JP2013008110A - Detection device and detection method for physical quantity - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a detection device and a detection method for physical quantity that detect a physical quantity detected from switch input, etc., with as small electric power as possible.SOLUTION: There is provided the detection device for physical quantity that detects a first physical quantity corresponding to a non-input state and a second physical quantity corresponding to an input state for each input element while first and second physical quantities are input to at least one or more input elements arranged at predetermined coordinates. The detection device detects first and second physical quantities for each input element, measures a period from timing of change from a first physical quantity detection state to a second physical quantity detection state to timing of following change to the second physical quantity detection state, and does not store the second physical quantity when the measured period is within a preset predetermined period, or stores the second physical quantity and also outputs output information corresponding to coordinates to which the stored second physical quantity is input when the measured period exceeds the preset predetermined period.

Description

  The present invention relates to a detection apparatus and a physical quantity detection method for detecting a physical quantity, and more particularly to a detection apparatus and a detection method that can eliminate input of a physical quantity other than the target with as low power consumption as possible.

Conventionally, as an example suitable for a detection device for detecting a physical quantity and a method for detecting a physical quantity, an input device for an electronic device and a control method for the input device are known (see, for example, Patent Documents 1 to 3). In the electronic device input device and the input device control method, it is particularly important to reduce the power consumption of the electronic device input device and to prevent erroneous input. The following four viewpoints are mentioned as this reason.
(1) Information processing means such as a microprocessor is used to detect an input operation, determine a detection result, and control an electronic device based on the determination result.
(2) In general, the detection of an input operation and the validity determination of the detection result of the input operation are based on a change in a physical quantity (for example, a voltage value, a current value, a resistance value, a capacitance value, etc.) accompanying the input operation. Since it is performed using information, it is necessary to detect two quantities, a physical quantity corresponding to the input state and a physical quantity corresponding to the non-input state.
(3) In other words, it is necessary to always continue the detection operation (of the input operation) and the determination operation (of the detection result) regardless of the input state or the non-input state. Consume power continuously.
(4) From the viewpoint of energy saving and long-term global environmental protection, the demand for reducing power consumption is increasing for many electronic devices represented by so-called home appliances and OA devices. There is also a need to improve the control method of the input device.

  Patent Document 1 is intended to detect the position of multipoint input, and is an example of a method for measuring a touch-off (that is, no input operation is performed) time. Specifically, as described in paragraph (0055) and paragraph (0056) of the same document, when it is determined that the touch-off state is detected, the process proceeds to a specific step, and the specific step directly displays the display. It is determined whether or not the touch-off time to the touch panel that can be input is a predetermined time or more. If the touch-off time is less than the predetermined time, it is determined that there is a high possibility that a fingertip or the like is in contact between the conductive regions. On the other hand, if the touch-off time is equal to or longer than the predetermined time, it is determined that there is a low possibility that the fingertips are in contact between the conductive regions and that the fingertips are actually separated from the touch panel. is there. For this reason, power saving cannot be expected because the touch-off time during which no input operation is performed is continuously measured.

  Patent Document 2 is an example of a method for measuring a time during which the touch panel is kept pressed (that is, continuously in an input state) for the purpose of detecting an abnormal state. Specifically, as described in paragraph (0041) and paragraph (0043) of the same document, when the input detection unit continues to detect pressing of the touch panel, the abnormality detection unit sets the measurement value of the measurement unit in advance. It is determined whether or not the measured threshold value is equal to or greater than the threshold value, and when the measurement value of the measurement unit is equal to or greater than the threshold value, the abnormality detection unit detects the occurrence of an abnormality in the touch panel. For this reason, a power saving effect cannot be expected due to the configuration of continuously detecting the pressing time of the touch panel.

  Further, Patent Document 3 relates to a command input device using a touch panel display capable of finger input. Specifically, in the command input device using the touch panel display disclosed in Patent Document 3, as described in paragraph (0011) and paragraph (0034) of the same document, a finger or a pen is continuous on the touch panel display. Contact time detection means for detecting the time of contact with the touch panel, contact number detection means for detecting the number of times the finger or pen touches the touch panel display, and until the finger or pen touches the touch panel display until the next touch A contact interval detecting means for detecting time, an input determining means for determining an input command based on detection results of the contact time detecting means, the contact number detecting means and the contact interval detecting means, and the input command determined by the input determining means Based on the operation selection means for selecting an operation corresponding to the input command from the predetermined operation, And an operation control means for executing the operation selected by the work selecting means. The user can arbitrarily set a pattern of combinations of time, number of times, and intervals at which the finger touches the touch panel display, and what commands are input to the touch panel display by detecting these pieces of information. This is the content to be judged. However, it can be said that the configuration disclosed in Patent Document 3 is a redundant system for determining the effectiveness of an input operation on an operation unit of a so-called home appliance or OA device.

