JP2012089148A - Portable electronic equipment and control method for the same - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide portable electronic equipment and control method for the same that can meet the intention of a user as much as possible by validating processing from the user as much as possible without performing erroneous processing on an abnormal input.SOLUTION: In a portable telephone terminal 100, a sensor section 120 detects contacts, and a control section 110 processes simultaneous contacts at adjacent two portions detected by the sensor section 120 as effective signals and processes simultaneous contacts at two portions which are not adjacent to each other as ineffective signals.

Description

  The present invention relates to a portable electronic device, and more particularly to a portable electronic device provided with a plurality of sensor elements that detect contact as an operation input unit and a control method thereof.

  Conventionally, various interfaces and configurations have been developed as operation input units for portable electronic devices. For example, there is a technique in which a rotary electronic input device is provided in a portable electronic device, and a cursor displayed on a display unit is moved according to the amount of rotation of the rotary dial input device (see Patent Document 1). However, since these conventional technologies use a “rotary dial” that involves physical and mechanical rotation, malfunctions and breakdowns are likely to occur due to mechanical wear, etc., and maintenance of the operation input unit is required. And there is a problem that the service life is short.

  In view of this, techniques for using a touch sensor as an operation input unit that does not involve physical and mechanical rotation have been proposed (see Patent Documents 2 and 3). In this proposed technology, a plurality of touch sensor elements are arranged in an annular shape, and contact detection from each touch sensor element is monitored. When continuous contact detection is detected, the touch detection element responds to the movement of the contact detection location. Thus, it is determined that an instruction to move the display position has occurred.

Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2003-280792 Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2005-522797 JP 2004-31196 A

  In the techniques disclosed in Patent Documents 2 and 3, it is detected whether a plurality of touch sensor elements arranged in a ring shape are rotated clockwise or counterclockwise, and the detected direction is detected in the detected direction. Accordingly, the cursor is moved to one or the other of the two directions. However, in portable electronic devices that require portability, the size of the touch sensor device itself is small and the layout is precise, so the user operates with a large finger size or with the finger lying down. In some cases, a plurality of touch sensor elements may be touched at the same time, or an unfamiliar user may touch different touch sensor elements at the same time, resulting in an operation unintended by the user. In the technologies disclosed in Patent Documents 2 and 3, when a user touches a sensor, processing corresponding to the contact can be performed immediately, but a countermeasure is taken against an input for such an abnormal contact state. It wasn't.

  The present invention has been made in view of such problems, and an object of the present invention is to enable a user to make the processing from a user as effective as possible without performing an erroneous process for an abnormal input. An object of the present invention is to provide a portable electronic device and a control method thereof that do not give stress to the device.

  In order to achieve the above object, a portable electronic device of the present invention processes a detection unit for detecting contact and simultaneous contact at two adjacent points detected by the detection unit as an effective signal, and simultaneously at two non-adjacent sites. And a control unit that processes the contact as an invalid signal.

  The method for controlling a portable electronic device according to the present invention is a method for controlling a portable electronic device including a detection unit that detects contact, and processes two adjacent simultaneous contacts detected by the detection unit as an effective signal. However, it is characterized in that non-adjacent two simultaneous contacts are processed as ineffective signals.

  According to the present invention, even if a user's finger makes multiple contact with each sensor element at the same time, or an inexperienced user touches different sensor elements at the same time, without performing erroneous processing, In addition, it is possible to make the processing from the user as effective as possible and conform to the user's intention as much as possible. In particular, by replacing the three-point simultaneous pressing with a signal for detecting the central element, it is possible to cope with a user operation with a large finger while suppressing an increase in processing of the control unit.

It is a block diagram which shows the basic composition of the mobile telephone terminal to which this invention is applied. It is a perspective view of the mobile telephone terminal which mounted the sensor element in the housing | casing. It is a detailed functional block diagram of a mobile phone terminal to which the present invention is applied. It is a block diagram which shows the more detailed structure of the touch sensor function of the mobile telephone terminal by this invention. It is a top view which shows arrangement | positioning of the component of the mobile telephone terminal by this invention. It is a disassembled perspective view of the component of the mobile telephone terminal shown in FIG. It is a schematic block diagram explaining the process of the contact detection data from each sensor element in the mobile telephone terminal by this invention. It is a figure which shows operation | movement of the sub display part when a user traces on a sensor element. It is a figure which shows operation | movement of the sub display part when a user traces on a sensor element. It is the conceptual diagram which divided and showed the sensor element detection state to 16. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the movement confirmation process (namely, holding | maintenance process) in 16 detection states. It is a figure explaining the determination process at the time of applying the process of the flowchart of FIG. 11 to the contact to the sensor elements L1 to L4 of FIG. 7 is a flowchart for explaining operations of a serial interrupt monitoring unit SIMON and a confirmation unit CNF in the “half-round detection mode”. It is a flowchart which shows the basic operation | movement about the contact detection of the touch sensor in "around detection mode". It is a figure explaining a specific example of "around detection mode". It is a flowchart explaining the operation | movement of "around detection mode." 7 is a flowchart for explaining operations of a serial interrupt monitoring unit SIMON and a confirmation unit CNF in the “circulation detection mode”. It is a figure which shows an example of the conversion table which the confirmation part CNF refers. It is a figure explaining the state of three places simultaneous detection of the sensor element in an adjacent positional relationship.

  Embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. Hereinafter, the present invention is applied to a mobile phone terminal as a typical example of the mobile electronic device. FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a basic configuration of a mobile phone terminal to which the present invention is applied. 1 includes a control unit 110, a sensor unit 120, a display unit 130, a storage unit (flash memory or the like) 140, an information processing function unit 150, a telephone function unit 160, a key operation unit KEY, and a speaker SP. The communication unit COM is connected to a CDMA communication network (not shown) to perform communication. Further, the sensor unit 120 includes a sensor element group including a plurality of sensor elements (for example, a contact sensor whose detection unit is provided on the outer surface of the device housing and detects contact / proximity of an object such as a finger). The storage unit 140 includes a storage area 142 and an external data storage area 144. The storage section 140 includes n, i.e., a first sensor element group G1, a second sensor element group G2, and an nth sensor element group G3. It is configured. The control unit 110 and the information processing function unit 150 are preferably configured by a calculation unit such as a CPU and a software module. Note that a serial interface unit SI, an RFID module RFID connected to the control unit 110 via the serial interface unit SI, an infrared communication unit IR, a camera 220 and a light 230, a microphone MIC, a radio module RM, a power source PS, power supply controller PSCON and the like are connected to control unit 110, but are omitted here for simplification.

  The function of each block in the block diagram of FIG. 1 will be briefly described. The control unit 110 detects contact of an object with a user's finger or the like by the sensor unit 120, stores the detected information in the storage area 142 of the storage unit 140, and controls processing of the information stored by the information processing function unit 150. . Then, information corresponding to the processing result is displayed on the display unit 130. Further, the control unit 110 controls the telephone function unit 160, the key operation unit KEY, and the speaker SP for a normal call function. The display unit 130 includes a sub display unit ELD and a main display unit (not shown) (a display unit provided at a position where the mobile phone terminal 100 is hidden in the closed state and exposed in the open state).

  FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a mobile phone terminal in which a sensor element is mounted on a housing. In addition to the closed state as shown in FIG. 2, the mobile phone terminal 100 can also be formed by opening and turning the hinge part and the touch sensor part 210 can be operated even in the closed state. It is provided at a position. FIG. 2A is a perspective view showing the appearance of the mobile phone terminal 100. The mobile phone terminal 100 includes a touch sensor unit 210 (in appearance, a sensor unit 130, that is, a panel PNL described later with reference to FIG. 6 covering the sensor element groups G1 and G2), a camera 220, and a light 230. . FIG. 2B is a perspective view of the mobile phone terminal 100 in which the panel PNL is omitted for the explanation of the operation of the touch sensor, and only the arrangement around the sensor element and the sub display unit ELD is displayed. The sensor elements L1 to L4 and R1 to R4 are each composed of a capacitance type contact sensor, and are arranged side by side along the periphery of the sub display unit ELD composed of an organic EL display. The sensor elements L1 to L4 constitute a first sensor element group G1, and the sensor elements R1 to R4 constitute a second sensor element group G2. The first sensor element group G1 and the second sensor element group G2 are arranged with the separation portions SP1 and SP2 therebetween. With respect to the layout of the first sensor element group G1, the second sensor element group G2 has a line-symmetric layout with the sub display portion ELD sandwiched therebetween and the direction in which the selection candidate items are arranged as the center line. The sub display unit ELD is not limited to an organic EL display, and for example, a liquid crystal display can be used. The sensor elements L1 to L4 and R1 to R4 are not limited to electrostatic capacitance type contact sensors, and thin film resistance type contact sensors can also be used.

  In the mobile phone terminal 100 of FIG. 2, the sub display unit ELD displays information corresponding to the use of the mobile phone terminal 100. For example, when the mobile phone terminal 100 is used as a music player, the sub-display unit ELD displays a song that can be played. A combination of a song name and an artist name is one item, that is, a “selection candidate item”. The user operates the touch sensor unit 210 as an operation input unit to change the capacitances of the sensor elements L1 to L4 and R1 to R4 to move items and operation target areas displayed on the sub display unit ELD. Select the song. At this time, as shown in FIG. 2, if the touch sensor has a configuration in which the sensor elements are arranged around the sub display unit ELD, the mounting portion in the external housing of the small portable electronic device can be largely occupied, and The user can operate the sensor element while viewing the display on the sub display unit ELD.

  FIG. 3 is a detailed functional block diagram of the mobile phone terminal 100 to which the present invention is applied. Needless to say, the various types of software shown in FIG. 3 operate based on a program stored in the storage unit 140, similarly by providing a work area on the storage unit 140 and being executed by the control unit 110. As shown in the figure, various functions of the mobile phone terminal are divided into software blocks and hardware blocks. The software block includes a base application BA having a flag storage unit FLG, a sub display unit display application AP1, a lock security application AP2, other applications AP3, and a radio application AP4. The software block further includes an infrared communication application APIR and an RFID application APRF. When these various applications (application software) control various hardware of the hardware block, the infrared communication driver IRD, RFID driver RFD, audio driver AUD, radio driver RD, and protocol PR are used as drivers. For example, the audio driver AUD, the radio driver RD, and the protocol PR control the microphone MIC, the speaker SP, the communication unit COM, and the radio module RM, respectively. The software block also includes a key scan port driver KSP that monitors and detects the operation state of the hardware, and includes touch sensor driver-related detection, key detection, and open / close detection that detects opening / closing of mobile phone terminals such as a folding type and a sliding type. And earphone attachment / detachment detection.

  The hardware block includes a key operation unit KEY including dial keys and various buttons including tact switches SW1 to SW4, which will be described later, an open / close detection device OCD that detects open / close based on the operating state of the hinge unit, and a microphone MIC attached to the device body. , Detachable earphone EAP, speaker SP, communication unit COM, radio module RM, serial interface unit SI, and switching control unit SWCON. The switching control unit SWCON drives the infrared communication unit IR, the RFID module (radio identification tag) RFID, the touch sensor module TSM (the sensor unit 120 and the sensor unit 120 such as an oscillation circuit) according to an instruction from the corresponding block of the software block. The hardware to be selected (IR, RFID, TSM) is switched so that the serial interface unit SI picks up the signal. The power supply PS supplies power to the selection target hardware (IR, RFID, TSM) via the power supply controller PSCON.

  FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing a more detailed configuration of the touch sensor function of the mobile phone terminal 100 according to the present invention. As shown in the figure, the mobile phone terminal 100 includes a touch sensor driver block TDB, a touch sensor base application block TSBA, a device layer DL, an interrupt handler IH, a queue QUE, an OS timer CLK, and various applications AP1 to AP3. Here, the touch sensor base application block TSBA includes a base application BA and a touch sensor driver upper application program interface API, and the touch sensor driver block TDB includes a touch sensor driver TSD and a result notification unit NTF. The device layer DL includes a switching control unit SWCON, a switching unit SW, a serial interface unit SI, an infrared communication unit IR, an RFID module RFID, and a touch sensor module TSM, and an interrupt handler IH includes a serial interrupt monitoring unit SIMON and a confirmation Part CNF.

  Next, the function of each block will be described with reference to the drawings. In the touch sensor base application block TSBA, whether or not to activate the touch sensor is exchanged between the base application BA and the touch sensor driver upper application program interface API. The base application BA is an application that is a base of the sub display unit display application AP1 that is an application for the sub display unit, the lock security application AP2 that is an application that locks the mobile phone terminal 100 for security protection, and other applications AP3. Yes, when a touch sensor activation is requested from the respective applications to the base application BA, the touch sensor driver upper application program interface API is requested to activate the touch sensor. The sub display unit is a sub display unit ELD shown in each drawing, and in the mobile phone terminal 100 according to the present embodiment, the sub display unit ELD provided in the central region of the sensor element group arranged in a ring shape. Refers to that.

  In response to the activation request, the touch sensor driver upper application program interface API confirms whether or not the touch sensor can be activated in a block (not shown) that manages the activation of the application in the base application BA. That is, an application that has been set in advance such that the touch sensor cannot be activated, such as lighting of the sub-display unit ELD indicating that the application is being selected, or an application attached to the FM radio or other mobile phone terminal 100. Check for the presence of a flag indicating activation. As a result, when it is determined that the touch sensor can be activated, the touch sensor driver upper application program interface API requests the touch sensor driver TSD to activate the touch sensor module TSM. That is, power supply from the power source PS to the touch sensor module TSM via the power controller PSCOM is actually started.

  When activation is requested, the touch sensor driver TSD requests the serial interface unit SI in the device layer DL to control to open a port with the touch sensor driver TSD in the serial interface unit SI.

  Thereafter, the touch sensor driver TSD outputs a signal (hereinafter referred to as a contact signal) having information on the sensing result of the touch sensor to the serial interface unit SI at a cycle of 20 ms by an internal clock of the touch sensor module TSM. To control.

  The contact signal is output as an 8-bit signal corresponding to each of the eight sensor elements L1 to L4 and R1 to R4 described above. That is, when each sensor element detects contact, a signal corresponding to the sensor element that has detected contact is set with “flag: 1” indicating contact detection, and the contact signal is formed by these bit strings. Is done. That is, the contact signal includes information indicating “which sensor element” is “one of contact / non-contact”.

