TWI856345B - Controller of stylus for transmitting electrical signals carrying pressure information - Google Patents

Abstract

A controller of a stylus for transmitting electrical signals carrying pressure information. The stylus comprising: a first component with variable impedance reflecting to a pressure, a second component with fixed impedance, and a conductive tip section coupled to the first and the second components. The controller is configured for receiving a synchronous signal from an electronic apparatus and performing follows after the synchronous signal is received: generating a first signal according to a pseudo-random number (PN) code and transmitting the first signal to the first component in a first time period such that the conductive tip section emits the electrical signals with the first signal in the first time period; and generating a second signal according to the PN code and transmitting the second signal to the second component in a second time period such that the conductive tip section emits the electrical signals with the second signal in the second time period.

Description

A controller for a stylus pen that emits an electrical signal carrying pressure information

The present invention relates to a touch pen, and more particularly to a touch pen that emits an electrical signal carrying pressure information and an operating method thereof.

Touch panels or touch screens are important modern human-machine interfaces. In addition to being used to detect proximity or contact with the human body, touch panels are also used to detect the proximity of pen-like objects or the tip of a stylus, so that users can more accurately control the trajectory of the stylus tip.

The pen-like object can use the pen tip to actively send out electrical signals, which is referred to as an active touch pen in this article. When the pen tip is close to the touch panel, the electrode on the touch panel is affected by the electrical signal and has an electromagnetic response. By detecting the electromagnetic response corresponding to the electrical signal, it can be detected that the touch pen is close to the sensing electrode, and the relative position of the pen tip and the touch panel can be obtained.

Therefore, there is an urgent need for an active stylus pen that can actively and accurately send out electrical signals according to the pressure it receives.

From the above description, it can be clearly known that the prior art still has shortcomings. In order to solve the above problems, long-term efforts have not been successful. Ordinary products and methods cannot provide appropriate structures and methods. Therefore, the industry needs a new technology to solve the above problems.

One of the purposes of the present invention is to provide a touch pen that emits an electrical signal carrying pressure information, comprising: a first element having an impedance that responds to a pressure, wherein the first element is used to receive a first signal encoded with a virtual random code in a first time period; a second element having a fixed impedance, wherein the second element is used to receive a second signal encoded with the virtual random code in a second time period; and a conductive pen tip segment, which is used to: receive the first signal from the first element in the first time period; receive the second signal from the second element in the second time period; transmit the electrical signal containing the first signal in the first time period; and transmit the electrical signal containing the second signal in the second time period, wherein the first virtual random code is orthogonal to the second virtual random code.

In one embodiment, in order to provide the first virtual random number and the second virtual random number on the stylus, the stylus further includes a controller for: generating the first signal according to the virtual random number; generating the second signal according to the virtual random number; transmitting the first signal to the first component; and transmitting the second signal to the second component.

In one embodiment, in order to transmit the state of the sensor on the stylus, the stylus further comprises: at least one sensor on the stylus connected to the controller. The controller is further used to: generate a data code according to the state of the at least one sensor on the stylus; generate a first data code according to the data code and the virtual random number; and transmit the first data code to the first element. The first element is further used to: receive the first data code from the controller during the first time period. The conductive stylus tip segment is further used to: receive the first data code from the first element; and transmit the first data code.

In one embodiment, in order to transmit the state of the sensor on the stylus, the stylus further comprises: at least one sensor on the stylus connected to the controller. The controller is further used to: generate a data code according to the state of the at least one sensor on the stylus; generate a second data code according to the data code and the second virtual random number; and transmit the second data code to the second element. The second element is further used to: receive the second data code from the controller during the second time period. The conductive stylus tip segment is further used to: receive the second data code from the second element; and transmit the second data code.

In one embodiment, in order to synchronize with a receiving process of a touch processing device of a touch panel, the controller is further configured to: receive a synchronization signal from an electronic device; and after receiving the synchronization signal, execute the generating step and the transmitting step.

In one embodiment, in order to synchronize the receiving process of the touch processing device of the touch panel to which the touch pen is in close contact, the controller is coupled to the conductive pen tip segment to receive the synchronization signal, which is emitted by an electrode of a touch panel of the electronic device.

In one embodiment, in order to avoid conflicts of virtual gibberish when operating multiple styluses on a touch panel, the stylus further includes a human-machine interface for a user to input virtual gibberish, wherein the controller is further used to receive a setting instruction from the human-machine interface, which specifies the virtual gibberish.

In one embodiment, in order to provide virtual gibberish information to the user, the stylus includes one of the following devices connected to the controller to indicate the virtual gibberish: a visual indicator; and an audio indicator.

In one embodiment, in order to achieve a wired connection between a touch processing device and a wired touch pen, the touch pen further includes: a first signal circuit coupled to the first element and a touch processing device, for transmitting the first signal from the touch processing device to the first element; and a second signal circuit coupled to the second element and the touch processing device, for transmitting the second signal from the touch processing device to the second element.

In order to provide a switching state to a touch processing device, the touch pen further includes: a third switch for receiving the first signal; and a third element with a fixed impedance, coupled to the third switch and the conductive pen tip segment, wherein the third switch can be selectively opened or closed, and when the third switch is closed, the first signal is transmitted from the conductive pen tip segment via the third switch and the third element.

In order to provide a switching state to a touch processing device, the touch pen further includes: a fourth switch for receiving the second signal; and a fourth element with a fixed impedance, coupled to the fourth switch and the conductive pen tip segment, wherein the third switch can be selectively opened or closed, and when the fourth switch is closed, the second signal is transmitted from the conductive pen tip segment via the fourth switch and the fourth element.

The present invention will be described in detail in some embodiments as follows. However, except for the disclosed embodiments, the scope of the present invention is not limited by the embodiments, but shall be subject to the scope of the subsequent patent application. In order to provide a clearer description and enable ordinary people in the art to understand the invention content of the present invention, the parts in the figure are not drawn according to their relative sizes, and the proportions of certain sizes or other related scales may be highlighted and appear exaggerated, and irrelevant details are not fully drawn for the sake of simplicity of the figure.

Please refer to FIG. 1 , which is a schematic diagram of a touch control system 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The touch control system 100 includes at least one transmitter 110, a touch panel 120, a touch processing device 130 and a host 140. The transmitter 110 in this embodiment is an active touch pen that can actively send out electrical signals, but the actual implementation is not limited to this. The touch control system 100 may include a plurality of transmitters 110. The above-mentioned touch panel 120 is formed on a substrate, and the touch panel 120 may be a touch screen, but the present invention does not limit the form of the touch panel 120.

In one embodiment, the touch panel 120 includes a plurality of first electrodes 121 and a plurality of second electrodes 122 in the touch area, and a plurality of capacitive coupling sensing points are formed at the overlapped portions of the first electrodes 121 and the second electrodes 122. The first electrodes 121 and the second electrodes 122 are respectively connected to the touch processing device 130. In the mutual capacitance detection mode, the first electrode 121 can be referred to as a first conductive strip or a driving electrode, and the second electrode 122 can be referred to as a second conductive strip or a sensing electrode. The touch processing device 130 can provide a driving voltage (voltage of a driving signal) to the first electrodes 121 and measure the signal change of the second electrodes 122 to know that an external conductive object is close to or in contact with (referred to as proximity) the touch panel 120. A person skilled in the art can understand that the above-mentioned touch processing device 130 can detect proximity events and proximity objects by mutual capacitance or self-capacitance, which will not be described in detail here. In addition to the mutual capacitance or self-capacitance detection method, the touch processing device 130 can also detect the electrical signal sent by the transmitter 110, and then detect the relative position of the transmitter 110 and the touch panel 120. In one embodiment, the signal changes of the first electrode 121 and the second electrode 122 are measured respectively to detect the signal of the transmitter 110, thereby detecting the relative position of the transmitter 110 and the touch panel 120. Since the signal of the transmitter 110 and the driving signal of the mutual capacitance or self-capacitance have different frequencies and are not resonant waves with each other, the touch processing device 130 can distinguish the signal of the transmitter 110 from the signal of the mutual capacitance or self-capacitance. In another embodiment, the touch panel 120 may be a surface capacitive touch panel having an electrode at each of the four corners or four sides, and the touch processing device 130 measures the signal changes of the four electrodes separately or simultaneously to detect the relative position of the transmitter 110 and the touch panel 120 .

FIG. 1 also includes a host 140, which may be a central processing unit, a main processor in an embedded system, or other forms of computers. In one embodiment, the touch control system 100 may be a tablet computer, and the host 140 may be a central processing unit that executes a tablet computer operating program. For example, the tablet computer executes an Android operating system, and the host 140 is an ARM processor that executes the Android operating system. The present invention does not limit the form of information transmitted between the host 140 and the touch control processing device 130, as long as the transmitted information is related to the proximity event occurring on the touch panel 120.

Since it is necessary to actively send out electrical signals, the transmitter 110 or the active stylus pen needs to supply power to generate the energy required for sending out electrical signals. In one embodiment, the power source of the transmitter 110 can be a battery, especially a rechargeable battery. In another embodiment, the power source of the pen-like object can be a capacitor, especially an ultra-capacitor (Ultra-capacitor or Super-capacitor), such as three types of super-capacitors: electrical double-layered capacitor (EDLC), pseudo-capacitor, and hybrid capacitor. The charging time of a super-capacitor is approximately in the order of seconds, and in the embodiment of the present invention, the discharge time of a super-capacitor is approximately in the order of hours. In other words, you only need to charge it for a short time to use the active pen for a long time.

In one embodiment, the touch panel 120 periodically sends out a beacon signal. When the transmitter 110 or the tip of the stylus pen comes into close contact with the touch panel 120, the transmitter 110 can sense the beacon signal through the tip of the stylus pen and start to send out electrical signals for a period of time for the touch panel 120 to detect. In this way, the transmitter 110 can stop sending out the electrical signal when the beacon signal is not detected, thereby extending the power usage time of the transmitter 110.

The lighthouse signal mentioned above can be emitted by using a plurality of first electrodes 121 and/or second electrodes 122. In one embodiment, when the first electrode 121 is used to emit a driving signal for mutual capacitance touch detection, the frequency of the driving signal and the lighthouse signal are different and are not resonance waves of each other. Therefore, the lighthouse signal can be emitted at the same time as the driving signal, that is, mutual capacitance touch detection and electrical signal detection are performed at the same time. In another embodiment, the driving signal and the lighthouse signal can be emitted alternately, that is, mutual capacitance touch detection and electrical signal detection are performed in a time-sharing manner, and the frequency of the driving signal and the lighthouse signal can be the same or different.

In one embodiment, in order to enable the transmitter 110 to detect the lighthouse signal at a distance from the touch panel 120, the touch processing device 130 can send a driving signal to all the first electrodes 121 and the second electrodes 122 on the touch panel 120 at the same time, so that the total signal strength sent by the touch panel 120 is maximized.

Please refer to FIG. 2, which is a schematic diagram of the interior of a transmitter 110 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The transmitter 110 includes a first signal source 211, a second signal source 212, a first element 221 having a first impedance Z1, a second element 222 having a second impedance Z2, and a pen tip segment 230. The first signal emitted by the first signal source 211 is transmitted to the touch panel 120 through the first element 221 and the pen tip segment 230. Similarly, the second signal emitted by the second signal source 212 is transmitted to the touch panel 120 through the second element 222 and the pen tip segment 230.

In one embodiment, the first signal is a signal including a first frequency f1, and the second signal is a signal including a second frequency f2. The first frequency f1 and the second frequency f2 may be square wave signals, sine wave signals, or signals after pulse width modulation. In one embodiment, the first frequency f1 is different from the frequency of the lighthouse signal and the frequency of the driving signal, and is also different from the resonant frequency of the frequency of the lighthouse signal and the frequency of the driving signal. The second frequency f2 is different from the first frequency f1, the frequency of the lighthouse signal and the frequency of the driving signal, and is also different from the resonant frequency of the first frequency f1, the lighthouse frequency signal and the driving frequency signal.

The two frequency signals are mixed after passing through the first element 221 with the first impedance Z1 and the second element 222 with the second impedance Z2, and then fed into the pen tip section 230. The first element 221 and the second element 222 can be impedances caused by resistors, inductors, capacitors (such as solid-state capacitors), or any combination thereof. In the embodiment shown in FIG2 , the second impedance Z2 can be fixed, and the first impedance Z1 can be variable, and corresponds to the variation of a certain sensor.

In another embodiment, the first impedance Z1 and the second impedance Z2 are both variable, and the ratio of the two corresponds to the change of a certain sensor. In one embodiment, the sensor can be a retractable elastic pen tip, and the first impedance Z1 can change corresponding to the stroke or force of the elastic pen tip. In some examples, the first impedance Z1 linearly corresponds to the change of a physical quantity of the sensor. However, in other examples, the first impedance Z1 nonlinearly corresponds to the change of the physical quantity of the sensor.

The first element 221 and the second element 222 may be different electronic elements. For example, the first element 221 is a resistor, and the second element 222 is a capacitor, or vice versa. Another example is that the first element 221 is a resistor, and the second element 222 is an inductor, or vice versa. Another example is that the first element 221 is an inductor, and the second element 222 is a capacitor, or vice versa. At least one of the first impedance Z1 and the second impedance Z2 is variable, such as a variable resistance resistor, a variable capacitance capacitor, or a variable inductor. When one of the first impedance Z1 and the second impedance Z2 is not variable, it can be set using existing electronic elements, such as a general fixed resistance resistor, a fixed capacitance capacitor, or a fixed inductor.

In one embodiment, the first element 221 may be a force sensing resistor (FSR), whose resistance value changes predictably in response to the applied force, and the second element 222 may be a fixed resistor. In another embodiment, the first element 221 may be a variable resistor. Therefore, under the same other conditions, the ratio of the intensity M1 of the signal portion of the first frequency f1 to the intensity M2 of the signal portion of the second frequency f2 in the electrical signal emitted by the pen tip 230 will be inversely proportional to the ratio of the first impedance Z1 to the second impedance Z2. In other words, M1/M2=k(Z2/Z1).

Therefore, when the transmitter 110 is suspended above the touch panel 120, the pen tip section 230 has not yet been displaced or subjected to any force, so the ratio of the intensity M1 of the signal portion of the first frequency f1 to the intensity M2 of the signal portion of the second frequency f2 in the electrical signal detected by the touch panel 120 is a fixed value or a preset value. Or in another embodiment, the ratio of (M1-M2)/(M1+M2) or (M2-M1)/(M1+M2) is also a fixed value or a preset value. In addition, the ratio of M1/(M1+M2) or M2/(M1+M2) can also be used to represent the pressure value. In addition to the above four ratios, ordinary technicians familiar with the technology can also think of replacing them with any ratio value involving the intensity M1 and M2. In other words, when the ratio is detected to be the fixed value, it can be determined that the sensor does not sense any change in the physical quantity. In one embodiment, the transmitter 110 does not touch the touch panel 120.

When the transmitter 110 contacts the touch panel 120, the pen tip segment 230 is displaced due to the force. The first impedance Z1 of the first element 221 changes in accordance with the stroke or force level of the pen tip segment 230, causing the ratio of the intensity M1 of the signal portion of the first frequency f1 to the intensity M2 of the signal portion of the second frequency f2 in the electrical signal to change, which is different from the above-mentioned fixed value or preset value. The touch panel 120 can use the above-mentioned relationship to generate a corresponding sensing value according to the ratio. The above-mentioned fixed value or preset value is not limited to a single value, but can also be a range within an error tolerance.

It should be noted that the ratio and the sensed value may not necessarily have a linear relationship. Furthermore, the sensed value and the displacement of the sensor or the force applied to the sensor may not necessarily have a linear relationship. The sensed value is only a value sensed by the touch panel 120, and the present invention does not limit the relationship. For example, the touch panel 120 can use a lookup table or a plurality of calculation formulas to correspond from the ratio to the sensed value.

Please refer to FIG3, which is a schematic diagram of the interior of a transmitter 110 according to an embodiment of the present invention. Similar to the embodiment of FIG2, the transmitter 110 includes a first signal source 211, a second signal source 212, a first capacitor 321 with a first capacitance value C1, a second capacitor 322 with a second capacitance value C2, and a pen tip section 230.

The two signal sources 211 and 212 may be a pulse width modulated first signal source (PWM1) and a pulse width modulated second signal source (PWM2), respectively. The frequencies of the two signal sources may be the same or different. The transmitter 110 includes a second capacitor 322 with a fixed capacitance value C2 and a first capacitor 321 with a variable capacitance value C1, which are respectively connected to the above-mentioned signal sources PWM2 212 and PWM1 211. Since the capacitance value C1 changes with the pressure value applied to the pen tip segment 230, the embodiment shown in FIG. 3 may include a capacitive force sensor or a force sensing capacitor (FSC, Force Sensing Capacitor). In one embodiment, this capacitive force sensor may be implemented using a printed circuit board (PCB) or other materials. The structure of the force sensing capacitor will be described later in this application.

The strength ratio of the two signal sources is inversely proportional to the impedance ratio of the two capacitors 321 and 322. When the tip section 230 of the stylus pen does not touch an object, or the force sensor does not detect a force, the impedance value of the first capacitor 321 remains unchanged. The impedance ratio of the two capacitors 321 and 322 is also fixed. When the transmitter 110 is suspended above the touch panel/screen 120 and the electrical signal it transmits can be detected, the strength ratio of the above two signal sources is fixed.

However, when the pen tip section 230 of the transmitter 110 touches an object, or the force sensor detects a force, the impedance of the first capacitor 321 changes accordingly. The impedance ratio of the two capacitors 321 and 322 also changes accordingly. When the transmitter 110 touches the surface of the touch panel/screen 120 and the electrical signal it emits can be detected, the strength ratio of the above two signal sources changes with the force applied to the force sensor.

Please refer to FIG. 4A, which is a schematic diagram of the interior of a transmitter 110 according to an embodiment of the present invention. Similar to the embodiment of FIG. 3, the transmitter 110 includes a first signal source 211, a second signal source 212, a first capacitor 321 having a first capacitance value C1, a second capacitor 322 having a second capacitance value C2, and a pen tip segment 230. The transmitter 110 may include a plurality of sensors for detecting a variety of states. In one embodiment, the pen tip segment 230 includes a pressure sensor for detecting the state of force applied to the tip of the stylus and reflecting it in the electrical signal it emits. In another embodiment, the transmitter 110 may include a plurality of buttons, such as an eraser button and a barrel button. In other embodiments, the transmitter 110 may also include a switch for sensing whether the pen tip touches a touch screen or other objects. A person skilled in the art will appreciate that the transmitter 110 may include more buttons or other forms of sensors, and is not limited to the above examples.

In the embodiment of FIG. 4A , the first capacitor 321 is connected in parallel with two other eraser capacitors 441 and barrel capacitors 442, which are connected to the above-mentioned eraser button and barrel button, i.e., switches SWE and SWB, respectively. When the above-mentioned buttons or switches are pressed, capacitors 441 and 442 are connected in parallel with the first capacitor 321, so that the capacitance value on the PWM1 signal path changes, resulting in a change in the impedance ratio on the PWM1 and PWM2 signal paths, so that the strength ratio of the two signals changes accordingly.

Since the capacitance C1 and impedance value of the first capacitor 321 change, after being connected in parallel with the eraser capacitor 441 and the pen holder capacitor 442, the ratio of the impedance value of the parallel connection to the impedance value of the second capacitor 322 will fall within a range. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 4A , assuming that within the variable range of the first capacitor 321, the signal strength ratio of PWM1/PWM2 falls within a first range. After the first capacitor 321 is connected in parallel with the pen holder capacitor 442, that is, after the pen holder button is pressed, the signal ratio of PWM1/PWM2 falls within a second range. After the first capacitor 321 is connected in parallel with the eraser capacitor 441, that is, after the eraser button is pressed, the signal ratio of PWM1/PWM2 falls within a third range. After the first capacitor 321 is connected in parallel with the pen holder capacitor 442 and the eraser capacitor 441, that is, after the pen holder button and the eraser button are pressed at the same time, the signal ratio of PWM1/PWM2 falls within a fourth range. The capacitance value and impedance value of the pen holder capacitor 442 and the eraser capacitor 441 can be adjusted so that the first range, the second range, the third range, and/or the fourth range mentioned above do not overlap. Since the above possible ranges do not overlap, it is possible to know which button is pressed from the range in which the signal strength ratio falls. Then, the force level of the push-back force sensor can be determined from the signal strength ratio.

Please refer to FIG. 4B , which is a schematic diagram of the interior of a transmitter 110 according to an embodiment of the present invention. Compared with the embodiment of FIG. 4A , in the embodiment of FIG. 4B , the second capacitor 322 is connected in parallel with two other eraser capacitors 441 and pen barrel capacitors 442, which are connected to the above-mentioned eraser button and pen barrel button, i.e., switches SWE and SWB. When the above-mentioned button or switch is pressed, the pen barrel capacitor 442 and the eraser capacitor 441 will be connected in parallel with the second capacitor 322, resulting in a change in the impedance ratio on the PWM1 and PWM2 signal paths, so that the strength ratio of the two signals changes accordingly.

Since the capacitance C1 and impedance value of the first capacitor 321 can change, when the second capacitor 322 is connected in parallel with the eraser capacitor 441 and the pen capacitor 442, the ratio of the first capacitor 321 and the impedance value connected in parallel with it can fall within a range. In the embodiment shown in Fig. 4B, assuming that within the variable range of the first capacitor 321, the signal strength ratio of PWM1/PWM2 falls within a first range. After the second capacitor 322 is connected in parallel with the pen capacitor 442, that is, after the pen button is pressed, the signal ratio of PWM1/PWM2 falls within a fifth range. After the second capacitor 322 is connected in parallel with the eraser capacitor 441, that is, after the eraser button is pressed, the signal ratio of PWM1/PWM2 falls within a sixth range. After the second capacitor 322 is connected in parallel with the pen capacitor 442 and the eraser capacitor 441, that is, after the pen button and the eraser button are pressed at the same time, the signal ratio of PWM1/PWM2 falls into a seventh range.

By using the spirit of the embodiment of FIG. 4A , the capacitance and impedance of the pen holder capacitor 442 and the eraser capacitor 441 can be adjusted so that the first range, the fifth range, the sixth range, and the seventh range mentioned above do not overlap. Since these ranges do not overlap, it is possible to determine which button is pressed based on which range the signal strength falls into. Accordingly, the force level of the force sensor can be calculated based on the signal strength ratio.

Please refer to Fig. 5, which is a schematic diagram of the interior of a transmitter 110 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The embodiment of Fig. 5 can be a variation of the embodiments of Fig. 2, Fig. 3, Fig. 4A and Fig. 4B, and the variation of the embodiment of Fig. 5 can be applied to the embodiments of the above-mentioned figures.

Compared with the embodiment of FIG2 , the embodiment of FIG5 has an additional ring electrode 550 and a ring electrode wire 551. The ring electrode wire 551 of FIG5 can be connected to a third signal source 513 via a ring capacitor 523 having a fixed capacitance Cr. The ring electrode 550 surrounds the pen tip section 230, is electrically coupled to the ring electrode wire 551, and is connected to the printed circuit board at the rear end. Although it is referred to as the ring electrode 550 in the present application, in some embodiments, the ring electrode 550 may include a plurality of electrodes. The present application does not limit the number of the annular electrodes 550. For the sake of convenience, they are referred to as annular electrodes 550. The annular electrodes 550 are electrically insulated from the pen tip, and the two are not electrically coupled.

FIG5 includes six switches Sw1 to Sw6. If the pen tip segment 230 is to radiate the first signal source 211, Sw1 can be short-circuited and Sw2 can be opened. Otherwise, Sw1 can be opened. Alternatively, Sw1 and Sw2 can be short-circuited at the same time. Similarly, if the pen tip segment 230 is to radiate the second signal source 212, Sw3 can be short-circuited and Sw4 can be opened. Otherwise, Sw3 can be opened. Alternatively, Sw3 and Sw4 can be short-circuited at the same time. If the annular electrode 550 is to radiate the third signal source 513, Sw5 can be short-circuited and Sw6 can be opened. Otherwise, Sw5 can be opened. Alternatively, Sw5 and Sw6 can be short-circuited at the same time.

The above-mentioned first signal source 211 and the second signal source 212 may include signals of different frequencies, or may include signals of multiple different frequency groups. Similarly, the third signal source 513 of FIG5 may also include signals of different frequencies from the first signal source 211 and the second signal source 212, or may include signals of different frequency groups from the first signal source 211 and the second signal source 212. Similarly, the above-mentioned first signal source 211 and the second signal source 212 may include pulse width modulated (PWM) signals. The frequencies of these two signal sources 211 and 212 may be the same or different. Similarly, the third signal source 513 of FIG5 may also include a pulse width modulated (PWM) signal. The frequencies of these three signal sources may be the same or different.

Please refer to FIG6 , which is a flowchart of a method for a touch device to determine the sensing value of a transmitter or an active touch pen tip according to an embodiment of the present invention. The method can be executed by the touch processing device 130 in the embodiment of FIG1 . The touch processing device 130 is connected to a plurality of first electrodes 121 and a plurality of second electrodes 122 on the touch panel 120 to detect the electrical signal emitted by the pen tip section 230 of the transmitter 110. The touch processing device 130 can determine the relative position of the transmitter 110 and the touch panel 120 based on the signal strengths individually received by the plurality of first electrodes 121 and the plurality of second electrodes 122. In addition, the method shown in FIG6 can be used to determine the force sensing value of the transmitter 110. In one embodiment, the force sensing value is the pressure value of the pen tip section 230.

The embodiment of FIG. 6 may correspond to the embodiments of FIG. 2 to FIG. 5 , and the first two steps 610 and 620 are to calculate the signal strengths M1 and M2 corresponding to the first signal source 211 and the second signal source 212, respectively. The two steps 610 and 620 may be performed in no particular order or simultaneously. When the electrical signal emitted by the first signal source 211 has a first frequency f1 and the electrical signal emitted by the second signal source 212 has a second frequency f2, the above-mentioned signal strength M1 corresponds to the strength of the signal of the first frequency f1, and the above-mentioned signal strength M2 corresponds to the strength of the signal of the second frequency f2. When the electrical signal emitted by the first signal source 211 has a first frequency group F1 and the electrical signal emitted by the second signal source 212 has a second frequency group F2, the signal strength M1 corresponds to the total strength of each frequency signal in the first frequency group F1, and the signal strength M2 corresponds to the total strength of each frequency signal in the second frequency group F2. As mentioned above, the frequency here may also be a pulse width modulation frequency.

Then, in step 630, a ratio is calculated based on M1 and M2. Five examples of this ratio have been given above, such as M1/M2, (M1-M2)/(M1+M2), (M2-M1)/(M1+M2), M1/(M1+M2) or M2/(M1+M2). In addition to the five ratios mentioned above, ordinary technicians familiar with the technology can also think of replacing them with any ratio involving the strengths M1 and M2. Then, step 640 is executed to determine whether this ratio is a preset value or falls within a preset range. If the judgment result is true, step 650 is executed to determine that the transmitter 110 is suspended and does not touch the touch panel 120. Otherwise, execute step 660 to calculate the sensing value of the pen tip segment 230 according to the ratio value. The sensing value may be related to the force level and/or the stroke, or may not be related to the force level and/or the stroke. The step of calculating the sensing value may use a table lookup method, a straight line interpolation method, or a quadratic curve method, depending on the correspondence between the ratio value and the sensing value.

When the embodiment of FIG. 6 is applied to the embodiments of FIG. 4A and FIG. 4B , additional steps may be performed in step 660. For example, when applied to the embodiment of FIG. 4A , it may be determined whether the ratio value calculated in step 630 falls within the first range, the second range, the third range, or the fourth range described above. Accordingly, in addition to knowing the sensing value of the pen tip segment 230 , it may also be inferred whether the pen barrel button and/or the eraser button is pressed. Similarly, when applied to the embodiment of FIG. 4B , it may be determined whether the ratio value calculated in step 630 falls within the first range, the fifth range, the sixth range, or the seventh range described above. Based on this, in addition to knowing the sensing value of the pen tip section 230, it is also possible to infer whether the pen shaft button and/or the eraser button is pressed.

In one embodiment of the present invention, the controller or circuit in the transmitter 110 does not need to determine the degree of force applied to the pen tip segment 230, but simply changes one or both of the first impedance Z1 of the first element 221 and the second impedance Z2 of the second element 222 based on the force applied to the pen tip segment 230, so that one or both of the transmitted first frequency f1 or first frequency group F1 signal strength and the second frequency f2 and second frequency group F2 signal strength are changed. In contrast, when an electrical signal is received via the touch panel 120, the degree of force applied to the pen tip segment 230 can be determined based on the ratio of the intensity M1 of the signal portion of the first frequency f1 or the first frequency group F1 to the intensity M2 of the signal portion of the second frequency f2 and the second frequency group F2 in the demodulated electrical signal.

Please refer to FIG. 7A, which is a schematic diagram of the interior of a transmitter 110 according to an embodiment of the present invention. Compared with the embodiments of FIG. 2 to FIG. 5, the embodiment of FIG. 7A also includes a first element 221 having a first impedance Z1, a second element 222 having a second impedance Z2, and a pen tip segment 230. The above-mentioned first element 221 and second element 222 can be electronic elements formed by resistor elements, inductor elements, capacitor elements (such as solid-state capacitors) or any combination thereof. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 7A, the second impedance Z2 can be fixed, and the first impedance Z1 is variable, and corresponds to the change of a certain sensor, such as the force condition of the pen tip segment 230. The first element 221 and the second element 222 of the embodiment of FIG. 7A can be applied to each embodiment of FIG. 2 to FIG. 5, and will not be described in detail here.

Compared with the aforementioned embodiment, the embodiment of FIG. 7A is different in that it further includes a single signal source 714 for feeding an electrical signal to the first element 221 and the second element 222. It also includes a control unit 760 for measuring the first current value I1 and the second current value I2 outputted after the electrical signal passes through the first element 221 and the second element 222, respectively. The control unit 760 can also calculate a proportional value based on this. The proportional value can be I1/(I1+I2), I2/(I1+I2), I1/I2, I2/I1, (I1-I2)/(I1+I2), or (I2-I1)/(I1+I2), etc. A person of ordinary skill in the art can infer other types of proportional values calculated using the current values I1 and I2.

The calculated ratio value can be used to estimate the force applied to the pen tip segment 230. The control unit 760 can send the data derived from the first current value I1 and the second current value I2 through a transmitter wireless communication unit 770. The host 140 can receive the above data from a host wireless communication unit 780 to learn the force applied to the pen tip segment 230.

Please refer to FIG. 7B , which is a schematic diagram of the interior of a transmitter 110 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The difference between the embodiment of FIG. 7A and the embodiment of FIG. 7B is that the control unit 760 can send the data derived from the first current value I1 and the second current value I2 through a transmitter wired communication unit 771. The host 140 can receive the above data from a host wired communication unit 781 to learn the force condition of the pen tip segment 230.

Please refer to FIG. 7C, which is a schematic diagram of the interior of a transmitter 110 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The difference between the transmitter 110 and the embodiment of FIG. 7B is that the transmitter 110 no longer includes the above-mentioned single signal source 714, but directly uses the electrical signal obtained by the transmitter wired communication unit 771 as the signal source. Since the transmitter wired communication unit 771 is connected to the host wired communication unit 781, the above-mentioned electrical signal can use the power of the host 140.

