JP2006004216A - Input device - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an input device capable of, particularly, reducing the production cost and improving the operability by generating a switch signal by using fluctuation of output value of a coordinate signal. <P>SOLUTION: The switch signal is generated by using the fluctuation of output value of a coordinate signal. Accordingly, since it is not necessary to separately provide a switch device as in the past, the reduction in production cost can be realized, and the operability can be further improved. In this invention, since the propriety of generation of the switch signal is simply determined by the fluctuation of output value of the coordinate value if any position on an operation surface 7a is operated, the operability can be improved, compared with a structure with a determined switch input position or a tapping operation using a coordinate position based on the coordinate signal also as the criteria for generation of the switch signal. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2006,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to an input device capable of inputting a plane coordinate (X coordinate and Y coordinate) of a contact point of an operating body on an operation surface, and in particular, using a change in an output value of a coordinate position signal, The present invention relates to an input device capable of generating a switch signal.

  The following Patent Document 1 relates to an input device such as a mobile phone. In the input device disclosed in Patent Document 1, a capacitive or pressure-sensitive planar input device 7 and a face sheet formed on the surface thereof. 8 and a switch device 9 capable of switch input.

The input device of Patent Document 1 has an advantage that both coordinate input and switch input can be performed with one input device.
JP 2002-351606 A

  However, as disclosed in Patent Document 1, the configuration in which the switch device 9 is provided separately from the planar coordinate input device 7 has a problem that the production cost is increased because the switch device 9 is additionally required.

  In particular, when the size of the input device itself is small, such as a small electronic device such as a mobile phone, a predetermined number of switch elements are provided in the switch device 9 installed below the planar coordinate input device 7. It becomes difficult to place.

  Further, due to the downsizing of the input device, the possibility of simultaneously pressing a plurality of switch elements increases, and problems such as a failure to output normal switch signals are likely to occur.

  In addition, since the switch signal is not output unless the switch element provided on the switch device 9 is pressed, that is, the switch signal is not output even if the area other than the switch element is pressed, so that a favorable operability cannot be obtained. There was also.

  On the other hand, for example, there is a method of outputting a switch signal by a predetermined tapping operation. For example, when a double tap is performed, a switch signal is output.

  However, the tapping operation usually determines what operation has been performed based on the tapping time interval and the coordinate position to be tapped. It was not a thing.

  Therefore, the present invention is for solving the above-described conventional problems, and in particular, by generating a switch signal by using the fluctuation of the output value of the coordinate position signal, the production cost is reduced and the operability is improved. It is an object of the present invention to provide an input device that can perform such operations.

The present invention
In an input device having a surface sheet having an operation surface on the surface and a coordinate input sensor capable of inputting coordinates provided on the lower side of the surface sheet,
The control unit includes output fluctuation detection means for detecting fluctuations in the output value of the coordinate position signal from the coordinate input sensor, and switch signal generation means for generating a switch signal based on the fluctuation in the output value. It is characterized by.

  As described above, in the present invention, since the switch signal is generated by using the fluctuation of the output value of the coordinate position signal, it is not necessary to provide a separate switch device as in the prior art, and the production cost is reduced. In addition, the operability can be improved as compared with the prior art.

  Regarding operability, in the present invention, in particular, since the switch signal is generated by utilizing the fluctuation of the output value of the coordinate position signal, for example, any position on the operation surface can be operated simply by the coordinate position signal. Since whether or not the switch signal can be generated is determined based on the fluctuation of the output value of the above, compared with Patent Document 1 in which the switch input position is determined and the tapping operation in which the coordinate position signal is also used as a determination criterion for generating the switch signal. Usability can be improved.

  Further, according to the present invention, it is possible to appropriately generate a switch signal even if the input device is downsized.

  In the present invention, whether or not the switch signal can be generated is determined based on the continuous fluctuation of the output value that is linked to the fluctuation of the continuous pressing force when the coordinate input sensor is pressed by the operating body. preferable. Thereby, operability can be improved more effectively.

  In the present invention, the control unit generates a switch signal by the switch signal generation means when the output value fluctuates to a predetermined change amount Z1 or more from a certain reference output value within a predetermined time T1. Is preferred.

  As described above, whether or not the switch signal can be generated is determined based on the change amount Z1 of the output value within the predetermined time T1, thereby suppressing the generation of the switch signal at the time of an erroneous operation or an operation without the consciousness of the switch input. It is possible.