  The serial interrupt monitoring unit SIMON in the interrupt handler IH takes out the contact signal output to the serial interface unit SI. Here, the confirmation unit CNF confirms the True / False of the extracted contact signal in accordance with the conditions set in advance in the serial interface unit SI, and puts only True signal data into the queue QUE (signal True). The type of / False will be described later). The serial interrupt monitoring unit SIMON also monitors other interrupt events of the serial interface unit SI during activation of the touch sensor, such as occurrence of pressing of the tact switch. In the present embodiment, the interrupt handler IH and the queue QUE constitute buffering means.

  The monitoring unit SIMON is in the “release state” when none of the eight sensor elements L1 to L4 and R1 to R4 has detected contact. When contact is detected for the first time from this release state, a signal signifying press is placed in the queue QUE before the contact signal. Thereafter, the contact signal is updated at a cycle of 45 ms by a clock based on the OS timer CLK of the operation system. Here, if any one of the sensor elements detects contact, the monitoring unit SIMON is in the “press state”. Note that “first contact” refers to an event in which a signal having “flag: 1” is generated when there is no data in the queue QUE or when the latest input data indicates a release state. Thereafter, when a contact signal is detected in which no sensor element detects contact, the release state is set in accordance with the contact detection mode, and an open signal, which is a signal indicating the release state, is placed in the queue QUE. By these processes, the touch sensor driver TSD can know the detection state of the sensor element in the section from the contact start (press) to the release.

  In addition, when the contact signal output from the touch sensor module TSM is a signal that satisfies the condition of “False”, the monitoring unit SIMON converts the signal into a release signal indicating a release state and puts the signal into the queue QUE. Here, the condition to be False (false) is “when an interrupt occurs during activation of the touch sensor module TSM (for example, when the lighting / extinguishing state of the sub-display unit ELD is changed by notification of incoming mail etc.)” , “When a key is pressed during activation of the touch sensor module TSM”, or “when contact is detected by two non-continuous sensor elements” as described later.

  The touch sensor driver TSD reads a contact signal from the queue QUE at a period of 45 ms, and determines an element that has detected contact based on the read contact signal. The touch sensor driver TSD considers the change in contact determined by the contact signal sequentially read from the queue QUE and the positional relationship with the detected element, and “contact start element”, “contact moving direction (right / Counterclockwise) "and" movement distance from press to release ". The touch sensor driver TSD writes the determined result in the result notification unit NTF and notifies the base application BA to update the result.

  The determination of the moving direction and the moving distance of contact is performed by a combination of detection of adjacent sensor elements and detection of each sensor element, and various methods (determination rules) can be applied to this (details will be described later). ). For example, when a contact transitions from one sensor element (for example, R2) to an adjacent sensor element (in this example, R2 and R3), one element (for one item in the sub display unit) is moved in that direction. Judged to be moving.

  As described above, when the update of the result is notified to the base application BA by the touch sensor driver TSD, the base application BA confirms the result notification unit NTF, and further improves the content of the information notified to the result notification unit NTF. Applications that require touch sensor results (such as the display unit display application AP1 for displaying the menu screen in the sub display unit and the lock security application AP2 for lock control).

  FIG. 5 is a plan view showing the arrangement of components of the touch sensor unit 210 of the mobile phone terminal 100 according to the present invention. For convenience of drawing and explanation, only some components are shown and described. As shown in the figure, an annular panel PNL is arranged along the periphery of the sub display unit ELD made of organic EL elements. The panel PNL is preferably thin enough so as not to affect the sensitivity of the sensor element provided in the lower part. Under the panel PNL, eight capacitance type sensor elements L1 to L4 and R1 to R4 capable of detecting the contact / proximity of a human finger are arranged in a substantially ring shape. The four sensor elements L1 to L4 on the left side constitute the first sensor element group G1, and the four sensor elements R1 to R4 on the right side constitute the second sensor element group G2. A clearance (gap) is provided between adjacent sensor elements in each sensor element group so that adjacent sensor elements do not interfere with the contact detection function. Note that this clearance is not necessary when using a sensor element that does not interfere. Between the sensor element L4 located at one end of the first sensor element group G1 and the sensor element R1 located at one end of the second sensor element group G2, a clearance larger than the clearance (for example, twice or more) A separation portion SP1 having a length) is provided. Similarly to the separation portion SP1, the separation portion SP2 is provided between the sensor element L1 located at the other end of the first sensor element group G1 and the sensor element R4 located at the other end of the second sensor element group G2. Provide. Such spacing portions SP1 and SP2 can prevent the first sensor element group G1 and the second sensor element group G2 from interfering with each other when functioning separately.

  Each sensor element of the first sensor element group G1 is arranged in an arc shape, and the center of the tact switch SW1 is arranged in the center of the arc, that is, in the lower part between the sensor elements L2 and L3. Similarly, the center of the tact switch SW2 is arranged at the center of the arc formed by the sensor elements of the second sensor element group G2, that is, at the lower part between the sensor elements R2 and R3. In addition, the center of the tact switch SW3 is arranged in the lower part of the separation portion SP1 provided between the first sensor element group G1 and the second sensor element group G2, that is, between the sensor elements L4 and R1, The center of the tact switch SW4 is arranged at the lower part of the separation part SP2, that is, between the sensor elements R4 and L1 (see FIG. 6). In this way, by placing the tact switch in the middle position of the sensor element that is not associated with directionality, it is directly related to the direction instruction by the movement instruction operation with the direction of the finger by the user on the sensor element. The user can easily grasp that the switch performs the operation not to be performed. In addition, since the tact switch is placed under the sensor element and is not exposed to the outside of the device, the number of operation parts that are exposed on the external appearance of the device can be reduced, and a smart impression that does not require complicated operation and Become. In addition, when providing a tact switch in places other than the panel PNL lower part, it is necessary to provide a through-hole separately in an apparatus housing | casing, However, A housing | casing intensity | strength fall may arise depending on the position which provides a through-hole. In this configuration, by disposing the tact switch below the panel PNL and the sensor element, it is not necessary to provide a new through-hole, and the housing strength can be prevented from being lowered.

  For example, when the user sequentially traces the sensor elements L1, L2, L3, and L4 upward in a circular arc shape with a finger, the selection candidate item displayed in the display unit ELD (in this case, sound, display, data) , Camera) items displayed as selection target areas (not shown here, but highlighted, highlighted in another color, etc.) sequentially change to the upper one, or the selection candidate item scrolls upward To do. When a desired selection candidate item is displayed as the selection target area, the user presses the tact switch SW1 over the panel PNL and the sensor elements L2 and L3 to make a selection decision, or the tact switches SW1 to SW4. The display itself can be changed to another screen by pressing. That is, the panel PNL has sufficient flexibility to press down the tact switches SW1 to SW4, or is attached to the device casing so as to be slightly tiltable, and also serves as a pusher for the tact switches SW1 to SW4. Yes.

  FIG. 6 is an exploded perspective view of the components of the cellular phone terminal shown in FIGS. 2 and 5, particularly the touch sensor unit 210. As shown in the figure, the panel PNL and the display unit ELD are arranged on the first layer that forms the outer surface of the terminal housing. Sensor elements L1 to L4 and R1 to R4 are arranged on the second layer located below the panel PNL of the first layer. Tact switches SW1 and SW2 are disposed on the third layer located below the second layer between the sensor elements L2 and L3 and below the sensor elements R2 and R3, respectively.