Please refer to FIG. 7D , which is a schematic diagram of the interior of a transmitter 110 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The difference between the transmitter 110 and the embodiment of FIG. 7A is that the transmitter 110 no longer includes the above-mentioned single signal source 714, but directly uses the signal obtained from the first electrode 121 and/or the second electrode 122 on the touch panel 120 when the pen tip section 230 is in close contact with the touch panel 120 as the signal source.

It is worth mentioning that the embodiment of Figures 7A to 7D can be applied to the variation of the embodiment of Figure 3, the first element 221 can be the first capacitor 321, and the second element 222 can be the second capacitor 322. The embodiment of Figures 7A to 7D can be applied to the variation of the embodiment of Figures 4A and 4B, the first element 221 can be connected in parallel with other elements corresponding to the switches, or the second element 222 can be connected in parallel with other elements corresponding to the switches, so that the control unit 760 can know the status of those switches according to the range in which the calculated ratio value falls.

Please refer to FIG8, which is a flow chart of a method for determining the sensing value of the pen tip of the transmitter according to an embodiment of the present invention. The embodiment of FIG8 is a method for detecting sensing values similar to the embodiment of FIG6. FIG6 is used to calculate the signal strengths M1 and M2 corresponding to the first frequency (group) and the second frequency (group), and then use the ratio of the two to calculate the sensing value. The embodiment of FIG8 is applicable to an embodiment in which only a single signal source is fed, and the first current I1 and the second current I2 corresponding to the first element 221 and the second element 222 are calculated, and then the ratio of the two is used to calculate the sensing value.

The method can be executed by the control unit 760 in the embodiment of Figures 7A to 7D. The first two steps 810 and 820 are to calculate the first current I1 and the second current I2 corresponding to the first element 221 and the second element 222 respectively. These two steps 810 and 820 can be performed in no particular order or at the same time. Then, in step 830, a ratio value is calculated based on I1 and I2. Several examples of this ratio value have been listed above, such as I1/(I1+I2), I2/(I1+I2), I1/I2, I2/I1, (I1-I2)/(I1+I2), or (I2-I1)/(I1+I2), etc. Then, execute step 840 to determine whether the ratio value is a preset value or falls within a preset range. If the judgment result is true, execute step 850 to deem that the transmitter 110 is suspended and not in contact with the touch panel 120. Otherwise, execute step 860 to calculate the sensing value of the pen tip segment 230 according to the ratio value. The sensing value may or may not be related to the force level and/or stroke. The step of calculating the sensing value may use a table lookup method, a straight line interpolation method, or a quadratic curve method, depending on the correspondence between the ratio value and the sensing value.

In some embodiments, when the first element 221 or the second element 222 is connected in parallel with other switch-corresponding elements, such as the embodiments of FIG. 4A and FIG. 4B , additional steps may be performed in step 860. For example, when applicable to the embodiment of FIG. 4A , it may be determined whether the ratio value calculated in step 830 falls within the first range, the second range, the third range, or the fourth range described above. Accordingly, in addition to knowing the sensing value of the pen tip segment 230 , it may also be inferred whether the pen barrel button and/or the eraser button is pressed. Similarly, when used in the embodiment of FIG. 4B , it may be determined whether the ratio value calculated in step 830 falls within the first range, the fifth range, the sixth range, or the seventh range described above. Based on this, in addition to knowing the sensing value of the pen tip section 230, it is also possible to infer whether the pen shaft button and/or the eraser button is pressed.

Please refer to FIG. 9A, which is a timing diagram of signal modulation of a transmitter 110 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The embodiment of FIG. 9A can be applied to the transmitter 110 of FIG. 2 to FIG. 5. The horizontal axis of FIG. 9A is the time axis, and the order is from left to right. As shown in FIG. 9A, before the touch panel/screen 120 sends out a lighthouse signal, an optional noise detection period may be included. The noise detected during the noise detection period may come from the touch panel/screen and the electronic system or background environment in which it is located. The touch panel/screen 120 and the touch processing device 130 can detect one or more frequencies contained in the noise signal. The part about noise detection will be explained later.

In one embodiment, the touch panel/screen 120 will send out a lighthouse signal, and the transmitter 110 includes a demodulator that can detect the lighthouse signal. Please refer to FIG. 29, which is a block diagram of a lighthouse signal detection system according to an embodiment of the present invention. The lighthouse signal detection system 2900 includes a receiving electrode 2910, a detection module 2920, and a demodulator 2930. In one embodiment, the receiving electrode 2910 can be the above-mentioned annular electrode 550, or the above-mentioned pen tip segment 230, or other electrodes. The receiving electrode 2910 sends the received signal to the subsequent detection module 2910.

The detection module 2910 includes an analog front end 2911 and a comparator 2912. A person skilled in the art can understand what the analog front end does, which will not be described in detail here. In this embodiment, the analog front end 2911 may include outputting a voltage value representing the signal strength. The comparator 2912 is used to compare a reference voltage Vref with a voltage signal representing the strength of the received signal. When the voltage signal is higher than the reference voltage, it indicates that a strong enough signal is received, so the comparator 2912 outputs an activation signal or an enable signal to the demodulator 2930. The demodulator 2930 can demodulate the received signal to determine whether the received signal contains the frequency of the lighthouse signal. When the voltage signal is lower than the reference voltage, the comparator 2912 can output a shutdown signal to the demodulator 2930, and the demodulator 2930 stops demodulating the received signal.

When the transmitter 110 does not receive a lighthouse signal for a period of time, it can switch to a sleep mode and shut down the above-mentioned demodulator 2930 to save power consumption. However, since the detection module 2920 consumes less power, it can continue to detect whether the received signal strength exceeds a predetermined value in the sleep mode. When it exceeds a predetermined value, it can switch from the sleep mode to a less power-saving energy-saving mode, activating the demodulator 2930 for demodulation. At the same time, the rest of the transmitter 110 is still in a closed state. Assuming that the demodulator 2930 believes that the received signal does not contain a lighthouse signal, after a period of time, the demodulator 2930 can be turned off and the energy-saving mode can enter the more power-saving sleep mode. On the contrary, when the demodulator 2930 believes that the received signal includes a lighthouse signal, the demodulator 2930 can wake up other parts of the transmitter 110, so that the transmitter 110 is converted from the power saving mode to the normal working mode.

Now let's go back to the embodiment of Figure 9A. After a delay time of the length L0, the transmitter 110 sends out electrical signals in the time segments T0 and T1 respectively. There may also be a delay time of the length L1 between these two time segments T0 and T1. And these two time segments T0 and T1 can be of equal length or of unequal length. T0 and T1 can be collectively referred to as a signal frame. The touch processing device 130 detects the electrical signals sent by the transmitter 110 in these two time segments T0 and T1. Then, after an optional delay time of the length L2, the touch processing device 130 performs optional detection steps of other modes, such as the capacitive detection mode mentioned previously, which is used to detect non-active pens or fingers.

The present invention does not limit the lengths of the delay times L0, L1, and L2, which can be zero or any length of time. The lengths of the three can be related or unrelated. In one embodiment, among the time segments shown in FIG. 9A, only the T0 and T1 time segments in the signal frame are necessary, and the other time segments or steps are optional.

Table 1 condition Signal Source Time Pen button pressed Eraser button pressed Other status Suspension First signal source T0 F0 F1 F0 T1 F1 F2 F2 Second signal source T0 F0 F1 F0 T1 F1 F2 F2

Please refer to Table 1, which is a modulation diagram of the electrical signal of the transmitter 110 according to an embodiment of the present invention. In Table 1, the transmitter 110 is in a suspended state, that is, the force sensor does not feel any pressure. Since the pen tip section 230 of the transmitter 110 does not touch the touch panel/screen 120, in order to enhance the signal, in the embodiment of Table 1, the first signal source 211 and the second signal source 212 generate the same frequency group Fx in the same time period. For example, when the pen button is pressed, during the T0 period, the first signal source 211 and the second signal source 212 both transmit the frequency group F0, and during the T1 period, the first signal source 211 and the second signal source 212 both transmit the frequency group F1. When the touch processing device 130 detects the frequency group F0 during the T0 period and the frequency group F1 during the T1 period, it can be inferred that the pen button of the transmitter 110 in the suspended state is pressed.

The aforementioned frequency group Fx includes signals of at least one frequency, which can be interchanged with each other. For example, frequency group F0 can include frequencies f0 and f3, frequency group F1 can include frequencies f1 and f4, frequency group F2 can include frequencies f2 and f5, etc. Whether receiving frequency f0 or frequency f3, the touch processing device 130 will regard it as receiving frequency group F0.

In another embodiment, the transmitter 110 in the suspended state does not necessarily need the two signal sources 211 and 212 to both send signals of the same frequency group. The present invention is not limited to Table 1 as the only embodiment. In addition, the transmitter 110 may also include more buttons or sensors, and the present invention is not limited to only two buttons.

Table 2 condition Signal Source Time Pen button pressed Eraser button pressed Other status get in touch with Second signal source T0 F0 F1 F0 T1 GND GND GND First signal source T0 GND GND GND T1 F1 F2 F2

Please refer to Table 2, which is a modulation diagram of the electrical signal of the transmitter 110 according to an embodiment of the present invention. In Table 2, the pen tip section 230 of the transmitter 110 is in contact state, that is, the force sensor senses pressure.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 4A , the following is the case where the pen shaft button SWB is pressed. During the T0 period, the signal source of the first signal source 211 is grounded, and the second signal source 212 emits the frequency group F0, so the electrical signal of the transmitter 110 during the T0 period only has the frequency group F0 emitted by the second signal source 212. During the T1 period, the signal source of the second signal source 212 is grounded, and the first signal source 211 emits the frequency group F1. Also, because the impedance value of the first capacitor 321 changes when in contact, the force applied to the pen tip section 230 can be calculated based on the strength ratio of the F0 and F1 signals received during the T0 and T1 periods, respectively. In addition, since the touch processing device 130 detects the F0 signal in the T0 period and the F1 signal in the T1 period, it can be inferred that the pen button is pressed.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 4A , the following is the case where the pen button SWB is pressed. During the T0 period, the signal source of the first signal source 211 is grounded, the second signal source 212 emits the frequency group F0, and the second capacitor 322 is connected in parallel with the pen capacitor 442. Although the electrical signal of the transmitter 110 during the T0 period only has the frequency group F0 emitted by the second signal source 212, its signal strength is different from the case where the pen button SWB is not pressed. During the T1 period, the signal source of the second signal source 212 is grounded, and the first signal source 211 emits the frequency group F1. Since the impedance value of the first capacitor 321 changes when in contact, the force applied to the stylus can be calculated based on the strength ratio of the F0 and F1 signals received during the T0 and T1 periods, respectively. In addition, since the touch processing device 130 detects the F0 signal during the T0 period and the F1 signal during the T1 period, it can be inferred that the pen bar button is pressed.

Table 3 condition Signal Source Time Pen button pressed Eraser button pressed Other status Suspension Second signal source T0 F0 F1 F2 T1 F0 F1 F2 First signal source T0 F0 F1 F2 T1 F0 F1 F2

Please refer to Table 3, which is a modulation diagram of the electrical signal of the transmitter 110 according to an embodiment of the present invention. In this embodiment, it is possible to know which buttons are pressed according to the frequency group.

Table 4 condition Signal Source Time Pen button pressed Eraser button pressed Other status get in touch with Second signal source T0 F0 F1 F2 T1 GND GND GND First signal source T0 GND GND GND T1 F0 F1 F2

Please refer to Table 4, which is a modulation diagram of the electrical signal of the transmitter 110 according to an embodiment of the present invention. In this embodiment, it is possible to know which buttons are pressed based on the frequency group, and also to calculate the force applied to the touch pen tip based on the ratio of the signal strength received during the T0 and T1 time periods.

Please refer to FIG. 9B, which is a timing diagram of signal modulation of the transmitter 110 according to an embodiment of the present invention. It is another variation of the embodiment of FIG. 9A. The difference between FIG. 9B and FIG. 9A is that the step of noise detection is performed after the T1 period. Then, the detection of other modes is performed.

Please refer to FIG9C, which is a timing diagram of the signal modulation of the transmitter 110 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The signal modulation of FIG9C can be applied to the transmitter 110 shown in FIG5. Another function of adding the annular electrode 550 is to enhance the signal strength when the active pen is suspended, so as to facilitate the touch panel to detect the suspension range of the active pen.

The signal modulation of Figure 9C is the signal emitted when the transmitter 110 is in a suspended state. In this state, the signal frame of the signal emitted by the transmitter 110 only includes a single R period. In this R period, the annular electrode 550 and the pen tip segment 230 can emit electrical signals at the same time. In one embodiment, these electrical signals can come from the same signal source and have the same frequency and/or modulation method. For example, the annular electrode and the pen tip all emit electrical signals from the third signal source 513. For another example, the annular electrode 550 and the pen tip segment 230 can jointly emit electrical signals from the first, second, and third signal sources in sequence so as to utilize the maximum power of each signal source respectively. During the R period, the touch processing device 130 only needs to detect the electrical signal emitted by the annular electrode 550 to know that the transmitter 110 is suspended at a certain position of the touch panel 120. If the electrical signals emitted by the annular electrode 550 and the pen tip segment 230 come from the same signal source or have the same frequency group, the signal strength will be the maximum, so that the touch panel can detect the maximum range of the suspended touch pen. In another embodiment, during the R period, the electrical signal can also be emitted only through the annular electrode 550.

Please refer to FIG. 9D, which is a timing diagram of the signal modulation of the transmitter 110 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The signal modulation of FIG. 9D can be applied to the transmitter 110 shown in FIG. 5. In FIG. 9C, a delay time or a blank time period L1 is included after the R time period, and then the touch panel performs other forms of detection. Compared with the embodiment of FIG. 9C, the L1 time period of FIG. 9D is longer. Compared with the embodiment of FIG. 9E, the length of the L1 time period of FIG. 9D is equal to the sum of the L1 time period, T0 time period, L2 time period, T1 time period, and T3 time period of FIG. 9E. Therefore, if the touch processing device 130 of FIG. 9D cannot detect any electrical signal within the L1 time period of fixed length, it can be known that the transmitter 110 is in a suspended state.

Please refer to FIG. 9E , which is a timing diagram of the signal modulation of the transmitter 110 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The signal modulation of FIG. 9E can be applied to the transmitter 110 shown in FIG. 5 . The embodiment of FIG. 9E can be said to add the R period in front of the signal frame of the embodiment of FIG. 9A . In this embodiment, regardless of whether the pen tip segment 230 is pressed, the transmitter 110 always sends out an electrical signal from the pen tip in the T0 period and the T1 period, thereby saving some logic circuit design. However, compared with the embodiments of FIG. 9C and FIG. 9D , the embodiment of FIG. 9E wastes the power of the electrical signal sent in the T0 period and the T1 period. From another perspective, the touch processing device 130 does not need to perform detection in the R period. As long as it can detect the electrical signal emitted by the pen tip segment 230 in the T0 period and the T1 period, it can naturally know whether the pen tip segment 230 is under pressure, and thus know whether the transmitter 110 is in a suspended state.

Please refer to FIG. 9F, which is a timing diagram of the signal modulation of the transmitter 110 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The signal modulation of FIG. 9F can be applied to the transmitter 110 shown in FIG. 5. In the embodiment of FIG. 9E, the proportional relationship between the length of the R period and the length of the T0 period and the T1 period is not limited. In the embodiment of FIG. 9F, the length ratio of the R period and the length of the T0 period and the T1 period is 1:2:4. In this way, it is assumed that the touch processing device 130 can perform N samplings in a unit time, and N is a positive integer. Therefore, in the R period and the T0 period and the T1 period, the touch panel can perform N:2N:4N samplings. The present invention does not limit the length ratio of these three time periods. For example, the time period with the strongest signal power can last for the shortest unit time, and the time period with the smallest signal power can last for the longest unit time. For example, the length ratio can be 1:3:2, or 1:2:3, etc., depending on the design. Although only the modulation of the two time periods T0 and T1 is cited in the above text, the present invention is not limited to the modulation of two time periods, but can be applied to the modulation of more time periods.

In one embodiment, the transmitter 110 can emit a strong electrical signal when the pen tip is not in contact, and emit a weak electrical signal when the pen tip is in contact. Accordingly, the touch processing device 130 can have a greater probability of detecting the transmitter 110 suspended above the touch panel 120. Moreover, when the transmitter 110 contacts the touch panel 120, the energy consumed by the transmitter 110 can be saved.

For example, in the embodiments of FIGS. 9C and 9D , that is, when the pen tip segment 230 is not touched, the electrical signal emitted in the R time segment may be greater than the electrical signal emitted in the L1 time segment corresponding to the T0 time segment and the T1 time segment.

The signal modulation indicates that the transmitter 110 is in a suspended state. In this state, the signal frame of the electrical signal emitted by the transmitter 110 only includes the R period. In the R period, the annular electrode 550 and the pen tip segment 230 emit electrical signals at the same time. In one embodiment, the electrical signal may come from the same signal source and have the same frequency and/or modulation method. In one embodiment, the annular electrode 550 and the pen tip segment 230 send signals from a third signal source 513. In another embodiment, the annular electrode 550 and the pen tip segment 230 may come from the first signal source 211, the second signal source 212, and the third signal source 513. Therefore, the electrical signal emitted during the R period is the sum of the outputs of the three signal sources 211, 212 and 513.

In the embodiment of FIG. 9A , Table 1 shows the output power of the first signal source 211 and the second signal source 212 when the transmitter 110 is in the suspended state. Table 2 shows the output power of only the first signal source 211 or the second signal source 212 when the transmitter 110 is in the contact state during the T0 period and the T1 period. Therefore, the transmitter 110 can emit a stronger electrical signal when the pen tip is not in contact, and emit a weaker electrical signal when the pen tip is in contact.

Similarly, Table 3 shows the output power of the first signal source 211 and the second signal source 212 when the transmitter 110 is in the suspended state. Table 4 shows the output power of the first signal source 211 or the second signal source 212 when the transmitter 110 is in the contact state during the T0 period and the T1 period. Therefore, the transmitter 110 can emit a stronger electrical signal when the pen tip is not in contact, and emit a weaker electrical signal when the pen tip is in contact.

Why the steps and time periods of noise detection are added to the embodiments of FIG. 9A to FIG. 9F is shown in FIG. 10, which is a noise propagation schematic diagram according to an embodiment of the present invention. In FIG. 10, the electronic system 100 where the touch panel/screen 120 is located will emit noise of frequency f0, and frequency f0 happens to be a frequency in frequency group F0. Assume that frequency group F0 also includes another frequency f3. When the user holds the electronic system 100, the noise of frequency f0 will be transmitted to the touch panel/screen 120 through the user's fingers. If the noise detection step is not performed, the touch panel/screen 120 may mistake the f0 frequency signal transmitted by the finger during the signal frame as the electrical signal sent by the transmitter 110. Therefore, if the f0 frequency noise is detected in advance, the f0 frequency signal source can be filtered out during the signal frame.

Assuming that the transmitter 110 has an automatic frequency conversion function, when the transmitter 110 detects that the touch panel/screen 120 emits noise of frequency f0, it automatically switches to another frequency f3 of the same frequency group F0. As a result, during the time period of the signal frame, the touch processing device 130 detects the frequency f3 from the transmitter 110 and the frequency f0 from the finger, thereby causing confusion. Therefore, as shown in the embodiment of FIG. 9B, in the event of confusion, a noise detection step is performed in the T1 period or after the signal frame. Since the transmitter 110 has stopped sending the signal of frequency f3, the finger and the electronic system 100 continue to emit noise of frequency f0. The touch processing device 130 can infer that, among the signals detected in the original signal frame period, the signal with the f3 frequency is the signal that actually comes from the transmitter 110.

In the above-mentioned description of FIG. 2, the ratio of the signal strength of multiple frequencies is adjusted by changing the impedance of the first element 221. Please refer to FIG. 11, which is a schematic diagram of a structure of a first capacitor 221 according to another embodiment of the present invention. The ratio of the signal strength of multiple frequencies is adjusted by changing the impedance of the first capacitor 221. The conventional capacitor element is formed by two conductive metal plates. Its capacitance C is proportional to the dielectric constant and the area of the metal plate, and inversely proportional to the distance between the metal plates.

One of the main spirits of the above embodiment is to use a mechanical structure to convert the travel of the elastic pen tip section 230 along the axis direction of the transmitter 110 into a travel perpendicular to the axis direction of the transmitter 110 or at an angle to the axis direction of the transmitter 110. By changing the travel, the capacitance of the first capacitor 221 and the corresponding first impedance Z1 are changed, and the capacitance of the second capacitor 222 and the corresponding second impedance Z2 are kept fixed, thereby changing the ratio of the intensity M1 of the signal part of the first frequency (group) to the intensity M2 of the signal part of the second frequency (group) in the electrical signal.

In FIG. 11 , three metal plates that do not touch each other are included. The first metal plate 1110 and the second metal plate 1120 form a first capacitor 221, and the second metal plate 1120 and the third metal plate 1130 form a second capacitor 222. In one example, the first metal plate 1110 is formed on a flexible circuit board or printed circuit board, and its surface has an insulating paint or another insulating plate. The second metal plate 1120 and the third metal plate 1130 are formed on two layers of the same circuit board or printed circuit board, and their surfaces have an insulating paint or another insulating plate. The second metal plate 1120 is coupled to the front pen tip section 230 via another circuit. The pen tip is fixed to a lifting element 1140 (such as the inclined plane device described below), which directly or indirectly lifts part or all of the first metal plate 1110 (or the elastic circuit board or printed circuit board) according to the displacement of the pen tip section 230, or causes part of the first metal plate 1110 (or the elastic circuit board or printed circuit board) to deform in a direction perpendicular to the axis of the transmitter 110, which is collectively referred to as displacement perpendicular to the axis of the touch pen in the following description.

The first metal plate 1110 is supplied with an electrical signal of a first frequency (group), and the third metal plate 1130 is supplied with an electrical signal of a second frequency (group). Therefore, the second metal plate 1120 will sense and generate electrical signals of the first frequency (group) and the second frequency (group), which are transmitted to the touch panel 120 via the front pen tip section 230. When the pen tip section 230 is not subjected to force, the first metal plate 1110 and the circuit board to which it belongs have no displacement perpendicular to the axis direction of the transmitter 110. However, after the pen tip section 230 is subjected to force, the inclined device 1140 behind the pen tip section converts the force from a direction parallel to the axis to a direction perpendicular to the axis, causing the circuit board to which the first metal plate 1110 belongs to be deformed and displaced, thereby causing the dielectric constant of the first capacitor 221 to change. Therefore, the capacitance C1 and the first impedance Z1 of the first capacitor 221 also change accordingly. After the pen tip section 230 is subjected to force, the circuit board to which the second metal plate 1120 and the third metal plate 1130 belong to be displaced as a whole, so the capacitance C2 and the impedance Z2 of the second capacitor 222 remain unchanged.

Since the circuit board where the first metal plate 1110 is located will deform upward, the present embodiment may include at least one supporting element 1150 to provide a supporting force in the opposite direction, so as to help the circuit board where the first metal plate 1110 is located to return to its original shape after the force applied to the pen tip section 230 disappears. Before deformation, the supporting force provided by the supporting element 1150 may be zero.

In one example of the present embodiment, the capacitance ratio of the first capacitor 221 and the second capacitor 222 can be designed to be the same. When the capacitance ratio is the same, the dielectric constant, distance, and area of the two capacitors can be the same. Of course, the present invention does not limit the capacitance ratio of the two capacitors 221 and 222 to be the same, as long as the touch processing device 130 knows the impedance ratio of the two capacitors of the transmitter 110.

In this embodiment, a cheap circuit board or printed circuit board is used to replace the expensive force sensing resistor. Moreover, when the first capacitor 221 and the second capacitor 222 have the same capacitance ratio, when the external environment changes, their dielectric constants will also change at the same time, thereby maintaining the preset value of the ratio. In addition, the transmitter 110 itself does not need an active control element to adjust the ratio of the two impedances Z1 and Z2, but only needs to passively provide an electrical signal, which can save a lot of resources.

Please refer to Fig. 12, which is a simplified representation of the embodiment shown in Fig. 11, which omits the circuit board, the supporting element 1150, and the connection circuit between the second metal plate 1120 and the pen tip section 230. The description of the embodiment shown in Fig. 12 can all refer to Fig. 11.

Please refer to FIG. 13, which is a variation of the embodiment shown in FIG. 12, wherein the third metal plate 1130 can be moved to the rear of the first metal plate 110 and is not electrically coupled to the first metal plate 1110. When the pen tip section 230 is subjected to force, only the first metal plate 1110 and the circuit board to which it belongs will be displaced and deformed. In one embodiment, the first metal plate 1110 and the third metal plate 1130 can be formed on the same circuit board.

Please refer to FIG. 14, which is a variation of the embodiment shown in FIG. 13, wherein the first metal plate 1110 and the third metal plate 1130 can be divided into two metal plates A and B respectively, and the first frequency (group) and the second frequency (group) are also fed respectively. When the pen tip section 230 is subjected to force, the first metal plate A 1110A and the first metal plate B 1110B and the circuit board to which they belong will have displacement deformation. However, the third metal plate A 1130A and the third metal plate B 1130B and the circuit board to which they belong will not have displacement deformation. Compared with the embodiment shown in FIG. 13, since there are two metal plates 1110A and 1110B that are displaced and deformed, the amount of change will be larger and more obvious than the embodiment shown in FIG. 13.

Please refer to FIG. 15, which is a variation of the embodiment shown in FIG. 14, wherein the second metal plate 1120 is also divided into two metal plates 1120A and 1120B, but the second metal plate A 1120A and the second metal plate B 1120B are connected to the pen tip section 230 via a circuit. The first metal plate A 1110A and the second metal plate A 1120A form a first capacitor A 221A, and the second metal plate A 1120A and the third metal plate A 1130A form a second capacitor A 222A. The first metal plate B 1110B and the second metal plate B 1120B form a first capacitor B 221B, and the second metal plate B 1120B and the third metal plate B 1130B form a second capacitor B 222B. When the pen tip section 230 is subjected to force, the first metal plate A 1110A and the first metal plate B 1110B and the circuit board to which they belong will have displacement deformation. However, the third metal plate A 1130A and the third metal plate B 1130B and the circuit board to which they belong will not have displacement deformation. Compared with the embodiment shown in FIG. 13 , since there are two metal plates that are displaced and deformed, the amount of change will be larger and more obvious than the embodiment shown in FIG. 13 .

Please refer to FIG. 16A, which is a schematic diagram according to an embodiment of the present invention. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 16A, from top to bottom, a first metal plate 1110, a second metal plate 1120, and a third metal plate 1130 are included. The first metal plate 1110 and the third metal plate 1130 are fixed, and are fed with signals of the first frequency (group) and the second frequency (group) respectively. The second metal plate 1120 will sense the signals of the first frequency (group) and the second frequency (group) of the upper and lower metal plates, and output an electrical signal having a mixture of the first frequency (group) and the second frequency (group).

A first capacitor 221 is formed between the first metal plate 1110 and the second metal plate 1120, and a second capacitor 222 is formed between the second metal plate 1120 and the third metal plate 1130. When the second metal plate 1120 is not deformed, under the same environment, the impedance values of the first capacitor 221 and the second capacitor 222 are fixed, so the strengths M1 and M2 corresponding to the first frequency (group) and the second frequency (group) in the electrical signal are analyzed, and a ratio value is calculated based on the two strength values. When the ratio value is a preset value or falls within a preset range, it can be known that the second metal plate 1120 is not deformed.

When the second metal plate 1120 is deformed, the impedance value and the capacitance value of the first capacitor 221 and the second capacitor 222 change. Therefore, a ratio value is calculated based on the two strength values, and the deformation or force condition of the second metal plate 1120 can be inferred based on the change of the ratio value. Here, each step of the embodiment shown in FIG. 6 can be applied.

Please refer to FIG. 16B , which is a variation of the embodiment shown in FIG. 16A . The second metal plate 1120 and the third metal plate 1130 are fixed, and are fed with the first frequency (group) and the second frequency (group) signals respectively. The first metal plate 1110 will sense the first frequency (group) and the second frequency (group) signals of the second metal plate 1120 and the third metal plate 1130 below, and output an electrical signal having a mixture of the first frequency (group) and the second frequency (group).

A first capacitor 221 is formed between the first metal plate 1110 and the second metal plate 1120, and a second capacitor 222 is formed between the first metal plate 1110 and the third metal plate 1130. When the first metal plate 1110 is not deformed, under the same environment, the impedance values of the first capacitor 221 and the second capacitor 222 are fixed, so the strengths M1 and M2 corresponding to the first frequency (group) and the second frequency (group) in the electrical signal are analyzed, and a ratio value is calculated based on the two strength values. When the ratio value is a preset value or falls within a preset range, it can be known that the first metal plate 1110 is not deformed.

When the first metal plate 1110 is deformed, the impedance value and the capacitance ratio of the first capacitor 221 and the second capacitor 222 change. Therefore, a ratio value is calculated based on the two strength values, and the deformation or stress of the first metal plate 1110 can be inferred based on the change of the ratio value. Here, the steps of the embodiment shown in FIG. 6 can be applied. The above-mentioned impedance value may change with temperature and humidity. The impedance values of the first capacitor 221 and the second capacitor 222 of the present invention also change with temperature and humidity. Therefore, when calculating the ratio value, the influence of temperature and humidity on the ratio value can be reduced or avoided.

Please refer to Figures 17A and 17B, which are schematic diagrams of the structures of the first capacitor and the second capacitor according to the present invention. In the embodiments of Figures 16A and 16B, the first frequency (group) and the second frequency (group) are fed respectively, while in the embodiments of Figures 17A and 17B, only the driving signal of the same frequency needs to be fed. In other words, it can be applicable to each embodiment of Figures 7A to 7D, and the fed driving signal can be the single signal source 714 of Figures 7A and 7B, or the electrical signal obtained from the transmitter wired communication unit 771 of Figure 7C as the signal source, or the signal obtained from the first electrode 121 and/or the second electrode 122 on the touch panel 120 when the pen tip segment 230 of Figure 7D is in close contact with the touch panel 120 as the signal source.

The three-layer metal plate structure of FIG. 17A is the same as that of FIG. 16A , and the driving signal with a certain frequency is fed to the deformable second metal plate 1120. Through the capacitance effect with the second metal plate 1120, the first metal plate 1110 will have an induced first current value I1 output. Similarly, through the capacitance effect with the second metal plate 1120, the third metal plate 1130 will have an induced second current value I2 output.

A first capacitor 221 is formed between the first metal plate 1110 and the second metal plate 1120, and a second capacitor 222 is formed between the second metal plate 1120 and the third metal plate 1130. When the second metal plate 1120 is not deformed, the impedance values of the first capacitor 221 and the second capacitor 222 are fixed, so the currents I1 and I2 are analyzed, and a ratio value is calculated based on the two current values. When the ratio value is a preset value or falls within a preset range, it can be known that the second metal plate 1120 is not deformed.

When the second metal plate 1120 is deformed, the impedance value and the capacitance ratio of the first capacitor 221 and the second capacitor 222 change. Therefore, a ratio value is calculated based on the two current values I1 and I2, and the deformation or force condition of the second metal plate 1120 can be inferred based on the change of the ratio value. Accordingly, the method embodiment shown in FIG. 8 can be applied.

