JP2014081719A - Manipulation device - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a manipulation device with improved detection accuracy of detection points.SOLUTION: A manipulation device 1, as shown in Figure 1, roughly comprises; a touch panel 2 having a plurality of electrodes aligned in a first direction; a read-out unit 5 which reads detection values from the plurality of electrodes in a predefined order; a switching unit 7 which is electrically connected between the touch panel 2 and the read-out unit 5 and selectively switches the electrical connection between each of the plurality of electrodes and the read-out unit 5 in a predefined order; and a control unit 8 which determines a direction of manipulation made on the touch panel 2 based on detection values acquired via the read-out unit 5 and controls the switching unit 7 to change the predefined order in accordance with the direction of the manipulation.

Description

  The present invention relates to an operating device.

As a conventional technique, n (n is an integer of 2 or more) first line electrodes to which a pulse is applied and m detection lines (m that are arranged to intersect these first line electrodes) (m Is an integer greater than or equal to 2) second line electrodes, and n ₁ (n ₁ is an integer greater than or equal to 1 and less than or equal to n) selected from n _first line electrodes. A pulse generation circuit for applying pulses in a selected order, and detecting a touched position by detecting a change in capacitance between the first line-shaped electrode and the second line-shaped electrode. A touch panel is known (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

  This touch panel has, for example, a half mode in which a pulse is applied to every other first line-shaped electrode. Therefore, this touch panel can shorten the detection time by performing detection such as a double click operation and a slide operation in the half mode.

JP 2010-39602 A

  However, when the conventional touch panel is slid in the opposite direction to the scan direction, even if the scan time is reduced in the half mode, the detection value when the operation direction is the same as the scan direction Different detection values may be detected, and the detection accuracy may decrease.

  Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to provide an operating device that can improve detection accuracy of detection points.

  One embodiment of the present invention includes a detection unit including a plurality of electrodes arranged in a first direction, a reading unit that reads detection values from a plurality of electrodes according to a predetermined order, and between the detection unit and the reading unit. A switching unit that selectively switches the electrical connection between the plurality of electrodes and the reading unit according to a predetermined order, and a detection unit based on a detection value obtained through the reading unit. There is provided an operating device including a control unit that determines an operation direction of an operation performed and controls a switching unit so as to change a predetermined order according to the operation direction.

  According to the present invention, the detection accuracy of detection points can be improved.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an operating device according to an embodiment. FIGS. 2A to 2D are schematic diagrams for explaining the change of the scanning direction of the controller device according to the embodiment. FIG. 3 is a flowchart relating to the operation of the controller device according to the embodiment.

(Summary of embodiment)
An operating device according to an embodiment includes a detection unit having a plurality of electrodes arranged in a first direction, a reading unit that reads detection values from the plurality of electrodes according to a predetermined order, a detection unit, and a reading unit. And a switching unit that selectively switches the electrical connection between the plurality of electrodes and the reading unit in accordance with a predetermined order, and a detection based on a detection value obtained through the reading unit. A control unit that determines an operation direction of an operation performed on the unit and controls the switching unit to change a predetermined order according to the operation direction.

  Since this operation device changes the order in which the detection values are read out according to the operation direction of the operation performed, it is possible to increase the operation detection accuracy compared to the case where the order in which the detection values are read out is fixed. It is easy to calculate the coordinates of the points.

[Embodiment]
(Configuration of operating device 1)
FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an operating device according to an embodiment. In each drawing according to the embodiment, the ratio of the drawn image to the image may be different from the actual ratio.

  The operating device 1 is capable of operating an electronic device that is electrically connected, for example. For example, the operation device 1 may be used to move or select a cursor displayed on a display unit or the like of an electronic device or to drag or drop a displayed icon by an operation with a conductive pen or finger as a detection target. It is configured to be able to do. In this embodiment, an operation with a finger will be described as a detection target.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the operating device 1 includes a touch panel 2 as a detection unit having a plurality of electrodes arranged in a first direction, and a reading unit that reads detection values from the plurality of electrodes in a predetermined order. 5, a switching unit 7 that is electrically connected between the touch panel 2 and the reading unit 5 and selectively switches the electrical connection between the plurality of electrodes and the reading unit 5 in accordance with a predetermined order, and a reading unit A control unit 8 that determines an operation direction of an operation performed on the touch panel 2 based on the detection value acquired through the control unit 5 and controls the switching unit 7 so as to change a predetermined order according to the operation direction; In general, it is structured.

