JPH11194863A - Touch input detecting method and touch input detector - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To select many functions and data and to make obtainable satisfactory operability that easily utilizes many functions by replacing physical phenomenons that follow on trajectory and repeats touch inputs with scalar quantity information and vector quantity information and continuously adding or subtracting physical value. SOLUTION: A substrate 59 is provided on a hard plate K such as a metallic plate, pairs of contacts 60 are provided on the substrate 59 and movable contacts which are made from conductors 58 are provided on the bottom of a film-like sheet on whose top surface projections 56 are provided through spacers 54. A touch event is generated by pushing pressure from above or vertical pushing pressure by a finger and input items are controlled by sliding, etc., of the finger. Thus, it is possible to continuously operate and control plural input events by repeatedly taking in scalar and vector information (information that consists of time, distance, direction, speed, velocity, acceleration, etc., as elements) which is generated from a finger that follows and moves, touching contact detection sensors arranged on trajectory.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention is mainly used for controlling input functions of various electronic devices. The present invention mainly detects contact or press of a finger or the like, and detects transition information due to movement of a fingertip and input information of a touch event. (A touch detection input control method) and a part of an input device using the input means.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In recent years, various electronic devices, especially small electronic devices, have been pursuing a trend toward lighter, thinner and smaller, and also toward multifunctional, high-functional, and large-volume information storage. For this reason, in order to realize multifunctional small electronic devices, a large number of keys are provided to perform selection key input of the function and search and information input of a large amount of information. This multi-functional, high-performance,
A rotary operation-type electronic component (jog dial) with a push switch, such as that disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 8-203387, is used for an input device that attempts to realize a very large number of key inputs increased by holding a large amount of information with a small number of input electronic components. There was something. This is an input device for inputting a physical rotation angle of a rotating component part by a rotating rotary encoder, shifting a data pointer on a program according to the angle shift, and selecting a function or data. XY is used as an input device for inputting the displacement value due to contact
There is a touch panel for position input on a plane. Conventionally, there has been a configuration in which a volume is formed by continuously using metal contact contact switches. However, this is merely a case where a touch event is received by a continuous switch and is uniquely synchronized with the size of the volume. This does not mean that the input distance in the same direction is continuously added even if the input is performed following the same direction many times. On the other hand, if the distance and direction are input on the touch panel and the same part is copied many times, the input information is added and processed. However, this does not preliminarily form the contact portion in a predetermined locus. Therefore, there is no control method that takes in input information that continuously follows a contact detection portion that forms a touch detection switch on a predetermined continuous trajectory. Conventionally, in a key input unit of a card-type calculator, two contacts are arranged in a matrix on a substrate, and a film-shaped movable contact is bent from above and pressed to turn on the contact. However, this is only an input device for pressing one key at a time, and does not include an algorithm or processing means for selecting a plurality of items by sliding a finger to input. In addition, the data pointer or the cursor is not controlled for the purpose of sliding the finger in selecting the data, and there is no input device including such means.

The control method is the first in the present application since there is no object used as an information input device by simultaneously using a touch input on a predetermined trajectory as shown in the present invention and a definite input by a switch means. Further, a display means for displaying a cursor that indicates which item is currently selected from among a plurality of items, a touch input on a predetermined trajectory, and a decision input by a switch means are used simultaneously as an information input device. This is the first control method since no object was found. Further, display means for displaying a cursor that indicates which item is currently selected from among a plurality of items, touch input on a predetermined trajectory, and fixed input from switch means integrated with the touch detection means, Since the object used as the information input device cannot be found by using the same at the same time, the control method is the first in this application.

[0004]

The high integration of microprocessors, memories, and the like inside the electronic equipment has been greatly advanced with the multifunction, high function, and retention of a large amount of information of various electronic equipment. Along with this, it is necessary to evolve the user interface by hardware so that these inputs can be performed more efficiently with a smaller number of parts. Simply inputting a single event by pressing a push key is not enough for any number of keys. Furthermore, an extremely large number of key presses is required to input many press events. In order to avoid this, the subtle movement of the fingertip on the electronic device
An input device capable of continuous event input and its control means are required. In order to promptly input many events, it is necessary to solve not only hardware mechanisms but also control means for controlling the input events. In addition, there are a control method in which items are sent when the key is held down, and a control method in which the key is fast-forwarded according to the holding time of the pressed state. But easy to recognize. Here, as the mechanism, there is a touch event detection mechanism arranged continuously in plural or continuously in a string-like locus. There is a need for a control means for effectively capturing this touch event into an electronic device by using this. Further, in order to smoothly select many functions and a large amount of information, a data pointer movement of a program in software corresponding to the function selection, a touch event detection in hardware,
It is necessary to invent a control method in cooperation with the above. in short,
It is necessary to invent a processing method for controlling continuous data input using a continuous touch detection mechanism and movement of a data pointer or a cursor. There are mainly the following hardware structures and methods for detecting a continuous touch event for processing by the control means of the present application. (1) Electrostatic induction type (2) Optical type (3) DC resistance detection type (4) Resistive film type (5) Movable electrode type (6) Movable contact pressing type In addition, electromagnetic induction type and ultrasonic detection type Conceivable. With these touch detection sensors arranged continuously in a string-like trajectory, events generated by touch are captured, and by repeatedly performing arithmetic processing, the virtual wheel is turned as if turning a dial Thus, means for controlling successive input events is needed.

[0005]

Therefore, according to the present invention, a first aspect of the present invention is a touch detection system in which a touch detection sensor is arranged continuously on a predetermined locus of a straight line, a plane curve, or a space curve. In an input device having a means, a means for capturing a physical phenomenon caused by a touch is arranged,
The above-mentioned problem has been solved by replacing the physical phenomenon repeatedly input by touching along the trajectory with scalar quantity information and vector quantity information, and having means for continuously adding or subtracting the physical quantity. Further, as a second invention, in an input device having a touch detection means in which a touch detection sensor is arranged continuously on a predetermined trajectory of a straight line, a plane curve, or a space curve, a touch input is repeatedly performed following the trajectory. The above-described problem has also been solved by having a means for capturing the length and direction. Also,
According to a third aspect of the present invention, in an input device having touch detection means in which a touch detection sensor is arranged continuously on a predetermined trajectory of a straight line, a plane curve, or a space curve, the length of repeated touch input following the trajectory The above-described problem has also been solved by providing a unit for capturing speed, time and direction, and a unit for calculating speed from length and time. According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided an input device having a touch detection means in which a touch detection sensor is arranged continuously on a predetermined trajectory of a straight line, a plane curve, or a space curve. The above-mentioned problem has also been solved by having means for taking in length, time and direction, and means for calculating speed from length, time and direction. According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, there is provided an input device having a touch detection unit in which a touch detection sensor is arranged continuously on a predetermined trajectory of a straight line, a plane curve, or a space curve. The above-mentioned problem has also been solved by having means for taking in length, time, and direction, means for calculating speed from length, time, and direction, and means for calculating acceleration from speed. According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, there is provided an input device in which a plurality of touch detection means in which touch detection sensors are continuously arranged on a predetermined trajectory of a straight line, a plane curve, or a space curve are arranged in parallel or substantially parallel to be integrated. In the above, the above-mentioned problem was also solved by applying the above means and taking in the detection information to calculate. Also, as a seventh invention, a key provided with a touch detection sensor on the key top,
The above-mentioned problem has also been solved by applying the above means to an input device comprising touch detection means continuously arranged on a predetermined trajectory of a straight line, a plane curve or a space curve, and taking in and calculating detection information. Also, as an eighth invention, the above-mentioned problem has been solved by applying the above-mentioned means to information generated when the state changes from a contact state to a non-contact state instead of the touch input. Further, as a ninth invention, the above-described problem has been solved by applying the above-described means to the information generated when the touch state is changed to the non-contact state together with the information generated by the touch input. Further, as a tenth invention, the number of events generated by sensor detection is used in place of the input length information, and the speed, speed, and acceleration are substituted by the number of events per unit time, whereby the above-described problem is also solved. Was solved.

According to an eleventh aspect of the present invention, the touch detecting means includes a touch panel in which the touch detection sensors are arranged in a non-uniform distribution having a sparse and dense profile continuously on a predetermined trajectory of a straight line, a plane curve, or a space curve. By arranging detection means, applying the above means and taking in detection information to calculate
Also, the above-mentioned problem has been solved. Further, as a twelfth invention, the touch detection means is provided with a touch detection means in which touch detection sensors are uniformly distributed continuously on a predetermined trajectory of a straight line, a plane curve, or a space curve. The above-mentioned problem has also been solved by setting the event occurrence position or the unit of occurrence distance so as to have sparse and dense properties, applying the above means and taking in the detection information for calculation. Further, as a thirteenth invention, the touch detection means is provided with a touch detection means in which touch detection sensors are uniformly distributed continuously on a predetermined locus of a straight line, a plane curve, or a space curve, and By applying and applying detection information and calculating at the same time, according to speed or speed or acceleration, by changing the touch input event occurrence position or occurrence distance unit with sparse and dense,
Also, the above-mentioned problem has been solved. According to a fourteenth aspect of the present invention, a one-dimensional one-dimensional arrangement in which finger touch detection means is continuously arranged on a predetermined trajectory of a straight line, a plane curve, or a space curve, and a contact point is made to correspond to the trajectory one-to-one. In an input device having means for detecting position information on coordinates, the above-described problem has been solved by applying the means to input information detected as position information on one-dimensional coordinates. Further, as a fifteenth invention, a finger touch detection means is arranged continuously on a predetermined locus of a straight line, a plane curve, or a space curve, a control means including an arithmetic processor, and a predetermined data table on software. In an electronic device having a data pointer corresponding to the above, the above-mentioned problem has been solved by synchronizing and moving or fast-forwarding the result obtained and calculated using the above means and the data pointer. Also, as a sixteenth invention, a display means for displaying a plurality of items and a cursor that clearly indicates which item is currently selected among the items, a linear or planar curve or a space curved predetermined locus In an electronic device having a finger touch detection means and a touch detection means, the above-mentioned means are used to synchronize, move and fast-forward the cursor and a result obtained by calculation and display, thereby solving the above-described problem. did. Further, as a seventeenth invention, in the input device provided with the sound generation function together with the input device, by adding the means for applying the above-described means to capture and calculate the detection information and generating the sound in synchronization with the input, Solved the above-mentioned problem. Further, as an eighteenth invention, in the input device provided with the luminous body together with the input device, a means for applying the above-mentioned means, taking in the detection information and calculating, and generating light by the luminous body in synchronization with the input is added. This has solved the above-mentioned problem. Further, as a nineteenth aspect, the present invention has a means for calculating a capture of a touch input by moving or touching a finger, and a means for detecting an event different from the input means by successively touching the same part a plurality of times. Solved the above-mentioned problem. According to a twentieth aspect, in the input device having at least one switch unit for turning on or off a contact point together with the input device, the above unit is applied to capture and calculate detection information. By having means for inputting, the above-mentioned problem was solved.

