JP5225951B2 - Touch panel device - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a touch panel device that detects a plurality of touch locations on a matrix type touch panel and a touch detection method thereof.

  Since the matrix type touch panel can detect simultaneous touch operations at a plurality of points, it can be suitably used for inputting a command defined by touch input at a plurality of points. Such a matrix-type touch panel has a plurality of transparent electrodes arranged in a biaxial direction intersecting each other, and a driving voltage is applied from the driving unit to each transparent electrode in one direction, and each of the transparent electrodes in the other direction is applied. By detecting the output voltage appearing on the transparent electrode by the detection unit, the coordinates of the touch input are specified.

  For specifying the touch input position on the matrix type touch panel, for example, there is a method disclosed in Patent Document 1 (Embodiment 2). In this method, first, a drive voltage is applied to all the electrodes in the Y-axis direction all at once, and each voltage at the electrodes in the X-axis direction is detected, thereby specifying the X-axis component of the input coordinates. Next, a drive voltage is applied to the electrode in the X-axis direction at the specified coordinate position, and each voltage at the electrode in the Y-axis direction is detected, thereby specifying the Y-axis component of the input coordinates.

JP 9-274538 A (published on October 21, 1997)

  In the method for specifying the touch input position described in Patent Document 1, when touch input is performed at three or more locations at the same time and the detection patterns of the touch locations by these touch inputs overlap, the touch input location is specified. I can't.

  Here, as shown in FIG. 9, an example will be described in which the electrodes on the touch panel 101 are driven by the vertical drive detection unit 102 and the horizontal drive detection unit 103 to detect a touch-input location.

  In the following description, the touch input location on the touch panel 101 is referred to as a key (KEY). Further, in the detection pattern in the y-axis direction detected by the vertical drive detection unit 102, the pattern of the portion representing the key is referred to as shadow. Similarly, in the detection pattern in the x-axis direction detected by the horizontal drive detection unit 103, a pattern of a part representing a key is also called a shadow.

  In the example shown in FIG. 9, on the touch panel 101, three keys Ka, Kb, Kc are simultaneously touch-input. The keys Ka and Kc do not overlap in the vertical direction (y-axis direction), but partially overlap in the range dx1 in the horizontal direction (x-axis direction). The keys Kb and Kc do not overlap in the vertical direction, but partially overlap in the range dx2 in the horizontal direction. On the other hand, the keys Ka and Kb do not overlap in the horizontal direction, but partially overlap in the range dy1 in the vertical direction.

  By applying a drive voltage from the vertical drive detection unit 102 to all the electrodes arranged in the horizontal direction on the touch panel 101, the detection pattern in the x-axis direction according to the presence or absence of touch on the electrodes arranged in the vertical direction is driven horizontally. It is detected by the detection unit 103. In this detection pattern, shadows U corresponding to the touch locations of the keys Ka, Kb, and Kc appear continuously in the range of x coordinates x1 to x2. From this shadow U, the positions of the keys Ka, Kb, Kc in the x-axis direction cannot be specified individually.

  On the other hand, by applying a drive voltage from the horizontal drive detection unit 103 to all the electrodes arranged in the vertical direction on the touch panel 101, a detection pattern in the y-axis direction corresponding to the presence or absence of touch on the electrodes arranged in the horizontal direction is obtained. It is detected by the vertical drive detection unit 102. In this detection pattern, the shadow V corresponding to the touch location of only the key Kc appears continuously in the range of y coordinates y1 to y2, and the shadow W corresponding to the touch location of the keys Ka and Kb is in the range of y coordinates y3 to y4. It appears in Only the position of the key Kc in the y-axis direction can be specified by the shadow V, but the position of the keys Ka and Kb in the y-axis direction cannot be specified individually by the shadow W.

  As described above, in the example shown in FIG. 9, the keys Ka, Kb, and Kc cannot be individually specified by driving the electrode from either the vertical drive detection unit 102 or the horizontal drive detection unit 103.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and an object of the present invention is to reliably determine three or more touch locations in a matrix type touch panel with a simple and simple configuration.

A touch panel drive device according to the present invention includes a matrix type touch panel having a plurality of horizontal electrodes arranged in a horizontal direction and a plurality of vertical electrodes arranged in a vertical direction so as to intersect the horizontal electrodes, and each horizontal electrode Vertical drive detection means for driving each horizontal electrode by applying a drive voltage based on the drive data and outputting the presence or absence of a detection voltage from each horizontal electrode as vertical detection data arranged in the vertical direction, and each vertical electrode A touch panel comprising: a horizontal drive detection unit that drives each vertical electrode by applying a drive voltage based on the drive data and outputs the presence / absence of a detection voltage from each vertical electrode as horizontal detection data arranged in a horizontal direction In order to solve the above-described problem, the apparatus detects the vertical detection data obtained from the vertical drive detection means and the horizontal Touch range detection means for specifying a touch range representing a touch portion based on the horizontal detection data obtained from the motion detection means, and touch for storing the touch range individually for the vertical drive detection means and the horizontal drive detection means Range storage means, drive data generation means for generating the drive data including the one touch range stored in the touch range storage means, drive control means for controlling driving of the horizontal electrode and the vertical electrode, And the drive control means executes the steps (a) to (c).
(A) Vertical partial touch range specifying step By driving all the vertical electrodes from the horizontal drive detection unit, the vertical detection data output from the vertical drive detection unit according to the touch location on the matrix type touch panel (B) Horizontal partial touch range specifying step based on the touch range specifying means based on the touch range specifying means (b) Horizontal partial touch range specifying step By driving all the horizontal electrodes from the vertical drive detecting means, the matrix type touch panel A step (c) a touch location determination step of specifying a horizontal partial touch range as the touch range by the touch range specification means based on the horizontal detection data output from the horizontal drive detection means according to the touch location in Including a vertical partial touch range, The horizontal detection touch range obtained as the touch range from the horizontal drive detection unit by driving the horizontal electrode by the vertical drive detection unit based on the drive data generated by the touch detection is all touched in the horizontal detection data. When only one horizontal entire touch range or one horizontal partial touch range indicating a range is included, a single touch location is determined by the horizontal detection touch range and the vertical partial touch range. When the horizontal detection touch range is included in the horizontal total touch range or one horizontal partial touch range, the determination process is repeated until one touch location is determined. A first touch location determination step in which processing is performed for all of the vertical partial touch ranges, or one horizontal Vertical detection touch obtained as the touch range from the vertical drive detection unit by driving the vertical electrode by the horizontal drive detection unit based on the drive data generated by the drive data generation unit, including a minute touch range When the range includes only one vertical full touch range indicating that all of the vertical detection data is a touch range or one vertical partial touch range, the vertical detection touch range and the horizontal partial touch are included. One touch location when the vertical detection touch range is included in two or more vertical full touch ranges or one vertical partial touch range. The process of repeatedly performing the confirmation process until confirming is performed for all of the horizontal partial touch ranges. A step of performing any one of the touch location determination steps Further, in the touch detection method of the touch panel device according to the present invention, in order to solve the above-described problem, the steps except for the vertical drive detection unit and the horizontal drive detection unit are performed. It is characterized by having as.

  In the above configuration, in the matrix type touch panel, when touch input is performed at a plurality of locations, when the plurality of touch locations overlap in the horizontal direction or the vertical direction, the touch range also overlaps in the same direction for the plurality of touch locations. The touch location cannot be determined from the touch range.

  Therefore, first, when all the vertical electrodes are driven from the horizontal drive detection means by the vertical partial touch range step of the drive control means (drive control step), the output from the vertical drive detection means according to the touch location on the matrix type touch panel. The vertical partial touch range is specified as the touch range by the touch range specifying means (touch range specifying step) based on the vertical detection data. This vertical partial touch range is stored in the touch range storage means.

  In addition, when all the horizontal electrodes are driven from the vertical drive detection unit by the horizontal partial touch range step of the drive control unit (drive control step), the horizontal drive detection unit outputs the signal according to the touch location on the matrix type touch panel. A horizontal partial touch range is specified as a touch range by touch range specifying means (for example, touch range specifying step) based on the horizontal detection data. This horizontal partial touch range is stored in the touch range storage means.

  In the touch location determination step of the drive control means (drive control step), either the first touch location determination step or the second touch location determination step is performed.

