JP2004220507A - Failure detection method and device for touch panel - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a failure detection method and device for a touch panel detecting a half failure state of an operation button in an early stage at low cost. <P>SOLUTION: This failure detection method is provided with a first step of monitoring a pushing operation of a user to one of operation buttons in the touch panel and measuring and storing the frequency of pushing operations till feeding an output signal from one operation button, a second step of specifying the operation button from which the output signal is fed after detecting the pushing operation and setting a measurement value of the pushing operation frequency stored in the first step relative to the pushing frequency count value provided corresponding to the operation button, and a third step of reading a pushing frequency count value for every operation button at a preset prescribed time, comparing it with a tolerance set for every operation button, determining whether the pushing frequency count value is less than the tolerance or not and, if it is the tolerance or more, notifying it to a manager that there is a possibility of the failure in the operation button. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2004,JPO&NCIPI

Description

[0001]
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a method and an apparatus for detecting a failure such as a failure, a contact failure, and a sensitivity failure of an operation button of a touch panel.
[0002]
[Prior art]
A touch panel equipped with a plurality of operation buttons that sends output signals in response to a user's pressing operation is used for vending machines for tickets and tickets, automatic check-in machines for airlines, ATM machines for financial institutions, and convenience stores for convenience stores. It is widely used for information terminals, monitors for personal computers, and the like.
However, it is easy to break down due to factors such as excessive pressure applied during the pressing operation. Therefore, as proposed in the following Patent Document 1, the number of operation times is counted for each operation button, and how much each operation button is used is displayed in color according to the count value, and exchange is performed by the color display. Some have made it possible to determine the time.
[0003]
[Patent Document 1]
JP-A-9-147151 (Touch panel input device and display method)
[0004]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, the technique disclosed in Patent Document 1 does not detect whether or not each operation button has actually failed, and indicates that the replacement time has come only because of a large number of operations. Notice. For this reason, a situation occurs in which the replacement is performed even in a state where the failure has not actually occurred, and there is a problem that resources are wasted.
Here, a configuration is conceivable in which a circuit for monitoring the output signal level of each operation button is provided, and when the output signal level when operated with an average pressing pressure is less than a predetermined value, it is detected as a failure. Can be However, in such a case, since a circuit for monitoring the output signal level must be provided for each operation button, there is a problem that the configuration is complicated and the cost increases. In addition, there is a problem that a semi-failure state such as not reacting once or twice out of ten pressing operations cannot be detected.
[0005]
An object of the present invention is to provide a method and an apparatus for detecting a defect of a touch panel, which can detect a defect including a semi-failure state of an operation button at an early stage with an inexpensive configuration.
[0006]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
In order to achieve the above object, a failure detection method for a touch panel according to the present invention monitors a user's pressing operation on any operation button in the touch panel and waits until an output signal is transmitted from any operation button. A first step of measuring and storing the number of pressing operations, and identifying an operation button to which an output signal has been transmitted after the detection of the pressing operation, and performing the first operation on a pressing frequency count value provided in correspondence with the operation button. A second step of setting the measured value of the number of pressing operations stored in step 1; and reading a count value of the number of pressing times for each operation button at a predetermined time, and an allowable value set for each operation button. To determine whether the count value of the number of times of pressing is less than the allowable value, and if the count value is equal to or more than the allowable value, notify the administrator that there is a possibility that a malfunction has occurred in the operation button. Characterized in that it comprises third and steps.
In addition, the measured value of the number of times of the pressing operation in the second step is stored for each time zone, and the time change rate of the count value of the number of times of pressing for each operation button is calculated. The operation button further includes a fourth step of notifying the administrator that the operation button is in a failure state.
Further, in the first step, if the number of pressing operations until an output signal is transmitted from any of the operation buttons exceeds an allowable value, it is indicated that the operation button to be operated may be broken. The method further comprises a step of notifying the user.
