JP2019003478A - Information display system of vehicle, and vehicle - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide an information display system suitable for a motorcycle.SOLUTION: An information display system 10 of a motorcycle 1 is provided with: a display panel 12; and a plurality of touch type input devices 16. The plurality of touch type input devices 16 are separately provided from the display panel 12, and have detection sensitivity of positions in longitudinal directions.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

  The present invention relates to a vehicle information display system.

  Conventionally, instruments such as automobile speedometers, tachometers, fuel gauges, and water temperature gauges have been configured with analog meters, but in recent years, replacement with display panels has been promoted. Cars are often equipped with car navigation systems.

  This trend is expected to spread to other vehicles such as motorcycles, and several manufacturers have already developed motorcycles equipped with liquid crystal panels. Unlike automobiles, motorcycles do not have a roof, and display panels are directly exposed to wind and rain, so high weather resistance is required.

  Under these circumstances, a plurality of protective films such as an ultraviolet ray prevention film, an antireflection film, and a waterproof film are attached to the surface of a display panel used in a motorcycle.

  On the other hand, in order to ensure sufficient visibility under direct sunlight, the display panel of a motorcycle is required to have higher brightness than that of an automobile. Under such circumstances, the backlight of the liquid crystal panel of the motorcycle is required to have a very high luminance, which increases the cost and hinders its spread.

  As a result of studying a display system for a motorcycle, the present inventor has come to recognize the following problems.

  In order to effectively utilize the display system of a motorcycle, a user interface (input interface) for operating the display system is indispensable. Although it is conceivable to convert the liquid crystal display into a touch panel to serve as an input interface, as described above, many layers of protective films are laminated on the touch panel, so that the operability is deteriorated. Moreover, since the touch panel itself reduces the transmittance of the backlight, it is necessary to further increase the luminance of the backlight.

  In addition, since the driver of a motorcycle often performs an operation with a glove attached, the touch panel may be difficult to operate on the contrary, and is overspec. This examination should not be regarded as a general recognition of those skilled in the art.

  The present invention has been made in such a situation, and one exemplary purpose of an embodiment thereof is to provide an information display system suitable for a vehicle.

  One embodiment of the present invention relates to a vehicle information display system. The information display system includes a display panel and one or more touch input devices that are provided separately from the display panel and have position detection sensitivity in the longitudinal direction.

  According to this aspect, operability can be improved by providing a touch input device having detection sensitivity in one direction instead of the touch panel. The touch input device may support gestures such as flick input, slide input, tap input, double tap input, and long press input. Since the touch panel becomes unnecessary on the display panel, the effective luminance can be increased.

The plurality of touch-type input devices may include a first touch input device that extends in a direction that can be easily traced with a thumb, and a second touch input device that extends in a direction that can be easily traced with an index finger.
This enables so-called pinch-in and pinch-off input.

One of the one or more touch input devices may include a first portion that extends in a direction that can be easily traced with a thumb and a second portion that extends in a direction that can be easily traced with an index finger.
By using two-point touch, pinch-in and pinch-off input can be performed.

  One of the plurality of touch input devices may be provided along the left and right sides of the display panel. Another one of the plurality of touch input devices may be provided along the lower side of the display panel.

The plurality of touch input devices may be arranged side by side in the first direction, and each of the plurality of touch input devices may have detection sensitivity in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction.
The touch position in the first direction can be detected depending on which touch input device is touched, and the touch position in the second direction can be detected depending on which part of the touched input device is touched. Can be detected.

  The plurality of touch input devices may have an arc shape and are spaced apart in the radial direction, and each of the plurality of touch input devices may have detection sensitivity in the circumferential direction.

  At least one of the plurality of touch-type input devices may include an electrode having a U-shaped portion and be configured to be able to detect a two-point simultaneous touch. Thereby, a slide (flick) input can be detected in each of two orthogonal directions.

  The touch-type input device is provided with a gap and is connected to two resistive films that are in contact with each other at a point touched by the user, a plurality of wirings drawn from the two resistive films, and a plurality of wirings. And a control circuit for detecting a position where the contact is made.

  The touch input device may include a conductor instead of one of the two resistive films.

  Another aspect of the invention relates to a vehicle. The vehicle may include any of the information display systems described above.

  Note that any combination of the above-described components, or a conversion of the expression of the present invention between methods, apparatuses, and the like is also effective as an aspect of the present invention.

  According to an aspect of the present invention, an information display system suitable for a vehicle can be provided.

1 is a diagram showing a motorcycle including an information display system according to an embodiment. 2A and 2B are diagrams for explaining the basic functions of the touch input device. FIG. 3A is a diagram illustrating an example of the layout of the touch input device, and FIGS. 3B and 3C are diagrams illustrating the use thereof. 4A to 4C are diagrams illustrating another example of the layout of the touch input device. FIGS. 5A to 5D are diagrams illustrating another layout of the touch input device. FIG. 6A shows a transition when sliding from the top to the bottom, and FIG. 6B shows a transition when sliding from the bottom to the top. FIG. 7A is a diagram for explaining another layout of the touch input device and a detectable input. FIGS. 7B and 7C are diagrams showing another layout of the touch input device. It is. FIGS. 8A and 8B are diagrams for explaining another layout of the touch-type input device and a detectable input, and FIG. 8C shows still another layout of the touch-type input device. FIG. FIGS. 9A to 9D are diagrams showing a resistive touch panel. It is a block diagram of a control circuit concerning an embodiment. FIGS. 11A to 11D are diagrams showing the connection between the touch panel and the control circuit. It is a block diagram which shows the 1st structural example of a control circuit. 13A to 13D are circuit diagrams illustrating configuration examples of the voltage source. It is a block diagram of a control circuit which can control many more touch panels. It is a figure which shows an example of the layout of a control circuit and a some touch panel. It is a figure which shows an example of the layout of the conventional control circuit and several touchscreens. FIGS. 17A to 17C are diagrams illustrating the division mode.