  FIG. 7 is a schematic block diagram for explaining processing of contact detection data from each sensor element in the mobile phone terminal according to the present invention. For simplicity of explanation, only the sensor elements R1 to R4 are shown, but the same applies to the sensor elements L1 to L4. A high frequency is applied to each of the sensor elements R <b> 1 to R <b> 4, and calibration is performed in consideration of a change in a certain stray capacitance, and the high frequency state at this time is set as a reference. (R1 pre-processing unit 300a, R2 pre-processing unit 300b, R3 pre-processing unit 300c, R4 pre-processing unit 300d) detects a change in a high-frequency state based on a change in capacitance due to finger contact or the like Then, it is transmitted to the A / D converter 310 (A / D converter 310a for R1, A / D converter 310b for R2, A / D converter 310c for R3, A / D converter 310d for R4), It is converted into a digital signal indicating contact detection. The digitized signals are transmitted to the control unit 320, and the information held by the signals is stored in the storage unit 330 as a set of collected signals as a sensor element group. Thereafter, this signal is sent to the serial interface unit and the interrupt handler. The interrupt handler converts the signal into a signal that can be read by the touch sensor driver, and puts the converted signal in a queue. Note that the control unit 320 detects a direction when contact is detected by two or more adjacent sensor elements based on information stored in the storage unit 330.

  Next, “intra-circle detection mode” and “circumference detection mode” by the cellular phone terminal 100 of the present embodiment will be described. In the present embodiment, as the contact detection mode, a “half-circle detection mode” in which control is performed using the first sensor element group G1 and the second sensor element group G2 independently, and the first sensor element group G1 and the second sensor element group G2 are used, and the sensor elements L1 to L4 and R1 to R4 arranged in an annular shape are regarded as one sensor element group, and a “circumference detection mode” is executed. ing.

  In the “half-circumference detection mode”, after a transition from the release state to the press state, if a contact signal is detected in which no sensor element detects contact, a signal indicating the release state is sent to the queue QUE at that time. It is possible to provide a quick operational feeling to the user by making a transition to the release state and confirming the movement. Further, in the “circulation detection mode”, after a transition from the release state to the press state, when a contact signal is obtained in which no sensor element detects contact, a certain time (for example, 100 ms) from that point is obtained. If a contact signal is detected when contact is detected by any sensor element within this fixed time, the sensor will return to the pressed state as if a series of input operations have been performed, and contact will be detected. It is treated as a contact signal that is continuous with the previous contact signal that has not been performed, and if it cannot be obtained, the release signal is entered into the queue QUE and transitioned to the release state, and the first sensor element group G1 and the second sensor element group G2 Even when contact is not detected instantaneously when straddling the relatively wide separation portions SP1 and SP2 formed between them, a continuous detection state can be obtained.These “circumference detection mode” and “half-circumference detection mode” are selectively applied according to the application being executed.

  First, the “half-round detection mode” will be described. In the “half-circle detection mode”, for example, in order to select an item displayed on the sub display unit ELD during execution of the music player application or the sub display unit display application AP1, the touch operation in the sensor unit 120 is performed. The moving direction and the moving distance are detected. In this “intra-circle detection mode”, as described above, after the monitoring unit SIMON transitions from the “released state” to the “pressed state”, a contact signal in which no sensor element detects contact is obtained. Shifts the monitoring unit SIMON to the release state at that time, and detects the detection state of the sensor element in the section from the press state to the release state in the touch sensor driver TSD.

  FIG. 8 and FIG. 9 are diagrams for explaining an example of the “half-round detection mode”, and are diagrams illustrating the operation of the sub display unit when the user traces on the sensor element. 8 and 9, (a) is a schematic diagram showing only a sub display unit mounted on a mobile phone terminal and sensor elements arranged side by side along the periphery thereof, and (b). FIG. 7A is a diagram showing sensor elements detected with time, and FIG. 8C is a diagram showing a change in position of the operation target area of the sub-display unit ELD according to the detected sensor elements. In (a) of these drawings, the same reference numerals as those in FIG. 2 (b) are assigned to the sensor elements, the sensor element group, and the separation portion. In the display of the sub display unit ELD in (c), TI indicates the title of the item list displayed by the sub display unit, and LS1 to LS4 indicate selection candidate items (for example, several scrollable lines). Also, in the sub-display part of (c), the item in the state to be operated is placed on the item so that it can be identified as the current operation target region, or the item itself is highlighted. Highlight with In these figures, the items displayed as the operation target area are hatched and highlighted. For convenience of explanation, “moving target” will be described using only the operation target region, but the sub-display unit operates on the same principle when moving (scrolling) the item itself.

  In FIG. 8A, when the sensor elements are continuously traced from the top to the bottom indicated by the arrow AR1 using contact means such as a finger, the control unit makes contact with the time transition shown in FIG. 8B. Is detected. In this case, contact is detected in the order of the sensor elements R1, R2, R3, and R4. Since the continuous contact from R1 to R4 is detected by two or more of the adjacent sensor elements, the direction is detected, and the operation target region is determined according to the number of times the adjacent sensor elements are transitioned and the direction. Moves on the list displayed on the sub display ELD. In this case, as shown in (c), the operation target area moves downward by three items from the initial position item LS1 to the item LS4. Although the operation target area is represented by hatching, an area with a narrow hatching pitch is an initial position, and an area with a wide hatching pitch is a position after movement. As described above, according to this configuration, the “operation target area moves downward” on the sub display unit, as in the case of the user's “downward finger pointing operation”, the user can operate with his / her finger. It feels as if the target area is freely moved. That is, the operation feeling as intended by the user can be obtained.

  Similarly, if the sensor element is traced in the direction indicated by the arrow AR2 in FIG. 6A, the sensor elements L4, L3, L2, and L1 contact each other in this order as shown in FIG. In this case, because of the contact that makes three adjacent sensor elements transition from top to bottom in the same manner as the arrow AR1, there are three operation target areas from the item LS1 to the item LS4 in the downward direction as shown in (c). Move minutes.

  If the sensor elements are traced from the bottom to the top (counterclockwise direction) indicated by the arrow AR1 in FIG. 9A, the sensor elements R4, R3, R2 among the sensor elements as shown in FIG. 9B. , R1 detects contact in this order, and in this case, because of contact that makes three adjacent sensor elements transition from bottom to top, the operation target area from item LS4 to item LS1 upward as shown in (c) Moves by three.

  Similarly, if the sensor elements are traced from the bottom to the top (clockwise direction) indicated by the arrow AR2 in FIG. 6A, the sensor elements L1 and L2 among the sensor elements as shown in FIG. , L3, and L4 detect contact in this order. In this case, from the bottom of the item LS4 as shown in (c), the contact moves from bottom to top as in the case of the arrow AR1. Three operation target areas move to the item LS1.

  As described above, in the “intra-circle detection mode”, in each sensor element group, contact with a certain sensor element (for example, R2) is not detected as movement, but the sensor element (for example, for example, adjacent to the sensor element) Only when the contact transitions to R3) is detected as a movement of one element (one item in the sub display portion ELD) in that direction. Therefore, a contact transition between two adjacent sensor elements straddling the separation portion SP1 or SP2, that is, a contact transition between L4-R1 and a contact transition between L1-R4 is determined to be invalid and is not detected as movement.

