JP2012173922A - Input device and correction method for input device - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To adjust a touch sensor in a user environment.SOLUTION: An input device having a plurality of keys includes: a pad for detecting capacitance in association with each of a plurality of keys; and an illumination corresponding to each of the plurality of keys. The input device is configured to turn on the illumination corresponding to the key whose operation is valid, and to turn off the illumination corresponding to the key whose operation is invalid. In this case, the input device is configured to measure the output value of a pad corresponding to at least one or more invalid keys, and to calculate a correction value for correcting the output of the pad by using the output value, and to correct the output of at least one or more pads.

Description

  The present invention relates to an input device including a capacitive touch sensor and a correction method thereof.

  A capacitance type touch sensor (including a touch panel, a touch pad, a touch switch, and the like) that detects a touch of a user's finger or the like by detecting a change in capacitance is known (for example, Patent Documents). 1). This touch sensor is used, for example, on an operation panel of a housing of the electronic device, and causes the electronic device to function as an input device that receives a user's manual input.

  As one of touch sensors, for example, a pad that detects and outputs a capacitance (for example, also referred to as a capacitance pad or a touch pad), a change in capacitance output from the pad, and the like are detected by a CPU or the like. A device having a controller (for example, also called a control IC) for outputting is known. For example, the controller converts a signal output from the pad into a signal that can be processed by the CPU (for example, a value indicating a potential or a frequency) and outputs the signal.

JP 2008-52583 A

  By the way, the characteristics of electronic devices and the characteristics of pads and controllers vary from individual to individual. Therefore, in detecting a minute change of capacitance, the characteristics of each individual have a great influence, and the values measured by the controller vary among the electronic devices.

  In order to eliminate the malfunction of the electronic device such that the touch cannot be detected due to the occurrence of variations, the adjustment is performed after the touch sensor is attached to the electronic device in the manufacturing process of the electronic device.

  In the touch sensor adjustment, for example, the output value of the pad is measured when a finger or other object is not approaching or touching the pad (off state), and the measured value is a predetermined reference value (off A correction value (for example, a correction value for adjusting the gain) that can reach the appropriate value for determining the state is calculated and stored in a nonvolatile memory or the like. Thereafter, the pad output is corrected (for example, gain adjustment) based on the correction value by at least one of the control IC and the CPU, and an appropriate value is measured.

  However, the environment in the manufacturing process of the electronic device is different from the actual environment in which the electronic device is used by the end user. Due to environmental differences, measured values and correction values may differ even for the same individual. Therefore, the adjustment in the manufacturing process may not be an adjustment suitable for the environment of the end user. Then, in the end user environment, there is a high possibility that a malfunction such as a poor response of the touch sensor occurs.

  SUMMARY An advantage of some aspects of the invention is that a touch sensor is adjusted in a user environment.

  One aspect of the present invention for solving the above-described problems is an input device having a plurality of keys, each of which corresponds to each of the plurality of keys and detects a capacitance, and each of the plurality of keys. The display control means for turning on the illumination corresponding to the key for which the operation is valid and turning off the illumination corresponding to the key for which the operation is invalid, and the input for detecting the operation on the pad corresponding to the valid key A control means; a measuring means for measuring an output value of the pad corresponding to at least one invalid key; and a correction value for correcting the output of the pad using the output value; Correction means for correcting the output.

  Here, the display control means changes lighting or extinguishing of lighting corresponding to the plurality of keys according to a plurality of predetermined lighting patterns in accordance with a user operation, and the measuring means has the lighting pattern When changed, the output value of the pad corresponding to at least one or more invalid keys may be measured.

  In addition, the measurement means acquires the output value a plurality of times when measuring the output value of the pad corresponding to the invalid key, and monitors the operation on the pad corresponding to the invalid key at each time. It may be characterized by adopting an output value of no times as a measured value.

  In any one of the above input devices, the measurement unit measures an output value of the pad corresponding to the predetermined one invalid key, and the correction unit determines the pad output corresponding to the predetermined one invalid key. The output value may be used to correct the output of all the pads.

  In any one of the above input devices, the measurement unit measures an output value of each pad corresponding to the invalid key, and the correction unit uses the output value of each pad corresponding to the invalid key. The output of each pad may be corrected.

  Further, in any one of the above input devices, the plurality of keys are divided into a plurality of groups, and one representative key is predetermined for each group. The output value of the pad corresponding to the representative key in the group is measured, and the correction unit uses the output value of the pad corresponding to the representative key for each group, and the pad corresponding to all the keys in the group. The output may be corrected.

  Further, in any one of the above input devices, the output value of the pad corresponding to at least one invalid key different for each lighting pattern is measured, and the correction unit uses the measured output value of the pad, The output of the measured pad may be corrected.