JP 2010-272100 A JP 2010-128832 A JP 2004-362429 A

  As described in each of the above patent documents, in the case of an input device using a capacitance type sensor IC as a circuit for detecting input information in general, a finger or the like performing an input operation touches or approaches the input unit. Then, communication is performed between the input unit and the IC, and detection data related to the input operation detected by the input unit is sent to the sensor IC at a predetermined cycle. When the contact or proximity state continues, the detection data is continuously sent from the input unit to the sensor IC at predetermined intervals. Conversely, when a finger or the like performing an input operation is separated from the input unit, detection data is not sent from the input unit to the sensor IC.

  The fact that the finger or the like is separated from the input unit and the detection data is not sent from the input unit to the sensor IC means that the finger or the like is separated from the input unit (for example, the input device is controlled). This means that the host system (such as a microcomputer system to be executed) cannot be recognized, and it is necessary to detect the separated state by some method so that the host system can recognize it.

  Below, the content relevant to the above-mentioned technical background is demonstrated based on drawing. FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram for explaining an input method of a conventional input device for an electronic device. FIG. 5 shows an example of a method for detecting an input operation on, for example, a capacitive touch sensor in which a capacitance value, which is a physical quantity, is detected for each coordinate by touching the input unit with a finger or the like. Yes.

  As a general method of detecting an input operation on the touch sensor, a microcomputer system or the like confirms input operation detection information at a predetermined cycle. Here, the predetermined period is, for example, every 5 msec. As shown in the timing chart of the input signal, which is the detection result of the input operation that changes in time series from the left side to the right side of FIG. 5, the input signal that is in the input state (ON) is detected in the confirmation operation at time T1, When the input state continues in the confirmation operation at time T2 after a predetermined period has elapsed, the input that is in the input state (ON) is detected again at time T2, and detection information of the input operation “present” is output. . Similarly, in the confirmation operation at times T3, T6, and T7, detection information indicating that the input operation is “present” is output. This method is affected by chattering when performing an input operation or so-called long press other than the purpose of the original input operation, and it is difficult to eliminate this. In other words, the detection information at times T2, T3, and T7 is desirably processed as excluded or invalid detection information.

  Although there is a method of obtaining a certain effect by combining detection information transitions (changes in input state) in response to the above-mentioned problems, the effect of so-called chattering that occurs when the input operation is not stable, etc. Can not be completely eliminated.

  There is also a method of measuring the time during which the input state or the non-input state continues, and finally determining the effectiveness of the input operation based on the comparison result with a preset threshold value. However, since it is necessary to measure the duration of both the input and non-input states, increasing the processing time and expanding the processing range due to complicated operations may hinder power consumption reduction. There is a risk that the comfort of the input operation may be reduced.

To summarize the issues to be solved in the above input device,
(A) Elimination of continuous input operations such as so-called long presses other than the intended purpose (b) Elimination of chattering effects that occur when the input operation is not stable, etc. This is compatible with detection, and solving these problems is particularly important in an input device using a capacitive touch sensor. That is, it is required that the comfort of the input operation is not impaired while the capacitive sensor IC is operated with low power consumption. Specifically, the capacitive sensor IC minimizes communication with the input unit and the host system as much as possible, and when it is in a non-input state, operations other than the minimum necessary processing are limited or stopped as much as possible. However, it is desirable that the power consumption of the entire input device is significantly reduced by shifting the host system to the suspend mode or the like. In addition, compared with the input device in which the input operation is performed by sliding a finger or the like on the input unit, in the input device in which the input operation is performed by individually contacting a desired coordinate, the above (a) (b) (c ) Is particularly important.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and the object of the present invention is to have a plurality of coordinates (regions) and to have an input unit for inputting physical quantities for each coordinate to ensure the input state of physical quantities. Detectable detection device, and by using such a detection device, it is possible to reliably determine the input state with the minimum power consumption in both cases where the physical quantity is in the input state and in the non-input state. An input device that can be used, an electronic device using such an input device, a detection device, and a control method for the input device.

In order to solve the above-described problem, the present invention according to claim 1
The first physical quantity corresponding to the non-input state and the second physical quantity corresponding to the input state are input to at least one input element arranged at a predetermined coordinate, and the first and the second physical quantities are input to each input element. A detection device for detecting a second physical quantity,
Input detection means for detecting the first physical quantity and the second physical quantity inputted for each of the input elements;
From the timing when the state where the first physical quantity is detected by the input detection means to the state where the second physical quantity is detected by the input detection means, the detection means continues to the first physical quantity. Period measuring means for measuring a period until a timing at which a physical quantity of 2 is detected;
The second physical quantity is not stored when the period measured by the period measuring unit is within a predetermined period set in advance, and the period measured by the period measuring unit exceeds the predetermined time When the second physical quantity is stored, the output information corresponding to the coordinates constituting the input element to which the second physical quantity stored when the second physical quantity is stored is output to the outside. It is characterized by having an operation storage means.

  When the present invention according to claim 1 has such a configuration, for example, when an input operation is determined by detecting a physical quantity for each input element accompanying the input operation, the input operation is performed. Therefore, it is possible to reliably detect a physical quantity accompanying an input operation without being affected by chattering or the like, and to detect a physical quantity with as much power saving as possible.