  In the first touch location determination step, first, when the horizontal electrode is driven by the vertical drive detection unit based on the drive data including one vertical partial touch range and generated by the drive data generation unit, the horizontal drive detection unit A horizontal detection touch range can be obtained. When the horizontal detection touch range includes only one horizontal total touch range or one horizontal partial touch range, a confirmation process for determining one touch location in the horizontal detection touch range and the vertical partial touch range. Is done. When two or more horizontal detection touch ranges are included in the horizontal total touch range or one horizontal partial touch range, the determination process is repeatedly performed until one touch location is determined. This process is performed for the entire vertical partial touch range.

  On the other hand, in the second touch location determination step, first, when the vertical electrode is driven by the horizontal drive detection unit based on the drive data including one horizontal partial touch range and generated by the drive data generation unit, the vertical drive is performed. A vertical detection touch range is obtained from the detection means. When only one vertical detection touch range is included in the entire vertical touch range or one vertical partial touch range, a determination process for determining one touch location in the vertical detection touch range and the horizontal partial touch range. Is done. Then, when two or more vertical detection touch ranges are included in the entire vertical touch range or one vertical partial touch range, the determination process is repeatedly performed until one touch location is determined. This process is performed for the entire horizontal partial touch range.

  Thus, one touch location is determined by repeatedly performing the determination process.

  As described above, the touch panel device according to the present invention includes the touch range specifying unit, the touch range storage unit, the drive data generation unit, and the drive control unit. Even if it overlaps in the horizontal direction, there is an effect that it can be surely determined. The drive control means (drive control step) compares the horizontal detection touch range and the horizontal full touch range or one horizontal partial touch range, and the vertical detection touch range and the vertical full touch range or one vertical partial touch range. Thus, the touch location can be determined with a simple configuration.

It is a figure which shows the structure of the principal part of the touchscreen apparatus which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the structure of the horizontal drive detection part and vertical drive detection part which are connected to the touch panel in the said touch panel apparatus, and the said touch panel periphery. It is a figure which shows an example of the output data (detection pattern) output from the said horizontal drive detection part and the said vertical drive detection part. (A) And (b) is a figure which shows the structure of the memory provided in the control interface part in the said touchscreen apparatus. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure for determining the touch location by the said control interface part. (A)-(f) is a figure which shows the procedure for determining the three touch locations by the said control interface part. (A)-(f) is a figure which shows the procedure for determining the seven touch locations by the said control interface part. (A)-(e) is a figure which shows the procedure following FIG.7 (f) for determining seven touch locations by the said control interface part. It is a figure shown about detection of three touch locations in the conventional touch panel device.

An embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 8 as follows.
[1. Configuration of touch panel device]
As shown in FIG. 1, the touch panel device 1 according to the present embodiment includes a touch panel 2, a vertical drive detection unit 3, a horizontal drive detection unit 4, and a control interface unit 5. The vertical drive detection unit 3, the horizontal drive detection unit 4, and the control interface unit 5 constitute a touch panel drive device in the touch panel device 1.
[1-1. Configuration of touch panel
As shown in FIG. 2, the touch panel 2 is a high-definition matrix type touch panel. The touch panel 2 has a transparent substrate bonded so as to be opposed to each other with a predetermined interval, and the surfaces of the transparent substrates facing each other serve as electrode formation surfaces. A plurality of transparent electrodes Eh (horizontal electrodes) arranged in parallel to each other in the horizontal direction are formed on the electrode forming surface of one transparent substrate. A plurality of transparent electrodes Ev (vertical electrodes) arranged in parallel to each other in the vertical direction are formed on the electrode forming surface of the other transparent substrate. Each of the transparent electrodes Eh and Ev is a strip-shaped electrode made of a resistance film made of ITO (indium tin oxide) or the like, and is arranged so as to cross each other between the two transparent substrates.

Of the transparent electrodes Eh, the first (electrode number 1) transparent electrode Eh is disposed at the uppermost end, and the second, third,... Transparent electrodes Eh are disposed below the first transparent electrode Eh. The first (electrode number 1) transparent electrode Eh is disposed at the leftmost end of the transparent electrodes Ev, and the second, third,... Transparent electrodes Ev are disposed on the right side thereafter.
[1-2. Touch panel drive detection operation)
In the touch panel device 1, when the touch panel 2 is touched, the intersecting portions of the transparent electrodes Eh and Ev come into contact with each other at the touched location. In this state, when a drive voltage is applied to either the transparent electrode Eh or the transparent electrode Ev, the drive voltage appears on the other side through the touched portion. Therefore, the position touched on the touch panel 2 is detected by taking out this voltage as the detection voltage.

In the following description, when the description is common to the transparent electrodes Eh and Ev, the transparent electrode E is used.
[1-3. Configuration of vertical drive detection unit)
The vertical drive detector 3 (vertical drive detector) is connected to one end of the transparent electrode Eh and includes a plurality of driver ICs 6. In the vertical drive detection unit 3, the driver ICs 6 are mounted so as to be aligned in the vertical direction along the vertical connection edge of the touch panel 2.
[1-4. Configuration of horizontal drive detection unit]
On the other hand, the horizontal drive detection unit 4 (horizontal drive detection means) is connected to one end side of the transparent electrode Ev, and a plurality of driver ICs 6 are provided. In the horizontal drive detection unit 4, the driver ICs 6 are mounted so as to be aligned in the horizontal direction along the connection edge in the horizontal direction of the touch panel 2.
[1-5. Configuration of driver IC]
The driver IC 6 outputs a drive voltage based on serial driver input data DATAIN given from the control interface unit 5 to the driver IC 6 to the plurality of transparent electrodes Eh and Ev of the touch panel 2. Further, the driver IC 6 outputs detection data based on the detection voltage output from the transparent electrodes Eh and Ev to the control interface unit 5.

  Specifically, the driver IC 6 converts the driver input data DATAIN into parallel so as to correspond to each of the transparent electrodes Eh and Ev, and applies the drive voltage to each of the transparent electrodes Eh and Ev based on the parallel data. Is generated. Specifically, the driver IC 6 detects the detection voltage output from each of the plurality of transparent electrodes Eh and Ev as parallel data, converts the detected data into serial detection data, and outputs the driver output data DATAOUT. Output as.

  For this reason, the driver IC 6 is configured to have the functions of the drive unit and the detection unit described in Embodiment 2 of Patent Document 1, for example. Specifically, the driver IC 6 has a serial in-parallel out shift register in order to perform serial / parallel conversion of data as described above. The driver IC 6 has a parallel in-serial out shift register in order to perform the parallel / serial conversion as described above.

  Note that the driver IC 6 may include a shift register having these functions instead of the serial-in / parallel-out shift register and the parallel-in / serial-out shift register.

  Each driver IC 6 provided in the vertical drive detection unit 3 outputs drive voltages to the plurality of transparent electrodes Eh, and inputs and outputs to the touch panel 2 side so that detection voltages from the plurality of transparent electrodes Eh are input. It has a terminal (pin).

  In the vertical drive detection unit 3, data transmission lines are daisy chain connected between the driver ICs 6. Thus, in the vertical drive detection unit 3, the driver input data DATAIN from the control interface unit 5 is input to the first stage driver IC 6 (located at the upper end of the vertical drive detection unit 3 in FIGS. 1 and 2) and sequentially. The data is transmitted to the driver IC 6 at the subsequent stage. In the vertical drive detection unit 3, detection data output from each driver IC 6 is input to the subsequent driver IC 6, and is shifted subsequent to the detection data of the subsequent driver IC 6. As a result, the detection data of each driver IC 6 becomes one continuous driver output data DATAOUT (vertical detection data), and the final stage driver IC 6 in the vertical drive detection unit 3 (vertical drive detection unit 3 in FIGS. 1 and 2). Output at the bottom of

  On the other hand, each driver IC 6 provided in the horizontal drive detection unit 4 outputs drive voltages to the plurality of transparent electrodes Ev, and inputs and outputs to the touch panel 2 side so that detection voltages from the plurality of transparent electrodes Ev are input. It has a terminal (pin) for use.