According to a twenty-first aspect of the present invention, the above-mentioned problem has been solved by providing a means for receiving an event input by the switch means when the switch means comprises a touch sensor. Further, as a twenty-second invention, a touch detection means in which a touch detection sensor is continuously arranged on a predetermined locus of a straight line, a plane curve, or a space curve, and a switch means for turning on or off a contact are integrated. By having a means for applying the above means and capturing and calculating the detection information,
Also, the above-mentioned problem has been solved. According to a twenty-third aspect of the present invention, a touch detection unit in which a touch detection sensor is continuously arranged on a predetermined trajectory of a straight line, a plane curve, or a space curve, and a switch unit for turning on or off a contact are detected by touch detection. In an input device arranged adjacent to the sensor, the above means is applied to capture and calculate detection information, and an event input generated from the switch means by movement of a finger in a direction different from the trajectory where the touch sensor is arranged is received. This has solved the above-mentioned problem. Further, as a twenty-fourth invention, a touch detection means in which a touch detection sensor is continuously arranged on a predetermined locus of a straight line, a plane curve, or a space curve, and a switch means for turning on or off a contact point are detected by touch detection. In an input device disposed adjacent to the sensor, the above means is applied to detect and calculate detection information, and an event input generated from the switch means by movement of a finger in a direction intersecting a trajectory provided by the touch sensor is calculated. By accepting, the above-mentioned problem was solved. According to a twenty-fifth aspect of the present invention, there is provided an input device in which a plurality of touch detection means having touch detection sensors arranged continuously on a predetermined trajectory of a straight line, a plane curve, or a space curve are arranged in parallel or substantially in parallel. ,
A means for receiving and calculating detection information by applying the above means, and accepting an event input generated by touching another touch detection means by moving a finger in a direction intersecting a trajectory provided for one touch sensor. Has solved the above-mentioned problem. Also, as a twenty-sixth invention, two or three or more touch sensors are continuously arranged, and by sequentially touching these sensors, a means for inputting one contact event by detecting two consecutive sensors is provided. Solved the above-mentioned problem. Further, as a twenty-seventh aspect, there is provided a means for transmitting a touch input event by the touch detection and an input event by a switch means by a communication means and performing a calculation process of the input information by a communication destination calculation means. By solving the problem, the above-described problem has been solved. In most cases, the touch detection sensor
A signal or voltage corresponding to the touch position is output by contact and pressure sensing, and the above problem is solved by detecting and calculating the signal or voltage as described above. Therefore, individual elements used above, for example, distance, speed, speed, acceleration, and the like as length recognize the voltage and signal directly as physical quantities. The time of the elements can be recognized by a timer or a clock. The direction can be recognized from the original sensor arrangement.

Further, as a twenty-eighth invention, there is provided a display means for displaying a plurality of items and a cursor for indicating which item is currently selected, and a straight or curved locus line segment is provided. A movable contact is provided on the upper part, a contact is provided on the lower part, a spacer for preventing the movable contact from being in contact with the contact at all times is provided, and two adjacent movable contacts are continuously pressed down. Synchronize the cursor with the number of press events, move or fast-forward,
The above-mentioned problem has been solved by constructing a touch input detection device having a display unit. Further, as a twenty-ninth aspect, the present invention has a display means for displaying a plurality of items and a cursor that clearly indicates which item is currently selected, and is movable on a straight or curved locus line segment. A contact is provided, a contact is provided below the contact, a spacer is provided for preventing the movable contact from being in constant contact with the contact, a protrusion is provided on an upper surface of the movable contact provided portion, and two adjacent movable contacts are provided. The cursor is synchronized with the number of press events generated by successive presses of the button, and moves or fast-forwards. Was solved. Further, as a thirtieth aspect, the present invention has a display means for displaying a plurality of items and a cursor that clearly indicates which item is currently selected, and displays the density on a straight or curved locus line segment. It is caused by attaching a movable contact, attaching a contact to the lower part, attaching a spacer for keeping the movable contact from contacting with the contact at all times, and continuously pressing two adjacent movable contacts. The above-described problem has also been solved by constructing a touch input detection device having a means for moving or fast-forwarding and displaying a cursor in synchronization with the number of pressed events. Also,
As a thirty-first aspect, the invention has display means for displaying a plurality of items and a cursor that clearly indicates which item is currently selected, and has a density on a straight or curved locus line segment. A movable contact, a contact is provided below the movable contact, a spacer is provided for preventing the contact between the movable contact and the contact at all times, and a protrusion is provided on an upper surface of the movable contact provided portion, and two adjacent movable members are provided. The touch input detection device is characterized in that the cursor is synchronized with the number of press events generated by successively pressing the contactors, and the touch input detection device is characterized by having a means for moving or fast-forwarding and displaying. Solved the problem. (The term “follows” used in the present application is used to mean a transition of a contact point of a finger or the like touching a certain locus along the locus. The “trajectory” is a locus of a straight line, a plane curve, or a space curve. so,
(Continuous string, continuous closed circle, continuous closed polygon, intersecting line, radial line)

[0009]

According to the first aspect of the present invention, scalar and vector information (elements such as time, distance, direction, speed, speed, acceleration, etc., generated from a fingertip moving while following a contact detection sensor arranged on a track) ), And a plurality of input events can be continuously operated and controlled. This also allows continuous input events to be controlled as if a virtual wheel were being turned, as if a dial were being turned. In the second invention, a continuous input event is controlled by continuously capturing information on a length and a direction generated from a fingertip that moves while touching a contact detection sensor arranged on a track. Becomes possible. According to the third invention, a length and a direction, which are generated from a fingertip that moves while following a touch detection sensor arranged on a track,
Continuous input events can be controlled by continuously capturing information on time and calculating the speed. Particularly, by recognizing the speed, the data pointer and the cursor can be fast-forwarded. According to the fourth aspect of the present invention, information on the length, direction, and time generated from a fingertip that moves while touching a contact detection sensor arranged on a track is continuously captured, and the speed is calculated. Input events to be controlled. In particular, by recognizing the speed, the data pointer and the cursor can be fast-forwarded. According to the fifth invention, information on the length, direction, and time generated from a fingertip that moves while following a contact detection sensor arranged on a track is continuously captured, the speed is calculated, and the acceleration is calculated. By calculating, continuous input events can be controlled. In particular, by recognizing the acceleration, the data pointer and the cursor can be fast-forwarded. According to the sixth aspect of the present invention, since a plurality of sensors can be arranged in parallel or substantially in parallel to perform finger scanning detection and calculation at the same time, continuous distance information or event information can be simultaneously acquired. On the other hand, by performing averaging or rounding processing in addition to the above-described means, the displacement of the fingertip or the number of events can be detected more accurately. According to the seventh invention, a simple push key can be obtained by using the above-mentioned means in an input device in which a key provided with a touch detection sensor on the key top is continuously arranged on a predetermined locus of a straight line, a plane curve, or a space curve. An aggregate can have an analog information input function. According to the eighth aspect, the event can be detected even when the finger leaves the contact state, so that the control can be performed at this time as well. According to the ninth aspect, it is possible to control a continuous input event by detecting an event both when the finger touches and when the finger separates. In the tenth aspect, for example, when the arrangement of the sensors is not uniform distribution, the number of input events is not proportional to the distance, so the number of touch events per unit time is replaced with the distance to perform the above-described arithmetic processing. It is possible to control successive input events.

According to the eleventh aspect of the present invention, by disposing the touch detection sensors in a non-uniform distribution having a density, it is possible for an operator to adjust the number of input events by a delicate touch of a fingertip. In the twelfth invention, the initial setting of the non-uniform distribution by software allows the operator to adjust the number of input events by a delicate touch of the fingertip. In the thirteenth invention, the number of input events is adjusted by the delicate touch of the fingertip by the operator by dynamically changing the event generation point or the generation unit in accordance with the input speed or speed or acceleration. It becomes possible. According to the fourteenth aspect, it is possible to control a continuous input event by recognizing input information by comparing a sensor arranged on an orbit with a distance on one-dimensional coordinates. In the fifteenth invention,
It is possible to use the above fetched information for controlling a data pointer for a data table such as application software by an electronic device equipped with a CPU, an MPU, or the like. This enables continuous instructions to be given for continuous data processing or item selection or function selection. In the sixteenth aspect, the data pointer is moved in synchronization with a cursor on a display screen so that the operation can be viewed. In the seventeenth aspect, the operator can easily recognize a continuous input event by controlling the voice generation function. In the eighteenth invention,
By controlling the light emitting function, the operator can easily recognize a continuous input event. In the nineteenth invention, by continuously touching the same part, for example, the same event as the click operation can be caused.
Function confirmation input can be performed dynamically. In the twentieth invention, in addition to the touch detection means, by applying the above means to an input device having a switch means, for example, the same event as a click operation can be caused, so that a function confirmation input or the like can be performed. Can be done dynamically.

[0011] In the twenty-first aspect, when the input device is configured to be very thin, not only the continuous touch detection unit but also the mechanism of, for example, a fixed input switch unit can be configured to be thin. Therefore, if the above-described means is incorporated in an electronic device incorporating the input device, the input function of a card-type electronic device or the like can be remarkably improved. In the twenty-second invention, in the input device in which the touch detection means on the track and the switch means are integrated, by applying the above means, for example, the fixed input without moving the finger immediately after the contact detection is performed. Is made possible. Thus, a rotary operation type electronic component (jog dial) with a push switch, for example, disclosed in
It is possible to find a function close to the operation function of JP-A-203387. In the twenty-third invention, by applying the above-mentioned means to the input device in which the switch means is disposed adjacent to the touch detection sensor, for example, immediately after performing contact detection, the finger is disposed in the adjacent switch means. Only when the user moves to the site where the user is, a finalized input is enabled. In the twenty-fourth invention, by applying the above means to the input device in which the switch means is disposed adjacent to the touch detection sensor, for example, immediately after performing the contact detection, the finger is disposed in the adjacent switch means. It is possible to make a definite input simply by sliding the part in the lateral direction. In the twenty-fifth aspect, by applying the above-described means to an input device in which a plurality of touch detection means are arranged in parallel or substantially in parallel, for example, immediately after performing contact detection, the arrangement of switch means adjacent to a finger is performed. By simply sliding the part in the horizontal direction, it is possible to input a fixed input or a new input event. In the twenty-sixth aspect, since a contact event can be captured by detecting two or more consecutive sensors, the use of the above means enables a large number of input event detections to be controlled with a small number of touch detection sensors. In the twenty-seventh aspect, the touch input event due to the touch detection or the touch event and the input event by the switch means are transmitted by the communication means, and the input information is processed by the destination calculation means. By having the means, a plurality of input items can be controlled by remote control. This is effective, for example, when selecting and confirming a plurality of items by means of communication using a light emitting element and a light receiving element or transmission means using radio waves. This is also effective when applied to a non-contact type recognition device capable of transmitting information in response to a recently developed radio wave. In the twenty-eighth and twenty-ninth inventions, a thin input function is realized as an input device such as a credit card type IC card having a liquid crystal display unit, etc., and the function of the virtual rotary operation type input device is developed on a plane. It is possible to do.
In the thirty-first and thirty-first inventions, the input function is thinly realized as an input device such as a credit card type IC card having a liquid crystal display unit and the like, and the function of the virtual rotary operation type input device is developed on a plane. This makes it possible to adjust the number of input events with a delicate touch of the fingertip by making the detection density sparse and dense.

[0012]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS First, a hardware configuration that is a premise of the present application will be described in detail in the following order: 1) An example of a touch event detection circuit configuration using a touch position detection sensor 2) A predetermined straight or plane curve or space curve Example of an input device in which a touch position detection sensor is continuously arranged on the trajectory 3) Example of arrangement when the above-mentioned input device is incorporated in an electronic device 4) Example of a circuit configuration of an application system in which the above-mentioned input device is incorporated A description will be given of an embodiment of a touch input detection method. 5) Description of an embodiment from an operation surface. 6) Detailed description of processing means. 7) Embodiment of a touch input detection device.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. 1) An example of a touch event detection circuit configuration using a touch position detection sensor. The following is a specific example of a touch event detection circuit configuration using a touch detection sensor. That is, it is a circuit that outputs a signal or voltage corresponding to the touch position mainly by contact and pressure sensitivity.

A configuration in which an electrostatic induction type detecting means (capacitance type) is used as a touch position detecting means of the touch detecting sensor unit will be described. Are arranged via a plurality of capacitors C1, C2, C3,...
This is a method for detecting a change in the capacity of 3,.
Here, the capacitors C1, C2, C3,... Are arranged continuously. As shown in FIG. 1, voltage is sequentially applied to the capacitors C1, C2, C3,... Arranged in succession from the pulse generation circuit 1 via the scan drive circuit 2 having a built-in decoder and counter. Sends the frequency signal generated by the CR phase shift transmission circuit 3 to the frequency comparison circuit 4, and compares this signal with a reference signal previously sent from the pulse generation circuit 1 to the frequency comparison circuit 4 via the control circuit 5. And a frequency comparison circuit 4
And the reference signal from the control circuit 5 are simultaneously sent to the judgment circuit 6, where the two signals are judged to detect the capacitance of the capacitor changed by the contact, thereby detecting the contact position of the finger.

