JP2012160141A - Input device - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an input device in which whether a touch input at a plurality of points is performed by the same user or by a plurality of users can be more easily discriminated .SOLUTION: A supply unit supplies a detection signal successively to each of first conductors in a first conductor group. A detection unit detects an electric signal corresponding to the detection signal successively from each of second conductors in a second conductor group. A calculation unit calculates a position corresponding to a conductor set in which the electric signal is decreased, for each conductor set of the first conductor to which the detection signal is supplied and the second conductor from which the electric signal is detected. In the case where a plurality of such positions are present, an estimation unit estimates that the plurality of positions are touched by one user when the detection signal is supplied to the first conductor in the conductor set corresponding to the one position and the electric signal detected from the second conductor in the conductor set corresponding to the other position increases.

Description

  Embodiments described herein relate generally to an input device.

  There is a touch-type input device that estimates a position touched by a user (touch position) and operates a device or the like based on the touch position. Among touch-type input devices, there is a multi-touch type input device that estimates the touch positions of a plurality of points when a plurality of points are touched simultaneously.

  In conventional multi-touch type input devices, if the user's posture is not restrained, such as sitting in a special chair, if there are touch inputs at a plurality of points, they are by the same user or by a plurality of users It was not possible to determine whether it was a thing.

  Such an input device is desired to be able to more easily determine whether touch input at a plurality of points is made by the same user or a plurality of users.

US Pat. No. 6,452,514 JP 2003-022158 A

  The problem to be solved by the invention is to provide an input device that can more easily determine whether touch input at a plurality of points is made by the same user or by a plurality of users.

  In order to solve the above-described problem, a touch input device according to an embodiment of the present invention is an input device capable of simultaneously performing a plurality of touch inputs, and includes a first conductor group, a second conductor group, and a supply A detector, a detector, a calculator, and an estimator.

  The first conductor group includes a plurality of first conductors extending in the first direction. The second conductor group includes a plurality of second conductors extending in a second direction intersecting the first direction. The supply unit sequentially supplies detection signals to the first conductors of the first conductor group. The detection unit detects an electrical signal corresponding to the detection signal from each second conductor of the second conductor group. The calculation unit calculates a position corresponding to the conductor set in which the electrical signal is reduced, for each conductor set of the first conductor that has supplied the detection signal and the second conductor that has detected the electrical signal. When the detection signal is supplied to the first conductor of the conductor set corresponding to one of the positions when there are a plurality of the positions, the estimation unit includes the second of the conductor set corresponding to the other position. When the electrical signal detected from the conductor increases, it is estimated that a plurality of the positions are touched by one user.

The block diagram showing the input device 1 which concerns on 1st Embodiment. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a part of the circuit configuration of the input device 1. 4 is a flowchart showing processing of the input device 1. Explanatory drawing of the relationship between the 1st conductor group 51 and the 2nd conductor group 52 conductor, and a coordinate. The side view of the 1st conductor group 51 and the 2nd conductor group 52 conductor. Explanatory drawing of the flow of the signal at the time of touch input. Explanatory drawing of the flow of the signal at the time of touch input. The block diagram showing the input device 2 which concerns on 2nd Embodiment. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a part of the circuit configuration of the input device 2. The flowchart showing the process of the user estimation part 162 in 2nd Embodiment. The flowchart showing the process of the user estimation part 162 in 3rd Embodiment. The block diagram showing the input device 4 which concerns on 4th Embodiment. Explanatory drawing of a touch point. The flowchart showing the process of the user estimation part 162 in 4th Embodiment.

(First embodiment)
The input device 1 according to the first embodiment is a capacitive touch input device. For example, the input device 1 can be used for a portable information terminal, a personal computer, an industrial device, and the like. When touch input is made at a plurality of points, the input device 1 determines whether or not they are from the same user.

  Here, when the same user touches a plurality of points (for example, two points) at the same time, a part of the electrical signal is transmitted from the touch position A to the other touch position B via the user, so the touch position A and the touch position B The capacitance between the two changes. By using this, when touch input is made at a plurality of points, it can be determined whether or not they are from the same user.

  Note that the touch input in the present embodiment includes the meaning of “non-contact touch input” in which a user points in a state apart from a certain space, in addition to “contact touch input” in which the user physically touches directly.

  FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the input device 1. The input device 1 includes a first conductor group 51, a second conductor group 52, a supply unit 11, a detection unit 12, a capacitance calculation unit 13, a synchronization unit 14, a calculation unit 15, an estimation unit 16, And an output unit 17. The supply unit 11 includes a signal generation unit 111 and a first selection unit 112. The detection unit 12 includes a second selection unit 121 and a signal detection unit 122. The calculation unit 15 includes a first determination unit 151 and a coordinate calculation unit 152. The estimation unit 16 includes a second determination unit 161 and a user estimation unit 162.

