the control circuit150controls the sample and hold circuit133of the position detection circuit130to operate.

In this manner, transmission and reception of a signal through electromagnetic induction through the Xath loop coil which forms the planar coil portion in the proximity of the accommodation portion11are repeated. If an induced voltage of a value equal to or higher than a fixed value determined in advance is detected through the position detection circuit130within a reception period, then it can be detected that the electronic pen2is accommodated in the accommodation portion11. In contrast, if an induced voltage of a value equal to or higher than the fixed value determined in advance is not detected through the position detection circuit130within a reception period, then it can be detected that the electronic pen2is not accommodated in the accommodation portion11.

Further, in the position detection device100B of the third embodiment, the control circuit150performs the following process at S206depicted inFIG. 8. At S206, the control circuit150controls the selection circuit113to keep the state in which the Xath loop coil forming the planar coil portion is selected and repeat transmission and reception of a signal through the Xath loop coil. Accordingly, at S206, any one of the loop coils configuring the X-axis direction loop coil group111and the loop coils configuring the Y-axis direction loop coil group112is not selected except the Xath loop coil. Consequently, since a detection process of a position indicated by the electronic pen2using the position detection sensor110which is a main sensor is not performed, the power consumption can be reduced significantly.

Further, in this case, since the oscillation circuit120, position detection circuit130and control circuit150are kept in an operative state, if the electronic pen2is taken out from the accommodation portion11, then this can be also detected. It is to be noted that, in the state in which the electronic pen2is accommodated in the accommodation portion11, since the writing pressure detection circuit140need not operate, operation of the writing pressure detection circuit140may be stopped.

The processes at S202, S203, S205, S207and S208are similar to those performed by the position detection device100A of the second embodiment.

In this manner, in the case of the position detection device100B of the present third embodiment, since one of the loop coils of a loop coil group configuring the position detection sensor110is extended to provide a planar coil portion in the proximity of the accommodation portion11, the accommodation sensor circuit for detecting whether or not the electronic pen2is accommodated in the accommodation portion11can be configured.

Further, in the case of the position detection device100B of the third embodiment, the control circuit150can appropriately detect whether or not the electronic pen2is accommodated in the accommodation portion11making use of the Xath loop coil of the position detection sensor110. Further, only when the electronic pen2is not accommodated in the accommodation portion11but is in a used state, detection of a position indicated by the electronic pen2and detection of a writing pressure applied to the electronic pen2through the position detection sensor110which is a main sensor can be performed. Consequently, when the electronic pen2is accommodated in the accommodation portion11, since detection of a position indicated by the electronic pen2and detection of a writing pressure applied to the electronic pen2through the position detection sensor110are not performed, reduction in power consumption can be anticipated.

Further, since the planar coil portion formed by extending the Xath loop coil of the position detection sensor110is used as a sub sensor, the gap can be closed up fully and a waterproof specification can be achieved readily by using, for example, a waterproof sheet or the like. Further, since the planar coil portion formed by extending the Xath loop coil of the position detection sensor110is used, in comparison with an alternative case in which a coil formed in a spiral shape is used, complication of the fabrication process can be avoided and also reduction in thickness can be anticipated.

Effects of Embodiments

The position detection devices100,100A and100B of the first, second and third embodiments described hereinabove can achieve implementation of a waterproof specification, avoidance of complication in fabrication process and reduction in thickness of a mobile information terminal and can implement also reduction of the power consumption. Consequently, a position detection device and a control method for a position detection sensor which can be suitably used together with a mobile information terminal can be implemented.

Further, in the case of the position detection device100of the first embodiment, since an accommodation sensor circuit which detects whether or not the electronic pen2is accommodated in the accommodation portion11can be configured separately from the position detection circuit, a position detection device which can control them individually and readily can be implemented.

Meanwhile, in the case of the position detection device100A of the second embodiment, only by providing the planar coil160A as a sub sensor which detects whether or not the electronic pen2is accommodated in the accommodation portion11, both a position detection circuit and an accommodation sensor circuit can be configured, and the position detection device100A which is simple in configuration can be configured.

Further, in the case of the position detection device100B of the third embodiment, one of the loop coils in a loop coil group configuring the position detection sensor110is used as a sub sensor which detects whether or not the electronic pen2is accommodated in the accommodation portion11. Consequently, the position detection device100B which is simpler in configuration can be configured.

While it is described in the embodiments described above that both a position detection device of the electromagnetic induction type and a position detection device of the capacitive coupling type are incorporated in the electronic apparatus main body1, the present disclosure is not limited to this. Also where only a position detection device of the electromagnetic induction type is incorporated, the present disclosure can be applied.

Further, the number of turns, shape and so forth of the planar coil160or160A or the planar coil portion formed using a loop coil configuring the position detection sensor110as a sub sensor can be set suitably. For example, while the embodiments described above are directed to a case in which the planar coil160or160A or the planar coil portion formed using a loop coil configuring the position detection sensor110is formed in a rectangular shape, also it is possible to form the planar coil160or160A or the planar coil portion in an elliptical shape or in a circular shape.

Also it is possible to form the planar coil160or160A or the planar coil portion formed using a loop coil configuring the position detection sensor110such that a portion thereof proximate to the coil21built in the electronic pen2has a comparatively great width while a portion thereof remote from the coil21built in the electronic pen2has a comparatively small width. In other words, the planar coil160or160A or the planar coil portion formed using a loop coil configuring the position detection sensor110may be formed in various shapes.

Further, the planar coils160and160A and the loop coil Xa may each be disposed at a position at which, from among magnetic fluxes generated thereby, the magnetic fluxes directed in the opposite directions to each other and interlinking with the coil21of the electronic pen2accommodated in the accommodation portion11are not equal to each other in number.

More preferably, the planar coils160and160A and the loop coil Xa are each disposed at a position at which only magnetic fluxes having directions same as each other interlink with the coil21of the electronic pen2accommodated in the accommodation portion11. In this case, the coil21of the electronic pen2accommodated in the accommodation portion11may be positioned in the center axis direction of one portion of the planar coil160or160A or the loop coil Xa so as to extend over the portion of the planar coil160or160A or the loop coil Xa as depicted inFIG. 4B.

Naturally, it is not an essential configuration that the coil21of the electronic pen2is configured so as to extend over one portion of the planar coil160or160A or the loop coil Xa as depicted inFIG. 4B. The planar coil160or160A or the loop coil Xa may be disposed at a position at which, from among magnetic fluxes generated by the planar coil160or160A or the loop coil Xa, only those magnetic fluxes of the same direction interlink with the coil21of the electronic pen2.