Please refer to FIG. 17B , which is a variation of the embodiment shown in FIG. 17A . The second metal plate 1120 and the third metal plate 1130 are fixed. The driving signal with a certain frequency is fed to the deformable first metal plate 1110. Through the capacitance effect with the first metal plate 1110, the second metal plate 1120 outputs the sensed first current value I1. Similarly, through the capacitance effect with the first metal plate 1110, the third metal plate 1130 outputs the sensed second current value I2.

A first capacitor 221 is formed between the first metal plate 1110 and the second metal plate 1120, and a second capacitor 222 is formed between the first metal plate 1110 and the third metal plate 1130. When the first metal plate 1110 is not deformed, the impedance values of the first capacitor 221 and the second capacitor 222 are fixed, so the currents I1 and I2 are analyzed, and a ratio value is calculated based on the two current values. When the ratio value is a preset value or falls within a preset range, it can be known that the first metal plate 1110 is not deformed.

When the first metal plate 1110 is deformed, the impedance value and the capacitance ratio of the first capacitor 221 and the second capacitor 222 change. Therefore, a ratio value is calculated based on the two current values I1 and I2, and the deformation or force condition of the first metal plate 1110 can be inferred based on the change of the ratio value. Accordingly, the method embodiment shown in FIG. 8 can be applied.

Please refer to Fig. 18, which is a variation of the embodiment shown in Fig. 11. The embodiment shown in Fig. 11 needs to feed signals of two frequencies. However, in the embodiment shown in Fig. 18, as in the embodiments of Fig. 17A and Fig. 17B, only a driving signal of a certain frequency needs to be fed to the second metal plate 1120, or a certain signal needs to be fed, without knowing how many frequency components the feed signal has.

A first capacitor 221 is formed between the first metal plate 1110 and the second metal plate 1120, and a second capacitor 222 is formed between the second metal plate 1120 and the third metal plate 1130. Since the distance and dielectric constant between the second metal plate 1120 and the third metal plate 1130 do not change, the capacitance value and impedance of the second capacitor 222 are fixed. When the first metal plate 1110 is not deformed, the impedance values of the first capacitor 221 and the second capacitor 222 are fixed, so the currents I1 and I2 are analyzed, and a ratio value is calculated based on the two current values. When the ratio value is a preset value or falls within a preset range, it can be known that the first metal plate 1110 is not deformed. However, the capacitance ratio and impedance of the first capacitor 221 will change due to the deformation of the first metal plate. Therefore, when the first metal plate 1110 is deformed by external force, the first current value I1 will change. Therefore, the ratio of the current values I1 to I2 will also change, and the deformation or force of the first metal plate 1110 can be inferred from this. Therefore, the method embodiment shown in FIG. 8 can be applied.

In another embodiment of the present invention, the controller or circuit in the transmitter 110 can feed a driving signal of a certain frequency to the second metal plate 1120, calculate the currents I1 and I2 corresponding to the first capacitor 221 and the second capacitor 222, and then use the ratio of the two to calculate the sensing value, thereby judging the degree of force applied to the pen tip. In other words, by means of the aforementioned first impedance Z1 and second impedance Z2, the present invention provides a pressure sensing capacitor (FSC; force sensiting capacitor), which can be used to replace traditional pressure sensing elements, such as pressure sensing resistors FSR, to provide pressure judgment. The pressure sensing capacitor provided by the present invention has the characteristics of low cost and not being easily affected by temperature and humidity. In the aforementioned figures, the use of a bendable printed circuit board as a force sensing capacitor is disclosed. One of the features of the present invention is that it provides other forms of force sensing capacitors.

Please refer to Figure 19A, which is an exploded schematic diagram of the center section of the force sensing capacitor and its structure of the transmitter 110. Please note that the proportions of Figures 19A to 19E have been changed to highlight certain parts. In addition, certain fixed elements are omitted to simplify the description. In Figure 19A, the leftmost element is a long-barreled pen tip or pen tip segment 230, and the pen tip portion can be a conductor. For convenience, the pen tip segment 230 is called the front end of the transmitter 110 or the active pen. When in contact with the front movable element 1971, the pen tip segment 230 is electrically coupled to the front movable element 1971. The front movable element 1971 is combined with the concave fastener in the middle of the rear movable element 1972 via the middle convex fastener. In one embodiment, the convex fastener and the concave fastener may include threads. The front movable element 1971 and the rear movable element 1972 can be conductors, or conductive elements, such as metal parts.

FIG. 19A includes a housing 1980, which can contain the front and rear movable elements 1971 and 1972 in an annular shape. For the sake of simplicity, FIG. 19A only shows a portion of the housing 1980. The portion of the housing 1980 near the pen tip section 230 is retracted to form a neck with a smaller diameter, and a shoulder as a load-bearing portion can be included between the neck and the portion with a larger diameter of the housing 1980. In FIG. 19A, at least one elastic element 1978 is sandwiched between the load-bearing portion and the front movable element 1971, which is used to apply force to the housing 1980 and the front movable element 1971 along the long axis of the pen. The elastic element 1978 can be a spring, a spring sheet or other types of elastic elements. In one embodiment, different from FIG. 19A , the elastic element 1978 can surround the movable element 1970 and the neck of the housing 1980 .

In another embodiment, the elastic element 1978 can apply force to the housing 1980 and the rear movable element 1972 along the long axis of the pen. Since the front and rear movable elements 1971 and 1972 can be combined into a movable element 1970 by a fastener, no matter whether force is applied to the front movable element 1971 or the rear movable element 1972, the movable element 1970 can be pushed toward the nib section 230, thereby pushing the nib section 230 toward the front end.

When the pen tip section 230 is subjected to a force applied to the right or rearward end in the figure, the elastic force of the elastic element 1978 will be overcome to press the movable element 1970 until a part of the movable element 1970 contacts the load-bearing part of the shell 1980. Therefore, the design provided by the present invention allows the movable element 1970 to move along the long axis of the pen within the neck of the shell 1980 to achieve a stroke. Similarly, since the movable element 1970 is against the pen tip section 230, the pen tip section 230 can also move along the long axis of the pen to achieve the same stroke. The length of the stroke can vary depending on the design, for example, it can be 1 mm or 0.5 mm. The present invention does not limit the length of the stroke.

At the rear end of the rear movable element 1972, there is an insulating film 1973. At the rear end of the insulating film 1973, there is also a compressible conductor 1974. In one embodiment, the compressible conductor 1974 can be a conductive rubber or an elastic element of a doped conductor. Since the insulating film 1973 is sandwiched between the movable element 1970 and the compressible conductor 1974, the movable element 1970, the insulating film 1973, and the compressible conductor 1974 form a capacitor, or a force sensing capacitor. The force sensing capacitor provided in the present application can be the first capacitor 221 of Figures 2 to 5. In short, the force sensing capacitor provided in this application can be applied to the above-mentioned embodiments.

The compressible conductor 1974 is fixed on a conductive substrate 1975, and the conductive substrate 1975 can be fixed to the inner circumference of the housing 1980 by means of a fastener or a fastener. When the movable element 1970 moves to the rear end or to the right, since the position of the conductive substrate 1975 is fixed, the rear movable element 1972 will compress the compressible conductor 1974, causing the capacitance value of the force sensing capacitor to change.

Due to the shape limitation of the pen, the remaining circuits and battery module can be located at the rear end of the conductive base 1975. In FIG. 19A, these components can be represented by a printed circuit board 1990. As the first end of the force sensing capacitor, the movable element 1970 is connected to the printed circuit board 1990 through a movable element wire 1977. As the second end of the force sensing capacitor, the conductive base 1975 is connected to the printed circuit board 1990 through a base wire 1976.

The base wire 1976 can also be another elastic element. In some embodiments, unlike FIG. 19A , the base wire 1976 can surround the conductive base 1975. In another embodiment, the conductive base 1975 is not conductive, and the base wire 1976 passes through the conductive base 1975 and is electrically coupled to the compressible conductor 1974.

In one embodiment, the insulating film 1973 can be manufactured by immersing the right end plane of the rear movable element 1972 into an insulating liquid. When the insulating liquid dries, an insulating film 1973 is naturally formed on the right end plane of the rear movable element 1972.

Please refer to FIG. 20, which is a cross-sectional schematic diagram of the contact surface between the compressible conductor 1974 and the insulating film 1973 in FIG. 19A. FIG. 20 includes four embodiments of the contact surface between the compressible conductor 1974 and the insulating film 1973. Embodiment (a) is a contact surface with a central protrusion, embodiment (b) is a contact surface with a single inclined surface, embodiment (c) is a contact surface with a central cone, and embodiment (d) is a contact surface with multiple protrusions. The applicant believes that the present invention does not limit the shape of the contact surface.

Although the surface of the movable element 1970 on which the insulating film 1973 is formed is a plane, the present invention is not limited thereto. The surface may be a contact surface as shown in FIG. 20 , a central protrusion, a single inclined surface, a central cone, or a contact surface having multiple protrusions. In other words, in some embodiments, the surfaces of the compressible conductor 1974 and the insulating film 1973 are not planes.

Please refer to FIG. 19B, which is a cross-sectional view of the structure shown in FIG. 19A after assembly. After assembly, the front movable element 1971 and the rear movable element 1972 have been combined into a single movable element 1970. The movable element 1970 is connected to the load-bearing part of the housing 1980 via an elastic element 1978. The elastic tension of the elastic element 1978 causes the movable element 1970 to press against the pen tip section 230 in the direction of the front end until the rear movable element 1972 presses against the load-bearing part of the housing 1980. A movable stroke d is left between the movable element 1970 and the housing 1980. At this time, the compressible conductor 1974 is not compressed and deformed, and it is assumed that the capacitance value of the force sensing capacitor is a first capacitance value.

Please refer to FIG. 19C, which is another cross-sectional schematic diagram after the structure shown in FIG. 19A is assembled. Compared with FIG. 19B, the pen tip section 230 is subjected to pressure toward the rear end, so it moves toward the rear end. Affected by the movement of the pen tip section 230, the movable element 1970 overcomes the elastic tension of the elastic element 1978 and moves toward the rear end for the entire stroke d until the front movable element 1971 abuts against the load-bearing part of the housing 1980. At this time, the compressible conductor 1974 is compressed by the movable element 1970 and the insulating film 1973, resulting in deformation, and the capacitance value of the force sensing capacitor is a second capacitance value, which is different from the above-mentioned first capacitance value.

Between the ends of the stroke shown in FIG. 19B and FIG. 19C , the movable element 1970 can have countless positions, or the compressible conductor 1974 can have countless degrees of compression, or the area of the contact surface between the compressible conductor 1974 and the insulating film 1973 can have countless size changes. A certain position, degree of compression, or change in area size can change the capacitance value of the force sensing capacitor.

Please refer to FIG. 19D, which is an exploded schematic diagram of the central cross-section of the force sensing capacitor and its structure of the transmitter 110 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The difference between FIG. 19D and FIG. 19B is that the positions of the compressible conductor 1974 and the insulating film 1973 are interchanged. In any case, when the movable element 1970 moves toward the rear end, the compressible conductor 1974 will be compressed by the insulating film 1973 and the conductor base 1975 and deform. In this way, the capacitance value of the force sensing capacitor can also be changed.

Please refer to FIG. 19E, which is a schematic diagram of the central cross section of the force sensing capacitor and its structure of the transmitter 110 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The difference between FIG. 19E and FIG. 19B is that the right end of the rear movable element 1972 is no longer a layer of insulating film 1973, but a compressible insulating material (compressible dielectric material) 1979. For example, insulating rubber, plastic, foam, etc. The conductor connected to the conductive base 1975 is changed to a non-compressible conductor, such as a metal block or graphite. When the movable element 1970 is subjected to pressure, the thickness of the compressible insulating material 1979 decreases, resulting in a decrease in the distance between the movable element 1970 and the conductor, so the capacitance value of the force sensing capacitor changes accordingly. From the perspective of manufacturing cost, the conductor of FIG. 19E is more expensive than the compressible conductor 1974 of FIG. 19A.

In a variation of the embodiment of FIG19E, the contact surface between the conductor and the compressible insulating material 1979 can be made into a contact surface of various shapes as shown in FIG20. In another variation, the contact surface between the compressible insulating material 1979 and the conductor can be made into a contact surface of various shapes as shown in FIG20.

Similar to FIG. 19D , the positions of the compressible insulating material 1979 and the conductor can also be interchanged. The compressible insulating material 1979 can be connected to the conductor base 1975, and the conductor can be connected to the rear end of the movable element 1970. When the movable element 1970 moves toward the rear end, the conductor causes the compressible insulating material 1979 to deform, causing the capacitance value of the force sensing capacitor to change.

Please refer to FIG. 21, which is a schematic diagram of a pressure sensor according to an embodiment of the present invention. As shown in the figure, the pressure sensor 2110 has two input terminals a, b and an output terminal c, and the two input terminals a, b and the output terminal c are electrically connected to a control unit 2120. The control unit 2120 inputs the first frequency (group) F1 and the second frequency (group) F2 to the pressure sensor 2110 through the input terminals a and b, respectively, and receives the output signal of the pressure sensor 2110 through the output terminal c. The control unit 2120 can implement the method shown in FIG. 6.

When external pressure drives capacitor C1 to generate a change in capacitance, the control unit 2120 can also analyze the pressure change corresponding to the change in capacitance. Thus, the pressure sensor 2110 of this embodiment can be widely used in various pressure measurement devices, such as load cells. In one application, the pressure sensor 2110 can also be used in another touch pen. After the control unit 2120 analyzes the pressure change received by the touch pen tip, the control unit 2120 drives a signal transmitting unit with a predetermined frequency f0 to transmit the pressure change to the touch panel.

As mentioned above, the transmitter 110 can send the above-mentioned electrical signal within a period of time after receiving the lighthouse signal sent by the touch panel 120, so that the touch processing device 130 can detect the status of the transmitter 110 and its sensor. When the above-mentioned lighthouse signal is not received for a first period of time, the transmitter 110 can enter a power saving mode, and detect whether there is a lighthouse signal after a detection cycle, and then continue to detect the lighthouse signal again after receiving the lighthouse signal, wherein the detection cycle is greater than the transmission cycle of the lighthouse signal.

In addition, when the above-mentioned lighthouse signal is not received for a second period of time, the transmitter 110 may enter a sleep mode and turn off most of the power of the circuit or controller of the transmitter 110 until it is awakened. In one embodiment of the present invention, in the sleep mode, the transmitter 110 turns off the relevant circuits for receiving lighthouse signals and sending electrical signals. The awakening from the aforementioned sleep mode may be provided with a button or switch on the transmitter 110, and the user manually triggers the button or switch to awaken. In another embodiment of the present invention, the embodiment of Figures 23A and 23B, or the embodiment of Figures 24A and 24B may be used for awakening. After the pen tip section 230 touches an object, the potential of the first connection port can be changed from low to high, thereby allowing the transmitter 110 to send an electrical signal.

In the present application, one of the functions of the ring electrode 550 is to receive the above-mentioned lighthouse signal, not limited to receiving the lighthouse signal only through the pen tip section 230. Since the area and volume of the ring electrode 550 are larger than the tip of the pen tip section 230, the lighthouse signal can be received at a distance from the touch panel 120. Alternatively, the touch panel 120 can send a lighthouse signal with a weaker signal strength to reduce the power consumption of the touch panel 120. If the lighthouse signal is not received for a period of time, the active pen can enter a deeper sleep level to save more power consumption. In a deeper sleep state, the user can restore the transmitter 110 to a normal operating state by touching the pen tip segment 230. The transmitter 110 can be awakened using the embodiment of FIGS. 23A and 23B or the embodiment of FIGS. 24A and 24B. After the pen tip segment 230 touches an object, the potential of the first connection port can be changed from low to high, thereby allowing the transmitter 110 to send an electrical signal.

When a plurality of transmitters 110 are to be operated on a touch panel 120, the touch panel 120 may send out different lighthouse signals so that the corresponding transmitter 110 may send out an active signal within a period of time after receiving the lighthouse signal. The transmitter 110 may also adjust the frequency or modulation method of the first signal source 211, the second signal source 212, and the third signal source 513 according to different lighthouse signals, so that the touch processing device 130 can detect which transmitter 110 the signal is from. Similarly, the different lighthouse signals may use different frequencies or modulation methods.

Please refer to FIG. 22, which is a schematic diagram of a pressure sensor according to an embodiment of the present invention. In this embodiment, the control unit 2220 can also feed a driving signal of a certain frequency to an input terminal c of the pressure sensor 2210, and receive the currents I1 and I2 corresponding to the first capacitor C1 and the second capacitor C2 outputted from the output terminals a and b to the control unit 2220, and then the control unit 20 uses the ratio of the two to calculate the sensing value, thereby determining the pressure change. The control unit 2220 can implement the method shown in FIG. 8. In one application, the driving signal of the predetermined frequency can also be input from the outside to an input terminal c of the pressure sensor 2220.

Please refer to Figures 23A and 23B, which are schematic diagrams of the structure of a simple switch according to an embodiment of the present invention. In the embodiment shown in Figure 23A, there are a total of three layers of circuit boards. As in the previous figure, there is a mechanical ramp on the right. Before the mechanical ramp is pushed to the left, the circuit located on the upper circuit board is connected to the circuit on the lower circuit board through the conductive line of the middle circuit board. A first contact p1 of the upper circuit board is respectively connected to a voltage source (such as Vdd) and a first connection port (GPIO1). When there is no displacement perpendicular to the axis direction of the stylus, the first contact p1 is electrically contacted with a second contact p2 of the middle circuit board. The middle circuit board also has a third contact p3, and the second contact p2 is electrically connected to the third contact p3. A fourth contact p4 of the lower circuit board is connected to a ground potential (such as ground), and can also be connected to a second connection port (GPIO2). In addition, the fourth contact p4 is electrically connected to the third contact p3. A pull-up resistor is connected between the voltage source and the first connection port GPIO1. When the circuits of the upper circuit board and the middle circuit board are short-circuited (the first contact p1 is electrically connected to the second contact p2), and the circuits of the middle circuit board and the lower circuit board are short-circuited (the third contact p3 is electrically connected to the fourth contact p4), the potential of the first connection port GPIO1 is low potential or ground potential.

Please refer to FIG. 23B . After receiving the pressure, the mechanical slope will push to the left, causing deformation to the contact ends of the upper circuit board and the lower circuit board. After the deformation, the circuit between the upper circuit board and the middle circuit board is open (the first contact p1 and the second contact p2 are not in electrical contact), or the circuit between the middle circuit board and the lower circuit board is open (the third contact p3 and the fourth contact p4 are not in electrical contact), and the potential of the first connection port GPIO1 is the potential of the voltage source Vdd.

When the potential of the first port GPIO1 changes from low to high, the transmitter 110 in sleep mode can be awakened. As mentioned above, support components can be attached to the upper circuit board and the lower circuit board so that after the force of the mechanical slope disappears, the upper circuit board and the lower circuit board can be restored to their original state, and the potential of the first port changes from high to low. The first port and the second port mentioned above can be the pins of the processor in the transmitter 110.

Please refer to Figures 24A and 24B, which are schematic diagrams of the structure of a simple switch according to an embodiment of the present invention. The embodiments of Figures 23A and 23B have two breaks, and no matter which break is open, the potential of the first connection port can be changed from low to high. The embodiments of Figures 24A and 24B have only one break, and the circuit is connected from the middle circuit board to the ground potential. When the circuit between the upper circuit board and the middle circuit board is short-circuited, the potential of the first connection port GPIO1 is a low potential or a ground potential. When the circuit between the upper circuit board and the middle circuit board is open, the potential of the first connection port GPIO1 is the potential of the voltage source. In Figures 24A and 24B, the second contact p2 is electrically connected to the second connection port GPIO2.

Please refer to FIG. 25 , the present invention provides a schematic diagram for inferring the position of the pen tip. There are two transmitters 110 in the figure, both of which include an annular electrode 550 and a pen tip segment 230. The transmitter 110 on the left is vertical to the touch panel 120, and the angle between them is close to or equal to 90 degrees, and the angle between the transmitter 110 on the right and the touch panel 120 is less than 90 degrees. The surface transparent layer of the touch panel 120 has a thickness. Generally speaking, the surface transparent layer is usually a tempered glass, and the display layer is located below the transparent layer.

Since the transmitter 110 sends out an electrical signal from the annular electrode 550 and/or the pen tip segment 230 during the R period, the touch processing device 130 can calculate the center of gravity position R_cg of the signal, which corresponds to the center position of the annular electrode 550 and the pen tip segment 230 projected on the touch panel 120. Then, during the T0 and T1 periods, the transmitter 110 sends out an electrical signal only through the pen tip segment 230. The touch processing device 130 can calculate the center of gravity position Tip_cg of the signal, which corresponds to the center position of the pen tip segment 230 projected on the touch panel 120.

For example, the transmitter 110 on the left side of FIG25 , when it is perpendicular to the touch panel 120, R_cg is equal to or very close to Tip_cg. Therefore, it can be inferred that the point where the pen tip touches the transparent layer of the touch panel 120, Tip_surface is equal to the above R_cg and Tip_cg. It can also be inferred that the point where the pen tip is projected on the display layer of the touch panel 120, Tip_display is equal to the above R_cg, Tip_cg, and Tip_surface.

As shown in the transmitter 110 on the right side of FIG. 25 , since there is a tilt angle between the transmitter 110 and the touch panel 120, R_cg is not equal to Tip_cg. It is conceivable that the greater the distance between the two, the greater the tilt angle. According to different designs of the transmitter 110, the touch processing device 130 can look up or calculate the above-mentioned tilt angle according to the above-mentioned two center of gravity positions R_cg and Tip_cg, or deduce the points Tip_surface and Tip_display where the tip of the pen tip segment 230 contacts the surface transparent layer and display layer of the touch panel 120.

Please refer to FIG. 26, which is a schematic diagram of calculating the tilt angle according to an embodiment of the present invention. This embodiment is applicable to the transmitter 110 shown in FIG. 5, which has a ring electrode 550. This embodiment is applicable to the signal modulation mode shown in FIG. 9E and FIG. 9F. The method shown in this embodiment is executed by the touch processing device 130 shown in FIG. 1, and the embodiment of FIG. 25 can also be referred to.

In step 2610, a first center position R_cg of the annular electrode 550 and/or the pen tip segment 230 on the touch panel 120 is calculated. In step 2620, a second center position Tip_cg of the pen tip segment 230 on the touch panel 120 is calculated. The present invention does not limit the order in which these two steps 2610 and 2620 are executed. Then, in an optional step 2630, a tilt angle is calculated based on the first center position R_cg and the second center position Tip_cg. In an optional step 2640, a surface position Tip_surface of the pen tip segment 230 on the surface layer of the touch panel 120 is calculated based on the first center position R_cg and the second center position Tip_cg. In the optional step 2650, the display position Tip_display of the pen tip segment 230 on the display layer of the touch panel 120 is calculated according to the first center position R_cg and the second center position Tip_cg. The present invention does not limit the execution of steps 2630 to 2650, but at least one of them needs to be executed. The present invention also does not limit the order in which steps 2630 to 2650 are executed.

Please refer to FIG. 27, which is an embodiment of the display interface reflecting the aforementioned inclination angle and/or pressure pen stroke. FIG. 27 includes five sets of horizontal embodiments (a) to (e), each set includes three inclination angles. The leftmost vertical row indicates that the active pen has no inclination angle. The second inclination angle of the right example is greater than the first inclination angle of the middle example, and the direction of the inclination angle is toward the right. The so-called pen stroke here is usually displayed in the coloring range of the screen in the drawing software.

It is worth noting that in this embodiment, it is not necessary to use the annular electrodes of Figures 25 and 26 to calculate the tilt angle and the points Tip_surface and Tip_display where the tip of the pen tip segment 230 contacts the surface transparent layer and display layer of the touch panel 120. In one embodiment, other sensors can be installed on the pen to measure the tilt angle. For example, after measuring the tilt angle using an inertial measurement unit (IMU), a gyroscope, an accelerometer, etc. made of micro-electromechanical systems, the tilt angle and/or various data derived from the tilt angle are transmitted to the computer system to which the touch panel belongs through various wired or wireless transmission methods, so that the computer system can implement the various embodiments shown in Figure 10. The above-mentioned wired or wireless transmission method can be an industrial standard or a custom standard, such as Bluetooth wireless communication protocol or Wireless USB.

It is assumed here that in Figure 27, the active pen of each embodiment contacts the touch panel with the same pressure. In a certain embodiment, each intersection point of a horizontal line and a straight line represents the point Tip_surface where the above-mentioned pen tip segment actually contacts the surface transparent layer of the touch panel. In another embodiment, each intersection point of a horizontal line and a straight line represents the center of gravity position Tip_cg of the pen tip signal. Of course, in other embodiments, it can also represent the point Tip_display where the above-mentioned pen tip is projected on the display layer of the touch panel. For convenience, it can be collectively referred to as the pen tip representative point Tip, and this pen tip representative point can be the above-mentioned Tip_display, Tip_surface or Tip_cg.

In embodiment (a), when the tilt angle increases, the shape of the pen stroke changes from a circle to an ellipse. In other words, the distance between the two focal points of the ellipse is related to the tilt angle. The larger the tilt angle, the larger the distance between the two focal points of the ellipse. The center point of the ellipse is the above-mentioned pen tip representative point Tip.

Embodiment (b) differs from embodiment (a) in that the intersection of the central extension line of the elliptical double focal point and the elliptical line is the above-mentioned representative tip point Tip. Embodiment (c) differs from embodiment (a) in that one of the focal points of the elliptical double focal point is the above-mentioned representative tip point Tip. Embodiments (d) and (e) differ from embodiment (a) in that the shape of the pen stroke is changed from elliptical to teardrop-shaped. The teardrop-shaped tip of embodiment (d) is the above-mentioned representative tip point Tip. The teardrop-shaped tip of embodiment (e) is toward a certain point at the tail end, which is the above-mentioned representative tip point Tip.

Although two shapes and different points are shown in FIG. 27 , the present application does not limit the shape of the pen stroke and the type of point it represents. In addition, in one embodiment, the pressure of the pen tip can control the size of the above shape, for example, the pressure size is related to the radius of the circle, or to the distance between the two focal points of the ellipse. In short, the human-machine interface can change the displayed content according to the pen tip pressure value and/or tilt angle of the active pen.

In addition to changing the shape of the pen stroke, the above-mentioned pen tip pressure value and/or tilt angle value can also represent different commands. For example, in 3D design software, the color temperature of the light source, the intensity of the light source, or the irradiation width of the light source can be adjusted through the tilt angle. Or when the pen tip selects an object, the direction of the object can be adjusted through the direction of the tilt angle, and the rotation direction of the object can also be adjusted according to the angle of the tilt angle.

It is worth noting that the present invention does not limit the relationship between the tilt angle and its related value to be linear. In some embodiments, the relationship between the tilt angle and its related value can be non-linear, and can be compared using a table lookup or a quadratic function.

Please refer to FIG. 28, which is another embodiment of a pen stroke that reflects the aforementioned tilt angle and/or pressure on a display interface. FIG. 28 includes two embodiments (a) and (b), each of which includes two left and right pen strokes. The left pen stroke has a tilt angle of zero and includes five circles C1 to C5 from small to large, and the size of the circles is determined according to the pressure value of the pen tip. The right pen stroke has a fixed tilt angle and includes five ellipses E1 to E5 from small to large, and the size of the ellipses is also determined according to the pressure value of the pen tip and is the same as the pressure value of C1 to C5. In addition, according to the direction of the inclination angle, the axis direction of these ellipses E1 to E5 is inclined at 30 degrees, and the inclination direction (inclination direction) is different from the direction of the pen tip center (stroke direction). In this figure, the two are at an angle of 15 degrees.

The embodiment (a) of FIG. 28 corresponds to the embodiment (a) of FIG. 27 , which means that the center point of the ellipse corresponds to the above-mentioned representative point Tip of the pen tip. Similarly, the embodiment (b) of FIG. 28 corresponds to the embodiment (b) of FIG. 27 , and the intersection point of the center extension line of the elliptical double focal point and the elliptical line is the above-mentioned representative point Tip of the pen tip. It can be seen from the two embodiments of FIG. 28 that under the same pressure change, the overall shape of the pen stroke will be different due to the different tilt angles. In this way, the pressure value and the tilt angle can be used to express the pen stroke of certain soft and elastic pen tips, such as a brush pen or a quill pen.

One of the features of the present invention is to provide a transmitter. The transmitter includes: a first element for receiving a signal having a first frequency group, wherein a first impedance value of the first element changes according to a force; a second element for receiving a signal having a second frequency group, wherein the second element has a second impedance value; and a pen tip segment for receiving inputs from the first element and the second element and emitting an electrical signal, wherein the pen tip segment is used to receive the force.

In one embodiment, the second impedance value does not change according to the force. In another embodiment, the second impedance value also changes according to the force.

In one embodiment, the transmitter may further include a third switch and a third element connected in series with the third switch, wherein the first element is connected in parallel with the third switch and the third element. The transmitter may further include a fourth switch and a fourth element connected in series with the fourth switch, wherein the first element is connected in parallel with the fourth switch and the fourth element.

In another embodiment, the transmitter may further include a third switch and a third element connected in series with the third switch, wherein the second element is connected in parallel with the third switch and the third element. The transmitter may further include a fourth switch and a fourth element connected in series with the fourth switch, wherein the second element is connected in parallel with the fourth switch and the fourth element.

In one embodiment, the first frequency group includes one or more first frequencies, the second frequency group includes one or more second frequencies, and the first frequency is different from the second frequency.

In one embodiment, when the force is zero, the first impedance value is equal to the second impedance value. In one embodiment, when the force is zero, the pen tip section does not touch any object.

In one embodiment, a ratio of a first signal strength M1 of a first frequency group to a second signal strength M2 of a second frequency group in the electrical signal is related to the force. The ratio may be one of the following: M1/M2, M2/M1, M1/(M1+M2), M2/(M1+M2), (M1-M2)/(M1+M2), or (M2-M1)/(M1+M2).

In one embodiment, when the ratio value is equal to or falls within a first range value, the force is zero. When the ratio value is equal to or falls within a second range value, the third switch is closed, and the first element and the third element are in parallel. When the ratio value is equal to or falls within a third range value, the fourth switch is closed, and the first element and the fourth element are in parallel. When the ratio value is equal to or falls within a fourth range value, the third switch and the fourth switch are closed, and the first element and the third element and the fourth switch are in parallel. In another embodiment, when the ratio value is equal to or falls within a fifth range value, the third switch is closed, and the second element and the third element are in parallel. When the ratio value is equal to or falls within a sixth range value, the fourth switch is closed, and the second element and the fourth element are in parallel. When the ratio value is equal to or falls within a seventh range value, the third switch and the fourth switch are closed, and the second element is connected in parallel with the third element and the fourth element.

In one embodiment, the first element is a force sensing capacitor and the second element is a capacitor.

In one embodiment, the transmitter may further include an annular electrode surrounding the pen tip segment, and the annular electrode is not electrically coupled to the pen tip segment. In one embodiment, the annular electrode may include one or more separate electrodes.