A detection device according to claim 2 of the present invention is the detection device according to claim 1,
The detection device according to claim 1 is an input device for electronic equipment,
An input processing unit that includes an input unit and an input operation detection unit that detects an input operation on the input unit, and that outputs detection information corresponding to the input operation only when the input operation is involved;
When the detection information is input and the detection information is a first input to an arbitrary coordinate of the input unit, it is determined that the input operation for the coordinate is valid based on the detection information, and the input operation is valid. When the detection information is input again with respect to the determined coordinates, the input operation serving as a basis for the detection information input after a predetermined period of time has elapsed from a timing when the detection information is input A control circuit unit that outputs to the electronic device output information corresponding to the coordinates for which the input operation is determined to be valid,
The input operation detection unit serves as the input detection unit, and the control circuit unit serves as the period measurement unit and a calculation storage unit.

  When the present invention according to claim 2 has such a configuration, it is possible to provide an input device for electronic equipment capable of significantly reducing power consumption. Furthermore, since it is possible to reliably eliminate so-called long presses other than the purpose of the original input operation and so-called chattering that occurs when the input operation is not stable, there is no possibility of false detection and the comfort of the input operation is reduced. It can be greatly improved.

A detection device according to claim 3 of the present invention is the detection device according to claim 2,
The control circuit unit is
A storage unit that stores at least information on the predetermined period and the output information;
When the detection information is input and the detection information is a first input to an arbitrary coordinate of the input unit, it is determined that the input operation for the coordinate is valid based on the detection information, and the input operation is valid. When the detection information is input again with respect to the determined coordinates, only the input operation that is the basis of the detection information input after the predetermined period has elapsed from the timing when the detection information was input is valid. And a data processing unit that outputs the output information to the electronic device.

  When the control circuit unit has such a configuration, it is possible to provide an input device for an electronic device that can significantly reduce power consumption. Furthermore, since it is possible to reliably eliminate so-called long presses other than the purpose of the original input operation and so-called chattering that occurs when the input operation is not stable, there is no possibility of false detection and the comfort of the input operation is reduced. It can be greatly improved.

A detection device according to claim 4 of the present invention is the detection device according to claim 2 or claim 3,
The data processing unit
When the detection information is input, time measurement is started. When the detection information is input again, the time measurement is ended and the next time measurement is started. It is characterized in that the input operation that is the basis of the detection information input again with respect to the coordinates is determined to be valid only when the measured value exceeds the predetermined period by comparing with a period.

  By making such a determination by the data processing unit, it is possible to provide an input device for an electronic device that can significantly reduce power consumption. Furthermore, since it is possible to reliably eliminate so-called long presses other than the purpose of the original input operation and so-called chattering that occurs when the input operation is not stable, there is no possibility of false detection and the comfort of the input operation is reduced. It can be greatly improved.

Moreover, the physical quantity detection method according to claim 5 of the present invention includes:
The first physical quantity corresponding to the non-input state and the second physical quantity corresponding to the input state are input to at least one or more input elements arranged at predetermined coordinates, and the first and the second physical quantities are input to each input element. A detection method of a detection device for detecting a physical quantity of 2,
A physical quantity detection step of detecting the first physical quantity and the second physical quantity input for each input element;
From the timing when the state where the first physical quantity is detected by the input detection means to the state where the second physical quantity is detected, the second physical quantity is subsequently detected by the input detection means. A period measuring step for measuring a period until the detected timing;
When the period measured by the period measuring step is within a predetermined period set in advance, the second physical quantity is not stored, and the period measured by the period measuring unit exceeds the predetermined time In addition to storing the second physical quantity at the same time, the memory for outputting the output information corresponding to the coordinates constituting the input element to which the second physical quantity stored when the second physical quantity is stored is output to the outside It is characterized by having steps.

  Since the present invention according to claim 5 has such steps, the input operation is performed when the validity of the input operation is determined, for example, by detecting a physical quantity for each input element accompanying the input operation. When performing, the detection of the physical quantity accompanying the input operation and the determination of the effectiveness of the input operation are surely performed without being affected by chattering, etc., and the detection of the physical quantity and the determination of the effectiveness of the input operation are performed with power saving as much as possible. It is an object of the present invention to provide a physical quantity detection device and detection method capable of performing the above.

A physical quantity detection method according to claim 6 of the present invention is the physical quantity detection method according to claim 5,
The detection method is an input method for electronic equipment,
An input processing unit that includes an input unit and a detection unit that detects an input operation on the input unit, and that outputs detection information corresponding to the input operation only when the input operation is involved;
The detection information is input, and the input operation is valid based on the detection information or the detection information and a measurement value of time measurement from when the detection information is input until the detection information is input again. An input method for an electronic device comprising a control circuit unit that outputs the output information corresponding to the coordinates determined to be valid only when the input operation is determined to the electronic device only when determined.
A validity determination step of determining the validity of the input operation corresponding to the detection information input from the input processing unit;
Only when it is determined that the input operation is valid, an effective information output step of outputting the output information corresponding to the coordinates determined to be valid for the input operation to the electronic device,
The effectiveness determination step includes:
An input confirmation step for confirming the input of the detection information; a validity determination step for determining that the input operation for the coordinates is valid based on the detection information; and the input detection for the coordinates for which the input operation is determined to be valid. When the information is input again, the validity determination step of determining that the input operation that is the basis of the detection information input after the predetermined period has elapsed from the timing when the detection information is input is valid The input confirmation step includes the physical quantity detection step, and the validity determination step includes the period measurement step and an operation storage step.