A configuration using an optical detection means (infrared ray detection type) as the touch position detection means of the touch detection sensor unit will be described below. As shown in FIG. 2 below the key top for detecting touch of a finger or the like. A light-emitting element 7 such as an infrared light-emitting diode (LED) and a light-receiving element 8 such as a phototransistor are disposed in a one-to-one correspondence with each other in succession on a key-top. Are sequentially emitted by the demultiplexer 9, and the emitted light is received by the light receiving element 8 in synchronization with the multiplexer 10. At this time, the light receiving level of the light received by the light receiving element 8 is detected by the determination circuit 6, and the touch position of the finger is detected by determining the light level. Reference numeral 12 denotes a control circuit, which is connected to the demultiplexer 9, the multiplexer 10, and the determination circuit 6, and controls respective circuit functions. If an AD converter 13, which is a portion surrounded by a dotted line in FIG. 2, is interposed between the multiplexer 10 and the determination circuit 11, an analog value can be detected at a contact point. Detection accuracy can be improved.

A configuration using a direct current resistance detection method as a touch position detection means of the touch detection sensor unit will be described. A metal contact is provided at a touch position where contact detection of a finger or the like is performed, as shown in FIG. As shown in the detection circuit, for example, the input operation resistance is 2 MΩ, and the high resistance of a finger or the like contacting across the metal contact contact switches SW1 to SW7 is detected, and the output level OUT1 is output via the high resistance detection electronic switch module SM. OUT7 to HIGH, LO
It is an object that fluctuates to two values of W, and is mainly used as a switch that detects contact with metal.

The structure using the resistive film type detecting means (resistive film electrode type) as the touch position detecting means of the touch detecting sensor unit will be described. As shown in FIG. A potential distribution Q is generated by applying a drive voltage and a ground voltage to the resistive film 15 across the resistive film 15. Then, as shown in FIG. 7, an electrode 16 made of a conductor is arranged on the resistive film in an upper part or a lower part in parallel with the resistive film 15, and the resistive film 15 and the parallel electrode 16 are touched by a finger or the like. The position of the contact point is detected by conducting the contact and measuring the voltage changed by the contact with the voltage measuring device 17. As described above, according to the various detection means, the contact point is one-to-one on its locus.
It is output as position data on one-dimensional coordinates corresponding to. In particular, when the analog type is sufficiently close, the direction can be easily recognized by the movement of the fingertip, and when the digital type has many points, It will be recognizable.

A configuration using a movable electrode type detection means (a movable electrode switch type) as a touch position detection means of the touch detection sensor unit will be described. As shown in FIG. For example, one of the electrode on a straight line and the electrode intermittently arranged at intervals via the spacer 21 is used as the movable electrode 22 and the other is used as the fixed electrode 23. The movable electrode 22 is curvedly connected to the fixed electrode by force, and the contact point of the finger is detected from the energized position and time of the contact. In FIG. 8B, the counter 19 is activated by the control circuit 18, and the contacts 20 are sequentially detected from the decoder 20 as the contacts S1, S2, S3,. At this time, the voltage becomes LOW at the contact point turned on, and the contact point can be detected. The structure is almost the same as that of the movable electrode type, but there is a structure in which two electrodes are fixed and the contact is short-circuited by using a movable contact. In addition, the present invention can be applied to a touch detection method such as an electromagnetic induction method and an ultrasonic detection method.

2) Example of an input device in which a touch position detection sensor is continuously arranged on a predetermined trajectory of a straight line, a plane curve, or a space curve. Specific contact operation type input devices include the following. That is, it is a device having a mechanism for outputting a signal or voltage corresponding to the touch position mainly by contact and pressure sensitivity. FIG. 9A shows a contact operation type input device.
The touch position detection sensor 24 is disposed on a straight line as shown in FIG. 9 or on a curved line as shown in FIG.
The one where 5 was arranged. As shown in (c), there are crosses of linear trajectories provided with touch sensors, and as shown in (d), a plurality of tracks having different detection densities are provided. As shown in FIG. 10, the touch position detection sensor 24 continuously arranged on a straight line or a curve is held so as to be able to move horizontally within a predetermined range, and the electric signal or voltage from the touch position detection unit 34 and the sensor 24 is An elastic contact leg 26 serving as a conductive path for transmission is provided on a mounting board 29 with a contact, and a spring body 33 for pressing a touch position detection unit 34 in a constant horizontal direction in a normal state, and a spring body 33 against the urging force of the spring body 33. One in which a push switch unit 27 is provided on a mounting board 29 with contacts so as to operate by pressing the touch position detection unit 34.

Further, as shown in FIG. 11 (a), a touch position detecting section 34 provided with a touch position detecting sensor 24 arranged linearly or continuously on a curve is connected to a pressure switch by a columnar or tubular connecting member 38. Are engaged in a predetermined direction by a spring body or an elastic body built in the holding portion 36, and when pressed down from above, the contact is pushed downward to turn on or off the contact. FIG. 11B shows a case where two touch sensors 37 are provided, and FIG. 11C shows a case where three touch sensors 37 are provided. As for the conductive path, a cable or an elastic contact leg can be provided in the connecting member 38, and the cable 3 is provided outside the member as shown in the figure.
You may give 5. Also, the touch position detection sensor 40 is arranged on a circular locus as shown in FIG. 12 (a) so that the entire detection unit can be pressed, similarly, a circular shape with a switch 39 attached at the center of the circle, FIG. The sensor unit itself is held by an elastic body to make contact with a contact or movable contact. In the case where the number of push switches is two as shown in FIG. 14, the touch position is detected by touching the fingertip to the touch position detection unit 34 provided with the touch position detection sensors 24 arranged continuously on a straight line or a curve. A touch position detecting unit 34 for generating an electric signal or a voltage corresponding to the sensor 24 and a cable 35 as a conductive path for the touch position detecting unit 34 are provided. When a sufficient pressure is applied from above, the push switch 27A is depressed against the resilient urging force of the spring 33, and the touch position input unit is moved laterally by a leaf spring 33B. And pushes the second push switch 27B by pressure from an oblique direction. As for the touch position detection sensors, a method of uniformly distributing them on the trajectory line, a method of increasing the density in one direction as shown in FIG. 15A, a method of distributing them in a non-uniform distribution as shown in FIG. Density increased at both ends, (c)
As shown in (d), there is an arrangement in which the trajectory on the circle is unevenly dense and dense, and as shown in (d), the trajectory is sequentially increased in density in one direction. In addition, there is an object formed by a plurality of trajectories having the same or different displacement units. In addition, as shown in FIG. 16A, a touch position detection sensor 24 that detects one touch is attached to a keytop as a constituent unit of a touch position detection sensor continuously arranged on a straight line or a curve, As shown in (b), there are a plurality of touch detection sensors provided, and as shown in (c), a touch pad 43 is provided. At this time, the conductive path may be provided with a cable or an elastic contact leg in the connecting member, or may be provided outside the member as shown in FIG. If this is arranged on a continuous locus, the contact detection method of the present invention can be used.

3) Arrangement example when the above-mentioned input device is incorporated in an electronic device As shown in FIG. 17 (a), in the case of a single portable electronic device, for example, the input device has a locus near the center of the front of the device. The touch position detection sensor may be disposed in a horizontal straight line, a touch position detection sensor may be disposed vertically as a locus near the center of the front of the apparatus as shown in FIG. It can be arranged together with switch means in the vicinity. In addition, it can be provided along the movement locus of the thumb so that the thumb can be easily operated when the entire device is squeezed as a locus on a curve as shown in FIG. (E) is a diagram in which the finger is slid in a direction perpendicular to the tangent to the locus of the thumb to easily press the switch means. (F) is such that a touch detection sensor is provided on the side surface of the apparatus on a straight track, and a switch is activated by sliding a finger in a direction perpendicular to the track. As shown in FIG. 18A, a touch position detection sensor may be arranged in a circle as a locus near the center of the front surface of the apparatus. FIG.
In FIG. 8 (b), a shape close to a horizontally long cube is arranged on the side surface. FIGS. 18 (c), (d), and (e) show examples in which the input means of the present invention is provided in a card-type electronic device in which a rotary operation type electronic component (such as a jog dial) cannot be used. As the display means, for example, a liquid crystal display means is provided, and as shown in FIG. 18 (c), a liquid crystal display means provided with a density of touch detection sensors is provided vertically on the upper right side of the apparatus,
As shown in (d), there are two trajectories, which may have different touch detection densities, or as shown in (e), a circular trajectory. The movable contact type is suitable for these card types. At this time, the switch means may be a switch using a movable contact. As shown in (f), these card types are used in such a manner that the trajectory is arranged horizontally from left to right, and the card surface is sandwiched from the front and back with the forefinger and thumb while the hand is held in the hand and slipped. Some arrangements make it easier. In FIG. 19, a key top provided with a touch position detection sensor is arranged on a locus, the fingertip is moved so as to slide across the key tops, and a touch event or a moving distance on the locus is input. FIG.
9 (a) is arranged on a vertical line on the buttons on the front of the apparatus, (b) is arranged on a horizontal line intersecting with the vertical line, (c) is arranged on two vertical lines, and (d) is arranged vertically. Alternatively, they are arranged in three horizontal rows or radial tracks.

4) Example of Circuit Configuration of Application System Incorporating the Above-mentioned Input Device If an example of the circuit configuration of an application system equipped with the input processing means of the present invention is shown, as shown in FIG. The touch input of the finger or the like input by the touch detection circuit 49 is detected by a touch detection circuit 49 by an electric signal or a voltage, and the operation control circuit 48 (CPU central processing unit, DSP
It may be recognized by a digital signal processor, an MPU microprocessor, a memory, etc.), and if necessary, a cursor is displayed through a display circuit. To emit light. If the application system is not mounted on the arithmetic and control circuit 48 at the same time, information is further output to the application system. When the application system is simultaneously mounted on the arithmetic and control circuit, there is no output in the dotted line part.

Embodiments of Touch Input Detection Method Hereinafter, embodiments of the touch input detection method of the present invention will be described in detail. 5) Description of the embodiment from the operation surface Hereinafter, the embodiment of the touch input detection method of the present invention will be described in detail as a user interface from the operation surface with reference to the drawings. For example, a display unit that displays a plurality of items and a cursor that clearly indicates which item is currently selected, and a touch of a finger continuously on a predetermined trajectory of a straight line, a plane curve, or a space curve A touch position input unit on a predetermined trajectory for arranging a position detecting means for detecting a contact point as position information on one-dimensional coordinates corresponding to the trajectory one-to-one, and at least one of turning on or off a contact point For example, a remote controller (FIG. 21) incorporating the above touch input detection method having a switch means. FIG.
In this remote controller, the information input from the touch sensor 24 and the switch 25 is transmitted to the device on the standby side via the light emitting element 53. At the time of input, the operation state is recognized by the speaker 46 or the liquid crystal display surface 45. This controller has 26 functions (AAA, BBB, CCC,..., YYY, ZZZ as functions 1 to 26) in the touch input standby state.
Is waiting for selection. At this time, the 16th function PPP
As shown in FIG. 22, the user touches the thumb from the left side to the right side of the touch sensor 24 and follows the thumb while touching the thumb, as shown in FIG. Go to Assuming that the function to be selected is the 16th PPP, the thumb is once moved away from the touch detection unit and moved to the left to send the data pointer and the cursor 52 further downward.
Then, the user again moves the thumb to the right while touching and touching the touch detection unit with the thumb. By doing so, the data pointer and the cursor are continuously sent downward. If the user has gone too far, the user moves from right to left while touching the touch detection unit with his thumb. When the cursor is moved to the 16th function PPP, when the thumb is slid downward and the confirmation switch 25 is depressed, infrared rays of the function issuing signal are output from the infrared LED 53 on the controller to the device which is the object of the controller. In addition, when the fingertip copying operation is performed quickly, the speed is recognized, and the cursor advances by a plurality of functions.
Here, the operation and the method related to the function selection and the function issuance are mainly described, and there are many well-known ones. It can be realized by control software using a microprocessor and memories (ROM, RAM). In the above example, the cursor and the data pointer are moved downward by copying from left to right. However, the cursor and the data pointer may be set in the opposite direction so as to follow from right to left, or the cursor and the data pointer may be moved from bottom to top. May be set, or the touch detection sensors may be arranged so as to be sparse and dense, and may be arranged such that the number of movements of the cursor and the data pointer changes depending on the place where the finger touches.
When the density is increased, the item event is not input according to the movement amount of the fingertip, but the cursor and the data pointer move only according to the number of touch events of the sensor arranged at the place touched by the fingertip. Will be. This means that the item event input is not accepted according to the moving amount, but is accepted according to the number of touch events.