Further, in any one of the above input devices, the measurement unit records the measurement frequency for each invalid key, and when the lighting pattern changes, the measurement unit determines the measurement frequency of the invalid key that is a measurement target in the lighting pattern. Preferentially measure other invalid keys with lower measurement frequency,
An input device characterized by that.

  Another aspect of the present invention for solving the above-described problems includes a plurality of keys, a pad for detecting a capacitance corresponding to each of the plurality of keys, and an illumination corresponding to each of the plurality of keys. A method of correcting an input device comprising: turning on the illumination corresponding to a key for which the operation is valid, turning off the illumination corresponding to the key for which the operation is invalid, and performing an operation on the pad corresponding to the valid key A step of detecting, a measuring step of measuring an output value of the pad corresponding to at least one or more invalid keys, a correction value for correcting the output of the pad using the output value, and calculating at least one or more pads And a step of correcting the output.

1 is a block diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of hardware of a multifunction peripheral according to an example of a first embodiment of the present invention. It is a figure which shows the operation surface of the operation panel which concerns on an example of 1st embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows schematic structure of the hardware of the touch sensor board | substrate which concerns on an example of 1st embodiment of this invention. FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a functional configuration of a multifunction peripheral according to an example of the first embodiment of the present invention. It is a figure which shows the lighting and measurement control table which concerns on an example of 1st embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the transition of the lighting key of the operation panel which concerns on an example of 1st embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the lighting and the measurement process which concern on an example of 1st embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the operation surface of the operation panel for demonstrating the lighting and the measurement process which concern on the modification of 1st embodiment of invention.

  Hereinafter, an example of the first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

  In the present embodiment, a multifunction device will be described as an example of an input device including a touch sensor. Of course, the input device is not limited to a multifunction peripheral, and may be an electronic device such as a printer, a scanner, a copier, a portable terminal, or a personal computer.

  FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of hardware of a multifunction peripheral according to an example of the first embodiment of the present invention.

  The multi-function device 100 has, for example, a scan function for reading an original and generating image data, a print function for printing on a print medium based on print data, a copy function for printing scanned image data, and the like.

  The multifunction device 100 includes a controller 110, an operation panel 120, a scanner engine 130, a print engine 140, and a communication interface 150.

  The controller 110 includes, for example, a chip (SoC: System on Chip) on which the main functions of the multifunction device 100 are mounted, and controls the operation of the entire multifunction device 100.

  For example, when the controller 110 receives print data via the communication interface 150, the controller 110 generates print data to be output to the print engine 140 based on the print data, and controls the print engine 140 to execute printing based on the print data. Let Further, for example, when the controller 110 receives a scanning instruction from the user via the operation panel 120, the controller 110 controls the scanner engine 130 to read a document placed on a document table (not shown), and from the scanner engine 130. Image data is generated based on the output data.

  In addition, for example, the controller 110 controls the operation panel 120 to display various screens for prompting user operations on the display or accept various user operations. As will be described in detail later, the operation panel 120 is provided with a plurality of keys for operation by the user. Each key includes an electrostatic pad that detects contact and approach of the user's finger and illumination that informs the user that the operation is effective. Therefore, the controller 110 performs control of the electrostatic pad corresponding to each key, lighting on / off control corresponding to each key, and the like.

  In order to realize the processing as described above, the controller 110 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 111, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 112, and a ROM (Read Only Memory) 113. Of course, for example, a dedicated circuit for performing various processes such as image processing may be provided. The controller 110 may be composed of an ASIC designed to perform the above processing exclusively.

  The CPU 111 executes various programs. The RAM 112 temporarily stores various data such as print data and print data, programs, and the like. The ROM 113 stores various data, various programs, and the like for controlling the multifunction peripheral 100 in advance in a nonvolatile manner.

  The scanner engine 130 reads a document placed on a document table (not shown) based on an instruction from the controller 110, and outputs read data to the controller 110. The scanner engine 130 is, for example, a mechanism including an image sensor, a light source, a carriage including the light source and the image sensor, a drive motor that moves the carriage, and the like.

  The print engine 140 prints the print data output from the controller 110 on a print medium based on an instruction from the controller 110. The print engine 140 is, for example, an inkjet or laser mechanism.

  The communication interface 150 is a unit that communicates with a host such as a personal computer by connecting to a network such as a LAN. Of course, an interface such as USB (Universal Serial Bus) may be used.

  The operation panel 120 functions as an interface between the user and the multifunction peripheral 100. The operation panel 120 displays characters and images, for example, and accepts user operations. The operation panel 120 of this embodiment includes a display, a touch sensor, and illumination. Hereinafter, a specific description will be given with reference to FIGS. 2 and 3.

  FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an operation surface of an operation panel according to an example of the first embodiment of the present invention. This figure shows the front of the operation surface on which various keys to be operated by the user are arranged.