  The present invention will be described below based on preferred embodiments with reference to the drawings. The same or equivalent components, members, and processes shown in the drawings are denoted by the same reference numerals, and repeated descriptions are omitted as appropriate. The embodiments do not limit the invention but are exemplifications, and all features and combinations thereof described in the embodiments are not necessarily essential to the invention.

In this specification, “the state in which the member A is connected to the member B” means that the member A and the member B are electrically connected to each other in addition to the case where the member A and the member B are physically directly connected. It includes cases where the connection is indirectly made through other members that do not substantially affect the general connection state, or that do not impair the functions and effects achieved by their combination.
Similarly, “the state in which the member C is provided between the member A and the member B” refers to the case where the member A and the member C or the member B and the member C are directly connected, as well as their electric It includes cases where the connection is indirectly made through other members that do not substantially affect the general connection state, or that do not impair the functions and effects achieved by their combination.

  FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a motorcycle 1 including an information display system 10 according to an embodiment. In the present specification, the motorcycle 1 includes a motorbike. FIG. 1 shows the periphery of a cockpit of the motorcycle 1, and the information display system 10 includes a display panel 12, a controller (not shown in FIG. 1), and at least one touch input device 16.

  The display panel 12 is a liquid crystal panel (LCD panel), for example, and is provided near the center of the cockpit. Information to be displayed on the display panel 12 is not particularly limited, but information related to the car navigation system, for example, a map may be displayed, or information related to the audio system may be displayed. Alternatively, a speedometer or the like may be displayed on the display panel 12.

  The controller is a unit that controls the information display system 10 in an integrated manner, and includes, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit).

  At least one touch input device 16 is provided in a region between the display panel 12 and the grips 2L and 2R of the handle. FIG. 4 shows four touch input devices 16, but the number is not particularly limited. These touch type input devices 16 are provided as an input interface of the information display system 10.

  2A and 2B are diagrams for explaining the basic functions of the touch input device 16. The touch-type input device 16 has position detection sensitivity in the longitudinal direction (A direction in the figure) and is insensitive in the short direction (width direction, B direction in the figure). As shown in FIG. 2B, even if the finger is slid in an oblique direction (hereinafter also including flicks), the change in the B direction is ignored and treated as a slide input in the A direction.

  Returning to FIG. The touch type input device 16 detects coordinates or gesture input touched by the driver and outputs them to the controller. The controller controls the information display system 10 based on detection results from the plurality of touch input devices 16.

  The above is the configuration of the information display system 10. FIG. 3A is a diagram illustrating an example of the layout of the touch-type input device 16, and FIGS. 3B and 3C are diagrams illustrating its use.

  FIG. 3A shows two touch input devices 16. One touch input device 16 </ b> A is disposed along one right side of the display panel 12, and the other touch input device 16 </ b> B is disposed along one lower side of the display panel 12.

  As shown in FIG. 3B, the touch input devices 16A and 16B can be traced independently. For example, when the touch-type input device 16A (16B) is slid (or flicked) while the map is displayed, it may be scrolled up and down (left and right). Alternatively, the slides of the touch input devices 16A and 16B may be assigned to volume control and music selection during audio playback. In addition, selection input from a plurality of menus, movement of the cursor, and the like can also be assigned to slide input of the touch input devices 16A and 16B.

  As shown in FIG. 3C, the touch input devices 16A and 16B can accept a gesture input using the thumb and index finger. That is, the touch input device 16B extends in a direction that can be easily traced with the thumb, and the touch input device 16A extends in a direction that can be easily traced with the index finger. Pinch-in or pinch-out gesture input can be received by moving the thumb and index finger along the respective touch input devices 16.

  4A to 4C are diagrams showing another example of the layout of the touch input device 16. The touch-type input device 16 in FIG. 4A is substantially the same as FIG. 3A and has a different length.

  The touch-type input device 16C shown in FIG. 4B or FIG. 4C includes a first portion 17 extending in a direction that can be easily traced with the thumb and a second portion 18 extending in a direction that can be easily traced with the index finger. It is continuously formed by being bent into an L shape. The touch-type input device 16C has detection sensitivity along the L-shaped direction. The input to the first portion 17 can be handled in the same manner as the touch type input device 16B of FIG. 3A, and the input to the second portion 18 is the same as the touch type input device 16A of FIG. Can be handled.

  The touch input device 16 may support multi-touch. By making the touch-type input device 16C of FIGS. 4B and 4C compatible with multi-touch, gestures such as pinch-in and pinch-out as shown in FIG. 3C can be detected.

