JP2001306255A - Touch panel sensor - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a touch panel sensor capable of reducing power consumption when any input is not detected. SOLUTION: This touch panel sensor is provided with a timer circuit 12 for measuring the continuing time of the state of the absence of the input to an input panel 10 and a driving speed switching part 14 for switching the driving speed of a CPU 2 into a low speed or a high speed, and a power supply control part 13 for controlling the on/off of the power supply to an A/D converter 3. Then, when the continuing time of the state of the absence of the input to the input panel 10 exceeds a prescribed time, the driving speed of a CPU 2 is turned into a low speed, and the power supply to the A/D converter 3 is stopped. Thus, it is possible to obtain a power saving mode. On the other hand, when the input to the input panel is detected, the driving speed of the CPU 2 is turned into a high speed, and the power supply to the A/D converter 3 is started. Thus, a normal operation mode can be obtained. Thus, it is possible to sharply reduce the power consumption in an input standby state.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a touch panel sensor capable of inputting two-dimensional coordinates on a flat input panel, and more particularly to a technique for reducing power consumption in an input standby state.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art For example, recently, a touch panel sensor is often used as an operation unit of an automatic depositing and dispensing device of a bank terminal. The touch panel sensor has a configuration in which a pair of transparent electrodes are arranged on a display panel surface, and two-dimensional information is generated based on a voltage value generated according to a planar position input on the touch panel sensor. Can be detected.

FIG. 4 is a circuit diagram showing a configuration of a touch panel sensor generally used conventionally. As shown in FIG. 4, the touch panel sensor 51 is formed of a transparent electrode and has a rectangular shape. An input panel 59 is formed by superposing an X coordinate input sheet 52 and a Y coordinate input sheet 53 on each other.

The X-coordinate input sheet 52 is provided with X-axis electrodes 52a and 52b on the left and right sides, and the X-axis electrodes 52a and 52b are connected to a power supply VR and a ground via switches 54a and 54b, respectively. It is connected. The Y coordinate input sheet 53 is provided with Y-axis electrodes 53a and 53b at upper and lower side portions.
a and 53b are connected to a power supply VR and a ground via switches 55a and 55b, respectively. Also,
Each switch 54a, 54b, 55a, 55b is a CPU
It is configured to operate on and off under the control of 61.

When detecting the coordinates, first, the switches 54a and 54b are turned on and the X coordinate input sheet 52 is turned on.
A DC voltage is applied between the X-axis electrodes 52a and 52b, and the switches 55a and 55b are turned off to open the Y-axis electrodes 53a and 53b of the Y-coordinate input sheet 53. This state is referred to as an input waiting state.

When the operator presses an arbitrary point on the input panel 59, a voltage corresponding to the X coordinate (the coordinate in the X-axis direction in the drawing) on the input panel 59 is generated on the Y coordinate input sheet 53. This voltage signal is supplied to the A / D converter 58 via the electric wire 57. The A / D converter 58 performs a process of obtaining an X coordinate based on the voltage signal.

[0007] Similarly, the switches 55a, 5
5b is turned on and the Y-axis electrode 5 of the Y-coordinate input sheet 53
A DC voltage is applied between 3a and 53b and the switch 5
4a and 54b are turned off, and the X
The shaft electrodes 52a and 52b are set in an open state. Then, a voltage corresponding to the Y coordinate (the coordinate in the Y-axis direction in the drawing) of the pressed position is generated on the X coordinate input sheet 52, and this voltage signal is transmitted to the A / D converter 58 via the electric wire 56. Since it is supplied, the A / D converter 58 performs a process of obtaining the Y coordinate based on this voltage signal. Thus, the two-dimensional coordinates of the pressed point on the input panel 59 can be detected.