The control device shown in FIG. 26 is an example in which a switch-integrated contact operation type electronic component provided with a touch detection sensor on the circular locus described in FIG. 12A is used. Here, the data of the functions related to the display are initially 8 items (AAA, BBB, CCC, DDD,
EEE, FFF, GGG, HHH) After each item selection (AA1, AA2, AA3, AA4, AA5)
As shown in AA6, AA7), functions are further set in a tree structure by seven items. About BBB (BB1, B
B2,..., BB7) The same applies to CCC.
In the following, a procedure for issuing the function of the FF 6 will be described to describe the input operation processing. FIG. 26 shows an initial state of waiting for a function selection. From this state, the cursor and the data pointer move downward by moving the thumb clockwise along the circumference as shown in FIGS. If you continue to move clockwise, the cursor and data pointer will be AA
A → BBB → CCC → DDD → EEE → FFF → GGG
→ HHH → AAA → BBB → CCC → Continue to move cyclically. When the direction is reversed as shown in FIG.
AA → HHH → GGG → FFF → EEE → DDD → CC
The order is C → BBB → AAA → HHH → GGG → FFF →. If the copying operation is stopped, the finger is lifted from the sensor, and the copying operation is performed again in the same direction, the cursor continuously moves in the same direction. After moving the cursor to FFF,
The function FFF is selected by pressing the switch 39 at the center of the contact operation type electronic component as shown in FIG.
F1 to FF7 appear on the screen, and the data pointer also points to the data FF1. Further, as shown in FIG. 31, FF6 is selected from FF1 to FF7, and FIG.
As described above, when the switch 39 at the center is depressed, the infrared LED of the function issuing signal is output from the infrared LED above the controller to the device which is the target of the controller. Further, for the reverse rotation, a method of displaying and selecting data of another function may be used. Since there is right-handed and left-handed, means for changing clockwise and counterclockwise by initial setting may be provided.

The example shown in FIG. 33 is a controller in which a key having a touch detection sensor attached to a key top as shown in FIG. While watching the cursor that appears on the display screen,
As shown in (b) and (c), when the finger is moved from the top to the bottom while touching the key top, the cursor and the data pointer move downward. When the cursor moves to the function to be selected, the touched key is pressed down as in (d). Thereby, the function is selectively issued. The function can be determined by a method using another push switch.
An example of data pointer movement at the time of touch input detection will be described with reference to FIG. When waiting for touch detection input (initial state), first, when the contact point moves following the continuous touch detection sensor, when the contact point moves from 3 to 7 as shown in FIG. The data pointer moves from 1 to 5, and when the contact point moves from 2 to 5 in the same direction, the data pointer moves from 5 to 8. Further, this time, when the contact point moves from 9 to 3 in the opposite direction, the data pointer moves from 8 to 2. When the processing of the data table is closed from 1 to 100 as shown in FIG. 34B, the data pointer does not exceed the range, but the program is set so that it is not closed and returns to 1 after 100. When it is present, the data pointer is returned in order and processed. This processing is the same as the processing that enables analog data input through a touch detection unit as if a non-existent wheel dial is being turned. Furthermore, in the present application, when the moving speed of the contact point of the finger or the number of inputs per unit time of the touch event exceeds a predetermined threshold value, the number of moving data pointers per unit is increased. . For the movement of the data pointer, both a method of moving in accordance with the movement distance of the contact point and a method of moving in accordance with one or more touch events are invented. For the detection of the contact point, a process of recognizing the length of the line segment corresponding to the contact area and calculating the position of the finger can be added.

6) Detailed description of processing means Some examples of processing means that can be implemented in the present invention will be described in detail below. In an input device having at least one touch position detecting means having a touch position detecting sensor continuously arranged on a predetermined trajectory of a straight line, a plane curve, or a space curve, and at least one switch means for turning on or off a contact, When the position detection means is in an effective state, when there is input of touch position information, and when a transition input heading in the same direction continuously on a predetermined trajectory is received, (a) the first position information; The difference between the last position information and the last position information is calculated and used as the displacement amount information of the contact point (the number of touched sensors or the displacement distance). (B) The difference between the first position information and the last position information is calculated and the displacement is calculated. (C) calculate the quotient of the number of touched sensors or the transition distance and the transition time to obtain the transition speed information, and (d) continue (a), (b) and (c) Do and transition By outputting the number of sensors or the displacement distance touched, the displacement direction, and the displacement speed, the input device described above or the electronic device incorporating the input device can effectively perform continuous event input. ing.

As still another embodiment, a finger touch position detecting means is continuously arranged on a predetermined trajectory of a straight line, a plane curve or a space curve, and a contact point is made to correspond to the trajectory one-to-one. In an input device having a touch position input unit on a predetermined trajectory detected as position information on dimensional coordinates and at least one switch unit for turning on or off a contact, when the touch position detection unit is enabled, a predetermined When there is a continuous transition input in the same direction among the inputs detected as the position information on the one-dimensional coordinates, (a) the difference between the first position information and the last position information is calculated. (B) Calculate the difference between the first position information and the last position information to obtain the transition direction information, and (c) calculate the number of touched sensors or the displacement distance and the transition time. Calculate the quotient And Utsurisoku of information, perform (d) continuing with (a) and (b) and (c), the displacement distance of the contact point, the displacement direction, by outputting the displacement speed, and
The above-described input device or an electronic device incorporating the input device can effectively perform continuous event input.

As another embodiment related to the control of a data pointer, a finger touch position detecting means is continuously arranged on a predetermined trajectory of a straight line, a plane curve or a space curve, and a contact point is determined. A control including a touch position input unit on a predetermined trajectory detected as position information on one-dimensional coordinates corresponding to the trajectory one-to-one, at least one switch for turning on or off a contact, and a central processing processor In the electronic device having means and a data pointer to a predetermined data table on software, a moving direction of the data pointer pointing to the data table is uniquely determined in advance in a moving direction of the touch position, and the moving number of the data pointer is previously touched. When the touch position detection means is enabled, it is uniquely determined as the position shift distance, If that when moving the data pointer, in the input which is detected as the position information on the predetermined one-dimensional coordinates, there is displacement input in succession toward the same direction,
(B) The difference between the first position information and the last position information is calculated to be the displacement distance information. (B) The difference between the first position information and the last position information is calculated and the displacement direction information is calculated. (C) Calculate the quotient of the transition distance and the transition time as transition speed information, and (d) move the data pointer according to the number and direction corresponding to the input distance, (E)
When the distance information is input in the same direction, the data pointer is added to the previous position and moved,
(G) Continue with (a), (b), (c), (d), (e), and (f), and (h) point to this data pointer when there is a definite input by the switch means. By selecting the indicated data or executing the function, the input device described above or the electronic device incorporating the input device can effectively perform continuous event input.

As still another embodiment relating to the control of the cursor, a display means for displaying a plurality of items and a cursor for specifying which item is currently selected among them, a straight line or a plane A finger touch position detecting means is continuously arranged on a predetermined locus of a curved or spatial curve, and a contact point is detected as one-dimensional coordinate position information corresponding to the locus on a one-to-one basis. In an electronic device having a touch position input unit and at least one switch means for turning on or off a contact, a moving direction of the cursor is uniquely determined in advance corresponding to a moving direction of a contact point, and The moving distance of the cursor is uniquely determined in accordance with the moving distance of the contact point, and when the touch position detecting means is enabled, when the cursor for a predetermined item is moved, a predetermined primary In the case where there is a continuous change of the contact point in the same direction among the inputs detected as the position information on the coordinates, (a) the difference between the first position information and the last position information is calculated. (B) Calculate the difference between the first position information and the last position information to obtain the transition direction information, and (c) calculate the quotient of the transition distance and the transition time. (D) move the cursor according to the number and direction corresponding to the input distance, and (e) change the amount of movement of the cursor according to the input speed and move (F) When distance information is input in the same direction, the cursor is added to the previous position and moved,
(G) Continuously perform (a), (b), (c), (d), (e), and (f), and (h) indicate with this cursor when there is a definite input by the switch means. By performing the selected data or executing the function, the input device described above or the electronic device incorporating the input device can effectively perform continuous event input.

Further, as another embodiment, there is provided a touch position detecting means in which two touch detection sensors for independently detecting one touch are arranged adjacent to each other, and at least one of the touch points for turning on or off a contact point is provided. In the electronic device having the switch means, the control means including the central processing unit, and the data pointer to the predetermined data table on the software, the event that the touch detection is continuously performed by the two touch detection sensors is defined as one event, The touch position change direction is uniquely determined in advance corresponding to the movement direction of the data pointer pointing to the data table, and the number of events is uniquely determined in advance in accordance with the movement number of the data pointer, and the touch position detection means is enabled. When the data pointer moves to a predetermined data table, the touch detection If there is a touch input to the server,
(A) The first touch detection sensor input and the next touch detection sensor input are detected to be one event input, and (b) the first touch detection sensor input and the next touch detection sensor input The shift input direction is detected from the order, and (c) the data pointer is moved according to the number and direction corresponding to the input event. (D) If the event is input in the same direction, the data pointer is changed. (E) Calculate the number of input events per unit time from the time taken for the first event input and the next event input, and use this as speed information, ) Change the amount of movement of the data pointer according to the input speed information and move the data pointer. (G) Continue (a), (b), (c), (d), (e), and (f) ) And
(H) When there is a definite input by the switch means, by selecting the data pointed to by the data pointer or executing the function, the input device or the electronic device incorporating the input device can continue the event input. Can be performed effectively. In this example, even when the state changes from the contact state to the non-contact state, the event input, the transition direction input, and the transition speed information calculation can be performed, and a plurality of items and any one of them can be selected. It is also possible to provide a display means for displaying a cursor that clearly indicates whether the cursor is being operated, and synchronize the cursor with the data pointer.

As still another embodiment, at least one switch means for turning on or off a contact is provided with touch position detecting means in which three touch detection sensors for independently detecting one touch are arranged adjacent to each other. In the electronic device having control means including a central processing unit and a data pointer to a predetermined data table on software, the event that touch detection is continuously performed by two touch detection sensors is defined as one event. The touch position change direction is uniquely determined in accordance with the movement direction of the data pointer pointing to the table, and the number of events is uniquely determined in advance in accordance with the number of movements of the data pointer,
When the touch position detection means is enabled, when the data pointer for the predetermined data table is moved, and when the touch input is sequentially performed on the touch detection sensor,
(A) The first touch detection sensor input and the next touch detection sensor input are detected to be one event input, and (b) the first touch detection sensor input and the next touch detection sensor input If the shift input direction is detected from the order, (c) a non-adjacent touch sensor input is detected, it is regarded as one event input, and (d) if an adjacent touch sensor input is detected in the reverse direction, the immediately preceding input is first detected. (E) move the data pointer according to the number and direction corresponding to the input event, and (f) move the data pointer to the previous position if the event is input in the same direction. Add to and move
(G) Calculate the number of input events per unit time from the time taken between the first event input and the next event input, and use this as speed information. (H) According to the input speed information Change the amount of data pointer movement and move
(I) Continuously perform (a), (b), (c), (d), (e), (f), (h), and (li). By selecting the data pointed to by the data pointer or executing the function, the input device or the electronic device incorporating the input device can effectively perform continuous event input. I have. In this example as well, even when the contact state changes to the non-contact state, the event input, the transition direction input, and the transition speed information calculation can be performed, and a plurality of items and a currently selected one of them can be selected. It is also possible to provide a display means for displaying a cursor that clearly indicates whether the cursor has been selected, and synchronize the cursor with the data pointer.