  In addition, even in the contact transition across the separation part SP1 or SP2, if there is a transition between adjacent sensor elements in the same sensor element group, the contact transition in the sensor element group is determined to be valid, and the contact transition direction is changed to the contact transition direction. Detected as movement. Therefore, for example, when the contact transitions from R3 → R4 → L1, it is determined that the transition from R3 → R4 is valid and the transition from R4 → L1 is invalid, and the operation target area is one item downward in the sub display unit ELD. Will move for minutes. Further, when the contact transitions clockwise from R1 to L4, it is determined that the transition from R1 to R4 is valid, the transition from R4 to L1 is invalid, and the transition from L1 to L4 is valid, and the sub display unit In the ELD, the operation target area moves downward by three items, then moves upward by three items, and returns to the original position.

  FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining another example of the “half-circle detection mode”. The sensor element detection state is not only a single element detection state, but also a multiple element detection state in which two adjacent elements are further detected. It is the conceptual diagram shown divided into 16 so that it might determine. Here, as with FIG. 5, the tact switches SW1 to SW4 are also illustrated.

  As shown in FIG. 10, the control unit 110 detects, in addition to R1 detection, R2 detection, R3 detection, R4 detection, L1 detection, L2 detection, L3 detection, and L4 detection, where only a single sensor element detects contact. R1-R2 detection, R2-R3 detection, R3-R4 detection, L1-R4 detection, L1-L2 detection, L2-L3 detection, L3-L4 detection, L4-R1 detection to detect contact between two adjacent sensor elements A total of 16 detection states can be managed. That is, in this “intra-circle detection mode”, a single element detection state in which an operation state is detected for only one sensor element, and an adjacent element detection state in which an operation state of two adjacent sensor elements is detected. Can be detected, and the number of sensor element detection states is 16 so that more precise control is possible.

  If the detection states of the eight sensor elements are managed one by one, the eight detection states can be managed. However, in the eight detection states, since the number of states, that is, state changes are small, it is not possible to perform very precise control. In portable electronic devices that require portability, the size of the sensor element itself is also small, so that it may contact the sensor element across the sensor elements. In this case, for example, the sensor elements L2 and L3 are contacted in this order. Is detected, an upward movement instruction is generated, which may cause an operation unintended by the user. In order to appropriately process such contact detection to the sensor element, it is necessary to hold the confirmation of the movement instruction until two or three detection state changes (movements) are detected in the 16 detection states. . Hereinafter, the process of holding the confirmation of the movement instruction will be described in detail with reference to a flowchart.

  FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing an example of the movement confirmation process (that is, the hold process) in the 16 detection states, and this flowchart every time it is detected that any one detection state occurs in the queue QUE. Processing is performed by the touch sensor driver TSD. A position (any one of 16 detection states) first detected from the released state is set as the first reference point. From this reference point, the current detection position (detection state newly entered in the queue QUE), and the previous detection position (previous detection state remaining in the queue QUE), the movement distance (detection state) Transition). As shown in the figure, in step S10, it is determined whether or not the previous position has been released. If it is determined that it has been released (the previous data remaining in the queue QUE is “release”), the process proceeds to step S12, and whether or not the current detection position has been released (ie, newly entered) Whether or not the data is “release”). If it is determined that the current detection position is released, the process ends. If not, the process proceeds to step S14, and the reference point and the previous detection position are set as the current detection position.

  If it is determined in step S10 that the previous position has not been released (that is, if another detection has occurred and the current detection follows), the process proceeds to step S16, where the current detection position is It is determined whether or not it has been released (that is, whether or not the newly input signal is “release”). If it is determined that the current detection position is released, the reference point and the previous detection position are initialized (cleared), and the process ends (step S18). If it is determined in step S16 that the current detection position is not released, the distance between the previous detection position and the current detection position is calculated (step S20), and is the calculated distance 1 or 2? It is determined whether or not (step S22). When it is determined that the calculated distance is not 1 or 2, it is determined that the sensor element is skipped and the sensor is in a discontinuous detection state (step S24), and the reference point is set to the current detection position (step S26). The process proceeds to step S36. If it is determined that the distance calculated in step S22 is 1 or 2, the distance between the current detection position and the reference point is calculated (step S28). In the calculation of the distance, the detection position for each sensor element is known by the signal put in the queue QUE. Therefore, any of the 16 detection states can be determined between the previous detection position and the current detection position. The touch sensor driver TSD determines whether there is a difference corresponding to the number.

  Further, it is determined whether or not the distance calculated in step S28 is 2 or 3 (step S30). If the condition is not satisfied (that is, 4 or more), the process proceeds to step S36 as an error, and the condition is satisfied ( If the distance is 2 or 3, the movement is confirmed (step S32). That is, the first touched position is set as the “reference point”, and then the “previous position” is updated when contact is continuously detected without being “released”, and finally the latest detected position “ Only when it is determined that “current position” is “moved 2 or 3” with respect to the reference point, it is determined that “there is movement”. Further, since the single element detection state and the multiple element detection state are continuously detected, it is determined that the movement is “2”. Therefore, on the sensor element, the sensor element is not used until the above “2 movement”. One finger is moved. The next reference point is set to a position that is moved by two in the movement direction from the previous reference point (step S34), and the process proceeds to step S36. In step S36, “previous detection position” is set to “current detection position” for the next process, and the process ends.

  FIG. 12 is a diagram for explaining a determination process when the process of the flowchart of FIG. 11 is applied to the contact from the sensor elements L1 to L4 of FIG. As shown in the figure, the detection state changes are “L1 detection”, “L1-L2 detection”, “L2 detection”, “L2-L3 detection”, “L3 detection”, “L3-L4 detection”, “L4 detection”. " That is, the single element detection state and the multiple element detection state are repeatedly detected from L1 to L4. First, the first “L1 detection” is set to the reference point BP1 (S14). Next, when “L1-L2 detection” occurs, since the previous position is not “release” but “L1 detection”, the previous position is compared with the current position detected this time (S22). Here, the movement is one frame from L1 to L1-L2, which is valid because it satisfies the determination condition of “1 or 2?”. Next, the reference point is compared with the current position (S30). Here, since both the reference point and the previous position are set to the same L1, the movement amount is still one frame, and the movement is not confirmed at this stage, and the L1-L2 detection state of the current position is set to the previous position PP1. (S36).

  Furthermore, if “L2 detection” occurs without “release” occurring midway, the previous position is “L1-L2 detection”, so the previous position is compared with the current position CP1 detected this time (S22). . Here, the movement is one frame from L1-L2 to L2, which is valid because the determination condition “1 or 2” is satisfied. Next, the reference point is compared with the current position (S30). Since the reference point is set to the same L1 as in the L1 detection again this time, the positional relationship with L2 is two frames, so the movement amount is determined to be two frames. Here, the movement is confirmed for the first time (S32). Then, for the next determination, the reference point BP2 is set to a point where the frame is shifted by two frames from “L1 detection”, that is, “L2 detection” (S34), and the previous position is set to the current position “L2 detection”. Is again set, and the confirmation process 1 is completed (S36).