Hereinafter, as an example, the x-axis direction shown in FIG. 1 will be described as the first direction. And the x-axis direction is a direction from _{x 0} to _{x 3.} Therefore, the above electrode is the first electrode 210 arranged so as to be orthogonal to the x-axis.

Further the predetermined order, for example, indicate the order in which the detection value is read from the x ₀ in the order of x _3. Further, as described later, the second electrode 220 of the drive side, for example, driven from y ₀ in the order of y _3. The driving and reading of the detection value in this order are hereinafter referred to as scanning.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the controller device 1 is schematically configured to include a drive unit 3 and a switching unit 7.

(Configuration of touch panel 2)
The touch panel 2 is, for example, a touch sensor that detects a position (detection point) on the touched operation surface 20 by touching the operation surface 20 with a part of the operator's body (for example, a finger) or a dedicated pen. . For example, the operator can operate the connected electronic device by operating the operation surface 20.

  The touch panel 2 according to the present embodiment detects, for example, a static change that detects a change in the electric field between the electrodes or a change in current inversely proportional to the distance between the electrodes due to the finger approaching or contacting the operation surface 20. This is a capacitive touch panel.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the touch panel 2 includes a plurality of first electrodes 210 arranged in the x-axis direction as the first direction, and a y-axis direction as the second direction intersecting the first direction. A plurality of second electrodes 220 arranged side by side are schematically configured.

  For example, as shown in FIG. 1, the first electrode 210 and the second electrode 220 are arranged along the vertical direction and the horizontal direction of the paper surface. In other words, the first electrode 210 is disposed so as to be orthogonal to the x axis, and the second electrode 220 is disposed so as to be orthogonal to the y axis. In the present embodiment, the horizontal direction in FIG. 1 is the x-axis direction, the vertical direction is the y-axis direction, and the upper left of the operation surface 20 is the origin.

  As an example, four first electrodes 210 are arranged at equal intervals in a direction orthogonal to the x-axis. As an example, four second electrodes 220 are arranged at equal intervals in the direction orthogonal to the y-axis. Note that the number of the first electrodes 210 and the second electrodes 220 is arbitrary. Furthermore, as a modification, for example, the electrode may have a configuration in which a plurality of first electrodes 210 are arranged in one direction and an operation in a one-dimensional direction is detected.

For example, the first electrode 210 and the second electrode 220 are arranged in alignment with the scale of the coordinate axis. Therefore, the scale of the x axis is indicated by x ₀ to x _{3 from} x to the right by attaching a subscript number (0 to 3) to x, and the electrodes arranged on the scale are represented by “x ₀ first electrode 210 "and the like. Also, the y-axis scale is indicated by y ₀ to y ₃ from the top to the bottom with a subscript number (0 to 3) appended to y, and the electrodes arranged on the scale are represented by “y ₀ second electrode 220 ”or the like. Therefore, for example, when the second electrode 220 of y ₁ is driven and the detection value is detected only from the first electrode 210 of x ₀ , the coordinates of the detection point are (0, 1).

  For example, the first electrode 210 is formed in a layer closer to the operation surface 20 than the second electrode 220. Further, the first electrode 210 is electrically insulated from the second electrode 220. The first electrode 210 and the second electrode 220 are formed using a conductive metal material such as copper. In addition, the 1st electrode 210 and the 2nd electrode 220 are formed using transparent electrodes, such as ITO (Indium Tin Oxide), when providing a display part in the back side of the touch panel 2, for example.

  The touch panel 2 is electrically connected to the driving unit 3 and the reading unit 5 via the switching unit 7.

(Configuration of the switching unit 7)
For example, the switching unit 7 is provided between the touch panel 2 and the driving unit 3, and between the touch panel 2 and the reading unit 5.

  The switching unit 7 is electrically connected to the control unit 8. Based on the switching control signal acquired from the control unit 8, the switching unit 7 switches the electrical connection between each of the first electrodes 210 and the reading unit 5, each of the second electrodes 220 and the driving unit 3. Configured to do.

(Configuration of the drive unit 3)
The drive unit 3 is configured to drive each of the second electrodes 220 that are selectively connected via the switching unit 7, for example. For example, the drive unit 3 is configured to drive each of the second electrodes 220 by supplying a drive signal. This drive signal is, for example, a pulse signal.

(Configuration of reading unit 5)
The reading unit 5 is configured to read the detection value from each electrode of the first electrodes 210 that are selectively connected via the switching unit 7, for example. The reading unit 5 is configured to read a drive signal that changes based on the capacitance generated between the finger and the electrode as a detection value.