However, in the above-described conventional touch panel sensor 51, when the power is turned on, the CPU 61 and the A / D converter 58 are always in a driving state irrespective of use or non-use, so that power consumption increases. There is a disadvantage that. Particularly, in a touch panel sensor mounted on a battery or a device driven by a battery as a power supply, such as a notebook personal computer or a remote control device, a problem arises that if the power consumption increases, frequent battery replacement or charging is required. .

[0009]

As described above, in the conventional touch panel sensor 51, since the power supply voltage must be constantly supplied to the A / D converter 58 and the CPU 61, the power consumption is large, and When mounted on a device that uses a battery as a power source, there is a disadvantage that the power source is quickly consumed and frequent replacement and charging are required.

The present invention has been made to solve such a conventional problem, and an object of the present invention is to provide a touch panel sensor capable of reducing power consumption.

[0011]

This and other objects are achieved by the present invention which is defined below as (1) to (7).

(1) In a touch panel sensor having an input panel having a planar shape and a detecting means for detecting two-dimensional coordinates of a point input on the input panel, the duration of the input panel with no input is determined. When the timer means for measuring time and the timer means detect that the no-input state has continued for a predetermined time or more, the power supply to the detection means is stopped, and the detection means And a control unit for performing a process of starting power supply to the detection unit when an input to the input panel occurs while the power supply to the touch panel sensor is stopped.

(2) An input panel having a planar shape, detecting means for detecting two-dimensional coordinates of a point input on the input panel, and a control circuit for controlling operations of the input panel and the detecting means. In the touch panel sensor having, the control circuit, a timer means for measuring the duration of the no-input state of the input panel, and when the timer means detects that the no-input state has continued for a predetermined time or more Performs a process of stopping the power supply to the detection unit, and when an input to the input panel occurs while the power supply to the detection unit is stopped, the power supply to the detection unit is stopped. When the power supply control means and the timer means detect that the no-input state has continued for a predetermined time or more, the driving speed of the control circuit is reduced to a low speed. Drive speed switching means for switching the drive speed to a high speed when an input to the input panel occurs while the drive speed is set to a low speed. Characteristic touch panel sensor.

(3) An input panel formed by stacking an X coordinate input sheet and a Y coordinate input sheet, detecting means for detecting two-dimensional coordinates of a point input on the input panel, A touch panel sensor having a panel and a control circuit for controlling the operation of the detection means, wherein the X coordinate input sheet is a pair of Xs capable of generating a potential gradient in the X-axis direction by a voltage supplied from a DC power supply. And a pair of X-axis electrodes connected to a positive pole and a negative pole of the DC power supply via a first switch and a second switch, respectively. According to the voltage supplied from the power supply, the X
It has a pair of Y-axis electrodes capable of generating a potential gradient in the Y-axis direction orthogonal to the axial direction, and the pair of Y-axis electrodes are connected to the DC power supply via a third switch and a fourth switch, respectively. A positive pole, connected to a negative pole, the detection means,
When a potential gradient is generated in the X coordinate input sheet, an X coordinate of an input point is detected based on a voltage generated in the Y coordinate input sheet, and a potential gradient is applied to the Y coordinate input sheet. Is generated, the Y-coordinate of the input point is detected based on the voltage generated in the X-coordinate input sheet, and the control circuit turns on and off the switches.
Switch switching means for switching off control, timer means for measuring the duration of the input panel no-input state,
When the timer means detects that the no-input state has continued for a predetermined time or more, the power supply to the detection means is stopped, and the power supply to the detection means is stopped. When an input to the input panel occurs, the power supply control unit that starts supplying power to the detection unit and the timer unit determine that the input-free state has continued for a predetermined time or more. When detected, the drive speed of the control circuit is switched to a low speed, and when the drive speed is set to the low speed, when an input to the input panel occurs, the drive speed is set to the high speed. A touch panel sensor comprising: a driving speed switching unit that performs a switching process.

[0015] (4) The timer means, according to the magnitude of the voltage value generated on the input connection line to the detection means,
The touch panel sensor according to any one of (1) to (3), wherein the touch panel sensor detects presence or absence of an input to the input panel.