  As described above, the touch sensor driver TSD determines the movement “1” by detecting the transition of the detection state of two frames. That is, when the movement is confirmed in step S32, the movement direction component (clockwise direction from L1 to L4) and the movement of “1” and the movement of “1” are stored in the result notification unit NTF, and the stored contents of the base application BA are stored. The update is notified, and the base application BA extracts the update contents and notifies the sub display unit display application AP1 and the like. If the sub display unit display application AP1 is in use, a movement amount of “1” is given to the “direction from bottom to top” based on the movement direction component. The display of the part ELD is changed. Specifically, when the list display as shown in FIG. 9C is performed and the operation target area is located at LS4, the operation target area moves to LS3 based on the confirmation process 1. . By the way, in the same manner as in the determination process 1, the detection state continues for “R4 detection” and “R3 detection” for the second sensor element groups R1 to R4 continuously from the “R4 detection” state. Even when the transition is made, the touch sensor driver TSD gives the sub-display unit display application AP1 via the base application the “direction from bottom to top” and “1” movement amount assignment information based on the movement direction component. Thus, on the screen display of the list display, the operation target area changes from the item LS4 to LS3 in the same manner as the operation in the first sensor element group.

  Next, a case where the finger movement continues without “release” subsequent to the confirmation process 1 will be described. As in the case of the confirmation process 1, as shown in the confirmation process 2 in the figure, the detection state advances two frames from the reference point BP2, “L2-L3 detection” is set to the previous position PP2, and “L3 detection” is currently Since the distance between the reference point BP2 and the current position CP2 is two frames when the position CP2 is reached, the movement “1” is further determined. That is, the movement of the total “2” is confirmed by both the confirmation process 2 subsequent to the confirmation process 1. Then, for further subsequent processing, the reference point is changed with “L3 detection” two frames ahead from the reference point BP2 “L2 detection” as a new reference point BP3.

  Similarly, as shown in the confirmation process 3 in the figure, the detection state advances two frames from the reference point BP3, “L3-L4 detection” becomes the previous position CP3, and “L4 detection” becomes the current position CP3. Since the distance becomes two frames at that time, “1” movement is further confirmed, and a total of “3” movements are confirmed together with the confirmation process 1 and the confirmation process 2. In this way, a total of “3” moves are notified to the application.

  As the display on the sub display part ELD, the sub display part display application AP1 is notified of the movement confirmation of “1” twice in the “direction from bottom to top” following the confirmation process 1. The operation target area changes from LS3 to LS1 that has moved "2" upward. Here, not only the detection of a single element detection state but also a detection state of a plurality of elements is detected and the detection state is subdivided, but the movement amount determined by the movement of two state transitions is “ As a result, in the case of a sensor element composed of four sensor elements as in the example, the movement confirmation of a maximum of “3” is finally performed. In other words, in the case where the number of sensor elements is four and the movement is confirmed only by single element detection, the final amount of movement is very approximate, but only the single element is accurately positioned. Even if it is not touched, the maximum amount of movement of “3” can be ensured, and inaccurate operation by the user can be dealt with in a form that meets the user's wishes without causing any reaction.

  In addition, when the user carrying the mobile phone performs an operation in a place where vibration is likely to occur, a case where the finger is released from the sensor unit 120 for a moment while the finger is moving due to external vibration may be considered. In such a case, if a rough detection method that detects only movement by detecting only the number of sensor elements is used to detect movement, detection omissions are unlikely to occur, but not only single element detection but also multiple element detection In the case of a precise detection method that also detects the state, it may be considered that even if the finger is momentarily released, the finger continues to rotate, so that one detection state is skipped. However, in step S22, “whether the distance between the previous position and the current position is 1 or 2” indicates that the continuous movement detection state is established even when two movements are made from the previous position, that is, even if one is skipped from the previous position. Since it can be handled, it can be as close as possible to the operation desired by the user even under vibration.

  In addition, since not only the distance 2 frames but also the 3 frames are valid in step S30, the movement also occurs when the finger is momentarily detached due to vibration or when the detection state is detected by a quick operation. An operation can be detected. In addition, when detecting the amount of movement for three frames, not only is the amount of movement “1” fixed as in the case of the next two frames, but the setting of the reference point for the next detection is the same as when moving two frames. Since only two frames are moved relative to the previous reference point, even when movement is confirmed by detecting three frames, an amount of movement confirmation of “n−1” obtained by subtracting 1 from the number n of sensor elements is secured. This makes it possible for the user to obtain a stable operational feeling of the same operational feeling regardless of how they are touched.

  As described above, the single element detection state in which the operation state is detected for only one of the plurality of sensor elements and the operation state of two adjacent sensor elements among the plurality of sensor elements are detected. By detecting the adjacent element detection state, and determining the movement by the combination of the single element detection state and the adjacent element detection state, it is possible to obtain the operation feeling as intended by the user and to modify the device. And more precise movement detection.

  Next, the operation of the serial interrupt monitoring unit SIMON and the checking unit CNF when the contact signal output from the touch sensor module TSM is not a valid signal (a signal that satisfies the condition of False) in the “intra-circle detection mode”. explain. FIG. 13 is a flowchart for explaining the operations of the serial interrupt monitoring unit SIMON and the confirmation unit CNF. When the monitoring unit SIMON extracts the contact signal output from the touch sensor module TSM to the serial interface unit SI (S101), the confirmation unit CNF determines whether the extracted contact signal is valid according to a preset condition. That is, True / False is determined (S102). The confirmation unit CNF puts a contact signal (position specifying signal) into the queue QUE if it is a valid signal, that is, a True signal (S103). If the signal is not valid, that is, a false signal, the contact signal is converted into a release signal that is a signal indicating a released state (S104), and the release signal is put in the queue QUE (S103).

  Here, as a condition of False (false), a case where contact is detected by two discontinuous sensor elements is set. Therefore, when the contact signal is a signal indicating simultaneous detection of different sensor elements, the confirmation unit CNF determines the positional relationship between the sensor elements in which simultaneous detection has occurred, and between the sensor elements in which simultaneous detection has occurred. If the positional relationship is an adjacent position, it is determined as an effective signal, and if the positional relationship is not adjacent, it is determined as an invalid signal. For example, when contact is detected simultaneously with two adjacent sensor elements such as sensor elements R2 and R3, it is determined that the signal is valid, and contact is detected simultaneously with two non-adjacent sensor elements such as sensor elements R2 and R4. It is determined that the signal is not valid. Further, even when the sensor elements in which simultaneous detection occurs are sensor elements belonging to the first sensor element group G1 and the second sensor element group G2, it is determined that the signal is not valid. Further, in the “in half-circle detection mode”, a signal indicating the simultaneous detection of three sensor elements having different contact signals, and the signal is not effective even when the positional relationship between the sensor elements is an adjacent relationship. to decide.

  As described above, in the “intra-circumference detection mode”, when contact is detected by two discontinuous sensor elements at the same time, or in sensor elements belonging to the first sensor element group G1 and the second sensor element group G2, respectively. If contact is detected at the same time, it is converted into an open signal and placed in the queue QUE, so that erroneous detection can be prevented easily and reliably. Therefore, even if an unfamiliar user touches different touch sensor elements at the same time, no erroneous processing is performed and no stress is applied to the user.

