JP2004227233A - Touch panel device - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a touch panel device in which a button position is easily matched with the position of display of a display device. <P>SOLUTION: The touch panel device is provided with the display device, a pressure sensitive matrix switch board and a sheet material formed with a plurality of pattern-shaped button parts. The touch panel device is further provided with: a means which sets that switches are turned on when the button part is depressed and the number of unit switches which have detected the depression of the switch board is not increased or the increasing speed of the number of unit switches which have detected the depression of the switch board is a predetermined value or less, and in this state, sets that the switches are turned off when the depression of any of the unit switches of the switch board is not detected; a means for acquiring the centroid positions of all the unit switches which have detected the depression when it is set that the switched are turned on; and a means for comparing the preset switch central coordinates of the display device with the centroid positions, and when the deviation value between them is a predetermined value or more, changing the switch central coordinates of the display device so as to be made almost coincident with the centroid positions. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2004,JPO&NCIPI

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a touch panel device, and more particularly, to a touch panel device that can easily match a key (button) position with a display position.
[0002]
[Prior art]
Conventionally, various touch panel devices have been used. Among such touch panel devices, there is a dedicated device that is configured to be used in a ticket vending machine. On the other hand, some general-purpose devices can cope with various button arrangements by exchanging a transparent sheet material on which button portions (keys) are formed.
[0003]
In the case of the latter touch panel device, in general, a display device such as a liquid crystal display (LCD), a substantially transparent pressure-sensitive matrix switch plate disposed on the upper surface of the display device, and the pressure-sensitive matrix switch plate The thing of the structure provided with the substantially transparent sheet | seat material in which the some button part of pattern shape formed in the upper surface is formed is employ | adopted.
[0004]
In such a touch panel device, various proposals have been made for the purpose of improving operability when an operator operates (see Patent Documents 1 to 3).
[0005]
[Patent Document 1]
JP 2000-259350 A
[Patent Document 2]
Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 10-125167
[Patent Document 3]
JP-A-8-235961
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, the conventional touch panel device, particularly as a general-purpose device, has a problem that the positions of the display device and keys (buttons) do not match. That is, since the positioning accuracy when assembling the touch panel device is poor, there may be a deviation between the position of the key to be pressed and the display location of the display device to be turned on. Therefore, the performance as a touch panel device is reduced. In addition, the same problem occurs in the touch panel device configured to be detachable from the sheet material on which the button part is formed.
[0009]
On the other hand, the conventional proposal has not been able to respond satisfactorily. That is, Patent Document 1 is configured to obtain a click feeling so that the operation and non-operation of the switch can be clearly confirmed when the operator performs an operation. Patent document 2 improves visibility by a plurality of dome-shaped projections. In Patent Document 3, a lens effect is given to a key portion. In this way, none of them will solve the problem.
[0010]
The present invention has been made in view of such circumstances, and is a substantially transparent sheet material in which a plurality of pattern-shaped button portions are formed. The button position of the detachable button position, the display position of the display device, and It is an object of the present invention to provide a touch panel device that can easily match the above.
[0011]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
In order to achieve the above object, the present invention provides a display device,
A substantially transparent pressure-sensitive matrix switch plate disposed on the upper surface of the display device;
A substantially transparent sheet material formed with a plurality of pattern-shaped button portions, which is disposed on the upper surface of the pressure-sensitive matrix switch plate, and a touch panel device comprising:
When the button portion of the sheet material is pressed, it is determined that the switch operation is performed when at least one unit switch of the pressure-sensitive matrix switch plate detects the pressing, and then the number of unit switches that detected the pressing is determined. When the increase does not occur, or when the increase speed of the number of unit switches that detected pressing is below a predetermined value, the switch is set to ON,
On the other hand, in an on state of the switch, on / off setting means for setting the switch to off when all the unit switches of the pressure-sensitive matrix switch plate are not pressed,
Center position calculating means for obtaining centroid positions of all unit switches that detect pressing when the switch is turned on;
The switch center coordinates set in advance on the display device are compared with the centroid position, and if the amount of deviation between the two is greater than or equal to a predetermined value, the switch center coordinates on the display device substantially match the centroid position. Display position changing means for changing
A touch panel device is provided.