(5) The timer means is connected to one of the Y-axis electrodes, and the Y-axis electrode is connected to a negative pole of the DC power supply via a resistor, and there is no input to the input panel. The touch panel sensor according to (3), wherein when the state is continued for a predetermined time or more, the first switch is turned on, and the second, third, and fourth switches are each turned off.

(6) The timer means is connected to one of the X-axis electrodes, and the X-axis electrode is connected to a negative pole of the DC power supply via a resistor, and there is no input to the input panel. The touch panel sensor according to (3), wherein when the state is continued for a predetermined time or more, the third switch is turned on, and the first, second, and fourth switches are turned off.

(7) The touch panel sensor according to any one of the above (1) to (6), wherein the detection means comprises an A / D converter.

[0019]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a circuit diagram showing a configuration of a touch panel sensor according to one embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 1, the touch panel sensor 1 mainly includes a CPU (control circuit) 2 serving as a control center, an A / D converter (detection means) 3, an X coordinate input sheet 4, and a Y
It is composed of a coordinate input sheet 5. The X-coordinate input sheet 4 and the Y-coordinate input sheet 5 are each formed of a transparent electrode, and are arranged on a touch panel screen (not shown) in a state of being superimposed on each other. The input panel 10 includes the X coordinate input sheet 4 and the Y coordinate input sheet 5.

The X-coordinate input sheet 4 is provided with X-axis electrodes 4a and 4b along the left side and the right side, respectively. Of these, the X-axis electrode 4a is a switch (first switch). Switch) Power supply VR (plus pole) via 6a
It is connected to the. The X-axis electrode 4b is connected to the ground (minus pole) via a switch (second switch) 6b.

The Y-coordinate input sheet 5 is provided with Y-axis electrodes 5a and 5b along the upper edge and the lower edge, respectively. Of these, the Y-axis electrode 5a is a switch (third electrode). The switch 7a is connected to a power supply VR (positive pole) via a switch 7a.
It is connected to ground (negative pole) via b.
The four switches 6a, 6b, 7a, 7b are turned on and off under the control of the CPU 2, respectively.

The X-axis electrode 4 of the X-coordinate input sheet 4
b is connected to the A / D converter 3 via the electric wire 8,
The Y-axis electrode 5b of the Y-coordinate input sheet 5 is connected to the electric wire 9
Is connected to the A / D converter 3. Furthermore,
The electric wire 9 is connected to the CPU 2.

A bypass capacitor C1 and a pull-down resistor R1 are arranged between the electric wire 8 and the ground. Similarly, a bypass capacitor C1 is connected between the electric wire 9 and the ground.
2, and a pull-down resistor R2. Further, coils L1 and L2 for removing noise are interposed on the paths of the electric wires 8 and 9, respectively.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the internal configuration of the CPU 2. As shown in FIG. 2, the CPU 2 performs switch switching for controlling the on / off of the switches 6a, 6b, 7a and 7b. Unit (switch switching means) 11;
A timer circuit 12 for measuring whether or not the input panel 10 has been in the non-input state for a predetermined time or more based on a voltage signal (voltage signal supplied via the electric wire 9) supplied from the Y-axis electrode 5b. are doing.

Further, when it is determined by the timer circuit 12 that the no-input state has continued for a predetermined time or more, the CPU 2 switches the driving speed of the CPU 2 to a low speed and detects an input to the input panel 10. In this case, when the driving speed switching unit (driving speed switching means) 14 for performing control for switching the driving speed of the CPU 2 to a high speed and the timer circuit 12 determine that the input-free state has continued for a predetermined time or more, A
A power supply control unit (power) that stops the power supply to the A / D converter 3 and starts the supply of power to the A / D converter 3 when an input to the input panel 10 is detected. Supply control means) 13.