The above is the configuration of the information display system 10.
The information display system 10 can be operated with simple action inputs such as simple flicks, slides, and touches. In particular, since motorcycles are often operated in a gloved state, detailed operations are difficult, and comfortable operation input is possible even in a gloved state.

  In addition, since the types of operation inputs are limited, sensuous and quick input is possible, and the operation time can be shortened.

  By providing the touch-type input device 16, the display panel 12 does not require a touch panel function, so that a reduction in luminance can be suppressed. In other words, the luminance of the backlight necessary to obtain the same luminance as the display can be reduced. it can.

5A to 5D are diagrams showing another layout of the touch input device 16.
In FIG. 5A, the plurality of touch input devices A and B are arranged apart from each other in the first direction (Y direction), and each touch input device A and B has a second direction (X direction). It is the longitudinal direction and has sensitivity in the X direction.

  In FIG. 5A, the slide input in the X direction can be performed in each of the touch input devices A and B. Further, the touch position in the Y direction can be detected by a combination of the determinations of the presence or absence of the touch of the plurality of touch input devices A and B.

  Here, the distance d between the plurality of touch input devices A and B is desirably narrow enough to touch them simultaneously. Thus, the two touch-type input devices 16 can provide three gradations in the Y direction when only A is touched, when both A and B are touched, and when only B is touched. .

  Further, by monitoring the time transition of the combination state of presence / absence of touch of the plurality of touch input devices A and B, it is possible to detect the slide input in the Y direction. FIG. 6A shows a transition when sliding from the top to the bottom, and FIG. 6B shows a transition when sliding from the bottom to the top. ON indicates touch and OFF indicates non-touch.

It should be noted that the distance d between the touch input devices A and B may be so wide that they cannot be touched simultaneously. In this case, in FIG. 6A and FIG. 6B, the central state φ ₂ does not exist. However, by appropriately defining the transition time between φ ₁ and φ ₃ , it is determined whether or not the slide input is performed. Can be distinguished.

Reference is made to FIG. FIG. 5B is a diagram in which two pairs of pairs A and B of the touch input device 16 of FIG. The two pairs are arranged in an area that can be operated with different fingers. For example, one pair A ₁ , B ₁ may be arranged in an area operable with an index finger, and the other pair A ₂ , B ₂ may be arranged in an area operable with a thumb. Thereby, it can respond to a two-point touch. It is also possible to detect the opening and closing of two fingers such as pinch-in and pinch-out. For detection of two-point touch (multi-touch), the technique described in Japanese Patent Application No. 2011-076591 can be used.

  In FIG. 5C, a touch input device C is provided between a pair of the two systems of touch input devices A and B in FIG. The touch input device C is assigned to a dedicated input such as a determination button. By providing the touch-type input device C, an operation that is easier than a double tap or a long press is provided.

  In FIG.5 (d), the width | variety of the touch-type input device was narrowed and the number was further increased. As a result, the coordinates in the Y direction can be detected more accurately, or the slide input can be detected.

  FIG. 7A is a diagram illustrating another layout of the touch-type input device and detectable inputs. In addition to sliding only in the X direction and only in the Y direction, it is also possible to detect a sliding input in an oblique direction.

  FIGS. 7B and 7C are diagrams illustrating another layout of the touch input device. FIG. 7B shows a plurality of touch input devices arranged in an oblique direction. In FIG. 7C, the plurality of touch input devices 16 have an arc shape. They are spaced apart in the radial direction and have detection sensitivity in the circumferential direction. Various touch inputs can also be detected by the touch-type input device shown in FIGS. 7B and 7C.

  FIG. 8A is a diagram for explaining another layout of the touch-type input device and detectable inputs. The touch-type input device of FIG. 8A has a U-shaped electrode 17. The distances 17a and 17b between the two parallel sides of the electrode 17 are narrowed to such an extent that the user's finger can be touched simultaneously. The touch input device can detect a two-point touch.

When the user flicks his / her finger from top to bottom, as shown in FIG. 8B, only the upper side 17a is touched φ ₁ , and the upper side 17a and the lower side 17b are touched simultaneously φ ₂ , transitions state phi ₃ touched only the lower edge 17b in order. When flicking from bottom to top, the transition is in the reverse order. Therefore, the left and right slides and the upper and lower slides can be detected according to the same algorithm (FIGS. 6A and 6B) as the touch-type input device of FIGS.

  Although the motorcycle has been described in the embodiment, other vehicles to which the present invention can be applied include automobiles, tricycles, boats and ships, carts used in golf courses and theme parks, excavators, forklifts, and the like. A work vehicle etc. are illustrated.

(About touch input devices)
The configuration of the touch input device 16 is not particularly limited, but finally, a configuration example of the touch input device 16 will be described.

The touch input device 16 can be configured by a combination of a resistive touch panel and a control circuit.
First, different resistive touch panels that can be handled by the control circuit 200 according to the embodiment will be described. FIGS. 9A to 9D are diagrams showing a resistive touch panel. FIG. 9A shows a general 4-wire touch panel 400a. The 4-wire touch panel 400 a includes two resistive films 402 and 404, electrode pairs 406 and 408 provided along two opposing sides of the resistive film 402, and two opposing sides of the resistive film 404. Provided electrode pairs 410 and 412. Four wirings X ₁ , X ₂ , Y ₁ , Y ₂ are drawn out from the four electrodes 406, 408, 410, 412 and connected to a control circuit (not shown).