  In the horizontal drive detection unit 4, data transmission lines are daisy chain connected between the driver ICs 6. As a result, in the horizontal drive detection unit 4, the driver input data DATAIN from the control interface unit 5 is input to the first stage driver IC 6 (located at the left end of the horizontal drive detection unit 4 in FIGS. 1 and 2) and sequentially. The data is transmitted to the driver IC 6 at the subsequent stage. Further, in the horizontal drive detection unit 4, detection data output from each driver IC 6 is input to the driver IC 6 at the subsequent stage, and shifted following the detection data of the driver IC 6 at the subsequent stage. Thereby, the detection data of each driver IC 6 becomes one continuous driver output data DATAOUT (horizontal detection data), and the final stage driver IC 6 in the horizontal drive detection unit 4 (the horizontal drive detection unit 4 in FIGS. 1 and 2). Output from the right edge of

  A reset signal RES and a clock CLK are directly input to each driver IC 6 in the vertical drive detection unit 3 and the horizontal drive detection unit 4.

The vertical drive detection unit 3 and the horizontal drive detection unit 4 may be configured such that each driver IC 6 directly transmits and receives data in parallel with the control interface unit 5.
[1-6. Configuration of driver input data and driver output data]
Here, each bit of the driver input data DATAIN corresponds to each transparent electrode E. When it is “1”, it represents application of the drive voltage (active high), and when it is “0”, It represents non-application. On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 3, each bit of the driver output data DATAOUT corresponds to each transparent electrode E (the electrode number described above), and when it is “1”, it represents detection of the applied voltage (active high). ), In the case of “0”, non-detection of the applied voltage is indicated. As described above, the driver output data DATAOUT becomes a detection pattern indicating detection and non-detection (presence / absence of drive voltage) by all the transparent electrodes Eh and Ev.

In the following description, the touch location is referred to as a key (KEY) as in the example with reference to FIG. The touch detection portion in the driver output data DATAOUT (detection pattern) output from the horizontal drive detection unit 4 is referred to as shadow (touch portion, horizontal partial touch range) as in the example with reference to FIG. Similarly, the touch detection portion in the driver output data DATAOUT output from the vertical drive detection unit 3 is also referred to as shadow (touch portion, vertical partial touch range).
[1-7. Configuration of control interface section]
In response to an instruction from the external CPU, the control interface unit 5 outputs the driver input data DATAIN to be given to the touch panel 2 and specifies the key by performing an operation of taking in the driver output data DATAOUT output from the touch panel 2 Then, the specified data is given to the CPU, and an interface function for control with the CPU is provided. More specifically, the control interface unit 5 drives and detects the touch panel 2 in a plurality of stages in order to specify each of the plurality of keys on the touch panel 2 based on the detection pattern specified from the driver output data DATAOUT. The driver input data DATAIN and the driver output data DATAOUT are fetched while repeating the above.

The control interface unit 5 includes a memory 51 and a memory control unit 52 in order to realize the above functions. The control interface unit 5 configured as described below is configured by hardware logic (digital circuit), but may be configured to be realized by software by a microcomputer.
[1-7-1. Memory configuration
The memory 51 including a RAM has a shadow storage area 511 (touch range storage means), a confirmation key storage area 512, and a work area 513.
[1-7-1 (a). (Shadow storage area configuration)
The shadow storage area 511 stores data defining a shadow specified from the respective driver output data DATAOUT (detection pattern) from the vertical drive detection unit 3 and the horizontal drive detection unit 4. Here, in the following description, the shadow obtained from the vertical drive detection unit 3 is appropriately referred to as a vertical shadow, and the shadow obtained from the horizontal drive detection unit 4 is referred to as a horizontal shadow.

  As shown in FIG. 4A, the shadow storage area 511 is composed of a plurality of stage areas divided for each stage. As shown in FIG. 4B, the stage area includes areas divided into addresses “0” to “15” separately for vertical shadows and horizontal shadows. The addresses “1” to “13” are designated as indirect addresses in the memory 51 using a shadow pointer Sn-PTR described later. FIG. 4B shows the stage area of stage 0.

  The area of the address “0” (shadow number area) stores the 4-bit shadow number Sn-NUM (n is an integer of 0 or more indicating the number of stages) specified in the corresponding stage. In the example shown in FIG. 4B, the shadow number S0-NUM of the stage 0 is stored in the shadow number area. In the shadow number area, the shadow number specified by the shadow information specifying unit 521 is written in a shadow position area described later.

  Each area (shadow position area) of addresses “1” to “13” stores data (shadow position data) about the shadow position indicating the start position and the end position of the shadow. The shadow position data is represented by a 9-bit bottom position BO-iP and a top position TO-iP (i is an integer from 1 to 13). There are as many shadow position areas as the specified number of shadows. The prescribed number of shadows is set to 13 in the present embodiment, but is not limited to 13 because it can be defined as desired according to the capacity of the memory 51.

  The top position TO-iP represents the portion of “1” changed from “0” in the detection pattern, that is, the electrode number of the head position of the shadow. Further, the bottom position BO-iP represents the electrode number of the portion of “1” immediately before changing to “0” in the detection pattern, that is, the end position of the shadow. For example, in the detection pattern shown in FIG. 3, the electrode number 20 is the first top position TO-1P, the electrode number 45 is the first bottom position BO-1P, and the first top position TO-1P and the first A first shadow is defined at one bottom position BO-1P. Further, the electrode number 70 is the second top position TO-2P, the electrode number 78 is the second bottom position BO-2P, and the second top position TO-2P and the second bottom position BO-2P. A second shadow is defined.

  The area of the address “14” (drive shadow position area) is obtained by changing the top position TO-iP and the bottom position BO-iP stored in the shadow position area of the address designated by the shadow pointer Sn-PTR, which will be described later, to the top position. Temporarily store as TO-TP and bottom position BO-TP.

The area of the address “15” (shadow pointer area) stores a 4-bit shadow pointer Sn-PTR. The shadow pointer Sn-PTR is an indirect address for designating any one of addresses “1” to “13” of the shadow position area in which the top position TO-iP and the bottom position BO-iP are stored. The shadow pointer Sn-PTR is used to indicate to which shadow of the top position TO-iP and the bottom position BO-iP stored in the shadow position area has been used for driving. In the example shown in FIG. 4B, the shadow pointer S0-PTR of stage 0 is stored in the shadow pointer area. As the shadow pointer Sn-PTR, the addresses “1” to “13” defined in the shadow number area are used.
[1-7-1 (b). (Confirmation key storage area configuration)
The confirmed key storage area 512 stores data on the finally confirmed key. Specifically, the confirmation key storage area 512 stores the shadow position that defines the shadow used for driving in the stage when the key is confirmed, and the confirmation key number KeyNo as data about the key. The above-described shadow position is written into the fixed key storage area 512 by the drive detection control unit 524. The confirmed key number KeyNo is incremented by one by the drive detection control unit 524 every time one key is confirmed and rewritten in the confirmed key storage area 512.
[1-7-1 (c). (Workspace configuration)
The work area 513 is provided for storing various values necessary for processing for key detection. For example, such values include a 4-bit stage number n (n is an integer greater than or equal to 0), a drive stage number m, a comparison stage number x, a detected shadow number R, a FIRSTH flag, and a KEEP-PTR flag.

  The drive stage number m is a stage number at which a shadow used for driving is obtained. The comparison stage number x is a stage number at which a shadow to be compared with the detected shadow is obtained.

  The detected number of shadows R is the number of shadows detected at stage m included in the shadows obtained at stage x.

  The FIRSTH flag is a flag that is set to “1” when the horizontal shadow number M is equal to or greater than the vertical shadow number L, and is set to “0” otherwise. Here, the vertical shadow number L is the number of shadows detected in the vertical drive detection unit 3 by driving the all transparent electrodes Ev from the horizontal drive detection unit 4 in the stage 0 which is the first stage of drive detection. The horizontal shadow number M is the number of shadows detected in the horizontal drive detection unit 4 by driving the all-transparent electrode Eh from the vertical drive detection unit 3 in the stage 1 following the stage 0. In stage 2 and subsequent stages, driving is performed from the vertical drive detection unit 3 when the FIRSTH flag is “0”, and driving is performed from the horizontal drive detection unit 4 when the FIRSTH flag is “1”.

  The KEEP-PTR flag is a flag that is set to “1” when the value of the shadow pointer Sn-PTR is held, and is set to “0” when it is not held (cleared).