  The operation panel 120 includes a display 121 and a plurality of keys 122 (ap). As will be described later with reference to FIG. 3, an operation on each key 122 is detected by a touch sensor substrate provided in the operation panel 120. In addition, the area of each key 122 is illuminated from the inside by an LED illumination provided inside the operation panel 120, and shines brighter than the area other than the key 122.

  Each key 122 is printed with characters and symbols so that its function can be understood. In the example of this figure, each key includes an ON key 122a, a Tray key 122b, a Home key 122c, a Display key 122d, a Vier key 122e, a minus key 122f, a left key 122g, a Menu key 122h, an up key 122i, an OK key 122j, A down key 122k, a plus key 122l, a right key 122m, a Back key 122n, a Start key 122o, and a Cancel key 122p. Note that the function of each key is not important in the present embodiment, and a description thereof will be omitted.

  The display 121 is a unit that displays graphics information generated by the controller 110. The display 121 includes, for example, a liquid crystal display, an organic EL display (Electro-Luminescence Display), and the like.

  Of course, the configuration of the operation surface is not limited to the above. For example, the arrangement, size, number, and key function types of the display and each key are not limited to the above.

  FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of hardware of the touch sensor substrate according to an example of the first embodiment of the present invention. This figure is a view of the touch sensor substrate 124 provided inside the operation panel, that is, below the operation surface 123, as viewed from the side. In addition, this figure is for demonstrating a touch sensor, and the structure (for example, display 121) other than that is abbreviate | omitted. Further, since the plurality of keys 122 have the same configuration, one of them is representatively illustrated.

  The touch sensor substrate 124 includes a corresponding light guide plate (light guide) 125, a pad 126, and an LED (light emitting diode) 127 for each key 122. The touch sensor substrate 124 includes a pad control circuit 128 that controls the plurality of pads 126 and an LED control circuit 129 that controls the plurality of LEDs 127. The pad control circuit 128 and each pad 126 are connected by a signal line. The LED control circuit 129 and each LED 127 are connected by a signal line.

  A pad 126 is provided for each key 122. The pad 126 is a so-called electrostatic pad, and is composed of, for example, an electrode. For example, the pad 126 detects a charge accumulated when a dielectric such as a human finger approaches, and outputs the detected charge to the pad control circuit 128.

  A light guide plate (light guide) 125 is disposed between the pad 126 and the operation surface 123. The upper end of the light guide plate 125 is in contact with or bonded to the operation surface 123 from the inside of the operation surface 123, and the lower end is in contact with or bonded to the upper side of the pad 126. A part of the light guide plate 125 is formed so that at least a part of the light emitting portion of the LED 127 can be inserted.

  In the vicinity of the pad 126 of the touch sensor substrate 124, an LED 127 that is an illumination of the key 122 is arranged. At least a part of the light emitting portion of the LED 127 is inserted into a part of the light guide plate 125.

  The light guide plate 125 guides the light of the LED 127 to the operation surface 123. That is, at least a part of the portion of the operation surface 123 that is in contact with or bonded to the light guide plate 125 (region corresponding to the key 122) is made of a material or a structure that transmits light. The key 122 that is the operation target can be confirmed. The light guide plate 125 is a dielectric so that the pad 126 can detect a change in capacitance. As will be described later, the key 122 whose LED 127 is lit is a key whose operation is valid, and the key whose LED 127 is lit is a key whose operation is invalid.

  The pad control circuit 128 is a unit that controls the pad 126, and is, for example, a dedicated control IC. In the present embodiment, the pad control circuit 128 can control a plurality of pads 126. Of course, a pad control circuit 128 may be provided for each pad 126.

  For example, the pad control circuit 128 measures the output of each pad 126, converts it into a signal that can be processed by the CPU 111 (see FIG. 1), and outputs the signal. For example, the CPU 111 acquires a measurement value from the pad 126 every predetermined time, calculates a difference between a measurement value at a certain time point and a measurement value at a certain time point after a predetermined time, and the difference exceeds a predetermined value. If the pad 126 is touched, it is determined that the pad 126 is touched.

  Note that the pad control circuit 128 may determine whether or not the touch has been made and output a signal indicating whether or not the touch has been made to the CPU 111.

  Further, the pad control circuit 128 can adjust the gain for each pad 126 according to the correction value set by the CPU 111. For example, the CPU 111 receives the measurement value of the pad 126 output from the pad control circuit 128 and uses a predetermined conversion formula or conversion table to reach the predetermined reference value. The correction value that can be calculated is calculated. Then, the correction value is stored in the RAM 112 or the ROM 113. The CPU 111 sets the correction value in the pad control circuit 128. Then, the pad control circuit 128 corrects the gain of the pad 126 with the correction value.

  In the present embodiment, the correction value is calculated by the CPU 111, but may be calculated by the pad control circuit 128, for example. In this embodiment, the correction value is set in the pad control circuit 128. For example, the pad control circuit 128 does not perform correction, and the CPU 111 performs correction using the correction value. Good.