It is assumed that the two resistive films 402 and 404 are in contact at the contact point P. In order to detect the X coordinate, a control circuit (not shown) applies a power supply voltage (first fixed voltage) V _DD to the electrode 406 of the resistance film 402 and a ground voltage (second fixed voltage) V _GND to the electrode 408. The potential V _{P at the} contact point P is expressed by the formula (1).
V _P = V _DD × R _X2 / (R _X1 + R _X2 ) (1)
The resistance value R _X1 is a resistance value between the contact point P and the electrode 406, and the resistance value R _X2 is a resistance value between the contact point P and the electrode 408. R _X1 + R _X2 is a constant, and R _C represents contact resistance. When the resistive film 404 side to the high-impedance, the electrodes 410 and 412, since the potential _{V P} of the contact point P appears, the control circuit by measuring the voltage _{V P} of the electrode 410 or 412, the resistance value _{R X2} That is, the X coordinate can be determined.

In order to detect the Y coordinate, the control circuit applies the power supply voltage V _DD to the electrode 410 of the resistance film 404 and the ground voltage V _GND to the electrode 412. The potential V _{P at the} contact point P is expressed by Expression (2).
V _P = V _DD × R _Y2 / (R _Y1 + R _Y2 ) (2)
The resistance value R _Y1 is a resistance value between the contact point P and the electrode 410, and the resistance value R _Y2 is a resistance value between the contact point P and the electrode 412. R _Y1 + R _Y2 is a constant. When the resistive film 402 side to the high-impedance, the electrodes 406 and 408, since the potential _{V P} of the contact point P appears, the control circuit by measuring the voltage _{V P} of the electrode 406 or _{408, R Y2,} i.e. The Y coordinate can be determined.

  FIG. 9B shows a 5-wire touch panel 400b. The 4-wire touch panel 400b includes two resistive films 420 and 422, electrode pairs 426 and 428 provided on two opposing sides of the resistive film 420, and electrode pairs 430 and 432 provided on two orthogonal sides. Prepare. Five wires A to E are drawn out from the electrodes 426, 428, 430, 432 and the electrode 424 of the resistance film 422, and are connected to a control circuit (not shown).

In order to detect the X coordinate, the control circuit applies the power supply voltage V _DD to the wiring A and the ground voltage V _GND to the wiring B, and sets the wirings C and D to high impedance. The potential V _{P at the} contact point P is expressed by the formula (1). However, it is assumed that the resistance values R _X1 and R _X2 are larger than the contact resistance R _C and the resistance value R _{L of the} lower resistance film 422. (R _X1 , R _X2 >> R _C , R _L )
V _P = V _DD × R _X2 / (R _X1 + R _X2 ) (1)
The resistance value R _X1 is a resistance value between the contact point P and the electrode 426, and the resistance value R _X2 is a resistance value between the contact point P and the electrode 428. When the resistive film 422 side to the high-impedance, the resistance film 422, since the potential V _P of the contact point P appears, the control circuit by measuring the voltage V _P of the wiring E, the resistance value R _X2, i.e. X Coordinates can be determined.

In order to detect the Y coordinate, the control circuit applies the power supply voltage V _DD to the wiring C and the ground voltage V _GND to the wiring D, and sets the wirings A and B to high impedance. The potential V _{P at the} contact point P is expressed by Expression (2).
V _P = V _DD × R _Y2 / (R _Y1 + R _Y2 ) (2)
The resistance value R _Y1 (not shown) is a resistance value between the contact point P and the electrode 430, and the resistance value R _Y2 (not shown) is a resistance value between the contact point P and the electrode 432. When the resistive film 422 side to the high-impedance, the resistance film 422, since the potential V _P of the contact point P appears, the control circuit by measuring the voltage V _P of the wiring E, the resistance value R _Y2, i.e. Y Coordinates can be determined.

The touch panel 400c of FIG. 9C can be grasped as a combination of the upper structure of the touch panel 400a of FIG. 9A and the lower structure of FIG. 9B, and the three wirings X ₁ , X ₂ , F is pulled out. In this specification, the touch panel 400c is referred to as a three-wire type. The touch panel 400c has a position resolution only in the X direction, and the control circuit can detect the X coordinate by the same process as the 4-wire system in FIG. 9A.

  A touch panel 400d in FIG. 9D includes two resistive films 402 and 404 and an electrode 434. A wiring G is drawn from the electrode 434 and a wiring H is drawn from the resistance film 404, and is connected to a control circuit (not shown). This touch panel 400d has position resolution only in the X direction.

In order to detect the X coordinate, the control circuit measures the resistance value Z of the path from the electrode 434 through the contact point P to the lead point 436 of the wiring H.
Z = R _X + R _C + R _L
The method for measuring the resistance value Z is not particularly limited. For example, supplying the power supply voltage V _DD to the wiring G, pull down the wire H at a known resistance r, may be measured voltage V _P of the wiring H at this time.
V _P = V _DD × r / (r + Z)

Is the voltage V _P can calculate the resistance value Z. Furthermore, if R _C and R _L are known, the resistance value R _X1 can be calculated from the resistance value Z, and therefore the X coordinate can be detected. The resistive film 432 may be a metal conductor, and in this case, R _L = 0.