One of the features of the present invention is to provide a method for controlling a transmitter, wherein the transmitter includes a first element, a second element, and a pen tip segment, wherein the pen tip segment is used to receive inputs from the first element and the second element, and the method includes: allowing a first impedance value of the first element to change according to a force received by the pen tip segment; providing a signal of a first frequency group to the first element; providing a signal of a second frequency group to the second element; and allowing the pen tip segment to emit an electrical signal.

One of the features of the present invention is to provide a method for determining a force received by a transmitter, comprising: receiving an electrical signal emitted by the transmitter; calculating a first signal strength M1 of a first frequency group in the electrical signal; calculating a second signal strength M2 of a second frequency group in the electrical signal; and calculating the force based on a ratio of the first signal strength M1 to the second signal strength M2.

In one embodiment, the step of calculating the force may include one of the following: a table lookup method, a straight line interpolation method, or a quadratic curve method.

In one embodiment, the method further comprises determining the state of the third switch according to the ratio value. In another embodiment, the method further comprises determining the state of the fourth switch according to the ratio value.

One of the features of the present invention is to provide a touch processing device for determining a force received by a transmitter, comprising: an interface for connecting to a plurality of first electrodes and a plurality of second electrodes on a touch panel, wherein the plurality of first electrodes and the plurality of second electrodes form a plurality of sensing points; at least one demodulator for calculating a first signal strength M1 of a first frequency group and a second signal strength M2 of a second frequency group in an electrical signal received by one of the plurality of sensing points; and a calculation unit for calculating the force based on a ratio of the first signal strength M1 to the second signal strength M2.

In one embodiment, the calculation unit further determines the state of the third switch according to the ratio value. In another embodiment, the calculation unit further determines the state of the fourth switch according to the ratio value.

One of the features of the present invention is to provide a touch system for determining a force received by a transmitter, comprising: a transmitter, a touch panel, and a touch processing device, wherein the transmitter further comprises a first element for receiving a signal having a first frequency group, wherein a first impedance value of the first element varies according to a force; a second element for receiving a signal having a second frequency group, wherein the second element has a second impedance value; and a pen tip segment for receiving inputs from the first element and the second element and emitting an electrical signal, wherein the pen tip segment is used to receive the force, the touch panel, and the touch processing device. The panel includes a plurality of first electrodes and a plurality of second electrodes, wherein the plurality of first electrodes and the plurality of second electrodes form a plurality of sensing points. The touch processing device further includes: an interface for connecting to the plurality of first electrodes and the plurality of second electrodes on the touch panel, at least one demodulator for calculating a first signal strength M1 of a first frequency group and a second signal strength M2 of a second frequency group in an electrical signal received by one of the plurality of sensing points; and a calculation unit for calculating the force according to a ratio of the first signal strength M1 to the second signal strength M2.

One of the features of the present invention is to provide a transmitter, comprising: a first element for receiving a signal source, wherein a first impedance value of the first element changes according to a force; a second element for receiving the signal source, wherein the second element has a second impedance value; a pen tip section for receiving the force; a control unit for respectively calculating a first current value I1 and a second current value I2 returned by the first element and the second element, and calculating the force based on a ratio of the first current value I1 to the second current value I2; and a communication unit for transmitting the force value.

In one embodiment, the second impedance value does not change according to the force. In another embodiment, the second impedance value also changes according to the force.

In one embodiment, the communication unit further includes a wireless communication unit for transmitting the force value. In another embodiment, the communication unit further includes a wired communication unit for transmitting the force value.

In one embodiment, the signal source is the wired communication unit. In one embodiment, the signal source is a signal received by the pen tip segment.

In one embodiment, the ratio of the first current value I1 to the second current value I2 is related to the force, wherein the ratio can be one of the following: I1/I2, I2/I1, I1(I1+I2), I2/(I1+I2), (I1-I2)/(I1+I2), or (I2-I1)/(I1+I2).

In one embodiment, when the force is zero, the first impedance value is equal to the second impedance value.

In one embodiment, the transmitter may further include a third switch and a third element connected in series with the third switch, wherein the first element is connected in parallel with the third switch and the third element. The transmitter may further include a fourth switch and a fourth element connected in series with the fourth switch, wherein the first element is connected in parallel with the fourth switch and the fourth element. In one embodiment, when the ratio value is equal to or falls within a first range value, the force is zero. When the ratio value is equal to or falls within a second range value, the third switch is closed, and the first element is connected in parallel with the third element. When the ratio value is equal to or falls within a third range value, the fourth switch is closed, and the first element is connected in parallel with the fourth element. When the ratio value is equal to or falls within a fourth range value, the third switch and the fourth switch are closed, and the first element is connected in parallel with the third element and the fourth switch.

In another embodiment, the transmitter may further include a third switch and a third element connected in series with the third switch, wherein the second element is connected in parallel with the third switch and the third element. The transmitter may further include a fourth switch and a fourth element connected in series with the fourth switch, wherein the second element is connected in parallel with the fourth switch and the fourth element. When the ratio value is equal to or falls within a fifth range value, the third switch is closed, and the second element is connected in parallel with the third element. When the ratio value is equal to or falls within a sixth range value, the fourth switch is closed, and the second element is connected in parallel with the fourth element. When the ratio value is equal to or falls within a seventh range value, the third switch and the fourth switch are closed, and the second element is connected in parallel with the third element and the fourth switch.

In one embodiment, the control unit further determines the state of the third switch according to the ratio value. In another embodiment, the control unit further determines the state of the fourth switch according to the ratio value.

In one embodiment, the communication unit is further used to transmit the state of the third switch. In another embodiment, the communication unit is further used to transmit the state of the fourth switch.

One of the features of the present invention is to provide a method for controlling a transmitter, wherein the transmitter includes a first element, a second element, and a pen tip segment, and the method includes: allowing a first impedance value of the first element to change according to a force received by the pen tip segment; providing a signal source to the first element and the second element; respectively calculating a first current value I1 and a second current value I2 returned by the first element and the second element; calculating the force according to a ratio of the first current value I1 to the second current value I2; and transmitting the force value.

One of the features of the present invention is to provide a touch system for determining a force received by a transmitter, comprising: a transmitter; and a host, wherein the transmitter further comprises: a first element for receiving a signal source, wherein a first impedance value of the first element changes according to a force; a second element for receiving the signal source, wherein the second element has a second impedance value; a pen tip section for receiving the force; a control unit for respectively calculating a first current value I1 and a second current value I2 returned by the first element and the second element, and calculating the force based on a ratio of the first current value I1 to the second current value I2; and a communication unit for transmitting the force value to the host, and the host further comprises a host communication unit for receiving the force value.

In one embodiment, the touch control system further includes a touch panel and a touch control processing device, wherein the touch control processing device is used to connect to the touch panel, detect a relative position of the transmitter and the touch panel, and transmit the relative position to the host.

In one embodiment, the control unit further determines the state of the third switch according to the ratio value. In another embodiment, the control unit further determines the state of the fourth switch according to the ratio value. In one embodiment, the communication unit is used to transmit the state of the third switch. In another embodiment, the communication unit is used to transmit the state of the fourth switch. In one embodiment, the host communication unit is used to receive the state of the third switch. In another embodiment, the host communication unit is used to receive the state of the fourth switch.

One of the features of the present invention is to provide a force sensor, comprising: a first input terminal for receiving a signal having a first frequency group; a second input terminal for receiving a signal having a second frequency group; and an output terminal for sending an electrical signal, wherein a ratio of a first signal strength M1 of the first frequency group to a second signal strength M2 of the second frequency group in the electrical signal is related to a force.

In one embodiment, the ratio value can be one of the following: M1/M2, M2/M1, M1(M1+M2), M2/(M1+M2), (M1-M2)/(M1+M2), or (M2-M1)/(M1+M2).

In one embodiment, the force sensor further comprises a third switch. In one embodiment, when the ratio value is equal to or falls within a first range value, the force is zero. When the ratio value is equal to or falls within a second range value, the third switch is closed.

In another embodiment, the force sensor further comprises a fourth switch. When the ratio value is equal to or falls within a third range value, the fourth switch is closed. When the ratio value is equal to or falls within a fourth range value, the third switch and the fourth switch are closed.

One of the features of the present invention is to provide a force sensor, comprising: an input end for receiving a signal source; a first output end for outputting a signal having a first current value I1; and a second output end for outputting a signal having a second current value I2, wherein a ratio of the first current value I1 to the second current value I2 is related to a force.

In one embodiment, the ratio value can be one of the following: I1/I2, I2/I1, I1(I1+I2), I2/(I1+I2), (I1-I2)/(I1+I2), or (I2-I1)/(I1+I2).

In one embodiment, the force sensor further comprises a third switch. In one embodiment, when the ratio value is equal to or falls within a first range value, the force is zero. When the ratio value is equal to or falls within a second range value, the third switch is closed.

In another embodiment, the force sensor further comprises a fourth switch. When the ratio value is equal to or falls within a third range value, the fourth switch is closed. When the ratio value is equal to or falls within a fourth range value, the third switch and the fourth switch are closed.

One of the features of the present invention is to provide a force sensor, comprising: a first circuit board, comprising a first metal plate, for receiving a signal of a first frequency group; a second circuit board, parallel to the first circuit board, comprising a second metal plate and a third metal plate that do not touch each other, the third metal plate being used to receive a signal of a second frequency group, the second metal plate being used to output an electrical signal, wherein the second metal plate is located between the first metal plate and the third metal plate; and a ramp mechanism, for bending the first circuit board toward the top of the first circuit board.

One of the features of the present invention is to provide a force sensor, comprising: a first circuit board, comprising a first metal plate, for outputting a signal with a first current value; a second circuit board, parallel to the first circuit board, comprising a second metal plate and a third metal plate that do not touch each other, the third metal plate being used to output a signal with a second current value, the second metal plate being used to input a signal source, wherein the second metal plate is located between the first metal plate and the third metal plate; and a ramp mechanism, for bending the first circuit board toward the top of the first circuit board.

In one embodiment, a portion of the first metal plate is located where the first circuit board is bent.

In one embodiment, the force sensor further includes a supporting element for supporting the first circuit board.

In one embodiment, the first metal plate, the second metal plate, and the third metal plate are parallel to each other. In another embodiment, the distance between the first metal plate and the second metal plate is equal to the distance between the second metal plate and the third metal plate.

In one embodiment, the first metal plate and the second metal plate form a first capacitor, and the second metal plate and the third metal plate form a second capacitor. In another embodiment, when the first circuit board is not bent, the impedance value of the first capacitor and the second capacitor is the same.

In one embodiment, the first circuit board and the second circuit board are both printed circuit boards.

One of the features of the present invention is to provide a force sensor, comprising: a first circuit board, comprising a first metal plate and a third metal plate that do not contact each other, respectively used to receive a signal of a first frequency group and a signal of a second frequency group; a second circuit board, parallel to the first circuit board, comprising a second metal plate for outputting an electrical signal; and a ramp mechanism, used to bend the first circuit board toward the top of the first circuit board.

One of the features of the present invention is to provide a force sensor, comprising: a first circuit board, comprising a first metal plate and a third metal plate that do not contact each other, and are used to output signals with a first current value and a second current value respectively; a second circuit board, parallel to the first circuit board, comprising a second metal plate for inputting a signal source; and a ramp mechanism, used to bend the first circuit board toward the top of the first circuit board.

In one embodiment, the force sensor further includes a supporting element for supporting the first circuit board.

In one embodiment, the first metal plate is parallel to the second metal plate, and the second metal plate is parallel to the third metal plate. In another embodiment, the distance between the first metal plate and the second metal plate is equal to the distance between the second metal plate and the third metal plate.

In one embodiment, the first metal plate and the second metal plate form a first capacitor, and the second metal plate and the third metal plate form a second capacitor. In another embodiment, when the first circuit board is not bent, the impedance value of the first capacitor and the second capacitor is the same.

In one embodiment, the first circuit board and the second circuit board are both printed circuit boards.

One of the features of the present invention is to provide a force sensor, comprising: a first circuit board, comprising a first metal plate and a third metal plate that do not touch each other, and are respectively used to receive a signal of a first frequency group and a signal of a second frequency group; a second circuit board, parallel to the first circuit board, comprising a second metal plate for outputting an electrical signal; a third circuit board, parallel to the second circuit board, comprising a fourth metal plate and a fifth metal plate that do not touch each other, and are respectively used to receive a signal of the first frequency group and a signal of the second frequency group; and a ramp mechanism, used to bend the first circuit board toward the top of the first circuit board, and bend the third circuit board toward the bottom of the third circuit board.

In one embodiment, the force sensor further comprises a first supporting element for supporting the first circuit board. In another embodiment, the force sensor further comprises a second supporting element for supporting the third circuit board.

In one embodiment, the first metal plate is parallel to the second metal plate, the second metal plate is parallel to the third metal plate, the fourth metal plate is parallel to the second metal plate, and the second metal plate is parallel to the fifth metal plate. In another embodiment, the distance between the first metal plate and the second metal plate is equal to the distance between the second metal plate and the third metal plate, and the distance between the fourth metal plate and the second metal plate is equal to the distance between the second metal plate and the fifth metal plate.

In one embodiment, the first metal plate is located above the fourth metal plate. In another embodiment, the third metal plate is located above the fifth metal plate.

In one embodiment, the area of the first metal plate is equal to the area of the fourth metal plate. In another embodiment, the area of the third metal plate is equal to the area of the fifth metal plate.

In one embodiment, the first metal plate and the second metal plate form a first capacitor, the second metal plate and the third metal plate form a second capacitor, the fourth metal plate and the second metal plate form a third capacitor, and the second metal plate and the fifth metal plate form a fourth capacitor. In another embodiment, when the first circuit board is not bent, the impedance value of the first capacitor is the same as that of the second capacitor. In another embodiment, when the third circuit board is not bent, the impedance value of the third capacitor is the same as that of the fourth capacitor. In yet another embodiment, the impedance value of the first capacitor is the same as that of the third capacitor, and the impedance value of the second capacitor is the same as that of the fourth capacitor.

In one embodiment, the first circuit board, the second circuit board, and the third circuit board are all printed circuit boards.

One of the features of the present invention is to provide a force sensor, comprising: a first circuit board, comprising a first metal plate, for receiving a signal of a first frequency group; a second circuit board, parallel to the first circuit board, comprising a second metal plate, a third metal plate, a fourth metal plate, and a fifth metal plate, which are arranged in parallel and do not touch each other, and the third metal plate and the fourth metal plate are used to receive a signal of a second frequency group. signal, the second metal plate and the fifth metal plate are electrically coupled to each other and are used to output an electrical signal; a third circuit board, including a sixth metal plate, is used to receive the signal of the first frequency group, wherein the second circuit board is sandwiched between the first circuit board and the third circuit board; and a slope mechanism is used to bend the first circuit board toward the top of the first circuit board and bend the third circuit board toward the bottom of the third circuit board.

In one embodiment, the force sensor further comprises a first supporting element for supporting the first circuit board. In another embodiment, the force sensor further comprises a second supporting element for supporting the third circuit board.

In one embodiment, the first metal plate is parallel to the second metal plate, the second metal plate is parallel to the third metal plate, the fourth metal plate is parallel to the fifth metal plate, and the fifth metal plate is parallel to the sixth metal plate. In another embodiment, the distance between the first metal plate and the second metal plate is equal to the distance between the second metal plate and the third metal plate, and the distance between the fourth metal plate and the fifth metal plate is equal to the distance between the fifth metal plate and the sixth metal plate.

In one embodiment, the first metal plate is located above the sixth metal plate.

In one embodiment, the area of the first metal plate is equal to the area of the sixth metal plate. In another embodiment, the area of the second metal plate is equal to the area of the fifth metal plate. In yet another embodiment, the area of the third metal plate is equal to the area of the fourth metal plate.

In one embodiment, the first metal plate and the second metal plate form a first capacitor, the second metal plate and the third metal plate form a second capacitor, the fourth metal plate and the fifth metal plate form a third capacitor, and the fifth metal plate and the sixth metal plate form a fourth capacitor. In another embodiment, when the first circuit board is not bent, the impedance value of the first capacitor is the same as that of the second capacitor. In another embodiment, when the third circuit board is not bent, the impedance value of the third capacitor is the same as that of the fourth capacitor. In yet another embodiment, the impedance value of the first capacitor is the same as that of the fourth capacitor, and the impedance value of the second capacitor is the same as that of the third capacitor.

In one embodiment, the first circuit board, the second circuit board, and the third circuit board are all printed circuit boards.

One of the features of the present invention is to provide a force sensor, comprising: a first metal plate, a second metal plate, and a third metal plate that are not in contact with each other and are arranged in parallel in sequence, wherein the first metal plate is used to receive a signal of a first frequency group, the third metal plate is used to receive a signal of a second frequency group, the second metal plate is used to output an electrical signal, and one end of the second metal plate can bend under force.

One of the features of the present invention is to provide a force sensor, comprising: a first metal plate, a second metal plate, and a third metal plate that are not in contact with each other and are arranged in parallel in sequence, wherein the first metal plate is used to output a signal with a first current value, the third metal plate is used to output a signal with a second current value, the second metal plate is used to input a signal source, and one end of the second metal plate can bend under force.

In one embodiment, the distance between the first metal plate and the second metal plate is equal to the distance between the second metal plate and the third metal plate.

In one embodiment, the first metal plate and the second metal plate form a first capacitor, and the second metal plate and the third metal plate form a second capacitor. In another embodiment, when the second metal plate is not bent, the impedance value of the first capacitor and the second capacitor is the same.

One of the features of the present invention is to provide a force sensor, comprising: a first metal plate, a second metal plate, and a third metal plate that are not in contact with each other and are arranged in parallel in sequence, wherein the first metal plate is used to output an electrical signal, the second metal plate is used to receive a signal of a first frequency group, and the third metal plate is used to receive a signal of a second frequency group, wherein one end of the first metal plate can bend under force.

One of the features of the present invention is to provide a force sensor, comprising: a first metal plate, a second metal plate, and a third metal plate that are not in contact with each other and are arranged in parallel in sequence, wherein the first metal plate is used to input a signal source, the second metal plate is used to output a signal with a first current value, and the third metal plate is used to output a signal with a second current value, wherein one end of the first metal plate can bend under force.

In one embodiment, the distance between the first metal plate and the second metal plate is equal to the distance between the second metal plate and the third metal plate.

In one embodiment, the first metal plate and the second metal plate form a first capacitor, and the second metal plate and the third metal plate form a second capacitor. In another embodiment, when the first metal plate is not bent, the impedance value of the first capacitor and the second capacitor is the same.

One of the features of the present invention is to provide a transmitter, comprising: a movable element, used to move along the axial direction of the transmitter to a stroke; an insulating material, used for the rear end of the movable element; and a conductor, located at the rear end of the insulating material, used to form a force induction capacitor with the movable element and the insulating material.

In one embodiment, the transmitter further comprises a pen tip segment located at the front end of the movable element. In one embodiment, the pen tip segment is a conductor and is electrically coupled to the movable element. In another embodiment, the pen tip segment is used to emit an electrical signal, and the signal strength of a certain frequency group in the electrical signal is related to the impedance value of the force sensing capacitor.

In one embodiment, the transmitter further includes an elastic element and a shell, and the elastic element is used to provide elastic force between the movable element and the shell, so that the movable element moves to the front end of the stroke when subjected to the elastic force.

In one embodiment, the insulating substance is an insulating film, and the conductor includes a compressible conductor and a conductor base. In another embodiment, the insulating substance is a compressible insulating material.

In one embodiment, the contact surface between the insulating material and the conductor includes one of the following: a single inclined surface, multiple protrusions, a conical inclined surface, and a single protrusion. In another embodiment, the contact surface between the conductor and the insulating material includes one of the following: a single inclined surface, multiple protrusions, a conical inclined surface, and a single protrusion.

In one embodiment, the insulating material and the conductor are located in an inner chamber of the housing. In another embodiment, the inner chamber is cylindrical.

In one embodiment, the movable element includes a front movable element and a rear movable element, wherein the front movable element contacts and is electrically coupled with the pen tip segment.

In one embodiment, the transmitter further comprises a circuit board, wherein the circuit board is electrically coupled to the conductor via a base wire, and the circuit board is electrically coupled to the movable element via a movable element wire. In another embodiment, the movable element wire is connected to the elastic element.

In one embodiment, the elastic element does not surround the movable element. In another embodiment, the base wire does not surround the conductor.

One of the features of the present invention is to provide a circuit switch, comprising a first circuit board, a second circuit board, and a third circuit board which are arranged in parallel and in sequence; and a double-slope device, wherein a first end of the first circuit board and a first end of the third circuit board respectively abut against two slopes of the double-slope device, a first end of the second circuit board does not contact the double-slope device, and the first end of the second circuit board comprises a circuit, a second point and a third point above and below the circuit are short-circuited and electrically coupled with a first point of the first circuit board and a fourth point of the third circuit board respectively.

In one embodiment, when the double slope device moves toward the second circuit board, the first circuit board and the third circuit board are pressed by the double slope device to bend upward and downward respectively, so that the first point and the second point are open-circuited and electrically uncoupled, and the third point and the fourth point are open-circuited and electrically uncoupled.

In one embodiment, the first point is connected in parallel to a first connection port and a high potential, and the fourth point is connected to a low potential. When the first point and the second point are short-circuited and the third point and the fourth point are short-circuited, the first connection port is at a low potential. When the first point and the second point are open-circuited or the third point and the fourth point are open-circuited, the first connection port is at a high potential.

In one embodiment, the dual bevel device is connected to a nib section of a transmitter.

In one embodiment, the circuit is located at the first end edge of the second circuit board.

One of the features of the present invention is to provide a circuit switch, comprising a first circuit board, a second circuit board, and a third circuit board which are arranged in parallel and in sequence; and a double-slope device, wherein a first end of the first circuit board and a first end of the third circuit board respectively abut against two slopes of the double-slope device, a first end of the second circuit board does not contact the double-slope device, and the first end of the second circuit board comprises a circuit, a second point on the circuit is short-circuited and electrically coupled with a first point of the first circuit board.

In one embodiment, when the double slope device moves toward the second circuit board, the first circuit board and the third circuit board are pressed by the double slope device to bend upward and downward respectively, so that the first point and the second point are open-circuited and electrically uncoupled.

In one embodiment, the first point is connected in parallel to a first connection port and a high potential, and the second point is connected to a low potential. When the first point and the second point are short-circuited, the first connection port is at a low potential, and when the first point and the second point are open-circuited, the first connection port is at a high potential.

In one embodiment, the dual bevel device is connected to a nib segment of a transmitter.

In one embodiment, the circuit is located at the first end edge of the second circuit board.

One of the features of the present invention is to provide a touch pen, comprising: a control unit, a pen tip section, and a circuit switch, the circuit switch comprising a first circuit board, a second circuit board, and a third circuit board that are parallel to each other and arranged in sequence; and a double-bevel device connected to the pen tip section, wherein a first end of the first circuit board and a first end of the third circuit board respectively abut against two bevels of the double-bevel device, a first end of the second circuit board does not contact the double-bevel device, the first end of the second circuit board comprises a circuit, a second point and a third point above and below the circuit are short-circuited and electrically coupled with a first point of the first circuit board and a fourth point of the third circuit board respectively, the first point is connected in parallel to a first connection port of the control unit and a high potential, the fourth point is connected to a low potential, and the first connection port is a low potential.

In one embodiment, when the double slope device moves toward the second circuit board, the first circuit board and the third circuit board are pressed by the double slope device to bend upward and downward respectively, so that the first point and the second point are open-circuited and electrically uncoupled, and the third point and the fourth point are open-circuited and electrically uncoupled, and the first connection port is at a high potential.

In one embodiment, when the first connection port changes from a low level to a high level, the control unit is awakened.

One of the features of the present invention is to provide a touch pen, comprising: a control unit, a pen tip section, and a circuit switch, the circuit switch comprising a first circuit board, a second circuit board, and a third circuit board that are parallel to each other and arranged in sequence; and a double-bevel device connected to the pen tip section, wherein a first end of the first circuit board and a first end of the third circuit board respectively abut against two bevels of the double-bevel device, a first end of the second circuit board does not contact the double-bevel device, the first end of the second circuit board comprises a circuit, a second point of the circuit is short-circuited and electrically coupled with a first point of the first circuit board, the first point is connected in parallel to a first connection port of the control unit and a high potential, the second point is connected to a low potential, and the first connection port is a low potential.

In one embodiment, when the double slope device moves toward the second circuit board, the first circuit board and the third circuit board are pressed by the double slope device to bend upward and downward respectively, so that the first point and the second point are open-circuited and electrically uncoupled, and the first connection port is at a high potential.

In one embodiment, when the first connection port changes from a low level to a high level, the control unit is awakened.

One of the features of the present invention is to provide a method for controlling a transmitter to transmit signals, comprising: transmitting a first time period electrical signal in a first time period; and transmitting a second time period electrical signal in a second time period, wherein the first time period electrical signal and the second time period electrical signal contain different signal frequency groups.

One of the features of the present invention is to provide a transmitter for emitting a first time period electrical signal in a first time period; and emitting a second time period electrical signal in a second time period, wherein the first time period electrical signal and the second time period electrical signal contain different signal frequency groups.

One of the features of the present invention is to provide a touch control system, which includes: a transmitter, a touch panel, and a touch processing device connected to the touch panel, which is used to detect the transmitter based on a first time period electrical signal and a second time period electrical signal, wherein the transmitter is used to emit the first time period electrical signal within a first time period; and emit the second time period electrical signal within a second time period, wherein the first time period electrical signal and the second time period electrical signal contain different signal frequency groups.

In one embodiment, the above-mentioned signal frequency group includes signals of one or more frequencies.

In one embodiment, the first time segment is after the transmitter detects a lighthouse signal. In another embodiment, there is a first delay time between the detection time segment of the lighthouse signal and the first time segment.

In one embodiment, there is a second delay time between the first time period and the second time period.

In one embodiment, the second period is followed by a third delay time.

In one embodiment, before the transmitter detects the lighthouse signal, an interference signal is detected. In another embodiment, the interference signal includes a signal having the same modulation frequency as the first time period electrical signal and the second time period electrical signal.

Please refer to the above Table 1. In one embodiment, when a pen tip section of the transmitter does not touch an object, a first signal source and a second signal source of the transmitter simultaneously emit the same signal frequency group.

Please refer to Table 1 above. In one embodiment, when the pen tip section does not touch the object and a first switch of the transmitter is open, the first signal source and the second signal source simultaneously emit the same first signal frequency group. When the pen tip section does not touch the object and the first switch is short-circuited, the first signal source and the second signal source simultaneously emit the same second signal frequency group in the first time period, wherein the first signal frequency group is different from the second signal frequency group.

Please refer to Table 1 above. In one embodiment, when the pen tip segment does not touch the object and a second switch of the transmitter is open, the first signal source and the second signal source simultaneously emit the same first signal frequency group. When the pen tip segment does not touch the object and the second switch is short-circuited, the first signal source and the second signal source simultaneously emit the same third signal frequency group in the second time period, wherein the first signal frequency group is different from the third signal frequency group.

Please refer to the above Table 2. In one embodiment, when the pen tip section contacts an object, a first signal source and a second signal source of the transmitter emit different signal frequency groups in the second time period and the first time period respectively.

Please refer to Table 2 above. In one embodiment, when the pen tip segment contacts an object and a first switch of the transmitter is open, the second signal source emits a first signal frequency group in the first time period. When the pen tip segment contacts an object and the first switch is short-circuited, the second signal source emits a second signal frequency group in the first time period, wherein the first signal frequency group is different from the second signal frequency group.

Please refer to Table 2 above. In one embodiment, when the pen tip segment contacts an object and a second switch of the transmitter is open, the first signal source emits a third signal frequency group in the second time period. When the pen tip segment contacts an object and the second switch is short-circuited, the first signal source emits the second signal frequency group in the second time period, wherein the third signal frequency group is different from the second signal frequency group.

In one embodiment, a ratio of a first signal strength M1 and a second signal strength M2 emitted by the first signal source and the second signal source in the second time period and the first time period respectively corresponds to a force on the transmitter.

In one embodiment, the signaling method further includes causing a ring electrode to emit a zero-time segment electrical signal in a zero-time segment, wherein the zero-time segment is after the transmitter detects a lighthouse signal. In another embodiment, there is a zero-time delay time between the detection time segment of the lighthouse signal and the zero-time segment.

In one embodiment, the annular electrode does not emit an electrical signal during the first time period and the second time period.

In one embodiment, the zeroth time segment electrical signal includes a different signal frequency group from the first time segment electrical signal and the second time segment electrical signal.

One of the features of the present invention is to provide a method for controlling a transmitter to transmit signals, comprising: transmitting a first time period electrical signal in a first time period; and transmitting a second time period electrical signal in a second time period, wherein the first time period electrical signal and the second time period electrical signal contain the same signal frequency group.

One of the features of the present invention is to provide a transmitter for emitting a first time period electrical signal in a first time period; and emitting a second time period electrical signal in a second time period, wherein the first time period electrical signal and the second time period electrical signal contain the same signal frequency group.

One of the features of the present invention is to provide a touch control system, which includes: a transmitter, a touch panel, and a touch processing device connected to the touch panel, which is used to detect the transmitter based on a first time period electrical signal and a second time period electrical signal, wherein the transmitter is used to emit the first time period electrical signal within a first time period; and emit the second time period electrical signal within a second time period, wherein the first time period electrical signal and the second time period electrical signal contain the same signal frequency group.

In one embodiment, the above-mentioned signal frequency group includes signals of one or more frequencies.

In one embodiment, the first time period is after the transmitter detects a lighthouse signal. In another embodiment, there is a first delay time between the detection time period of the lighthouse signal and the first time period.

In one embodiment, there is a second delay time between the first time period and the second time period.

In one embodiment, the second period is followed by a third delay time.

In one embodiment, before the transmitter detects the lighthouse signal, an interference signal is detected. In another embodiment, the interference signal includes a signal having the same modulation frequency as the first time period electrical signal and the second time period electrical signal.

Please refer to the above Table 3. In one embodiment, when a pen tip section of the transmitter does not touch an object, a first signal source and a second signal source of the transmitter simultaneously emit the same signal frequency group.

Please refer to Table 3 above. In one embodiment, when the pen tip section does not touch the object and a first switch of the transmitter is open, the first signal source and the second signal source simultaneously emit the same first signal frequency group. When the pen tip section does not touch the object and the first switch is short-circuited, the first signal source and the second signal source simultaneously emit the same second signal frequency group, wherein the first signal frequency group is different from the second signal frequency group.

Please refer to Table 3 above. In one embodiment, when the pen tip section does not touch the object and a second switch of the transmitter is open, the first signal source and the second signal source simultaneously emit the same first signal frequency group. When the pen tip section does not touch the object and the second switch is short-circuited, the first signal source and the second signal source simultaneously emit the same third signal frequency group, wherein the first signal frequency group is different from the third signal frequency group.

Please refer to Table 4 above. In one embodiment, when the pen tip section contacts an object, a first signal source and a second signal source of the transmitter emit the same signal frequency group in the second time period and the first time period respectively.

Please refer to Table 4 above. In one embodiment, when the pen tip segment contacts the object and a first switch of the transmitter is open, the second signal source emits a first signal frequency group in the first time period. When the pen tip segment contacts the object and the first switch is short-circuited, the second signal source emits a second signal frequency group in the first time period, wherein the first signal frequency group is different from the second signal frequency group.