  The first conductor group 51 and the second conductor group 52 are arranged as shown in FIG. 4 (described later), for example. The first conductor group 51 includes a plurality of conductors extending in the first direction. Each conductor in the first conductor group 51 extends in the first direction and is provided at a specific interval. Each conductor is electrically insulated from each other.

  The second conductor group 52 includes a plurality of conductors extending in the second direction. Each conductor in the second conductor group 52 extends in the second direction and is provided at a specific interval. Each conductor is electrically insulated from each other. Here, the second direction is a direction intersecting the first direction. For example, the second direction may be a direction orthogonal to the first direction.

  The first conductor group 51 and the second conductor group 52 are electrically insulated from each other. In a region where each conductor in the first conductor group 51 and each conductor in the second conductor group 52 intersect, coupling due to capacitance (capacitive coupling) occurs.

  FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram illustrating circuit connections among the supply unit 11, the first conductor group 51, the second conductor group 52, and the detection unit 12 in the present embodiment.

  The signal generator 111 generates a detection signal. The detection signal is a signal having a waveform including an AC component, and may be, for example, a sine wave, a rectangular wave, a triangular wave, or the like. The first selection unit 112 is sequentially connected to each conductor in the first conductor group 51 (it is desirable to connect so that connection times do not overlap). The second selection unit 121 is sequentially connected to each conductor in the second conductor group 52.

A detection signal flows through the conductor connected to the first selection unit 112. An electric signal is generated in the conductors of the second conductor group 52 by capacitive coupling between the conductors of the first conductor group 51 to which the detection signal is supplied and the conductors of the second conductor group 52 intersecting with the conductors. This electric signal is detected by the signal detection unit 122 via a conductor connected to the second selection 121.

  The capacitance calculation unit 13 calculates the capacitance C between the conductors of the first conductor group 51 to which the detection signal is supplied and the conductors of the second conductor group 52 from which the electric signal is detected.

  The synchronization unit 14 includes a timing at which the first selection unit 112 is connected to each conductor in the first conductor group 51, a timing at which the second selection unit 121 is connected to each conductor in the second conductor group 52, and a capacitance calculation unit 13 The timing for calculating the capacitance C is synchronized. Thereby, the capacitance calculation unit 13 calculates the capacitance C for each of the intersections of the conductors of the first conductor group 51 and the conductors of the second conductor group 52.

  In the present embodiment, the synchronization unit 14 detects an electrical signal from each conductor of the second conductor group 52 that intersects the conductor while the detection signal is supplied to one conductor of the first conductor group 51. Then, the first selection unit 112, the second selection unit 121, and the capacitance calculation unit 13 are controlled so as to calculate the capacitance C in each combination of conductors.

  The first determination unit 151 determines whether or not the calculated capacitance C is decreasing compared to a steady value (a value when the touch input operation is not performed).

  The coordinate calculation unit 152 calculates the coordinates of the intersection where the capacitance C is decreased compared to the steady value. That is, the coordinate calculation unit 152 estimates the intersection as a user's touch point. Here, when a plurality of points are touched simultaneously, the coordinate calculation unit 152 calculates the coordinates of each of the plurality of points.

  The second determination unit 161 determines whether or not the calculated capacitance C is increased compared to the steady value.

  The user estimation unit 162 determines whether or not the capacitance C in the conductor set corresponding to the intersection coordinates calculated by the coordinate calculation unit 152 is increased compared to the steady value. When not increasing, the user estimation unit 162 determines that the touches at a plurality of points are from different users. When increasing, the user estimation part 162 determines with the touch of several points being by the same user.

  When the electrostatic capacitance C in the conductor set corresponding to the coordinates of the intersection calculated by the coordinate calculation unit 152 is not increased compared to the steady value, the output unit 17 outputs the first output signal and the intersection The coordinates are output to the operation target device.

  When the electrostatic capacitance C at the coordinates of the intersection calculated by the coordinate calculation unit 152 is increased as compared with the steady value, the output unit 17 uses the second output signal and the coordinates of the intersection as the operation target. Output to other devices.

  Here, the first output signal and the second output signal are signals that can be distinguished from each other. In the present embodiment, the first output signal indicates a touch by a different user, and the second output signal indicates a touch by the same user.

  Further, the output method of the output unit 17 may be connected to a device to be operated via, for example, a USB. In addition to this, any format such as infrared communication or wireless communication may be used.