Alternatively wiring H grounded, by supplying a known constant current I _C from the wiring G, it may measure the voltage V _P of the wiring G.
V _P = I _C × Z

  The control circuit according to the present embodiment corresponds to the four types of touch panels shown in FIGS. The configuration will be described below.

FIG. 10 is a block diagram of the control circuit 200 according to the embodiment. The control circuit 200 includes a first pin P ₁ , a second pin P ₂ , a third pin P ₃ , a fourth pin P ₄ , a fifth pin P ₅ , an A / D conversion circuit 210, a bias circuit 220, a logic circuit 230, An interface circuit 240 is provided. The fifth pin P _5, also referred to as the common bias pin. The plurality of pins P _{1 to} P ₅ may be arranged along one side of the package of the control circuit 200. The power supply pin, the ground pin, the interface pin, the error output pin, etc. may be arranged along another side. The type of package of the control circuit 200 is not particularly limited, but it may be an insertion type DIP (Dual Inline Package), SIP (Single Inline Package), surface mount type SOP (Small Outline Package), QFP (Quad Flat Package), etc. possible.

A / D conversion circuit 210, the first pin P ₁ being least two and connect the fourth pin P _4, may be selected at least one from among them, the voltage V _i of the pin P _i that is selected convertible configured into a digital value D _i. In the present embodiment, the A / D conversion circuit 210 is connected to all of the first pin P ₁ to the fourth pin P ₄ and can take i = 1, 2, 3, 4.

The bias circuit 220 applies a first predetermined voltage (for example, power supply voltage V _DD ), a second predetermined voltage (for example, ground voltage V _GND ), and a high impedance state (Hi−) to the first pin P ₁ to the fifth pin P ₅ . The combination of z) can be selectively generated. For example, the bias circuit 220 may be configured to selectively generate the power supply voltage V _DD , the ground voltage V _GND , and the high impedance state (Hi-z) at each of the first pin P ₁ to the fifth pin P _5. .

The logic circuit 230 processes the output signal of the A / D conversion circuit 210 and detects the coordinates touched by the user. The logic circuit 230 controls a pin that the A / D conversion circuit 210 should select. Further, the logic circuit 230 controls a combination of electrical states generated by the bias circuit 220 at the first pin P ₁ to the fifth pin P ₅ . The interface circuit 240 is connected to a processor (not shown), and information obtained as a result of signal processing by the logic circuit 230 can be read by the processor via the interface circuit 240. This information can include, for example, data indicating the presence / absence of touch, touched coordinate data, and the like.

  In the present embodiment, the control circuit 200 can switch from the first mode to the fourth mode.

In the first mode, the first pin P ₁ by using the fourth pin P _4, controls the one 4-wire resistive touch panel.
· In the second mode, the first pin P ₁ by using the fifth pin P _5, controls the resistive touch panel of 3-wire two.
- In the third mode, the first pin P ₁ by using the fifth pin P _5, controlling the resistance film touch panel 5 wire one.
· In the fourth mode, the first pin P ₁ by using the fourth pin P _4, controls the resistive touch panel of two-wire two.

  The above is the configuration of the control circuit 200. Next, the operation will be described. 11A to 11D are diagrams showing connections between the touch panels 400a to 400d and the control circuit 200. FIG.

In FIG. 11A, a 4-wire touch panel 400a is used. The control circuit 200 is set to the first mode, the fifth pin _{P 5} of the control circuit 200 is not used.

The bias circuit 220 generates the following state in the first mode.
・ When measuring X coordinate Pin ₁ P ₁ : Power supply voltage V _DD
Second pin P ₂ : ground voltage V _GND
Third pin _{P 3:} high impedance Hi-z
Fourth pin P ₄ : high impedance Hi-z
5th pin P ₅ : Not used

・ At the time of Y-coordinate measurement 1st pin P ₁ : High impedance Hi-z
Second pin P ₂ : high impedance Hi-z
Third pin P ₃ : power supply voltage V _DD
4th pin P ₄ : ground voltage V _GND
5th pin P ₅ : Not used

The A / D conversion circuit 210 performs the following measurement in the first mode.
· X-coordinate measuring voltage of the fourth pin P ₄ during the measurement (the third pin P ₃ may be measured)
· Y coordinate measurement when measuring the second pin P ₂ voltage (a first pin P ₁ may be measured)

In FIG. 11B, a 5-wire touch panel 400b is used. The control circuit 200 is set to the third mode. The wiring E whose voltage is to be measured is connected to one of the first pin P ₁ to the fourth pin P ₄ (here, the fourth pin P ₄ ), and the wiring A to D to which the voltage is to be supplied is the first pin P. the remaining _first to fourth pins _{P 4} (first pins _{P 1} to third pin _{P 3),} it is connected to the fifth pin _{P 5.}

The bias circuit 220 generates the following state in the third mode. Non-use may be read as high impedance.
・ When measuring X coordinate Pin ₁ P ₁ : Power supply voltage V _DD
Second pin P ₂ : ground voltage V _GND
Third pin _{P 3:} high impedance Hi-z
Fourth pin P ₄ : high impedance Hi-z
Fifth pin P ₅ : high impedance Hi-z

