JP2013077285A - Touch panel controller, touch panel system, and operation method for touch panel system - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a touch panel system in which power consumption is reduced and detection sensitivity is improved, and further to provide a touch panel controller for controlling the touch panel system, and an operation method for the touch panel system.SOLUTION: A touch panel system 1 includes: a driving unit 22 for driving plural parallel drive lines provided along a detection surface P; a position calculating unit 3 for calculating a position of a pointer on the detection surface P by processing state signals generated on plural parallel sense lines SL provided along the detection surface P and multi-level intersecting with the drive lines DL; and an area setting unit 4 for setting a new effective area by updating an effective area set on the detection surface P on the basis of the pointer position calculated by the position calculating unit 3. The driving unit 22 selectively drives drive lines DL passing through the effective area. The position calculating unit 3 selectively processes the state signals generated on the sense lines SL passing through the effective area.

Description

  The present invention relates to a touch panel system provided on the surface of a display device, a touch panel controller that controls the touch panel system, and an operation method of the touch panel system.

  In recent years, a touch panel system that accepts a user instruction by detecting the position of an indicator on a detection surface (for example, the user's finger or stylus, the same applies hereinafter) is applied to a display surface of a display device such as a mobile phone or a personal computer. More and more are being established. Recently, an attempt has been made to increase the size of the detection surface of the touch panel system in order to provide a touch panel system on a display surface or whiteboard of a larger display device.

  When the detection surface of the touch panel system is enlarged, in order to detect the indicator without omission, it is necessary to provide a large number of elements for detecting the indicator. However, when these elements are operated simultaneously, not only the power consumption increases, but also problems such as a decrease in detection sensitivity due to the occurrence of noise or the like may occur.

  Therefore, in Patent Document 1, for example, in a capacitive touch panel system in which electrodes are arranged along the vertical direction and the horizontal direction of the detection surface, the electrodes are detected one by one and the indicator is detected. There has been proposed an electrode in which the detection period of an electrode close to the set position is longer than that of other electrodes.

  However, in the touch panel system proposed in Patent Document 1, since it is necessary to detect the electrodes one by one in order, it takes a long time to detect the indicator, which may cause a decrease in detection sensitivity.

  Therefore, in Patent Document 2, for example, in a capacitive touch panel system in which a plurality of transmission conductors are arranged along the horizontal direction of the detection surface and a plurality of reception conductors are arranged along the vertical direction of the detection surface, It has been proposed that a signal is selectively and simultaneously applied to transmission conductors for each predetermined number (predetermined interval), and signals generated on reception conductors for each predetermined number (predetermined interval) are selectively acquired. ing. In this touch panel system, all transmissions are performed by switching the transmission conductor for applying signals and the reception conductor for acquiring signals at predetermined intervals while maintaining the predetermined number (predetermined intervals). A signal is applied to the conductor, and signals are acquired from all receiving conductors.

JP 2010-262460 A JP 2011-128982 A

  However, even in the touch panel system proposed in Patent Document 2, it is necessary to select all of the transmission conductor for applying a signal and the reception conductor for acquiring a signal by switching each predetermined time. It takes a long time to detect the indicator, which may cause a decrease in detection sensitivity.

  Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to provide a touch panel system that reduces power consumption and improves detection sensitivity, a touch panel controller that controls the touch panel system, and an operation method of the touch panel system.

In order to achieve the above object, the present invention includes a drive unit that drives a plurality of parallel drive lines provided along a detection surface;
A position calculation unit that calculates the position of the indicator on the detection surface by processing state signals generated along a plurality of parallel sense lines that are provided along the detection surface and intersect the drive line;
An area setting unit that updates the effective area set in the detection surface based on the position of the indicator calculated by the position calculating unit and sets a new effective area;
The drive unit selectively drives the drive line passing through the effective area that is currently set,
The touch panel controller is characterized in that the position calculation unit selectively processes the state signal generated in the sense line passing through the currently set effective area.

  In this case, a state signal indicating the state on the solid intersection of the driven drive line and the sense line and the vicinity thereof (detection region) is generated in the sense line. When a plurality of drive lines are driven, a state signal indicating the proximity state of the indicator to each detection area formed by each drive line and sense line is generated on the sense line.

  In this case, it is possible to prevent the drive line from being driven unnecessarily. For this reason, it is possible to reduce the power consumption for driving the drive line, and it is possible to suppress the generation of noise and improve the detection sensitivity. In addition, by driving the drive line in a limited manner, the calculation accuracy of the position of the indicator in the position calculation unit can be improved.

  In this case, unnecessary processing of the status signal can be prevented. For this reason, it is possible to reduce the power consumption for processing the state signal. Moreover, the calculation accuracy of the position of the indicator can be improved by limitedly processing the state signal generated in the sense line passing through the effective area.

  Note that the proximity state of the indicator indicated by the status signal includes not only the presence or absence of contact of the indicator with the detection surface, but also how close the indicator is to the detection surface (the indicator contacts the detection surface). The distance between the detection surface and the indicator when the indicator is not in contact, the pressure applied by the indicator to the detection surface when the indicator is in contact with the detection surface, and the like.

Furthermore, in the touch panel controller having the above characteristics, the driving unit includes:
A unique drive signal set for each drive line is applied to each of the drive lines passing through the effective area,
Preferably, the drive signal is not applied to each of the drive lines that do not pass through the effective area.

  In this case, the position calculation unit can easily identify a change in the state signal caused by the presence of the indicator on the detection surface.

  Furthermore, in the touch panel controller having the above characteristics, it is preferable that the position calculation unit includes an amplification unit that selectively amplifies the state signal generated in the sense line passing through the effective region.

  In this case, unnecessary amplification of the state signal can be prevented. Therefore, it is possible to reduce the power consumption required for the amplification of the state signal.

  Furthermore, in the touch panel controller having the above characteristics, it is preferable that the position calculation unit includes a signal acquisition unit that selectively acquires the state signal generated in the sense line passing through the effective area and outputs the state signal in a time division manner. .

  In this case, it is possible to prevent an unnecessary state signal from being output after the signal acquisition unit. Therefore, it is possible to reduce the power consumption required for the subsequent processing of the signal acquisition unit.

  Furthermore, in the touch panel controller having the above characteristics, it is preferable that the area setting unit sets a new effective area including the position of the indicator calculated by the position calculation unit.

  In this case, the area setting unit can set a new effective area that is likely to include the position where the indicator is detected next.

  Furthermore, in the touch panel controller having the above characteristics, it is preferable that the area setting unit sets a new effective area having a size corresponding to a moving speed of the indicator.

  In this case, the area setting unit can set a new effective area that is likely to include the position where the indicator is detected next.

  Furthermore, in the touch panel controller having the above characteristics, it is preferable that the region setting unit sets a new effective region that is the entire surface of the detection surface when the position calculation unit does not calculate the position of the indicator.

  In this case, regardless of the position where the indicator appears next on the detection surface, the state detection unit and the position calculation unit can detect the indicator and calculate the position.

Further, in the touch panel controller having the above characteristics, when the first mode is selected, the area setting unit sets the new effective area based on the position of the indicator calculated by the position calculation unit,
When the second mode is selected, it is preferable that the area setting unit continuously sets a new effective area that is the entire surface of the detection surface.

  In this case, for example, according to the installation environment or the usage environment of the touch panel system, any one of the first mode for improving the power saving and the detection sensitivity and the second mode for detecting the indicator without omission from the entire detection surface. It becomes possible to operate the touch panel system.

Furthermore, in the touch panel controller having the above characteristics, when the position calculation unit calculates the positions of the plurality of indicators,
It is preferable that the area setting unit sets a new effective area based on the positions of the plurality of indicators calculated by the position calculation unit.