Please refer to Table 4 above. In one embodiment, when the pen tip segment contacts an object and a second switch of the transmitter is open, the first signal source emits a third signal frequency group in the second time period. When the pen tip segment contacts an object and the second switch is short-circuited, the first signal source emits the second signal frequency group in the second time period, wherein the third signal frequency group is different from the second signal frequency group.

In one embodiment, the signaling method further includes causing a ring electrode to emit a zero-time segment electrical signal in a zero-time segment, wherein the zero-time segment is after the transmitter detects a lighthouse signal. In another embodiment, there is a zero-time delay time between the detection time segment of the lighthouse signal and the zero-time segment.

In one embodiment, the annular electrode does not emit an electrical signal during the first time period and the second time period.

In one embodiment, the zeroth time segment electrical signal includes the same signal frequency group as the first time segment electrical signal and the second time segment electrical signal.

In one embodiment, a ratio of a first signal strength M1 and a second signal strength M2 emitted by the first signal source and the second signal source in the second time period and the first time period respectively corresponds to a force on the transmitter.

One of the features of the present invention is to provide a detection method for detecting a transmitter, comprising: detecting a first time period electrical signal emitted by the transmitter within a first time period; and detecting a second time period electrical signal emitted by the transmitter within a second time period, wherein the signal frequency groups contained in the first time period electrical signal and the second time period electrical signal are different.

One of the features of the present invention is to provide a touch processing device for detecting a transmitter, which is used to connect to a touch panel. The touch panel includes a plurality of first electrodes and a plurality of second electrodes and a plurality of sensing points formed by their overlapping parts. The touch processing device is used to detect a first time period electrical signal emitted by the transmitter within a first time period; and to detect a second time period electrical signal emitted by the transmitter within a second time period, wherein the signal frequency groups contained in the first time period electrical signal and the second time period electrical signal are different.

One of the features of the present invention is to provide a touch control system, which includes: a transmitter, a touch panel, and a touch processing device connected to the touch panel, which is used to detect the transmitter based on the first time period electrical signal and the second time period electrical signal, wherein the transmitter is used to emit a first time period electrical signal within a first time period; and emit a second time period electrical signal within a second time period, wherein the first time period electrical signal and the second time period electrical signal contain different signal frequency groups.

In one embodiment, the above-mentioned signal frequency group includes signals of one or more frequencies.

In one embodiment, the first time period is after the touch panel sends out a lighthouse signal. In another embodiment, there is a first delay time between the sending time period of the lighthouse signal and the first time period.

In one embodiment, there is a second delay time between the first time period and the second time period.

In one embodiment, there is a third delay time after the second period. In one embodiment, other detection steps are further included after the second period.

In one embodiment, an interference signal is detected before the signal is sent to the lighthouse. In another embodiment, an interference signal is detected after the first time period. In another embodiment, an interference signal is detected after the second time period. In another embodiment, the interference signal includes a signal having a co-modulated frequency with the electrical signal in the first time period and the electrical signal in the second time period.

Please refer to Table 1 above. In one embodiment, when the transmitter simultaneously sends out a single signal frequency group, it is determined that a pen tip segment of the transmitter is not in contact with an object.

Please refer to Table 1 above. In one embodiment, when the transmitter emits the same first signal frequency group in the first time period, it is determined that the pen tip segment is not in contact with the object and a first switch of the transmitter is open. When the transmitter simultaneously emits the same second signal frequency group in the first time period, it is determined that the pen tip segment is not in contact with the object and the first switch is short-circuited, wherein the first signal frequency group is different from the second signal frequency group.

Please refer to Table 1 above. In one embodiment, when the transmitter emits the same first signal frequency group in the second time period, it is determined that the pen tip segment is not in contact with the object and a second switch of the transmitter is open. When the transmitter simultaneously emits the same third signal frequency group in the second time period, it is determined that the pen tip segment is not in contact with the object and the second switch is short-circuited, wherein the first signal frequency group is different from the third signal frequency group.

Please refer to the above Table 2. In one embodiment, when the first time period electrical signal and the second time period electrical signal include different signal frequency groups, it is determined that the pen tip segment is in contact with an object.

Please refer to Table 2 above. In one embodiment, when the transmitter emits a first signal frequency group in the first time period, it is determined that the pen tip segment touches the object and a first switch of the transmitter is open. When the transmitter emits a second signal frequency group in the first time period, it is determined that the pen tip segment touches the object and a first switch of the transmitter is short-circuited, wherein the first signal frequency group is different from the second signal frequency group.

Please refer to Table 2 above. In one embodiment, when the transmitter emits a third signal frequency group in the second time period, it is determined that the pen tip segment touches the object and a second switch of the transmitter is open. When the transmitter emits the second signal frequency group in the second time period, it is determined that the pen tip segment touches the object and the second switch is short-circuited, wherein the third signal frequency group is different from the second signal frequency group.

In one embodiment, it further includes: respectively calculating a ratio of a first signal strength M1 and a second signal strength M2 of the electrical signal in the first time period and the electrical signal in the second time period; and calculating a force on the transmitter according to the ratio.

In one embodiment, it further includes detecting a zeroth time segment electrical signal emitted by the transmitter in a zeroth time segment, wherein the zeroth time segment is after the lighthouse signal is emitted. In another embodiment, there is a zeroth delay time between the emission time segment of the lighthouse signal and the zeroth time segment.

In one embodiment, the zeroth time segment electrical signal includes a different signal frequency group from the first time segment electrical signal and the second time segment electrical signal.

One of the features of the present invention is to provide a detection method for detecting a transmitter, comprising: detecting a first time period electrical signal emitted by the transmitter within a first time period; and detecting a second time period electrical signal emitted by the transmitter within a second time period, wherein the first time period electrical signal and the second time period electrical signal contain the same signal frequency group.

One of the features of the present invention is to provide a touch processing device for detecting a transmitter, which is used to connect to a touch panel. The touch panel includes a plurality of first electrodes and a plurality of second electrodes and a plurality of sensing points formed by their overlapping parts. The touch processing device is used to detect a first time period electrical signal emitted by the transmitter within a first time period; and to detect a second time period electrical signal emitted by the transmitter within a second time period, wherein the signal frequency group contained in the first time period electrical signal and the second time period electrical signal is the same.

One of the features of the present invention is to provide a touch system, which includes: a transmitter, a touch panel, and a touch processing device connected to the touch panel, wherein the touch panel includes a plurality of first electrodes and a plurality of second electrodes and a plurality of sensing points formed by their overlapping parts, and the touch processing device is used to detect a first time period electrical signal emitted by the transmitter within a first time period; and detect a second time period electrical signal emitted by the transmitter within a second time period, wherein the signal frequency group included in the first time period electrical signal and the second time period electrical signal is the same.

In one embodiment, the above-mentioned signal frequency group includes signals of one or more frequencies.

In one embodiment, the first time period is after the touch panel sends a lighthouse signal. In another embodiment, there is a first delay time between the sending time period of the lighthouse signal and the first time period.

In one embodiment, there is a second delay time between the first time period and the second time period.

In one embodiment, there is a third delay time after the second period. In one embodiment, other detection steps are further included after the second period.

In one embodiment, an interference signal is detected before the signal is sent to the lighthouse. In another embodiment, an interference signal is detected after the first time period. In another embodiment, an interference signal is detected after the second time period. In another embodiment, the interference signal includes a signal having the same frequency modulation as the electrical signal in the first time period and the electrical signal in the second time period.

Please refer to the above Table 3. In one embodiment, when the first time period electrical signal and the second time period electrical signal have the same single signal frequency group, it is determined that a pen tip segment of the transmitter is not in contact with an object.

Please refer to Table 3 above. In one embodiment, when the transmitter emits a first signal frequency group, it is determined that the pen tip segment is not in contact with the object and a first switch of the transmitter is open. When the transmitter emits a second signal frequency group, it is determined that the pen tip segment is not in contact with the object and the first switch of the transmitter is short-circuited, wherein the first signal frequency group is different from the second signal frequency group.

Please refer to Table 3 above. In one embodiment, when the transmitter emits a first signal frequency group, it is determined that the pen tip segment does not touch the object and a second switch of the transmitter is open. When the transmitter emits a third signal frequency group, it is determined that the pen tip segment does not touch the object and the second switch of the transmitter is short-circuited, wherein the first signal frequency group is different from the third signal frequency group.

Please refer to Table 4 above. In one embodiment, when the first time period electrical signal and the second time period electrical signal have the same single signal frequency group, and a ratio value of a first signal strength M1 of the first time period electrical signal to a second signal strength M2 of the second time period electrical signal is not within a first range, it is determined that a pen tip segment of the transmitter is in contact with an object.

Please refer to Table 4 above. In one embodiment, when the transmitter emits a first signal frequency group in the first time period and the ratio value is not within the first range, it is determined that the pen tip segment touches the object and a first switch of the transmitter is open. When the transmitter emits a second signal frequency group in the first time period and the ratio value is not within the first range, it is determined that the pen tip segment touches the object and the first switch of the transmitter is short-circuited, wherein the first signal frequency group is different from the second signal frequency group.

Please refer to Table 4 above. In one embodiment, when the transmitter emits a third signal frequency group in the second time period and the ratio value is not within the first range, it is determined that the pen tip segment touches the object and a second switch of the transmitter is open. When the transmitter emits a second signal frequency group in the second time period and the ratio value is not within the first range, it is determined that the pen tip segment touches the object and the second switch of the transmitter is short-circuited, wherein the third signal frequency group is different from the second signal frequency group.

In one embodiment, it further includes: respectively calculating a ratio of a first signal strength M1 and a second signal strength M2 of the electrical signal in the first time period and the electrical signal in the second time period; and calculating a force on the transmitter according to the ratio.

In one embodiment, it further includes detecting a zeroth time segment electrical signal emitted by the transmitter in a zeroth time segment, wherein the zeroth time segment is after the lighthouse signal is emitted. In another embodiment, there is a zeroth delay time between the emission time segment of the lighthouse signal and the zeroth time segment.

In one embodiment, the zeroth time segment electrical signal includes the same signal frequency group as the first time segment electrical signal and the second time segment electrical signal.

One of the features of the present invention is to provide a transmitter, comprising: a pen tip segment; and an annular electrode surrounding the pen tip segment, wherein the pen tip segment and the annular electrode are electrically uncoupled.

In one embodiment, the ring electrode comprises a plurality of unconnected electrodes.

In one embodiment, in a zeroth time segment, the annular electrode and the pen tip segment simultaneously send out electrical signals. In another embodiment, in a first time segment, the pen tip segment sends out electrical signals, but the annular electrode does not send out electrical signals. In another embodiment, the first time segment is after the zeroth time segment.

In one embodiment, the electrical signals emitted by the annular electrode and the pen tip segment include the same signal frequency group. In another embodiment, the annular electrode and the pen tip segment emit different signal frequency groups.

One of the features of the present invention is to provide a method for detecting the position of a transmitter, wherein the transmitter includes a pen tip segment and an annular electrode surrounding the pen tip segment, and the pen tip segment and the annular electrode are electrically uncoupled. The detection method includes: detecting the electrical signal simultaneously emitted by the annular electrode and the pen tip segment in a zeroth time period; and detecting the electrical signal emitted by the pen tip segment in a first time period.

One of the features of the present invention is to provide a touch processing device for detecting the position of a transmitter, wherein the transmitter includes a pen tip segment and an annular electrode surrounding the pen tip segment, the pen tip segment and the annular electrode are electrically uncoupled, the touch processing device is connected to a touch panel, the touch panel includes a plurality of first electrodes and a plurality of second electrodes and a plurality of sensing points formed by their overlapping parts, the touch processing device is used to detect the electrical signal emitted simultaneously by the annular electrode and the pen tip segment in a zeroth time period; and to detect the electrical signal emitted by the pen tip segment in a first time period.

One of the features of the present invention is to provide a touch system, including a transmitter, a touch panel, and a touch processing device connected to the touch panel, wherein the transmitter includes a pen tip segment and an annular electrode surrounding the pen tip segment, the pen tip segment and the annular electrode are electrically uncoupled, the touch panel includes a plurality of first electrodes and a plurality of second electrodes and a plurality of sensing points formed by their overlapping parts, and the touch processing device is used to detect the electrical signal simultaneously emitted by the annular electrode and the pen tip segment in a zeroth time period; and to detect the electrical signal emitted by the pen tip segment in a first time period.

In one embodiment, the electrical signals emitted by the annular electrode and the pen tip segment include the same signal frequency group. In another embodiment, the annular electrode and the pen tip segment emit different signal frequency groups.

In one embodiment, the first time period is after the zeroth time period.

In one embodiment, the method further comprises calculating a first center of gravity position of the transmitter according to the electrical signal detected in the zeroth time segment. In another embodiment, the method further comprises calculating a second center of gravity position of the transmitter according to the electrical signal detected in the first time segment.

In one embodiment, a surface position where the transmitter contacts a touch panel is calculated based on the first center of gravity position and the second center of gravity position, wherein the surface position is the position where the axis of the pen tip segment of the transmitter intersects with the surface layer of the touch panel.

In one embodiment, a display position of the transmitter touching a touch panel is calculated based on the first center of gravity position and the second center of gravity position, wherein the display position is the position where the axis of the pen tip segment of the transmitter intersects with the display layer of the touch panel.

In one embodiment, a tilt angle of the transmitter contacting a touch panel is calculated based on the first center of gravity position and the second center of gravity position.

One of the features of the present invention is to provide a method for calculating a surface position of a transmitter contacting a touch panel, the method comprising: receiving a first center of gravity position of the transmitter, the first center of gravity position is calculated based on an electrical signal emitted by an annular electrode and a pen tip segment of the transmitter; receiving a second center of gravity position of the transmitter, the second center of gravity position is calculated based on the electrical signal emitted by the pen tip segment; and calculating the surface position based on the first center of gravity position and the second center of gravity position, wherein the surface position is the position where the axis of the pen tip segment of the transmitter intersects with the surface layer of the touch panel.

One of the features of the present invention is to provide a method for calculating a display position when a transmitter contacts a touch panel, the method comprising: receiving a first center of gravity position of the transmitter, the first center of gravity position is calculated based on an electrical signal emitted by an annular electrode and a pen tip segment of the transmitter; receiving a second center of gravity position of the transmitter, the second center of gravity position is calculated based on the electrical signal emitted by the pen tip segment; and calculating the display position based on the first center of gravity position and the second center of gravity position, wherein the display position is the position where the axis of the pen tip segment of the transmitter intersects with the display layer of the touch panel.

One of the features of the present invention is to provide a method for calculating a tilt angle of a transmitter contacting a touch panel, the method comprising: receiving a first center of gravity position of the transmitter, the first center of gravity position is calculated based on an electrical signal emitted by an annular electrode and a pen tip segment of the transmitter; receiving a second center of gravity position of the transmitter, the second center of gravity position is calculated based on the electrical signal emitted by the pen tip segment; and calculating the tilt angle based on the first center of gravity position and the second center of gravity position.

In one embodiment, the first center of gravity position is calculated in a zeroth time segment. In another embodiment, the second center of gravity position is calculated in a first time segment. In one embodiment, the first time segment is after the zeroth time segment. In one embodiment, the annular electrode and the pen tip segment respectively send out different signal frequency groups.

One of the features of the present invention is to provide a display method, comprising: receiving a position of a transmitter; receiving a tilt angle of the transmitter; and determining a display range based on the position and the tilt angle.

In one embodiment, the position includes one of the following: a first center of gravity position; a second center of gravity position; a surface position; and a display position, wherein the first center of gravity position is calculated based on an electrical signal emitted by an annular electrode and a pen tip segment of the transmitter, the second center of gravity position is calculated based on an electrical signal emitted by the pen tip segment, the surface position is the position where the axis of the pen tip segment of the transmitter intersects with a surface layer of a touch panel, and the display position is the position where the axis of the pen tip segment of the transmitter intersects with a display layer of the touch panel. In one embodiment, the annular electrode and the pen tip segment respectively emit different signal frequency groups.

In one embodiment, the display range includes an ellipse. In another embodiment, the position is located at one of the following: the center of the ellipse; one of the focal points of the ellipse; and one of the intersection points of the ellipse with the line connecting the two focal points of the ellipse. In one embodiment, the direction of the line connecting the two focal points of the ellipse corresponds to the direction of the tilt angle.

In one embodiment, the display range includes a teardrop shape. In another embodiment, the position is located at one of: the center of the teardrop shape; the vertex of the teardrop shape; and the end point of the teardrop shape. In one embodiment, the teardrop shape direction corresponds to the direction of the tilt angle.

In one embodiment, the direction of the display range corresponds to the direction of the tilt angle. In another embodiment, the size of the display range corresponds to the size of the tilt angle. In yet another embodiment, the color of the display range corresponds to one of the following: the size of the tilt angle; and the direction of the tilt angle.

In one embodiment, it further includes receiving a force on the transmitter, and the size of the display range corresponds to the size of the force.

One of the features of the present invention is to provide a transmitting method of a transmitter, comprising: when a force sensor of the transmitter does not sense force, transmitting a first electrical signal with a first signal strength; and when the force sensor senses force, transmitting a second electrical signal with a second signal strength, wherein the first signal strength is greater than the second signal strength.

In one embodiment, the force sensor comprises a tip segment of the transmitter.

In one embodiment, the transmitter further includes an annular electrode, wherein the first electrical signal is emitted by the pen tip segment and the annular electrode, and the second electrical signal is emitted by the pen tip segment.

One of the features of the present invention is to provide a transmitter, comprising: a force sensor; and a control module, used to: when the force sensor does not sense force, cause the transmitter to emit a first electrical signal with a first signal strength; and when the force sensor senses force, cause the transmitter to emit a second electrical signal with a second signal strength, wherein the first signal strength is greater than the second signal strength.

Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA) is a wireless spread spectrum communication technology used in third generation mobile communication services. In wireless communication technology, spread spectrum refers to the bandwidth consumed by the carrier signal itself exceeding the bandwidth of the content carried by the carrier signal. Using a carrier signal with a larger bandwidth can better tolerate interference noise signals during the transmission process. One of the spread spectrum technologies is the Direct Sequence Spreading Spectrum (DSSS) modulation technology. DSSS modulation technology uses a bit sequence code called pseudo noise (PN). This bit sequence code or virtual random number contains multiple short-period pulses. The period of each pulse is called a chip, and the period of each chip is shorter than the period of the data code. In other words, the bandwidth occupied by the virtual random number is higher than the data code. Modulating the lower-bandwidth data code into the higher-bandwidth virtual random number means that the bandwidth of the modulated carrier signal will be consistent with the bandwidth of the virtual random number.

In the modulation process of the carrier signal, the data code is mainly multiplied by the virtual random number. The so-called virtual random number here is usually a pseudo random sequence, which usually contains a combination of 1 and -1. The characteristic of pseudo random numbers is that when pseudo random numbers are multiplied by pseudo random numbers, that is, 1x1=1, -1x-1=1, they will be restored to their original values. This step is called de-spreading. In other words, when the receiving end also knows this string of pseudo random numbers, as long as the de-spreading operation is performed, the content code contained in the carrier signal can be obtained.

Please refer to FIG. 30, which is a waveform diagram of spread spectrum technology. The waveform at the top of FIG. 30 is the data code, the waveform in the middle is the pseudo random number code, that is, the so-called virtual random number, and the waveform at the bottom is the waveform of the carrier signal. It can be seen that when the potential of the data code is high, the waveform of the carrier signal is exactly opposite to the waveform of the virtual random number. When the potential of the data code is low, the waveform of the carrier signal is equivalent to the waveform of the virtual random number. In other words, when the receiving end compares the carrier signal with the virtual random number, when the waveforms are opposite, it can be inferred that the potential of the data code is high. Conversely, when the waveforms of the carrier signal and the virtual random number are the same, it can be inferred that the potential of the data code is low. Based on this, as long as the virtual random number is known, the receiving end can infer the data code.

Please refer to FIG. 31 , which is a variation of the embodiment shown in FIG. 1 . The touch control system 100 further includes a first touch pen 111 and/or a second touch pen 112. In one embodiment, these touch pens 111 and 112 are active touch pens.

In some embodiments, the active touch pen 111 or 112 can encode the sensing values of each sensor on the pen into the above-mentioned data code. The so-called sensing values of the sensors can include but are not limited to the following: the pressure value of the pen tip, the sensing value of whether the button is pressed, the attitude sensing value of the gyroscope, the acceleration sensing value of the accelerometer, the sensing value of the battery power, the serial number value of the pen body, the strength of the wireless signal received by the pen body, etc. Then the active touch pen 111 or 112 encodes the above-mentioned data code into a carrier signal after spread spectrum according to a virtual random number. Then, an electrical signal including a carrier signal is sent out through the pen tip, so that after the touch processing device of the touch screen receives the electrical signal, at least the following information can be obtained: the position of the active touch pen 111 or 112 close to the touch screen, the virtual random digital format used by the active touch pen 111 or 112, and the content of the aforementioned data code.

In the above process, the touch processing device 130 at the receiving end must synchronize the received carrier signal with the virtual random digital code to obtain the correct data code. However, when the active touch pen 111 or 112 sends an electrical signal, the touch processing device 130 may not be able to synchronize immediately, so it is difficult to decode the data code.

The receiving end can usually delay the multiplication operation of the received carrier signal or a local oscillation signal generated by the receiving end and a known virtual random number for a period of time before performing the multiplication operation, and the delayed multiplication can be called a correlation operation. When the two signals are not synchronized, the calculated value of their correlation operation will not exceed a threshold value. On the contrary, when the two signals are synchronized, the calculated value of their correlation operation will exceed the threshold value. When the two signals are not synchronized, the receiving end can repeatedly adjust its delay time until the two signals are synchronized or aligned.

In one embodiment of the present invention, the electrical signal or carrier signal sent by the active stylus may include a signal frame, which further includes a preamble and a subsequent data segment. The data segment may be used to transmit a sensing state of a sensor on the stylus. For example, a sensing value such as whether a button on the stylus is pressed or the pressure value sensed by the stylus tip segment may be transmitted.

In a variation of this embodiment, the active touch pens 111 or 112 may transmit the above-mentioned complete signal frame at different time periods to notify the status of their sensors. In another variation of this embodiment, different active touch pens may have different preambles and/or virtual random numbers, so that the touch processing device 130 can identify and/or distinguish at least two active touch pens that are simultaneously close to the touch screen 120. For example, the first active touch pen 111 sends a first preamble modulated by a first virtual random number, and the second active touch pen 112 sends a second preamble modulated by a second virtual random number. Then, the touch processing device 130 demodulates or despreads the received signal according to the first virtual random code and the second virtual random code, and can determine whether the first preamble code and/or the second preamble code is received.

When the touch processing device 130 knows that the electrical signal contains two preamble codes, it can judge that the first active touch pen 111 and the second active touch pen 112 are close to the touch screen 120 according to the first virtual random number and the second virtual random number respectively corresponding thereto. Furthermore, since the touch processing device 130 knows the timing of the first virtual random number and the second virtual random number, it can synchronize with the signal frame sent by the first active touch pen 111 and the second active touch pen 112 respectively, and then decode the data code segment after the signal frame.

In one embodiment of the present invention, for the purpose of rapid synchronization, multiple or all second electrodes 122 are connected to the same line or the same channel, which may be referred to as a synchronization line or a synchronization channel. The touch processing device 130 is responsible for measuring the synchronization line or the synchronization channel and performing synchronization operations for a known preamble.

A person skilled in the art can understand that when the touch processing device 130 knows the virtual random number and the preamble to be transmitted, it can use the known technology to synchronize the carrier signal or find the phase shift between the carrier signal and the local vibration signal. After confirming the phase difference between the two, the first electrode 121 that receives the electrical signal can decode the subsequent data code segment to know the sensor state transmitted by the active touch pen 111 or 112.

In an embodiment of the present invention, the above decoding step can only decode the subsequent data code segment for a carrier signal received by the first electrode 121. The carrier signal of the first electrode 121 used for decoding is the signal with the largest amount among all the first electrodes 121 and/or the second electrodes 122.

In another embodiment of the present invention, a decoding step of a data code segment can be performed on the carrier signals received by the plurality of first electrodes 121, and the obtained data codes should be consistent. When there is inconsistency, the most consistent ones can be taken as the data codes.

In addition, among the carrier signals received by the plurality of first electrodes 121, the one most correlated with the local vibration signal after the phase difference adjustment should be the one with the least noise, which is usually the first electrode 121 closest to the proximity position of the active stylus 111 or 112. Based on this, the position of the active stylus 111 or 112 and each first electrode 121 can also be calculated based on the deviation value of the multiple correlation values of the carrier signals received by each first electrode 121 after the above phase difference adjustment. In other words, the coordinate of the active stylus 111 on the second axis can also be calculated.

Please refer to FIG. 32 , which is a flowchart of a method 3200 for solving a spread spectrum signal according to an embodiment of the present invention. The touch processing device 130 of FIG. 31 can implement the process of FIG. 32 , whether it is implemented by software, hardware, or a combination of software and hardware. It is worth noting that unless there is a causal relationship between the steps, the step numbering of FIG. 32 does not affect the order in which the steps are executed. Other steps that are not related to the present invention can also be inserted between the steps.

Step 3210: Connect at least two of the plurality of second electrodes into a synchronization channel. The touch processing device 130 may implement this step using an analog switch or a digital adder. In a variation, the synchronization channel connects all of the second electrodes.

Step 3220: Decode a first preamble of a first signal frame of a signal received by the synchronization channel using a first virtual random code to obtain a first synchronization message.

Step 3230: Decode a first data code subsequent to the first preamble code in the signal received by at least one first electrode using the first synchronization message and the first virtual random code.

In one variation, the electrical signal used to decode the first data code comes from the first electrode that receives the largest amount of electrical signals. In another variation, the electrical signal used to decode the first data code comes from multiple first electrodes. In a derivative variation, the method further includes: calculating multiple deviation values of signal correlation values of the multiple first electrodes according to the first synchronization message; and calculating the position of the first active stylus on the second axis according to the multiple deviation values.

Step 3240: Decode a second preamble of a second signal frame of the signal received by the synchronization channel using a second virtual random code to obtain a second synchronization message.

Step 3250: Decode a second data code subsequent to the second preamble code in the signal received by at least one first electrode according to the second synchronization message and the second virtual random code.

In one variation, the electrical signal used to decode the second data code comes from the first electrode that receives the largest amount of electrical signals. In another variation, the electrical signal used to decode the second data code comes from multiple first electrodes. In a derivative variation, the method further includes: calculating multiple deviation values of signal correlation values of the multiple first electrodes according to the second synchronization message; and calculating the position of the second active stylus on the second axis according to the multiple deviation values.

One advantage of the present invention is that the touch processing device 130 can quickly synchronize the DSSS modulated electrical signal within a signal frame and resolve the data code segment sent by the active touch pen 111 and/or 112. Another advantage of the present invention is that when multiple active touch pens 111 and 112 are operating at the same time, these active touch pens can send signals at the same time. As long as these active touch pens use different virtual random numbers, even if they send signals at the same time, the touch processing device 130 can distinguish the signal frames and data codes they send in the received signals.

In one embodiment, the present invention provides a method for decoding a spread spectrum signal, which is applicable to a touch screen, wherein the touch screen includes a plurality of first electrodes parallel to a first axis and a plurality of second electrodes parallel to a second axis. The method for decoding a spread spectrum signal includes: connecting at least two of the plurality of second electrodes into a synchronization channel; using a first virtual random number to decode a first preamble code of a first signal frame of a signal received by the synchronization channel to obtain a first synchronization message; and using the first synchronization message and the first virtual random number to decode a first data code located subsequent to the first preamble code in at least one signal received by the first electrode.

In a specific embodiment, the first signal frame mentioned above comes from a first active touch pen close to the touch screen, and the first data code includes at least one of the following types of information: pressure on the pen tip; sensing value of whether a button is pressed; attitude sensing value of the gyroscope; acceleration sensing value of the accelerometer; battery power sensing value; pen body serial number value; and wireless signal strength received by the pen body, etc.

In a specific embodiment, the synchronization channel is connected to all the second electrodes.

In a specific embodiment, the electrical signal used to decode the first data code comes from the first electrode that receives the largest amount of electrical signals.

In a specific embodiment, the electrical signal used to decode the first data code comes from a plurality of the first electrodes. The method for decoding the spread spectrum signal further includes: calculating a plurality of deviation values of signal correlation values of the plurality of first electrodes according to the first synchronization information; and calculating the position of the first active touch pen on the second axis according to the plurality of deviation values.

In a specific embodiment, the method for decoding the spread spectrum signal further includes: using a second virtual random number to decode a second preamble code of a second signal frame of the signal received by the synchronization channel to obtain a second synchronization message; and using the second synchronization message and the second virtual random number to decode a second data code located subsequent to the second preamble code in the signal received by at least one first electrode, wherein the above-mentioned second signal frame comes from a second active touch pen close to the touch screen.

In a specific embodiment, at least a portion of the first signal frame and the second signal frame appear simultaneously in the signal received by the first electrode.

In one embodiment, the present invention provides a touch control system for solving spread spectrum signals, comprising: a touch screen, the touch screen comprising a plurality of first electrodes parallel to a first axis and a plurality of second electrodes parallel to a second axis; and a touch control processing device connected to the plurality of first electrodes and the plurality of second electrodes, the touch control processing device being used to: At least two of the signals are connected as a synchronization channel; a first preamble code of a first signal frame of a signal received by the synchronization channel is decoded using a first virtual random number to obtain a first synchronization message; and a first data code subsequent to the first preamble code in at least one signal received by the first electrode is decoded using the first synchronization message and the first virtual random number.

In one embodiment, the present invention provides a touch processing device for decoding spread spectrum signals, which is used to connect a plurality of first electrodes parallel to a first axis and a plurality of second electrodes parallel to a second axis on a touch screen. The touch processing device is used to: connect at least two of the plurality of second electrodes into a synchronization channel; use a first virtual random number to decode a first preamble code of a first signal frame of a signal received by the synchronization channel to obtain a first synchronization message; and use the first synchronization message and the first virtual random number to decode a first data code located subsequent to the first preamble code in at least one signal received by the first electrode.

In a specific embodiment, the first signal frame mentioned above comes from a first active touch pen close to the touch screen, and the first data code includes at least one of the following types of information: pressure on the pen tip; sensing value of whether a button is pressed; attitude sensing value of the gyroscope; acceleration sensing value of the accelerometer; battery power sensing value; pen body serial number value; and wireless signal strength received by the pen body, etc.

In a specific embodiment, the synchronization channel is connected to all the second electrodes.

In a specific embodiment, the electrical signal used to decode the first data code comes from the first electrode that receives the largest amount of electrical signals.

In a specific embodiment, the electrical signal used to decode the first data code comes from a plurality of the first electrodes. The touch processing device is further used to: calculate a plurality of deviation values of the signal correlation values of the plurality of first electrodes according to the first synchronization message; and calculate the position of the first active touch pen on the second axis according to the plurality of deviation values.

In a specific embodiment, the touch processing device is further used to: use a second virtual random number to decode a second preamble code of a second signal frame of a signal received by the synchronization channel to obtain a second synchronization message; and use the second synchronization message and the second virtual random number to decode a second data code subsequent to the second preamble code in a signal received by at least one first electrode, wherein the above-mentioned second signal frame comes from a second active touch pen close to the touch screen.