・ At the time of Y-coordinate measurement 1st pin P ₁ : High impedance Hi-z
Second pin P ₂ : high impedance Hi-z
Third pin P ₃ : power supply voltage V _DD
Fourth pin P ₄ : high impedance Hi-z
5th pin P ₅ : ground voltage V _GND

The A / D conversion circuit 210 performs the following measurement in the third mode.
· X coordinate during measurement, measures the voltage of the Y coordinate measurement during the fourth pin P ₄

In FIG. 11C, two three-wire touch panels 400c are used. Each two touch 400c, the wiring F to be measured voltage, either the first pins _{P 1} ~ fourth pin _{P 4} (where the second pins _{P 2} and the fourth pin _{P 4)} is connected to the . The respective two of the touch panel 400c, a voltage (e.g., ground voltage _{V GND)} wiring _{X 2} to be supplied with is commonly connected to the fifth pin _{P 5.} Each of the two touch panels 400c is connected to the first pin P ₁ and the third pin P ₃ by the wiring X ₁ to which a voltage (for example, the power supply voltage V _DD ) is to be supplied.

The bias circuit 220 generates the following state in the second mode.
・ When measuring X coordinate Pin ₁ P ₁ : Power supply voltage V _DD
Second pin P ₂ : high impedance Hi-z
Third pin P ₃ : power supply voltage V _DD
Fourth pin P ₄ : high impedance Hi-z
5th pin P ₅ : ground voltage V _GND

The A / D conversion circuit 210 performs the following measurement in the second mode.
· X-coordinate measuring a voltage measurement at the second pin P measured voltage of ₂ the fourth pin P ₄

In FIG. 11D, two two-wire touch panels 400d are used. The control circuit 200 is set to the fourth mode. The wiring H for measuring the voltage of each of the two touch panels 400d is connected to one of the first pin P ₁ to the fourth pin P ₄ (here, the second pin P ₂ and the fourth pin P ₄ ). Further, the wiring G to which a voltage (for example, ground voltage V _GND ) of each of the two touch panels 400d is to be supplied is connected to the remaining pins (here, the first pin P ₁ and the third pin P ₃ ).

The bias circuit 220 generates the following state in the fourth mode.
・ When measuring X coordinate Pin ₁ P ₁ : Power supply voltage V _DD
Second pin P ₂ : high impedance (or pull-down with high resistance)
Third pin P ₃ : power supply voltage V _DD
4th pin P ₄ : high impedance (or pull down with high resistance)
5th pin P ₅ : Not used

The A / D conversion circuit 210 performs the following measurement in the fourth mode.
· X-coordinate measuring a voltage measurement at the second pin P measured voltage of ₂ the fourth pin P ₄

The above is the operation of the control circuit 200.
According to the control circuit 200, a plurality of resistive touch panels can be controlled by a single control circuit. Therefore, the circuit mounting area can be reduced as compared with the case where one control circuit is provided for each resistive touch panel.

  Further, the chip area itself of the control circuit 200 may be slightly larger than the chip area of the conventional control circuit.

Further, by arranging the plurality of pins P _{1 to} P ₅ along one side of the package of the control circuit 200, connection wiring with one or two touch panels 400 can be simplified.

FIG. 12 is a block diagram showing a first configuration example (200a) of the control circuit 200. As shown in FIG. The control circuit 200a has versatility that can treat all the pins P _{1 to} P ₅ equally. The A / D conversion circuit 210 includes a multiplexer 212 and an A / D converter 214. The multiplexer 212 selects one of the first pin P ₁ to the fifth pin P ₅ based on the control signal S ₂ from the logic circuit 230. The A / D converter 214 converts the signal of the pin selected by the multiplexer 212 into a digital value. That is, the A / D conversion circuit 210 can detect the voltage generated by all pins.

Focusing from the first mode described above to the state of the A / D converter circuit 210 of the fourth mode, the voltage of the second pin P ₂ and the fourth pin P ₄ is sufficient if measurement. Thus the input of the multiplexer 212 may be connected to the second pin _{P 2} only the fourth pin _{P 4.}

On the other hand, if the voltage of all the pins P _{1 to} P ₅ is configured to be measurable as shown in FIG. 12, it can be advantageously used for calibration, function inspection, etc.

The bias circuit 220 can switch the power supply voltage V _DD , the ground voltage V _GND , and the high impedance state for each of all the pins P _{1 to} P ₅ . For example, the bias circuit 220 includes a voltage source 222 provided for each pin. The i-th voltage source 222 can switch its output between three states (V _DD , V _GND , Hi-z) based on the control signal S _3i from the logic circuit 230.

13A to 13D are circuit diagrams illustrating a configuration example of the voltage source 222. FIG. The voltage source 222 in FIG. 13A is a buffer (or inverter) with enable. The voltage source 222 is disabled when, for example, a low level is input to the enable pin, and the output OUT becomes the high impedance state Hi-z regardless of the input IN. For example, when a low level is input to the enable pin, the output OUT becomes one of the voltages V _DD and V _GND according to the input IN.