[0012]
The present invention also provides a display device,
A substantially transparent pressure-sensitive matrix switch plate disposed on the upper surface of the display device;
A substantially transparent sheet material formed with a plurality of pattern-shaped button portions, which is disposed on the upper surface of the pressure-sensitive matrix switch plate, and a touch panel device comprising:
When the button portion of the sheet material is pressed, it is determined that the switch operation has been performed when at least one unit switch of the pressure-sensitive matrix switch plate detects the pressing, and the pressing of a predetermined number of unit switches or more is detected. Set the switch to ON,
On the other hand, in an on state of the switch, on / off setting means for setting the switch to off when all the unit switches of the pressure-sensitive matrix switch plate are not pressed,
Center position calculating means for obtaining centroid positions of all unit switches that detect pressing when the switch is turned on;
The switch center coordinates set in advance on the display device are compared with the centroid position, and if the amount of deviation between the two is greater than or equal to a predetermined value, the switch center coordinates on the display device substantially match the centroid position. Display position changing means for changing
A touch panel device is provided.
[0013]
According to the present invention, the center position calculation means for obtaining the centroid positions of all the unit switches that have detected the pressure when the switch is set to ON determines the coordinates of the center of the pressed location when operated by the operator. Then, the center coordinates are compared with the preset switch center coordinates of the display device, and when the deviation amount between both is equal to or greater than a predetermined value, the display position changing means determines the switch center coordinates of the display device. The position is changed so as to substantially match the centroid position (coordinate of the center of the pressed part). Thereby, even when there is a deviation between the position of the key to be pressed and the display location of the display device to be turned on, the key position and the display position of the display device can be easily matched. Can do.
[0014]
Here, the “pressure sensitivity” of the pressure-sensitive matrix switch plate is not only a switch plate that operates by mechanical pressure (for example, due to a change in electrical resistance) but also a switch that operates by contact (for example, due to a change in capacitance). Widely includes plates and the like.
[0015]
In the present invention, the sheet material is preferably formed of a flexible material. Thus, if the sheet material is formed of a flexible material, the effects of the present invention can be effectively exhibited.
[0016]
In the present invention, it is preferable that the sheet material includes a base portion that is in contact with the pressure-sensitive matrix switch plate and a button portion that rises from the base portion into a dome shape. This is because, if the key (button) is configured with a button portion that is raised in a dome shape, a suitable click feeling can be obtained.
[0017]
Moreover, in this invention, it is preferable that the lower surface of the said button part is formed in the cross-sectional convex shape. Thus, if the lower surface of the button part is convex, it is possible to accurately detect the center part of the pressed portion when operated by the operator.
[0018]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of a touch panel device according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. FIG. 1 is a partially cutaway perspective view showing the configuration of the touch panel device, and FIG. 2 is a partially enlarged sectional view of the same.
[0019]
The touch panel device 10 includes a display device 12, a substantially transparent pressure-sensitive matrix switch plate 14 disposed on the top surface of the display device 12, and a plurality of patterned buttons disposed on the top surface of the pressure-sensitive matrix switch plate 14. And a substantially transparent sheet material 16 on which the portion 20 is formed. The sheet material 16 is formed of a flexible material (for example, synthetic rubber), and includes a base portion 18 that is in contact with the pressure-sensitive matrix switch plate 14 and a button portion 20 that is raised from the base portion 18 in a dome shape. In addition, the lower surface of the button portion 20 is formed in a convex shape in cross section, forming a convex portion 22.
