Pointer detection apparatus and detection sensor

A detection sensor for obtaining a signal corresponding to a pointed position of and a pressure applied by a pointer on the detection sensor, comprising:

• a plurality of first conductors disposed in a first direction and configured to receive signals;
• a plurality of second conductors disposed in a second direction crossing with the first direction;
• and
• a pressure sensitive material disposed between said plurality of first conductors and said plurality of second conductors and having a variable resistance characteristic;
• wherein the detection sensor is configured to output, when a pointer is positioned in the proximity of said detection sensor or when a pressure applied to said detection sensor by the pointer in contact with said detection sensor is equal to or lower than a threshold, signals corresponding to variation in electrostatic capacity from said plurality of second conductors, whereas said detection sensor is further configured to output, when the pressure applied to said detection sensor by the pointer is higher than the threshold, signals corresponding to variation in resistance characteristic from said plurality of second conductors.

A method of detecting a pointed position of and a pressure applied by a pointer on a detection sensor, wherein the detection sensor includes a plurality of first conductors disposed in a first direction, a plurality of second conductors disposed in a second direction crossing with the first direction, and a pressure sensitive material disposed between said plurality of first conductors and said plurality of second conductors and having a variable resistance characteristic, the method comprising:

• supplying signals to the plurality of first conductors;
• detecting signals corresponding to variation in electrostatic capacity from said plurality of second conductors when a pointer is positioned in the proximity of said detection sensor or when a pressure applied to said detection sensor by the pointer in contact with said detection sensor is equal to or lower than a threshold;
• and
• detecting signals corresponding to variation in resistance characteristic from said plurality of second conductors when the pressure applied to said detection sensor by the pointer is higher than the threshold.