The memory control unit 52 includes a shadow information specifying unit 521 (touch range specifying unit), a writing control unit 522, a stage changing unit 523, a drive detection control unit 524 (drive control unit), and an input data generating unit 525 ( Drive data generation means) and a read control unit 526.
[1-7-2. (Shadow information identification part configuration)
The shadow information specifying unit 521 has a bit “1” that changes from “0” and a bit “1” that changes from “0” from the driver output data DATAOUT output from the vertical drive detection unit 3 and the horizontal drive detection unit 4. By detecting the bit, the above-described shadow position that specifies the shadow is specified. The shadow information specifying unit 521 specifies the number of shadows (shadow number) included in the driver output data DATAOUT based on the shadow position.
[1-7-3. Configuration of write control unit]
The writing control unit 522 writes the shadow position specified by the shadow information specifying unit 521 in the shadow storage area 511 of the memory 51. Specifically, the writing control unit 522 refers to the stage number set in the work area 513 of the memory 51, and detects the shadow position detected in the stage area corresponding to the stage number in the shadow storage area 511. Are sequentially written from the address “1” one by one.
[1-7-4. (Configuration of stage change unit)
The stage changing unit 523 sets the stage number n of the work area 513 to 0 when receiving an instruction from the drive detection control unit 524 in the stage 0 that drives the transparent electrodes Ev all at once. When the stage changing unit 523 receives the instruction from the drive detection control unit 524 when the stage 1 drives the transparent electrodes Eh in a lump, the stage changing unit 523 sets the stage number n of the work area 513 to 1. When the stage change unit 523 receives an instruction from the drive detection control unit 524 after the FIRSTH flag is determined, the stage change unit 523 sets the stage number n of the work area 513 to 2. Further, the stage changing unit 523 adds and rewrites one stage number n of the work area 513 by an addition command from the drive detection control unit 524 after stage 2, and rewrites by a subtraction command from the drive detection control unit 524. Subtract 1 from the stage number n and rewrite it.
[1-7-5. Configuration of drive detection control unit]
The drive detection control unit 524 via the read control unit 526, the vertical shadow number L stored in the stage area of the stage 0 of the shadow storage area 511 and the horizontal shadow number M stored in the stage area of the stage 1 And compare. As a result of the comparison, the drive detection control unit 524 sets the FIRSTH flag in the work area 513 to “1” when the horizontal shadow number M is equal to or greater than the vertical shadow number L, and otherwise sets the FIRSTH flag to “1”. Set to 0 ”.

  The drive detection control unit 524 instructs the stage changing unit 523 to change the stage number n, and sets the drive stage number m, the comparison stage number x, the detected shadow number R, the FIRSTH flag, and the KEEP-PTR flag in the work area 513. Do. In addition, the drive detection control unit 524 changes settings in the shadow storage area 511 and reads data as necessary.

  Further, the drive detection control unit 524 determines whether or not the predetermined number of keys that can be determined is exceeded from the determined key number KeyNo stored in the determined key storage area 513 and the number of shadows used for determining the subsequent keys. Determine whether. If the drive detection control unit 5 determines that the predetermined number of keys that can be determined is exceeded, the drive detection control unit 5 stops the key determination operation until a new touch input is received, and notifies the CPU as necessary.

The drive detection control unit 524 performs the following processes (1) to (4) in order to determine the key, and details of the process will be described later with reference to the flowchart of FIG.
(1) Comparison of Shadows The drive detection control unit 524 determines whether or not the shadow (m shadow) newly detected in the drive stage m is included in the shadow (x shadow) obtained in the stage x. A logical product (AND) is taken for determination. Both m shadow and x shadow are output by either the same vertical drive detection unit 3 or horizontal drive detection unit 4.
(2) Determination of key If the drive detection control unit 524 determines that only one m shadow is included in the x shadow based on the result of the AND, the key specified by the m shadow is determined as the determination key. Write to the key storage area 512.
(3) Continuation of drive-1 (stage rise)
If the drive detection control unit 524 determines that a plurality of m shadows are included in the x shadow based on the result of the AND, the drive detection control unit 524 adds 1 to the stage number n and individually performs the drive using the m shadow. The input data generation unit 525 is instructed to generate the driver input data DATAIN so as to execute.
(4) Continuation of drive-2 (Descent of stage)
The drive detection control unit 524 subtracts 1 from the stage number n when the key is determined for all m shadows by driving using the plurality of m shadows, and the stage number n is 3 or more. Continue driving using m shadows that have not been determined.
[1-7-6. Configuration of input data generation unit]
When the stage number n is 0 or 1, the input data generation unit 525 outputs a drive pattern for driving the transparent electrodes Ev or the transparent electrodes Eh as driver input data DATAIN. This drive pattern is stored in a predetermined area of the memory 51, for example. Further, when the input data generation unit 525 is stage 2 or higher, the input data generation unit 525 determines the shadow position stored in the drive shadow position area in the corresponding stage area of the shadow storage area 511 according to the value of the FIRSTH flag in the work area 513. Using the data, driver input data DATAIN including one shadow synchronized with the clock CLK is generated.
[2. (Key confirmation operation in touch panel device)
Here, the key determination operation in the touch panel device 1 configured as described above will be described.
[Example of inputting 2-1.3 keys simultaneously]
FIG. 5 shows a procedure for determining a key in the touch panel device 1 configured as described above. FIG. 6 shows a specific example in which each key is determined when three keys are input simultaneously. Here, the key determination operation of the touch panel device 1 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. 5 for the specific example shown in FIG.

As shown in FIG. 6A, keys K1, K2, and K3 are simultaneously input on the touch panel 2. The keys K1 and K2 partially overlap in the range d1 in the vertical direction, the keys K2 and K3 partially overlap in the range d2 in the horizontal direction, and the keys K1 and K3 do not overlap in any of the vertical and horizontal directions.
[2-1-1. (Initializing the number of confirmed keys)
First, the drive detection control unit 524 sets the determined key number KeyNo to 0 in the work area 513 of the memory 51 (step S1).
[2-1-2. Stage 0]
The horizontal drive detection unit 4 applies a drive voltage to the all-transparent drive electrode Ev, thereby detecting a vertical shadow (vertical detection touch range) from the vertical drive detection unit 3 (step S2). This process corresponds to stage 0 (vertical partial touch range specifying step).

  In stage 0, the drive detection control unit 524 gives an instruction to the input data generation unit 525 to drive the all transparent electrode Ev. Accordingly, the input data generation unit 525 outputs a drive pattern for driving the all transparent electrode Ev as the driver input data DATAIN.

  When the serial driver input data DATAIN is input to the horizontal drive detection unit 4, the shift register in each driver IC 6 is sequentially shifted, and then a drive voltage is applied in parallel to the corresponding transparent electrodes Eh from the shift register. Is done. Then, the vertical drive detection unit 3 outputs the detection pattern detected by each driver IC 6, whereby the driver output data DATAOUT is output from the final stage driver IC 6 as a detection pattern.

  As shown in FIG. 6A, the detection pattern includes a portion corresponding to the keys K1 and K2 as shadow A1, and a portion corresponding to the key K3 as shadow B1. In this case, the shadow information specifying unit 521 determines from the driver output data DATAOUT the top position TO-1P and bottom position BO-1P corresponding to the shadow A1, and the top position TO-2P and bottom position BO-2P corresponding to the shadow B1. Are identified. Further, the shadow information specifying unit 521 specifies the shadow number S0-NUM (= L = 2) from these values.

The write control unit 522 causes the top position TO-1P and the bottom position BO-1P, the top position TO-2P and the bottom position BO-2P, and the shadow number S0-NUM to be in the stage area (stage) of the shadow storage area 511. 0).
[2-1-3. Stage 1]
When the processing of stage 0 is completed, the vertical drive detection unit 3 applies a drive voltage to the all-transparent drive electrode Eh, thereby detecting a horizontal shadow (horizontal detection touch range) from the horizontal drive detection unit 4 (step S3). ). This process corresponds to stage 1 (horizontal partial touch range specifying step, n = 1).

  In stage 1, the drive detection control unit 524 sets the stage number n of the work area 513 of the memory 51 to 1. Further, the drive detection control unit 524 gives an instruction to the input data generation unit 5 so as to drive the all transparent electrode Eh. Thus, when the input data generation unit 525 recognizes that the stage number n of the work area 513 is 1, the input data generation unit 525 outputs a drive pattern for driving the all transparent electrodes Eh as driver input data DATAIN.