  Supply unit 11, detection unit 12, capacity calculation unit 13, synchronization unit 14, first determination unit 151, coordinate calculation unit 152, second determination unit 161, user estimation unit 162, and output unit 17 May be realized by a central processing unit (CPU) and a memory used by the CPU.

  The configuration of the input device 1 has been described above.

  FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing processing of the input device 1.

  The signal generator 111 generates a detection signal (S101). For the signal generation unit 111, an oscillation circuit, a DSS (Direct Digital Synthesizer), or the like may be used. The first selection unit 112 is connected to each conductor in the first conductor group 51 (S102). For example, the first selection unit 112 may be realized by an analog multiplexer. The timing at which the first selection unit 112 supplies the detection signal to each conductor is controlled by the synchronization unit 14.

  The second selection unit 121 is connected to the conductors in the second conductor group 52 (S103). For example, the second selection unit 121 may be realized by an analog multiplexer. Note that the conductor not connected to the second selection unit 121 is preferably grounded. The timing at which the second selection unit 121 detects an electrical signal from each conductor is controlled by the synchronization unit 14.

  The signal detector 122 detects an electrical signal (S104). For example, the signal detection unit 122 may be realized by a general detection circuit. Alternatively, a signal waveform amplified by an operational amplifier or the like may be directly taken into a CPU by an A / D converter, and the signal amplitude may be obtained by digital processing.

The capacitance calculator 13 calculates the capacitance C between the conductors of the first conductor group 51 to which the detection signal is supplied and the conductors of the second conductor group 52 to which the electric signal is supplied (S105). The electrostatic capacitance C [F] can be obtained by Equation 1 where the amplitude of the detection signal is V [V], the frequency is f [Hz], and the amplitude of the electric signal current is I [A].

  Alternatively, if the amplitude V and the frequency f of the detection signal are constant, the value of the amplitude I of the current of the electric signal may be used as it is instead of the capacitance C instead of using Equation 1. The capacity calculation unit 13 may store the capacitance C at each intersection. The capacitance calculation unit 13 determines whether or not the capacitance C of all conductor combinations (intersections) has been calculated (S106). When determination of step S106 is NO, it changes to step S102.

  When the determination in step S106 is YES, the capacitance calculation unit 13 selects a conductor combination (intersection) determined by the first determination unit 151 and the second determination unit 161, and the first determination unit 151 and the second determination unit 161 are selected. (S107).

  The first determination unit 151 determines whether or not the calculated capacitance C is decreasing compared to the steady value (S108). For example, the first determination unit 151 may determine whether or not the value of the capacitance C is equal to or less than a predetermined threshold value.

  The second determination unit 161 determines whether or not the calculated capacitance C is increased compared to the steady value (S109). For example, the second determination unit 161 may determine whether or not the value of the capacitance C is greater than or equal to a predetermined threshold value.

  The capacitance calculation unit 13 determines whether or not the increase / decrease in the capacitance C has been determined for all the combinations of conductors (S110). If the determination in step S110 is no, the process proceeds to step S107.

  When the determination in step S110 is YES, the coordinate calculation unit 152 calculates the coordinates of the intersection of the conductor set in which the capacitance C is reduced compared to the steady value (S111).

  FIG. 4 is a diagram for explaining the association between the intersection of each conductor and the coordinates. In FIG. 4, the numbers of the conductors of the first conductor group 51 are (1, 2, 3,..., N) in order from the left in the figure. The conductor numbers of the second conductor group 52 are (1, 2, 3,..., M) in order from the top of the figure. Let the coordinates of the touch position be (X, Y).

  For all combinations (intersections) of the conductors of the first conductor group 51 and the conductors of the second conductor group 52, the touch input is performed at the coordinates corresponding to the combinations by referring to the determination results of the first determination unit 151. You can see that there was.

  For example, when the first determination unit 151 determines that the capacitance C between the n-th conductor of the first conductor group 51 and the m-th conductor of the second conductor group 52 has decreased, the touch position The coordinates of are (n, m). This is the same when there are a plurality of touch points, and the coordinates of each touch position can be obtained.

  The user estimation unit 162 determines whether or not there are a plurality of coordinates of the intersection of the conductor set in which the capacitance C is decreased compared to the steady value (S112). That is, it is determined whether or not there are a plurality of touch points. When the determination in step S112 is NO, the output unit 17 outputs the calculated coordinates of the intersection to the operation target device, and ends the process (S113).