As still another embodiment, there is provided a touch position detecting means in which a touch position detecting sensor is arranged continuously on a predetermined locus of a straight line, a plane curve or a space curve.
In an electronic device having at least one switch for turning on or off a contact, control means including a central processing unit, and a data pointer to a predetermined data table on software, touch detection is continuously performed on a plurality of touch detection sensors. Is performed, or the touch position moves at predetermined intervals, as one event, and a touch position change direction is uniquely determined in advance corresponding to the movement direction of the data pointer pointing to the data table. When the number of events is uniquely determined according to the number of movements of the data pointer, and the touch position detection unit is enabled, the touch input event occurrence position or the touch input event occurrence distance unit is set to coarse / dense as the touch input event setting. Data point for a given data table When moving, if there is a continuous touch input to the touch detection sensor in sequence, (b) the first touch detection sensor input and the next touch detection sensor input are detected and set as one event input, B) Detect the transition input direction from the order of the first touch detection sensor input and the next touch detection sensor input,
(C) move the data pointer according to the number and direction corresponding to the input event, and (d) add the data pointer to the previous position and move it when the event is input in the same direction. , (E) calculate the number of input events per unit time from the time taken between the first event input and the next event input, and use this as speed information;
The moving amount of the data pointer is changed according to the input speed information, and the data pointer is moved, and (g) is continuously moved (b), (b), (c), (d), (e), and (f). (H) When there is a definite input by the switch means, the data pointed by the data pointer is selected or the function is executed, whereby the input device or the electronic device incorporating the input device is Continuous event input can be performed effectively.

In addition to the above processing means, in the input device provided with a voice generating function together with the input device,
Means for generating a sound in synchronization with a touch input or an event input can be added. In an input device provided with a light emitter together with the above input device, a means for generating light by the light emitter in synchronization with a touch input or an event input may be added. Further, the touch operation means can be used in an input device in which a touch detection sensor and a switch means for turning on or off a contact are integrated. In an input device provided with a switch means for turning on or off a contact adjacent to a touch detection sensor, the touch operation means is used to detect a touch operation input and to move in a direction different from a trajectory provided by the touch sensor. After the movement of the finger, a finalized input can be received by an input of the switch means activated by the finger. In an input device provided with a switch means for turning on or off a contact adjacent to a touch detection sensor, the touch operation means is used to detect a touch operation input and to move in a direction orthogonal to a trajectory provided with the touch sensor. After the movement of the finger, the input of the switch means activated by the finger can be received. Further, a sequence for validating the touch position detecting means or a sequence for performing initial setting can be rearranged.

Some of the above processing means can be substituted by an electronic circuit, but they are the same as in the present application, including the same processing means. The above processing means can be executed by program processing, but the same as the present application even if the sequence is rearranged. The above processing means can be executed by program processing, but even if a part of the processing is executed by interrupt processing,
These processing means are the same as those in the present application whether performed in the driver routine or in the ROMBIOS. The above processing means can be executed by program processing, but even if distributed by multitask processing, the same processing means as in the present application is included, including the same processing means. The above processing means can be executed inside the operating system, but is the same as the present application, including the same processing means. The above processing means can be executed inside the application software, but is the same as the present application, including the same processing means. The above processing means can be executed even if only the event input is performed by the sensor-equipped device with the transmitting means and the above processing procedure is performed by the communication receiving device, or the distribution of the processing means to be executed by each transmitting and receiving device is performed. Can be executed, but the same as in the present application including the same processing means.

7) Embodiment of Touch Input Detecting Apparatus Hereinafter, in an embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a display means for displaying a plurality of items and a cursor for clearly indicating which item is currently selected, and a straight line. Alternatively, a movable contact is attached on a curved trajectory line, and a contact is attached on the lower part,
A spacer is provided to keep the movable contact and the contact from contacting at all times, a protrusion is provided on the upper surface of the movable contact attached portion, and the number of pressing events generated by successively pressing two adjacent movable contacts is reduced. A touch input detection device characterized in that the touch input detection device has a means for moving or fast-forwarding and displaying a cursor in synchronization. As shown in FIG. 35, the configuration is almost the same as that of the above-mentioned movable electrode system, but uses a movable contactor system as the touch position detecting means of the touch detection sensor unit.
By contacting the movable contacts M1 to M5 with a set of contacts S1 to S5, a contact position or a contact event on a trajectory is detected. FIG. 36A shows a projection 2 on the upper surface.
4 and a film-shaped movable portion 2 having a conductor 58 on the lower surface.
7 and a substrate 23 having a spacer 21 and a contact point S,
The film-shaped movable portion 27 is curvedly connected to the contact side by the crushing force of a finger or the like, the contact S is short-circuited, and the contact point of the finger is detected from the energized position and time of the contact.
(B) shows a perspective view of the input device. By using the above-described touch input detection method for this input device, input operability is improved. Hereinafter, in an embodiment of the present invention, a display means for displaying a plurality of items and a cursor that indicates which item is currently selected among them,
Movable contacts are attached to the linear or curved trajectory line segment with density, and contacts are attached to the lower part, spacers are provided to keep the movable contacts and contacts out of contact at all times, and the movable contact attachment portion A projection is provided on the upper surface of the cursor, and the cursor is moved or fast-forwarded and displayed in synchronization with the number of pressing events generated by continuously pressing two adjacent movable contacts. Touch input detecting device. As shown in FIG. 37, a substrate 59 is provided on a hard plate K such as a metal plate, and a pair of contacts 6 is provided on the substrate.
0, and a movable contact made of a conductor is provided below the film-like sheet having a projection 57 attached to the upper surface via a spacer 54, and is pressed from above or pressed by a finger from above and below as shown in FIG. Fire a touch event,
The input items are controlled by the finger slide or the like. FIG.
FIG. 7B is a perspective view of a touch detection input device on a linear trajectory configured with density. In this regard, distance is not proportional to the number of input events. The number of input events differs depending on the touch position. By using the above-described touch input detection method for this input device, input operability is improved. Having described the invention with some illustrative examples,
Those skilled in the art will appreciate that modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. The above example is
It is provided by way of example only and should not be construed as limiting the scope of the claims.

[0036]

As described above, according to the present invention, if the above means is used for the touch detecting means or the touch operation type input device, many continuous items, data, functions,
It is possible to configure an electronic device or the like on which the device is mounted, and it is possible to select an extremely large number of functions and data, and to provide good operability in which many functions can be easily used. In addition, since the device incorporating the above means can be made thinner in the structure of the mechanical parts in the switch pressing direction, a device having symmetrical operability in which the convenience differs between right-handed and left-handed is constructed. It becomes possible. Furthermore, when the above means is used for a touch detection switch that performs input according to the number of sensor touch events,
The operability and multi-functionality can be improved by freely adjusting the number of event inputs with the sense of a human finger and changing the number of events according to the place where the finger is applied. Further, if the above-described means is used for a touch input unit which serves as a key provided with a numeric keypad and a touch detection unit, it is possible to reduce the number of components and improve operation functions. Also, in the input device of the present invention, a virtual rotary operation type input mechanism can be emulated in an electronic device such as an IC card which is thin vertically.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a circuit configuration diagram of an electrostatic induction detection method according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a circuit configuration diagram of an optical detection system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIGS. 3A and 3B are layout diagrams of a light emitting element and a light receiving element showing an optical detection unit according to the embodiment of the present invention, wherein FIG. 3A is a cross-sectional view and FIG.

FIG. 4 is another layout diagram of a light-emitting element and a light-receiving element showing the optical detection means according to the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a circuit configuration diagram of a DC resistance detection system according to the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a conceptual configuration diagram showing a resistive film type detecting means according to an embodiment of the present invention, where (a) is a layout diagram of resistive films,
(B) is an explanatory view illustrating a voltage distribution.

FIG. 7 is a circuit diagram showing a resistive film type detecting means.

FIGS. 8A and 8B show a movable electrode type detecting means according to an embodiment of the present invention, wherein FIG. 8A is a sectional view and FIG.

9A and 9B are layout diagrams of a touch detection sensor according to an embodiment of the present invention, in which FIG. 9A is arranged linearly and provided with switch means in parallel, and FIG. (C) is a view in which a plurality of switches having different detection densities are arranged in parallel. FIG.

FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a contact-operation-type electronic component with a lateral slide-type push switch provided in the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of still another example of a contact operation type electronic component with a push switch.

12A and 12B are a plan view and a schematic view of a contact-operation-type electronic component having a push switch provided in an embodiment of the present invention, which has a circular locus; FIG. ) Is a sensor and switch separated type.

FIG. 13 is a diagram of another example of a contact-operation-type electronic component with a push switch provided in the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 14 is a diagram of another example of a contact-operation-type electronic component with a push switch.

FIG. 15 is a conceptual diagram of a densely arranged touch detection sensor provided in the embodiment of the present invention. Actually, in the case of being close to the analog type, the length is not a point of occurrence of an event but an uneven length.

FIG. 16 is a perspective view of a key switch in which a touch detection unit is provided on a key top attached in the embodiment of the present invention. (A) Key top with sensor
(B) With a plurality of sensors, (c), (d) With a touch detection means or a touch pad.

FIG. 17 is a diagram of an electronic device provided with a touch detection input device according to an embodiment of the present invention. (A), (b),
(C) is a plan view, and (d), (e), and (f) are perspective views.

FIG. 18 is a diagram of an electronic device provided with a touch detection input device according to an embodiment of the present invention. (A) is a front view of the one arranged on a circular locus, (b) is a perspective view of the one arranged on the side, (c), (d), and (e) are front views of a card type or a cube. (C) is a non-uniformly distributed arrangement on a locus on a straight line, (d) is a plurality of parallel arrangements, and (e) is a circular arrangement.

FIG. 19 is a plan view of a key switch in which a touch detection unit is provided on a key top on a locus in the embodiment of the present invention. (A) is arranged on a straight line, (b) is arranged crosswise or radially,
(C) is one arranged in parallel, and (c) is one arranged in parallel, crossed or radially.

FIG. 20 is a block diagram illustrating a circuit configuration of a touch detection input device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 21 is a front view of a remote commander having an infrared LED provided with a touch detection input device according to an embodiment of the present invention. The list pointed to by the data pointer and the cursor while the function list or the data list is displayed is shown on the right side.

FIG. 22 is an operation diagram of a remote commander having an infrared LED provided with a touch detection input device in the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 23 is an operation diagram of a remote commander having an infrared LED provided with a touch detection input device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 24 is an operation diagram of a remote commander having an infrared LED provided with a touch detection input device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 25 is an operation diagram of a remote commander having an infrared LED provided with a touch detection input device in the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 26 is an operation diagram of a remote commander having an infrared LED provided with a circular touch detection input device in the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 27 is an operation diagram of a remote commander having an infrared LED provided with a circular touch detection input device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 28 is an operation diagram of a remote commander having an infrared LED provided with a circular touch detection input device in the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 29 is an operation diagram of a remote commander having an infrared LED provided with a circular touch detection input device in the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 30 is an operation diagram of a remote commander having an infrared LED provided with a circular touch detection input device in the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 31 is an operation diagram of a remote commander having an infrared LED provided with a circular touch detection input device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 32 is an operation diagram of a remote commander having an infrared LED provided with a circular touch detection input device in the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 33 is an operation diagram of a remote commander provided with a key switch provided with a touch detection unit on a key top in the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 34 is a diagram illustrating movement of a data pointer when touch input is detected in the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 35 is a block diagram illustrating a circuit of a touch input detection device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 36 is an explanatory diagram of a touch input detection device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 37 is an explanatory diagram of a touch input detection device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[Explanation of symbols]

 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Pulse generation circuit 2 ... Scan drive circuit 3 ... CR phase shift oscillation circuit 4 ... Frequency comparison circuit 5 ... Control circuit 6 ... Judgment circuit 7 ... Light emitting element 8 ... Light receiving element 9 ... Demultiplexer 10 ... Multiplexer 11 ... Judgment circuit 12 ... Control circuit 13 ... AD converter 14 ... Metal contact contact switch 15 ... Resistive film 16 ... Electrode 17 ... Voltage measuring instrument 18 ... Control circuit 19 ... Counter 20 ... Decoder 21 ... Spacer 22 ... Movable electrode 23 ... Fixed electrode 24 ... Touch Position detection sensor 43 25 Pressure switch or touch switch 26 Elastic contact leg 27 Push switch 28 Projection 29 Mounting board with contacts 30 Terminal 31 Terminal 32 Key top holder 33 Spring body 34 Touch position detection Part 35 ... Cable 36 ... Holding part 37 ... Touch Sir 38 ... Connection member 39 ... Switch 40 ... Circular locus-shaped touch position detection sensor 41 ... Key with touch sensor on key top 42 ... Key with multiple touch sensors on key top 43 ... Touch pad 44 ... Liquid crystal Display unit 45 ... Display unit 46 ... Speaker 47 ... Sound circuit 48 ... Operation control circuit 49 ... Touch detection circuit 50 ... Application system 51 ... Light emitter 52 ... Cursor 53 ... LED 54 ... Spacer 55 ... Conductive path pattern 56 ... Film-like movable Part 57: Projection 58: Conductor 59: Substrate 60: Fixed electrode