  Next, the “circulation detection mode” will be described. In the “circulation detection mode”, for example, when the security lock is released during the execution of the lock security application AP2 described above, the number of contact operations in the sensor unit 120 and the rotation direction are detected.

  FIG. 14 is a flowchart illustrating a basic operation for touch detection of the touch sensor in the “circulation detection mode”. In this “circumference detection mode”, when contact is detected (RS2) by any sensor element from “release state” (RS1) and transitions to “press state” (RS3), any sensor element makes contact. It is detected whether or not contact non-detection that has not been detected has occurred (RS4), and when contact non-detection is detected, a "release wait state" is set (RS5).

  Thereafter, it is detected whether or not any sensor element detects contact within a certain time (for example, 100 ms) from the time point when contact non-detection is detected in RS4 (RS6). Assuming that the input operation is performed, the state transits to the “press state” of RS3 and is treated as a contact signal that is continuous with the contact signal immediately before the contact non-detection in RS4. On the other hand, in RS6, when contact is not detected within a certain time, an open signal is put into the queue QUE as the occurrence of release, and control according to the change in contact detection so far is executed (RS7). If the lap detection mode has not ended, a transition is made to the release state of RS1 (RS8).

  FIG. 15 illustrates a specific example of the “circulation detection mode”. Like FIG. 10, the sensor element detection state is divided into 16 parts including a single element detection state and a multiple element detection state. It is a conceptual diagram. Here, one sensor element in the sensor elements L1 to L4 and R1 to R4 captured as one sensor element group detects contact, and the position of the one sensor element is used as a base point and clockwise from the base point. A plurality of sensor elements up to the previous position are detected to detect contact in succession in a predetermined time (for example, several seconds) in order, and a clockwise contact operation is detected. The continuous contact detection by the sensor elements L1 to L4 and R1 to R4 is detected in consideration of the “release wait state” shown in FIG.

  For example, in FIG. 15, when detecting a clockwise turn, when the press position where the finger is first touched from the released state is the L1 detection position, the clock is moved within a certain time from L1 as a base point. Detects that contact has been continuously detected from L1 to the R3-R4 detection position including the contact detection by the sensor element R4 immediately before, and that the contact operation has made one round clockwise. Then, if it is detected that contact has been successively detected within a predetermined time from L1 to R3-R4 detection position without being released thereafter, it is detected that the next clockwise one-round contact operation has been performed. . Thereafter, the same operation is repeated until the finger is released from the sensor element group after passing the “release wait state”.

  FIG. 16 shows a flowchart in this case. First, when the security lock release process is selected during execution of the lock security application AP2, the number of laps stored in the storage area 142 of the storage unit 140 shown in FIG. 1 is initialized (S41). After that, when contact of the sensor unit 120 by the user is started (S43), the press position first touched by the finger is held in the storage area 142 as a turning base point (start position) (S45). Here, assuming that the L1 detection position is first touched, the position L1 is held as a base point.

  After that, the control unit 110 detects the transition operation of the contact, that is, the circulation direction, by detecting that the user has started the circulation operation from the change of the contact signal read from the queue QUE in consideration of the “waiting for release” state. (S47) From the detected rotation direction and the base point held in step S45, the position immediately before the base point position that is the end point of the round detection is determined as the end position, and the position is held in the storage area 142. (S49). In this example, since the base point is L1 and the circumferential direction is clockwise, the R3-R4 detection position including the contact detection position by the sensor element R4 immediately before the sensor element L1 is determined as the end position R4. Held.

  Thereafter, in a state where the circulation direction in the circulation detection process is held clockwise (S51), the base point L1 is determined within a predetermined time based on the sequential change of the contact signal read from the queue QUE in consideration of the “release waiting state”. From the end position R4 to the R3-R4 detection position including the clockwise end position, it is detected whether or not the sensor elements have successively detected contact (S53). It is detected that the vehicle has made a round (S55), and the rounding counter is counted up (S57). Thereafter, based on the contact signal, it is determined whether or not the release wait state has elapsed and the finger has been released (S59). If not released, the process proceeds to step S53, and the same position L1 as the first round is used as a base point. To detect the next clockwise turn.

  On the other hand, in step S53, if the sensor elements do not detect contact in sequence from the base point L1 to the R3-R4 detection position including the clockwise end position R4 within a predetermined time, or if they are released in step S59. If it is determined, the count value in the lap counter at that time is output (S61), and the lap detection process is terminated.

  In addition, although the rotation direction is clockwise here, the same applies to the case of counterclockwise rotation, and the end position of the rotation is not limited to one before the rotation direction from the base point, and may be two or more before. Is possible. Further, when the press position first touched by the finger is, for example, the L1-L2 detection position, it may be determined in advance so that one of the press positions is a base point, or the base point once determined is changed according to the circulation direction. You may make it do. For example, in the case of the L1-L2 detection position, if the base point is determined in advance as L1, and then the rotation direction is detected as clockwise, the base point remains as L1 and the end position is one before. When R4 is determined and the turning direction is detected to be counterclockwise, the base point is changed from L1 to L2, and when the end position is one before, L3 is determined. Furthermore, here, 16 sensor element detection states including a plurality of element detection states in which two adjacent sensor elements detect contact at the same time are monitored to detect laps, but only a single sensor element is detected. It is also possible to detect the circulation by monitoring the detection states of the eight sensor elements that detect contact.

  As described above, in the “around detection mode”, even if the finger is released from the sensor unit 120, if the finger touches the sensor unit 120 again within a predetermined time, the finger is released as a series of input operations. Since it is handled as a contact signal that is continuous with the immediately preceding contact signal, when straddling the relatively wide separation portions SP1 and SP2 formed between the first sensor element group G1 and the second sensor element group G2. Even if contact is not detected instantaneously, the continuous detection state can be achieved. Also, unlike the case of moving the cursor or the like as in the “half-round detection mode”, when the sensor unit 120 is simply traced with a finger, as in the case of releasing the security lock, the rounding operation is not performed. It tends to be quick. For this reason, especially when the sensor unit 120 is small, it is easy to momentarily disengage or deviate from the sensor unit 120. Even in such a case, a continuous detection state can be achieved. Similarly, in an input operation under a moving environment in which external vibrations are easily picked up, a continuous detection state can be set even when a finger is momentarily separated from or deviated from the sensor unit 120.

  Next, the operation of the serial interrupt monitoring unit SIMON and the checking unit CNF when the contact signal output from the touch sensor module TSM is not a valid signal (a signal that satisfies the condition of False) in the “around detection mode” will be described. To do. FIG. 17 is a flowchart for explaining operations of the serial interrupt monitoring unit SIMON and the confirmation unit CNF. When the monitoring unit SIMON extracts the contact signal output from the touch sensor module TSM to the serial interface unit SI (S201), the confirmation unit CNF determines whether the extracted contact signal is valid according to a preset condition. In other words, True / False is determined (S202). If it is a valid signal, that is, a true signal, the confirmation unit CNF converts only the signal that needs to be converted with reference to the conversion table (S203) and puts it in the queue QUE (S204). If the signal is not valid, that is, a false signal, the contact signal is converted into a release signal that is a signal indicating a release state (S205), and the release signal is put in the queue QUE (S204).