  When the determination in step S112 is YES, the user estimation unit 162 determines whether or not the capacitance C in the conductor set corresponding to the coordinates of the intersection calculated by the coordinate calculation unit 152 is increased compared to the steady value. Determine whether. Here, the corresponding conductor pair is defined as the first conductor group 51 when the coordinates of the first touch point are (n1, m1) and the coordinates of the second touch point are (n2, m2). This refers to the set of the m2th conductor of the n1th conductor and the second conductor group, and the set of the m2nd conductor of the first conductor group 51 and the m1st conductor of the second conductor group. (S114).

  When determination of step S113 is NO, the output part 17 outputs a 1st output signal and the coordinate of this intersection to the apparatus of operation object, and complete | finishes a process (S115). When the determination in step S113 is YES, the output unit 17 outputs the second output signal and the coordinates of the intersection to the operation target device, and ends the process (S116).

  The processing of the input device 1 has been described above.

  The operation principle and operation method of the input device 1 will be further described in detail. FIG. 5 is a diagram schematically showing a point where one conductor 51-1 included in the first conductor group 51 and one conductor 52-1 included in the second conductor group 52 intersect.

  Between the conductor 51-1 and the conductor 52-1, there is an insulating layer 53 made of an insulator. The insulating layer 53 insulates the conductor 51-1 and the conductor 52-1 from each other in terms of direct current. However, capacitive coupling 100 occurs between the two conductors, and a detection signal having a certain frequency or more passes from the conductor 51-1 to the conductor 52-1 via the capacitive coupling 100.

  For example, it is assumed that an electrical signal is detected by the conductor 52-1, while the detection signal is supplied to the conductor 51-1. FIG. 6 is a diagram for explaining the flow of signals (detection signals and electrical signals) at the time of touch input. FIG. 6A shows a signal flow when touch input is not performed (in a steady state). FIG. 6B shows a signal flow when touch input is performed.

  When touch input is not performed (FIG. 6A), the detection signal supplied from the supply unit 11 to the conductor 51-1 is detected by the detection unit 12 as an electric signal from the conductor 52-1, via capacitive coupling. Is done.

  On the other hand, when touch input is performed (FIG. 6B), a part of the detection signal supplied to the conductor 51-1 flows out to the ground of the circuit via the user who is performing touch input. That is, when a touch input is performed, the magnitude of the electrical signal detected by the detection unit 12 (signal detection unit 122) is smaller than that in a steady state.

  Therefore, when the touch input is performed, the magnitude of the capacitance C calculated by the capacitance calculation unit 13 using Equation 1 is smaller than that in the steady state.

  Therefore, if the capacitance C is calculated for each conductor pair and it is determined whether each value is reduced as compared with the steady state, the coordinates at which touch input is performed can be obtained. When touch input is performed simultaneously on a plurality of points, each coordinate may be obtained.

  Thus, by determining the decrease in the capacitance C between the conductors, it is possible to obtain touch input coordinates at a plurality of points.

  However, this alone cannot identify whether the touch input at a plurality of points is from the same user or from a plurality of different users.

  Hereinafter, a method for identifying whether a plurality of touch inputs are from the same user or from a plurality of different users will be described.

  FIG. 7 is a diagram for explaining the flow of signals (detection signals and electrical signals) at the time of touch input by different users and at the time of touch input by the same user. FIG. 7A shows a case where two users make a touch input point by point. FIG. 7B shows a case where the same user performs touch input at two points. Further, the table on the right side of the figure is an increase / decrease table of the capacitance C compared with the steady state.

  In the case of touch input by two users (user 1 and user 2) (FIG. 7A), as described in FIG. 6, a part of the detection signal is sent to the ground via the user who is making the touch input. Since it flows out, the electrostatic capacitance C between the conductor 51-1 and the conductor 52-1 decreases. The same applies to the capacitance C between the conductor 51-2 and the conductor 52-2.

  On the other hand, in the case of two-point touch input by the same user (FIG. 7B), as described in FIG. 6, a part of the detection signal flows out to the ground via the user 1 who performs the touch input. The capacitance C between the conductor 51-1 and the conductor 52-1 decreases.

  However, in the case of FIG. 7B, some detection signals may return to the conductors of the first conductor group 51 via the user 1 in addition to flowing out to the ground. In this case, there is a conductor of the second conductor group 52 in which the magnitude of the electric signal is larger than that in the steady state due to a part of the detection signals returned through the user 1. That is, a combination of conductors in which the size of the capacitance C becomes larger than that in the steady state appears.

  In this example, when a detection signal is supplied to the conductor 51-1, the electrostatic capacity C calculated based on the electrical signal detected from 52-1 is decreased from the steady state, but is detected from 52-2. The capacitance C calculated based on the electrical signal increases from the steady state. Similarly, when a detection signal is supplied to the conductor 51-2, the capacitance C calculated based on the electrical signal detected from 52-2 is decreased from the steady state, but is detected from 52-1. The capacitance C calculated based on the electrical signal increases from the steady state.