The voltage source 222 in FIG. 13B is configured by a combination of a switch and a resistor. The on / off states of the pull-up switch SW _U and the pull-down switch SW _D are controlled by the logic circuit 230. When the two switches SW _U and SW _D are both off, the output OUT has a high impedance. When the pull-up switch SW _U is on and the pull-down switch SW _D is off, the voltage V _DD appears at the output OUT. When the pull-up switch SW _U is off and the pull-down switch SW _D is on, the voltage V _GND appears at the output OUT. The pull-up resistor _RU and the pull-down resistor _RD may be omitted.

The voltage source 222 in FIG. 13C can switch between two states of high impedance and voltage V _DD . The voltage source 222 in FIG. 13D can switch between two states of high impedance and voltage V _GND .

For each pin P ₁ -P ₅ , the voltage source 222 may be a different circuit. For example, in the first mode to the fourth mode described above, it is sufficient if the following states can be switched for the first pin P ₁ to the fifth pin P ₅ .
P ₁ = high impedance Hi-z, power supply voltage V _DD
P ₂ = high impedance Hi-z, ground voltage V _GND
P ₃ = high impedance Hi-z, power supply voltage V _DD
P ₄ = high impedance Hi-z, ground voltage V _GND
P ₅ = high impedance Hi-z, ground voltage V _GND

Therefore, regarding the voltage source 222 corresponding to the first pin P ₁ and the third pin P ₃ , the configuration of FIG. 13C corresponds to the second pin P ₂ , the fourth pin P ₄ , and the fifth pin P ₅ . For the voltage source 222, the configuration of FIG.

  A person skilled in the art understands that the state of each pin in the first mode to the fourth mode is not limited to that described above, and that an equivalent function can be realized by replacing the pins. The

FIG. 14 is a block diagram of a control circuit 200 </ b> A that can control more touch panels 400. The control circuit 200A includes a plurality of sets of fourth pin _{P 4} from the first pin _{P 1} (M pieces, M ≧ 2) comprises, a fifth pin _{P 5} is shared by a plurality of sets. That control circuit 200A includes a first pin _{P 1} and the fourth pin _{P 4} respectively by M pieces further includes a fifth pin _{P 5} single. The control circuit 200A can select a mode for each set. FIG. 14 shows an example of M = 2, but M may be 3 or more.

The A / D conversion circuit 210A includes a multiplexer 212 and an A / D converter 214. The input of the multiplexer 212 is connected to M sets of pins P _{1 to} P ₄ . The single A / D converter 214 converts the voltages of a plurality of pins into digital values in a time division manner. That is, one A / D converter 214 is shared by a plurality of sets in a time division manner. The bias circuit 220A is connected to the M sets of pins P _{1 to} P ₄ and a single fifth pin P ₅ and is configured to be able to switch the state of each pin.

  According to the control circuit 200A of FIG. 14, an increase in circuit area can be suppressed by sharing the A / D converter 214 in a plurality of sets. In other words, chip shrink is possible as compared with the case where the A / D converter 214 is provided for each set.

  When M control circuits 200 in FIG. 10 are used together, the number of pins connected to the touch panel is M × 5. On the other hand, according to the control circuit 200A of FIG. 14, the number of pins is (M × 4 + 1), which can be reduced by four. Since the number of pins is reduced, that is, the number of wirings on the mounting substrate is reduced, the mounting area can be reduced.

Also in the control circuit 200 </ b> A of FIG. 14, all the pins P _{1 to} P ₅ are arranged along one side of the package of the control circuit 200. FIG. 15 is a diagram illustrating an example of the layout of the control circuit 200A and the plurality of touch panels 400c. In FIG. 15, M = 2 and four three-wire touch panels 400c are used. The control circuit 200A is mounted on the mounting board 270. In addition, connectors 272_1 to 272_4 are provided along one side of the mounting substrate 270. Four touch panels 400c_1 to 400c_4 are detachably connected to the connectors 272_1 to 272_4. On the mounting substrate 270, wirings 274 that connect the pins of the control circuit 200A and the corresponding pins of the connector 272 are formed.

As shown in FIG. 15, when a plurality of resistive film touch panels 400 are used as an operation interface, it is assumed that they are used adjacently or side by side. In such a case, by arranging the first pin P ₁ along one side of the fifth pin P ₅ a control circuit 200A, thereby simplifying routing of the wires 274. In the figure, reference numeral 276 represents a via hole, and the plurality of via holes 276 are electrically connected via the back surface wiring (or intermediate wiring layer) of the mounting substrate 270.

  The merit of the layout of FIG. 15 becomes clear by comparison with the layout of FIG. Conventionally, as shown in FIG. 16, four control circuits 200R_1 to 200R_4 are required to control four three-wire touch panels 400c_1 to 400c_4. It should be noted that the four control circuits 200R_1 to 200R_4 have the same package and pin arrangement. The structure shown in FIG. 16 may be used for the information display system 10.

  When FIG. 15 is compared with FIG. 16, it is obvious that the area of the mounting substrate 270 is remarkably reduced and the wiring is simplified.

  Next, functions that can be added to the control circuit 200 described above (hereinafter referred to as a divided mode) will be described. FIGS. 17A to 17C are diagrams illustrating the division mode.

  As shown in FIG. 17A, there are cases where it is desired to use a plurality of touch panels TP side by side. Conventionally, it is necessary to arrange a plurality of touch panels TP and arrange a plurality of control circuits corresponding to them, and there is a problem that the circuit area becomes very large.