  In this case, even when the position calculation unit calculates the positions of a plurality of indicators (during multi-touch), the region setting unit can set the effective region.

  Furthermore, in the touch panel controller having the above characteristics, when the area setting unit sets a new effective area based on the positions of the plurality of indicators calculated by the position calculation unit, the position of each indicator It is preferable to set a plurality of new effective areas corresponding to.

  In this case, a gap (a region that is not an effective region) can be provided between the effective regions set by the region setting unit. Therefore, the total area of the effective area set by the area setting unit can be reduced.

  Furthermore, in the touch panel controller having the above characteristics, it is preferable that an upper limit value is set for the number of new effective areas set by the area setting unit.

  In this case, the number of valid areas that can be set by the area setting unit is limited to an upper limit value or less. For this reason, it is possible to suppress the calculation amount of the region setting unit from becoming excessive or the total area of the effective regions set by the region setting unit from becoming too large.

  Furthermore, in the touch panel controller having the above characteristics, it is preferable that the area setting unit sets a new effective area that is the entire surface of the detection surface at every predetermined timing.

  In this case, after the region setting unit starts an operation (spot driving) for sequentially setting the effective region according to the position of the pointer sequentially calculated by the position calculation unit, a new pointer appears on the detection surface. In addition, since an effective area that is the entire detection surface is set at a predetermined timing, the position calculation unit can calculate the position of the indicator.

The present invention also provides a touch panel controller having the above characteristics,
The driveline;
The sense line;
A mounting surface in which the drive line and the sense line are wired to a panel body;
A touch panel system is provided.

Further, the present invention drives a plurality of parallel drive lines provided along the detection surface, and generates a state signal in a plurality of parallel sense lines provided along the detection surface and three-dimensionally intersecting with the drive line. A state detection step to perform,
A position calculating step of calculating the position of the indicator on the detection surface by processing the state signal generated in the sense line;
An effective area setting step of setting a new effective area by updating an effective area set in the detection surface based on the position of the indicator calculated in the position calculating step;
In the state detection step, the drive line passing through the currently set effective area is selectively driven,
An operation method of a touch panel system, wherein in the position calculating step, the state signal generated in the sense line passing through the currently set effective area is selectively processed.
An operation method of a touch panel system characterized by performing at least one of the above.

  According to the touch panel controller, the touch panel system, and the operation method of the touch panel system having the above characteristics, the effective area that is the area where the indicator should be detected is limited within the detection plane based on the calculated position of the indicator. Is set. Therefore, avoiding unnecessary detection can reduce power consumption and improve the detection sensitivity of the indicator.

The block diagram shown about the structural example of the touchscreen system which concerns on embodiment of this invention. The block diagram which shows an example of the effective area | region set in a detection surface in a 1st operation example. The figure which shows an example of the concrete drive method of the drive line by the drive line drive part in a 1st operation example. The block diagram shown about an example of the specific operation | movement of the amplifier in a 1st operation example. The block diagram shown about an example of the specific operation | movement of the selection acquisition part in a 1st operation example. The flowchart shown about an example of the specific operation | movement of the area | region setting part in a 1st operation example. The figure shown about an example of the setting method of the effective area | region in a 1st operation example. The figure shown about another example of the setting method of the effective area | region in a 1st operation example. The block diagram which shows an example of the effective area | region set in a detection surface in a 2nd operation example. The figure which shows an example of the specific drive method of the drive line by the drive line drive part in a 2nd operation example. The block diagram shown about an example of the specific operation | movement of the amplifier in a 2nd operation example. The block diagram shown about an example of the specific operation | movement of the selection acquisition part in a 2nd operation example. The flowchart shown about an example of the specific operation | movement of the area | region setting part in a 2nd operation example. The figure shown about an example of the setting method of the effective area | region in a 2nd operation example. The figure shown about another example of the setting method of the effective area | region in a 2nd operation example. The block diagram which shows another example of the effective area | region set in a detection surface in a 2nd operation example. The block diagram which shows another example of the effective area | region set in a detection surface in a 2nd operation example. The figure which shows another example of the specific drive method of the drive line by the drive line drive part in a 2nd operation example. The block diagram shown about another example of the specific operation | movement of the amplifier in a 2nd operation example. The block diagram shown about another example of the specific operation | movement of the selection acquisition part in a 2nd operation example.

  Hereinafter, as one embodiment of the present invention, a projection type capacitive touch panel system in which a drive line and a sense line are provided along a detection surface will be described as an example.

<< Configuration example of touch panel system >>
First, a configuration example of a touch panel system according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration example of a touch panel system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

  As illustrated in FIG. 1, the touch panel system 1 includes a state detection unit 2 that generates a state signal indicating the proximity state of the indicator with respect to the detection surface P, and a state surface generated by processing the state signal generated by the state detection unit 2. A position calculation unit 3 that calculates the position of the pointer on P and generates pointer position information, and an effective region is set in the detection plane P based on the pointer position information generated by the position calculation unit 3. An area setting unit 4 for generating information. Note that the proximity state of the indicator indicated by the status signal is not only the presence or absence of contact of the indicator with the detection surface P, but also how close the indicator is to the detection surface P (the indicator is close to the detection surface P). The distance between the detection surface P and the indicator when the indicator is not in contact, the pressure applied by the indicator to the detection surface P when the indicator is in contact with the detection surface P, and the like may also be included.

<State detection unit>
In the state detection unit 2, a plurality of parallel drive lines DL provided along the detection surface P and a plurality of parallel sense lines SL provided along the detection surface P are wired to a panel body made of, for example, a transparent resin material. And a drive line drive unit (drive unit) 22 that drives the drive line DL.

  The drive line DL and the sense line SL are three-dimensionally crossed, and a status signal indicating the proximity state of the indicator with respect to the three-dimensional crossing portion of the driven drive line DL and the sense line SL and its vicinity (hereinafter referred to as the detection region X). Is generated in the sense line SL. The state signal has a value corresponding to the capacitance between the drive line DL and the sense line SL. The capacitance when the indicator is present on the detection region X is the same as when the indicator is not present. Smaller than that. Therefore, the state signal varies depending on whether or not the indicator is present on the detection region X.

  When a plurality of drive lines DL are driven, a state signal indicating a state on each detection region X formed by each drive line DL and sense line SL is generated on the sense line SL. In FIG. 1, the case where the drive line DL and the sense line SL are three-dimensionally crossed vertically is illustrated, but the three-dimensional crossing may be performed at an angle other than vertical.

  The drive line driving unit 22 acquires the effective area information and grasps the effective area set by the area setting unit 4. Then, the drive line driving unit 22 drives each drive line DL based on the effective area set by the area setting unit 4. A specific example of the drive line DL driving method by the drive line driving unit 22 will be described later.

<Position calculation unit>
The position calculator 3 amplifies the state signal generated on the sense line SL, acquires the state signal amplified by the amplifier 31 and outputs the state signal in a time division manner, and the signal acquisition unit 32. Of the capacitance distribution in the detection surface P formed by combining the A / D conversion unit 33 that converts the analog signal output from the digital signal into the digital signal and the detection region X based on the digital signal converted by the A / D conversion unit 33 The decoding processing unit 34 for obtaining the amount, and the indicator position for calculating the position of the indicator on the detection surface P based on the change amount of the capacity distribution obtained by the decoding processing unit 34 and generating the indicator position information indicating the position And a calculating unit 35.