  Thus, when the touch input by the same user is performed, the electrostatic capacitance C between conductors increases compared with the normal time.

  When there are a plurality of calculated coordinates of the touch position (for example, two points), the user estimating unit 162 uses this principle, and if the capacitance C of the calculated touch position coordinates is larger than that in the steady state. It is determined that the touch is made by the same user. If the capacitance C does not increase from the steady state, it is determined that the touch is made by a different user.

  With the technique described in Patent Document 2, it is possible to determine which user has the plurality of touch inputs. However, with this technique, the user is restricted in posture, such as having to sit on a specific chair.

  In the present embodiment, with the above-described configuration, it is possible to determine whether touch input at a plurality of points is from the same user or from a plurality of users without restricting the user's posture.

(Second Embodiment)
The input device 2 according to the second embodiment further improves the accuracy of determining whether the input device 1 is the same user or a plurality of users.

  In the input device 1, as shown in FIG. 7, a detection signal is supplied to the conductors of the first conductor group 51 and an electric signal is detected from the conductors of the second conductor group 52. For this reason, when a plurality of touch positions are on the same conductor (for example, conductor 52-1), even if the touch input is made by the same user, the capacitance does not increase as shown in FIG. 7B. .

  In the present embodiment, detection signals are supplied to the conductors of the first conductor group 51 and the second conductor group 52, and electric signals are detected from the conductors of the first conductor group 51 and the second conductor group 52. As a result, even when a plurality of touch positions are on the same conductor, it is possible to determine whether the input is a touch input by the same user or a touch input by a plurality of users.

  FIG. 8 is a block diagram showing the input device 2. The input device 2 is different from the input device 1 in that the first selection unit 112 is further connected to the second conductor group 52 and the second selection unit 121 is further connected to the first conductor group 51.

  In addition, the synchronization unit 14 according to the present embodiment is configured so that the detection signal is supplied to one conductor of the first conductor group 51 or the second conductor group 52, while the other of the first conductor group 51 or the second conductor group 52 The first selection unit 112, the second selection unit 121, and the capacitance calculation unit 13 are controlled so as to detect an electric signal from the conductor and calculate the capacitance C in each combination of conductors.

  FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram illustrating circuit connections among the supply unit 11, the first conductor group 51, the second conductor group 52, and the detection unit 12 in the present embodiment.

  The first selection unit 112 sequentially connects to each conductor in the first conductor group 51 and each conductor in the second conductor group 52. A detection signal is supplied to the conductor connected to the first selection unit 112.

  The second selection unit 121 is also sequentially connected to each conductor in the first conductor group 51 and each conductor in the second conductor group 52. Electrical signals are sequentially supplied to the signal detection unit 122 from the conductor connected to the second selection unit 121. The signal detection unit 122 detects an electrical signal.

  FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing the process of the user estimation unit 162 in the present embodiment. The flowchart of FIG. 10 corresponds to step S112 and step S114 of the flowchart of FIG.

  In step S201, the user estimation unit 162 refers to the coordinates (n1, m1) of the first touch point calculated by the coordinate calculation unit 152 and the coordinates (n2, m2) of the second touch point, and n1 = n2. It is determined whether or not (S201). When n1 = n2, the process proceeds to step S205. If not n1 = n2, the process proceeds to step S202.

  In step S202, the user estimation unit 162 refers to the coordinates (n1, m1) of the first touch point and the coordinates (n2, m2) of the second touch point, and determines whether m1 = m2 (step S202). S202). When n1 = n2, the process proceeds to step S204. If not m1 = m2, the process proceeds to step S203.

  In step S203, the user estimation unit 162 determines the determination result of the second determination unit 161 of the conductor set corresponding to the coordinates (n1, m1) of the first touch point and the coordinates (n2, m2) of the second touch point. , It is determined whether or not the first touch point and the second touch point are from the same user (S203). The capacitance C between the conductor n1 of the first conductor group 51 and the conductor m2 of the second conductor group 52 is increased, and the conductor n2 of the first conductor group 51 and the conductor m1 of the second conductor group 52 are increased. When the electrostatic capacitance C between and has increased, the process proceeds to step S206. If not increased, the process proceeds to step S207.

  In step S204, the user estimation unit 162 determines the determination result of the second determination unit 161 of the conductor set corresponding to the coordinates (n1, m1) of the first touch point and the coordinates (n2, m2) of the second touch point. , It is determined whether or not the first touch point and the second touch point are from the same user (S204). When the capacitance C between the conductor n1 of the first conductor group 51 and the conductor n2 of the first conductor group 51 has increased, the process proceeds to step S208. If not increased, the process proceeds to step S209.