  Since the present invention according to claim 6 has such steps, it is possible to realize an input method for an electronic device that can significantly reduce power consumption. Furthermore, since it is possible to reliably eliminate so-called long presses other than the purpose of the original input operation and so-called chattering that occurs when the input operation is not stable, there is no possibility of false detection and the comfort of the input operation is reduced. It can be greatly improved.

  According to the present invention, for example, it is possible to reliably determine the effectiveness of an input operation based on a physical quantity detected with, for example, an input operation on a switch, and to detect the physical quantity, determine the effectiveness of an input operation, and An object of the present invention is to provide a physical quantity detection device and detection method that achieves control of the operation of an electronic device or the like by a host system according to the determination with power saving as much as possible.

1 is a block diagram schematically showing an input device for an electronic device according to an embodiment of the present invention. It is explanatory drawing which shows the input method by the input device for electronic devices shown in FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing an input method by the input device for an electronic device shown in FIG. 1. It is explanatory drawing explaining the effect | action of the input device for electronic devices shown in FIG. It is explanatory drawing explaining the input method of the input device for the conventional electronic devices.

  Hereinafter, as an embodiment of a physical quantity detection device according to the present invention, an input device for an electronic apparatus using a capacitive touch sensor will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a block diagram schematically showing an input device for an electronic apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.

  An input device 13 for an electronic device 12 according to an embodiment of the present invention includes an input processing unit 15 having a detection unit 19 and an input information detection circuit 18, and input of detection information from the input processing unit 15. A control circuit unit 14 for sending a control signal to the processing unit 15 is provided. The control circuit unit 14 calculates the detected output signal and sends the calculation result to the electronic device 12.

  The input processing unit 15 includes an input unit (not shown) that performs an input operation, a detection unit 19 that detects an input operation on the input unit, and an input information detection circuit 18, and controls only detection information that accompanies the input operation. The signal is output to the circuit unit 14. That is, the input processing unit 15 outputs detection information corresponding to the input operation to the control circuit unit 14 only when an input operation is performed on the input unit.

  Whether the detection unit 19 is in an input state in which a finger contacts the input unit (input operation is performed) or is in a non-input state in which the finger is separated from the input unit (no input operation is performed) Output the detection result.

  The detection unit 19 detects an input operation and outputs a detection result to the input information detection circuit 18. In the present embodiment, each detection point 19 constitutes each point of coordinates (a plurality of input elements (input elements)). It consists of a plurality of capacitance type touch sensors arranged in the. In FIG. 1, the detection unit 19 is a plurality of capacitive touch sensors arranged in parallel. However, if each detection unit 19 is arranged so as to correspond to each point of coordinates. For example, it may be arranged in various forms such as a matrix shape or an arc shape. The coordinates may be defined so as to correspond to each region having an arbitrary area.

  The input information detection circuit 18 detects the input operation from the detection unit 19 (if the input is “input” with an input operation, the finger touches the input unit; if the input operation is not “non-input”, the finger is Only when the input detection result is input (= contact), the detection information accompanied by the input operation is output to the control circuit unit 14.

  Detection information accompanied by an input operation is input from the input processing unit 15 to the control circuit unit 14. The control circuit unit 14 determines the validity of the input operation, and only when it is determined that the input operation is valid, the input element (input element) of the coordinate for which the input operation has been determined to be valid (hereinafter simply referred to as “coordinate”). ) Is output to the electronic device 12, and the operation of the electronic device 12 is controlled.

  The control circuit unit 14 includes a data processing unit 16 and a storage unit 17. When the detection information is input from the input processing unit 15, the data processing unit 16 validates the input operation for the coordinates based on the detection information when the detection information is based on the first input for any coordinates of the input unit. judge. Furthermore, when the detection information corresponding to the coordinates for which the input operation is determined to be valid is input again, the data processing unit 16 is input after a predetermined period of time elapses from the timing at which the detection information is input. Only the input operation that is the basis of the detection information is determined to be valid. Then, output information IF corresponding to the coordinates for which the input operation is determined to be valid is output to the electronic device 12.

  The storage unit 17 of the control circuit unit 14 stores at least output information IF corresponding to the information related to the predetermined period and the coordinates to be input.

  The output information IF output from the control circuit unit 14 illustrated in FIG. 1 is information output from the control circuit unit 14 to the electronic device 12 only when the validity of the input operation is determined and the input operation is determined to be valid. is there. That is, the output information IF is information that actually controls the operation of the electronic device 12 corresponding to the coordinates for which the input operation is determined to be valid, and the number and type of the information is the number of coordinates (that is, the detection unit 19) and the electronic device. It is determined according to design specifications such as 12 operation specifications.