  In the present invention, when the control unit is in a switch input state, the generation of the switch signal is stopped when the change amount Z2 of the output value from the reference output value becomes smaller than the change amount Z1. It is preferred that As a result, even when the output value is slightly lowered in the switch input state, the switch input state can be appropriately ensured.

  In the present invention, it is preferable that feedback means for notifying that a switch input has been made is provided.

  In the present invention, the coordinate input sensor is preferably a capacitive sensor.

  In the present invention, since the switch signal is generated by using the fluctuation of the output value of the coordinate position signal, it is not necessary to provide a separate switch device as in the prior art, and the production cost can be reduced and the operability can be realized. Can be improved as compared with the prior art.

  Regarding operability, in the present invention, in particular, since the switch signal is generated by utilizing the fluctuation of the output value of the coordinate position signal, for example, any position on the operation surface can be operated simply by the coordinate position signal. Since whether or not the switch signal can be generated is determined based on the fluctuation of the output value of the above, compared with Patent Document 1 in which the switch input position is determined and the tapping operation in which the coordinate position signal is also used as a determination criterion for generating the switch signal. Usability can be improved.

  FIG. 1 is a partial perspective view of a mobile phone equipped with the input device of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a partial cross-sectional view of the input device shown in FIG. 3 is a state diagram (partial sectional view) when the input device is pressed, FIG. 4 is a block diagram of the input device according to the present invention, and FIG. 5 is an output waveform diagram of the X-axis signal showing an example of the X coordinate signal detection method. FIG. 6 is an output waveform diagram of output values for explaining the timing of the switch-on state and the switch-off state in the present invention, and FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the feedback function in particular.

  A mobile phone 1 shown in FIG. 1 includes a case 2 on which a display panel 3 and an input device S are mounted as display means. The display panel 3 is a monochrome or color liquid crystal panel or EL panel.

  The input device S is used for inputting information, and the input device S of the present embodiment is configured to include a top sheet 7 and a coordinate input sensor 4.

  The top sheet 7 shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 is formed of a resin sheet such as PET or silicon rubber, and the surface (operation surface 7a) has a plurality of individual input locations such as letters, numbers and symbols. Is displayed in the printing process or the transfer process. In each instruction display 8, a circular frame indicating the input location is formed, and characters, numbers, symbols, or the like are printed or transferred in the frame.

  The surface sheet 7 may be deformed so that the portion of the indication display 8 has a convex shape, or a convex body formed of rubber or the like on the surface of the surface sheet 7. The character, number, or symbol may be printed or transferred onto the surface of the convex body.

  A coordinate input sensor 4 shown in FIG. 2 is, for example, a capacitive sensor, and is capable of inputting coordinates. As a capacitance type sensor, an X direction detection electrode and a Y direction detection electrode made of an Ag (silver) paste are formed of PET (polyethylene terephthalate) having an insulating property and a predetermined dielectric constant. It is made to oppose on the upper and lower sides of the resin sheet 9 made in the shape of a matrix.

  The resin sheet 9 is arranged on a substrate on which a conductive pattern is formed, and the electrodes are connected to the conductive pattern formed on the substrate. Accordingly, when a dielectric such as a finger touches the operation surface 7a or the like, the capacitance between the X direction detection electrode and the Y direction detection electrode changes at the touched position, and as a result, XY Input in coordinates is possible.

  Note that the coordinate input sensor 4 in the present invention may be a pressure-sensitive sensor, but the output change caused when an operation body such as a finger presses down on the operation surface 7a is increased. In order to make the determination with high accuracy, the coordinate input sensor 4 is preferably a capacitive sensor.

  As shown in FIG. 4, the input device S is provided with a control unit 20. A coordinate input sensor 4 is connected to the control unit 20 and a coordinate signal from the coordinate input sensor 4 is taken in.

  The control unit 20 is provided with an X coordinate generation unit 21, a Y coordinate generation unit 22, an output fluctuation detection unit 23, and a switch signal generation unit 24, respectively.

As shown in FIG. 4, a transmission unit 26, a reception unit 27, a storage unit 29, and a display panel 3 provided on the main body side of the mobile phone 1 are connected to the control unit 20.
The transmission unit 26 and the reception unit 27 exchange audio signals and data signals with the outside.

  The storage unit 29 stores telephone number data, various setting data, display data to be displayed on the display panel 3, and the like.

  A method for detecting the X coordinate position and the Y coordinate position will be described with reference to FIG. Note that the detection method shown in FIG. 5 is merely an example, and the present invention does not deny detecting the X coordinate position and the Y coordinate position by another method.