  In step S205, the user estimation unit 162 determines the determination result of the second determination unit 161 of the conductor set corresponding to the coordinates (n1, m1) of the first touch point and the coordinates (n2, m2) of the second touch point. , It is determined whether or not the first touch point and the second touch point are by the same user (S205). When the electrostatic capacitance C between the conductor m1 of the first conductor group 51 and the conductor m2 of the first conductor group 51 has increased, the process proceeds to step S210. If not increased, the process proceeds to step S211.

  In step S206, step S208, and step S210, the user estimation unit 162 determines that the first touch point and the second touch point are from the same user.

  In step S207, step S209, and step S211, the user estimation unit 162 determines that the first touch point and the second touch point are not from the same user (from different users).

  With the above configuration and processing, in this embodiment, even when a plurality of touch inputs are on the same conductor, it is determined whether the touch inputs at a plurality of points are from the same user or from a plurality of users. can do.

(Modification)
In the present embodiment, the input device 1 further includes a switching unit (not shown). A switching unit (not shown) sets whether or not to perform processing for determining whether or not the touch input is made by the same user (ON mode) or not (OFF mode). The switching unit (not shown) may be arbitrarily operated by the user.

  When the switching unit (not shown) is in the ON mode, the synchronization unit 14, the second determination unit 161, and the user estimation unit 162 perform the above-described processing. When the switching unit (not shown) is in the OFF mode, the synchronization unit 14 detects the electrical signal from the conductor of the first conductor group 51 when the detection signal is supplied to one conductor of the first conductor group 51. In addition, the first selection unit 112 and the second selection unit 121 are configured so as not to detect the electric signal from the second conductor group 52 when the detection signal is supplied to one conductor of the second conductor group 52. The capacity calculation unit 13 is controlled. Moreover, the 2nd determination part 161 and the user estimation part 162 do not perform a determination process.

  When the touch input is one point, the switching unit (not shown) may be automatically set to the OFF mode.

  Thereby, in this modification, it can be operated by switching whether or not to enable the process of determining whether or not a plurality of touch inputs are made by the same user. When it is not necessary to determine whether or not a plurality of touch inputs are from the same user, the processing speed can be improved.

(Third embodiment)
In the third embodiment, when there are three or more touch inputs, it is determined whether these are touches by different users.

  That is, when there are touch inputs at K points (K is an integer of 3 or more), and these touch inputs are performed separately by K users, the capacitance increases in any combination of conductors. There is no. In this modification, this is utilized, and when there are three or more touch inputs, it is determined whether these are touches by different users.

  In the present embodiment, the processing content of the third determination unit in the input device 1 or the input device 2 described above is different from that in the above-described embodiment.

  FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing the process of the user estimation unit 162 in the present embodiment. The flowchart of FIG. 11 corresponds to step S112 and step S114 of the flowchart of FIG.

  Here, it is assumed that the coordinates of each touch point are represented by (n1, m1), (n2, m2),..., (NK, mK) when there is a K point touch input.

  In step S301, the user estimation unit 162 selects one of the K touch input points (S310).

  In step S302, the user estimation unit 162 adds the conductor number corresponding to the coordinates selected in step S301 to a conductor list (not shown) in which a list of conductor numbers is written. The conductor list (not shown) may be held by the user estimation unit 162. For example, when the coordinates of the touch point are (nK, mK), the user estimation unit 162 sets the nK-th conductor of the first conductor group 51 and the mK-th conductor of the second conductor group 52 to the conductor list ( (Not shown). However, when the conductor to be added already exists in the conductor list conductor list (not shown), it is not necessary to add to the list redundantly.

  In step S303, the user estimation unit 162 determines whether or not the process of step S302 has been performed for all touch points. If all touch points have been processed, the process proceeds to step 304. When there is an unprocessed touch point, the process proceeds to step S301.

  In step S304, the user estimation unit 162 selects one conductor combination from the conductor list (not shown) created by the processing from step S301 to step S303.

  In step S305, the user estimation unit 162 refers to the determination result of the second determination unit 161 for the combination of conductors selected in step S304, and determines whether the capacitance C has increased. If the capacitance C has increased, the process proceeds to step S307. If the capacitance C has not increased, the process proceeds to step S306.

  In step S306, the user estimation unit 162 determines whether or not the process of step S305 has been performed for all combinations of conductors in a conductor list (not shown). If all the conductor combinations have been processed, the process proceeds to step S308. If there is an unprocessed conductor combination, the process proceeds to step S304.

  In step S307, the user estimation unit 162 determines that all touch inputs at the K point are from different users.