In the scan for one cycle, for example, after the y ₀ second electrode 210 is driven, the detection values are read in the order of the first electrodes 210 from x _{0 to} x ₃ , and the y ₁ After the second electrode 210 is driven, the detection values are read in the order of the first electrodes 210 from x _{0 to} x ₃ , and this reading is repeatedly performed from y ₀ to y ₃ .

(Configuration of control unit 8)
FIGS. 2A to 2D are schematic diagrams for explaining the change of the scanning direction of the controller device according to the embodiment.

  The control unit 8 includes, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit) that performs operations and processes on acquired data according to a stored program, a RAM (Random Access Memory) that is a semiconductor memory, a ROM (Read Only Memory), and the like. Microcomputer. In this ROM, for example, a program for operating the control unit 8 is stored. For example, the RAM is used as a storage area for temporarily storing calculation results and the like. For example, the acquired detection value is stored in this RAM. Moreover, the control part 8 has a means to produce | generate a clock signal inside, and scans the touch panel 2 based on this clock signal.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the control unit 8 is configured to generate a drive control signal that controls the drive unit 3, a read control signal that controls the read unit 5, and a switch control signal that controls the switch unit 7. ing.

  The drive control signal is a signal that controls the drive unit 3 so that, for example, each electrode of the second electrode 220 connected via the switching unit 7 is supplied with a drive signal. The readout control signal is a signal that controls the readout unit 5 so as to read out and output the detection value from the first electrode 210 connected via the switching unit 7, for example. For example, the switching control signal controls the switching unit 7 so as to switch the electrical connection between each electrode of the first electrode 210 and the reading unit 5 and each electrode of the second electrode 220 and the driving unit 3. Signal.

  The control unit 8 has a threshold value 80 used for calculating a detection point on the operation surface 20 where the operation is performed. As the detection point calculation method, for example, a known calculation method such as a method using a weighted average is used.

  The control unit 8 compares the acquired detection value with the threshold value 80 to determine the presence / absence of an operation on the operation surface 20, and if an operation has been performed, calculates the detection point as operation information. It is comprised so that it may output to the electrically connected electronic device. In the present embodiment, as an example, the controller device 1 is configured to output the operation information after the scan is completed for one cycle, but is not limited thereto, and is generated and output at an arbitrary timing. .

Control unit 8, the operation direction, if it is a direction in which the detection value according to a predetermined order is read (x direction towards the x _{3 0)} and the opposite direction (direction toward the x ₀ from x ₃₎ When it is determined, the switching unit 7 is configured to control the order in which the detection values are read, that is, the scan direction is changed to the opposite direction. That is, the control unit 8 is configured to determine the operation direction and change the scan direction based on the determined operation direction.

  In addition, as an example, the control unit 8 detects a first detection value greater than the threshold 80, and the second detection value acquired after the first detection value and within a predetermined period. When the detected value is larger than the threshold value 80, it is determined that the operation direction matches the direction in which the detected value is read according to a predetermined order.

  The predetermined period may be, for example, a period from when the first detection value is read until the detection value is subsequently read, or when the first detection value is read. Or a period from when the detection value is read out from a predetermined number of electrodes.

  In addition, for example, when the operation direction is different from the direction in which the detection value is read, the control unit 8 reads the detection value from the electrode on the operation direction side of the electrode from which the first detection value is read. 7 is controlled.

The operation and reads a detection value from the direction of the electrodes, as an example, in the direction where the direction in which the detection value is read out toward the x ₃ from x _0, a direction in which the operation direction is directed from the x ₃ to x _0, x ₂ If the first detection value from the first electrode 210 is read in, show that reading the detection value by changing the scanning direction from the first electrode 210 of the x ₁ or x ₀ in the operation direction side Yes.

  In addition, for example, when the detection value read out within a predetermined period does not exceed the threshold value 80, the control unit 8 determines that a touch operation has been performed. The determination of the operation direction is not limited to these, and may be determined based on detection values detected over a plurality of periods.

  In the case of the multiple cycles, for example, after the first detection point is detected in the first cycle, the control unit 8 detects the first detection point after a predetermined cycle and then detects the first detection point. The operation direction is determined based on the detection point and the second detection point. For example, after determining the operation direction, the control unit 8 determines whether or not to change the scan direction based on the determination result. This predetermined period is, for example, an arbitrary period.