  The electronic device 12 receives the output information IF output from the control circuit unit 14 and controls its operation. In the above-described embodiment, the input device 13 for the electronic device 12 corresponds to an operation unit such as a so-called home appliance or OA device. The operation unit includes a plurality of operation keys and assigns necessary control items (functions) to each operation key. For example, operation keys (areas) and assignments are compared with an input device such as a keyboard for a personal computer. There are few control items (functions), and input operations are performed by relatively simple operations such as pressing and touching. However, it is possible to increase the number of control items (functions) to be assigned to an input device having a relatively large number of operation keys (areas), and it goes without saying that this is the scope of application of the present invention.

  The input device 13 outputs the output information IF corresponding to the coordinates determined to be valid for the input operation to the electronic device 12 only when the input operation is determined to be valid after performing the input operation as described above, The operation of the device 12 is controlled. The input device 13 is configured separately from the electronic device 12, but may be configured integrally with the electronic device 12. In other words, the electronic device system 11 may be configured such that the electronic device 12 and the input device 13 are integrated.

  In the input device 13, the control circuit unit 14 may be configured as a known microcomputer system including a central processing unit (CPU), a memory, an input / output circuit, and the like. At that time, the data processing unit 16 and the storage unit 17 included in the control circuit unit 14 as components thereof can be implemented by arbitrary hardware or software, or a combination thereof, as long as the function in the present description is achieved.

  Moreover, the sensor used as the detection part 19 is not limited to a capacitive touch sensor. That is, even when a sensor other than the capacitive touch sensor is used for the detection unit 19, the input operation is performed only when it is determined that the input operation is valid by performing the input operation as described above. If the output information IF corresponding to the coordinate determined to be valid is output to the electronic device 12 and the operation of the electronic device 12 is controlled, the upper level corresponding to the determination of the validity of the input operation and the determination of the validity Control of the operation of the electronic device or the like by the system can be achieved with power saving as much as possible, and an optimal sensor may be selected in view of the purpose and design specifications.

  Hereinafter, the determination method performed by the data processing unit 16 of the control circuit unit 14 will be described in more detail. FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram showing an input method of the input device 13 for the electronic device 12 shown in FIG. Although FIG. 2 will be described based on an input method for one key among a plurality of keys respectively specified by a plurality of coordinates, other keys may be performed by a similar input method. At time T <b> 1 in FIG. 2, the control circuit unit 14 first receives detection information indicating that the finger is in contact with the input unit (not shown) (input operation is being performed) and is in the input state. If the input information is included in the input information detection circuit 18, the validity of the detection information is determined to be valid (“◯” in the timing chart of the input signal in FIG. 2), and time measurement is started. When the detection information in the input state is input again at time T2, which is the timing when the next detection information is input, the time measurement is terminated and the next time measurement is started. Then, the measured value of the completed time measurement is compared with a predetermined period set in advance and stored in the storage unit 17. If the measured value is equal to or shorter than the predetermined period (the input interval arrow in FIG. 2 is short), it is determined that the validity of the detection information that is input again at time T2 is invalid (input in FIG. 2). “X” at times T2, T3, and T7 in the signal timing chart).

  On the other hand, at time T6 in FIG. 2, when the measured value of the completed time measurement exceeds the predetermined period stored in the storage unit 17 (the input interval arrow in FIG. 2 is long), the input input again at time T6. The validity of the detection information that is the state is determined to be valid (“◯” at time T6 in the timing chart of the input signal in FIG. 2). In other words, if a predetermined period has elapsed since the time when the input operation that is the basis of the detection information that is the previous input state is determined to be valid, the coordinates for which the previous input operation was determined to be valid It is determined that the input operation that is the basis of the detection information that is input again is valid.

  The detection result is input to the input information detection circuit 18, and the detection information IN (in the input state) is output from the input information detection circuit 18 only when the detection result accompanying the input operation (in the input state) is input. To the control circuit unit 14. When a detection result without an input operation (in a non-input state) is input, the input information detection circuit 18 does not output detection information (in a non-input state).

  According to the input device 13 for the electronic device 12 according to the present embodiment, as is apparent from FIG. 2, it is possible to reliably eliminate so-called long presses other than the purpose and so-called chattering that occurs when the input operation is not stable. Therefore, there is no possibility of erroneous detection, and the comfort of the input operation can be improved. Furthermore, by outputting only necessary detection information (in an input state) to the control circuit unit 14, the control circuit unit 14 is provided. It becomes possible to significantly reduce the power consumption of the electronic device 12 including the electronic device 12.

  Next, an input method of the input device 13 for the electronic device 12 according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing an input method by the input device 13 for the electronic device 12 shown in FIG. The flowchart of FIG. 3 will be described based on a routine for one key among a plurality of keys specified by a plurality of coordinates, but the same routine may be used for other keys.

  When an input method using the input method of the input device for an electronic device according to the present embodiment is started, as shown in FIG. 3, whether or not an input is detected (that is, whether or not a finger touches the input unit). Is confirmed (step S11). Here, when it is confirmed that the input is not detected (No), the process returns to step S11 again. On the other hand, if it is confirmed that the input is detected in Step S11 (Yes), the detection information IN (in the input state) is acquired (Step S12).