Claims (65)

[Claims] 1. An input device having touch detection means in which a touch detection sensor is continuously arranged on a predetermined trajectory of a straight line, a plane curve, or a space curve. And a means for successively adding or subtracting a physical quantity by replacing a physical phenomenon repeatedly input by touching along a trajectory with scalar quantity information and vector quantity information. 2. An input device having a touch detection means in which a touch detection sensor is arranged continuously on a predetermined trajectory of a straight line, a plane curve, or a space curve. A touch input detection method, comprising: means for capturing the direction and the direction. 3. An input device having a touch detection means in which a touch detection sensor is arranged continuously on a predetermined trajectory of a straight line, a plane curve, or a space curve. A touch input detection method comprising: means for capturing time and direction; and means for calculating speed from length and time. 4. An input device having a touch detection means in which a touch detection sensor is arranged continuously on a predetermined trajectory of a straight line, a plane curve, or a space curve. A touch input detection method, comprising: means for capturing time and direction; and means for calculating speed from length, time, and direction. 5. An input device having a touch detection means in which a touch detection sensor is arranged continuously on a predetermined straight or flat curved or space curved locus. A touch input detection method, comprising: means for capturing time and direction; means for calculating velocity from length, time and direction; and means for calculating acceleration from velocity. 6. An input device in which a plurality of touch detection means having touch detection sensors arranged continuously on a predetermined trajectory of a straight line, a plane curve or a space curve are arranged in parallel or substantially in parallel and integrated. The touch input detection method according to claim 1, wherein the detection input is performed by applying means, and calculation is performed. 7. An input device comprising touch detection means in which a key provided with a touch detection sensor on a key top is continuously arranged on a predetermined locus of a straight line, a plane curve, or a space curve. 7. The touch input detection method according to claim 1, wherein the touch information is calculated by taking in the detection information. 8. The touch input detecting method according to claim 1, wherein said means is applied to information generated when the state changes from a contact state to a non-contact state instead of the touch input detection. . 9. The touch according to claim 1, wherein said means is applied to information generated when the touch state is changed to a non-contact state together with the information generated by the touch input. Input detection method. 10. The method according to claim 2, wherein the number of events generated by sensor detection is used in place of the input length information, and the speed, speed, and acceleration are substituted by the number of events per unit time. Item 10. The touch input detection method according to Item 9. 11. The touch detecting means is provided with a touch detecting means in which a touch detecting sensor is arranged in a non-uniform distribution having a sparse and dense pattern continuously on the predetermined trajectory. The touch input detection method according to claim 1, wherein the touch input is calculated. 12. The touch detection means is provided with touch detection means in which touch detection sensors are arranged uniformly on the predetermined trajectory continuously, and a touch input event occurrence position or an occurrence distance unit is sparsely and densely arranged. The touch input detection method according to claim 1, wherein the method is configured to apply the above-described means to capture and calculate detection information. 13. The touch detection means is provided with touch detection means in which touch detection sensors are uniformly distributed continuously on the predetermined trajectory. The touch input detection method according to claim 1, wherein a touch input event occurrence position or an occurrence distance unit is changed with sparse / dense according to the speed, the acceleration, or the acceleration. 14. A means for continuously detecting a finger touch on said predetermined trajectory and detecting a contact point as positional information on one-dimensional coordinates corresponding to said trajectory on a one-to-one basis. 14. The touch input detection method according to claim 1, wherein the input unit detects the input information detected as the position information on the one-dimensional coordinates. 15. An electronic apparatus having a control means including an arithmetic processor and a data pointer to a predetermined data table on software, wherein a finger touch detection means is continuously arranged on the predetermined trajectory. The touch input detection method according to claim 1, wherein the movement and fast-forward movement are performed by synchronizing a result obtained by use and calculation with the data pointer. 16. A display means for displaying a plurality of items, a cursor for indicating which item is currently selected among the items, and a finger touch detecting means continuously on the predetermined trajectory. 16. The touch input detection method according to claim 1, wherein the electronic device has a cursor which is moved or fast-forwarded and displayed by synchronizing a result obtained by calculation using the means and a cursor. 17. An input device provided with a sound generation function together with the input device, further comprising means for applying the above means, taking in detection information, calculating, and generating a sound in synchronization with the input. The touch input detection method according to any one of claims 1 to 16. 18. An input device provided with a luminous body together with the input device, characterized in that a means for applying the above-mentioned means, taking in detection information and calculating, and generating light by the luminous body in synchronization with an input is added. The touch input detection method according to claim 1, wherein the touch input is detected. 19. A system according to claim 19, further comprising a means for calculating a capture of a touch input by moving or touching a finger, and a means for detecting an event different from said input means by continuously touching the same portion a plurality of times. Claim 1
The touch input detection method according to claim 18. 20. An input device having at least one switch means for turning a contact on or off together with said input device, wherein said means is applied to capture and calculate detection information.
19. The touch input detection method according to claim 1, further comprising means for inputting an event by the switch means. 21. The touch input detecting method according to claim 20, wherein when the switch means is constituted by a touch sensor, the switch means has means for capturing an event input by the switch means. 22. An input device in which touch detection means having a touch detection sensor arranged continuously on said predetermined locus and switch means for turning on or off a contact are integrated.
21. The touch input detection method according to claim 1, further comprising: a unit configured to capture and calculate detection information by applying the unit. 23. An input device in which a touch detection means having a touch detection sensor arranged continuously on the predetermined locus and a switch means for turning on or off a contact are arranged adjacent to the touch detection sensor. 22. The method according to claim 1, wherein the detecting means is adapted to capture and calculate detection information, and to accept an event input generated from the switch means by a movement of the finger in a direction different from a trajectory on which the touch sensor is arranged. Touch input detection method described. 24. An input device comprising: a touch detection means having a touch detection sensor continuously disposed on the predetermined trajectory; and a switch means for turning on or off a contact disposed adjacent to the touch detection sensor. 22. A method according to claim 1, wherein said means is applied to detect and calculate detection information, and receives an event input generated from said switch means by a movement of a finger in a direction intersecting a trajectory provided with said touch sensor. Touch input detection method according to. 25. An input device in which a plurality of touch detection means having touch detection sensors arranged continuously on said predetermined trajectory are arranged in parallel or substantially in parallel. 26. A device according to claim 1, further comprising means for receiving an event input generated by touching another touch detection means by moving a finger in a direction intersecting one trajectory provided with the touch sensor. Touch input detection method according to. 26. At least one touch position detecting means in which a touch position detecting sensor is continuously arranged on a predetermined trajectory of a straight line, a plane curve or a space curve, and a switch means for turning on or off a contact point. In the input device,
When the touch position detecting means is in the valid state, the input of the touch position information is performed, and when the input of the transition in the same direction continuously on a predetermined trajectory is received, (A) the initial position information and The difference between the last position information and the last position information is calculated as the displacement information of the contact point (the number of touched sensors or the displacement distance), and (b) the difference between the first position information and the last position information is calculated. It is characterized by including at least the above means for outputting (i) the number of sensors touched or the distance traveled during the transition and (ii) the direction of the transition, and (ii) continuously performing (ii) and (ii) as the transition direction information. Touch input detection method. 27. At least one touch position detecting means having a touch position detecting sensor arranged continuously on a predetermined trajectory of a straight line, a plane curve or a space curve, and at least one switch means for turning on or off a contact point. In the input device,
When the touch position detecting means is in the valid state, the input of the touch position information is performed, and when the input of the transition in the same direction continuously on a predetermined trajectory is received, (A) the initial position information and The difference between the last position information and the last position information is calculated as the displacement information of the contact point (the number of touched sensors or the displacement distance), and (b) the difference between the first position information and the last position information is calculated. (C) the number of touched sensors or the displacement distance, the transition time,
Calculate the quotient of the data and use it as transition speed information. (D) Continue (a)
And (b) and (c), and the number of sensors touched at the time of transition or the displacement distance, the displacement direction, the displacement speed,
A touch input detecting method, comprising at least the above means for outputting a touch input. 28. A one-dimensional coordinate system in which a finger touch position detecting means is continuously arranged on a predetermined trajectory of a straight line, a plane curve or a space curve, and a contact point is one-to-one corresponding to the trajectory. In an input device having a touch position input unit on a predetermined trajectory detected as position information and at least one switch unit for turning on or off a contact, when the touch position detection unit is enabled, a predetermined one-dimensional coordinate If there is a continuous transition input in the same direction among the inputs detected as the position information of (a), the difference between the first position information and the last position information is calculated and the displacement distance information is calculated. And (b)
The difference between the first position information and the last position information is calculated and used as the displacement direction information. (C) The steps (a) and (b) are continuously performed, and the displacement distance of the contact point, the displacement direction and , Which includes at least the above means. 29. A one-dimensional coordinate system in which a finger touch position detecting means is continuously arranged on a predetermined trajectory of a straight line, a plane curve, or a space curve, and a contact point corresponds to the trajectory one-to-one. In an input device having a touch position input unit on a predetermined trajectory detected as position information and at least one switch unit for turning on or off a contact, when the touch position detection unit is enabled, a predetermined one-dimensional coordinate If there is a continuous transition input in the same direction among the inputs detected as the position information of (a), the difference between the first position information and the last position information is calculated and the displacement distance information is calculated. And (b)
Calculate the difference between the first position information and the last position information and use it as transition direction information. (C) Calculate the quotient of the number of touched sensors or the transition distance and the transition time to obtain the transition speed information. , (D) continue (a), (b), and (c)
A touch input detection method, comprising: outputting at least a shift distance, a shift direction, and a shift speed of a contact point. 30. A one-dimensional coordinate system in which finger touch position detecting means is arranged continuously on a predetermined locus of a straight line, a plane curve, or a space curve, and a contact point is one-to-one corresponding to the locus. A touch position input unit on a predetermined trajectory to be detected as position information, at least one switch unit for turning on or off a contact, and a control unit including a central processing processor,
In an electronic device having a data pointer to a predetermined data table on software, a moving direction of the data pointer pointing to the data table is uniquely determined in advance in a moving direction of the touch position, and a moving number of the data pointer is previously determined in the moving direction of the touch position. The distance is uniquely determined, and when the touch position detecting means is enabled, when moving the data pointer to the predetermined data table, the input detected as the position information on the predetermined one-dimensional coordinates continuously includes If there is a displacement input in the same direction, the difference between the first position information and the last position information is calculated as displacement distance information, and (b) the first position information and the last position information are calculated. Calculate the difference between the position information and the displacement direction information, and (c)
The data pointer is moved according to the number and direction corresponding to the inputted distance, and (d) when the distance information is inputted in the same direction, the data pointer is added to the previous position and moved, E) Continue (a), (b), (c), and (d)
And (f) selecting at least one of the data pointed to by the data pointer or executing a function when there is a finalized input by the switch means. 31. A one-dimensional coordinate system in which finger touch position detecting means is continuously arranged on a predetermined trajectory of a straight line, a plane curve, or a space curve, and a contact point is one-to-one corresponding to the trajectory. A touch position input unit on a predetermined trajectory to be detected as position information, at least one switch unit for turning on or off a contact, and a control unit including a central processing processor,
In an electronic device having a data pointer to a predetermined data table on software, a moving direction of the data pointer pointing to the data table is uniquely determined in advance in a moving direction of the touch position, and a moving number of the data pointer is previously determined in the moving direction of the touch position. The distance is uniquely determined, and when the touch position detecting means is enabled, when moving the data pointer to the predetermined data table, the input detected as the position information on the predetermined one-dimensional coordinates continuously includes If there is a displacement input in the same direction, the difference between the first position information and the last position information is calculated as displacement distance information, and (b) the first position information and the last position information are calculated. Calculate the difference between the position information and the displacement direction information, and (c)