[0007]
The touch panel malfunction detection device according to the present invention monitors a user's pressing operation on any one of the operation buttons in the touch panel, measures and stores the number of pressing operations until an output signal is transmitted from any of the operation buttons. A first means for performing the operation, and an operation button to which an output signal has been transmitted after the detection of the pressing operation, and the pressing operation stored by the first means with respect to the number of times of pressing provided corresponding to the operation button. A second means for setting the measured value of the number of times, and at a predetermined time, reading a count value of the number of times of pressing for each operation button, comparing the read value with an allowable value set for each operation button, A third means for determining whether the value is less than the allowable value, and notifying the administrator that there is a possibility that a malfunction has occurred in the operation button if the value is equal to or more than the allowable value.
Further, the measured value of the number of times of the pressing operation is stored for each time zone, the time rate of change of the count value of the number of pressing times for each operation button is calculated, and if the calculated time rate of change is equal to or less than an allowable value, the operation button is in a failure state. And a fourth means for notifying the administrator of the fact.
Further, in the first means, if the number of pressing operations until an output signal is transmitted from any of the operation buttons exceeds an allowable value, there is a possibility that a malfunction has occurred in the operation button to be operated. Is provided to the user.
[0008]
BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be specifically described with reference to the drawings.
FIG. 1 is a diagram (front view) showing an embodiment of a ticket selling apparatus to which the present invention is applied. In the following, a case where a train ticket is sold will be described. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and is applicable to various devices using a touch panel, such as a ticket vending machine such as a meal ticket, an ATM machine in a bank, and the like. You can do it.
In the present invention, the malfunction of the operation button is a concept including a failure state and a semi-failure state. The failure state is a state in which an output signal is not transmitted irrespective of the pressing pressure and the function as a button is not fully exhibited. Further, the semi-failure state refers to a state in which, for example, one or two of ten pressing operations do not react.
[0009]
A touch panel 3 on which a plurality of operation buttons 2 for transmitting an output signal in response to a pressing operation of a user is provided on a front portion 1 of the ticket selling apparatus in this embodiment. On the left and right sides of the touch panel 3, a speaker 4 for generating various guidance messages, a clerk call button 5, and a cancel button 6 are provided.
Further, a coin slot 7, a bill insertion / return slot 8, a ticket issuing slot 9, and a coin return slot 10 are provided below the touch panel 3.
[0010]
FIG. 2 is a block diagram of an electric system of the ticket vending apparatus. The CPU 11 controls the entire system, a memory 12 stores various control programs and data, identifies coins and bills, and pays out change. The system includes a coin / bill processing mechanism 13 and a ticket issuing mechanism 14 for issuing a face ticket designated by the user. Further, an apparatus state inspection panel 15 used for inspecting the state of the apparatus is provided on the rear surface of the apparatus.
In addition to the components described with reference to FIG. 1, a button operation monitoring unit 16 that monitors a pressing operation on any one of the operation buttons 2 in the touch panel 3 is provided on the front part 1.
[0011]
The button operation monitoring unit 16 emits a light beam such as infrared light from the light emitting unit 31 in the row direction of each row of the operation buttons 2 and receives the light beam by the light receiving unit 32, for example, as shown in FIG. In this way, when the user tries to press any one of the operation buttons 2, it is configured to detect that the light beam in the row direction is blocked by the finger. The detection output when the light beam in the row direction is blocked is transmitted to the CPU 11. Based on the detection output, the CPU 11 recognizes that the user has tried to press any operation button, and performs processing described later.
FIG. 3B is a diagram illustrating another example of the button operation monitoring unit 16. A camera 33 is installed on a side surface of the touch panel 3, and as illustrated in FIG. The image recognition processing detects that the image of the image has come into contact with the surface of the touch panel 3 and uses the detection output. The image recognition process in this case is performed by the CPU 11.
In addition, not only the configuration of FIGS. 3A and 3B but also an ultrasonic wave, a proximity switch, or the like can be used. In short, any configuration can be used as long as it can detect that the user has tried to press any operation button.