In a specific embodiment, at least a portion of the first signal frame and the second signal frame appear simultaneously in the signal received by the first electrode.

Please refer to FIG. 33 , which is a block diagram of an active stylus 111 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The active stylus 111 may include a controller 3310, a clock signal module 3320, a battery 3330, the first element 221 having a first impedance Z1, the second element 222 having a second impedance Z2, and a pen tip section 230. The controller 3310 is used to simultaneously generate two different virtual random digital encoded signals 3311 and 3312, and transmit them to the first element 221 and the second element 222, respectively. The controller 3310 may include analog and digital circuits, signal processors, general-purpose computing processors, and volatile or non-volatile memories for storing instructions and data required by the processor. The signal processor and/or processor may execute one or more instruction sets, such as the ARM instruction set, the Intel 8051 instruction set, etc.

The battery 3330 may be rechargeable or non-rechargeable. The controller 3310 may include a charging circuit for the rechargeable battery 3330. The power stored in the battery 3330 is used to supply the operation of the controller 3310 and the clock signal module 3320. The clock signal module 3320 may be any form of oscillator that can output one or more clock signals to the controller 3310. For example, the oscillator may be a quartz oscillator, a crystal oscillator (XO), a temperature compensated crystal oscillator (TCXO), a constant temperature controlled crystal oscillator (OCXO), or a voltage controlled crystal oscillator (VCXO). The controller 3310 may include a frequency divider or a frequency multiplier to generate a clock signal required for a data signal or a carrier signal. As shown in FIG30 , the frequency of the data code is slower than the carrier signal. The clock signal module 3320 is used to provide one or more clock signals to the above encoding process.

A plurality of virtual random numbers are stored in the controller 3310. A first virtual random number corresponds to signal 3311, and a second virtual random number corresponds to signal 3312. All available virtual random numbers are orthogonal to each other, which means that any two virtual random numbers are orthogonal.

In one embodiment, the mapping relationship between the signal 3311 and the virtual random number is configurable and stored in the controller 3310. For example, 10 virtual random numbers can be stored in some active styluses 111. Each active stylus 111 can be configured to use a set of two virtual random numbers. Therefore, the touch processing device 130 can distinguish five sets of virtual random numbers simultaneously emitted from the styluses 111. The position of each stylus 111 can be determined based on the electrical signal emitted by the pen tip segment 230.

In order to provide a setting interface for the mapping relationship, the stylus 111 may include a physical human-machine interface for input and output. In one example, the stylus 111 may include a visual and/or audio indicator to display the set of virtual random numbers used by the controller 3310. The visual or audio indicator is connected to the controller 3310 and is controlled by it.

The visual indicator may include a plurality of light bulbs, LEDs, or equivalent devices, wherein each light is associated with each set of virtual gibberish. In other examples, the visual indicator may include a LED that flashes one or more times in a short period of time to display the mapped virtual gibberish combination. Alternatively, the visual indicator may display different colors to display the set of virtual gibberish.

Similarly, the audio indicator may include a buzzer that is used to remind the user by the number of beeps within a short period of time. Alternatively, a loudspeaker may be used to output voice and/or sound to broadcast the set set of virtual random numbers.

An input button, a switch, or a knob of the stylus 111 can be used to set the set of virtual random numbers. The state of the button, the switch, or the knob can be used to indicate the set of virtual random numbers.

In addition to the physical human-machine interface, the stylus pen 111 may include a communication unit to receive the settings from the remote machine to the controller 3310. The communication unit may comply with a wired or wireless industrial standard interface, such as Bluetooth, USB, wireless USB, UWB, etc. A person skilled in the art may understand that similar communication units have been widely used in modern consumer electronic systems, such as smart phones, mobile computers, etc. For example, the transmitter wireless communication unit 770 shown in FIGS. 7A to 7D may be used here.

A remote machine can be used to connect to the communication unit to read and/or set the set of virtual gibberish. A configuration program can be executed on the remote machine to read or set the set of virtual gibberish to the connected stylus 111. In one embodiment, the remote machine can be connected to multiple styluses 111 at the same time to ensure that each connected stylus 111 uses a different set of virtual gibberish. In the event that the remote machine detects that the virtual random number combination used by the connected stylus 111 conflicts, the remote machine can automatically assign a different set of virtual random numbers to the conflicting stylus 111 .

In some embodiments, the virtual random number combination used by the stylus 111 is fixed or hard-set before leaving the factory. The stylus 111 can be painted with a specific color or display a visual mark on the stylus body. Users can check the color or visual mark of their stylus 111. If they use stylus 111 of different colors, the touch processing device 130 can identify each stylus 111.

The stylus 111 may include one or more human-machine interfaces or sensors, such as buttons, knobs, altimeter sensors, gyroscopes, accelerometers, electrical signal receivers, etc. The controller 3310 may periodically collect the status of these human-machine interfaces or sensors. These statuses or other information (such as the unique identification code of the stylus 111) may be sent to the touch processing device 130 as a data code as shown in FIG. 30 . The controller 3310 may modulate the data code and the first virtual random number to be transmitted. A person of ordinary skill in the art may understand that code division multiple access or direct sequence spread spectrum has been widely used in third generation mobile communication technology. The controller 3310 includes hardware circuits and/or embedded processors for modulation. Traditionally, a multiplier is required to generate a carrier signal according to the data code and the virtual random number. If no data code needs to be sent, the signals 3311 and 3312 received by the pen tip segment 230 can be the first virtual random number and the second virtual random number, respectively.

The data code may be modulated according to the first virtual random code to generate the signal 3311. The data code may also be modulated according to the second virtual random code to generate the signal 3312. In other words, the data segment may be transmitted via one or both of the signals 3311 and 3312. The touch processing device 130 may despread or decode the data code transmitted by the pen tip 230 according to one of the first and second virtual random codes. Assuming that the data code decoded according to the first virtual random code matches the data code decoded according to the second virtual random code, the data code is authentic. Otherwise, the two different data codes should be discarded or ignored.

The active touch pen 111 may further include a receiver to synchronize the touch processing device 130. As described in the previous paragraph, the touch processing device 130 may send a lighthouse signal for synchronization through the electrodes of the touch panel 120. The pen tip section 230 may act as a receiving antenna for receiving the lighthouse signal. The lighthouse signal shown in FIG. 9A to FIG. 9F may be used in this embodiment.

The controller 3310 can be connected to the pen tip segment 230 to receive the lighthouse signal. In order to correctly receive and identify the lighthouse signal, the processor 3310 may include an integrator, a sampler, an amplifier, an analog-to-digital converter, a homer, and any other circuits to receive the lighthouse signal. The received signal can be further received by the processor to obtain the synchronization signal and/or information carried by the lighthouse signal in the interference. Once the lighthouse signal is received, the controller 3310 can transmit the signals 3311 and 3312 through the pen tip segment 230 after a predetermined turnaround period known to the touch processing device 130. Alternatively, the lighthouse signal can include a time period parameter, which is used to indicate the length of the turnaround period.

If there are multiple styluses 111 operating in the touch control system 100, the lighthouse signal without any turnaround time will cause all styluses 111 to send out electrical signals at the same time. However, since the electrical signals sent by these styluses 111 are encoded by different virtual random numbers, the touch control processing device can identify each stylus 111.

In one embodiment, the lighthouse signal may further include an identification code corresponding to one of the styluses and a turnaround time period. If one of the styluses 111 receives the lighthouse signal including its identification code, the stylus may send the electrical signal through the pen tip segment 230 after the turnaround time period specified by the lighthouse signal. In order to avoid or reduce interference in the touch system 100, the touch processing device 130 may send a lighthouse signal including multiple sets of stylus identification codes and their specified turnaround time periods or time slots.

In another approach, the touch processing device 130 can transmit multiple lighthouse signals 111. The lighthouse signals are modulated in different ways. For example, the modulation of the lighthouse signals can vary according to frequency, phase, amplitude, etc. Therefore, each of the touch pens 111 can listen to its designated lighthouse signal.

In one embodiment, the touch system 100 may include differently modulated lighthouse signals for different groups of styluses 111. Each modulated lighthouse signal may include multiple sets of stylus identification codes and their designated turnaround time periods or time slots. The touch processing device 130 may control the update frequency of each modulated lighthouse signal. When one of the styluses 111 is stationary, the lighthouse signal sent to the stylus 111 may be delayed or even skipped. When one of the touch pens 111 is active, the touch processing device 130 can transmit more lighthouse signals to the touch pens 111 than other touch pens 111, so as to obtain the position and data code of the touch pens more frequently and more accurately. A person skilled in the art can understand that the touch processing device 130 can adjust the data update rate of each touch pens 111 by controlling the transmission of corresponding lighthouse signals.

In another approach, the lighthouse signal can be sent by the host 140. For example, the touch processing device 130 can use a wireless communication unit equipped in the host 140 to transmit the lighthouse signal. According to the provisions of the wireless communication protocol, the lighthouse signal can be broadcast or unicast to each stylus 111. For example, the Bluetooth protocol defines a broadcast mechanism to transmit advertising messages. The lighthouse signal can be sent via the broadcast mechanism of the Bluetooth protocol. Any stylus that receives the advertising message as a lighthouse signal can be synchronized thereby. Otherwise, the lighthouse signal can be wirelessly unicast from the host 140 to the stylus 111. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the synchronization between the touch pen 111 and the touch processing device 130 can be achieved through the synchronization of lighthouse signals transmitted by the touch panel 120, or through a wired or wireless communication channel between the two.

Although it can be achieved through lighthouse signals, the touch processing device 130 can synchronize the electrical signal by itself. The controller 3310 can transmit a preamble code through one or both of the first element 221 and the second element 222. The preamble code can be encoded by one or both of the first and second virtual random codes. The electrical signal ultimately emitted by the pen tip segment 230 includes the preamble code and/or data code. Once the touch processing device 130 receives the electrical signal through the touch panel 120, the received electrical signal will be amplified, sampled, converted into digital form and stored in the memory. Therefore, the circuit of the touch processing device 130 or the processor embedded therein can compare the stored signal with the preamble corresponding to the touch pen 111. When the stored signal fully or partially matches the preamble, the touch processing device 130 can calculate the reception timing of the stored preamble. Accordingly, the touch processing device 130 can calculate the next transmission timing of the touch pen 111 according to the stored preamble. In some embodiments, the matching of the preamble can be fast enough to allow the data code transmitted at the same time to be decoded. Especially when the length of the preamble is long enough. The sliding window technology can be used to find the preamble for the stored signal in the memory.

When the preamble is found, the touch processing device 130 can calculate a position where the touch pen 111 touches or approaches the touch panel 120 according to the received signal. When two or more touch pens 111 use different sets of virtual random numbers, the preambles used by these touch pens 111 are different and orthogonal. Even when these preambles are received at the same time, the touch processing device 130 can find the position where these touch pens 111 are close to the touch panel 120.

Please refer to FIG. 34 , which is a block diagram of a touch processing device 130 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The touch processing device 130 may include an embedded processor 3440, which is used to connect and control a connection network 3410, a drive circuit 3420, a sensing circuit 3430, and a host interface 3450. The drive circuit 3420 may be connected to each first electrode 121 and each second electrode 122 through the connection network 3410 to send a drive signal. The sensing circuit 3430 may be connected to each first electrode 121 and each second electrode 122 through the connection network 3410 to use these electrodes to sense signals. The embedded processor 3440 can communicate with the host 140 via the host interface 3450. The embedded processor 3440 can execute a program module stored in a non-volatile memory to detect the aforementioned proximity object or event.

The embedded processor 3440 can dynamically connect the network 3410. The driving circuit 3420 can be connected to one or more of the first electrodes 121 and/or each of the second electrodes 122. Similarly, the sensing circuit 3430 can be connected to one or more of the first electrodes 121 and/or each of the second electrodes 122. In one embodiment, the driving circuit 3420 and the sensing circuit 3430 are collectively referred to as an analog front-end circuit, which can include any combination of components such as amplifiers, filters, samplers, integrators, digital-to-analog converters, analog-to-digital converters, adders, multipliers, and variable resistors. In addition to the analog circuits including the driver circuit 3420 and the sensing circuit 3430, the embedded processor 3440 can perform digital signal processing. The host interface 3450 is used to connect the embedded processor 3440 and the host 140. Typically, the host interface 3450 can be compatible with industrial standards such as USB, I2C, PCI, PCI-Express, SCSI, etc. Ordinary technicians in this field can understand that the host interface 3450 is very common in modern electronic devices.

Please refer to FIG. 35 , which is a schematic diagram of a process implemented by the controller 3310 shown in FIG. 33 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The process can be applied to the touch pen 111 shown in FIG. 33 . Unless a causal relationship is specifically written, the present invention does not limit the execution order of any two steps in FIG. 35 .

Optional step 3510: Receive a configuration of a first virtual random number and a second virtual random number. The configuration mechanism has been discussed previously.

Optional step 3520: receiving a lighthouse signal. The touch processing device 130 may send a lighthouse signal to the touch pen 111 through at least one first electrode 121 or second electrode 122 of the touch panel 120. In other embodiments, the touch processing device 130 may request a communication unit of the host 140 to transmit the lighthouse signal to a corresponding communication unit of the touch pen 111.

Optional step 3530: Decode identification code and turnaround time parameters. If optional step 3520 is performed and a lighthouse signal is received, the lighthouse signal may include an identification code and/or turnaround time parameters for a specific one or a group of styluses 111. Accordingly, the identification code and/or turnaround time parameters of the stylus 111 in the lighthouse signal are decoded.

Optional step 3540: Generate a data code based on the state of the sensor on the stylus. If the stylus 111 includes one or more sensors on the stylus, such as buttons, switches, knobs, battery capacity, etc., in addition to the pressure sensor connected to the first element 221, a data code reflecting the state of these sensors on the stylus and/or other information can be generated. The other information may include the identification code and/or model, manufacturer name, etc. of the stylus 111.

Step 3550: Transmitting a first preamble code and/or data code encoded according to the first virtual random code to a first element having a variable impedance corresponding to the pressure. The transmitted signal can be the first preamble code, the data code, or both. Since they are all encoded by the first virtual random code, in theory, the touch processing device 130 can detect the signal transmitted by the pen tip segment 230 through the electrode 121 and/or the electrode 122.

Step 3560: Transmitting a second preamble code and/or data code encoded according to the second virtual random number code to a second element having a variable impedance corresponding to the pressure. The transmitted signal can be the second preamble code, the data code, or both. Since they are all encoded by the second virtual random number code, in theory, the touch processing device 130 can detect the signal transmitted by the pen tip segment 230 through the electrode 121 and/or the electrode 122.

Please refer to FIG. 36A, which is a schematic diagram of a process implemented by an embedded processor 3440 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The process can be applied to the touch processing device 130 shown in FIG. 33 and FIG. 34. Unless the causal relationship is specified, the present invention does not limit the execution order of any two steps in FIG. 36A. Assuming that the touch system 100 uses a lighthouse signal as a synchronization signal, the process starts from step 3610.

Optional step 3610: Transmit a lighthouse signal. This step corresponds to step 3520 of Figure 35. The touch processing device 130 can transmit the lighthouse signal to the touch pen 111 through at least one of the first electrode 121 or the second electrode 122 of the touch panel 120. In other embodiments, the touch processing device 130 can request a communication unit of the host 140 to transmit the lighthouse signal to the corresponding communication unit on the touch pen 111. Optionally, the lighthouse signal can include one or more identification codes and/or turnaround time parameters of one or more specific touch pens 111 or a group of specific touch pens 111.

Optional step 3620: Wait for a turnaround period. When the transmitted lighthouse signal specifies the turnaround period, the embedded processor 3440 or the touch processing device 130 can wait or sleep during this period. In other embodiments, the embedded processor 3440 can perform other functions, such as performing capacitive sensing during the turnaround period to detect external conductive objects close to the touch panel 120.

Step 3630: Receiving an electrical signal through an electrode of a touch panel. The touch pen 111 transmits an electrical signal to at least one electrode 121 and 122 of the touch panel 120 through the pen tip section 230. The electrical signal is received by the sensing circuit 3430 of the touch processing device 130 through the electrode near the pen tip section 230.

Optional step 3640: Despread a first preamble of the received electrical signal according to a first virtual random number. If the electrical signal sent by the stylus pen 111 includes the first preamble, the embedded processor 3440 of the touch processing device 130 can despread the first preamble according to the first virtual random number. In some embodiments, the system 100 does not use the lighthouse signal when not transmitting the electrical signal, that is, steps 3610 and 3620 are omitted, then the embedded processor 3440 may need to use a sliding window technique to obtain the first preamble in the received signal, because the embedded processor 3440 has no way of knowing when the stylus pen 111 is going to transmit the electrical signal.

Optional step 3650: De-spread a first data code of the received electrical signal according to the first virtual random code. If the electrical signal sent by the touch pen 111 includes the first data code, the embedded processor 3440 of the touch processing device 130 can decode the first data code according to the first virtual random code. The embodiment of the present application may include one or both of steps 3640 and 3650.

Optional step 3660: Despread a second preamble of the received electrical signal according to a second virtual random number. If the electrical signal sent by the stylus pen 111 includes the second preamble, the embedded processor 3440 of the touch processing device 130 can despread the second preamble according to the second virtual random number. In some embodiments, the system 100 does not use the lighthouse signal when not transmitting the electrical signal, that is, steps 3610 and 3620 are omitted, then the embedded processor 3440 may need to use a sliding window technique to obtain the first preamble in the received signal, because the embedded processor 3440 has no way of knowing when the stylus pen 111 is going to transmit the electrical signal.

Optional step 3670: De-spread a second data code of the received electrical signal according to the second virtual random code. If the electrical signal sent by the touch pen 111 includes the second data code, the embedded processor 3440 of the touch processing device 130 can decode the second data code according to the second virtual random code. The embodiment of the present application may include one or both of steps 3660 and 3670.

In order to reduce the complexity of the design, the controller 3310 can encode the data code of the corresponding pen sensor state in one of the signals 3311 and 3312. Accordingly, only one of the steps 3650 and 3670 and the steps 3640 and 3660 need to be executed.

In order to increase transmission reliability, the controller 3310 may encode the data code in both signals 3311 and 3312. Accordingly, steps 3650 and 3670 may be executed to obtain the first data code and the second data code. In one embodiment, the process may further include a comparison step to compare the first data code and the second data code. When the two data codes are inconsistent, the process may discard the two data codes because it is obvious that an error has been caused in the transmission process. However, in order to reduce the complexity of the design, the process may only include executing one of steps 3650 and 3670, although the stylus 111 encodes the data code in both signals 3311 and 3312.

In the embodiment lacking the lighthouse signal, assuming that the timing of the stylus pen 111 transmitting the electrical signal is found in step 3640 or 3650, steps 3660 and/or 3670 can be executed according to the found timing point. In other words, synchronization has been established. Conversely, when the timing point of the electrical signal is found in step 3660 or 3670, steps 3640 and/or 3650 can be executed according to the found timing point. In other words, in order to synchronize with the stylus pen 111, the embedded processor only needs to execute the sliding window algorithm once to obtain one of the first and second preamble codes, and one of the first and second data codes. Otherwise, in one embodiment, steps 3640 to 3670 may be performed simultaneously or independently, although the sliding window technique may need to be performed more than once.

Step 3680: Calculate a pressure according to a signal strength ratio of a first portion corresponding to the first virtual gibberish and a second portion corresponding to the second virtual gibberish. The first portion corresponding to the first virtual gibberish may be one or both of the first preamble and the first data code. Similarly, the second portion corresponding to the second virtual gibberish may be one or both of the second preamble and the second data code. Assuming that the electrical signal includes the first preamble and the second preamble, the step 3680 may be to calculate the pressure of a pressure sensor of the stylus according to the signal strength ratio of the first preamble and the second preamble. In the example where the electrical signal includes the first data code and the second data code, the step 3680 may be to calculate the pressure of a pressure sensor of the stylus according to the signal strength ratio of the first data code to the second data code. In a variation, assuming that the electrical signal includes all four signals, the step 3680 may be to calculate the pressure of a pressure sensor of the stylus according to the signal strength ratio of the first part to the second part. Assuming that the signal strength of the first part is M1 and the signal strength of the second part is M2, the ratio of the two signal strengths can be M1/M2, M2/M1, (M1-M2)/(M1+M2), (M2-M1)/(M1+M2), M1/(M1+M2), M2/(M1+M2) and any other calculation involving the two parameters M1 and M2. In other words, when the calculated ratio is always a constant or a default value, it can be obtained that the pressure sensor of the stylus 111 does not sense any pressure. If the pressure sensor is used to sense the pressure on the tip section 230 of the stylus pen 111 , it means that the tip section 230 of the stylus pen 111 does not touch any object including the touch panel 120 .

When the pen tip section 230 of the touch pen 111 contacts the touch panel 120, the pen tip section 230 is subjected to pressure and vibrates. Accordingly, the first impedance value Z1 of the first element 221 changes according to the pressure or movement stroke of the pen tip section 230, so that the ratio of M1 to M2 is no longer the above-mentioned constant or default value. The touch processing device 130 can sense the pressure value inductively based on the ratio value. The aforementioned constant or default value may not be a numerical value, but a range with an error.

Using algorithms known in the art, the touch processing device 130 can calculate a position on the touch panel where the tip section 230 of the touch pen 111 touches or approaches the touch panel based on the electrical signals received by at least one of the first electrodes 121 and at least one of the second electrodes 122. Therefore, the touch processing device 130 can receive the position, pressure, state of the sensor on the pen, and/or other information of the touch pen 111. Therefore, the information received by the touch processing device 130 can be transferred to an operating system and application running on the host 140.

Please refer to FIG. 36B , which is a schematic diagram of a process implemented by an embedded processor 3440 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The process can be applied to the touch processing device 130 shown in FIG. 33 and FIG. 34 . Unless a causal relationship is specified, the present invention does not limit the execution order of any two steps in FIG. 36B . Assuming that the touch system 100 uses a lighthouse signal as a synchronization signal, the process starts from step 3610 .

The difference between the flowcharts shown in Figure 36A and Figure 36B is that steps 3630 to 3670 are replaced by steps 3210 and 3250 shown in Figure 32. One of the purposes of process 3200 is to utilize coupling of at least two second electrodes as a synchronization channel to accelerate the acquisition of preambles of one or more styluses. In other words, the touch processing device 130 does not use a lighthouse signal mechanism to synchronize the stylus. Although the process shown in Figure 36B includes optional steps 3610 and 3620, these two steps can be applied to a touch system 100, which includes at least one stylus 111 that listens to the lighthouse signal and other styluses 111 that do not synchronize with the lighthouse signal. In other words, the touch processing device 130 can work with both stylus pens with and without the lighthouse signal receiving function. Although the touch processing device 130 requires more processing power and more memory space to store electrical signals, the interoperability of such a touch system is significantly increased.

By comparing the transmission timing of the electrical signal with the specified turnaround time of the lighthouse signal, the touch processing device 130 can detect that a certain stylus 111 does not have the lighthouse signal synchronization capability because the timing of its transmission of the electrical signal does not conform to the specified turnaround time.

If the touch system 100 includes a stylus 111 with lighthouse signal synchronization capability and another stylus 111 without such capability, the touch processing device 130 can adjust the timing of sending the lighthouse signal and/or the turnaround time period specified by the lighthouse signal so that the two styluses 111 can transmit electrical signals at the same time to minimize the time period for receiving electrical signals from the styluses 111 and maximize the time period for detecting external conductive objects such as fingers. In other embodiments, the touch processing device 130 can adjust the timing of sending the lighthouse signal and/or the turnaround time period specified by the lighthouse signal so that the two styluses 111 can transmit electrical signals in non-overlapping time periods to minimize interference between the two electrical signals. Furthermore, since the electrical signal emitted by the stylus pen may interfere with the reception of the lighthouse signal, the touch processing device 130 may adjust the timing of sending the lighthouse signal and/or the turnaround time specified by the lighthouse signal to reduce or avoid interference between the lighthouse signal and the electrical signal emitted by the stylus pen.

In the embodiments shown in Figures 35, 36A and 36B, each stylus 111 is assigned two virtual random numbers. Therefore, the touch processing device 130 can identify all styluses 111 that simultaneously send out electrical signals. However, unlike the touch processing device 130, the computing resources and internal space of the stylus 111 are quite limited. Therefore, it may be necessary to reduce the computational complexity of the controller 3310. Therefore, the controller 3310 of the stylus 111 shown in Figure 33 can transmit the same signals 3311 and 3312 encoded with the same virtual random numbers at two different time periods. As long as each stylus 111 within a touch system 100 is assigned a different virtual random number, the touch processing device 130 can identify all styluses 111 that may send out electrical signals at the same time. Considering that the same stylus 111 sends out electrical signals in two different time periods, the touch processing device 130 can also calculate a pressure value based on the ratio of the signal strengths of the two time periods. Furthermore, the controller 3310 can collect the sensor of the stylus 111 twice to generate two data codes so as to transmit them through the pen tip segment 230. By reducing the number of virtual random numbers from two to one, the design complexity of the controller 3310 can be reduced.

Please refer to FIG. 37A, which is a schematic diagram of a process implemented by the controller 3310 shown in FIG. 33 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The process can also be applied to the stylus 111 shown in FIG. 33. Unless a causal relationship is specified, the present invention does not limit the execution order of any two steps shown in FIG. 37A. Steps 3510, 3530 and 3540 have been explained in the relevant paragraphs of the embodiment shown in FIG. 35.

Optional step 3710: Accept a setting of virtual random numbers. The setting mechanism has been described.

Step 3750: Transmitting a preamble code and/or data code encoded according to the virtual random number to a first element in a first time period, whose impedance value varies according to the pressure value. The transmitted signal can be the preamble code, the data code, or both. Since they are all encoded by the designated virtual random number, the touch processing device 130 can detect and decode the electrical signal transmitted by the pen tip segment 230 and the electrode 121 and/or 122 in the first time period.

Step 3760: Transmitting the preamble code and/or data code encoded according to the virtual random number to a second element having a fixed impedance value in the second time period. The transmitted signal can be the preamble code, the data code, or both. Since they are all encoded by the designated virtual random number, the touch processing device 130 can detect and decode the electrical signal transmitted by the pen tip segment 230 and the electrode 121 and/or 122 in the first time period.

In one embodiment, there may be a turnaround period between the first period and the second period. During the turnaround period, the controller 3310 may switch the signal output from the first element 221 to the second element 222.

Please refer to FIG. 37B , which is a schematic diagram of a process implemented by the controller 3310 shown in FIG. 33 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The process can also be applied to the touch pen 111 shown in FIG. 33 . Unless a causal relationship is specified, the present invention does not limit the execution order of any two steps shown in FIG. 37 .

Optional step 3745: Generate a first data code according to the state of the sensor on the pen. When the stylus 111 includes one or more sensors, such as buttons, switches, knobs, battery capacity, etc., in addition to the pressure sensor connected to the first element 221, a data code reflecting the state of the sensor on the pen and/or other information can be generated, such as the identification code and/or model and brand name of the stylus 111.

Step 3755: During a first time period, a preamble code and/or a first data code encoded according to the virtual random number code is transmitted to a first element having a variable impedance that responds to pressure. The transmitted signal may include one or both of the preamble code and the first data code. Since they are all encoded by the specified virtual random number code, the touch processing device 130 can detect and decode the signal transmitted by the pen tip segment 230 via the electrode 121 and/or 122 during the first time period. After step 3755, the process can proceed to optional step 3746 to generate another data code.

Optional step 3746: Generate a second data code based on the state of the sensor on the pen.

Step 3765: During the second time period, the preamble code and/or the second data code encoded according to the virtual random number code are transmitted to the second element, which has a fixed impedance. The transmitted signal may include one or both of the preamble code and the second data code. Since they are all encoded by the specified virtual random number code, the touch processing device 130 can detect and decode the signal transmitted by the pen tip segment 230 via the electrode 121 and/or 122 during the second time period.

Although in the flowchart of FIG. 37A , the process executes step 3750 before step 3760. A person skilled in the art will appreciate that the execution of steps 3750 and 3760 can be reversed. In some embodiments, the process may execute step 3540 first and then step 3760. Then, after executing step 3760, the process executes step 3750. Similarly, in the flowchart of FIG. 37A , the process may execute steps 3745 and 3755 after executing step 3765. In short, the present invention does not require that the controller 3310 must send out one of the signals 3311 and 3312 first.

Please refer to Figure 38A, which is a schematic diagram of a process implemented by an embedded processor 3440 according to an embodiment of the present invention. Corresponding to the flowcharts of Figures 37A and 37B implemented by one or more styluses, this process is applicable to the touch processing device 130 shown in Figures 33 and 34. Unless the causal relationship is explained, the present invention does not limit the execution order of any two steps shown in Figure 38A. When the system 100 uses a lighthouse signal as a synchronization signal, this process starts with step 3610. Steps 3610 and 3620 have been explained in the paragraph of the embodiment shown in Figure 36A. The process can execute step 3830 after executing step 3620.

Step 3830: Receive electrical signals through the electrodes of the touch panel during the first time period and the second time period. Step 3830 can be performed simultaneously with any of steps 3850 to 3870 during the second time period. The sensing circuit 3430 of the touch processing device 130 receives electrical signals through the electrodes near the pen tip section 230. The electrical signals received during the two different time periods are stored separately.

Optional step 3840: Despread the electrical signal received in the first time period according to a virtual random code to obtain a first preamble code. If the electrical signal transmitted by the stylus pen 111 includes the first preamble code, the embedded processor 3440 of the touch processing device 130 can despread the first preamble code according to the virtual random code. In some embodiments, the system 100 does not use the lighthouse signal as the timing for synchronous transmission of the electrical signal, that is, steps 3610 and 3620 are not executed, because the embedded processor 3440 does not know when the stylus pen 111 transmits the electrical signal, and may need to use a sliding window technology to obtain the preamble code in the received electrical signal.

Optional step 3850: Decode the electrical signal received in the first time period according to the virtual random number to obtain the first data code. If the electrical signal transmitted by the touch pen 111 includes the first data code, the embedded processor 3440 of the touch processing device 130 can decode the first data code according to the virtual random number. The embodiment of the present application may include one or both of steps 3840 and 3850.

Optional step 3860: Despread the electrical signal received in the second time period according to a virtual random code to obtain a second preamble. If the electrical signal transmitted by the touch pen 111 includes the second preamble, the embedded processor 3440 of the touch processing device 130 can despread the second preamble according to the virtual random code. Please note that since the first preamble and the second preamble are encoded by the same virtual random code, they should be the same regardless of their signal strength. In some embodiments, system 100 does not use lighthouse signals as the timing for synchronously transmitting electrical signals, that is, steps 3610 and 3620 are not executed because the embedded processor 3440 does not know when the stylus 111 transmits the electrical signal and may need to use a sliding window technique to obtain the preamble code in the received electrical signal.

Optional step 3870: Decode the electrical signal received in the first time period according to the virtual random number to obtain a second data code. If the electrical signal transmitted by the touch pen 111 includes the second data code, the embedded processor 3440 of the touch processing device 130 can decode the second data code according to the virtual random number. The embodiment of the present application may include one or both of steps 3860 and 3870.