  The LED control circuit 129 is a unit that controls the LED 127, and is, for example, a dedicated control IC. In the present embodiment, the LED control circuit 129 can control a plurality of LEDs 127. Of course, an LED control circuit 129 may be provided for each LED 127.

  For example, the LED control circuit 129 can control lighting / extinguishing of each LED 127. In the present embodiment, the CPU 111 outputs a signal indicating lighting / extinguishing to the LED control circuit 129 for each LED 127. Then, the LED control circuit 129 turns on / off each LED 127 according to an instruction from the CPU 111.

  With the configuration described above, the controller 110 can detect the operation of each key 122 on the operation surface 123 of the operation panel 120. The controller 110 can turn on / off the illumination of each key 122.

  Of course, the configuration of the touch sensor substrate 124 is an example. For example, the touch sensor substrate 124 and the controller 110 substrate may be integrated. For example, the light guide plate 125, the pad 126, and the LED 127, and the pad control circuit 128 and the LED control circuit 129 may be mounted on different substrates. Moreover, illumination is not restricted to LED, Another illumination device may be sufficient.

  The above is an example of the schematic hardware configuration of the multifunction peripheral according to the first embodiment of the present invention. However, this configuration is not limited to the above configuration because the main configuration has been described in describing the features of the present invention. Further, the configuration of a general multifunction peripheral is not excluded.

  FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating a functional configuration of a multifunction peripheral according to an example of the first embodiment of the present invention.

  The multifunction device 100 includes a display control unit 10, an input control unit 20, a measurement processing unit 30, a correction processing unit 40, a reading control unit 50, and a print control unit 60.

  The above functional unit is realized, for example, by the CPU 111 executing a predetermined program loaded from the ROM 113 to the RAM 112. This predetermined program is stored in the ROM 113 in advance. Of course, it may be downloaded from the network via the communication interface 150 and installed and / or updated. When the multifunction peripheral 100 has a device that reads a portable storage medium, it may be read from the storage medium and installed and / or updated.

  The display control unit 10 is a functional unit that performs display control on the operation panel 120.

  For example, the display control unit 10 displays a screen (for example, a menu screen, a setting screen, etc.) for the user to instruct the function of the multifunction device 100 on the display 121 of the operation panel 120.

  In the present embodiment, the screen displayed on the display 121 is assumed to be hierarchized. For example, when an instruction to select an item included in a certain screen is given by an operation of a predetermined key 122, the screen transitions to a screen in a lower hierarchy associated with the item. In addition, for example, when an instruction to return to a higher level is given by an operation of a predetermined key 122, a transition is made to a screen at a level higher than the currently displayed screen. Since such a screen transition control method is a conventional technique, a detailed description thereof will be omitted.

  Further, for example, the display control unit 10 controls lighting / extinguishing of each LED 127 of the operation panel 120.

  In the present embodiment, the display control unit 10 lights a key 122 predetermined for each screen according to the screen. In order to perform such lighting control, the display control unit 10 uses, for example, a table as shown in FIG.

  FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a lighting / measurement control table according to an example of the first embodiment of the present invention. This table is used for both lighting control of the LED 127 corresponding to the key 122 and measurement control of the pad 126 corresponding to the key 122.

  The lighting / measurement control table 70 includes, for each screen, a screen ID 71 for identifying the screen, lighting target key information 72 indicating a key pattern to be lit on the screen, and a measurement value for gain adjustment on the screen. The data (hereinafter also referred to as “entry”) in which the measurement target key ID 73 for identifying the measurement target key to be obtained is associated is stored. These entries are determined and set in advance according to the configuration of the screen hierarchy, for example.

  In the lighting target key information 72, for each key 122 of the operation panel 120, a value indicating that the corresponding LED 127 is turned off or turned on is set. In the example of this figure, the extinguishing is “0” and the lighting is “1”. Note that the key IDs (1 to n) correspond to, for example, the keys 122 (ap) shown in FIG.

  In this embodiment, the key ID of the same key 122 is set in the measurement target key ID 73 of each entry. However, in the entry of the screen where the LED 127 of the key 122 is lit, the key ID of the key 122 is not set. It is preferable to set a key that is expected to have a higher probability that the LED 127 is turned off due to the screen transition as a measurement target key. The reason why the ID of the key whose LED 127 is turned off is set as the measurement target key is to reduce the possibility that the key is touched by the user and to obtain more accurate measurement values and correction values. For example, a Cancel key 122p is set as the measurement target key ID 73.

  Furthermore, the measurement target key is preferably a key corresponding to the pad 126 having the worst output value measurement condition. “The measurement condition is bad” means, for example, a current value immediately after output from each pad 126 is substantially the same, but when detected by the pad control circuit 128, the current value is lower than other pads. It is. Generally, when the distance from the pad control circuit 128 is farther, or when the length of the signal line is longer, the measurement condition becomes worse. The pad 126 having the worst measurement condition may be determined in the manufacturing process of the multifunction machine 100 or the like.