Next, the operation of this embodiment will be described. In the normal operation mode, the two-dimensional coordinates of the pressed point on the input panel 10 are changed by switching on and off the switches 6a and 6b and the switches 7a and 7b under the control of the switch switching unit 11 of the CPU 2. To detect.

When the switches 6a and 6b are turned on and the switches 7a and 7b are turned off, a DC voltage is applied between the X-axis electrodes 4a and 4b of the X-coordinate input sheet 4. A potential gradient is generated on the coordinate input sheet 4 along the X-axis direction. At this time, since a DC voltage is not applied between the Y-axis electrodes 5a and 5b of the Y-coordinate input sheet 5, no potential gradient occurs in the Y-coordinate input sheet 5. Therefore, the voltage corresponding to the X coordinate of the pressed point on the input panel 10 is applied from the X coordinate input sheet 4 to the Y coordinate.
This voltage is applied to the coordinate input sheet 5, and this voltage is applied to the Y-axis electrode 5.
b, supplied to the A / D converter 3 via the electric wire 9.
Then, the A / D converter 3 detects the X coordinate of the pressed point on the input panel 10 based on the supplied voltage value.

Next, the switch switching section 11 of the CPU 2
Performs control so that the switches 6a and 6b are turned off and the switches 7a and 7b are turned on. This allows
Since a DC voltage is applied between the Y-axis electrodes 5a and 5b of the Y coordinate input sheet 5, the Y coordinate input sheet 5
A potential gradient occurs along the direction of the Y axis.

The X-axis electrode 4 of the X-coordinate input sheet 4
a, 4b, no DC voltage is applied.
No potential gradient is generated on the coordinate input sheet 4. Therefore, a voltage corresponding to the Y coordinate of the pressed point on the input panel 10 is applied from the Y coordinate input sheet 5 to the X coordinate input sheet 4, and this voltage is applied to the A / It is supplied to the D converter 3. Then, the A / D converter 3 detects the Y coordinate of the pressed point on the input panel 10 based on the supplied voltage value. Thus, the A / D converter 3 can detect the two-dimensional coordinates of the pressed point on the input panel 10.

FIG. 3 shows the CPU 2 and the A / D converter 3 when switching between the normal operation mode and the power saving mode.
Is a flowchart showing the operation of the present embodiment, and the switching operation between the normal operation mode and the power saving mode will be described with reference to FIG.

When the touch panel sensor 1 is in a standby state (power saving mode), the drive speed switching unit 14 shown in FIG. 2 sets the drive speed of the CPU 2 to a low speed and the power supply control unit 13 Then, the power supply to the A / D converter 3 is stopped. In the switch switching section 11 of the CPU 2, the first switch 6a is turned on,
The other switches 6b, 7a, 7b are turned off.

Here, when an arbitrary point on the input panel 10 is pressed by the operator, the pressing operation causes a current to flow through the first switch 6a, the Y-axis electrodes 5a and 5b, and the pull-down resistor R1. Flows, a weak voltage is generated on the Y coordinate input sheet 5, and this voltage is
Is supplied to the timer circuit 12 (YES in step ST1 in FIG. 3). Then, a signal indicating that an input has occurred is output from the timer circuit 12 to the power supply control unit 13 and the driving speed switching unit 14. In response to this, the power supply control unit 13 starts supplying power to the A / D converter 3 (step ST2), and the drive speed switching unit 14
Then, the switching operation is performed so that the driving speed of the CPU 2 becomes high (step ST3).

As a result, the CPU 2 and the A / D converter 3 are switched to the normal operation mode, and the X coordinate and the Y coordinate of the pressed point on the input panel 10 are detected by the above-described procedure (step ST4). , ST
5).