Calculate the quotient of the transition distance and the transition time as transition speed information, (d) move the data pointer according to the number and direction corresponding to the input distance, and (e) input the data pointer. (F) When distance information is input in the same direction, the data pointer is added to the previous position and moved, and (g) continues. (A), (b), (c), (d), (e), and (f)
And (h) selecting a data pointed by the data pointer or executing a function when there is a finalized input by the switch means. 32. A display means for displaying a plurality of items and a cursor for indicating which item is currently selected among the items, and a continuous line, a plane curve or a space curve on a predetermined locus. A touch position detecting unit for a finger is provided, and a touch position input unit on a predetermined locus for detecting contact points as position information on one-dimensional coordinates corresponding to the locus on a one-to-one basis, and turns on or off a contact point. In an electronic device having at least one switch means, a moving direction of the cursor is uniquely determined in advance corresponding to the moving direction of the contact point, and the moving distance of the cursor is previously determined in accordance with the moving distance of the contact point. Is uniquely determined, and when the touch position detecting means is enabled, when the cursor is moved to a predetermined item, the input detected as the position information on the predetermined one-dimensional coordinate is continuously performed. When there is a displacement input of a contact point heading in one direction, (b) the difference between the first position information and the last position information is calculated to be displacement distance information, and (b) the first position information, The difference between the last position information and the calculated position information is calculated and used as displacement direction information. (C) The cursor is moved according to the number and direction corresponding to the input distance, and (d) distance information is input in the same direction. In this case, the cursor is added to the previous position and moved, and (e) is continuously performed (a), (b), (c) and (d), and (f) the finalized input by the switch means A touch input detection method comprising at least the above means for selecting data or executing a function indicated by the cursor when the touch input is detected. 33. A display means for displaying a plurality of items and a cursor for specifying which item is currently selected among the items, and continuously on a predetermined locus of a straight line, a plane curve or a space curve. A touch position detection unit for a finger is provided, and a touch position input unit on a predetermined trajectory for detecting a contact point as position information on one-dimensional coordinates corresponding to the trajectory one-to-one with a trajectory is turned on or off. In an electronic device having at least one switch means, a moving direction of the cursor is uniquely determined in advance corresponding to a moving direction of the contact point, and a moving distance of the cursor is previously determined in accordance with a moving distance of the contact point. Is uniquely determined, and when the touch position detecting means is enabled, when the cursor is moved to a predetermined item, the input detected as the position information on the predetermined one-dimensional coordinate is continuously performed. When there is a displacement input of a contact point heading in one direction, (b) the difference between the first position information and the last position information is calculated to be displacement distance information, and (b) the first position information, Calculate the difference between the last position information and the shift direction information, and (c) calculate the quotient of the shift distance and the shift time to obtain shift speed information,
(D) move the cursor according to the number and direction corresponding to the input distance, (e) change the amount of movement of the cursor according to the input speed, and move (f) the same When the distance information is input in the direction, the cursor is added to the previous position and moved, and (g) is continued (a), (b), (c), (d), (e), and (f). And (h) selecting a data pointed by the cursor or executing a function when there is a finalized input by the switch means. 34. A display device for displaying a plurality of items and a cursor for clearly indicating which item is currently selected, and a device for detecting a position where a fingertip is touched or released and a time point. An input device having a means for selecting a plurality of items or moving a cursor for a volume by recognizing a state of following a fingertip, and having a cursor instruction confirming switch and a confirming input by its contact input. A plurality of touch detection sensors for detecting one touch are provided according to a predetermined trajectory of a straight line, a plane curve, or a space curve, and a calculation control unit is provided. (A) Continue to detect the time and position of touching or releasing the finger on each sensor on the linear coordinates when the Alternatively, the finger movement distance is calculated from the position between the sensors that have detected release, and (c) the movement time of the finger is calculated from the time of each sensor that has detected touch or release. (E) Calculate the displacement direction from the touched or released position of each sensor on the trajectory line, (f) determine the cursor movement direction from the displacement direction, (g) move Determine the displacement value of the cursor from the distance. (H) If the distance is input in the same direction, add the moving distance of the cursor. (Iv) Determine the item pointed by the cursor using the instruction determination switch. A touch input detection method characterized by including at least the above-mentioned means for displaying, selecting or confirming an arbitrary item according to a copying state. 35. A display device for displaying a plurality of items and a cursor for clearly indicating which item is currently selected, and a device for detecting a position where a fingertip is touched or released and a time point. An input device having a means for selecting a plurality of items or moving a cursor for a volume by recognizing a state of following a fingertip, and having a cursor instruction confirming switch and a confirming input by its contact input. A plurality of touch detection sensors for detecting one touch are provided according to a predetermined trajectory of a straight line, a plane curve, or a space curve, and a calculation control unit is provided. (A) Continue to detect the time and position of touching or releasing the finger on each sensor on the linear coordinates when the Alternatively, the finger movement distance is calculated from the position between the sensors that have detected release, and (c) the movement time of the finger is calculated from the time of each sensor that has detected touch or release. Calculating the speed from time and distance, (e) calculating the displacement direction from the position where the finger is touched or released on each sensor on the trajectory line, and (f) determining the moving direction of the cursor from the displacement direction, (G) Determine the cursor movement value from the movement distance, (h) Increase the movement distance of the cursor according to the magnitude of the speed, (iii) Add the movement distance of the cursor if there is a distance input in the same direction (G) The item specified by the cursor is determined by the instruction determination switch, and any item is displayed, selected or determined in accordance with the state of following the fingertip. Characteristic touch input detection method. 36. At least one switch means for turning on or off a contact, comprising: a touch position detecting means in which two touch detecting sensors for independently detecting one touch are disposed adjacent to each other; In an electronic device having a control means including a processor and a data pointer to a predetermined data table on software, data indicating that touch detection is continuously performed by two touch detection sensors is defined as one event, and data indicating a data table in advance. The touch position transition direction is uniquely determined according to the pointer movement direction,
The number of events is uniquely determined in advance according to the number of movements of the data pointer, and when the touch position detection means is enabled, when the data pointer moves to a predetermined data table, touch the touch detection sensor in succession If there is input,
(A) The first touch detection sensor input and the next touch detection sensor input are detected to form one event input, and (b) the first touch detection sensor input and the next touch detection sensor input. The shift input direction is detected from the order, and (c) the data pointer is moved according to the number and direction corresponding to the input event. (D) If the event is input in the same direction, the data pointer is changed. The data pointer is added and moved to the previous position, and (e) is continuously performed (a), (b), (c), and (d). A touch input detection method including at least the above means for selecting data or executing a function indicated by (1). 37. At least one switch means for turning on or off a contact, comprising: a touch position detecting means in which two touch detecting sensors for independently detecting one touch are disposed adjacent to each other; In an electronic device having a control means including a processor and a data pointer to a predetermined data table on software, data indicating that touch detection is continuously performed by two touch detection sensors is defined as one event, and data indicating a data table in advance. The touch position transition direction is uniquely determined according to the pointer movement direction,
The number of events is uniquely determined in advance according to the number of movements of the data pointer, and when the touch position detection means is enabled, when the data pointer moves to a predetermined data table, touch the touch detection sensor in succession If there is input,
(A) The first touch detection sensor input and the next touch detection sensor input are detected to be one event input, and (b) the first touch detection sensor input and the next touch detection sensor input The shift input direction is detected from the order, and (c) the data pointer is moved according to the number and direction corresponding to the input event. (D) If the event is input in the same direction, the data pointer is changed. (E) Calculate the number of input events per unit time from the time taken for the first event input and the next event input, and use this as speed information, ) Change the amount of movement of the data pointer according to the input speed information and move the data pointer. (G) Continue (a), (b), (c), (d), (e), and (f) ) And
(H) A touch input detection method including at least the above means for selecting the data pointed to by the data pointer or executing a function when there is a definite input by the switch means. 38. When the touch position detecting means is in an effective state,
38. The touch input detection method according to claim 36, further comprising performing an event input, a transition direction input, and a transition speed information calculation when the contact state changes to the non-contact state. 39. A display device for displaying a plurality of items and a cursor for indicating which item is currently selected among the items, and the cursor is synchronized with a data pointer. The touch input detection method according to any one of Items 36 to 38. 40. At least one switch means for turning on or off a contact, comprising: a touch position detecting means in which three touch detecting sensors for independently detecting one touch are disposed adjacent to each other; In an electronic device having a control means including a processor and a data pointer to a predetermined data table on software, the event that the touch detection is continuously performed by two touch detection sensors is defined as one event, and data indicating the data table in advance. The touch position transition direction is uniquely determined according to the pointer movement direction,
The number of events is uniquely determined in advance according to the number of movements of the data pointer, and when the touch position detection means is enabled, when the data pointer moves to a predetermined data table, touch the touch detection sensor in succession If there is input,
(A) The first touch detection sensor input and the next touch detection sensor input are detected to be one event input, and (b) the first touch detection sensor input and the next touch detection sensor input If the shift input direction is detected from the order, (c) a non-adjacent touch sensor input is detected, it is regarded as one event input, and (d) if an adjacent touch sensor input is detected in the reverse direction, the immediately preceding input is first detected. (E) move the data pointer according to the number and direction corresponding to the input event, and (f) move the data pointer to the previous position if the event is input in the same direction. Add to and move
(G) Continue with (a), (b), (c), (d), (e), and (f), and (h) point to this data pointer when there is a definite input by the switch means. A touch input detection method comprising at least the above means for selecting the indicated data or executing a function. 41. At least one switch means for turning on or off a contact, comprising: a touch position detecting means in which three touch detection sensors for independently detecting one touch are disposed adjacent to each other; In an electronic device having a control means including a processor and a data pointer to a predetermined data table on software, the event that the touch detection is continuously performed by two touch detection sensors is defined as one event, and data indicating the data table in advance. The touch position transition direction is uniquely determined according to the pointer movement direction,
The number of events is uniquely determined in advance according to the number of movements of the data pointer, and when the touch position detection means is enabled, when the data pointer moves to a predetermined data table, touch the touch detection sensor in succession If there is input,
(A) The first touch detection sensor input and the next touch detection sensor input are detected to be one event input, and (b) the first touch detection sensor input and the next touch detection sensor input If the shift input direction is detected from the order, (c) a non-adjacent touch sensor input is detected, it is regarded as one event input, and (d) if an adjacent touch sensor input is detected in the reverse direction, the immediately preceding input is first detected. (E) move the data pointer according to the number and direction corresponding to the input event, and (f) move the data pointer to the previous position if the event is input in the same direction. Add to and move
(G) Calculate the number of input events per unit time from the time taken between the first event input and the next event input, and use this as speed information. (H) According to the input speed information Change the amount of data pointer movement and move
(I) Continuously perform (a), (b), (c), (d), (e), (f), (h), and (li). A touch input detection method comprising at least the above means for selecting the data pointed to by the data pointer or executing a function when the data pointer is present. 42. When the touch position detecting means is in an effective state,
42. The touch input detection method according to claim 40, further comprising performing an event input, a transition direction input, and a transition speed information calculation when the contact state changes to the non-contact state. 43. A display device for displaying a plurality of items and a cursor for indicating which item is currently selected among the items, wherein the cursor is synchronized with a data pointer. 43. The touch input detection method according to claim 40. 44. Touch position detecting means in which touch position detecting sensors are arranged in a non-uniform distribution having a sparse and dense profile continuously on a predetermined locus of a straight line, a plane curve, or a space curve, and a contact is turned on or off. At least one switch means for performing, a control means including a central processing unit, and an electronic device having a data pointer to a predetermined data table on software, wherein touch detection is continuously performed on a plurality of touch detection sensors, Or, assuming that the touch positions move at predetermined intervals, as one event, a touch position transition direction is uniquely determined in advance corresponding to the movement direction of the data pointer pointing to the data table,
The number of events is uniquely determined in advance according to the number of movements of the data pointer, and when the touch position detection means is enabled, when the data pointer moves to a predetermined data table, touch the touch detection sensor in succession If there is input,