  Each of the amplification unit 31 and the signal acquisition unit 32 acquires effective region information and grasps the effective region set by the region setting unit 4. Then, the amplification unit 32 amplifies the state signal generated in the sense line SL based on the effective region set by the region setting unit 4. Further, the signal acquisition unit 32 selects a state signal generated in the sense line SL amplified by the amplification unit 31 based on the effective region set by the region setting unit 4 and outputs it in a time division manner. A specific example of the state signal amplification method and acquisition method by the amplification unit 31 and the signal acquisition unit 32 will be described later.

  The A / D conversion unit 33 converts the analog signal output from the signal acquisition unit 32 into a digital signal having a predetermined number of bits. Note that the number of bits of the digital signal generated by the A / D conversion unit 33 may be any number, but the accuracy of processing in the subsequent decoding processing unit 34 and the indicator position calculation unit 35 (detection accuracy of the indicator) ) Is preferable, for example, 12 bits or more and 16 bits or less.

  Based on the digital signal converted by the A / D conversion unit 33, the decoding processing unit 34 obtains a change amount of the capacitance distribution in the detection plane P. For example, before detecting the indicator, the decoding processing unit 34 acquires a digital signal when the indicator does not exist on the detection surface P, and previously calculates the capacity distribution when the indicator does not exist on the detection surface P. I ask for it. Then, the decoding processing unit 34 acquires a digital signal at the time of detection of the indicator and obtains a capacity distribution. Compared with the capacity distribution in the case where the indicator that has been obtained in advance does not exist, the amount of change in the capacity distribution ( The amount of change in capacitance caused by the indicator is obtained. Note that the decoding processing unit 34 may grasp the state of the drive line DL controlled by the drive line driving unit 22 by acquiring the valid area information.

  The pointer position calculation unit 35 calculates the position of the pointer on the detection surface P based on the change amount of the capacity distribution obtained by the decoding processing unit 34, and generates pointer position information. For example, the indicator position calculation unit 35 determines that the indicator exists in a portion where the amount of change in capacitance is relatively large in the detection surface P, and calculates the position of the indicator on the detection surface P. To do. In addition, the indicator position calculation part 35 may produce | generate the indicator position information which shows that it was not able to be calculated, when the position of an indicator cannot be calculated.

<Area setting section>
The area setting unit 4 sets an effective area in the detection surface P based on the indicator position information and generates effective area position information, parameters necessary for the calculation of the effective area calculation unit 41, and the like Is stored.

  The effective area calculation unit 41 includes, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit), acquires pointer position information, and grasps the position of the pointer on the detection surface P calculated by the position calculation unit 3. The effective area calculation unit 41 sets an effective area in the detection surface P based on the position of the indicator on the detection surface P calculated by the position calculation unit 3, and generates effective area information. The storage unit 42 includes a register 421 that stores parameters and the like necessary for the calculation of the effective area calculation unit 41. A specific example of calculation contents (effective area setting method) in the effective area calculation unit 41 will be described later.

<< First example of operation of touch panel system >>
Next, a first operation example of the touch panel system 1 shown in FIG. 1 will be described with reference to the drawings. First, an example of an effective area set in the detection plane P by the area setting unit 4 will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating an example of an effective area set in the detection plane in the first operation example.

  The effective area A illustrated in FIG. 2 is set in a partial area in the detection surface P. Each of the drive line dx and the sense line sx (thick solid line in the drawing) passes through the effective area A. In other words, at least a part of each detection region X formed by the drive line dx and the sense line sx is included in the effective region A.

<State detection unit>
Here, for the sake of concrete explanation, it is assumed that the effective area A shown in FIG. In this case, the drive line drive unit 22 applies a drive signal whose signal level changes with time to each of the drive lines dx passing through the effective area A. On the other hand, the drive line drive unit 22 does not apply a drive signal to each drive line that does not pass through the effective area A.

  A specific example of the driving method of the drive line DL by the drive line driving unit 22 will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of a specific driving method of the drive line by the drive line driving unit in the first operation example. 3A shows a case where the entire detection surface P is set as an effective region, and FIG. 3B shows a case where the effective region is set in a part of the detection surface (FIG. 3). 2) (when the effective area A shown in FIG. 2 is set).

  As shown in FIG. 3A, when the entire detection surface P is set as an effective region, the drive line drive unit 22 applies drive signals to all the drive lines DL. At this time, the drive line drive unit 22 applies a unique drive signal set for each drive line DL. The drive signal consists of a combination of a high level (“1”) and a low level (“0”), and the signal level changes in the time direction.

  On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 3B, when the effective area A is set in a part of the detection surface P, the drive line driving unit 22 drives the drive signal dx that passes through the effective area A. Is applied. At this time, the drive line drive unit 22 applies the unique drive signal described above to the drive line dx. In addition, the drive line driving unit 22 suppresses the signal level of the drive line from changing with time by grounding each drive line that does not pass through the effective area A, for example.

  Therefore, in the example shown in FIG. 3B, the drive signal applied to the drive line dx passing through the effective area A is the same as the drive signal applied to the drive line dx in the case shown in FIG. Become a thing. Further, in the example shown in FIG. 3B, the signal level of the drive line that does not pass through the effective area A becomes a value “0” that is invariant with respect to the time direction. The signal level of the drive line that does not pass through the effective area A is not limited to “0” as long as it does not change with respect to the time direction, and may be “1” or “1” and “0”. ”(For example, one of two adjacent drive lines is“ 0 ”and the other is“ 1 ”).

  As described above, when the drive line driving unit 22 selectively drives the drive line dx passing through the effective area A, it is possible to prevent the drive line DL from being driven unnecessarily. Therefore, it is possible to reduce the power consumption for driving the drive line DL, and it is possible to suppress the generation of noise and improve the detection sensitivity. In addition, by driving the drive line dx in a limited manner, it is possible to improve the calculation accuracy of the position of the indicator in the position calculation unit 3.

  Further, the drive line driving unit 22 controls the drive line DL as shown in FIG. 3, so that the position calculating unit 3 (particularly, the decoding processing unit 34) has an indicator on the detection surface P. The resulting state signal variations can be easily identified.

<Position calculation unit>
Here, for the sake of concrete explanation, it is assumed that the effective area A shown in FIG. In this case, the amplification unit 31 selectively amplifies the state signal generated on the sense line sx passing through the effective area A. A specific operation example of the amplifying unit 31 will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a specific operation of the amplifying unit in the first operation example.

  As shown in FIG. 4, the amplifying unit 31 includes an amplifier 311 corresponding to each of the sense lines SL, an open / close switch 312 that controls whether or not to supply the state signal generated on the sense line SL to the amplifier 311, Is provided. However, each open / close switch 312 is controlled according to the effective area information.

  Specifically, the open / close switch 312 to which the state signal generated on the sense line sx passing through the effective area A is supplied becomes conductive. As a result, the state signal generated on the sense line sx passing through the effective area A is amplified by the amplifier 311 and output from the amplifying unit 31. On the other hand, the open / close switch 312 to which the state signal generated in the sense line that does not pass through the effective region A is supplied becomes non-conductive. As a result, the state signal generated on the sense line that does not pass through the effective area A is not amplified by the amplifier 311 and is not output from the amplification unit 31.

  As described above, the amplification unit 31 selectively amplifies the state signal generated on the sense line sx passing through the effective region A, so that the power consumption required for amplification of the state signal can be reduced. Note that the structure for selectively amplifying the state signal is not limited to the exemplified amplifier 311 and the open / close switch 312, and may be another structure as long as the same effect can be obtained. . For example, instead of the open / close switch 312 (or in addition), a switch capable of switching between active / inactive of the amplifier 311 may be provided.