Here, in FIG. 2A, the second electrode 220 of y ₀ is driven, scanned in the direction of x ₀ to x ₃ , and the detection value of the first electrode 210 of x ₁ is read out. until the detection value of the first electrode 210 of ₂ is read, and present the case where the finger is in contact. Further, FIG. 2A shows a detection value that is expected to be detected by each electrode when the finger is positioned between x ₂ and x ₃ as the predicted detection value. Further, FIG. 2A shows the detection value read by the reading unit 5 as the acquired detection value. Further, in FIG. 2A, an expected detection value surrounded by a dotted line indicates a detection value read last. 2B to 2D, for example, the predicted detection value and the acquired detection value are illustrated as in FIG. 2A.

As shown in FIG. 2 (a), when the finger is positioned between the first electrode 210 of the first electrode 210 and x ₃ of x _2, for example, the total amount of the detection value to be read at "10" Assuming that there is an expected detection value, the first electrode 210 of x ₂ is “5” and the first electrode 210 of x ₃ is “5”. In the following, as an example, it is assumed that the threshold value 80 is “4” and the control unit 8 determines that an operation (detection point) has been detected when the detection value is greater than “4”. Note that the threshold 80 is not limited to the above example, and may be any value according to the application.

In FIG. 2 (a), when reading the detected value from the first electrode 210 of the x _2, operation is detected. Followed by, in FIG. 2 (b), since the scanning direction and the operating direction is reversed, by reading the detected value of the first electrode 210 x _3, already because the finger is moved, the finger and the There is a possibility that the detection value becomes “0” due to a distance from the electrode.

Therefore, if you do not change the scanning direction, as shown in FIG. 2 (a) and _(b), all the detection value obtained from the first electrode 210 of the x 0 ~x ₃ is "5".

However, when the scan direction is changed according to the operation direction, as shown in FIGS. 2A to 2D, all the detection values acquired from the first electrodes 210 of x ₀ to x ₃ are “18”. ”And becomes larger than when no change is made. Therefore, the controller device 1 can easily calculate the coordinates of the detection points and the like because all the detection values are larger than when the scan direction is not changed.

  Below, operation | movement of the operating device 1 which concerns on embodiment is demonstrated according to the flowchart of FIG. In the following, an operation when one finger is used will be described. In the case of multi-touch in which a plurality of fingers touch the operation surface 20, for example, the detection value is read in a predetermined order without changing the scan direction.

(Operation)
When the power is turned on, the controller device 1 reads the detection values periodically and in a predetermined order based on the clock signal (S1).

Specifically, the control unit 8 of the controller device 1 outputs a drive control signal to the drive unit 3, a read control signal to the read unit 5, and a switch control signal to the switch unit 7. Based on the switching control signal, the switching unit 7 electrically connects the electrode that supplies the driving signal and the driving unit 3, and electrically connects the electrode that reads the detection value and the reading unit 5. Hereinafter, the electrode to be driven is, it will be described a second electrode 220 of y _0.

Operator in order to operate the electronic device, as shown in FIG. 2 (a), contacting the finger on the operation surface 20 between the first electrode 210 of the first electrode 210 and x ₃ of the x ₂ The drag operation is performed from right to left on the paper surface of FIG. That is, the operation direction is a direction from x ₃ to x ₀ and is different from a scan direction (a direction from x ₀ to x ₃ ) based on a predetermined order.

The control unit 8 compares the detection value acquired via the reading unit 5 with the threshold value 80 and determines whether there is a detection point. When the detection point is detected (S2: Yes), the control unit 8 reads the detection value of the next electrode via the reading unit 5 and determines the operation direction (S3). The next electrode, in this case, as shown in FIG. 2 (b), a first electrode 210 of _{x 3.} Control unit 8 determines the detected value of the first electrode 210 of x ₃ is the next read electrode "0", the threshold value 80, the operation direction compared.

  Next, the control unit 8 determines whether or not to change the scan direction based on the determined operation direction. Since the detected value of the electrode read next is smaller than the threshold value 80, the control unit 8 changes the scanning direction on the assumption that the operation direction is opposite to the scanning direction (S4: Yes). Note that the control unit 8 determines that a touch operation has been performed when, for example, the scan direction is changed and no detection point is detected for a predetermined period.

Next, the control unit 8 reads the detection value by changing the scanning direction (S5). Specifically, the control unit 8, for example, as shown in FIG. 2 (c), the operation rather than the first electrode 210 of the x ₂ that is detected, the operation direction side of the first electrode 210 x ₂ to read the detected value of the first electrode 210 of x ₁ is the electrode, it controls the switching unit 7. Accordingly, the control unit 8, as shown in FIG. 2 (c), so that the read detected values of the first electrode 210 of the x ₁ "8". The control unit 8 is, for example, the already detected value read from the first electrode 210 of the acquired x ₁ and x _2, shall be stored by replacing the detected value read by changing the scanning direction.