In addition, since a known technique can be used for processing and a mechanism related to identification of coins and bills, payout of change, and issuance of tickets, a description thereof will be omitted.
[0012]
FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of programs and data stored in the memory 12, in which an operation history data collection processing program 121 and a failure determination processing program 122 are mounted. Also, a determination table 123 in which an allowable value serving as a reference for determining a malfunction of the operation button is set, an operation history data file 124 storing data of operation history on the touch panel 2, and a determination result data list storing data of the determination result 125 are provided.
[0013]
The operation history data collection processing program 121 is mainly executed in the touch panel 3 in a process until a target ticket is issued or a cancel button 6 is operated after a user inserts a coin or a bill. The operation history of the operation buttons is collected. In addition, the required time is collected from when the user presses the operation button of the specific denomination to when the ticket issuing process of the denomination is completed.
The failure determination processing program 122 sets, in a predetermined time, the determination table 123 based on the operation history data collected by the operation history data collection processing program 121 as to whether any operation button has a failure. The determination is based on the allowable value.
The operation history data collected by the operation history data collection processing program 121 is classified into data common to each operation button and data collected individually for each button.
[0014]
The operation history data common to each operation button includes the pressing operation of the operation button pressed in the process until the ticket of the target denomination is actually issued or in the process until the cancellation button 6 is operated and the ticket is abandoned. A ticket count time (A) 1241 and a ticketing time excess count value (CT1) 1242 indicating the number of times the time required for ticketing has exceeded an allowable value.
On the other hand, the operation history data of each operation button is constituted by an accumulated count value of the number of times of pressing (ΣA) 1245, a count value of one-time press / ticketing (B) 1246, a count value of two or more times of pressing / ticketing (C) 1247 Have been.
The accumulated count value (回 数 A) 1245 of the number of times of pressing corresponds to an integrated value of the number of times (A) pressed until the malfunction determination process is performed on the operation button n (n = 1, 2,...).
The one-time press / ticketing count value (B) 1246 is a value indicating the number of times that the operation button n (n = 1, 2,...) Is issued with one pressing operation.
Here, for example, when the operation button of the denomination of “150 yen” is functioning normally, the value of the accumulated number of times of pressing (ΣA) 1245 and the value of the one-time pressing / ticketing counter (B) 1246 are always the same. Become. However, when a semi-failure state or a failure state due to poor sensitivity or contact failure occurs, these count values B and ΣA do not match, and ΣA becomes larger than B. In the failure determination process described later, if the value of “ΣAB” exceeds the allowable value, it is determined that the operation button is in a semi-failure state.
[0015]
The two or more pressing / ticketing count value (C) 1247 is a value indicating the number of times that the operation button n (n = 1, 2,...) Is issued by two or more pressing operations. In the failure determination process described later, if the value of C exceeds the allowable value, it is determined that the operation button is in a semi-failure state.
These operation history data are recorded in the memory 12 as an operation history data list 126 of the button n (n = 1, 2,...) For each time zone, as shown in FIG.
[0016]
FIG. 6A shows a determination table 1231 in which an allowable value for determining whether or not a malfunction has occurred in the operation button n (n = 1, 2,...) Is set. An allowable value (ΔAR) 12311 of the value (ΔA) 12311, an allowable value (CR) 12312 of the count value (C) of pressing twice or more, and an allowable value (DR) 12313 of the temporal change rate (D) of the number of times of pressing are set. ing.
Here, the rate of change in the number of times of pressing (D) refers to the operation button n (n = 1, 2,...) Collected from the operation log data collection start time (t1) to the end time (tm). Represents the difference “ΔA (tm) −ΔA (t1)” between the accumulated number of times of pressing ΣA (tm) and ΣA (t1), and the permissible value (DR) 12313 indicates whether or not there is a failure. Is a value for determining. In the failure determination process described below, when the temporal change rate (D) of the number of times of pressing is less than the allowable value (DR), the operation button is determined to be in a failure state because the number of times of pressing is extremely small.