[0020]
As the display device 12, various matrix type flat display devices can be applied. For example, various displays such as a liquid crystal display device (STN method, TFT method, etc.), a plasma display (PDP), an electrochromic display (ECD), etc. The device can be used. Various pixel sizes can be used to meet the specifications of the touch panel device 10.
[0021]
As the pressure-sensitive matrix switch plate 14, various configurations can be adopted as long as the substantially entire surface of the detection unit is formed in a matrix and has a function of selectively detecting the pressing portion (contact portion). . In general, it is composed of two transparent electrode plates (for example, a glass plate on which ITO electrodes are formed), with a column electrode on one side facing it and a row on the other side. A configuration in which an electrode is formed and an electrode portion (unit switch) that comes into contact by pressing is selectively detected can be employed. Various sizes (width, pitch, etc.) of the column electrode and the row electrode can be used so as to conform to the specifications of the touch panel device 10.
[0022]
Wiring is connected to the display device 12 and the pressure-sensitive matrix switch plate 14 described above via connectors (not shown). The display device 12 is a display device drive circuit, and the pressure-sensitive matrix switch plate 14 is a switch signal detection circuit. Connected. The display device drive circuit and the switch signal detection circuit are connected to a central processing unit (CPU), and constitute the above-described on / off setting means, center position calculation means, and display position change means. Since these structures can employ known means (computer or the like), further explanation is omitted.
[0023]
Next, the operation of the touch panel device according to the present invention will be described. FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram showing the pressed state of the pressure-sensitive matrix switch plate 14. In the figure, each grid-like rectangle represents a unit switch composed of a row electrode and a column electrode. And the number in each rectangle shows the order which detected press. The presence of a plurality of rectangles having the same number, such as 2, 3, etc., indicates that they simultaneously detected pressing.
[0024]
FIG. 4 is a graph showing changes in the pressing area of the pressure-sensitive matrix switch plate 14, in which (a) is a graph showing changes over time in the pressing area (unit: number of unit switches), and (b) is It is a graph which shows the time change of a press area increase rate (decrease rate). FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing the operation of the touch panel device 10.
[0025]
First, when the state of the pressure-sensitive matrix switch plate 14 is detected (step S2) and the button portion 20 of the sheet material 16 is pressed, at least one unit switch of the pressure-sensitive matrix switch plate 14 detects the press. It is determined that the switch operation has been performed (Yes). Then, the process proceeds to step S8. This state is a state in which the unit switch of number 1 in FIG. 3 detects pressing, and in FIG. 4 (a), the number of unit switches indicates one pressing area, and FIG. 4 (b). 2 shows a state in which the increase rate of the pressing area shows one unit switch.
[0026]
On the other hand, in step S2, when the button part 20 of the sheet material 16 is not pressed, that is, when the pressing of the unit switch of the pressure-sensitive matrix switch plate 14 is not detected (No), it is determined whether or not the switch is off. If it is determined (step S4), the process returns to step S2 if the switch is off (Yes), and the switch is turned off if the switch is on (No) (step S6), and then returns to step S2. .
[0027]
In step S8, the pressing area and the pressing area increase rate (decrease rate) of the unit switch of the pressure-sensitive matrix switch plate 14 that has detected the pressing are calculated, and the switch state is displayed.
[0028]
Following step S8, in step S10, detection of the pressure-sensitive matrix switch plate 14 is continued, and it is determined whether or not an increase in the number of unit switches that have detected pressing has occurred, and if an increase has occurred (Yes). Returns to step S2 and repeats this loop. This state is a state in which the unit switch of number 2 in FIG. 3 detects pressing, and in FIG. 4 (a), the number of unit switches further indicates two pressing areas, and FIG. ) In the state in which the increasing rate of the pressing area indicates one unit switch. Similarly, this state is a state in which the unit switch of number 3 in FIG. 3 detects pressing, and in FIG. 4A, the number of unit switches indicates a further pressing area of three. 4 (b) shows a state in which the increase rate of the pressing area indicates one unit switch.