  When the driver input data DATAIN is input to the vertical drive detection unit 3, the shift registers in all the driver ICs 6 are shifted as in the horizontal drive detection unit 4, and based on the pulses output from the shift register. Then, a driving voltage is applied to each transparent electrode Eh. Then, the horizontal drive detection unit 4 outputs the detection pattern detected by each driver IC 6, whereby the driver output data DATAOUT is output as a detection pattern from the last driver IC 6.

  As shown in FIG. 6B, the detection pattern includes a portion corresponding to the keys K2 and K3 as a shadow C1, and a portion corresponding to the key K1 as a shadow D1. In this case, the shadow information specifying unit 521 specifies the top position TO-1P and the bottom position BO-1P corresponding to the shadow C1, and the top position TO-2P and the bottom position BO-2P corresponding to the shadow D1. Also, the shadow information identification unit 521 identifies the shadow number S1-NUM (= M = 2) from these values.

The write control unit 522 causes the top position TO-1P and the bottom position BO-1P, the top position TO-2P and the bottom position BO-2P, and the shadow number S1-NUM to be in the stage area (stage) of the shadow storage area 511. 1). Then, the number of shadows of stage 0 (vertical shadow number L) and the number of shadows of stage 1 (horizontal shadow number M) are read from the shadow storage area 511 via the read control unit 526 and input to the drive detection control unit 524. Is done.
[2-1-4. FIRSTH flag set]
The drive detection control unit 524 compares the number L of vertical shadows with the number M of horizontal shadows to determine whether or not M <L (step S4), and when M <L is not satisfied, M = 0. It is determined whether or not there is (step S5). If it is determined that M = 0 is not satisfied, it is further determined whether or not M = 1 (step S6). If the drive detection control unit 524 determines that M is not 1 in step S6, it sets the FIRSTH flag in the work area 513 to “1” (step 7).

In the example shown in FIGS. 6A and 6B, since L = 2 and M = 2, the determination in step S4 is NO, and the FIRSTH flag is set to “1”.
[2-1-5. Stage 2]
When the setting of the FIRSTH flag is finished, the stage changing unit 523 receives the instruction from the drive detection control unit 524, and sets the stage number n of the work area 513 to 2 (step S9). Next, the drive detection control unit 524 sets the KEEP-PTR flag to 0 (step S11). As a result, only the shadow pointer Sm-PTR of the stage m is cleared.

  In stage 2 shown in FIG. 6C, the drive detection control unit 524 determines NO in step S12 (n> 3), determines YES in step S13 (n = 2), and further performs step S14 (FIRSTH flag). = 1) YES. In this case, the drive detection control unit 524 sets the comparison stage number x to 0 and the drive stage number m to 1 in step S15.

  Further, since the KEEP-PTR flag is set to 0 in step S11, the drive detection control unit 524 determines YES in step S17, and sets the shadow pointer S1-PTR of stage 1 to 0 (step S18). ), The KEEP-PTR flag is set to 1 (step S19). Further, the drive detection control unit 524 determines that the shadow number 2 of the stage m (= 1) is not equal to the shadow pointer S1-PTR (step S25), and sets the shadow pointer S1-PTR in the shadow storage area 511 to 1. (Step S26).

  Therefore, in stage 2, driving is performed using shadow C1 out of shadows C1 and D1 obtained in stage 1. The shadow position of the shadow C1 is stored in the shadow position area designated by the shadow pointer S1-PTR. The drive detection control unit 524 writes the shadow position of the shadow C1 into the drive shadow position area of the stage area (stage 1) in the shadow storage area 511 as a shadow used for driving.

  Further, the drive detection control unit 524 sets the detection shadow of the stage x as a shadow to be ANDed with the detection shadow of the stage n (step S27). However, the drive detection control unit 524 exceptionally only when n = 2, does not use the detection shadow of stage 0 or 1 as an AND target, but sets all “1” patterns as shadows to be ANDed. Set (step S27). Therefore, in stage 2, all “1” patterns (horizontal full touch range, vertical full touch range) are used as AND targets.

  When the transparent electrode Ev is driven by the horizontal drive detection unit 4 using the shadow C1, which is the first detection shadow of the stage 1, in accordance with an instruction from the drive detection control unit 524 (step S28), the vertical drive detection unit 3 A detection pattern including two shadows A1-1 (corresponding to the key K2) and B1-1 (corresponding to the key K3) is obtained. The shadows A1-1 and B1-1 obtained by this driving are all compared with the pattern of all “1” (only n = 2) by AND to specify the number of detected shadows included in the pattern (step S28). .

  In this case, since the detection shadow number R obtained as a result of the AND is 2 (2 or more), the drive detection control unit 524 determines NO in step S29 (R = 1), and in step S30. 1 is added to the stage number n to change it to 3. As a result, the stage 3 is entered.

  At this time, the shadow information specifying unit 521 specifies the shadow position and the shadow number S2-NUM (= 2) for the shadows A1-1 and B1-1. The write control unit 522 writes the shadow position in the shadow position region of the stage region (stage 2) in the shadow storage region 511 and writes the shadow number S2-NUM in the shadow number region in accordance with the instruction of the drive detection control unit 524. Similarly, the writing control unit 522 writes the shadow position and the shadow number Sn-NUM in the corresponding stage area. The detection shadow writing operation as described above is performed each time a shadow is detected in the process of step S28. Therefore, at the same stage, every time a shadow is detected, the shadow position is overwritten in the shadow position area, so the shadow detected last time does not remain.

When the drive detection control unit 524 outputs an addition command, the stage changing unit 523 receives the addition command, adds 1 to 2 of the stage number n in the work area 513, and rewrites it to 3.
[2-1-6. Stage 3]
For the stage 3 shown in FIG. 6D, the drive detection control unit 524 sets the KEEP-PTR flag to 0 in step S11, determines NO in steps S12 and S13, and further performs step S20 (FIRSTH = 1). ) Is determined as YES. Accordingly, the drive detection control unit 524 sets the comparison stage number x to 1 (step S21), and sets the drive stage number m to 2 (= n−1 = 3-1) (step S24).

  If the drive detection control unit 524 determines that the KEEP-PTR flag is 0 (step S17), the drive detection control unit 524 sets the shadow pointer S2-PTR of stage 2 to 0 (step S18), and then sets the KEEP-PTR flag to 1. (Step S19). As a result, the value of the shadow pointer S2-PTR is held. Then, the drive detection control unit 524 determines the mismatch between the number of shadows of stage 2 and the shadow pointer S2-PTR (step S25), adds 1 to the shadow pointer S2-PTR and sets it to 1 (step S26). . Further, the drive detection control unit 524 sets the shadow C1 at the shadow position specified by the shadow pointer S1-PTR (= 1) as an AND target (step S27).

  Here, from the relationship between the drive stage number m and the comparison stage number x set in steps S15, S16, S21 to S24 (S23 will be described later), a shadow for specifying the shadow used for driving in the previous stage is specified. The pointer Sm-PTR becomes a shadow pointer Sx-PTR for specifying a shadow set as an AND target in the current stage (stage 3).

  Accordingly, as shown in FIG. 6D, the first (S2-PTR = 1) shadow A1-1 detected in the stage 2 is used for driving. At this time, the shadow position of the shadow A1-1 is set in the drive shadow position area of the stage area (stage 2) in the shadow storage area 511. In addition, the first (S1-PTR = 1) shadow C1 detected in the stage 1 becomes an AND target with the shadow detected in the stage 3.

  The drive detection control unit 524 ANDs the shadows C1-1 and D1-1 (shadow number S3-NUM = 2) obtained by driving using the shadow A1-1 and the shadow C1 detected in the stage 1. In other words, since one shadow C1-1 is included in the shadow C1, the detected shadow number R is specified to be 1 (step S28). The drive detection control unit 524 determines that the detected shadow number R is 1 (step S29), so the key K2 is determined by the vertical shadow A1-1 and the horizontal shadow C1-1, and the determined key number 1 is added to KeyNo (step S31), and stage 3 is maintained (confirmation process).

  At this time, since the shadow pointer S2-PTR is 1, the drive detection control unit 524 still determines a mismatch between the shadow number 2 of the stage m (= 2) and the shadow pointer S2-PTR (step S25). The shadow pointer S2-PTR is set to 2 (step S26). As a result, the shadow B1-1 detected in the second stage (S2-PTR = 2) in the stage 2 in the drive shadow position area of the stage area (stage 2) in the shadow storage area 511 as the shadow used for the current drive. The shadow position is set. Thereby, as shown in FIG.6 (e), shadow B1-1 is used for a drive.