FIG. 6B shows a ticketing system abnormality determination table 1232 in which an allowable value for determining an abnormality in the ticketing system is set. The allowable value (TMR) 12321 of the ticketing time measurement value (TM), the ticketing time An allowable value (CT1R) 12322 of the excess count value (CT1) is set.
[0017]
FIG. 6C is a table for determining the number of times of pressing, which is an allowable value (AR) 12331 for determining the number of times of pressing on one of the operation buttons before moving to the ticketing process, and a measured value of the pressing interval (TP). An allowable value (TPR) 12332 is set. If the number of times of pressing (A) at the stage before moving to the ticketing process exceeds the allowable value (AR), a guidance message indicating that the button has a problem is generated from the speaker 4.
Here, the sum (B + C) of the one-time pressing / ticketing count value (B) and the two or more pressing / ticketing count value (C) represents the number of pressings when actually proceeding to the ticketing process. The difference “ΔA− (B + C)” from the accumulated count value ΔA indicates the number of times the ticket is canceled by the cancel button 6. Therefore, it is also possible to determine a defect based on the number of cancellations. In addition, especially when the user is in a hurry, there is a tendency that the panel is continuously pressed without meaning in a short time. Therefore, the pressing is not counted for a certain time (TPR) after counting the previous pressing. To do.
[0018]
FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing a procedure for collecting the operation history of the operation buttons on the touch panel by the operation history data collection processing program 121.
First, the insertion of a coin or a bill is detected by the coin / bill processing mechanism 13, and when this is transmitted to the operation history data collection processing program 121, the program 121 outputs a button operation detection output from the button operation monitoring unit 16. Wait (steps 701 and 702). At this time, the pressing interval elapsed timer is started. However, the initial value of the timer is set to TPR (seconds) instead of 0 only for the first time so that the first press is always counted.
In this standby state, if a button operation detection output indicating that a pressing operation has been performed on any one of the pressing buttons is received from the button operation monitoring unit 16, the pressing interval elapse timer has elapsed for a predetermined time (TPR). In this case, the count value (A) of the number of times of pressing provided commonly to the buttons is updated, and the pressing interval elapsed timer is cleared to 0 seconds (step 703). Since A = 0 is initialized in the operation history collection start state, A = 1 by the first pressing operation detection output.
[0019]
Next, it is determined whether or not the pressing operation count value (A) exceeds the allowable value (AR) 12331 set in the pressing frequency determination table 1233 (step 704).
If A does not exceed the allowable value AR, it is detected whether any operation button signal has been output (step 706). If no operation button signal is output even though the user has performed a pressing operation on one of the operation buttons, the process returns to step 702.
[0020]
Then, the user performs the pressing operation on the same operation button again, and when this is detected by the button operation monitoring unit 16 (step 702), the pressing frequency count value (A) is updated to “2” (step 703). Then, it is determined whether or not A exceeds the allowable value AR (step 703).
The above steps 702 to 706 are repeated until an output signal is transmitted from any of the operation buttons.
[0021]
If A exceeds the permissible value AR in the course of this repetition, a message to the effect that the operation button that the user is trying to operate may be out of order is announced from the speaker 4 (step 705). For example, if “A” is “4”, “3” is set in the allowable value (AR) 12331 in FIG. The button announces from the speaker 4 a message indicating that the button may be out of order. Then, according to the user's operation of the cancel button, the payout of the inserted coins or bills is performed.
However, when an output signal is transmitted from any of the operation buttons, the operation button PBn is specified, and the denomination value assigned to the operation button PBn is determined (step 707). For example, assuming that the user has pressed the operation button of “150 yen”, the ticket issue denomination of “150 yen” is determined. At this time, the pressing interval elapsed timer is stopped.
[0022]
Thereafter, a ticketing time measuring timer for measuring the ticketing time is started (step 708), the ticketing face value is transmitted to the ticketing mechanism 14, and the ticketing process is executed (step 709).