Here, the timer circuit 12 shown in FIG. 2 measures the duration of the state where there is no input to the input panel 10, and when the duration reaches a predetermined time set in advance (YES in step ST6). The timer circuit 12 outputs a signal to the power supply control unit 13 and the drive speed switching unit 14 to notify the absence of input. Then, the power supply control unit 13 stops the power supply to the A / D converter 3 (step ST7), and the driving speed switching unit 14
Performs a process of switching the driving speed of the CPU 2 to a low speed (step ST8). Thereafter, this state is maintained until the next input is given. Thus, the power consumption when the input panel 10 is in the no-input state can be reduced.

As described above, in the touch panel sensor 1 according to the present embodiment, the duration of the state where there is no input to the input panel 10 is measured by using the timer circuit 12, and the measured time is counted for a predetermined time (for example, 5 seconds). Minutes)
Stop supplying power to the A / D converter 3, and
The driving speed of the CPU 2 is low, and the input panel 1
When an input to 0 occurs, the power supply of the A / D converter 3 is started, and the process of switching the driving speed of the CPU 2 to a high speed is performed. Therefore, power consumption during the no-input state can be significantly reduced. Therefore, when the touch panel sensor 1 is mounted and used on a battery or a device that operates using a battery as a power source, the number of times of battery replacement and charging can be reduced, and labor by humans can be reduced. Further, cost can be reduced.

In the input standby state, the switch (first
Switch 6a is turned on, and the other switches (second to fourth switches) 6b, 7a, 7b are turned off, so that the current value flowing through the X coordinate input sheet 4 during input standby Can be significantly reduced, and further power saving can be achieved.

In the above-described embodiment, only the switch 6a (first switch) is turned on in the input waiting state, and the voltage generated on the electric wire 9 when an input occurs is detected.
Although the configuration is such that the mode is switched from the power saving mode to the normal operation mode, only the switch (third switch) 7a is turned on, the voltage generated on the electric wire 8 when an input is generated is detected, and the mode is switched from the power saving mode to the normal operation mode. Such a configuration is also possible.

Although the touch panel sensor according to the present invention has been described based on the illustrated embodiment, the present invention is not limited to this, and the configuration of each unit may be any configuration having the same function. Can be replaced.

[0039]

As described above, in the touch panel sensor according to the present invention, the continuation time of the state where there is no input to the input panel is measured by the timer means, and when the measured time is equal to or longer than the predetermined time. And stopping the power supply to the detecting means and switching the drive speed of the control circuit to a low speed. As a result, power consumption can be significantly reduced, and in particular, when the battery is mounted on a device that uses a battery or a battery as a power supply voltage, a battery replacement operation and a battery charging operation can be reduced. Further, cost can be reduced.

In the input standby state, since a large current does not flow through the X coordinate input sheet and the Y coordinate input sheet, further power saving can be achieved.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a circuit diagram showing a configuration of a touch panel sensor according to one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating an internal configuration of a CPU.

FIG. 3 is a flowchart illustrating the operation of the present embodiment.

FIG. 4 is a circuit diagram showing a configuration of a conventional touch panel sensor.

[Explanation of symbols]

 Reference Signs List 1 touch panel sensor 2 CPU (control circuit) 3 A / D converter (detection means) 4 X coordinate input sheet 4a, 4b X axis electrode 5 Y coordinate input sheet 5a, 5b Y axis electrode 6a First switch 6b Second switch Switch 7a Third switch 7b Fourth switch 8,9 Electric wire (input connection line) 10 Input panel 11 Switch switching unit (switch switching unit) 12 Timer circuit (timer unit) 13 Power supply control unit (power supply control) Means) 14 Drive speed switching section (drive speed switching means) 51 Touch panel sensor 52 X coordinate input sheets 52a, 52b X axis electrode 53 Y coordinate input sheets 53a, 53b Y axis electrodes 54a, 54b Switches 55a, 55b Switches 56, 57 Wire 58 A / D converter 59 Input panel 61 CPU R1, R2 Puller Down resistors (resistor) C1, C2 bypass capacitor L1, L2 coil