  The drive detection control unit 524 obtains the AND of the shadow C1-2 (shadow number S3-NUM = 1) obtained by driving using the shadow B1-1 and the shadow C1 detected in the stage 1, Since one shadow C1-2 is included in the shadow C1, it is specified that the detected shadow number R is 1 (step S28). Since the detection shadow number R is 1 (step S26), the drive detection control unit 524 determines the key K3 based on the vertical shadow B1-1 and the horizontal shadow C1-2 (step S31). At this time, the drive detection control unit 524 writes the shadow positions for the confirmed keys K2 and K3 in the confirmed key storage area 512.

At this time, since the shadow pointer S2-PTR is 2, the drive detection control unit 524 determines whether the shadow number 2 of the stage m matches the shadow pointer S2-PTR (step S25), and n = 2 is not satisfied. (Step S32), 1 is subtracted from the stage number n (Step S33), and the stage 2 is entered.
[2-1-7. Stage 2]
In stage 2, the drive detection control unit 524 determines NO in step S12, determines YES in steps S13 and S14, sets the comparison stage number x to 0, and sets the drive stage number m to 1. (Step S15). At this time, since the KEEP-PTR flag is maintained at 1 unlike the previous stage 2, the drive detection control unit 524 determines that the KEEP-PTR flag is not 0 (step S17), and sets the KEEP-PTR flag again. 1 is set (step S19). Since the KEEP-PTR flag is set to 1, the shadow pointer S1-PTR maintains 1 which is the value of the state of the stage 2 shown in FIG.

  At this time, the drive detection control unit 524 still determines a mismatch between the shadow number 2 of stage 1 and the shadow pointer S1-PTR (= 1) (step S25), so the shadow pointer S1-PTR is set to 2. (Step S26). As a result, the shadow position of the shadow D1 detected in the stage 1 is set in the drive shadow position area of the stage area (stage 1) in the shadow storage area 511 as the shadow used for the current drive. Furthermore, since the current stage is stage 2, the drive detection control unit 524 sets all “1” patterns as targets of AND (step S27).

  As a result, as shown in FIG. 6 (f), when driven by the horizontal drive detection unit 4 using the shadow D1, shadow A1-2 is obtained in the vertical drive detection unit 3. Since the drive detection control unit 524 obtains an AND between the shadow A1-2 (shadow number S2-NUM = 1) and the pattern of all “1”, only one shadow A1-2 is obtained. It is specified that the detected shadow number R is 1 (step S25). Since the detection shadow number R is 1 (step S29), the drive detection control unit 524 determines the key K1 by the vertical shadow A1-2 and the horizontal shadow D1 (step S31). At this time, the drive detection control unit 524 writes the shadow position for the confirmed key K1 in the confirmed key storage area 512.

At this time, since the shadow pointer S1-PTR is 2, the drive detection control unit 524 determines the coincidence with the shadow number 2 of the stage 1 (step S25), and since n = 2, all keys It is determined that K1 to K3 have been determined (step S32), and the process ends.
[2-1-8. Operation not corresponding to the example of FIG. 6]
In the above example, the case where M <L is not satisfied (step S4), the case where M = 0 is not satisfied (step S5), and the case where M = 1 is not satisfied (step S6) has been described. In the above example, the case where the FIRSTH flag is set to 1 and n ≦ 3 has been described. Here, the operation of the drive detection control unit 524 when different from the above case will be described.

  If the drive detection control unit 524 determines in step S4 that M <L, it sets the FIRSTH flag to “0” (step 8).

  If the drive detection control unit 524 determines that M = 0 in step S5, the drive detection control unit 524 ends the process because there is no input key.

  If the drive detection control unit 524 determines that M = 1 in step S6, since L = 1, the drive detection control unit 524 determines one key and adds 1 to the determined key number KeyNo (step S10). The key data and the updated confirmed key number KeyNo are written in the confirmed key storage area 512, and the process ends.

  If the drive detection control unit 524 determines in step S14 that the FIRSTH flag is not 1 (0), it sets the drive stage number m to 0, sets the comparison stage number x to 1 (step S16), and performs processing. The process proceeds to step S17. If the drive detection control unit 524 determines that the FIRSTH flag is not 1 in step S20, the drive detection control unit 524 sets the comparison stage number x to 0 (step S22), and the process proceeds to step S24.

If the drive detection control unit 524 determines that the stage number n is greater than 3 in step S12, the drive detection control unit 524 sets the comparison stage number x to a value obtained by subtracting 2 from the stage number n (step S23), and the process proceeds to step S24. .
[2-2.7 Examples of simultaneous input of keys]
In the example shown in FIG. 6, the case has been described in which three keys that move to stage 3 for key confirmation are input simultaneously. Here, the key confirmation operation of the touch panel device 1 in the case where seven keys are simultaneously input, which shifts to stage 3 or higher for key confirmation, will be described.

As shown in FIG. 7A, keys K1 to K7 are simultaneously input on the touch panel 2. The keys K1 to K3 and K7 partially overlap in the vertical direction in the range d3, the keys K1 to K5 partially overlap in the horizontal direction in the range d4, the keys K4 to K6 overlap almost completely in the vertical direction, and the keys K6 and K7 Does not overlap horizontally with other keys.
[2-2-1. Stage 0, 1]
First, as shown in FIG. 7A, in the stage 0, shadows A1 and B1 are obtained in the vertical drive detection unit 3 by driving the all-transparent electrode Ev from the horizontal drive detection unit 4 (step S2). . Further, in the stage 1, when the all-transparent electrode Eh is driven from the vertical drive detection unit 3, shadows C1, D1, and E1 are obtained in the horizontal drive detection unit 4 (step S3). In this case, since the horizontal shadow number M (= 3) is larger than the vertical shadow number L (= 2) and M is neither 0 nor 1 (steps S4 to S6), the FIRSTH flag is set to “1”. (Step S7).
[2-2-2. Stage 2]
Next, in stage 2, the KEEP-PTR flag is set to 0 (step S11), through steps S12 to S14, the comparison stage number x is set to 0, and the drive stage number m is set to 1 (step S15). ). Since the KEEP-PTR flag is 0, the shadow pointer S1-PTR of stage 1 is set to 0 and the KEEP-PTR flag is set to 1 (steps S17 to S19). Since the number of shadows 3 in stage 1 is not equal to the shadow pointer S1-PTR (step S25), the shadow pointer S1-PTR is set to 1 (step S26). Furthermore, since the current stage is stage 2, all “1” patterns are set as AND targets (step S27).

Thus, as shown in FIG. 7B, when driven by the horizontal drive detection unit 4 using the shadow C1, as in the case shown in FIG. B1 is obtained (step S28). The shadow positions of these two shadows A1 and B1 are written in the stage area (stage 2) of the shadow storage area 511. When AND of these shadows A1 and B1 and the pattern of all “1” is obtained, the number of detected shadows R = 2 (step S28). In this case, since the key is not fixed, the process proceeds to stage 3 (steps S29 and S30), and the KEEP-PTR flag is set to 0 (step S11).
[2-2-3. Stage 3]
In stage 3, through steps S12, S13, and S20, the comparison stage number x is set to 1 (step S21), and the drive stage number m is set to 2 (= 3-1) (step S24). Since the KEEP-PTR flag is 0, the shadow pointer S2-PTR of stage 2 is set to 0 and the KEEP-PTR flag is set to 1 (steps S17 to S19). Since the shadow number 2 of stage 2 does not match the shadow pointer S2-PTR (step S25), the shadow pointer S2-PTR is set to 1 (step S26), and the shadow A1 is set as the drive pattern. Further, the shadow C1 specified by the shadow pointer S1-PTR (= 1) is set as an AND target (step S27). In stage S3 and above, when all the keys are determined for the shadow set as the AND target, the drive detection control unit 524 sets the shadow pointer Sx-PTR to a value that specifies the shadow for which the key is not determined in step S27. Switch.