  The signal acquisition unit 32 selectively acquires a state signal generated on the sense line sx passing through the effective area A and outputs the state signal in a time division manner. A specific operation example of the signal acquisition unit 32 will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 5 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a specific operation of the selection acquisition unit in the first operation example.

  As shown in FIG. 5, the signal acquisition unit 32 includes a branch switch 321 that selects one of the terminals corresponding to each of the sense lines SL and connects it to the subsequent stage. However, the branch switch 321 is controlled according to the valid area information.

  Specifically, the branch switch 321 can be connected to a terminal corresponding to the sense line sx passing through the effective area A. As a result, the state signal generated on the sense line sx passing through the effective area A and amplified by the amplifying unit 31 is output to the subsequent stage. On the other hand, the branch switch 321 is not connected to a terminal corresponding to a sense line that does not pass through the effective area A. As a result, the status signal generated on the sense line that does not pass through the effective area A is not output to the subsequent stage.

  As described above, the signal acquisition unit 32 selectively acquires the state signal generated in the sense line sx passing through the effective region A and outputs the state signal in a time division manner, so that it is unnecessary in the subsequent stage of the signal acquisition unit 32. It is possible to prevent the status signal from being output. Therefore, it is possible to reduce the power consumption required for the processing of the subsequent stage of the signal acquisition unit 32 (for example, the A / D conversion unit 33, the decoding processing unit 34, and the pointer position calculation unit 35). Note that the structure for selectively acquiring the status signal and outputting it in a time-sharing manner is not limited to the illustrated branch switch 321, but may be another structure as long as the same effect can be obtained. May be.

  Then, the A / D conversion unit 33 converts the analog signal output from the signal acquisition unit 32 into a digital signal, and the decoding processing unit 34 calculates the capacitance distribution in the detection plane P (effective area A) based on the digital signal. The indicator position calculation unit 35 calculates the position of the indicator on the detection surface P (effective area A) by referring to the change amount of the capacitance distribution, and generates indicator position information. .

  As described above, the position calculation unit 3 selectively processes the state signal generated on the sense line sx passing through the effective area A. Therefore, unnecessary processing of the status signal can be prevented. Therefore, it is possible to reduce the power consumption for processing the status signal. Further, by processing the state signal generated on the sense line sx passing through the effective area A in a limited manner, the calculation accuracy of the position of the indicator can be improved.

<Area setting section>
As described above, the state detection unit 2 and the position calculation unit 3 perform an operation based on the effective area A set by the area setting unit 4. On the other hand, the region setting unit 4 updates the effective region A set in the detection surface P based on the position of the indicator on the detection surface P calculated by the position calculation unit 3, and sets a new effective region. To do.

  Hereinafter, a specific series of operation examples of the region setting unit 4 will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a specific operation of the region setting unit in the first operation example. FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating an example of an effective area setting method in the first operation example.

  In the following, for convenience of explanation, as shown in FIG. 7, the position in the alignment direction (vertical direction in the figure, X direction) of the sense line SL is X, and the alignment direction of the drive line DL (horizontal direction in the figure, Y direction). The position in the detection surface P is represented by the coordinates (X, Y), where Y is the position of. Further, the coordinates of the upper left corner of the detection surface P are (0, 0), and the coordinates of the lower right corner are (n, m). However, n and m are natural numbers in which at least one is 2 or more, and n sense lines SL and m drive lines DL are provided in the detection surface P. Further, the coordinates of the upper left corner of the effective area A are (Xs, Ys), and the coordinates of the lower right corner of the effective area A are (Xe, Ye).

  Further, FIG. 7 illustrates a case where the effective area A is set with the length in the X direction as WD_S and the length in the Y direction as WD_D with the position (Xp, Yp) of the indicator as the center. . Details of the method for setting the effective area A will be described later.

  As shown in FIG. 6, the effective area calculation unit 41 sets (Xs, Ys) = (0, 0) and (Xs, Ys) to set an effective area that is the entire surface of the detection surface P at the start of the operation of the touch panel system 1. Effective area information such that (Xe, Ye) = (n, m) is calculated (step # 1). Then, the effective area calculation unit 41 outputs the calculated effective area information (step # 2).

  Next, the effective area calculation unit 41 acquires the pointer position information generated by the position calculation unit 3 (step # 3). At this time, the effective area calculation unit 41 confirms the parameters stored in the register 421 of the storage unit 42, thereby setting a new effective area based on the position of the indicator "spot drive mode" (first Mode), or the “entire detection mode” (second mode) in which the entire detection surface P is continuously set as a new effective area (step # 4).

  The “spot driving mode” and the “entire surface detection mode” can be switched by, for example, a user instruction (operation). Therefore, for example, the user can detect the indicator from the entire surface of the detection surface P without any omission and the “spot driving mode” for improving the power saving and the detection sensitivity according to the installation environment or the usage environment of the touch panel system. The touch panel system 1 can be operated in any of the “detection mode”. The touch panel system 1 may be configured to automatically select and operate these modes according to factors other than the user's instruction.

  In the “entire detection mode” (step # 4, NO), the effective area calculation unit 41 sets (Xs, Ys) = (0, 0) and a new effective area that is the entire detection surface P. Effective area information such that (Xe, Ye) = (n, m) is calculated (step # 5). Then, the effective area calculation unit 41 outputs the calculated effective area information (step # 6).

  And when new indicator position information is output (step # 7, YES), it returns to step # 3 and acquires the indicator position information. On the other hand, when new indicator position information is not output (step # 7, NO), the operation is terminated.

  In the case of the “spot driving mode” (step # 4, YES) and the position of the indicator on the detection surface P is not calculated (step # 8, NO), the effective area calculation unit 41 performs the above-described “entire surface detection”. The same operation as in the “mode” is performed (steps # 5 to # 7). As a result, since the effective area is set on the entire detection surface P, the state detection unit 2 and the position calculation unit 3 set the indication object at any position on the detection surface P. It is possible to detect and calculate the position.

  On the other hand, in the case of the “spot driving mode” (step # 4, YES) and when the position of the indicator on the detection surface P is calculated (step # 8, YES), the effective area calculation unit 41 instructs To set a new effective area including the position of the body, as shown in FIG. 7, Xs = Xp-WD_S / 2, Ys = Yp-WD_D / 2, Xe = Xp + WD_S / 2, Ye = Yp + WD_D / 2. New effective area information is calculated (step # 9). Then, the effective area calculation unit 41 outputs the calculated effective area information (step # 6). Accordingly, the effective area calculation unit 41 can set a new effective area A that is highly likely to include a position where the indicator is detected next.

  And when new indicator position information is output (step # 7, YES), it returns to step # 3 and acquires the indicator position information. On the other hand, when new indicator position information is not output (step # 7, NO), the operation is terminated.

  As described above, in the touch panel system 1 of the present example, the effective area that is the area where the indicator should be detected is limitedly set within the detection plane P based on the calculated position of the indicator. Therefore, avoiding unnecessary detection can reduce power consumption and improve the detection sensitivity of the indicator.

  The operations of the state detection unit 2 and the position calculation unit 3 described above and the operation of the region setting unit 4 (operations in steps # 3 to # 9 in FIG. 6) are repeated at a predetermined frame rate (for example, 120 Hz). Done.

  In addition, the effective area calculation unit 41 sequentially confirms whether the “spot driving mode” or the “entire detection mode” is in operation (step # 4). Good. For example, the effective area calculation unit 41 may perform this check after step # 2, and then perform an operation according to each mode until some instruction is input from the user or the like.