As shown in the embodiment of FIG. 37B , the controller 3310 can generate two sets of data codes for two transmissions in two time periods. If the first data code is different from the second data code, it means that the sensor on the pen has changed its state during the above two generation processes. Obviously, the position of the touch pen may also have changed during the two generation processes. Therefore, the touch processing device 130 can calculate the first position and the second position respectively according to the electrical signals received in the first time period and the second time period. Alternatively, the touch processing device 130 can calculate a single position according to one of the electrical signals received in the first time period and the second time period.

Step 3880: Calculate the pressure based on the ratio of the signal strength of the first part received in the first time segment to the second part received in the second time segment. The first part of the electrical signal received in the first time segment may be one or both of the first preamble code and the first data code. Similarly, the second part of the electrical signal received in the second time segment may be one or both of the second preamble code and the second data code. When the electrical signal includes the first preamble code and the second preamble code, step 3880 may be calculating the pressure based on the ratio of the signal strength of the first preamble code to the second preamble code. When the electrical signal includes the first data code and the second data code, step 3880 may be calculating the pressure based on the ratio of the signal strength of the first data code to the second data code. In a variation, if the electrical signal includes all four codes, step 3880 may calculate the pressure based on the ratio of the signal strength of the first part received in the first time period to the signal strength of the second part received in the second time period. Assuming that the signal strength of the first part is M1 and the signal strength of the second part is M2, the ratio of the two signal strengths may be M1/M2, M2/M1, (M1-M2)/(M1+M2), (M2-M1)/(M1+M2), M1/(M1+M2), M2/(M1+M2) and any other calculation involving the two parameters M1 and M2. In other words, when the calculated ratio is always a constant or a default value, it can be obtained that the pressure sensor of the stylus 111 does not sense any pressure. If the pressure sensor is used to sense the pressure on the tip section 230 of the stylus pen 111 , it means that the tip section 230 of the stylus pen 111 does not touch any object including the touch panel 120 .

Please refer to Figure 38B, which is a schematic diagram of a process implemented by an embedded processor 3440 according to an embodiment of the present invention. Corresponding to the flowcharts of Figures 37A and 37B implemented by one or more styluses, this process is applicable to the touch processing device 130 shown in Figures 33 and 34. Unless the causal relationship is explained, the present invention does not limit the execution order of any two steps shown in Figure 38B. When the system 100 uses a lighthouse signal as a synchronization signal, this process starts with step 3610. Steps 3610 and 3620 have been explained in the paragraph of the embodiment shown in Figure 36A. The process can execute step 3830 after executing step 3620.

Optional step 3815: Despread a first preamble of a first signal frame received on a synchronization channel within a first time period according to a virtual random code to obtain a first synchronization information.

Optional step 3825: Decode the first data code following the first preamble code for the electrical signal received by at least one first electrode within the first time period according to the first synchronization information and the virtual random code.

Optional step 3835: De-spread the second preamble of the second signal frame received on the synchronization channel in the second time period according to the virtual random code to obtain a second synchronization information.

Optional step 3845: Decode the second data code following the second preamble code for the electrical signal received by at least one first electrode within the second time period according to the second synchronization information and the virtual random code.

In one embodiment, once the first synchronization information corresponding to the first time period is known, the second synchronization information can be calculated accordingly.

In one embodiment, please note that since the first preamble and the second preamble are encoded by the same virtual random number, they should be the same regardless of their signal strength. In some embodiments, the system 100 does not use the lighthouse signal as the timing for synchronously transmitting the electrical signal, that is, steps 3610 and 3620 are not executed because the embedded processor 3440 does not know when the stylus 111 transmits the electrical signal, and may need to use a sliding window technique to obtain the preamble in the received electrical signal.

As shown in the embodiment of FIG. 37B , the controller 3310 can generate two sets of data codes for two transmissions in two time periods. If the first data code is different from the second data code, it means that the sensor on the pen has changed its state during the above two generation processes. Obviously, the position of the touch pen may also have changed during the two generation processes. Therefore, the touch processing device 130 can calculate the first position and the second position respectively according to the electrical signals received in the first time period and the second time period. Alternatively, the touch processing device 130 can calculate a single position according to one of the electrical signals received in the first time period and the second time period.

Step 3880: Calculate the pressure based on the ratio of the signal strength of the first part received in the first time segment to the second part received in the second time segment. The first part of the electrical signal received in the first time segment may be one or both of the first preamble code and the first data code. Similarly, the second part of the electrical signal received in the second time segment may be one or both of the second preamble code and the second data code. When the electrical signal includes the first preamble code and the second preamble code, step 3880 may be calculating the pressure based on the ratio of the signal strength of the first preamble code to the second preamble code. When the electrical signal includes the first data code and the second data code, step 3880 may be calculating the pressure based on the ratio of the signal strength of the first data code to the second data code. In a variation, if the electrical signal includes all four codes, step 3880 may calculate the pressure based on the ratio of the signal strength of the first part received in the first time period to the signal strength of the second part received in the second time period. Assuming that the signal strength of the first part is M1 and the signal strength of the second part is M2, the ratio of the two signal strengths may be M1/M2, M2/M1, (M1-M2)/(M1+M2), (M2-M1)/(M1+M2), M1/(M1+M2), M2/(M1+M2) and any other calculation involving the two parameters M1 and M2. In other words, when the calculated ratio is always a constant or a default value, it can be obtained that the pressure sensor of the stylus 111 does not sense any pressure. If the pressure sensor is used to sense the pressure on the tip section 230 of the stylus pen 111 , it means that the tip section 230 of the stylus pen 111 does not touch any object including the touch panel 120 .

In real-world scenarios, it is not uncommon to lose the wireless stylus 111. In addition, the battery of the wireless stylus 111 needs to be charged frequently. In some cases, it is desirable to have one or more wired styluses that are physically connected to the touch system. Using the same virtual random number mechanism, the touch processing device can choose when to send a signal to the wired stylus and receive the above signal from the touch panel 120. This mechanism can eliminate the need for a synchronization mechanism between the wireless stylus 111 and the touch processing device 130.

Please refer to FIG. 39A , which is a block diagram of a touch system 3900 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The touch system 3900 may include the touch panel 120, the touch processing device 130, the host 140, and a wired touch pen 3910. The wired touch pen 3910 may include a first element 221 having a variable first impedance Z1, wherein the first impedance Z1 responds to the pressure applied to the first element 221, a second element 222 having a fixed second impedance Z2, a pen tip segment 230 connected to the output of the first element 221 and the second element 222, and a shell or container for containing the first element 221, the second element 222, and the pen tip segment 230. A connecting cable is used to connect the stylus pen 3910 and the touch processing device 130. The connecting cable may be a twisted and shielded cable, which may include a first signal circuit 3911, a second signal circuit 3912, and a third circuit 3913. In one embodiment, the third line 3913 may be electrically coupled to the housing, and when the user holds the stylus pen 3910 with his hand, the housing may be grounded. In addition, the third line 3913 may be electrically coupled to the ground potential port of the touch processing device 130.

Although only a single wired stylus 3910 is shown in FIG. 39A , in some embodiments of the present invention, multiple wired stylus 3910 connected to the touch processing device 130 may be included. According to the provided mechanism, multiple wired stylus 3910 may be operated simultaneously. More importantly, a touch system according to an embodiment of the present invention may include both wireless and wired stylus. A person skilled in the art can understand that when each wireless and wired stylus simultaneously transmits electrical signals encoded with different sets of virtual random digital codes, the touch processing device 130 can use a synchronization mechanism to allow the wireless stylus 111 to transmit electrical signals at the same time as the touch processing device 130 transmits electrical signals through the wired stylus 3910.

The wired stylus 3910 shown in FIG. 39A does not include switches or buttons. However, a wired stylus 3910 may include one or more on-pen sensors, such as a switch or a button for accepting user input. In one embodiment, each on-pen sensor may be connected to the touch processing device 130 via one or more circuits in a connecting cable. Therefore, the touch processing device 130 may detect the state of the on-pen sensor via the connecting cable. For example, the touch processing device 130 may detect whether an eraser button is pressed by connecting to one or more circuits of the eraser button. However, similar to the embodiment shown in Figures 4A and 4B, the wired touch pen 3910 may further include a switch and a corresponding element connected in parallel to the first element or the second element. The touch processing device 130 may determine the switch state of the touch pen 3910 according to the signal strength ratio of the two virtual random numbers.

Please refer to FIG. 39B , which is a block diagram of a variation of a touch system 3900 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The stylus 3910 may further include a third switch 3920 and a third element 3930, which are connected in parallel to the first element 221. The third element 3930 may be a resistor and/or a capacitor having a third impedance Z3. When the third switch 3920 is set to a closed circuit by the user of the stylus 3910, the signal driven by the signal circuit 3911 is transmitted to the pen tip section 230 via the first element 221 and the third element 3930. On the contrary, when the third switch 3920 is set to an open circuit by the user of the stylus 3910, the signal driven by the signal circuit 3911 is transmitted to the pen tip segment 230 via the first component 221. The signal driven by the signal circuit 3912 is transmitted to the pen tip segment 230 via the second component 222. After receiving the signals sent by the signal circuits 3911 and 3912 through the pen tip segment 230, the touch processing device 130 can know the state of the third switch 3920 according to the ratio of the signal strengths sent by the signal circuits 3911 and 3912. Assuming that the ratio falls within a first interval, the touch processing device 130 determines that the third switch 3920 is in an open circuit state. Assuming that the ratio falls within a second interval, the touch processing device 130 determines that the third switch 3920 is in a closed state. The third impedance value of the third element 3930 can be controlled so that the first interval does not overlap with the second interval. Furthermore, the touch processing device 130 can calculate the pressure on the first element 221 according to the ratio value falling within the first interval or the second interval.

Please refer back to Figure 4A. The active stylus 110 includes two switches SWE and SWB, an eraser capacitor 441 corresponding to the switch SWE, and a pen holder capacitor 442 corresponding to the switch SWB. They are configured to be connected in parallel to the first capacitor 321. Although the wired stylus 3910 shown in Figure 39B only includes a single third switch 3920 and a single corresponding third element 3930, Pu Jingshu, a person skilled in the art, can understand that the wired stylus 3910 can have more than one set of third switches 3920 and their corresponding third elements 3930, which are connected in parallel to the first element 221.

Please refer to FIG. 39C , which is a block diagram of a variation of a touch system 3900 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The stylus 3910 may further include a fourth switch 3940 and a fourth element 3950, which are connected in parallel to the second element 222. The fourth element 3950 may be a resistor and/or a capacitor having a fourth impedance Z4. When the fourth switch 3940 is set to a closed circuit by the user of the stylus 3910, the signal driven by the signal circuit 3912 is transmitted to the pen tip section 230 via the second element 222 and the fourth element 3950. On the contrary, when the fourth switch 3940 is set to an open circuit by the user of the stylus 3910, the signal driven by the signal circuit 3912 is transmitted to the pen tip segment 230 via the second element 222. The signal driven by the signal circuit 3911 is transmitted to the pen tip segment 230 via the first element 221. After receiving the signals sent by the signal circuits 3911 and 3912 through the pen tip segment 230, the touch processing device 130 can know the state of the fourth switch 3940 according to the ratio of the signal strengths sent by the signal circuits 3911 and 3912. Assuming that the ratio falls within a third interval, the touch processing device 130 determines that the fourth switch 3940 is in an open circuit state. Assuming that the ratio falls within a fourth interval, the touch processing device 130 determines that the fourth switch 3940 is in a closed state. The fourth impedance value of the fourth element 3950 can be controlled so that the third interval does not overlap with the fourth interval. Furthermore, the touch processing device 130 can calculate the pressure on the first element 221 according to the ratio value falling within the third interval or the fourth interval.

Please refer back to Figure 4B. The active stylus 110 includes two switches SWE and SWB, an eraser capacitor 441 corresponding to the switch SWE, and a pen holder capacitor 442 corresponding to the switch SWB. They are configured to be connected in parallel to the second capacitor 322. Although the wired stylus 3910 shown in Figure 39C only includes a single fourth switch 3940 and a single corresponding fourth element 3950, Pu Jingshu, a person skilled in the art, can understand that the wired stylus 3910 can have more than one set of fourth switches and their corresponding fourth elements, which are connected in parallel to the second element 221.

In one embodiment, the touch processing device 130 can simultaneously transmit signals to the touch pen 3910 through the signal circuits 3911 and 3912, which are respectively encoded according to a first virtual random number and a second virtual random number. Therefore, the touch processing device 130 can simultaneously receive signals driven by the signal circuits 3911 and 3912 from the touch panel 120. In another embodiment, the touch processing device 130 can time-share transmit signals to the touch pen 3910 through the signal circuits 3911 and 3912, which are respectively encoded according to the same virtual random number. Accordingly, the touch processing device 130 can receive signals driven by the signal circuits 3911 and 3912 at two different time periods from the touch panel 120. In these two embodiments, the touch processing device 130 can determine the state of the third switch 3920 or the fourth switch 3940 according to the ratio of the signal strengths driven by the signal circuits 3911 and 3912. Furthermore, the touch processing device 130 can determine the pressure acting on the first element 221 according to the ratio of the signal strengths driven by the signal circuits 3911 and 3912.

Please refer to FIG. 40 , which is a block diagram of a touch processing device 130 according to an embodiment of the present invention. Compared with the touch processing device 130 shown in FIG. 34 , the touch processing device 130 further includes one or more stylus interfaces 4010 coupled to the connection network 3410. The stylus interface 4010 may be compatible with an existing industrial standard or a proprietary standard, and includes three circuits 3911, 3912, and 3913 corresponding to one of the stylus 3910. For one stylus 3910, there is one corresponding stylus interface 4010.

The touch processing device 130 may further include an embedded processor 4040, which is used to generate one or more virtual gibberish encoded signals corresponding to each stylus 3910. These generated signals can be sent to the driver circuit 3420 for front-end analog processing. The connection network 3410 can receive the settings of the embedded processor 4040 to selectively connect the driver circuit 3420 to at least one of the signal circuits 3911 and 3912. Therefore, the signal encoded by the virtual gibberish can be transmitted to the pen tip section 230 of the corresponding stylus 3910, which is connected to the stylus interface 4010.

Furthermore, the connection network 3410 can further receive the settings of the embedded processor 4040 so as to connect the sensing circuit 3430 and the electrodes of the touch panel 120. When the tip section 230 of the corresponding touch pen 3910 is placed on or near the touch panel, the electrical signal transmitted through the tip section 230 will be received by the sensing circuit 3430 via the electrodes of the touch panel 120. After front-end analog processing and analog-to-digital conversion, the embedded processor 40404 receives the signal from the sensing circuit 3430. A person skilled in the art can calculate the strength of the received signals corresponding to the signal circuits 3911 and 3912, respectively. Based on this, the ratio of the signal strengths can be calculated. As explained in the previous sections, based on the received signal and the ratio, the embedded processor 4040 can determine three parameters: the pressure received by the stylus 3910; the state of a switch of the stylus 3910; and the position of the tip section 230 of the stylus 3910 close to the touch panel 120.

Please refer to FIG. 41A , which is a schematic diagram of a process flow of an operation method applicable to a wired touch pen according to an embodiment of the present invention. The process flow is particularly applicable to the wired touch pen 3910 shown in FIG. 39A . Unless there is a causal relationship, the present invention does not limit the execution order of any two steps in FIG. 41A .

Step 4110: A first element having impedance that changes in response to pressure receives a first preamble code encoded by a first virtual random number. As shown in FIG39A , the first element 221 of the stylus 3910 receives the first preamble code through the signal circuit 3911 .

Step 4120: A second preamble code encoded by a second virtual random code is received by a second element having a fixed impedance. As shown in FIG. 39A , the second element 222 of the stylus 3910 receives the first preamble code through the signal circuit 3912. Steps 4110 and 4120 may be performed simultaneously or in a time-sharing manner.

Step 4130: The first component transmits the first prefix to a pen tip segment.

Step 4140: The second component transmits the second preamble to the pen tip segment. When the steps 4110 and 4120 are executed simultaneously, the steps 4130 and 4140 are also executed simultaneously. In other words, all four steps 4110 to 4140 are executed simultaneously.

If the touch processing device 130 is connected to multiple styluses 3910, a set of two virtual random numbers can be assigned to each stylus 3910. For example, a set of first and second virtual random numbers can be assigned to a first wired stylus 3910, and another set of third and fourth virtual random numbers can be assigned to a second wired stylus 3910. The flowchart shown in FIG. 41A can be applied to the first and second wired styluses 3910. In other words, two wired styluses can be operated on one touch panel 120 at the same time.

Please refer to FIG. 41B , which is a flowchart of an operation method applicable to a wired touch pen according to an embodiment of the present invention. The flowchart is particularly applicable to the wired touch pen 3910 shown in FIG. 39B . Unless there is a causal relationship, the present invention does not limit the execution order of any two steps in FIG. 41B . Since the wired touch pen 3910 shown in FIG. 39B includes the third switch 3920 and the third element 3930 , the flowchart further includes steps 4122 and 4124 .

Step 4122: Selectively receive the first preamble by a third element, the third element being connected in parallel with the first element. The selective receiving step is performed by the third switch 3920 of FIG. 39B.

Step 4124: Selectively transmit the first preamble to a pen tip segment by the third component. The selective receiving step is also performed by the third switch 3920 of Figure 39B. Steps 4110, 4120, 4122 and 4124 can be performed simultaneously.

Please refer to FIG. 41C , which is a flowchart of an operation method applicable to a wired touch pen according to an embodiment of the present invention. The flowchart is particularly applicable to the wired touch pen 3910 shown in FIG. 39C . Unless there is a causal relationship, the present invention does not limit the execution order of any two steps in FIG. 41C . Since the wired touch pen 3910 shown in FIG. 39C includes the fourth switch 3940 and the fourth element 3950 , the flowchart further includes steps 4126 and 4128 .

Step 4126: Selectively receive the second preamble by a fourth element, the fourth element being connected in parallel with the second element. The selective receiving step is performed by the fourth switch 3940 of FIG. 39C.

Step 4128: Selectively transmit the second preamble to a pen tip segment by the fourth element. The selective receiving step is also performed by the fourth switch 3940 of Figure 39C. Steps 4110, 4120, 4126 and 4128 can be performed simultaneously.

Please refer to FIG. 42, which is a schematic diagram of a process applicable to a touch processing device 130 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The process can be applied to the touch processing device 130 shown in FIG. 40, which is used to control a wired touch pen 3910 as shown in FIGS. 41A to 41C. For example, the flow chart can be implemented by instructions executed by an embedded processor of the touch processing device 130. Unless there is a causal relationship, the present invention does not limit the execution order of any two steps in FIG. 42. Steps 3630, 3640, 3660 and 3680 included in the process have been explained in the embodiment shown in FIGS. 36A and 36B.

Step 4210: Send a first preamble encoded according to a first virtual random number to a first circuit of a stylus. For example, the first preamble is generated by the embedded processor 4040, processed by the driver circuit 3420, and sent to the signal circuit 3911 through the stylus interface 4010.

Step 4220: Send a second preamble encoded according to a second virtual random number to a second circuit of the stylus. For example, the second preamble is generated by the embedded processor 4040, processed by the driver circuit 3420, and sent to the signal circuit 3912 through the stylus interface 4010. Steps 4210 and 4220 can be executed simultaneously.

Optional step 4290: Calculate a switch state of the stylus according to a signal strength ratio between the first part and the second part of the electrical signal.

Please refer to Figure 43, which is a schematic diagram of a process applicable to a touch processing device 130 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The process can be applicable to the touch processing device 130 shown in Figure 40, which is used to control a wired touch pen 3910 as shown in Figures 41A to 41C. For example, the flowchart can be implemented by instructions executed by the embedded processor of the touch processing device 130. Unless there is a causal relationship, the present invention does not limit the execution order of any two steps in Figure 43. Step 3880 included in the process has been explained in the embodiment shown in Figures 38A and 38B. In addition, the optional step 4290 has also been explained in the embodiment shown in Figure 42.

Step 4310: Transmitting a first preamble encoded according to a first virtual random number to a first circuit of a touch pen within a first time period.

Step 4320: Receive an electrical signal via an electrode of a touch panel during the first period of time.

Step 4330: Despread the first preamble included in the electrical signal received in the first time period according to the first virtual random code.

Step 4340: Transmitting a second preamble encoded according to a second virtual random number to a second circuit of the touch pen within a second time period.

Step 4350: Receive an electrical signal via an electrode of a touch panel during the second time period.

Step 4360: Despread the second preamble included in the electrical signal received in the first time period according to the second virtual random code.

Please refer to Figure 44, which is a schematic diagram of a process applicable to a touch processing device 130 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The process can be applied to the touch processing device 130 shown in Figure 40, which is used to control a wired touch pen 3910 as shown in Figures 41A to 41C. For example, the flowchart can be implemented by instructions executed by the embedded processor of the touch processing device 130. Unless there is a causal relationship, the present invention does not limit the execution order of any two steps in Figure 44. Steps 4320 and 4350 have been explained in the embodiment shown in Figure 43. Step 3880 included in the process has been explained in the embodiment shown in Figures 38A and 38B. In addition, optional step 4290 has also been explained in the embodiment shown in Figure 42.

Step 4410: Transmitting a first preamble encoded according to a virtual random number to a first circuit of a touch pen within a first time period.

Step 4430: Despread the first preamble included in the electrical signal received in the first time period according to the virtual random code.

Step 4440: Transmitting a second preamble encoded according to the virtual random code to a second circuit of the touch pen within a second time period.

Step 4460: Despread the second preamble included in the electrical signal received in the second time period according to the virtual random code.

One of the purposes of the present invention is to provide a stylus pen that emits an electrical signal carrying pressure information, comprising: a first element having an impedance that responds to a pressure, wherein the first element is used to receive a first signal encoded with a first virtual random code; a second element having a fixed impedance, wherein the second element is used to receive a second signal encoded with a second virtual random code; and a conductive pen tip segment, which is used to: simultaneously receive the first signal from the first element and the second signal from the second element; and transmit an electrical signal including the first signal and the second signal, wherein the first virtual random code is orthogonal to the second virtual random code.

In one embodiment, in order to provide the first virtual random number and the second virtual random number on the stylus, the stylus further includes a controller for: generating the first signal according to the first virtual random number; generating the second signal according to the second virtual random number; transmitting the first signal to the first component; and transmitting the second signal to the second component.

In one embodiment, in order to transmit the state of the sensor on the stylus, the stylus further comprises: at least one sensor on the stylus connected to the controller. The controller is further used to: generate a data code according to the state of the at least one sensor on the stylus; generate a first data code according to the data code and the first virtual random number; and transmit the first data code to the first element. The first element is further used to: receive the first data code from the controller. The conductive stylus tip segment is further used to: receive the first data code from the first element; and transmit the first data code.

In one embodiment, in order to transmit the state of the sensor on the stylus, the stylus further comprises: at least one sensor on the stylus connected to the controller. The controller is further used to: generate a data code according to the state of the at least one sensor on the stylus; generate a second data code according to the data code and the second virtual random number; and transmit the second data code to the second element. The second element is further used to: receive the second data code from the controller. The conductive stylus tip segment is further used to: receive the second data code from the second element; and transmit the second data code.

In one embodiment, in order to synchronize with a receiving process of a touch processing device of a touch panel, the controller is further configured to: receive a synchronization signal from an electronic device; and after receiving the synchronization signal, execute the generating step and the transmitting step.

In one embodiment, in order to synchronize the receiving process of the touch processing device of the touch panel to which the touch pen is in close contact, the controller is coupled to the conductive pen tip segment to receive the synchronization signal, which is emitted by an electrode of a touch panel of the electronic device.

In one embodiment, in order to avoid conflicts of virtual random numbers when operating multiple styluses on a touch panel, the stylus further includes a human-machine interface for a user to input virtual random numbers, wherein the controller is further used to receive a setting instruction from the human-machine interface, which specifies a combination of the first virtual random number and the second virtual random number.

In one embodiment, in order to provide virtual gibberish information to the user, the stylus includes one of the following devices connected to the controller to indicate a combination of the first virtual gibberish and the second virtual gibberish: a visual indicator; and an audio indicator.

In one embodiment, in order to achieve a wired connection between a touch processing device and a wired touch pen, the touch pen further includes: a first signal circuit coupled to the first element and a touch processing device, for transmitting the first signal from the touch processing device to the first element; and a second signal circuit coupled to the second element and the touch processing device, for transmitting the second signal from the touch processing device to the second element.

In one embodiment, in order to provide a switching state to a touch processing device, the touch pen further includes: a third switch for receiving the first signal; and a third element with a fixed impedance, coupled to the third switch and the conductive pen tip segment, wherein the third switch can be selectively opened or closed, and when the third switch is closed, the first signal is transmitted from the conductive pen tip segment via the third switch and the third element.

In one embodiment, in order to provide a switching state to a touch processing device, the touch pen further includes: a fourth switch for receiving the second signal; and a fourth element with a fixed impedance, coupled to the fourth switch and the conductive pen tip segment, wherein the third switch can be selectively opened or closed, and when the fourth switch is closed, the second signal is transmitted from the conductive pen tip segment via the fourth switch and the fourth element.

One of the purposes of the present invention is to provide a method for emitting an electrical signal carrying pressure information from a stylus, comprising: receiving a first signal encoded with a first virtual random code by a first element having an impedance that responds to a pressure; receiving a second signal encoded with a second virtual random code by a second element having a fixed impedance; receiving the first signal from the first element and the second signal from the second element simultaneously by a conductive pen tip segment; and transmitting an electrical signal including the first signal and the second signal by the conductive pen tip segment, wherein the first virtual random code is orthogonal to the second virtual random code.

In one embodiment, in order to provide the first virtual random number and the second virtual random number on the stylus, the method further includes: generating the first signal according to the first virtual random number; generating the second signal according to the second virtual random number; transmitting the first signal to the first component; and transmitting the second signal to the second component.

In one embodiment, in order to transmit the state of the sensor on the touch pen, the method further includes: generating a data code based on the state of the at least one sensor on the pen; generating a first data code based on the data code and the first virtual random number; transmitting the first data code to the first component; transmitting the first data code from the first component to the conductive pen tip segment; and transmitting the first data code from the conductive pen tip segment.

In one embodiment, in order to transmit the state of the sensor on the touch pen, the method further includes: generating a data code based on the state of the at least one sensor on the pen; generating a second data code based on the data code and the second virtual random number; transmitting the second data code to the second element; transmitting the second data code from the second element to the conductive pen tip segment; and transmitting the second data code from the conductive pen tip segment.

In one embodiment, in order to synchronize with a receiving process of a touch processing device of a touch panel, the method further includes: receiving a synchronization signal from an electronic device; and after receiving the synchronization signal, executing the generating step and the transmitting step.

In one embodiment, in order to synchronize the receiving process of the touch processing device of the touch panel with the touch pen in close contact, the synchronization signal is sent by an electrode of a touch panel of the electronic device.

In one embodiment, in order to avoid the conflict of virtual gibberish when operating multiple styluses on a touch panel, the method further includes: receiving a setting instruction from the human-machine interface, which specifies a combination of the first virtual gibberish and the second virtual gibberish.

In one embodiment, in order to provide virtual random number information to the user, the method further includes one of the following steps: allowing a visual indicator of the stylus to indicate a combination of the first virtual random number and the second virtual random number; and allowing an audio indicator of the stylus to indicate the combination of the first virtual random number and the second virtual random number.

In one embodiment, in order to establish a wired connection between a touch processing device and a wired stylus, the method further includes: receiving the first signal from the touch processing device by a first signal circuit; transmitting the first signal to the first component by the first signal circuit; receiving the second signal from the touch processing device by a second signal circuit; and transmitting the second signal to the second component by the second signal circuit.

In one embodiment, in order to provide a switch state to a touch processing device, the method further includes: selectively receiving the first signal by a third element having a fixed impedance; and selectively transmitting the first signal to the conductive pen tip segment by the third element.

In one embodiment, in order to provide a switch state to a touch processing device, the method further includes: selectively receiving the second signal by a fourth element having a fixed impedance; and selectively transmitting the second signal to the conductive pen tip segment by the fourth element.

One of the purposes of the present invention is to provide a touch processing device for receiving an electrical signal carrying pressure information emitted by a first touch pen, comprising: a sensing circuit for receiving the electrical signal from some electrodes of a touch panel; and a processor coupled to the sensing circuit for: de-spreading a first preamble code of the received signal according to a first virtual random code; de-spreading a second preamble code of the received signal according to a second virtual random code; and calculating the pressure information according to a first signal strength ratio of a first part and a second part of the received signal, wherein the first part includes the first preamble code, the second part includes the second preamble code, and the first virtual random code is orthogonal to the second virtual random code.

In one embodiment, in order to trigger the touch pen to synchronously transmit electrical signals, the touch processing device further includes a driving circuit coupled to the electrodes of the touch panel, wherein the processor is further used to: before the receiving step is executed, enable the driving circuit to transmit a lighthouse signal through the electrodes of the touch panel.

In one embodiment, in order to receive the state of the sensor on the touch pen, the processor is further used to: decode the first data code of the received signal according to the first virtual random code, wherein the first data code represents the state of at least one sensor on the first touch pen.

In one embodiment, in order to receive the state of the sensor on the touch pen, the processor is further used to: decode the second data code of the received signal according to the second virtual random code, wherein the second data code represents the state of at least one sensor on the first touch pen.

In one embodiment, in order to correctly receive the state of the sensor on the stylus, the processor is further used to: decode the first data code of the received signal according to the first virtual random code; decode the second data code of the received signal according to the second virtual random code; and when the first data code is the same as the second data code, determine the data code, wherein the data code represents the state of at least one sensor on the first stylus.

In one embodiment, in order to receive smoother and more average pressure information in a longer transmission, the first part further includes the first data code and the second part further includes the second data code.

In one embodiment, in order to synchronize the transmission of the touch pen more quickly, the processor is further used to: couple at least two second electrodes of the touch panel as a synchronization channel, wherein the de-spreading step of the first preamble code and the second preamble code is performed on the received signal received by the synchronization channel to obtain a first synchronization message and a second synchronization message respectively, wherein the second electrodes are parallel to each other.

In one embodiment, in order to utilize the synchronization message to correctly and quickly receive the state of the sensor on the touch pen, the processor is further used to: decode the first data code of the received signal received by at least one first electrode of the touch panel according to the first virtual random number and the first synchronization message; decode the second data code of the received signal received by at least one first electrode of the touch panel according to the second virtual random number and the second synchronization message; and when the first data code and the second data code are the same, determine the data code, wherein the data code represents the state of at least one sensor on the first touch pen, wherein a plurality of the first electrodes are parallel to each other, and the plurality of the first electrodes intersect the plurality of the second electrodes.

In one embodiment, in order to simultaneously receive electrical signals from multiple styluses, the processor is further used to: de-spread a third preamble of the received signal according to a third virtual random code; de-spread a fourth preamble of the received signal according to a fourth virtual random code; and calculate pressure information of a second stylus according to a second signal strength ratio of a third part and a fourth part of the received signal, wherein the third part includes the third preamble, and the fourth part includes the fourth preamble, wherein the first virtual random code, the second virtual random code, the third virtual random code, and the fourth virtual random code are orthogonal to each other.

In one embodiment, in order to provide a wired connection between a wired stylus and the touch processing device, the touch processing device further includes a stylus interface coupled to a first signal circuit and a second signal circuit of the first stylus, wherein the processor is coupled to the stylus interface and is further used to: generate the first preamble code based on the first virtual random code; generate the second preamble code based on the second virtual random code; and transmit the first preamble code and the second preamble code to the first signal circuit and the second signal circuit respectively through the stylus interface.