  As a condition of False (false), a case where contact is detected by two non-continuous sensor elements is set as in the “half-round detection mode”. Therefore, when the contact signal is a signal indicating simultaneous detection of different sensor elements, the confirmation unit CNF determines the positional relationship between the sensor elements in which simultaneous detection has occurred, and between the sensor elements in which simultaneous detection has occurred. If the positional relationship is an adjacent position, it is determined as an effective signal, and if the positional relationship is not adjacent, it is determined as an invalid signal.

  In the “circumference detection mode”, if the confirmation unit CNF is a valid signal, that is, a True signal, only the signal that needs to be converted is converted with reference to the conversion table. FIG. 18 is a diagram illustrating an example of a conversion table referred to by the confirmation unit CNF. As can be seen from the conversion table shown in FIG. 18, the confirmation unit CNF, for example, detects contact with two adjacent sensor elements such as sensor elements R2 and R3 at the same time, and detects a single sensor element. Similarly, a contact signal (position specifying signal) flagged in the bit corresponding to the sensor element that has detected contact is put in the queue QUE, but the contact detection signal of the sensor element is simultaneously transmitted to three different sensor elements at three locations. If the signal is a signal indicating detection and the positional relationship between the sensor elements is an adjacent positional relationship, instead of the signal indicating simultaneous detection at three locations, detection of the center sensor element among the sensor elements in which contact detection has occurred Is converted into a contact signal (position specifying signal) indicating, and placed in the queue QUE. For example, as shown in FIG. 19, in the case of a signal indicating the simultaneous detection of the three sensor elements L3, L4, and R1 in the adjacent positional relationship, the contact signal (position specifying signal) indicating the detection of the center sensor element L4 is used. Convert to queue QUE.

  As described above, in the “circumference detection mode”, when contact is detected by two discontinuous sensor elements at the same time, it is converted into an open signal and placed in the queue QUE, so that erroneous detection can be prevented easily and reliably. Even if an unfamiliar user touches different touch sensor elements at the same time, the user is not stressed without performing erroneous processing. Further, when contact is detected simultaneously with three different sensor elements in which the positional relationship between the sensor elements is adjacent, the contact signal indicating the detection of the central sensor element among the three sensor elements in which the contact detection has occurred. (Positioning signal) is converted into the queue QUE so that even when a user with a large finger size operates or when operating with the finger lying down, the processing from the user is made as effective as possible. Therefore, no stress is given to the user.

  Even in the case where simultaneous detection at three adjacent points occurs and the signal is replaced with a signal that contact has occurred at a predetermined sensor element, the subsequent movement direction detection and the like are performed in accordance with the processing shown in FIG. Do it. That is, even when three simultaneous detections are being performed, the finger moves slightly and detection at one of the three ends does not occur, and the remaining two simultaneous detections continue. If there is a transition, the transition from the single detection state of the central sensor element to the multiple-element detection state at two locations has occurred, and the movement detection shown in FIG. 16 can be validated. . If for some reason it becomes impossible to detect contact only at the center after simultaneous detection at three adjacent locations, it becomes False because two non-adjacent locations are detected at the same time. Therefore, no movement detection occurs. In this case, it can be considered that the initial simultaneous detection of three adjacent locations itself touched the vicinity with two fingers, and it becomes unnecessary to validate such unauthorized contact. It is also possible to reduce factors that cause errors.

  As described above, in the touch sensor according to the present invention, the buffering means enables the simultaneous detection of the three locations in the rotation detection mode and disables the simultaneous detection of the three locations in the half-round detection mode. I have control. That is, in the case of a small touch sensor mounted on a mobile phone terminal, since the size is small, the number of sensor elements inevitably decreases. When only four sensor elements are provided for the half circumference as described in the present embodiment, if the detection is effective up to the simultaneous detection of three adjacent locations, the movement amount detection hardly occurs in the half circumference. Minutes are invalid. On the other hand, if the touch sensor is used as a means for detecting whether or not it has circulated and instructing the release / non-release of the lock function of RFID communication, it is asked whether or not it has been operated with one finger. No delicate operation is required. In other words, it can be imagined that in the case of this level of work, the user will operate rather quickly. Therefore, it is preferable to make the detection of three adjacent points effective for the rotation detection mode. Thus, by changing the validity / invalidity of the detection result according to each mode, the user can perform an accurate operation without stress.

  In addition, this invention is not limited to the said embodiment, A various change is possible in the range which does not deviate from the meaning of invention. For example, the first sensor element group G1 and the second sensor element group G2 are not limited to an annular shape, but are arranged in an arbitrary annular pattern such as a rectangular shape or a polygonal shape. It can be arranged in an arbitrary pattern such as a straight line or a curved line in which the one end portions are close to each other, and the number of sensor elements in each sensor element group is not limited to four, and can be an arbitrary plural number. . Furthermore, the sensor element group may be one. The sensor element is not limited to a capacitance type contact sensor or the above-described thin film resistance type, but an optical method for detecting contact based on fluctuations in the amount of received light, a SAW method for detecting contact based on attenuation of surface acoustic waves, and an induced current. It is possible to use an electromagnetic induction type sensor element that detects contact based on the occurrence of the above, and depending on the type of contact sensor, it is also possible to use an indicator that uses a dedicated pen other than a finger. The present invention is not limited to mobile phone terminals, and is widely applied to portable electronic devices such as PDAs (personal digital assistance), portable game machines, portable audio players, portable video players, portable electronic dictionaries, and portable electronic book viewers. it can.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 100 Mobile phone terminal 110 Control part 120 Sensor part 130 Display part 140 Storage part 142 Storage area 144 External data storage area 150 Information processing function part 160 Telephone function part 200 Mobile phone terminal 210 Touch sensor part 220 Camera 230 Light 300 Pre-processing part 310 A / D converter 320 Control unit 330 Storage unit AP1 Sub display unit display application AP2 Lock security application AP3 Application AP3 Other application AP4 Radio application API Application program interface APIR Infrared communication application APRF RFID application application AUD Audio driver BA Base application CLK OS timer CNF confirmation unit COM communication unit DL device layer EAP earphone FLG flag storage unit IH interrupt handler I Infrared communication unit IRD Infrared communication driver KEY Key operation unit KSP Key scan port driver MIC Microphone NTF Result notification unit OCD Open / close detection device PNL panel PR protocol PS power supply PSCON power supply controller QUE queue RD Radio driver RFD RFID driver RFID RFID module RM Radio module SI Serial interface unit SIMON monitoring unit SP speaker SW switching unit SWCON switching control unit TSBA touch sensor base application block TSD touch sensor driver TDB touch sensor driver block TSM touch sensor module L1 to L4 sensor element R1 to R4 sensor element ELD sub display unit PNL panel SP1, SP2 separation part SW1-SW4 tact switch 1 first sensor element group G2 second sensor element group G3 n-th sensor element group AR1, AR2 arrow LS1~LS4 item TI Title BP1~BP3 reference point PP1~PP3 previous position CP1~CP3 current position

Claims (2)

A detection unit for detecting contact;
A control unit that processes adjacent two simultaneous contacts detected by the detection unit as an effective signal and processes non-adjacent two simultaneous contacts as an invalid signal;
A portable electronic device comprising: A method for controlling a portable electronic device including a detection unit for detecting contact,
Treat adjacent two simultaneous contacts detected by the detection unit as an effective signal, and process non-adjacent two simultaneous contacts as an invalid signal,
A control method characterized by that.

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