Thus, as shown in FIG. 7C, when driven by the vertical drive detection unit 3 using the shadow A1, shadows C1-1, C1-2, and D1 are obtained in the horizontal drive detection unit 4 (steps). S28). The shadow positions of these three shadows C1-1, C1-2, and D1 are written in the stage area (stage 3) of the shadow storage area 511. When the AND of these shadows C1-1, C1-2, D1 and the shadow C1 set in step S27 is obtained as shadows C1-1, C1-2, the detected shadow number R = 2 (step S28). . Also in this case, since the key is not fixed, the process proceeds to stage 4 (steps S29 and S30).
[2-2-4. Stage 4]
In stage 4, the comparison stage number x is set to 2 (= 4-2) (step S23), and the drive stage number m is set to 3 (= 4-1) (step S24). Since the KEEP-PTR flag is set to 0 in step S11, the shadow pointer S3-PTR of stage 3 is set to 0, and the KEEP-PTR flag is set to 1 (steps S17 to S19). Further, since the number of shadows in stage 3 (detected shadow number R = 2) does not match the above-described shadow pointer S3-PTR (step S25), the shadow pointer S3-PTR is set to 1 (step S26), and the shadow C1- 1 is set as the drive pattern. Further, the shadow A1 specified by the shadow pointer S2-PTR (= 1) is set as an AND target (step S27).

  Thus, as shown in FIG. 7D, when the horizontal drive detection unit 4 is driven using the shadow C1-1 detected by the stage 3, the vertical drive detection unit 3 uses the shadows A1-1 and B1- 1 is obtained (step S28). The shadow positions of these shadows A1-1 and B1-1 are written in the stage area (stage 4) of the shadow storage area 511. The AND of the shadows A1-1 and B1-1 and the shadow A1 set in step S27 is obtained as the shadow A1-1, so that the number of detected shadows R = 1 (step S28). In this case, since one key K4 is determined by the vertical shadow A1-1 and the horizontal shadow C1-1, the stage 4 is further maintained (steps S29 and S31).

  At this time, since the shadow number 2 of stage 3 does not match the shadow pointer S3-PTR (= 1) of the same stage (step S25), the shadow pointer S3-PTR is set to 2 (step S26), and the shadow C1- 2 is set as the drive pattern. The shadow A1 specified by the shadow pointer S2-PTR (= 1) is set as an AND target (step S27).

  Thus, as shown in FIG. 7E, when driven by the horizontal drive detection unit 4 using the shadow C1-2, the vertical drive detection unit 3 obtains shadows A1-1 and B1-2 (step). S28). The shadow positions of the shadows A1-1 and B1-2 are written in the same stage area. The AND of the shadows A1-1 and B1-2 and the shadow A1 set in step S27 is obtained as the shadow A1-1, so that the number of detected shadows R = 1 (step S28).

  In this case, since one key K5 is determined by the vertical shadow A1 and the horizontal shadow C1-2 (steps S29 and S30), the stage 4 is maintained. The shadow positions for the confirmed keys K4 and K5 are written in the confirmed key storage area 512.

At this time, the shadow number 2 of stage 3 becomes equal to the shadow pointer S3-PTR (= 2) of the same stage (step S25), but since n = 2 is not satisfied, the process proceeds to stage 3 (steps S32 and S33). .
[2-2-5. Stage 3]
In stage 3, through steps S12, S13, and S20, the comparison stage number x is set to 1 (step S21), and the drive stage number m is set to 2 (= 3-1) (step S24). Although the KEEP-PTR flag is maintained at 1 (steps S17 and S19), the shadow number 2 of stage 2 does not match the shadow pointer S2-PTR set to 1 in the previous stage 3 (step S25). Shadow pointer S2-PTR is set to 2 (step S26), and shadow B1 is set as the drive pattern. Further, the shadow C1 specified by the shadow pointer S1-PTR (= 1) is set as an AND target (step S27).

Thus, as shown in FIG. 7 (f), when driven by the vertical drive detection unit 3 using the shadow B1, the horizontal drive detection unit 4 obtains shadows C1-3, C1-4, and C1-5. (S28). The shadow positions of the shadows C1-3, C1-4, and C1-5 are written in the stage area (stage 3) of the shadow storage area 511. The AND of the shadows C1-3, C1-4, C1-5 and the shadow C1 set in step S27 is obtained as shadows C1-3, C1-4, C1-5, so that the number of detected shadows R = 3 (Step S28). In this case, since the key is not fixed, the process proceeds to stage 4 (steps S29 and S30).
[2-2-6. Stage 4]
In stage 4, the comparison stage number x is set to 2 (= 4-2) (step S23), and the drive stage number m is set to 3 (= 4-1) (step S24). Since the KEEP-PTR flag is set to 0 in step S11, the shadow pointer S3-PTR of stage 3 is set to 0, and the KEEP-PTR flag is set to 1 (steps S17 to S19). Further, since the number of shadows in the immediately preceding stage 3 (detected shadow number R = 3) is different from the above shadow pointer S3-PTR (step S25), the shadow pointer S3-PTR is set to 1 (step S26), and the shadow is C1-3 is set as the drive pattern. Further, the shadow B1 specified by the shadow pointer S2-PTR (= 2) is set as an AND target (step S27).

  Thus, as shown in FIG. 8A, when driven by the horizontal drive detection unit 4 using the shadow C1-3, the vertical drive detection unit 3 obtains shadows A1-1 and B1-3. S28). The shadow positions of the shadows A1-1 and B1-3 are newly written in the stage area (stage 4) of the shadow storage area 511. The AND of the shadows A1-1 and B1-3 and the shadow B1 set in step S27 is obtained as the shadow B1-3, so that the number of detected shadows R = 1 (S28). In this case, since one key K1 is determined by the vertical shadow B1-3 and the horizontal shadow C1-3, the stage 4 is maintained (steps S29 and S31).

  Also in the subsequent stage 4, the comparison stage number x maintains 2 and the drive stage number m maintains 3. Further, since the number of shadows 3 in stage 3 is different from the shadow pointer S3-PTR (= 1) in the same stage, the shadow pointer S3-PTR is set to 2 (steps S25 and S26), and the shadow C1-4 is driven pattern. Set as Further, the shadow B1 specified by the shadow pointer S2-PTR (= 2) is continuously set as an AND target (step S27).

  Thus, as shown in FIG. 8B, when driven by the horizontal drive detection unit 4 using the shadow C1-4 detected by the stage 3, the vertical drive detection unit 3 uses the shadows A1-1 and B1- 4 is obtained (step S28). As described above, the shadow position of the shadow A1-1 has already been written in the stage area (stage 4) of the shadow storage area 511, but since they are no longer necessary, the shadow position of the shadow B1-4 is , New data is written to the stage area (stage 4) of the shadow storage area 511 from the top. The AND of the shadow B1-4 and the shadow B1 set in step S27 is obtained as the shadow B1-4, so that the number of detected shadows R = 1 (S28). In this case, since one key K2 is determined by the vertical shadow B1-4 and the horizontal shadow C1-4, the stage 4 is further maintained (steps S29 and S31).

  Also in the subsequent stage 4, the comparison stage number x maintains 2 and the drive stage number m maintains 3. Further, since the shadow number 3 of stage 3 is different from the shadow pointer S3-PTR (= 2) of the same stage, the shadow pointer S3-PTR is set to 3 (steps S25 and S26). Further, the shadow B1 specified by the shadow pointer S2-PTR (= 2) is continuously set as an AND target (step S27).

  Thus, as shown in FIG. 8C, when driven by the horizontal drive detection unit 4 using the shadow C1-5, the vertical drive detection unit 3 obtains shadows A1-1 and B1-5 (step). S28). As described above, the shadow position of the shadow A1-1 has already been written in the stage area (stage 4) of the shadow storage area 511. However, since they are no longer necessary, the shadow position of the shadow B1-5 is , New data is written to the stage area (stage 4) of the shadow storage area 511 from the top. The AND of the above-described shadow B1-5 and shadow B1 set in step S27 is obtained as shadow B1-5, so that the number of detected shadows R = 1 (S28). In this case, since one key K3 is determined by the vertical shadow B1-5 and the horizontal shadow C1-5, the stage 4 is further maintained. The shadow positions for the confirmed keys K1, K2, and K3 are written in the confirmed key storage area 512.