  If a correction value for performing gain adjustment is calculated so that the measurement value of the pad 126 having the worst measurement condition is appropriate, the measurement condition is better than that of the pad 126 by using the correction value. The measurement values of the other pads 126 are appropriate.

  By using the lighting / measurement control table 70 as described above, the display control unit 10 can turn on / off the key 122 predetermined for each screen according to the screen. That is, the display control unit 10 detects the operation of any key 122 by the input control unit 20. Then, when there is a predetermined operation for changing the screen, the screen is changed, and the lighting is set based on the lighting target key information 72 of the entry corresponding to the ID of the screen after the transition. The LED 127 to be turned on is turned on, and the LED 127 corresponding to the key set to be turned off is turned off. In this way, the lighting pattern can be changed by a user operation.

  FIG. 6 is a diagram showing transition of the lighting key of the operation panel according to an example of the first embodiment of the present invention. For example, as shown in (A), (B), and (C), each time the screen displayed on the display 121 changes, the lighting / extinction of the key 122 (ap) changes.

  In the present embodiment, the lighting of the key 122 is controlled every time the screen changes, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the lighting of the key 122 may be controlled for each item included in the screen.

  Returning to FIG. 4, the description will be continued. The input control unit 20 is a functional unit that performs input control on the operation panel 120.

  For example, the input control unit 20 detects an operation on each key 122 of the operation panel 120. That is, the input control unit 20 determines whether or not a touch has been made based on the measurement value output from the pad 126 corresponding to each key 122. Details of the determination method are as described in the description of the touch sensor substrate 124.

  In the present embodiment, the input control unit 20 uses the lighting / measurement control table 70 described above in order to distinguish between a key 122 for which a touch operation is valid and an invalid key 122. That is, when the key 122 determined to have been touched is set to “lit” based on the lighting target key information 72 of the entry corresponding to the screen ID of the displayed screen, the touch is treated as an effective operation. . On the other hand, when the key 122 determined to be touched is set to “off”, the touch is treated as an invalid operation. If the operation is valid, the display control unit 10 is notified of the operation content. Further, when the operation is an effective operation, for example, the reading control unit 50 or the print control unit 60 is notified to perform an operation according to the selected item.

  The measurement processing unit 30 is a functional unit that measures an output value used for calculating a correction value used for adjusting the gain of the pad 126.

  For example, the measurement processing unit 30 obtains a measurement value from a preset measurement target key at the timing when the screen changes. That is, the measurement processing unit 30 refers to the lighting / measurement control table 70 and acquires the measurement value of the pad 126 corresponding to the key ID included in the measurement target key ID 73 of the entry corresponding to the screen ID of the screen after the transition. Specify as the pad to be used. The measured value is output to the correction processing unit 40 and used. If no key is set as the measurement target key ID 73, the measurement processing unit 30 does not perform measurement.

  As described above, in the example of the present embodiment, the key ID of the same key 122 is set in the measurement target key ID 73 of each entry, but in the entry of the screen where the LED 127 of the key 122 is lit, The key ID of the key 122 is not set. Therefore, the measurement processing unit 30 acquires a measurement value from the pad 126 corresponding to the key 122 for which the touch operation is invalid.

  Regarding the measurement method, for example, the measurement processing unit 30 measures the measurement target key after a predetermined time (including 0) has elapsed from the timing at which the screen transitions. The number of measurements can be, for example, once.

  If the number of measurements is one, the measurement target key may be touched by the user at the measurement timing. Therefore, in order to further reduce the possibility, the measurement may be performed a plurality of times (for example, three times at a predetermined time interval from the timing at which the screen transitions). In this case, the measurement processing unit 30 monitors whether or not the measurement target key is touched via the input control unit 20 at each measurement timing, and selects a measurement value at a timing when the touch is not performed. .

  Of course, even when the number of measurements is one, the measurement processing unit 30 may determine whether or not the measurement target key is touched via the input control unit 20 at the measurement timing. And you may make it measure at a predetermined time interval until the measurement value of the state which is not touched is obtained.

  The correction processing unit 40 is a functional unit that calculates a correction value used for gain adjustment of the pad 126 and sets a correction value for each pad 126.

  For example, the correction processing unit 40 acquires the measurement value output by the measurement processing unit 30 at the timing when the screen changes. Then, using a predetermined conversion formula or conversion table, a correction value that allows the measured value to reach a predetermined reference value is calculated. The correction value is set in the pad control circuit 128. The details of the correction method are as described in the description of the touch sensor substrate 124.

  As described above, in the example of this embodiment, there is one measurement target key ID 73 for each screen. In this case, the correction processing unit 40 sets the correction value calculated from the measurement value of the measurement target key in the pad control circuit 128 so as to be reflected in the pads 126 of all the keys 122.