[0029]
On the other hand, in step S10, when the increase in the number of unit switches that detected pressing has not occurred (No), the process proceeds to step S12. This state is a state in which the unit switches of numbers 1, 2, and 3 detect pressing in FIG. 3, and in FIG. 4A, the number of unit switches indicates a pressing area of six. 4 (b) shows a state in which the increase rate of the pressing area is zero.
[0030]
As described above, the reason for determining whether or not the increase in the number of unit switches that has detected the press has occurred is considered to be during the key operation by the operator when the increase in the number of unit switches has occurred. This is because it is considered that the operator has finished the key operation (on-input has been completed) when there is no increase in the number of unit switches that have detected pressing.
[0031]
In detecting the state of the pressure-sensitive matrix switch plate 14, it is also preferable to perform an averaging process so that the operator does not feel a response delay so that chattering does not occur and malfunctions. By doing so, stable detection is possible.
[0032]
In step S12, it is determined whether or not the switch has already been set on. If the switch has already been set on (Yes), the process returns to step S2 to repeat this loop. On the other hand, if it is not set to ON (No), the process proceeds to step S14, the switch is set to ON, a click sound is generated, and the switch display is blinked.
[0033]
In step S14, a configuration in which the switch is set to ON when the increasing speed of the number of unit switches that detected pressing is equal to or less than a predetermined value (determination in step S10) can also be adopted. For example, the switch is turned on when the increase in the number of unit switches is one or less within a predetermined time. This is also because it is considered that the operator has finished the key operation (on-input completed).
[0034]
Subsequent to step S14, the centroid positions of all unit switches that have detected pressing when the switch is turned on are obtained by the above-described center position calculating means (step S16). That is, in FIG. 3, all the unit switches that have detected the press are one unit switch number 1, two unit switches number 2, and three unit switches number 3. These centroids are calculated. Is done.
[0035]
Next, the preset switch center coordinates of the display device 12 are compared with the centroid position calculated in step S16, and it is determined whether or not the amount of deviation between both is less than a predetermined value (step S18). If the amount of deviation between the two is less than the predetermined value (Yes), the process returns to step S2 to repeat this loop. On the other hand, if the amount of deviation between the two is equal to or greater than a predetermined value (No), the process proceeds to step S20 and subsequent steps, and the switch center coordinates of the display device 12 are substantially matched with the centroid position by the display position changing means described above. Change it to
[0036]
First, in step S20, it is determined whether or not the switch is operated for the first time, or whether or not the switch has been operated last time. The switch center coordinates of the display device 12 are changed so as to substantially coincide with the centroid position (step S22). On the other hand, in the case of No, with the center of the previous pressing as the origin, the display position changing means changes the switch center coordinates of the display device 12 so as to substantially coincide with the centroid position (step S24). In either case, the process returns to step S2 and this loop is repeated.
[0037]
As shown in FIG. 4, when all the unit switches on the pressure-sensitive matrix switch plate 14 are not pressed in the switch ON state, the switches are set to OFF by the ON / OFF setting means described above. . This operation is performed in the above-described steps S2, S4, and S6.
[0038]
As mentioned above, although the example of embodiment of the touchscreen apparatus which concerns on this invention was demonstrated, this invention is not limited to the example of the said embodiment, Various aspects can be taken.
[0039]
For example, in the present embodiment, the switch is set to ON by the method described in claim 1, but the touch panel device 10 having the same configuration is used and the switch is set to ON by the method described in claim 2. You can also. As described above, even when the switch is turned on when the pressing of a predetermined number of unit switches or more is detected, the same advantageous effect can be obtained.
[0040]
Further, for example, in the present embodiment, the convex portion 22 formed in the convex shape of the cross section of the lower surface of the button portion 20 is replaced with another cross sectional shape, for example, a minute convex protrusion on the substantially entire lower surface of the button portion 20. It is also possible to adopt a configuration in which they are provided at regular intervals.