In one embodiment, in order to receive a switch state of the touch pen, the processor is further used to: calculate a switch state of the first touch pen based on the first signal strength ratio of the first part and the second part of the received signal.

In one embodiment, in order to simultaneously connect to multiple wired styluses, the stylus interface is further coupled to a third signal circuit and a fourth signal circuit of a second stylus. The processor connected to the stylus interface is further used to: generate a third preamble according to a third virtual random number; generate a fourth preamble according to a fourth virtual random number; and transmit the third preamble and the fourth preamble to the third signal circuit and the fourth signal circuit respectively through the stylus interface, wherein the first virtual random number, the second virtual random number, the third virtual random number, and the fourth virtual random number are orthogonal to each other.

One of the purposes of the present invention is to provide a method for receiving an electrical signal carrying pressure information emitted by a first touch pen, comprising: receiving the electrical signal through some electrodes of a touch panel; de-spreading a first preamble code of the received signal according to a first virtual random code; de-spreading a second preamble code of the received signal according to a second virtual random code; and calculating the pressure information according to a first signal strength ratio of a first part and a second part of the received signal, wherein the first part includes the first preamble code, the second part includes the second preamble code, and the first virtual random code is orthogonal to the second virtual random code.

In one embodiment, in order to trigger the touch pen to synchronously transmit an electrical signal, the method further includes: before the receiving step is executed, causing the driving circuit to transmit a lighthouse signal through the electrodes of the touch panel.

In one embodiment, in order to receive the state of the sensor on the touch pen, the method further includes: decoding a first data code of the received signal according to the first virtual random code, wherein the first data code represents the state of at least one sensor on the first touch pen.

In one embodiment, in order to receive the state of the sensor on the touch pen, the method further includes: decoding a second data code of the received signal according to the second virtual random code, wherein the second data code represents the state of at least one sensor on the first touch pen.

In one embodiment, in order to correctly receive the state of the sensor on the stylus, the method further includes: decoding a first data code of the received signal according to the first virtual random code; decoding a second data code of the received signal according to the second virtual random code; and when the first data code is the same as the second data code, determining a data code, wherein the data code represents the state of at least one sensor on the first stylus.

In one embodiment, in order to receive smoother and more average pressure information in a longer transmission, the first part further includes the first data code and the second part further includes the second data code.

In one embodiment, in order to synchronize the transmission of the touch pen more quickly, the method includes: coupling at least two second electrodes of the touch panel as a synchronization channel, wherein the first preamble code and the second preamble code are de-spread on the received signal received by the synchronization channel to obtain a first synchronization message and a second synchronization message respectively, wherein the second electrodes are parallel to each other.

In one embodiment, in order to use the synchronization message to correctly and quickly receive the state of the sensor on the touch pen, the method further includes: decoding the first data code of the received signal received by at least one first electrode of the touch panel according to the first virtual random number and the first synchronization message; decoding the second data code of the received signal received by at least one first electrode of the touch panel according to the second virtual random number and the second synchronization message; and when the first data code and the second data code are the same, determining a data code, wherein the data code represents the state of at least one sensor on the first touch pen, wherein a plurality of the first electrodes are parallel to each other, and the plurality of the first electrodes intersect the second electrodes.

In one embodiment, in order to simultaneously receive electrical signals from multiple styluses, the method further includes: despreading a third preamble of the received signal according to a third virtual random code; despreading a fourth preamble of the received signal according to a fourth virtual random code; and calculating pressure information of a second stylus according to a second signal strength ratio of a third part and a fourth part of the received signal, wherein the third part includes the third preamble, the fourth part includes the fourth preamble, and the first virtual random code, the second virtual random code, the third virtual random code, and the fourth virtual random code are orthogonal to each other.

In one embodiment, in order to provide a wired connection between a wired touch pen and the touch processing device, the method further includes: generating the first preamble code according to the first virtual random code; generating the second preamble code according to the second virtual random code; and transmitting the first preamble code and the second preamble code to the first signal circuit and the second signal circuit respectively.

In one embodiment, in order to receive a switch state of the touch pen, the method further includes: calculating a switch state of the first touch pen based on the first signal strength ratio of the first part and the second part of the received signal.

In one embodiment, in order to simultaneously connect multiple wired touch pens, the method further includes: generating a third preamble code based on a third virtual random number for despreading; generating a fourth preamble code based on a fourth virtual random number for despreading; and transmitting the third preamble code and the fourth preamble code to a third signal circuit and a fourth signal circuit of a second touch pen, respectively, wherein the first virtual random number, the second virtual random number, the third virtual random number, and the fourth virtual random number are orthogonal to each other.

One of the purposes of the present invention is to provide a touch system, which includes a touch panel; a first touch pen; and a touch processing device for receiving an electrical signal carrying pressure information sent by the first touch pen. The touch processing device includes: a sensing circuit for receiving the electrical signal from some electrodes of the touch panel; and a processor coupled to the sensing circuit for: de-spreading a first preamble code of the received signal according to a first virtual random code; de-spreading a second preamble code of the received signal according to a second virtual random code; and calculating the pressure information according to a first signal strength ratio of a first part and a second part of the received signal, wherein the first part includes the first preamble code, the second part includes the second preamble code, and the first virtual random code is orthogonal to the second virtual random code.

In one embodiment, the stylus includes: a first element having an impedance that responds to a pressure, wherein the first element is used to receive a first signal encoded with a first virtual random code; a second element having a fixed impedance, wherein the second element is used to receive a second signal encoded with a second virtual random code; and a conductive pen tip segment, which is used to: simultaneously receive the first signal from the first element and the second signal from the second element; and transmit an electrical signal including the first signal and the second signal, wherein the first virtual random code is orthogonal to the second virtual random code.

One of the purposes of the present invention is to provide a touch pen that emits an electrical signal carrying pressure information, comprising: a first element having an impedance that responds to a pressure, wherein the first element is used to receive a first signal encoded with a virtual random code in a first time period; a second element having a fixed impedance, wherein the second element is used to receive a second signal encoded with the virtual random code in a second time period; and a conductive pen tip segment, which is used to: receive the first signal from the first element in the first time period; receive the second signal from the second element in the second time period; transmit the electrical signal containing the first signal in the first time period; and transmit the electrical signal containing the second signal in the second time period, wherein the first virtual random code is orthogonal to the second virtual random code.

In one embodiment, in order to provide the first virtual random number and the second virtual random number on the stylus, the stylus further includes a controller for: generating the first signal according to the virtual random number; generating the second signal according to the virtual random number; transmitting the first signal to the first component; and transmitting the second signal to the second component.

In one embodiment, in order to transmit the state of the sensor on the stylus, the stylus further comprises: at least one sensor on the stylus connected to the controller. The controller is further used to: generate a data code according to the state of the at least one sensor on the stylus; generate a first data code according to the data code and the virtual random number; and transmit the first data code to the first element. The first element is further used to: receive the first data code from the controller during the first time period. The conductive stylus tip segment is further used to: receive the first data code from the first element; and transmit the first data code.

In one embodiment, in order to transmit the state of the sensor on the stylus, the stylus further comprises: at least one sensor on the stylus connected to the controller. The controller is further used to: generate a data code according to the state of the at least one sensor on the stylus; generate a second data code according to the data code and the second virtual random number; and transmit the second data code to the second element. The second element is further used to: receive the second data code from the controller during the second time period. The conductive stylus tip segment is further used to: receive the second data code from the second element; and transmit the second data code.

In one embodiment, in order to synchronize with a receiving process of a touch processing device of a touch panel, the controller is further configured to: receive a synchronization signal from an electronic device; and after receiving the synchronization signal, execute the generating step and the transmitting step.

In one embodiment, in order to synchronize the receiving process of the touch processing device of the touch panel to which the touch pen is in close contact, the controller is coupled to the conductive pen tip segment to receive the synchronization signal, which is emitted by an electrode of a touch panel of the electronic device.

In one embodiment, in order to avoid conflicts of virtual gibberish when operating multiple styluses on a touch panel, the stylus further includes a human-machine interface for a user to input virtual gibberish, wherein the controller is further used to receive a setting instruction from the human-machine interface, which specifies the virtual gibberish.

In one embodiment, in order to provide virtual gibberish information to the user, the stylus includes one of the following devices connected to the controller to indicate the virtual gibberish: a visual indicator; and an audio indicator.

In one embodiment, in order to achieve a wired connection between a touch processing device and a wired touch pen, the touch pen further includes: a first signal circuit coupled to the first element and a touch processing device, for transmitting the first signal from the touch processing device to the first element; and a second signal circuit coupled to the second element and the touch processing device, for transmitting the second signal from the touch processing device to the second element.

In order to provide a switching state to a touch processing device, the touch pen further includes: a third switch for receiving the first signal; and a third element with a fixed impedance, coupled to the third switch and the conductive pen tip segment, wherein the third switch can be selectively opened or closed, and when the third switch is closed, the first signal is transmitted from the conductive pen tip segment via the third switch and the third element.

In order to provide a switching state to a touch processing device, the touch pen further includes: a fourth switch for receiving the second signal; and a fourth element with a fixed impedance, coupled to the fourth switch and the conductive pen tip segment, wherein the third switch can be selectively opened or closed, and when the fourth switch is closed, the second signal is transmitted from the conductive pen tip segment via the fourth switch and the fourth element.

One of the purposes of the present invention is to provide a method for emitting an electrical signal carrying pressure information from a stylus, comprising: receiving a first signal encoded with a virtual random code by a first element having an impedance that responds to a pressure in a first time period; receiving a second signal encoded with the virtual random code by a second element having a fixed impedance in a second time period; receiving the first signal from the first element by a conductive pen tip segment in the first time period; receiving the second signal from the second element by the conductive pen tip segment in the second time period; transmitting an electrical signal containing the first signal by the conductive pen tip segment in the first time period; and transmitting an electrical signal containing the second signal by the conductive pen tip segment in the second time period.

In one embodiment, in order to provide the virtual random number on the stylus, the method further includes: generating the first signal according to the virtual random number; generating the second signal according to the virtual random number; transmitting the first signal to the first component; and transmitting the second signal to the second component.

In one embodiment, in order to transmit the state of the sensor on the touch pen, the method further includes: generating a data code based on the state of the at least one sensor on the pen; generating a first data code based on the data code and the virtual random number; transmitting the first data code to the first component; transmitting the first data code from the first component to the conductive pen tip segment; and transmitting the first data code from the conductive pen tip segment.

In one embodiment, in order to transmit the state of the sensor on the touch pen, the method further includes: generating a data code based on the state of the at least one sensor on the pen; generating a second data code based on the data code and the virtual random number; transmitting the second data code to the second component; transmitting the second data code from the second component to the conductive pen tip segment; and transmitting the second data code from the conductive pen tip segment.

In one embodiment, in order to synchronize with a receiving process of a touch processing device of a touch panel, the method further includes: receiving a synchronization signal from an electronic device; and after receiving the synchronization signal, executing the generating step and the transmitting step.

In one embodiment, in order to synchronize the receiving process of the touch processing device of the touch panel with the touch pen in close contact, the synchronization signal is sent by an electrode of a touch panel of the electronic device.

In one embodiment, in order to avoid conflicts of virtual gibberish when multiple styluses are operated on a touch panel, the method further includes: receiving a setting command from the human-machine interface, which specifies the virtual gibberish.

In one embodiment, in order to provide virtual gibberish information to the user, the method further comprises one of the following steps: enabling a visual indicator of the stylus pen to indicate the virtual gibberish; and enabling a sound indicator of the stylus pen to indicate the virtual gibberish.

In one embodiment, in order to establish a wired connection between a touch processing device and a wired stylus, the method further includes: receiving the first signal from the touch processing device by a first signal circuit; transmitting the first signal to the first component by the first signal circuit; receiving the second signal from the touch processing device by a second signal circuit; and transmitting the second signal to the second component by the second signal circuit.

In one embodiment, in order to provide a switch state to a touch processing device, the method further includes: selectively receiving the first signal by a third element having a fixed impedance; and selectively transmitting the first signal to the conductive pen tip segment by the third element.

In one embodiment, in order to provide a switch state to a touch processing device, the method further includes: selectively receiving the second signal by a fourth element having a fixed impedance; and selectively transmitting the second signal to the conductive pen tip segment by the fourth element.

One of the purposes of the present invention is to provide a touch processing device for receiving an electrical signal carrying pressure information emitted by a first touch pen, comprising: a sensing circuit for receiving the electrical signal from some electrodes of a touch panel; and a processor coupled to the sensing circuit for: de-spreading a first preamble code of the received signal in a first time segment according to a virtual random code; de-spreading a second preamble code of the received signal in a second time segment according to the virtual random code; and calculating the pressure information according to a first signal strength ratio of a first part and a second part of the received signal, wherein the first part includes the first preamble code and the second part includes the second preamble code.

In one embodiment, in order to trigger the touch pen to synchronously transmit electrical signals, the touch processing device further includes a driving circuit coupled to the electrodes of the touch panel, wherein the processor is further used to: before the receiving step is executed, enable the driving circuit to transmit a lighthouse signal through the electrodes of the touch panel.

In one embodiment, in order to receive the state of the sensor on the touch pen, the processor is further used to: decode the first data code of the received signal in the first time period according to the virtual random code, wherein the data code represents the state of at least one sensor on the first touch pen.

In one embodiment, in order to receive the state of the sensor on the touch pen, the processor is further used to: decode the second data code of the received signal in the second time period according to the virtual random code, wherein the data code represents the state of at least one sensor on the first touch pen.

In one embodiment, in order to correctly receive the state of the sensor on the stylus, the processor is further used to: decode the first data code of the received signal in the first time period according to the virtual random code; decode the second data code of the received signal in the second time period according to the virtual random code; and when the first data code is the same as the second data code, determine the data code, wherein the data code represents the state of at least one sensor on the first stylus.

In one embodiment, in order to receive smoother and more average pressure information in a longer transmission, the first part further includes the first data code and the second part further includes the second data code.

In one embodiment, in order to synchronize the transmission of the touch pen more quickly, the processor is further used to: couple at least two second electrodes of the touch panel as a synchronization channel, wherein the de-spreading step of the first preamble code and the second preamble code is performed on the received signal received by the synchronization channel to obtain a first synchronization message and a second synchronization message respectively, wherein the second electrodes are parallel to each other.

In one embodiment, in order to utilize the synchronization message to correctly and quickly receive the state of the sensor on the touch pen, the processor is further used to: decode the first data code of the received signal received by at least one first electrode of the touch panel according to the virtual random number and the first synchronization message; decode the second data code of the received signal received by at least one first electrode of the touch panel according to the virtual random number and the second synchronization message; and when the first data code and the second data code are the same, determine the data code, wherein the data code represents the state of at least one sensor on the first touch pen, wherein a plurality of the first electrodes are parallel to each other, and the plurality of the first electrodes intersect the plurality of the second electrodes.

In one embodiment, in order to simultaneously receive electrical signals from multiple styluses, the processor is further used to: de-spread a third preamble of the received signal in a third time segment according to a second virtual random code; de-spread a fourth preamble of the received signal in a fourth time segment according to the second virtual random code; and calculate pressure information of a second stylus according to a second signal strength ratio of a third portion and a fourth portion of the received signal, wherein the third portion includes the third preamble, and the fourth portion includes the fourth preamble, wherein the first virtual random code and the second virtual random code are orthogonal to each other, and wherein a portion of the third time segment overlaps with a portion of the first time segment or a portion of the second time segment.

In one embodiment, in order to provide a wired connection between a wired stylus and the touch processing device, the touch processing device further includes a stylus interface coupled to a first signal circuit and a second signal circuit of the first stylus, wherein the processor is coupled to the stylus interface and is further used to: generate the first preamble code based on the virtual random number; generate the second preamble code based on the virtual random number; transmit the first preamble code to the first signal circuit via the stylus interface in the first time period; and transmit the second preamble code to the second signal circuit via the stylus interface in the second time period.

In one embodiment, in order to receive a switch state of the touch pen, the processor is further used to: calculate a switch state of the first touch pen based on the first signal strength ratio of the first part and the second part of the received signal.

In one embodiment, in order to simultaneously receive electrical signals from multiple styluses, the stylus interface is further coupled to a third signal circuit and a fourth signal circuit of a second stylus. The processor is coupled to the stylus interface and is further used to: generate a third preamble code in a third time period according to a second virtual random number; generate a fourth preamble code in a fourth time period according to the second virtual random number; transmit the third preamble code to the third signal circuit via the stylus interface in the third time period; transmit the fourth preamble code to the fourth signal circuit via the stylus interface in the fourth time period, wherein the first virtual random number and the second virtual random number are orthogonal to each other, wherein a portion of the third time period overlaps a portion of the first time period or the second time period.

One of the purposes of the present invention is to provide a method for receiving an electrical signal carrying pressure information emitted by a first touch pen, comprising: receiving the electrical signal from some electrodes of a touch panel; de-spreading a first preamble code of the received signal in a first time segment according to a virtual random code; de-spreading a second preamble code of the received signal in a second time segment according to the virtual random code; and calculating the pressure information according to a first signal strength ratio of a first part and a second part of the received signal, wherein the first part includes the first preamble code and the second part includes the second preamble code.

In one embodiment, in order to trigger the touch pen to synchronously transmit an electrical signal, the method further includes: before the receiving step is executed, causing the driving circuit to transmit a lighthouse signal through the electrodes of the touch panel.

In one embodiment, in order to receive the state of the sensor on the touch pen, the method further includes: decoding a first data code of the received signal in the first time period according to the virtual random code, wherein the first data code represents the state of at least one sensor on the first touch pen.

In one embodiment, in order to receive the state of the sensor on the touch pen, the method further includes: decoding a second data code of the received signal in the second time period according to the virtual random code, wherein the second data code represents the state of at least one sensor on the first touch pen.

In one embodiment, in order to correctly receive the state of the sensor on the touch pen, the method further includes: decoding a first data code of the received signal in the first time period according to the virtual random code; decoding a second data code of the received signal in the second time period according to the virtual random code; and when the first data code is the same as the second data code, determining a data code, wherein the data code represents the state of at least one sensor on the first touch pen.

In one embodiment, in order to receive smoother and more average pressure information in a longer transmission, the first part further includes the first data code and the second part further includes the second data code.

In one embodiment, in order to synchronize the transmission of the touch pen more quickly, the method further includes: coupling at least two second electrodes of the touch panel as a synchronization channel, wherein the de-spreading step of the first preamble code and the second preamble code is performed on the received signal received by the synchronization channel to obtain a first synchronization message and a second synchronization message respectively, wherein the second electrodes are parallel to each other.

In one embodiment, in order to utilize the synchronization message to correctly and quickly receive the state of the sensor on the touch pen, the method further includes: decoding the first data code of the received signal received by at least one first electrode of the touch panel according to the virtual random number and the first synchronization message; decoding the second data code of the received signal received by at least one first electrode of the touch panel according to the virtual random number and the second synchronization message; and when the first data code and the second data code are the same, determining a data code, wherein the data code represents the state of at least one sensor on the first touch pen, wherein a plurality of the first electrodes are parallel to each other, and the plurality of the first electrodes intersect with the plurality of the second electrodes.

In one embodiment, in order to simultaneously receive electrical signals from multiple styluses, the method further includes: de-spreading a third preamble of the received signal in a third time segment according to a second virtual random code; de-spreading a fourth preamble of the received signal in a fourth time segment according to the second virtual random code; and calculating pressure information of a second stylus according to a second signal strength ratio of a third portion and a fourth portion of the received signal, wherein the third portion includes the third preamble, the fourth portion includes the fourth preamble, the first virtual random code and the second virtual random code are orthogonal to each other, and a portion of the third time segment overlaps with a portion of the first time segment or a portion of the second time segment.

In one embodiment, in order to provide a wired connection between a wired touch pen and the touch processing device, the method further includes: generating the first preamble code based on the virtual random number; generating the second preamble code based on the virtual random number; transmitting the first preamble code to the first signal circuit of the first touch pen in the first time period; and transmitting the second preamble code to the second signal circuit of the first touch pen in the second time period.

In one embodiment, in order to receive a switch state of the touch pen, the method further includes: calculating a switch state of the first touch pen according to the first signal strength ratio of the first part and the second part of the received signal.

In one embodiment, in order to simultaneously receive electrical signals from multiple styluses, the method further includes: generating a third preamble code in a third time period based on a second virtual random number; generating a fourth preamble code in a fourth time period based on the second virtual random number; transmitting the third preamble code to a third signal circuit of a second stylus in the third time period; transmitting the fourth preamble code to a fourth signal circuit of the second stylus in the fourth time period, wherein the first virtual random number and the second virtual random number are orthogonal to each other, and wherein a portion of the third time period overlaps with a portion of the first time period or the second time period.

One of the purposes of the present invention is to provide a touch system, comprising: a touch panel; a first touch pen; and a touch processing device. The touch processing device is used to receive an electrical signal carrying pressure information emitted by the first touch pen, and includes: a sensing circuit for receiving the electrical signal from some electrodes of the touch panel; and a processor coupled to the sensing circuit, for: de-spreading a first preamble code of the received signal in a first time segment according to a virtual random code; de-spreading a second preamble code of the received signal in a second time segment according to the virtual random code; and calculating the pressure information according to a first signal strength ratio of a first part and a second part of the received signal, wherein the first part includes the first preamble code and the second part includes the second preamble code.

In one embodiment, the first stylus includes: a first element having an impedance that responds to a pressure, wherein the first element is used to receive a first signal encoded with the virtual gibberish in the first time period; a second element having a fixed impedance, wherein the second element is used to receive a second signal encoded with the virtual gibberish in the second time period; and a conductive pen tip segment, which is used to: receive the first signal from the first element in the first time period; receive the second signal from the second element in the second time period; transmit the electrical signal including the first signal in the first time period; and transmit the electrical signal including the second signal in the second time period, wherein the first virtual gibberish is orthogonal to the second virtual gibberish.

The above embodiments are only used to describe the outline of the present invention and should not be used to limit the scope of the present invention. A person skilled in the art may modify the above embodiments without departing from the scope of the present invention defined by the following patent application scope.

100: Touch system 110: Transmitter 111: First touch pen 112: Second touch pen 120: Touch panel 121: First electrode 122: Second electrode 130: Touch processing device 140: Host 211: First signal source 212: Second signal source 221: First element 222: Second element 230: Pen tip section 321: First capacitor 322: Second capacitor 441: Eraser capacitor 442: Pen shaft capacitor 523: Ring capacitor 550: Ring electrode 551: Ring electrode wire 610~660: Steps 714: Single signal source 760: Control unit 770: Transmitter wireless communication unit 771: Transmitter wired communication unit 780: Host wireless communication unit 781: Host wired communication unit 810~860: Steps 1110: First metal plate 1110A: First metal plate A 1110B: First metal plate B 1120: Second metal plate 1120A: Second metal plate A 1120B: Second metal plate B 1130: Third metal plate 1130A: Third metal plate A 1130B: Third metal plate B 1140: Lifting element or ramp device 1150: Support element 1970: Movable element 1971: Front movable element 1972: Rear movable element 1973: Insulating film 1974: Compressible conductor 1975: Conductor base 1976: Base wire 1977: Movable element wire 1978: Elastic element 1979: Compressible insulating material 1980: Housing 1990: Printed circuit board 2110: Pressure sensor 2120: Control unit 2210: Pressure sensor 2220: Control unit 2610~2650: Steps 2900: Detection lighthouse signal system 2910: Receiving electrode 2920: Detection module 2921: Analog front end 2922: Comparator 2930: Demodulator 3200: Method for calculating spread spectrum signal 3210~3250: Step 3310: Controller 3311: Signal 3312: Signal 3320: Clock signal module 3330: Battery 3410: Network connection 3420: Driving circuit 3430: Sensing circuit 3440: Embedded processor 3450: Host interface 3510~3560: Step 3610~3680: Step 3710~3765: Step 3815~3880: Steps 3900: Touch system 3910: Wired touch pen 3911: First signal circuit 3912: Second signal circuit 3913: Third circuit 3920: Third switch 3930: Third component 3940: Fourth switch 3950: Fourth component 4010: Touch pen interface 4040: Embedded processor 4110~4140: Steps 4210~4290: Steps 4310~4360: Steps Sw1: Switch Sw2: Switch Sw3: Switch Sw4: Switch Sw5: Switch Sw6: Switch SWB: Switch SWE: Switch

The present invention can be more fully understood by reading the detailed description of the following preferred embodiments and referring to the attached figures. FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a touch system 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of the interior of a transmitter 110 according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram of the interior of a transmitter 110 according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 4A is a schematic diagram of the interior of a transmitter 110 according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 4B is a schematic diagram of the interior of a transmitter 110 according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram of the interior of a transmitter 110 according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG6 is a flowchart of a method for a touch device to determine a transmitter or an active touch pen tip sensing value according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG7A is a schematic diagram of the interior of a transmitter 110 according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG7B is a schematic diagram of the interior of a transmitter 110 according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG7C is a schematic diagram of the interior of a transmitter 110 according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG7D is a schematic diagram of the interior of a transmitter 110 according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG8 is a flowchart of a method for a touch device to determine a transmitter tip sensing value according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG9A is a timing diagram of signal modulation of a transmitter 110 according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 9B is a timing diagram of signal modulation of a transmitter 110 according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 9C is a timing diagram of signal modulation of a transmitter 110 according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 9D is a timing diagram of signal modulation of a transmitter 110 according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 9E is a timing diagram of signal modulation of a transmitter 110 according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 9F is a timing diagram of signal modulation of a transmitter 110 according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 10 is a noise propagation diagram according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 11 is a structural diagram of a first capacitor 221 according to another embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 12 is a reduced representation diagram of the embodiment shown in FIG. 11. FIG. 13 is a variation of the embodiment shown in FIG. 12 . FIG. 14 is a variation of the embodiment shown in FIG. 13 . FIG. 15 is a variation of the embodiment shown in FIG. 14 . FIG. 16A is a schematic diagram according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 16B is a variation of the embodiment shown in FIG. 16A . FIG. 17A and FIG. 17B are schematic diagrams of the structure of the first capacitor and the second capacitor according to the present invention. FIG. 18 is a variation of the embodiment shown in FIG. 11 . FIG. 19A is a schematic diagram of the center section of the force sensing capacitor and its structure of the transmitter 110 . FIG. 19B is a schematic diagram of a cross section after the structure shown in FIG. 19A is combined. FIG. 19C is another schematic diagram of the cross section after the structure shown in FIG. 19A is combined. FIG. 19D is a schematic diagram of a central cross section of a force sensing capacitor and its structure of a transmitter 110 according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 19E is a schematic diagram of a central cross section of a force sensing capacitor and its structure of a transmitter 110 according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 20 is a schematic diagram of a cross section of the contact surface of the compressible conductor 1974 and the insulating film 1973 in FIG. 19A. FIG. 21 is a schematic diagram of a pressure sensor according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 22 is a schematic diagram of a pressure sensor according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 23A and FIG. 23B are schematic diagrams of the structure of a simple switch according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figures 24A and 24B are schematic diagrams of a simple switch structure according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 25 is a schematic diagram of the present invention providing a method for estimating the position of the pen tip. Figure 26 is a schematic diagram of calculating the tilt angle according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 27 is an embodiment of a display interface that reflects the aforementioned tilt angle and/or pressure of the pen stroke. Figure 28 is another embodiment of a display interface that reflects the aforementioned tilt angle and/or pressure of the pen stroke. Figure 29 is a block diagram of a detection lighthouse signal system according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 30 is a waveform diagram of the spread spectrum technology. Figure 31 is a variation of the embodiment shown in Figure 1. FIG. 32 is a flowchart of a method for solving a spread spectrum signal according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 33 is a block diagram of an active touch pen according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 34 is a block diagram of a touch processing device 130 according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 35 is a flowchart of a process implemented by the controller shown in FIG. 33 according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 36A is a flowchart of a process implemented by an embedded processor according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 36B is a flowchart of a process implemented by an embedded processor according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 37A is a flowchart of a process implemented by the controller shown in FIG. 33 according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 37B is a schematic diagram of a process implemented by the controller shown in FIG. 33 according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 38A is a schematic diagram of a process implemented by an embedded processor according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 38B is a schematic diagram of a process implemented by an embedded processor according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 39A is a block diagram of a touch control system according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 39B is a block diagram of a variation of a touch control system according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 39C is a block diagram of a variation of a touch control system according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 40 is a block diagram of a touch control processing device according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 41A is a flowchart of an operation method applicable to a wired touch pen according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 41B is a flowchart of an operation method applicable to a wired touch pen according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 41C is a flowchart of an operation method applicable to a wired touch pen according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 42 is a flowchart of a touch processing device according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 43 is a flowchart of a touch processing device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

3520~3760: Steps

Claims (7)

A controller of a touch pen that emits an electrical signal carrying pressure information, the touch pen comprising: a first element having an impedance that responds to a pressure, a second element having a fixed impedance, and a conductive pen tip segment connected to the first element and the second element, respectively, wherein the controller is used to: the controller is coupled to the conductive pen tip segment to receive a synchronization signal from an electronic device, the synchronization signal being emitted by an electrode of a touch panel of the electronic device, and upon receiving the synchronization signal, the controller receives the synchronization signal from the conductive pen tip segment. After the synchronization signal, the following is performed: a first signal is generated according to a virtual random number, and the first signal is transmitted to the first element in a first time period, so that the conductive pen tip segment emits the electrical signal containing the first signal in the first time period; and a second signal is generated according to the virtual random number, and the second signal is transmitted to the second element in a second time period, so that the conductive pen tip segment emits the electrical signal containing the second signal in the second time period. A controller as claimed in claim 1, wherein the controller is further connected to at least one sensor on the stylus, wherein the controller is further used to: generate a data code according to the state of the at least one sensor on the stylus; generate a first data code according to the data code and the virtual random number; and transmit the first data code to the first element in the first time period, so that the conductive stylus tip segment emits the electrical signal containing the first data code in the first time period. A controller as claimed in claim 1, wherein the controller is further connected to at least one sensor on the stylus, wherein the controller is further used to: generate a data code according to the state of the at least one sensor on the stylus; generate a second data code according to the data code and the virtual random number; and transmit the second data code to the second element in the second time period, so that the conductive stylus tip segment emits the electrical signal containing the second data code in the second time period. A controller as claimed in claim 1, wherein the controller is further used to receive a setting instruction from a human-machine interface of the stylus pen, which specifies the virtual random number. A controller as claimed in claim 1, wherein the stylus further comprises one of the following devices connected to the controller to indicate the virtual random number: a visual indicator; and an audio indicator. A controller as described in claim 1, wherein the stylus further comprises: a third switch for receiving the first signal; and a third element having a fixed impedance, coupled to the third switch and the conductive pen tip segment, wherein the third switch can be selectively opened or closed, and when the third switch is closed, the first signal is transmitted to the conductive pen tip segment via the third switch and the third element. A controller as described in claim 1, wherein the stylus further comprises: a fourth switch for receiving the second signal; and a fourth element having a fixed impedance, coupled to the fourth switch and the conductive pen tip segment, wherein the fourth switch can be selectively opened or closed, and when the fourth switch is closed, the second signal is transmitted to the conductive pen tip segment via the fourth switch and the fourth element.