  The calculation and setting timing of the correction value can be, for example, after a predetermined time (including 0) has elapsed from the timing at which the screen transitions. Of course, the present invention is not limited to this, and for example, the correction value setting timing may be a transition timing to the next screen. Further, for example, at the timing when the correction value is calculated, the setting may be performed for the key 122 in which the LED 127 is turned off, and the key 122 in which the LED 127 is turned on may be set after the LED 127 is turned off. .

  The reading control unit 50 is a functional unit that controls reading by the scanner engine 130 and generates image data based on data output from the scanner engine 130. For example, the reading control unit 50 changes a setting value, controls the scanner engine 130, generates image data, and the like according to the operation content notified from the input control unit 20. In this embodiment, since the reading control unit 50 is not a main functional unit, detailed description thereof is omitted.

  The print control unit 60 is a functional unit that controls printing by the print engine 140. For example, the print control unit 60 changes setting values, generates print data, controls the print engine 140, and the like according to the operation content notified from the input control unit 20. In the present embodiment, the print control unit 60 is not a main functional unit, and thus detailed description thereof is omitted.

  The above components are classified according to the main processing contents in order to facilitate understanding of the configuration of the multifunction peripheral 100. The present invention is not limited by the way of classification and names of the constituent elements. The configuration of the multifunction device 100 can be classified into more components depending on the processing content. Moreover, it can also classify | categorize so that one component may perform more processes. Further, the processing of each component may be executed by one hardware or may be executed by a plurality of hardware.

  Next, characteristic processing realized by the above-described multifunction peripheral 100 will be described.

  FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing lighting / measurement processing according to an example of the first embodiment of the present invention. This flow is a flow that focuses on the transition of lighting. This flow is started after the multifunction device 100 is powered on, for example.

  In S110, the display control unit 10 lights the LED of the initial lighting target key. Specifically, the display control unit 10 refers to the lighting / measurement control table 70, and lighting (1) is set based on lighting target key information 72 included in a predetermined initial screen entry. The LED 127 corresponding to the key is turned on, and the LED 127 corresponding to the key set to off (0) is turned off. Then, the process proceeds to S120.

  In S120, the input control unit 20 monitors whether any key is touched. Specifically, the input control unit 20 determines a touch based on the measurement value output from the pad 126 corresponding to the valid key 122. That is, the input control unit 20 refers to the lighting / measurement control table 70, and based on the lighting target key information 72 included in the entry of the screen being displayed, the input control unit 20 uses the key 122 whose LED 127 is set to lighting (1). It is determined whether or not a touch has been made. When any valid key 122 is touched (S120: YES), the operation content is notified to the display control unit 10, and the process proceeds to S130. If any key 122 is not touched (S120: NO), monitoring is continued.

  In S130, the display control unit 10 specifies a lighting target key. Specifically, the display control unit 10 changes the screen based on the operation content notified from the input control unit 20, and is included in the screen entry after the transition with reference to the lighting / measurement control table 70. The lighting target key information 72 is specified. Then, the process proceeds to S140.

  In S140, the display control unit 10 turns on the LED 127 corresponding to the key for which lighting (1) is set based on the lighting target key information 72 specified in S130, and sets the key for turning off (0). The LED 127 corresponding to is turned off. Then, the process proceeds to S150.

  In S150, the measurement processing unit 30 specifies the measurement target key. Specifically, the measurement processing unit 30 refers to the lighting / measurement control table 70 and specifies the measurement target key ID 73 included in the entry of the screen after the transition (S130). Then, the process proceeds to S160.

  In S160, the measurement processing unit 30 determines whether there is a measurement target key. Specifically, the measurement processing unit 30 determines whether or not a measurement target key ID is set in the measurement target key ID 73 identified in S150. If the key ID to be measured is set (S160: YES), the process proceeds to S170. If the key ID to be measured is not set (S160: NO), the process returns to S120.

  In S170, the measurement processing unit 30 measures the output value of the measurement target key. Specifically, the measurement processing unit 30 acquires a measurement value from the pad 126 corresponding to the key ID set in the measurement target key ID 73 identified in S150. Then, the process proceeds to S180.

  In S180, the correction processing unit 40 calculates a correction value. Specifically, the correction processing unit 40 acquires the measurement value acquired in S170, and the measurement value reaches a predetermined reference value using a predetermined conversion formula or conversion table. The correction value that can be calculated is calculated. Then, the process proceeds to S190.

  In S190, the correction processing unit 40 reflects the correction value. Specifically, the correction processing unit 40 sets the correction value calculated in S180 in the pad control circuit 128 as the correction value for all the pads 126. Then, the process returns to S120.

  Note that the correction value may be measured and reflected after S110 and before S120.

  Each processing unit of each flow in FIG. 7 described above is divided according to the main processing contents in order to facilitate understanding of the processing of the multifunction peripheral 100. The present invention is not limited by the way of dividing the processing unit or the name. The processing of the MFP 100 can be divided into more processing units according to the processing content. Moreover, it can also divide | segment so that one process unit may contain many processes.