  In the input device S of the present invention, the peak position Px of the amount of change in capacitance in the X direction and the peak position Py of the amount of change in capacitance in the Y direction are alternately detected in a time division manner.

  When an electric field of a predetermined potential is applied between all X electrodes (X1... Xn) and Y electrodes (Y1. , The capacitance between the X direction detection electrode and the Y direction detection electrode changes.

  When obtaining the X-coordinate position signal, two X-direction detection electrodes are selected, and two detection outputs corresponding to the change in capacitance between the X-direction detection electrode and the Y-direction detection electrode are sequentially detected. The

  When the detection output corresponding to the change in capacitance is obtained from the two X-direction detection electrodes, the X-coordinate generation unit 21 of the control unit 20 shown in FIG. 4 then detects the detection output between the two electrodes. Difference is required. This differential output is shown in the lower part of FIG.

  The horizontal axis shown in FIG. 5 is a detection point. At the detection point N1, a differential output 25a between the X2 detection output of the X direction detection electrode and the detection output of X1 is obtained, and at the detection point N2, detection of X3 is obtained. A differential output 25b between the output and the detection output of X2 is obtained.

  Next, in the X coordinate generation unit 21 of the control unit 20 shown in FIG. 4, the differential outputs 25a, 25b, 25c... At the respective detection points Ni are sequentially integrated. 5 shows an integrated output 28 obtained by sequentially integrating the differential outputs 25a, 25b... Detected at the detection points N1, N2, N3. In FIG. 5, the integrated outputs corresponding to the respective detection points N1, N2, N3... Are indicated by 28a, 28b, 28c. The integrated outputs 28a, 28b, 28c,... Are monitored by the X coordinate generating unit 21, and the X coordinate generating unit 21 uses a specific algorithm to detect a detection point (peak position Px) for obtaining the maximum value of each integrated output. In addition, the contact position (X coordinate position) on the operation surface 7a of the operating body is specified from the peak position Px.

  The Y coordinate position signal is also obtained by the Y coordinate generation unit 22 of the control unit 20 shown in FIG. 4 using the same method as that for obtaining the peak position Px of the X coordinate signal described above. A contact position (Y coordinate position) on the operation surface 7a is specified.

Next, characteristic portions of the present invention will be described below with reference to FIGS.
As shown in FIG. 3, when the operating body F such as a finger is brought into contact with the operating surface 7a and the operating surface 7a is pressed in the direction of the arrow, the pressing position of the operating body F does not change. There is no variation in the X and Y coordinate position signals of the operating tool F obtained by the X coordinate generation unit 21 and the Y coordinate generation unit 22. The X and Y coordinate position signals are specified by the position signals at the peak positions Px and Py of the output value as described with reference to FIG. In the following, the term “output value” refers to the output value at the peak positions Px and Py.

  By the way, the capacitance changes by pressing the operating tool F in the direction of the arrow, the output value of the X coordinate position signal obtained by the X coordinate generation unit 21, and the Y coordinate obtained by the Y coordinate generation unit 22. The output value of the position signal varies.

  In the present invention, the output value of the X coordinate position signal and / or the Y coordinate position signal is sent to the output fluctuation detection unit 23 as needed. Here, it is only necessary that at least one of the output values of the X coordinate position signal or the Y coordinate position signal is sent to the output fluctuation detection unit 23. In the following, it is assumed that only the output value of the X coordinate position signal is sent to the output fluctuation detection unit 23.

  The output fluctuation detection unit 23 plots the output value of the X coordinate position signal sent as needed for each detected time, and obtains an output waveform diagram of the output value as shown in FIG.

  The time T0 shown in FIG. 6 is the first output value when the output value is sent to the output fluctuation detecting unit 23, and this output value is set as a “reference output value”.

  In the output fluctuation detection unit 23, the output value sent to the output fluctuation detection unit 23 after the time T0 is regarded as a change amount from the reference output value, and the change amount of the output value is plotted as shown in FIG. To go.

  As shown in FIG. 6, the output value does not fluctuate from time T0 to time TA, but after the time TA, when the operator increases the pressing force of the operating tool F in the arrow direction shown in FIG. The output value varies from the reference output value, and the amount of change Z increases.

  The output fluctuation detector 23 monitors how much time it takes for the output value change amount Z to change from the reference output value to Z1, and the output value change amount within the predetermined time T1. When Z fluctuates by more than Z1, a command signal for generating a switch signal is issued from the output fluctuation detecting unit 23 to the switch signal generating unit 24 shown in FIG. 4, and the switch signal generating unit 24 generates the switch signal. Is done.