  Subsequently, it is determined whether or not the detection information IN acquired in step S12 is the first detection information I1 (step S13). If it is determined in step S13 that the detection information I1 is not the first time (No), the elapsed time tN from the timing when the previous detection information IN-1 was acquired to the timing when the current detection information IN was acquired exceeds the predetermined time T. (Elapsed time tN> predetermined time T?) Is determined (step S14).

  If it is determined in step S14 that the elapsed time tN> the predetermined time T is not satisfied (No), the timer is set or reset (step S16). On the other hand, if it is determined in step S14 that the elapsed time tN> the predetermined time T (Yes), the previous detection information IN-1 is deleted (step S15), and then the timer is set or reset (step S15). S16).

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step S13 that the detection information IN acquired in step S12 is the first detection information I1 (Yes), the timer is set or reset (step S16).

  Subsequently, the effective coordinate PN is specified (step S17). Next, it is determined whether or not the effective coordinate PN specified this time is the same as the effective coordinate PN-1 specified last time (PN = PN-1?) (Step S18). Here, when it determines with PN = PN-1 (Yes), it returns to step S11. On the other hand, if it is determined that PN = PN-1 is not satisfied (No), the effective coordinate information IPN is updated based on the effective coordinate PN specified this time (step S19). Then, output information IF corresponding to the effective coordinate information IPN is output to the electronic device 12 (step S20).

  Note that the function execution information, which is the output information IF for controlling the electronic device 12, is individual information corresponding to each of the capacitive touch sensors, which are a plurality of input means, and therefore in this embodiment, step S17. Then, after the coordinates for which the input operation is determined to be valid are specified as the effective coordinates PN, the processes from step S18 to S20 are performed.

  In step S15, coordinates where a plurality of individual function execution information corresponding to an arbitrary capacitance type touch sensor are defined are repeatedly determined as effective coordinates, and each time the determination is made, the plurality of function execution information are sequentially ordered. This is an effective process for simplifying the procedure when outputting to the electronic device 12 (for example, turning on / off the power of the electronic device).

  Subsequently, a specific example of an input method related to the input device for an electronic apparatus according to the present embodiment will be described. FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the operation of the input device 13 for the electronic device 12 shown in FIG. 1 in more detail.

  As shown in FIG. 4, with respect to a specific key, the finger is in a separated state (floating state) at time TS0. In this case, since the detection information (detection information output) is “none” and time measurement is not performed, the time measurement value is “no measurement”. The previous detection information deletion is “No”, “No” is updated for valid coordinates, and “No” is also updated for function execution information.

  Subsequently, in the contact TS1 immediately after the time TS0, the key is pressed with a finger and is in a contact state. In this case, since the detection information output is “present”, the detection information is “input”, and the time measurement is not performed, the time measurement value is “no measurement”. The previous detection information deletion is “No”, the effective coordinate update is “Yes”, and the function execution information update is “Yes”.

  Subsequently, at time TS2 immediately after contact TS1, the finger is separated (floating), and a detection result equivalent to that at time TS0 is obtained. The time measurement value is “no value” because the time measurement has not ended.

  Subsequently, in the contact TS3 immediately after the time TS2, the key is pressed with a finger and is in a contact state. In this case, the detection information output is “present”, the detection information is “input”, and the time measurement value is “small (short)” (relative to the predetermined period T). The previous detection information deletion is “No”, the effective coordinate update is “No”, and the function execution information update is “No”. Here, “small (short)” of the time measurement value includes the same as the predetermined time T.

  Subsequently, in the contact TS4 immediately after the contact TS3, the key is pressed with a finger and is in a contact (continuous) state. In this case, a detection result equivalent to the time TS3 is obtained.

  At time TS5 and time TS6 immediately after contact (continuous) TS4, the finger is separated (floating), and in this case, a detection result equivalent to the detection result at time TS2 is obtained.

  Subsequently, at time TSN-1, the finger is separated (floating), and in this case, a detection result equivalent to the detection result at time TS6 is obtained.

  Measurement is continued in this way. And in the same figure, about the contact TSN, the said key is pushed with the finger | toe and is in the contact state. In this case, the detection information output is “present”, the detection information is “input”, and the time measurement value is “large (long)” (relative to the predetermined period T). The previous detection information deletion is “Yes”, the effective coordinate update is “Yes”, and the function execution information update is “Yes”.

  Subsequently, in the contact (continuous) TSN + 1 immediately after the contact TSN, the key is pressed with a finger and is in a contact state. In this case, the detection information output is “present”, the detection information is “input”, and the time measurement value is “small (short)” with respect to the predetermined period T). The previous detection information deletion is “No”, “No” is updated for valid coordinates, and “No” is also updated for function execution information. Here, “small (short)” of the time measurement value includes the same as the predetermined time T.

  As can be seen from the above description of the operation, the detection unit 19 is in the input state (1) in contact with the input unit (input operation is performed) or (2) separated from the input unit (input) A detection result for detecting whether or not a non-input state is detected (without operation) is output to the input information detection circuit 18. The input information detection circuit 18 outputs the detection information IN (in an input state) only when the input detection result is a result accompanied by an input operation (in an input state).