  Heretofore, an example of the first embodiment of the present invention has been described. According to the present embodiment, the touch sensor can be adjusted in the user environment.

  That is, in the example of the first embodiment of the present invention, each time a key is touched, the output value of the pad corresponding to the predetermined key is measured, and each pad is corrected based on the measured value. . With such a configuration, correction is automatically performed at a predetermined timing without the user's work for correction.

  If a conventional normal method is followed, pad correction is performed by, for example, a user operating a menu and issuing an instruction to start pad correction. However, this method involves troublesome work especially for users who are not good at electronic devices, and if it is bad, there is a high possibility that pad correction will not be executed. Furthermore, when the user feels a malfunction in the operation of the touch sensor to the extent that the user recognizes the necessity for correction, the possibility that the pad is corrected for the first time increases. That is, the pad is not corrected until a problem apparent to the user occurs. Therefore, according to the example of the first embodiment of the present invention, these problems are solved.

  In the example of the first embodiment of the present invention, the output value of the pad corresponding to a predetermined key whose LED is turned off is measured. Such a configuration increases the possibility of obtaining a more appropriate correction value.

  In the adjustment of the touch sensor, when a finger or other object approaches or touches the key, a measurement value cannot be obtained appropriately. Then, an appropriate correction value cannot be calculated, and as a result, the possibility that a touch sensor malfunctions increases. As described above, it is necessary to adjust the touch sensor in a state where it is not affected by external influences as much as possible. Therefore, according to the example of the first embodiment of the present invention, the user's attention is directed to the keys that are lit (valid keys), so that the keys that are extinguished (invalid keys) can be operated. The possibility of obtaining appropriate measurement values increases.

  Further, according to the example of the first embodiment of the present invention, the adjustment of the touch sensor can be automatically performed in the user environment without being performed in the manufacturing process of the electronic device. Therefore, the cost in the manufacturing process can be reduced.

  The above-described example of the first embodiment of the present invention is intended to illustrate the gist and scope of the present invention and is not intended to be limiting. Many alternatives, modifications, and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art.

<Modification 1>
In the example of the first embodiment of the present invention described above, one specific pad is a measurement target. However, all or a plurality of pads whose lighting is turned off are measurement targets, and the measurement value of each pad is measured by itself. You may make it use for correction | amendment.

  Specifically, for each entry in the lighting / measurement control table 70, the key IDs of all or a plurality of keys for which “off” (0) is set in the lighting target key information 72 are set in the measurement target key ID 73. The measurement processing unit 30 acquires measurement values from the pads 126 corresponding to all or a plurality of key IDs set in the measurement target key ID 73 at the measurement timing. The correction processing unit 40 calculates a correction value for each key from which the measurement value is acquired and sets it in the pad control circuit 128.

<Modification 2>
In the example of the first embodiment of the present invention described above, one specific pad is a measurement target. However, the keys are divided into a plurality of groups, and a specific one pad in the group is measured for each group. However, it may be used for correcting all the pads in the group.

  Specifically, one key ID is set for each group in the measurement target key ID 73 of each entry in the lighting / measurement control table 70. For example, as shown in FIG. 8, a group corresponds to an area when the operation surface of the operation panel 120 is divided into three areas A to C. In this case, one measurement target key (representative key) is determined for each area, and the key ID of the measurement target key is set to the measurement target key ID 73 of the entry on the screen where the LED of the measurement target key is turned off. Note that the measurement target key in each area is preferably a key corresponding to the pad 126 having the worst output value measurement condition in the area.

  The measurement processing unit 30 acquires a measurement value from the pad 126 corresponding to the key ID of the area set in the measurement target key ID 73 for each area at the measurement timing. The correction processing unit 40 calculates a correction value for each area based on the measurement value of the measurement target key, and sets the correction value in the pad control circuit 128 as the correction value for all the pads in the area.

<Modification 3>
In the example of the first embodiment of the present invention described above, the same single pad is the measurement target between the screen hierarchies, but the measurement target pad is different for each screen, and the measurement target pad is measured. The value may be used only for its own correction. The pad to be measured may be set in advance in each entry of the lighting / measurement control table 70, or an arbitrary pad may be randomly selected for each screen.

  Furthermore, in the above case, a measurement target pad that is less frequently measured than other measurement target pads may be measured with priority over other measurement target pads at a predetermined timing. This is because the frequency of measurement may be extremely reduced depending on how the screen transitions.