  As shown in FIG. 6, when the operator presses the operating body F such as a finger in the direction of the coordinate input sensor with a stronger pressing force, the change amount Z of the output value from the reference output value reaches Z0 which is larger than Z1.

  As shown in FIG. 6, when the operator gradually moves the operating tool F such as a finger away from the coordinate input sensor after time TB, the output value gradually decreases as viewed from the reference output value. When the output value becomes less than or equal to Z2, a command signal for stopping the generation of the switch signal is sent from the output fluctuation detecting unit 23 to the switch signal generating unit 24, and the generation of the switch signal is stopped.

  In FIG. 6, the “reference output value” is defined as the first output value when the output value is sent to the output fluctuation detecting unit 23, but the “reference output value” can be updated. .

  For example, in FIG. 6, there is no change in the output value from time To to time TA, but in reality, there is a slight change each time the output value is detected, as indicated by the alternate long and short dash line A shown in FIG. Expected. At this time, every time the predetermined time T1 elapses, the detected output value is updated as the “reference output value”, and the output value at which the time TA and the alternate long and short dash line A shown in FIG. Then, it may be controlled to determine whether or not the switch signal can be generated based on the change amount Z of the output value from the new (updated) “reference output value”.

  As described above, in the present invention, the switch signal is generated by using the fluctuation of the output value of the coordinate position signal.

  For this reason, it is not necessary to provide a separate switch device as in the prior art, and a reduction in production cost can be realized, and operability can be improved as compared with the prior art.

  The operability will be described in detail. In the present invention, since the switch signal is generated by using the fluctuation of the output value of the coordinate position signal, the output fluctuation detecting unit 23 can be operated regardless of the position on the operation surface 7a. Then, it is possible to simply determine whether or not the switch signal can be generated based on a change in the output value of the coordinate position signal.

  That is, for example, as shown in FIG. 3, even when the operation body F is pressed on the same position on the operation surface 7a, or when the operation body F is pressed while sliding on the operation surface 7a, as shown in FIG. When the change amount Z of the output value satisfies a certain condition, a switch signal is generated, so that the switch input position is determined in advance, and the coordinate position signal is also used as a criterion for generating the switch signal. The operability can be improved as compared with the operation.

  Further, in the embodiment of the present invention, whether or not the switch signal can be generated based on the continuous variation of the output value that is linked to the variation of the continuous pressing force when the coordinate input sensor 4 is pressed by the operating tool F. Is judged.

  That is, as shown in FIG. 3, the switch input state cannot be obtained unless the operation body F is continuously pressed on the operation surface 7a. Therefore, as an operator, only position input is required unless the operation surface 7a is pressed. By pressing the operation surface 7a, it is possible to operate the operation surface 7a while consciously distinguishing when a switch input is made, and the operability can be improved.

  In particular, in the present invention, as described with reference to FIG. 6, the output fluctuation detection unit 23 of the control unit 20 when the output value fluctuates from the reference output value to a predetermined change amount Z1 or more within a predetermined time T1, The switch signal generator 24 is controlled to generate a switch signal.

  The reference output value at which the switch signal is not generated differs depending on the contact force on the operation surface 7a of the operation body F of the operator. That is, some people have a strong contact force to the operation surface 7a of the first operating body F and others have a weak force, and the reference output value varies from person to person.

  For example, when it is determined whether or not switch input is possible based on the absolute value of the output value, there is a possibility that a switch input state may be established if the operation body 7a is strongly pressed from the beginning with the operating body F without being conscious of switch input. There are many defects.

  For this reason, it is possible to prevent an erroneous operation or the like by determining whether or not switch input is possible based on the change amount Z of the output value viewed from the reference output value, rather than determining whether or not switch input is possible based on the absolute value of the output value.

  In the present invention, the switch signal is generated only when the output value changes from the reference output value to the predetermined change amount Z1 or more within the predetermined time T1. In other words, even if the output value fluctuates more than the change amount Z1, the switch signal is not generated unless it is within the predetermined time T1. For example, depending on the person, there is a case where the pressing force of the operating body F is gradually increased when the user operates the operation surface 7a without being aware of the switch input. In such a case, unless the time until the change amount Z1 is divided, if the output value change amount Z shown in FIG. 6 exceeds Z1, a switch input state occurs, resulting in increased inconvenience. For this reason, if the switch signal is generated only when the output value changes from the reference output value to the predetermined change amount Z1 or more within the predetermined time T1, it is possible to improve the operability. .