  In step S308, the user estimation unit 162 determines that all touch inputs at the K point are not from different users.

  As described above, in the third embodiment, when there are three or more touch inputs, it is determined whether these are touches by different users.

(Fourth embodiment)
The input device 4 according to the fourth embodiment includes a plurality of touch points in the connection relationship of the supply unit 11, the first conductor group 51, the second conductor group 52, and the detection unit 12 in the first embodiment. Even if they are on the same conductor, it is determined whether or not they are touch inputs by the same user.

  FIG. 12 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the input device 4. The input device 4 further includes a coordinate storage unit 41 with respect to the input device 1. Further, the processing content of the user estimation unit 162 is different from that of the input device 1.

  The coordinate storage unit 18 stores the coordinates calculated by the coordinate calculation unit 41 and the determination result of the user estimation unit 162.

  The user estimation unit 162 performs touch input at a plurality of points based on the coordinates calculated by the coordinate calculation unit 41, the determination result by the second determination unit 161, and past coordinate information in the coordinate storage unit 18. If the touches are made by the same user, the coordinate points are associated with each other. Details will be described later.

  As shown in FIG. 13, at a certain time T, the intersection between the conductor 51-1 and the conductor 52-1 and the intersection between the conductor 51-2 and the conductor 52-2 are touched, and at the next time T + Δt, Assume that the intersection between the conductor 51-1 and the conductor 52-1 and the intersection between the conductor 51-2 and the conductor 52-1 are touched.

  In the first embodiment, in the case of time T + Δt, from the calculation result of the capacitance C between the conductors of the first conductor group 51 and the conductors of the second conductor group 52, is the plurality of touch points from the same user? It is not possible to determine whether or not, but in the case of time T, it can be determined.

  If Δt is sufficiently small (for example, several tens of milliseconds or less), it is considered that touch input points at time T and touch input points at time T + Δt are close to each other. Therefore, even if it cannot be determined whether or not two touch inputs are made by the same user at time T + Δt, the determination result at time T may be used instead.

  When there are a plurality of touch inputs, the user estimation unit 162 determines whether the touch inputs are made by the same user, the coordinate calculation unit 152, the determination result of the second determination unit 161, and the coordinate storage unit 41. Is determined based on the coordinates of the previous time and the determination result of the previous time.

  The coordinates of the first touch point are (n1, m1) and the coordinates of the second touch point are (n2, m2). Here, it may be assumed that either n1 = n2 or m1 = m2 holds. However, it is assumed that n1 = n2 and m1 = m2 do not hold simultaneously (in this case, one touch point is determined).

  FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing processing of the user estimation unit 162 in the present embodiment. In step S601, the user estimation unit 162 determines whether or not the plurality of touch input points can be determined by the same user from the coordinates of the current touch position (S601). For example, in this embodiment, when two or more touch input points are on one conductor of the second conductor group 52, that is, when m1 = m2, determination is impossible. When determination is possible, it changes to step S602. When determination is impossible, it progresses to step S603.

  In step S602, the user estimation unit 162 determines whether the touch input is made by the same user based on the outputs of the current time coordinate calculation unit 152 and the second determination unit 161 (S602). In this embodiment, when the capacitances of the n1 conductor of the first conductor group 51 and the m2 conductor of the second conductor group 52 are increased, the two touch inputs are from the same user. Is determined. If the capacitance has increased, it is determined that the two touch inputs are not from the same user.

In step S603, the user estimation unit 162 refers to the coordinate storage unit 41 and determines whether the coordinates of the touch position at the current time correspond to the coordinates of the touch position at the past time (S603). For example, if the coordinates of the touch position at the past time are (n *, m *) and (n **, m **), the user estimation unit 162 calculates the values of Expression 2 and Expression 3, respectively. To do.

  If the smaller value of Equation 2 or Equation 3 is equal to or less than a predetermined threshold value, the user estimation unit 162 may determine that the current time coordinate corresponds to the past time coordinate. That is, if the value of Expression 2 is smaller, it is determined that (n1, m1) corresponds to (n *, m *) and (n2, m2) corresponds to (n **, m **). If the value of Expression 3 is smaller, it is determined that (n1, m1) corresponds to (n **, m **) and (n2, m2) corresponds to (n *, m *). If the coordinates of the past time are not two points, or if the values of Equations 2 and 3 are equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold, it is determined that the coordinates of the past time do not correspond. You can do it.

  In step S604, the user estimation unit 162 determines whether the determination result as to whether or not the same user is using the coordinates of the two touch positions at the past time is available (S604). If the determination result is available, the process proceeds to step S605. If the determination result is unavailable, the process proceeds to step S606.