  Specifically, for example, the measurement processing unit 30 records a history such as the number of measurements performed for each measurement target key, and records the total number of transitions between screen hierarchies. Each time the screen changes, the measurement frequency (number of measurements / number of transitions) of each measurement target key is calculated, and whether or not there is a measurement target key having a measurement frequency equal to or lower than a predetermined value is monitored. In the screen after transition, if there is a measurement target key whose measurement frequency is less than or equal to the predetermined value and the illumination of the key is turned off, the measurement frequency is changed to the key that is the measurement target in the screen after transition. The measurement target key whose value is less than or equal to a predetermined value is measured. Compare the measurement frequency of the key that is the measurement target with the measurement frequency of the other invalid key on the screen after transition, and measure the invalid key with the measurement frequency lower than the measurement frequency of the key that is the measurement target on the screen after transition It is good.

<Modification 4>
In the example of the first embodiment of the present invention described above, a key that does not light up is a measurement target, but a key that lights up may be a measurement target. However, in this case, the lighting of the measurement target key is not immediately turned on at the timing of the screen transition, but waits for a predetermined time from the timing, performs measurement during the predetermined time, and turns on the lighting after the predetermined time elapses. You just have to do it.

<Modification 5>
In the example of the first embodiment of the present invention described above, the measurement is performed every time the screen changes. For example, the measurement may be performed every time a predetermined number of transitions occur. Alternatively, the measurement may be performed when a predetermined time has elapsed since the previous measurement and when the first screen transition occurs after the predetermined time has elapsed.

  In addition, an example of said 1st embodiment and another modification may combine any one or more.

10: Display control unit, 20: Input control unit, 30: Measurement processing unit, 40: Correction processing unit, 50: Reading control unit, 60: Print control unit, 70: Lighting / measurement control table, 71: Screen ID, 72 : Lighting target key information, 73: measurement target key ID, 100: multifunction device, 110: controller, 111: CPU, 112: RAM, 113: ROM, 120: operation panel, 121: display, 122 (ap) Key: 123: Operation surface 124: Touch sensor substrate 125: Light guide plate 126: Pad 127: LED 128: Pad control circuit 129: LED control circuit 130: Scanner engine 140: Print engine 150: Communication interface

Claims (9)

An input device having a plurality of keys,
A pad for detecting capacitance corresponding to each of the plurality of keys;
Lighting corresponding to each of the plurality of keys;
Display control means for turning on the light corresponding to the key for which the operation is valid and turning off the light corresponding to the key for which the operation is invalid;
Input control means for detecting an operation on the pad corresponding to the valid key;
Measuring means for measuring the output value of the pad corresponding to at least one invalid key;
A correction unit that calculates a correction value for correcting the output of the pad using the output value and corrects the output of at least one or more pads.
An input device characterized by that. The input device according to claim 1,
The display control means changes lighting or extinguishing of illumination corresponding to the plurality of keys according to a plurality of predetermined lighting patterns in accordance with a user operation,
The measuring means measures an output value of a pad corresponding to at least one invalid key when the lighting pattern is changed;
An input device characterized by that. The input device according to claim 2,
The measurement means acquires the output value a plurality of times when measuring the output value of the pad corresponding to the invalid key, and monitors the operation corresponding to the pad corresponding to the invalid key at each time, and performs the operation when no operation is performed. The output value is adopted as the measured value.
An input device characterized by that. The input device according to any one of claims 1 to 3,
The measuring means measures an output value of a pad corresponding to a predetermined one invalid key,
The correction means corrects the output of all the pads using the output value of the pad corresponding to the predetermined one invalid key.
An input device characterized by that. The input device according to any one of claims 1 to 3,
The measuring means measures an output value of each pad corresponding to the invalid key;
The correction means corrects the output of each pad using the output value of each pad corresponding to the invalid key.
An input device characterized by that. The input device according to any one of claims 1 to 3,
The plurality of keys are divided into a plurality of groups, and one representative key is predetermined for each group,
The measuring means measures, for each group, an output value of a pad corresponding to the representative key in the group,
The correction means corrects the output of the pads corresponding to all the keys in the group by using the output value of the pad corresponding to the representative key for each group.
An input device characterized by that. The input device according to claim 2 or 3,
The measuring means measures an output value of a pad corresponding to at least one invalid key different for each lighting pattern;
The correction means corrects the output of the measured pad using the output value of the measured pad.
An input device characterized by that. The input device according to claim 7,
The measurement means records a measurement frequency for each invalid key, and when the lighting pattern changes, another invalid key having a measurement frequency lower than the measurement frequency of the invalid key that is a measurement target in the lighting pattern. Priority measurement,
An input device characterized by that. A correction method for an input device, comprising: a plurality of keys; a pad for detecting capacitance corresponding to each of the plurality of keys; and an illumination corresponding to each of the plurality of keys.
Turning on the illumination corresponding to the key for which the operation is valid, and turning off the illumination corresponding to the key for which the operation is invalid;
Detecting an operation on a pad corresponding to the valid key;
A measuring step for measuring an output value of the pad corresponding to at least one invalid key;
Calculating a correction value for correcting the output of the pad using the output value, and correcting the output of at least one pad.
A correction method characterized by that.

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