  By the way, the magnitude of the output value change amount Z2 at which the generation of the switch signal is stopped is controlled to a certain level. It is preferable that the generation of the switch signal is stopped when the change amount Z2 is less than or equal to the change amount Z2 that is small.

  This is because, for example, even if the operator strongly presses the operating tool F in the direction of the coordinate input sensor and performs switch input, the pressing force of the operating tool F is unconsciously reduced, and the change amount of the output value is larger than Z1. May fall to a lower level. In particular, when it is necessary to perform switch input for a long time, there is a high possibility that the operator unintentionally relaxes the pressing force of the operating tool F. At this time, even if the operator thinks that the switch is being input, a situation occurs in which the switch is not input, and good operability cannot be obtained.

  Therefore, in the present invention, the generation of the switch signal is stopped when the change value Z2 is less than the change amount Z2 that is smaller than the change amount Z1 of the output value for starting the generation of the switch signal by the predetermined change amount Z3. Even if the pressing force of the body F is loosened unintentionally, the switch input is not stopped and the operability can be improved.

  In the present invention, it is preferable that feedback means for notifying the operator that a switch input has been made is provided. With respect to the feedback means, the present invention can provide, for example, the following two methods.

  The first is mechanical feedback means. For example, as shown in FIG. 2, a dome-shaped (diaphragm-shaped) movable plate 10 is provided on a substrate 19 below the coordinate input sensor 4. The movable plate 10 may be either a metal material or an insulating material.

  As shown in FIG. 3, when the operating body F presses the top sheet 7 and the coordinate input sensor 4 in the direction of the arrow and the movable plate 10 is inverted downward, a pressing reaction force is generated from the movable plate 10. To do. This pressing reaction force is transmitted as a click feeling to the operator's finger or the like, and the operator is surely pressed.

Alternatively, visual feedback means can be used as shown in FIG.
In FIG. 7, it is assumed that the input device S is a remote controller, for example, and the image projected on the screen of the monitor 30 can be changed by remote operation from the input device S. As shown in FIG. 7, a total of 15 instruction displays 8 on the operation surface of the input device S and 15 icons 31 are displayed on the monitor 30 in the same arrangement. When an instruction display 8 is pressed to designate an icon 31a on the monitor 30 in the same arrangement as the “#” instruction display 8, the “#” instruction display 8 is pressed to When a switch signal is output from S, the icon 31a is changed to a different color from the other icons, so that the operator can visually recognize that the icon 31a has been designated.

  Alternatively, a technique may be used in which an auditory feedback means is used to notify the operator that a switch input has been made.

The partial perspective view of the mobile phone carrying the input device of the present invention, 1 is a partial cross-sectional view of the input device shown in FIG. State diagram when pressing the input device (partial sectional view) The block diagram of the input device in the present invention, An output waveform diagram of an X-axis signal showing an example of a detection method of the X-coordinate signal; Output waveform diagram of output value for explaining the timing of the switch-on state and the switch-off state in the present invention, Explanatory diagram for explaining the feedback function,

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Mobile phone 3 Display panel 4 Coordinate input sensor 7 Top sheet 8 Instruction display 10 Movable plate 20 Control part 21 X coordinate generation part 22 Y coordinate generation part 23 Output fluctuation detection part 24 Switch signal generation part 25 Differential output 28 Integrated output 30 Monitor 31 Icon F Operating tool S Input device Z Change in output value

Claims (6)

In an input device having a surface sheet having an operation surface on the surface and a coordinate input sensor capable of inputting coordinates provided on the lower side of the surface sheet,
The control unit includes output fluctuation detection means for detecting fluctuations in the output value of the coordinate position signal from the coordinate input sensor, and switch signal generation means for generating a switch signal based on the fluctuation in the output value. An input device characterized by.   2. The input according to claim 1, wherein whether or not the switch signal can be generated is determined based on a continuous fluctuation of the output value linked to a fluctuation of a continuous pressing force when the coordinate input sensor is pressed by an operating body. apparatus.   The control unit according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the switch signal generating means generates a switch signal when the output value fluctuates to a predetermined change amount Z1 or more from a certain reference output value within a predetermined time T1. The input device described.   The control unit stops generating the switch signal when a change amount Z2 of the output value from the reference output value becomes smaller than the change amount Z1 when in the switch input state. The input device described.   5. The input device according to claim 1, further comprising feedback means for notifying that a switch input has been made.   The input device according to claim 1, wherein the coordinate input sensor is a capacitive sensor.

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