  When the detection information IN (in an input state) is input, the control circuit unit 14 starts time measurement. When the next detection information IN + 1 is input, the control circuit unit 14 ends time measurement and starts time measurement again.

  When the detection unit 19 having the same coordinates detects the input operation again (by continuous or discrete repetitive operation or the like) and the detection information IN is input again to the control circuit unit 14, the data processing unit 16 Only when the measured value exceeds the predetermined period T (length) (for example, t3) by comparing the measured value of the completed time measurement with the predetermined period T set in advance and stored in the storage unit 17 Based on the detection information input again, the input operation for the same coordinate is validated (input operation at time TSN). When the measured value is (length) that is equal to or shorter than the predetermined period T (for example, t1, t2, t4), the detection information is not input again. Therefore, the validity of the input operation performed again is not determined and is already valid. The determination that the previous input operation being determined is valid is continued (input operations at times TS3, TS4, and TSN + 1).

  The detection unit 19 detects an input operation for the first time when the input device 13 shifts from a state in which an input operation cannot be detected (for example, AC-OFF state in which no power is supplied) to a state in which it can be detected (for example, a standby state). Only when this is done, the input operation is validated without using the measurement value of the time measurement (input operation at time TS1).

  In order to perform processing only for valid input operations, for example, a situation where an input operation is performed on the same coordinate for a longer time than necessary (so-called long press of TS3-TS4), or a situation where the input operation is not stable (TS1-TS3 Even with so-called chattering factors), a comfortable input operation can be realized without causing a malfunction.

  In addition, when the detection unit 19 having coordinates different from the coordinates for which the input operation is determined to be valid detects the input operation, the input operation may be validated regardless of the time measurement value (not shown).

  As long as there is no detection result or detection information accompanying the input operation, the control circuit unit 14 can pause the operation except for the minimum operation of detection information input monitoring and time measurement. Thus, the power consumption of the input device 13 can be greatly reduced.

  In the present embodiment, the time measurement method is not particularly limited. That is, it may be a real time measurement or a reference clock count for system operation.

  Although the actual time measurement is performed by the countdown method, in the example of FIG. 3, t3 = T and the measurement ends at time T3. However, in order to make the explanation easy to understand, an arrow end point (time measurement end point) at t3 is used. It extends until time T4.

  Since the electronic apparatus input device according to the present embodiment has the above-described configuration, it is possible to reliably eliminate so-called long presses other than the purpose and so-called chattering that occurs when the input operation is not stable. Therefore, there is no possibility of erroneous detection, and the comfort of input operation can be improved. Further, since it becomes possible to determine the effectiveness of the input operation and control the electronic device using only necessary (input state) detection information, an input device for electronic device that can greatly reduce power consumption and can do.

  In the above-described embodiment, the case where the present invention is applied to the input device and the input method for electronic devices has been described. However, the scope of the present invention is not limited to this, and various physical quantities are used. Any apparatus and method that can detect and determine effectiveness can be applied.

  For example, the presence / absence information of a person's body photographed by the image input device is output on / off for each input element (input element) of the coordinates on the image, and the presence / absence of a person or whether the person has moved or not is output. The present invention can also be applied to an apparatus using a human body detection sensor for determination.

  Specifically, for example, when a person is sitting on a toilet seat, a person in a sitting state is detected when detecting ON / OFF of an input element (input element) having coordinates corresponding to the contour of the person. Since some of the movements of the body repeat ON / OFF in a short time as in the chattering at the time of input of the input device described above, they are ignored based on the concept of the present invention.

  For example, when a person stands up, the detected value of the physical quantity corresponding to the contour in a state where the person has been sitting for a predetermined time changes, so that the state of rising based on the changed detected value is validated. As a result, it is possible to detect a state where a person has stood up and automatically clean the toilet, or prepare to turn off the toilet.

  On the other hand, even when a person falls down due to sudden physical condition, it is detected through a change in physical quantity that the input element (input element) of the coordinates of the area where the person does not exist originally exists for a certain period of time. Thus, it is determined that an abnormal state has occurred, and alarm information can be issued. In this case, if a person simply moves his / her foot while sitting on the toilet, the physical quantity of the corresponding coordinate changes momentarily, and if it returns to its original state, chattering at the time of input by the input device described above Therefore, such a normal state can be dealt with without issuing an alarm.

  In addition to the above-described adaptation to the human body detection sensor, the present invention provides, for example, a coordinate input element corresponding to, for example, a boundary region of the measured object, such as the pressure distribution, temperature distribution, or flow rate distribution of the measured object. This can be dealt with by detecting a change in the physical quantity of the (input element).

  Specifically, when the physical quantity of the input element (input element) of the coordinate corresponding to this boundary region changes like the above-described hunting in a short time, it is determined that there is no abnormality as a normal change state, and the physical quantity of If the change continues for a certain time, it may be recognized that the state change of the object to be measured has completely occurred, and this information may be used for detecting an abnormal state.