  On the other hand, in the split mode, as shown in FIG. 17B, a single touch panel LTP that is long in the arrangement direction of the plurality of touch panels in FIG. Control). Specifically, the resistive touch panel LTP is divided in the longitudinal direction into at least one insensitive area 440 and a plurality of effective areas 442 separated by the at least one insensitive area 440. The control circuit 200B handles one effective area 442 as one virtual touch panel ITP. In FIG. 17C, the area is divided into four dead areas 440_1 to 440_4 and five effective areas 442_1 to 442_5. This division is virtual, and the touch panel TLP is not physically divided in such a manner that it can be distinguished in appearance.

  The coordinates of the start point (coordinate origin O) of each of the at least one dead area 440 and effective area 442 can be set from the outside by writing to a register or memory.

  The logic circuit 230 of the control circuit 200B detects the touched coordinate P in a mode corresponding to the panel type (2-wire to 5-wire). In the case of using in the split mode, when the resolution in the direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the touch panel is unnecessary, it is desirable to use a three-wire touch panel.

The detected coordinates P _A is, if included in the dead region 440 and the touch as invalid. When the touched coordinate P _B is included in the effective area 442, the logic circuit 230 holds the number of the effective area including the touched point (1 in the case of 442_1) in the memory. The external microcomputer can acquire which virtual touch panel ITP is touched by accessing this memory. From the outside, one virtual touch panel can be handled as one switch (button), and thus one touch panel can be used as five switches.

  Further, the logic circuit 230 may determine the coordinate origin O for each effective area 442 and hold the relative coordinate information of the touched coordinates in the memory. As a result, the external microcomputer can handle each of the plurality of virtual touch panels as if they were a plurality of touch panels.

  The split mode should not be confused with a general software key (software button). For general software keys, the coordinates detected by the control circuit 200 are processed by a host microcomputer to determine the area, and it is determined which key is touched. On the other hand, in the split mode, the area is not determined by the microcomputer.

  The present invention has been described based on the embodiments. This embodiment is an exemplification, and it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various modifications can be made to combinations of the respective constituent elements and processing processes, and such modifications are within the scope of the present invention. is there. Hereinafter, such modifications will be described.

  In the embodiment, the case has been described in which the control circuit supports all of the first to fifth modes. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and any combination can be supported.

  The architecture of the divided mode described with reference to FIG. 17 is not limited to the control circuit 200 of FIG. 10 but can be adopted in a conventional control circuit, and such an aspect is also included in the present invention.

  Some 5-wire touch panels have four electrodes provided at four locations near the four vertices of one resistance film 420, and four wires A to D are drawn out. By modifying the bias circuit 220, such a 5-wire touch panel can be supported.

  Note that a touch switch described in Japanese Patent Application No. 2015-221852 may be used. This can be understood as a structure in which one of the two resistive films is replaced with a conductor.

  Although the present invention has been described using specific terms based on the embodiments, the embodiments only illustrate the principles and applications of the present invention, and the embodiments are defined in the claims. Many variations and modifications of the arrangement are permitted without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 100 ... Touch-type input device, 200 ... Control circuit, 210 ... A / D conversion circuit, 212 ... Multiplexer, 214 ... A / D converter, 220 ... Bias circuit, 222 ... Voltage source, 230 ... Logic circuit, 240 ... Interface circuit , 400 ... touch panel, 440 ... dead area, 442 ... effective area, 1 ... motorcycle, 10 ... information display system, 12 ... display panel, 14 ... controller, 16 ... touch input device.

Claims (11)

A vehicle information display system,
A display panel;
One or more touch input devices provided separately from the display panel and having position detection sensitivity in the longitudinal direction;
An information display system comprising: The plurality of touch input devices are:
A first touch input device extending in a direction that can be easily traced with a thumb;
A second touch input device extending in a direction that can be easily traced with an index finger;
The information display system according to claim 1, comprising:   One of the one or more touch-type input devices includes a first portion that extends in a direction that can be easily traced with a thumb and a second portion that extends in a direction that can be easily traced with an index finger. The information display system according to 1 or 2.   4. The information display system according to claim 1, wherein one of the plurality of touch input devices is provided along one side of the display panel. 5.   The information display system according to claim 4, wherein another one of the plurality of touch input devices is provided along a lower side of the display panel. The plurality of touch input devices are arranged side by side in a first direction,
The information display system according to claim 1, wherein each of the plurality of touch input devices has detection sensitivity in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction. The plurality of touch-type input devices have an arc shape and are spaced apart in a radial direction,
The information display system according to claim 1, wherein each of the plurality of touch-type input devices has detection sensitivity in a circumferential direction.   8. At least one of the plurality of touch-type input devices has an electrode having a U-shaped portion, and is configured to be able to detect a two-point simultaneous touch. Information display system described in 1. The touch input device includes:
Two resistive films provided across a gap and in contact at a point touched by a user;
A plurality of wires drawn from the two resistive films;
A control circuit connected to the plurality of wirings and detecting a position touched by a user;
The information display system according to claim 1, further comprising:   The information display system according to claim 9, wherein the touch-type input device includes a conductor instead of one of the two resistive films.   A vehicle comprising the information display system according to any one of claims 1 to 10.

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