  Note that the size (for example, WD_D and WD_S) of the effective area set by the area setting unit 4 may be a fixed value or a variable value. When the size of the effective area is set to a variable value, when the area setting unit 4 sets a new effective area having a size corresponding to the moving speed of the pointer, the position where the pointer is detected next is the new position. This is preferable because the possibility of being included in a valid effective area can be increased.

  An example of a specific method for setting the effective area in this case will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating another example of the effective area setting method in the first operation example. FIG. 8 illustrates a case where the position of the indicator in the current frame is (Xpa, Ypa) and the position of the indicator in the next frame is (Xpb, Ypb). Further, the moving speed in the X direction of the indicator in the current frame is Vx, the moving speed in the Y direction is Vy, and the frame rate is f.

  Based on the position (Xpa, Ypa) and movement speed (Vx, Vy) of the indicator in the current frame, the region setting unit 4 performs a new operation so that the position (Xpb, Ypb) of the indicator in the next frame is included. Set the effective area. That is, the region setting unit 4 sets a new effective region so that WD_S ≧ 2 × Vx / f and WD_D ≧ 2 × Vy / f. For example, when Vy = 1000 mm / s and f = 120 Hz, WD_D ≧ 16.7 mm.

  Further, the area setting unit 4 obtains the amount of change in the position of the indicator by, for example, storing the sequentially obtained position of the indicator in the storage unit 42, and the movement speed of the indicator in the current frame is determined based on the amount of change. You may ask for it.

  Further, the area setting unit 4 does not necessarily have to set an effective area centered on the position of the indicator. For example, when an indicator is detected near the end side of the detection surface P, the region setting unit 4 may set an effective region in which the position of the indicator is biased toward the end side. The area setting unit 4 may set an effective area based on the moving direction of the indicator. For example, the area setting unit 4 may set an effective area in which the position of the indicator is biased in the direction opposite to the moving direction of the indicator.

<< Second example of operation of touch panel system >>
In the touch panel system 1 shown in FIG. 1, since the state detection unit 2 and the position calculation unit 3 calculate the position of the indicator based on the amount of change in the capacitance distribution in the detection surface P, the touch panel system 1 has a plurality of positions on the detection surface P. Even if the indicator exists, each indicator can be detected separately (multi-touch can be supported). Therefore, hereinafter, an operation example (second operation example) of the touch panel system 1 corresponding to multi-touch will be described.

  In the second operation example, the position calculation unit 3 can calculate the positions of a plurality of indicators, and the region setting unit 4 can set an effective region based on the positions of the plurality of indicators. The typical operation is common to the first operation example described above. Therefore, in the following description of the second operation example, with respect to the parts common to the first operation example, the description of the first operation example is appropriately referred to, and the detailed description thereof is omitted.

  First, an example of an effective area set in the detection plane P by the area setting unit 4 will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 9 is a block diagram illustrating an example of an effective area set in the detection plane in the second operation example. FIG. 9 exemplifies effective areas A1 and A2 that are set when two indicators exist at positions separated from each other on the detection surface P.

  Each of the effective areas A1 and A2 illustrated in FIG. 9 is set as a partial area in the detection plane P. Further, each of the drive line dx1 and the sense line sx1 (thick solid line in the drawing) passes through the effective area A1, and each of the drive line dx2 and the sense line sx2 (thick solid line in the drawing) passes through the effective area A2. In other words, at least a part of the detection region X formed by the drive line dx1 and the sense line sx1 is included in the effective region A1, and each detection region X formed by the drive line dx2 and the sense line sx2 is at least one of the detection regions X. Part is included in the effective area A2.

<State detection unit>
Here, for the sake of concrete explanation, it is assumed that the effective areas A1 and A2 shown in FIG. In this case, the drive line drive unit 22 applies a drive signal to each of the drive line dx1 passing through the effective area A1 and the drive line dx2 passing through the effective area A2. On the other hand, the drive line drive unit 22 does not apply a drive signal to each drive line that does not pass through any of the effective areas A1 and A2.

  A specific example of the drive line DL drive method by the drive line drive unit 22 in the second operation example will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a specific driving method of the drive line by the drive line driving unit in the second operation example.

  As shown in FIG. 10, the drive line driving unit 22 has the unique drive signal described above for each of the drive line dx1 passing through the effective area A1 and the drive line dx2 passing through the effective area A2 (see FIG. 3). ) Is applied. Further, the drive line drive unit 22 suppresses the signal level of the drive line from changing with time by grounding each drive line that does not pass through any of the effective areas A1 and A2.

  Thus, even during multi-touch, the drive line driving unit 22 selectively drives the drive lines dx1 and dx2 passing through the effective areas A1 and A2, thereby preventing the drive line DL from being driven unnecessarily. can do. Therefore, it is possible to reduce the power consumption for driving the drive line DL, and it is possible to suppress the generation of noise and improve the detection sensitivity. Further, by driving the drive lines dx1 and dx2 in a limited manner, the calculation accuracy of the position of the pointer in the position calculation unit 3 can be improved.

<Position calculation unit>
Here, for the sake of concrete explanation, it is assumed that the effective areas A1 and A2 shown in FIG. In this case, the amplifying unit 31 selectively amplifies the state signals generated on the sense line sx1 passing through the effective area A1 and the sense line sx2 passing through the effective area A2. A specific operation example of the amplifying unit 31 will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 11 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a specific operation of the amplifying unit in the second operation example. 11 is the same as the amplification unit 31 (see FIG. 4) described in the first operation example.

  As shown in FIG. 11, the open / close switch 312 to which the state signal generated in each of the sense line sx1 passing through the effective region A1 and the sense line sx2 passing through the effective region A2 is supplied is in a conductive state. As a result, the state signal generated in each of the sense line sx1 passing through the effective region A1 and the sense line sx2 passing through the effective region A2 is amplified by the amplifier 311 and output from the amplification unit 31. On the other hand, the open / close switch 312 to which the state signal generated in the sense line that does not pass through any of the effective regions A1 and A2 is turned off. As a result, the state signal generated in the sense line that does not pass through any of the effective areas A1 and A2 is not amplified by the amplifier 311 and is not output from the amplifier 31.

  As described above, the amplification unit 31 selectively amplifies the state signals generated on the sense lines sx1 and sx2 passing through the effective regions A1 and A2, thereby reducing the power consumption for amplification of the state signals. It becomes possible.

  The signal acquisition unit 32 selectively acquires a state signal generated on the sense line sx1 passing through the effective region A1 and a state signal generated on the sense line sx2 passing through the effective region A2, and time-divisionally. Output. A specific operation example of the signal acquisition unit 32 will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 12 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a specific operation of the selection acquisition unit in the second operation example. The signal acquisition unit 32 shown in FIG. 12 is the same as the signal acquisition unit 32 (see FIG. 5) described in the first operation example.

  As shown in FIG. 12, the branch switch 321 can be connected to terminals corresponding to the sense line sx1 passing through the effective area A1 and the sense line sx2 passing through the effective area A2. As a result, the state signal generated in each of the sense line sx1 passing through the effective region A1 and the sense line sx2 passing through the effective region A2 and amplified by the amplifying unit 31 is output to the subsequent stage. On the other hand, the branch switch 321 is not connected to a terminal corresponding to a sense line through which neither of the effective areas A1 and A2 passes. As a result, the status signal generated in the sense line that does not pass through any of the effective areas A1 and A2 is not output to the subsequent stage.

  As described above, the signal acquisition unit 32 selectively acquires the state signals generated on the sense lines sx1 and sx2 passing through the effective regions A1 and A2 and outputs the state signals in a time division manner. In addition, an unnecessary state signal can be prevented from being output. Therefore, it is possible to reduce the power consumption required for the processing of the subsequent stage of the signal acquisition unit 32 (for example, the A / D conversion unit 33, the decoding processing unit 34, and the pointer position calculation unit 35).