[0041]
Also, a flow other than the flow diagram shown in FIG. 5 can be arbitrarily selected within the scope of the present invention.
[0042]
【The invention's effect】
As described above, according to the present invention, the center of the pressed position when operated by the operator is obtained by the center position calculating means for determining the centroid position of all the unit switches that have detected the pressure when the switch is set to ON. The coordinates of the part are obtained. Then, the center coordinates are compared with the preset switch center coordinates of the display device, and when the deviation amount between both is equal to or greater than a predetermined value, the display position changing means determines the switch center coordinates of the display device. The position is changed so as to substantially match the centroid position (coordinate of the center of the pressed part). Thereby, even when there is a deviation between the position of the key to be pressed and the display location of the display device to be turned on, the key position and the display position of the display device can be easily matched. Can do.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a partially cutaway perspective view showing a configuration of a touch panel device according to the present invention. FIG. 2 is a partially enlarged sectional view showing a configuration of a touch panel device according to the present invention. Fig. 4 is a schematic diagram showing the state. Fig. 4 is a graph showing changes in the pressing area of the pressure-sensitive matrix switch plate. Fig. 5 is a flowchart showing the operation of the touch panel device.
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 ... Touch panel apparatus, 12 ... Display apparatus, 14 ... Pressure-sensitive matrix switch board, 16 ... Sheet material, 18 ... Base part, 20 ... Button part, 22 ... Convex part

Claims (5)

A display device;
A substantially transparent pressure-sensitive matrix switch plate disposed on the upper surface of the display device;
A substantially transparent sheet material formed with a plurality of pattern-shaped button portions, which is disposed on the upper surface of the pressure-sensitive matrix switch plate, and a touch panel device comprising:
When the button portion of the sheet material is pressed, it is determined that the switch operation is performed when at least one unit switch of the pressure-sensitive matrix switch plate detects the pressing, and then the number of unit switches that detected the pressing is determined. When the increase does not occur, or when the increase speed of the number of unit switches that detected pressing is below a predetermined value, the switch is set to ON,
On the other hand, in an on state of the switch, on / off setting means for setting the switch to off when all the unit switches of the pressure-sensitive matrix switch plate are not pressed,
Center position calculating means for obtaining centroid positions of all unit switches that detect pressing when the switch is turned on;
The switch center coordinates set in advance on the display device are compared with the centroid position, and if the amount of deviation between the two is greater than or equal to a predetermined value, the switch center coordinates on the display device substantially match the centroid position. Display position changing means for changing
A touch panel device comprising: A display device;
A substantially transparent pressure-sensitive matrix switch plate disposed on the upper surface of the display device;
A substantially transparent sheet material formed with a plurality of pattern-shaped button portions, which is disposed on the upper surface of the pressure-sensitive matrix switch plate, and a touch panel device comprising:
When the button portion of the sheet material is pressed, it is determined that the switch operation has been performed when at least one unit switch of the pressure-sensitive matrix switch plate detects the pressing, and the pressing of a predetermined number of unit switches or more is detected. Set the switch to ON,
On the other hand, in an on state of the switch, on / off setting means for setting the switch to off when all the unit switches of the pressure-sensitive matrix switch plate are not pressed,
Center position calculating means for obtaining centroid positions of all unit switches that detect pressing when the switch is turned on;
The switch center coordinates set in advance on the display device are compared with the centroid position, and if the amount of deviation between the two is greater than or equal to a predetermined value, the switch center coordinates on the display device substantially match the centroid position. Display position changing means for changing
A touch panel device comprising: The touch panel device according to claim 1, wherein the sheet material is formed of a flexible material. 4. The touch panel device according to claim 1, wherein the sheet material includes a base portion that is in contact with the pressure-sensitive matrix switch plate, and a button portion that rises from the base portion into a dome shape. 5. . The touch panel device according to claim 1, wherein a bottom surface of the button portion is formed in a convex cross section.

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