  In step S605, the user estimation unit 162 determines the result of determining whether the touch input at the past time is from the same user as the determination result at the current time. That is, if it is determined that two touch inputs are made by the same user at a past time, it is determined that the two touch inputs at the current time are by the same user. On the other hand, if it is determined that the two touch inputs are not from the same user at the past time, it is determined that the two touch inputs at the current time are not from the same user.

  In step S606, it is assumed that the user estimation unit 162 cannot determine whether the two touch inputs are from the same user. In this case, only the coordinates of the touch position are calculated.

  In the present embodiment, even if it is not possible to determine whether or not the operation is performed by the same user only from the information at the current time, the determination can be made by referring to the determination results at the past time. In particular, as in the first embodiment, even if the capacitances of the conductors of the first conductor group 51 and the conductors of the second conductor group 52 are not calculated, they are the same user. Can be determined.

  According to the above-described embodiment, it is possible to more easily determine whether touch input at a plurality of points is from the same user or from a plurality of users.

Although several embodiments of the present invention have been described so far, these embodiments are presented as examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These novel embodiments can be implemented in various other forms, and various omissions, replacements, and changes can be made without departing from the scope of the invention. These embodiments and modifications thereof are included in the scope and gist of the invention, and are included in the invention described in the claims and the equivalents thereof.

1, 2, 4 Input device 11 Supply unit 12 Detection unit 13 Capacity calculation unit 14 Synchronization unit 15 Calculation unit 16 Estimation unit 17 Output unit 41 Coordinate storage unit 51 First conductor group 52 Second conductor group 111 Signal generation unit 112 First Selection unit 121 Second selection unit 122 Signal detection unit 151 First determination unit 152 Coordinate calculation unit 161 Second determination unit 162 Third determination unit

Claims (6)

An input device capable of multiple touch inputs simultaneously,
A first conductor group including a plurality of first conductors extending in a first direction;
A second conductor group including a plurality of second conductors extending in a second direction intersecting the first direction;
A supply section for sequentially supplying a detection signal to each first conductor of the first conductor group;
A detection unit for detecting an electrical signal corresponding to the detection signal from each second conductor of the second conductor group;
A calculation unit that calculates a position corresponding to the conductor set in which the electrical signal is reduced, for each conductor set of the first conductor that has supplied the detection signal and the second conductor that has detected the electrical signal;
When there are a plurality of the positions,
When the detection signal is supplied to the first conductor of the conductor set corresponding to one of the positions, the electrical signal detected from the second conductor of the conductor set corresponding to the other position is increased. And an estimation unit that estimates that the plurality of positions are touched by one user. The supply unit
The detection signals are sequentially supplied to the second conductors of the second conductor group,
The detector is
The electrical signal is also detected from each first conductor of the first conductor group,
The estimation unit includes
When there are a plurality of the positions, when the detection signal is supplied to the first conductor or the second conductor of the conductor set corresponding to one of the positions, the first of the conductor set corresponding to the other position. The input device according to claim 1, wherein when the electrical signal detected from one conductor or the second conductor is increased, the plurality of positions are estimated to be touched by one user. A capacitance calculating unit that calculates a capacitance of a set of the first conductor to which the detection signal is supplied and the second conductor from which the electric signal is detected from the electric signal;
The calculation unit includes:
For each of the conductor sets of the first conductor to which the detection signal is supplied and the second conductor from which the electrical signal is detected, a position corresponding to the conductor set having a reduced capacitance is calculated. And
The estimation unit includes
When there are a plurality of the positions,
When the detection signal is supplied to the first conductor of the conductor set corresponding to one of the positions, the capacitance detected from the second conductor of the conductor set corresponding to the other position is increased. In some cases, the plurality of positions are presumed to have been touched by one user.
The input device according to claim 1. A coordinate storage unit for storing the coordinates at each time and the determination result of the estimation unit corresponding to the previous coordinates;
The estimation unit includes
With reference to the coordinate storage unit, when the distance between the coordinates at the current time and the coordinates at the past time is within a predetermined value and the determination result at the past time is true, a plurality of The input device according to claim 1, wherein the position is estimated to be touched by one user. 5. The input device according to claim 1, further comprising: an output unit that outputs a specific signal indicating that a touch input is made by the same user and the touch position when the electrical signal increases. A switching unit that switches an operation mode of whether to perform estimation by the estimation unit;
When the operation mode is a mode that does not perform the estimation,
The supply unit does not supply the detection signal to each second conductor of the second conductor group,
The detector does not detect the electrical signal in each first conductor of the first conductor group;
The input device according to claim 2.

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