  Then, the A / D conversion unit 33 converts the analog signal output from the signal acquisition unit 32 into a digital signal, and the decoding processing unit 34 is based on the digital signal in the detection plane P (effective area A1, A2). The change amount of the capacity distribution is obtained, and the indicator position calculation unit 35 calculates the position of the indicator on the detection surface P (effective areas A1, A2) by referring to the change amount of the capacitance distribution, thereby indicating the indicator position. Generate information. At this time, the decoding processing unit 34 and the indicator position calculation unit 35 are not only on the effective regions A1 and A2, but on the region where the drive line dx1 and the sense line sx2 pass, and on the region where the drive line dx2 and the sense line sx1 pass And the position of the indicator can be calculated.

  As described above, even during multi-touch, the position calculation unit 3 selectively processes the state signals generated on the sense lines sx1 and sx2 passing through the effective areas A1 and A2, so that unnecessary processing of the state signals is performed. Can be prevented. Therefore, it is possible to reduce the power consumption for processing the status signal. Moreover, the calculation accuracy of the position of the indicator can be improved by limitedly processing the state signals generated on the sense lines sx1 and sx2 passing through the effective areas A1 and A2.

<Area setting section>
Next, a specific series of operation examples in which the area setting unit 4 sets (updates) an effective area will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 13 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a specific operation of the region setting unit in the second operation example. FIG. 14 is a diagram illustrating an example of an effective area setting method in the second operation example. In the following, as in the description of the first operation example (see FIG. 7), the position of the sense line SL in the alignment direction (vertical direction in FIG. 14, X direction) is X, and the alignment direction of the drive line DL (FIG. 14, the position in the detection plane P is represented by the coordinates (X, Y), the coordinates of the upper left corner of the detection plane P are (0, 0), the right Let the coordinates of the lower corner be (n, m). The coordinates of the upper left corner of the effective area Ai are (Xsi, Ysi), and the coordinates of the lower right corner of the effective area Ai are (Xei, Yei).

  i is a number for identifying effective area and effective area information, and takes a value of 1 or more and max or less (max is a natural number of 2 or more). That is, max is an upper limit value of the number of effective areas that can be set by the area setting unit 4 and may be, for example, a number equal to the number of positions of the indicator that can be calculated by the position calculation unit 3. As described above, when the upper limit (max) is set for the number of valid areas that can be set by the area setting unit 4, the calculation amount of the area setting unit 4 becomes excessive, or the total number of effective areas set by the area setting unit 4. Since it becomes possible to suppress that an area becomes large too much, it is preferable.

  FIG. 14 shows that the effective area A1 is set with the length in the X direction as WD_S1 and the length in the Y direction as WD_D1 with the position (Xp1, Yp1) of the indicator as the center, and the effective area A2 is indicated by the indicator. The case where the length in the X direction is set as WD_S2 and the length in the Y direction is set as WD_D2 with the position (Xp2, Yp2) at the center is illustrated. The details of the method for setting the effective areas A1 and A2 will be described later.

  As shown in FIG. 13, the effective area calculation unit 41 sets (Xs1, Ys1) = (0, 0) and (Xs1, Ys1) in order to set an effective area that is the entire surface of the detection surface P at the start of the operation of the touch panel system 1. The effective area information is calculated such that (Xe1, Ye1) = (n, m). At this time, the effective area calculation unit 41 may calculate the remaining effective area information of i = 2 to max as any value, but in this example, as with the effective area information of i = 1, (Xsi, Ysi) = (0,0) and (Xei, Yei) = (n, m) are calculated (step # 11).

  Next, the effective area calculation unit 41 outputs the effective area information of i = 1 to max calculated in step # 11 (step # 12). Each unit of the state detection unit 2 and the position calculation unit 3 drives the drive line DL and processes the state signal based on the effective area A1 corresponding to the effective area information of i = 1. The effective area information of max is ignored.

  Next, the effective area calculation unit 41 acquires the pointer position information generated by the position calculation unit 3 (step # 13). At this time, the effective area calculation unit 41 confirms the parameter stored in the register 421 of the storage unit 42 to determine whether the “spot driving mode” (first mode) or the “entire detection mode” (second mode) Mode) (step # 14).

  In the “entire surface detection mode” (step # 14, NO), the effective area calculation unit 41 sets (Xs1, Ys1) = (0, 0) and (Xs1, Ys1) in order to set a new effective area that is the entire surface of the detection surface P. The effective area information is calculated such that (Xe1, Ye1) = (n, m). At this time, the effective area calculation unit 41 may calculate the remaining effective area information of i = 2 to max as any value, but in this example, as with the effective area information of i = 1, (Xsi, Ysi) = (0,0) and (Xei, Yei) = (n, m) (step # 15).

  Next, the effective area calculation unit 41 outputs the effective area information of i = 1 to max calculated in step # 15 (step # 16). Each unit of the state detection unit 2 and the position calculation unit 3 drives the drive line DL and processes the state signal based on the effective area A1 corresponding to the effective area information of i = 1. The effective area information of max is ignored.

  And when new indicator position information is output (step # 17, YES), it returns to step # 13 and acquires the said indicator position information. On the other hand, when new indicator position information is not output (step # 17, NO), the operation is terminated.

  In the case of the “spot driving mode” (step # 14, YES) and when the position of the indicator on the detection surface P is not calculated (step # 18, NO), the effective area calculation unit 41 performs the above-described “entire surface detection”. The same operation as in the “mode” is performed (steps # 15 to # 17). As a result, since the effective area is set on the entire detection surface P, the state detection unit 2 and the position calculation unit 3 set the indication object at any position on the detection surface P. It is possible to detect and calculate the position.

  On the other hand, in the case of the “spot driving mode” (step # 14, YES) and the position of the indicator on the detection surface P is calculated (step # 18, YES), the effective area calculation unit 41 instructs In order to set a new effective area including the position of the body, as shown in FIG. The new effective area information for i = 1 to num (num = 2 in the example of FIG. 14) is calculated. That is, num is the number of effective areas to be set by the effective area calculation unit 4, and may be a number equal to the number of positions of the pointer calculated by the position calculation unit 3, for example. At this time, the effective area calculation unit 41 may calculate the remaining effective area information of i = num + 1 to max as any value, but in this example, (Xsi, Ysi) = (0, 0) and ( Xei, Yei) = (n, m) is calculated (step # 19).

  Next, the effective area calculation unit 41 outputs the effective area information of i = 1 to max calculated in step # 19 (step # 16). The units of the state detection unit 2 and the position calculation unit 3 drive the drive line DL and process the state signal based on the effective areas A1 to Anum corresponding to the effective area information of i = 1 to num. However, the effective area information of i = num + 1 to max is ignored. Accordingly, the effective area calculation unit 41 can set new effective areas A1 to Anum that are likely to include the position where the indicator is detected next.

  And when new indicator position information is output (step # 17, YES), it returns to step # 13 and acquires the said indicator position information. On the other hand, when new indicator position information is not output (step # 17, NO), the operation is terminated.

  As described above, in the touch panel system 1 of this example, even when the position calculation unit 3 calculates the positions of a plurality of indicators (during multi-touch), the region setting unit 4 can set an effective region. Is possible. In the touch panel system 1 of the present example, the effective area that is the area where the indicator should be detected is limitedly set within the detection plane P based on the calculated position of each indicator. Therefore, avoiding unnecessary detection can reduce power consumption and improve the detection sensitivity of the indicator.