Then, it waits for the ticketing process by the ticketing mechanism 14 to end, and when the ticketing process ends (step 710), stops the ticketing time measurement timer (step 711).
Next, it is determined whether the ticketing process has been completed by one pressing operation (step 712). That is, it is determined whether the ticketing process has been completed at the stage where the pressing frequency count value indicates A = 1.
If the ticketing process is completed by one pressing operation, the one-time pressing / ticketing count value (B) of the operation button PBn specified in step 707 is updated by “+1” (step 713).
[0023]
However, if the ticketing process is completed when the pressing frequency count value is A> 1, the pressing / ticketing count value (C) of the operation button PBn is updated by “+1” twice or more (step 714).
Next, the accumulated count value (ΣA) of the number of times the operation button PBn is pressed is updated (step 715). That is, the press count A updated at step 703 is added to the current integrated count ΣA (= ΣA + A), and the press / ticketing count B is further subtracted (= ΣA + AB).
By subtracting "B" from "$ A + A", the number of pressing operations that did not shift to the ticketing process, that is, the number of invalid pressing operations can be obtained.
[0024]
Next, it is determined whether the ticketing time measurement timer value (TM) measured by the ticketing time measurement timer exceeds the allowable value TMR set in the ticketing system abnormality determination table 1232 (step 716). If the TM exceeds the allowable value TMR, the count value TM1 of the number of times of ticketing time excess is updated to "+1" (step 717).
If TM does not exceed the allowable value TMR, the process proceeds to step 718, where the measured value TM of the ticketing time measuring timer and the count value A of the number of times of pressing are initialized (step 718).
[0025]
The data collected in the above-described operation history data collection processing is recorded in the memory 12 for each operation button as an operation history data list 126 as shown in FIG. 5 for each predetermined time period. Specifically, the press count integrated count value ΣA, the single press / ticket count value B, the two or more press / ticket count value C, and the ticket issue time excess count value CT1 are collected as operation history data for each time zone. Be recorded.
Here, when shifting from one time zone to the next time zone, collection is continued while taking over the collected data #A, B, C, CT1 of the immediately preceding time zone.
In addition, ΣA, B, C, and CT1 may be initialized, and the collection may be started from the initial value for each time zone. In this case, in order to calculate the temporal change rate of the number of times of pressing, the accumulated number of times of pressing ΣA in the immediately preceding time zone is separately recorded.
[0026]
FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating a processing procedure of the failure determination processing program 122 that determines a failure of the operation button on the touch panel based on the operation history data collected as described above. This program 122 is executed when the operation history data up to a predetermined time zone tm has been collected.
Here, first, PB1 of n = 1 is set as the operation button number PBn (step 801). Next, the operation history data #A, B, C, and CT1 of the operation button number PBn are obtained from the button n operation history data list 126 (FIG. 5) for n = 1 (step 802). In this case, the operation history data 判定 す る A, B, C, and CT1 in the first time zone ti (i = 1) are obtained in order to make a determination for each time zone.
[0027]
Then, it is determined whether ΣA (the value updated in step 715 in FIG. 7) exceeds the allowable value (ΣAR) 12311 set in the operation button n determination table 1231 for n = 1 (step 803). If ΣA exceeds the allowable value (ΣAR) 12311, it means that the number of times of pressing that has not shifted to the ticketing process is large, and the operation button PBn is in a semi-failure state due to poor contact or poor sensitivity. It is thought that it has become. Therefore, the fact that the operation button PBn may be in a semi-failure state is registered as a determination result in the determination result list 125 (FIG. 4) in the memory 12 (step 804).
[0028]
However, if it has not exceeded, it is next determined whether or not the pressing / ticketing count value C exceeds two times the allowable value (CR) 12312 set in the determination table 1231 of FIG. 6 (step 805). ). If it exceeds, the ticketing process is performed, but it is often performed by two or more pressing operations, which is also considered to be in a semi-failure state. Then, the process proceeds to step 804, and the fact that the operation button PBn may be in a semi-failure state is registered as a determination result in the determination result list 125 in the memory 12.