Next, the control unit 8 confirms whether or not scanning for one cycle is completed based on the detection value read by changing the scanning direction. Control unit 8, since one cycle of scanning is not completed (S6: No), as shown in FIG. 2 (d), reads the detection value of the first electrode 210 of the x ₀ Returning to Step 1 .

The controller device 1 continues the processing from step 1 until the scan for one cycle is completed (S6: Yes), and outputs operation information (S7). The controller device 1 continues these operations until the power is turned off. For example, when the second electrode 220 of y _{1 is} driven following the driving of the second electrode 220 of y ₀ , the operation device 1 changes the scan direction, so that x ₃ to x ₁ The detection values are read in the order of the first electrodes 210. In addition, the controller device 1 may previously determine the number of times of changing the scanning direction in, for example, one period of scanning.

  Here, in step 2, when the detection point is not detected (S2: No), the control unit 8 advances the process to step 6.

  In step 4, if the scan direction has not been changed (S <b> 4: No), the control unit 8 advances the process to step 6.

(Effect of embodiment)
The controller device 1 according to the present embodiment can improve detection accuracy of detection points. Specifically, since the controller device 1 reads the detection value according to the operation direction of the operation performed, it is possible to increase the operation detection accuracy compared to the case where the order of reading the detection value is fixed, It is easy to calculate the coordinates of the detection points. That is, since the controller device 1 has at least the total detection value per driven electrode larger than that in the case where the scanning direction is not changed, the capacitance can be detected more accurately, and the detection point Coordinate calculation is facilitated. The total detection value per one driven electrode is read from the first electrode 210 of x ₀ to x ₃ when the second electrode 220 of y ₀ is driven, for example, as described above. It shows the total amount of detected values.

  In addition, since the operation device 1 changes the operation direction and the scan direction to the same direction, it is possible to set a longer time for one cycle of scanning, thereby reducing the cost of parts while increasing the detection accuracy. it can. That is, the controller device 1 can set the cycle according to the time required for the operation without increasing the scan cycle in order to increase the detection accuracy of the operation in the operation direction opposite to the scan direction. .

  In addition, since the detection accuracy of the operation device 1 is improved, the operation device 1 can detect the operation with high accuracy even when the operator wears gloves and operates or when a finger floats from the operation surface 20 during the operation. be able to.

  Here, as a modification, in the above embodiment, the change in the scan direction in the one-dimensional direction in the x-axis direction has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the scan direction in the y-axis direction may be changed. good. In the case of the embodiment, for example, the driven electrode is changed according to the operation direction. In addition, the controller device 1 may change the scanning direction by combining the driving side and the reading side.

  As a modification, the controller device 1 may be configured using, for example, a touch panel that performs driving and reading with one electrode.

  As mentioned above, although some embodiment and modification of this invention were demonstrated, these embodiment and modification are only examples, and do not limit the invention based on a claim. These novel embodiments and modifications can be implemented in various other forms, and various omissions, replacements, changes, and the like can be made without departing from the scope of the present invention. In addition, not all combinations of features described in these embodiments and modifications are necessarily essential to the means for solving the problems of the invention. Furthermore, these embodiments and modifications are included in the scope and gist of the invention, and are included in the invention described in the claims and the equivalents thereof.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Operating device 2 ... Touch panel 3 ... Drive part 5 ... Reading part 7 ... Switching part 8 ... Control part 20 ... Operation surface 80 ... Threshold value 210 ... 1st electrode 220 ... 2nd electrode

Claims (3)

A detection unit having a plurality of electrodes arranged in a first direction;
A readout unit for reading out detection values from the plurality of electrodes according to a predetermined order;
A switching unit that is electrically connected between the detection unit and the readout unit, and selectively switches electrical connection between the plurality of electrodes and the readout unit according to the predetermined order;
Control for determining an operation direction of an operation performed on the detection unit based on a detection value acquired via the reading unit, and controlling the switching unit to change the predetermined order according to the operation direction And
The operating device with. The control unit includes a threshold for detecting an operation performed on the detection unit,
A first detection value greater than the threshold is detected, and a second detection value acquired after the first detection value and within a predetermined period is greater than the threshold. In this case, the operation device according to claim 1, wherein the operation device determines that the operation direction matches a direction in which a detection value is read in accordance with the predetermined order.   When the operation direction is different from the direction in which the detection value is read, the control unit reads the detection value from the electrode on the operation direction side of the electrode from which the first detection value is read. The operating device according to claim 2 which controls a switching part.

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