  In the touch panel system 1 of this example, effective areas corresponding to the calculated positions of the respective indicators are set. Therefore, a gap (a region that is not an effective region) can be provided between the effective regions set by the region setting unit 4. Therefore, the total area of the effective area set by the area setting unit 4 can be reduced.

  The operations of the state detection unit 2 and the position calculation unit 3 described above and the operation of the region setting unit 4 (operations in steps # 13 to # 19 in FIG. 13) are repeated at a predetermined frame rate (for example, 120 Hz). Done.

  In addition, the effective area calculation unit 41 sequentially confirms whether the “spot driving mode” or the “entire detection mode” is in operation (step # 14). Good. For example, the effective area calculation unit 41 may perform this check after step # 12, and then perform an operation corresponding to each mode until some instruction is input from the user or the like.

  In addition, when the effective area calculation unit 41 is in the “spot driving mode”, regardless of whether or not the position of the indicator is calculated by the position calculation unit 3, for example, for each predetermined number of frames. ), A new effective area which is the entire detection surface P may be set. Specifically, for example, in FIG. 13, it is determined whether or not it is a predetermined timing before performing step # 18, and if it is the predetermined timing, step # 15 is performed, otherwise step # 18 is performed. Also good.

  In this way, after the region setting unit 4 starts an operation (spot driving) for sequentially setting the effective region according to the position of the indicator sequentially calculated by the position calculating unit 3, a new instruction is given on the detection surface P. Even if the body appears, an effective area that is the entire surface of the detection surface P is set at a predetermined timing, so that the position calculation unit 3 can calculate the position of the indicator.

  Note that the size (for example, WD_Di and WD_Si) of the effective area set by the area setting unit 4 may be the same, but may be different for each effective area (for each i). The size of the effective area set by the area setting unit 4 (for example, WD_Di and WD_Si) may be a fixed value or a variable value. When the size of the effective area is set to a variable value, as described in the first operation example (see FIG. 8), the area setting unit 4 sets a new effective area having a size corresponding to the moving speed of the indicator. Then, since the possibility that the position where the indicator is detected next is included in the new effective area can be increased, it is preferable.

  An example of a specific effective area setting method in this case will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 15 is a diagram illustrating another example of the effective area setting method in the second operation example. In FIG. 15, the position of the first indicator in the current frame is (Xp1a, Yp1a), the position of the second indicator is (Xp2a, Yp2a), and the position of the first indicator in the next frame is (Xp1b). , Yp1b), the case where the position of the second indicator is (Xp2b, Yp2b) is illustrated. Also, the moving speed in the X direction of the first indicator in the current frame is Vx1, the moving speed in the Y direction is Vy1, the moving speed in the X direction of the second indicator in the current frame is Vx2, and the moving speed in the Y direction is It is assumed that Vy2 and the frame rate is f.

  The region setting unit 4 includes the position (Xp1b, Yp1b) of the indicator in the next frame based on the position (Xp1a, Yp1a) and the moving speed (Vx1, Vy1) of the first indicator in the current frame. A new effective area is set. That is, the region setting unit 4 sets a new effective region so that WD_S1 ≧ 2 × Vx1 / f and WD_D1 ≧ 2 × Vy1 / f. Similarly, the region setting unit 4 includes the position (Xp2b, Yp2b) of the indicator in the next frame based on the position (Xp2a, Yp2a) and the moving speed (Vx2, Vy2) of the second indicator in the current frame. A new effective area is set so that That is, the region setting unit 4 sets a new effective region so that WD_S2 ≧ 2 × Vx2 / f and WD_D2 ≧ 2 × Vy2 / f.

  Further, the region setting unit 4 obtains a variation amount of the position of each indicator by, for example, storing the sequentially obtained positions of the indicators in the storage unit 42, and each of the current frames in the current frame based on the variation amount. The moving speed of the indicator may be obtained.

  Further, the area setting unit 4 does not necessarily need to set each effective area centered on the position of each indicator. For example, when a certain indicator is detected near the end side of the detection surface P, the region setting unit 4 may set an effective region in which the position of the certain indicator is biased on the end side. The area setting unit 4 may set an effective area based on the moving direction of the indicator. For example, the area setting unit 4 may set an effective area in which the position of a certain indicator is biased in a direction opposite to the moving direction of the certain indicator.

  In the description of the second operation example thus far, the case where two indicators are present on the detection surface P apart from each other has been exemplified. However, the touch panel system 1 illustrated in FIG. Even if there are three or more indicators, the same operation can be performed. This will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 16 is a block diagram illustrating another example of the effective area set in the detection plane in the second operation example. Note that FIG. 16 illustrates a case where three indicators are present on the detection surface P apart from each other.

  As shown in FIG. 16, even if there are three indicators on the detection surface P, the area setting unit 4 can set effective areas A1 to A3 corresponding to the positions of the respective indicators (FIG. 16). 13). At this time, the drive line driving unit 22 may selectively drive the drive line dx1 passing through the effective area A1, the drive line dx2 passing through the effective area A2, and the drive line dx3 passing through the effective area A3. Further, at this time, the position calculation unit 3 selectively selects state signals generated on the sense line sx1 passing through the effective region A1, the sense line sx2 passing through the effective region A2, and the sense line sx3 passing through the effective region A3. What is necessary is just to process. The drive lines dx1 to dx3 and the sense lines sx1 to sx3 are indicated by thick solid lines in the drawing.

  As described above, even if the number of indicators on the detection surface P varies, the drive line to be driven and the sense line to process the state signal in accordance with the variation of the effective area set by the area setting unit 4. Only fluctuate. Therefore, the touch panel system 1 shown in FIG. 1 can cope with multi-touch in which three or more indicators exist on the detection surface P in the same manner as when two indicators exist (see FIGS. 9 to 15). can do.

  By the way, in the description of the second operation example so far, the case where the indicator exists on the detection surface P is illustrated as being separated, but the indicator may be present close to the detection surface P. . An example of the operation of the touch panel system 1 shown in FIG. 1 in this case will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 17 is a block diagram illustrating another example of the effective area set in the detection plane in the second operation example. FIG. 17 illustrates a case where two indicators are close to each other on the detection surface P.

  As shown in FIG. 17, when the indicator is present on the detection surface P, the area setting unit 4 can set effective areas A1 and A2 in which some areas overlap. At this time, the drive line drive unit 22 selectively selects a drive line dx11 that passes only through the effective area A1, a drive line dx22 that passes through only the effective area A2, and a drive line dx12 that passes through both the effective areas A1 and A2. To drive. At this time, the position calculation unit 3 is generated in each of the sense line sx11 that passes only through the effective region A1, the sense line sx22 that passes through only the effective region A2, and the sense line sx12 that passes through both the effective regions A1 and A2. Selectively process status signals. The drive lines dx11, dx22, dx12 and the sense lines sx11, sx22, sx22 are indicated by thick solid lines in the drawing.

  A specific example of a method for driving the drive line DL by the drive line driving unit 22 in this case will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 18 is a diagram illustrating another example of a specific driving method of the drive line by the drive line driving unit in the second operation example. FIG. 18 assumes a case where the effective areas A1 and A2 shown in FIG. 17 are set.

  As shown in FIG. 18, the drive line drive unit 22 includes a drive line dx11 that passes only through the effective area A1, a drive line dx22 that passes through only the effective area A2, a drive line dx12 that passes through both the effective areas A1 and A2, The above-described unique drive signal (see FIG. 3) is applied to each of the above. Further, the drive line drive unit 22 suppresses the signal level of the drive line from changing with time by grounding each drive line that does not pass through any of the effective areas A1 and A2.