[0029]
However, if the pressing / ticketing count value C does not exceed the allowable value CR two or more times, then the temporal change rate D of the pressing count integrated count value ΣA is calculated (step 806).
That is, D = ΣA (t) −ΣA (t−1) for the operation button PBn is obtained. In the first collection time period (t = 1), ΣA (t−1) = 0. In addition, in order to compare with the temporal change rates of the other buttons, the average value ZD of the temporal change rates for all buttons is also obtained.
Next, it is determined whether or not the temporal change rate D is smaller than a value obtained by subtracting the allowable value (DR) 12313 set in the determination table 1231 of FIG. 6 from the button average value of the temporal change rate (step). 807). If the average value of the buttons is lower than the allowable value by more than the allowable value, it is conceivable that the number of pressing operations is extremely small compared to other buttons due to a failure. Therefore, the fact that the operation button PBn may be completely failed is registered in the determination result list 125 in the memory 12 (step 808).
Here, when the operation button PBn has completely failed, the determination result indicating that the operation button PBn is in the semi-failure state and that the operation button is in the complete failure state is registered.
[0030]
Next, it is determined whether or not the determination of the operation history data for all the time zones of the operation button PBn has been completed (step 809). The determination of the operation button PBn based on the operation history data is performed in the same manner.
If the determination of the operation history data for all the time zones of the operation button PBn of n = 1 has been completed, it is next determined whether or not the determination of all the operation buttons PBn has been completed (step 810). If not, the process returns to step 802 after updating the operation button number PBn to “+1” in step 811. Then, by the same processing, it is determined whether or not a malfunction has occurred in the new operation button number PBn based on the operation history data of the operation button PBn.
[0031]
When the determination regarding all the operation buttons is completed, next, in order to determine the malfunction of the ticketing mechanism, the ticketing time excess count values CT1 in all the collection time zones are acquired, and each of them is shown in FIG. It is compared with the allowable value (CT1R) 12322 set in the determination table 1232 to determine whether or not the allowable value CT1R is exceeded (step 812).
If the value exceeds the allowable value CT1R, there is a possibility that some trouble has occurred in the ticket issuing mechanism 14, and the fact is registered in the determination result list 125 (step 813).
[0032]
Finally, the data of the operation button registered as the one that may have a problem in the judgment result list 125 is read out and notified to the administrator (step 814).
If the administrator confirms the operation button or the ticketing mechanism that may have a problem, the administrator performs recovery measures such as replacement of parts, and then initializes the determination result list and the operation history data.
In the example of FIG. 6, the allowable value for determining the failure uses a common value for each time zone, but may be set for each time zone. Further, the setting may be made separately for each weekday such as weekdays and Saturdays, Sundays and holidays, or for each season, and for each installation location of the ticket selling apparatus. Further, when a special event such as an exposition is performed, the setting may be made in consideration of participants in the event. By making such detailed settings, the accuracy of determining a defect is improved.
[0033]
In the above processing, both the semi-failure state and the complete failure state are determined, but it is also possible to determine only the semi-failure state.
[0034]
As described above, according to the present embodiment, since the operation history of each operation button on the touch panel is collected and the malfunction of each operation button is determined based on the collected data, the output signal level of each operation button is Without providing a monitoring circuit, a semi-failure state or a complete failure state due to a contact failure or a sensitivity failure can be detected. In particular, by being able to detect a semi-failure state, it is possible to take appropriate measures such as replacing parts at an early stage before a complete failure occurs, thereby improving the reliability of the apparatus.
Further, not only the touch panel but also the malfunction of the ticket issuing mechanism are determined in parallel, so that early measures can be taken for the malfunction of the ticket issuing mechanism.
[0035]
【The invention's effect】
As described above, according to the present invention, a defect including a semi-failure state of an operation button on a touch panel used in a ticket vending device or the like can be detected early and with an inexpensive configuration.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a configuration of a front part in a ticket selling apparatus to which the present invention is applied.