(A) The first touch detection sensor input and the next touch detection sensor input are detected to form one event input, and (b) the first touch detection sensor input and the next touch detection sensor input. The shift input direction is detected from the order, and (c) the data pointer is moved according to the number and direction corresponding to the input event. (D) If the event is input in the same direction, the data pointer is changed. The data pointer is added and moved to the previous position, and (e) is continuously performed (a), (b), (c), and (d). A touch input detection method including at least the above means for selecting data or executing a function indicated by (1). 45. A touch position detecting means in which touch position detecting sensors are arranged in a non-uniform distribution having a sparse and dense pattern continuously on a predetermined locus of a straight line, a plane curve or a space curve, and a contact is turned on or off. At least one switch means for performing, a control means including a central processing unit, and an electronic device having a data pointer to a predetermined data table on software, wherein touch detection is continuously performed on a plurality of touch detection sensors, Alternatively, the touch position is moved at predetermined intervals as one event, and the touch position transition direction is uniquely determined in advance in correspondence with the movement direction of the data pointer pointing to the data table,
The number of events is uniquely determined in advance according to the number of movements of the data pointer, and when the touch position detection means is enabled, when the data pointer moves to a predetermined data table, touch the touch detection sensor in succession If there is input,
(A) The first touch detection sensor input and the next touch detection sensor input are detected to be one event input, and (b) the first touch detection sensor input and the next touch detection sensor input The shift input direction is detected from the order, and (c) the data pointer is moved according to the number and direction corresponding to the input event. (D) If the event is input in the same direction, the data pointer is changed. (E) Calculate the number of input events per unit time from the time taken for the first event input and the next event input, and use this as speed information, ) Change the amount of movement of the data pointer according to the input speed information and move the data pointer. (G) Continue (a), (b), (c), (d), (e), and (f) ) And
(H) A touch input detection method including at least the above means for selecting the data pointed to by the data pointer or executing a function when there is a definite input by the switch means. 46. At least one switch means for arranging a touch position detecting means provided with a touch position detecting sensor continuously on a predetermined locus of a straight line, a plane curve or a space curve, and for turning on or off a contact point. In an electronic device having control means including a central processing processor and a data pointer to a predetermined data table on software, a plurality of touch detection sensors perform touch detection continuously, or touch positions at predetermined intervals. Is defined as one event, and a touch position change direction is uniquely determined in advance in accordance with the movement direction of the data pointer pointing to the data table.
The number of events is uniquely determined in advance according to the number of movements of the data pointer, and when the touch position detecting means is enabled, the touch input event occurrence position or the touch input event occurrence distance unit is set as coarse / fine as the touch input event setting. When moving the data pointer to a predetermined data table, if there is a continuous touch input to the touch detection sensor, (a) the first touch detection sensor input and the next touch detection The sensor input is detected, and one event input is detected. (B) The transition input direction is detected in the order of the first touch detection sensor input and the next touch detection sensor input, and (c) the input event. Move the data pointer according to the number and direction corresponding to (d) and (d) if an event is input in the same direction, The pointer is added to the previous position and moved, and (e) is continuously performed (a), (b), (c), and (d), and (f)
A touch input detection method, comprising: at least the above means for selecting the data pointed to by the data pointer or executing a function when a fixed input is made by the switch means. 47. At least one switch means for arranging a touch position detecting means provided with a touch position detecting sensor continuously on a predetermined trajectory of a straight line, a plane curve or a space curve, and for turning on or off a contact point. In an electronic device having control means including a central processing processor and a data pointer to a predetermined data table on software, a plurality of touch detection sensors perform touch detection continuously, or touch positions at predetermined intervals. Is defined as one event, and a touch position change direction is uniquely determined in advance in accordance with the movement direction of the data pointer pointing to the data table.
The number of events is uniquely determined in advance according to the number of movements of the data pointer, and when the touch position detecting means is enabled, the touch input event occurrence position or the touch input event occurrence distance unit is set as coarse / fine as the touch input event setting. When moving the data pointer to a predetermined data table, if there is a continuous touch input to the touch detection sensor, (a) the first touch detection sensor input and the next touch detection The sensor input is detected, and one event input is detected. (B) The transition input direction is detected in the order of the first touch detection sensor input and the next touch detection sensor input, and (c) the input event. Move the data pointer according to the number and direction corresponding to (d) and (d) if an event is input in the same direction, (E) calculate the number of input events per unit time from the time taken for the first event input and the next event input, and use this as speed information, (F) Change the moving amount of the data pointer in accordance with the input speed information and move (g) continuously (b), (b), (c), (d), and (e) (F)
And (h) selecting a data pointed by the data pointer or executing a function when there is a finalized input by the switch means. 48. At least one switch means for arranging a touch position detecting means provided with a touch position detecting sensor continuously on a predetermined locus of a straight line, a plane curve or a space curve, and for turning on or off a contact point. In an electronic device having control means including a central processing processor and a data pointer to a predetermined data table on software, a plurality of touch detection sensors perform touch detection continuously, or touch positions at predetermined intervals. Is defined as one event, and a touch position change direction is uniquely determined in advance in accordance with the movement direction of the data pointer pointing to the data table.
The number of events is uniquely determined in advance according to the number of movements of the data pointer, and when the touch position detection means is enabled, when the data pointer moves to a predetermined data table, touch the touch detection sensor in succession If there is input,
(A) The first touch detection sensor input and the next touch detection sensor input are detected to be one event input, and (b) the first touch detection sensor input and the next touch detection sensor input The shift input direction is detected from the order, and (c) the touch input event occurrence position or the touch input event occurrence distance unit is set with coarseness and denseness, and (d) the number and direction corresponding to the input event, (E) If an event is input in the same direction, add the data pointer to the previous position and move it. (F) Continue (b) and (b)
(C) Performs all or part of (d) and (e), and (g) selects the data pointed to by the data pointer or executes the function when there is a definite input by the switch means. , A touch input detection method comprising at least the above means. 49. At least one switch means for arranging a touch position detecting means provided with a touch position detecting sensor continuously on a predetermined locus of a straight line, a plane curve or a space curve, and for turning on or off a contact. In an electronic device having control means including a central processing processor and a data pointer to a predetermined data table on software, a plurality of touch detection sensors perform touch detection continuously, or touch positions at predetermined intervals. Is defined as one event, and a touch position change direction is uniquely determined in advance in accordance with the movement direction of the data pointer pointing to the data table.
The number of events is uniquely determined in advance according to the number of movements of the data pointer, and when the touch position detection means is enabled, when the data pointer moves to a predetermined data table, touch the touch detection sensor in succession If there is input,
(A) The first touch detection sensor input and the next touch detection sensor input are detected to be one event input, and (b) the first touch detection sensor input and the next touch detection sensor input The shift input direction is detected from the order, and (c) the touch input event occurrence position or the touch input event occurrence distance unit is set with coarseness and denseness, and (d) the number and direction corresponding to the input event, and (E) When an event is input in the same direction, the data pointer is added to the previous position and moved, and (f) the first event input and the next event input Calculates the number of input events per unit time from the time taken, and uses this as speed information,
(G) Change the amount of movement of the data pointer according to the input speed information and move (h) continue (b) and (b)
Performs all or part of (c), (d), (e), (f), and (g), and (re) the data pointed to by this data pointer when a definite input is made by the switch means. A touch input detection method comprising at least the above means for selecting a function or executing a function. 50. A system according to claim 26, further comprising means for changing a touch input event occurrence position or a density of a touch input event occurrence distance unit as the distance becomes longer when there is a continuous event input. 50. The touch input detection method according to claim 49. 51. When the touch position detecting means is in an effective state,
51. The touch input detection method according to claim 44, further comprising performing an event input, a transition direction input, and a transition speed information calculation when the contact state changes to the non-contact state. 52. A display device for displaying a plurality of items and a cursor for specifying which item is currently selected among the items, wherein the cursor is synchronized with a data pointer. The touch input detection method according to any one of Items 44 to 51. 53. An input device provided with a voice generating function together with said input device, wherein means for generating a voice in synchronization with a touch input or an event input is added. Touch input detection method. 54. An input device provided with a light emitter together with the input device, further comprising means for generating light by the light emitter in synchronization with a touch input or an event input. Touch input detection method according to. 55. An input device in which a touch detection sensor and a switch means for turning a contact on or off are integrated.
3. The method according to claim 2, wherein said touch operation means is used.
The touch input detection method according to any one of claims 6 to 54. 56. An input device provided with a switch means for turning on or off a contact adjacent to a touch detection sensor, wherein the touch operation means is used to detect a touch operation input and to provide a trajectory of the touch sensor. 55. The touch input detecting method according to claim 26, wherein after a finger is moved in a direction different from the direction, a finalized input is received by an input of switch means activated by the finger. 57. An input device provided with switch means for turning on or off a contact adjacent to a touch detection sensor, wherein the touch operation means is used to detect a touch operation input and to provide a trajectory where the touch sensor is provided. 55. The touch input detecting method according to claim 26, wherein after the movement of the finger in a direction orthogonal to the direction of the finger, the input from the switch means activated by the finger is accepted to determine the input. 58. The touch input detecting method according to claim 26, wherein a sequence for validating the touch position detecting means or a sequence for performing initial setting is rearranged. 59. A non-contact / contact or pressure-sensitive sensor continuously arranged in a string on a trajectory of a one-dimensional, two-dimensional or three-dimensional point to perform an operation of sliding a fingertip while touching it. An event for recognizing a touch is generated by a continuous fingertip operation, and the number of touch events, the direction in which the touch event transitions, and the number of touch event occurrences per unit time are partially or wholly included in the data pointer or the program pointer. A touch input detection method for controlling the movement of a cursor on a display screen, selecting an item, data, or character, and confirming the selected item, data, or character or executing a function by a switch that turns on or off a contact. . 60. An apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising means for transmitting a touch input event by said touch detection and an input event by a switch means by a communication means and performing a calculation process of said input information by a calculation means of a communication destination. 60. The touch input detection method according to claim 59. 61. In the touch input event detection of the touch input detection method, one touch input event is generated by continuously touching the detection units of two adjacent contact detection units or two adjacent contact detection sensors. 61. The touch input detection method according to claim 1, further comprising means for recognizing and detecting the touch input. 62. A display device for displaying a plurality of items and a cursor for indicating which item is currently selected, and a movable contact is provided on a straight or curved locus line segment. A contact is provided at the lower portion, a spacer is provided for preventing the movable contact from being in constant contact with the contact, and the cursor is synchronized with the number of pressing events generated by successively pressing two adjacent movable contacts. And a means for moving or fast-forwarding and displaying. 63. A display device for displaying a plurality of items and a cursor for indicating which item is currently selected, and a movable contact is provided on a straight or curved locus line segment. , A contact is provided at the lower portion, a spacer is provided to prevent the movable contact from being in constant contact with the contact, a projection is provided on the upper surface of the movable contact provided portion, and two adjacent movable contacts are continuously pressed. A touch input detecting device having means for moving or fast-forwarding the cursor in synchronization with the number of press events generated by the operation and displaying the same. 64. Display means for displaying a plurality of items and a cursor for indicating which item is currently selected among the items, and a movable contact having a sparse and dense shape on a straight or curved locus line segment. A contact is attached to the lower part, a contact is attached to the lower part, a spacer for preventing the movable contact from being in constant contact with the contact is attached, and the number of pressing events generated by successively pressing two adjacent movable contacts is reduced. A touch input detection device comprising means for synchronizing a cursor, moving or fast-forwarding, and displaying. 65. A display device for displaying a plurality of items and a cursor for indicating which item is currently selected among the items, and a movable contact having a sparse and dense line or a curved locus line segment. A contact is attached to the lower part, a contact is attached to the lower part, a spacer for keeping the movable contact from being in constant contact with the contact is attached, and a projection is attached to the upper surface of the movable contact attached part,
By synchronizing the cursor with the number of pressing events generated by continuously pressing two adjacent movable contacts,
A touch input detection device having means for moving or fast-forwarding and displaying.