  As described above, the configuration of the present invention has been described by exemplifying the configuration. However, partial replacement or deletion of components or addition of other components can be included in the scope of the present invention.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 11 Electronic device system 12 Electronic device 13 Input device 14 Control circuit part 15 Input processing part 16 Data processing part 17 Memory | storage part 18 Input information detection circuit 19 Detection part IF Output information

Claims (6)

The first physical quantity corresponding to the non-input state and the second physical quantity corresponding to the input state are input to at least one input element arranged at a predetermined coordinate, and the first and the second physical quantities are input to each input element. A detection device for detecting a physical quantity of 2;
Input detection means for detecting the first physical quantity and the second physical quantity inputted for each of the input elements;
From the timing when the state where the first physical quantity is detected by the input detection means to the state where the second physical quantity is detected by the input detection means, the detection means continues to the first physical quantity. Period measuring means for measuring a period until a timing at which a physical quantity of 2 is detected;
The second physical quantity is not stored when the period measured by the period measuring unit is within a predetermined period set in advance, and the period measured by the period measuring unit exceeds the predetermined period When the second physical quantity is stored, the output information corresponding to the coordinates constituting the input element to which the second physical quantity stored when the second physical quantity is stored is output to the outside. An apparatus for detecting a physical quantity, comprising an arithmetic storage means. The physical quantity detection device is an input device for electronic equipment,
An input processing unit that includes an input unit and an input operation detection unit that detects an input operation on the input unit, and that outputs detection information corresponding to the input operation only when the input operation is involved;
When the detection information is input and the detection information is a first input to an arbitrary coordinate of the input unit, it is determined that the input operation for the coordinate is valid based on the detection information, and the input operation is valid. When the detection information is input again with respect to the determined coordinates, the input operation serving as a basis for the detection information input after a predetermined period of time has elapsed from a timing when the detection information is input A control circuit unit that outputs to the electronic device output information corresponding to the coordinates for which the input operation is determined to be valid,
The physical quantity detection device according to claim 1, wherein the input operation detection unit constitutes the input detection unit, and the control circuit unit constitutes the period measurement unit and an operation storage unit. The control circuit unit is
A storage unit that stores at least information on the predetermined period and the output information;
When the detection information is input and the detection information is a first input to an arbitrary coordinate of the input unit, it is determined that the input operation for the coordinate is valid based on the detection information, and the input operation is valid. When the detection information is input again with respect to the determined coordinates, only the input operation that is the basis of the detection information input after the predetermined period has elapsed from the timing when the detection information was input is valid. The physical quantity detection device according to claim 2, further comprising: a data processing unit that determines that the output information is output to the electronic device. The data processing unit
When the detection information is input, time measurement is started. When the detection information is input again, the time measurement is ended and the next time measurement is started. Comparing the period and determining that the input operation that is the basis of the detection information input again with respect to the coordinates is valid only when the measured value is a value that exceeds the predetermined period. The physical quantity detection device according to claim 2 or 3. The first physical quantity corresponding to the non-input state and the second physical quantity corresponding to the input state are input to at least one or more input elements arranged at predetermined coordinates, and the first and the second physical quantities are input to each input element. A detection method of a detection device for detecting a physical quantity of 2,
A physical quantity detection step of detecting the first physical quantity and the second physical quantity input for each input element;
From the timing when the state where the first physical quantity is detected by the input detection means to the state where the second physical quantity is detected, the second physical quantity is subsequently detected by the input detection means. A period measuring step for measuring a period until the detected timing;
When the period measured by the period measuring step is within a predetermined period set in advance, the second physical quantity is not stored, and the period measured by the period measuring unit exceeds the predetermined period In addition to storing the second physical quantity at the same time, the memory for outputting the output information corresponding to the coordinates constituting the input element to which the second physical quantity stored when the second physical quantity is stored is output to the outside And a physical quantity detection method comprising: steps. The physical quantity detection method is an input method for electronic equipment,
An input processing unit that includes an input unit and a detection unit that detects an input operation on the input unit, and that outputs detection information corresponding to the input operation only when the input operation is involved;
The detection information is input, and the input operation is valid based on the detection information or the detection information and a measurement value of time measurement from when the detection information is input until the detection information is input again. An input method for an electronic device comprising a control circuit unit that outputs the output information corresponding to the coordinates determined to be valid only when the input operation is determined to the electronic device only when determined.
A validity determination step of determining the validity of the input operation corresponding to the detection information input from the input processing unit;
Only when it is determined that the input operation is valid, an effective information output step of outputting the output information corresponding to the coordinates determined to be valid for the input operation to the electronic device,
The effectiveness determination step includes:
An input confirmation step for confirming the input of the detection information; a validity determination step for determining that the input operation for the coordinates is valid based on the detection information; and the input detection for the coordinates for which the input operation is determined to be valid. When the information is input again, the validity determination step of determining that the input operation that is the basis of the detection information input after the predetermined period has elapsed from the timing when the detection information is input is valid The physical quantity detection method according to claim 5, wherein the input confirmation step comprises the physical quantity detection step, and the validity determination step comprises the period measurement step and an operation storage step.

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