FIG. 2 is a functional configuration diagram of a ticket selling apparatus to which the present invention is applied.
FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of a button operation monitoring unit in FIG. 2;
FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of programs and data stored in a memory in FIG. 2;
FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of operation history data regarding one operation button stored in a memory in FIG. 2;
FIG. 6 is a diagram showing details of a determination table in FIG. 4;
FIG. 7 is a flowchart of a process for collecting operation history data relating to a pressing operation of an operation button.
FIG. 8 is a flowchart of a process of determining a malfunction of each operation button based on collected operation history data.
[Explanation of symbols]
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Front part of ticket vending machine, 2 ... Operation button, 3 ... Touch panel, 4 ... Speaker, 5 ... Caller button, 6 ... Cancel button, 7 ... Coin slot, 8 ... Bill insertion / return slot, 9 ... Ticket issuing slot Reference numeral 10: coin return slot, 11: CPU, 12: memory, 13: coin / bill processing mechanism, 14: ticket issuing mechanism, 15: device state inspection panel, 16: button operation monitoring unit, 31: light emitting unit, 32: light receiving Reference numeral 33, a camera, 121, an operation history data collection processing program, 122, a failure determination processing program, 123, a determination table, 124, touch panel operation history data, 125, a determination result list.

Claims (6)

A method for detecting a defect of each operation button in a touch panel provided with a plurality of operation buttons that output an output signal in response to a pressing operation,
A first step of monitoring a user's pressing operation on any of the operation buttons in the touch panel, measuring and storing the number of pressing operations until an output signal is transmitted from any of the operation buttons,
The operation button to which the output signal has been transmitted after the detection of the pressing operation is specified, and the measured value of the number of pressing operations stored in the first step is set to the number of pressing times provided corresponding to the operating button. The second step;
At a predetermined time, a press count value for each operation button is read out, compared with an allowable value set for each operation button, and it is determined whether the press frequency count value is less than the allowance value. A third step of notifying an administrator that a failure may have occurred in the operation button. The measured value of the number of times of pressing operation in the second step is stored for each time zone, the time rate of change of the count value of the number of pressing times for each operation button is calculated, and the calculated time rate of change is the average of the time rate of change of all buttons. The method according to claim 1, further comprising a fourth step of notifying an administrator that the operation button is in a failure state if the value is lower than the allowable value by exceeding the value. . In the first step, if the number of pressing operations until an output signal is transmitted from any one of the operation buttons exceeds an allowable value, it is utilized that the operation button to be operated may be defective. The method according to claim 1, further comprising a step of notifying a user. An apparatus for detecting a malfunction of each operation button in a touch panel provided with a plurality of operation buttons that output an output signal in response to a pressing operation,
First means for monitoring a user's pressing operation on any of the operation buttons in the touch panel, measuring and storing the number of pressing operations until an output signal is transmitted from any of the operation buttons,
The operation button to which the output signal has been transmitted after the detection of the pressing operation is specified, and the measured value of the number of pressing operations stored by the first means is set to the number of times of pressing provided corresponding to the operation button. A second means;
At a predetermined time, a read count value of each operation button is read out, compared with a permissible value set for each operation button, and it is determined whether the press frequency count and the value are less than the permissible value. A third means for notifying an administrator that a malfunction may have occurred in the operation button if the value is equal to or more than the value. The measured value of the number of pressing operations is stored for each time zone, the time change rate of the pressed number count value of each operation button is calculated, and the calculated time change rate is an allowable value from the average value of the time change rates of all buttons. 5. The failure detecting device for a touch panel according to claim 4, further comprising a fourth means for notifying an administrator that the operation button is in a failure state if the operation button is below the threshold. In the first means, if the number of pressing operations until an output signal is transmitted from any of the operation buttons exceeds an allowable value, it is utilized that the operation button to be operated may have a problem. The touch panel malfunction detection device according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising means for notifying a user.

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