At this time, the number of shadows 3 of stage 3 is equal to the shadow pointer S3-PTR (= 3) of the same stage (step S25), but since n = 2 is not satisfied, the process proceeds to stage 3 (steps S32 and S33). .
[2-2-7. Stage 3]
In stage 3, through steps S12, S13, and S20, the comparison stage number x is set to 1 (step S21), and the drive stage number m is set to 2 (= 3-1) (step S24). The KEEP-PTR flag remains set to 1 in the previous stage 3 (steps S17 and S19), but the shadow number 2 of stage 2 does not match the shadow pointer S2-PTR set to 1 in the previous stage 3 Therefore (step S25), the shadow pointer S2-PTR is set to 2 (step S26), and the shadow A1 is set as the drive pattern. Further, the shadow D1 specified by the shadow pointer S1-PTR (= 2) is set as an AND target (step S27).

  As a result, as shown in FIG. 8D, when driven by the vertical drive detection unit 3 using the shadow A1, the horizontal drive detection unit 4 obtains shadow D1-1 (step S28). The shadow position of the shadow D1-1 is written in the stage area (stage 3) of the shadow storage area 511. The AND of the shadow D1-1 and the shadow D1 set in step S27 is obtained as the shadow D1-1, so that the number of detected shadows R = 1 (step S28). Thus, one key K6 is determined by the vertical shadow A1-1 and the horizontal shadow D1-1. The shadow position for the confirmed key K6 is written in the confirmed key storage area 512.

At this point, the number of shadows 2 in stage 2 is equal to the shadow pointer S2-PTR, but since n = 2, the process proceeds to stage 2 (steps S25, S32, S33).
[2-2-8. Stage 2]
In stage 2, through steps S12 to S14, the comparison stage number x is set to 0, and the drive stage number m is set to 1 (step S15). Although the KEEP-PTR flag is maintained at 1 (steps S17 and S19), the shadow number 3 of stage 1 does not match the shadow pointer S1-PTR (= 2) (step S25). S1-PTR is set to 3 (step S26), and shadow E1 is set as the drive shadow. Furthermore, since the current stage is stage 2, all “1” patterns are set as AND targets (step S27).

  As a result, as shown in FIG. 8E, when the horizontal drive detector 4 is driven using the shadow E1, shadow B1-6 is obtained in the vertical drive detector 3 (step S28). The shadow position of shadow B1-6 is written in the stage area (stage 3) of shadow storage area 511. The AND of the shadow B1-6 and the shadow E1 set in step S27 is obtained as shadow B1-6, so that the number of detected shadows R = 1 (step S28). Thus, one key K7 is determined by the vertical shadow B1-6 and the horizontal shadow E1 (steps S29 and S31). The shadow position for the confirmed key K7 is written in the confirmed key storage area 512.

In this case, the number of shadows 3 of stage 1 is equal to the shadow pointer S1-PTR (= 3) of the same stage, but since n = 2 (step S32), all keys K1 to K7 are confirmed. Finish the process.
[3. Summary of Embodiments]
As described above, the touch panel device 1 according to the present embodiment applies the drive voltage to the transparent electrode E in the matrix type touch panel 2 and detects from the transparent electrode E by the vertical drive detection unit 3 and the horizontal drive detection unit 4. It has a function of obtaining voltage and detecting data. When the touch panel device 1 detects a plurality of shadows from the obtained detection data by the memory control unit 52 provided in the control interface unit 5, the touch panel device 1 individually uses the driver input data DATAIN generated based on each shadow. Driving is performed, and the key is determined by confirming both the horizontal direction and the vertical direction that only one of the shadows detected at that time is included in the already detected shadow. As a result, each key can be confirmed even if the plurality of keys are positioned so as to overlap in the vertical direction or the horizontal direction.

  In the present embodiment, the fully transparent electrode Ev is driven by the horizontal drive detecting unit 4 at the stage 0 and the fully transparent electrode Eh is driven by the vertical drive detecting unit 3 at the stage 1. It may be driven. In this case, the setting of the FIRSTH flag is the same as described above.

  The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications can be made within the scope shown in the claims. That is, embodiments obtained by combining technical means appropriately modified within the scope of the claims are also included in the technical scope of the present invention.

  Since the touch panel device of the present invention can separate and determine three or more touch locations (keys), it can be suitably used for detecting multiple inputs of a matrix type touch panel.

1 Touch Panel Device 2 Touch Panel (Matrix Touch Panel)
3 Vertical drive detector (vertical drive detector)
4 Horizontal drive detector (horizontal drive detector)
5 Control interface 6 Driver IC
51 Memory 52 Memory Control Unit 511 Shadow Storage Area (Touch Range Storage Means, Touch Range Storage Step)
521 Shadow information specifying unit (touch range specifying means, touch range specifying step)
524 Drive detection control unit (drive control means, drive control step)
525 Input data generation unit (drive data generation means, drive data generation step)
A1, A1-1 Shadow (touch range)
B1, B1-1 to B1-6 Shadow (touch range)
C1, C1-1 to C1-5 Shadow (touch range)
D1, D1-1 Shadow (touch range)
E1 Shadow (touch range)
DATAIN input data (drive data)
DATAINOUT output data (detection data)
Eh Transparent electrode (horizontal electrode)
Ev Transparent electrode (vertical electrode)
E Transparent electrode (horizontal electrode, vertical electrode)
K1-K7 keys (touch location)

Claims (2)

A matrix-type touch panel having a plurality of horizontal electrodes arranged in the horizontal direction and a plurality of vertical electrodes arranged in the vertical direction so as to intersect the horizontal electrodes;
Vertical drive detection means for driving each horizontal electrode by applying a drive voltage to each horizontal electrode based on the drive data, and outputting the presence or absence of a detection voltage from each horizontal electrode as vertical detection data arranged in the vertical direction;
Horizontal drive detection means for driving each vertical electrode by applying a drive voltage to each vertical electrode based on the drive data, and outputting the presence or absence of a detection voltage from each vertical electrode as horizontal detection data arranged in a horizontal direction ;
A touch range identifying means for identifying a touch range representing the touch portion in the previous SL vertical detecting data and previous SL horizontal detection data,
Touch range storage means for storing the touch range individually for the vertical drive detection means and the horizontal drive detection means;
Drive data generation means for generating the drive data including the one touch range stored in the touch range storage means;
Drive control means for controlling the drive of the horizontal electrode and the vertical electrode,
The drive control means includes
By driving all the vertical electrodes from the horizontal drive detection means, the touch range specifying means based on the vertical detection data output from the vertical drive detection means according to the touch location on the matrix type touch panel. A vertical partial touch range specifying step of specifying a vertical partial touch range as a touch range;
By driving all the horizontal electrodes from the vertical drive detecting means, the touch range specifying means by the touch range specifying means based on the horizontal detection data output from the horizontal drive detecting means according to the touch location on the matrix type touch panel. A horizontal partial touch range specifying step for specifying a horizontal partial touch range as a touch range;
One horizontal partial touch range read from the touch range storage means is included, and the horizontal electrode is driven by the vertical drive detection means based on the drive data generated by the drive data generation means. Only one horizontal detection touch range obtained as the touch range from the drive detection means is included in the horizontal total touch range or one horizontal partial touch range indicating that all of the horizontal detection data is the touch range. When the horizontal detection touch range and the vertical partial touch range are determined, one touch location is determined, and the horizontal detection touch range is 2 in the horizontal full touch range or one horizontal partial touch range. When more than one is included, repeat the confirmation process until one touch location is confirmed. The first touch location determined step performs the Hare processing for all of the vertical portion touch range or,
One vertical partial touch range that is read out from the touch range storage means, and the vertical drive by the vertical electrode drive by the horizontal drive detection means based on the drive data generated by the drive data generation means Only one vertical detection touch range obtained as the touch range from the drive detection means is included in the vertical full touch range indicating that all of the vertical detection data is the touch range or one vertical partial touch range. A determination process is performed to determine one touch location between the vertical detection touch range and the horizontal partial touch range, and the vertical detection touch range is 2 in the vertical full touch range or one vertical partial touch range. When more than one is included, repeat the confirmation process until one touch location is confirmed. And executes the touch location determined step of performing a power sale process as the second touch location determined Engineering performed for all of the horizontal portions touch range,
A first touch range number that is the number of specified horizontal partial touch ranges and a second touch range number that is the number of specified vertical partial touch ranges;
The touch range storage means includes
Including a touch range storage area provided by the number of touch ranges,
Each touch range storage area stores a pair of data about a head position and a tail position that define the touch range . When the first touch range number is less than the second touch range number and the first touch range number is 0, the drive control means determines that there is no touch location, and the first touch range number the touch panel equipment according to claim 1 number, characterized in that determining the one of the touch location if 1.

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