Claims (7)

[Claims] 1. A touch panel sensor comprising: a flat input panel; and detection means for detecting two-dimensional coordinates of a point input on the input panel. When the timer means detects that the no-input state has continued for a predetermined time or more, the timer means performs processing for stopping power supply to the detection means, A touch panel sensor, comprising: control means for performing a process of starting power supply to the detection means when an input to the input panel occurs while power supply is stopped. 2. An input panel having a planar shape, detecting means for detecting two-dimensional coordinates of a point input on the input panel, and a control circuit for controlling operations of the input panel and the detecting means. In the touch panel sensor, the control circuit may include a timer unit that measures the duration of the input panel in the no-input state, and a timer when the timer unit detects that the no-input state has continued for a predetermined time or more. Performing a process of stopping the power supply to the detection unit, and when the power supply to the detection unit is stopped, when the input to the input panel occurs, the power supply to the detection unit is stopped. When the power supply control unit to be started and the timer unit detect that the no-input state has continued for a predetermined time or more, the drive speed of the control circuit is reduced to a low speed. Switching, and when the drive speed is set to a low speed, when an input to the input panel occurs, a drive speed switching means for performing a process of switching the drive speed to a high speed. Touch panel sensor. 3. An input panel formed by stacking an X coordinate input sheet and a Y coordinate input sheet, detecting means for detecting two-dimensional coordinates of a point input on the input panel, and the input panel. And a control circuit for controlling the operation of the detection means, wherein the X coordinate input sheet has a pair of X axes capable of generating a potential gradient in the X axis direction by a voltage supplied from a DC power supply. An electrode, and the pair of X-axis electrodes are connected to a positive pole and a negative pole of the DC power supply via a first switch and a second switch, respectively. And a pair of Y-axis electrodes capable of generating a potential gradient in a Y-axis direction orthogonal to the X-axis direction by a voltage supplied from the pair of Y-axis electrodes.
The axis electrode is connected to a positive pole and a negative pole of the DC power supply via a third switch and a fourth switch, respectively. When the detecting means generates a potential gradient in the X coordinate input sheet, Based on the voltage generated in the Y coordinate input sheet, the X coordinate of the input point is detected, and when a potential gradient is generated in the Y coordinate input sheet,
Based on a voltage generated in the X coordinate input sheet, a Y coordinate of an input point is detected, the control circuit includes: a switch switching unit that controls on / off of each of the switches; and no input to the input panel. Timer means for measuring the duration of the state; and when the timer means detects that the no-input state has continued for a predetermined time or more, the power supply to the detection means is stopped. When an input to the input panel occurs while the power supply to the detection means is stopped, a power supply control means for starting the power supply to the detection means; When it is detected that the absence state has continued for a predetermined time or more, the drive speed of the control circuit is switched to a low speed, and when the drive speed is set to the low speed, When the input to the panel occurs, the touch panel sensor, characterized by comprising a driving speed switching means for processing for switching the driving speed to high speed. 4. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said timer means detects the presence or absence of an input to said input panel according to a magnitude of a voltage value generated on a connection line for input to said detection means. 4. The touch panel sensor according to 1. 5. The timer means is connected to one of the Y-axis electrodes, and the Y-axis electrode is connected to a negative pole of the DC power supply via a resistor, and the input panel is in a non-input state. Is continued for a predetermined time or more, the first
The touch panel sensor according to claim 3, wherein the switch is turned on, and the second, third, and fourth switches are turned off. 6. The timer means is connected to one of the X-axis electrodes, and the X-axis electrode is connected to a negative pole of the DC power supply via a resistor, so that the input panel has no input. Is continued for a predetermined time or more, the third
4. The touch panel sensor according to claim 3, wherein the switch is turned on, and the first, second, and fourth switches are each turned off. 5. 7. The touch panel sensor according to claim 1, wherein the detection unit includes an A / D converter.