  A specific operation example of the amplifying unit 31 in this case will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 19 is a block diagram showing another example of the specific operation of the amplifying unit in the second operation example. Note that the amplifying unit 31 illustrated in FIG. 19 is the same as the amplifying unit 31 illustrated in FIG. 11. FIG. 19 assumes a case where the effective areas A1 and A2 shown in FIG. 17 are set.

  As shown in FIG. 19, a state generated in each of the sense line sx11 that passes only through the effective region A1, the sense line sx22 that passes through only the effective region A2, and the sense line sx12 that passes through both the effective regions A1 and A2. The open / close switch 312 to which the signal is supplied becomes conductive. As a result, the state signal generated in each of the sense line sx11 that passes only through the effective region A1, the sense line sx22 that passes through only the effective region A2, and the sense line sx12 that passes through both the effective regions A1 and A2 is amplified. Amplified at 311 and output from the amplifying unit 31. On the other hand, the open / close switch 312 to which the state signal generated in the sense line that does not pass through any of the effective regions A1 and A2 is turned off. As a result, the state signal generated on the sense line that does not pass through the effective area A is not amplified by the amplifier 311 and is not output from the amplification unit 31.

  A specific operation example of the signal acquisition unit 32 in this case will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 20 is a block diagram illustrating another example of the specific operation of the selection acquisition unit in the second operation example. Note that the signal acquisition unit 32 illustrated in FIG. 20 is the same as the signal acquisition unit 32 illustrated in FIG. FIG. 20 assumes a case where the effective areas A1 and A2 shown in FIG. 17 are set.

  As shown in FIG. 20, the branch switch 321 includes a sense line sx11 that passes only through the effective region A1, a sense line sx22 that passes through only the effective region A2, and a sense line sx12 that passes through both the effective regions A1 and A2. It can be connected to a terminal corresponding to. As a result, the sense line sx11 that passes only through the effective region A1, the sense line sx22 that passes through only the effective region A2, and the sense line sx12 that passes through both the effective regions A1 and A2 are generated and amplified by the amplification unit 31. The status signal thus output is output to the subsequent stage. On the other hand, the branch switch 321 is not connected to a terminal corresponding to a sense line through which neither of the effective areas A1 and A2 passes. As a result, the status signal generated in the sense line that does not pass through any of the effective areas A1 and A2 is not output to the subsequent stage.

  As described above, even if a plurality of indicators existing on the detection surface P come close to each other, the drive line to be driven and the sense line to process the state signal according to the variation of the effective area set by the area setting unit 4 It is only fluctuating. Therefore, the touch panel system 1 shown in FIG. 1 is different from the multi-touch in the case where a plurality of indicators existing on the detection surface P come close to each other when the indicators are separated (see FIGS. 9 to 15). The same can be handled.

  As described above, in a situation where a plurality of indicators existing on the detection surface P are close to each other, the region setting unit 4 substantially sets an effective region including the position of each indicator. Become. The area setting unit 4 calculates effective area information so as to set an effective area including the position of each indicator when a plurality of indicators existing on the detection surface P are close to each other. May be performed.

  Regardless of the presence or absence of a plurality of indicators present on the detection surface P, the region setting unit 4 sets an effective region based on the positions of the plurality of indicators calculated by the position calculation unit 3. Also good. Specifically, for example, the region setting unit 4 may set an effective region that includes the position of each indicator calculated by the position calculation unit 3.

<< Deformation, etc. >>
[1] The configuration in which both the amplification unit 31 and the signal acquisition unit 32 selectively process the state signal based on the effective region information has been illustrated, but even if either one performs the selective processing, Good. Even when any one of these processes is performed, it is possible to reduce power consumption.

[2] When the state detection unit 2 selectively generates a state signal (first operation) and the position calculation unit 3 selectively processes the state signal (second operation). However, either one of the operations may be performed. Even when any one of these operations is performed, power consumption can be reduced and detection sensitivity can be improved.

[3] As an embodiment of the present invention, a projection type capacitive touch panel system has been illustrated. However, the present invention is not limited to a projection type capacitive type, a surface type capacitive type, Any type of touch panel system that can selectively generate or process status signals, such as an optical type, can be applied.

  The touch panel system and the operation method thereof according to the present invention can be suitably used for a large touch panel system, for example.

1: Touch panel system 2: State detection unit 21: Mounting surface 22: Drive line drive unit 3: Position calculation unit 31: Amplification unit 311: Amplifier 312: Open / close switch 32: Signal acquisition unit 321: Branch switch 33: A / D conversion Unit 34: Decoding processing unit 35: Pointer position calculation unit 4: Area setting unit 41: Effective area calculation unit 42: Storage unit 421: Register DL, dx, dx1 to dx3: Drive line SL, sx, sx1 to sx3: Sense Line P: Detection surface X: Detection area A, A1 to A3: Effective area

Claims (13)

A drive unit for driving a plurality of parallel drive lines provided along the detection surface;
A position calculation unit that calculates the position of the indicator on the detection surface by processing state signals generated along a plurality of parallel sense lines that are provided along the detection surface and intersect the drive line;
An area setting unit that updates the effective area set in the detection surface based on the position of the indicator calculated by the position calculating unit and sets a new effective area;
The drive unit selectively drives the drive line passing through the effective area that is currently set,
The touch panel controller, wherein the position calculation unit selectively processes the state signal generated in the sense line passing through the currently set effective area. The drive unit is
A unique drive signal set for each drive line is applied to each of the drive lines passing through the effective area,
The touch panel controller according to claim 1, wherein the drive signal is not applied to each of the drive lines that do not pass through the effective area.   The touch panel controller according to claim 1, wherein the position calculation unit includes an amplification unit that selectively amplifies the state signal generated in the sense line passing through the effective area.   The said position calculation part is provided with the signal acquisition part which selectively outputs the said state signal produced | generated by the said sense line which passes through the said effective area | region, and outputs it by a time division. The touch panel controller according to any one of the above.   The touch panel controller according to claim 1, wherein the area setting unit sets a new effective area including the position of the indicator calculated by the position calculation unit.   The region setting unit sets a new effective region that is the entire surface of the detection surface when the position calculation unit does not calculate the position of the indicator. The touch panel controller according to item. When the first mode is selected, the area setting unit sets a new effective area based on the position of the indicator calculated by the position calculation unit,
The area setting unit continuously sets the new effective area that is the entire surface of the detection surface when the second mode is selected. The touch panel controller described. When the position calculation unit calculates the positions of a plurality of the indicators,
The said area | region setting part sets the said new effective area | region based on the position of the said some indicator which the said position calculation part calculates, The any one of Claims 1-7 characterized by the above-mentioned. Touch panel controller.   When the area setting unit sets a new effective area based on the positions of the plurality of indicators calculated by the position calculation unit, a plurality of new effective elements corresponding to the positions of the respective indicators. The touch panel controller according to claim 8, wherein each region is set.   The touch panel controller according to claim 8 or 9, wherein an upper limit value is set for the number of new effective areas set by the area setting unit.   The touch panel controller according to any one of claims 8 to 10, wherein the area setting unit sets a new effective area that is the entire surface of the detection surface at every predetermined timing. The touch panel controller according to any one of claims 1 to 11,
The driveline;
The sense line;
A mounting surface in which the drive line and the sense line are wired to a panel body;
A touch panel system comprising: A state detection step of driving a plurality of parallel drive lines provided along the detection surface and generating a state signal in a plurality of parallel sense lines provided along the detection surface and three-dimensionally intersecting the drive line;
A position calculating step of calculating the position of the indicator on the detection surface by processing the state signal generated in the sense line;
An effective area setting step of setting a new effective area by updating an effective area set in the detection surface based on the position of the indicator calculated in the position calculating step;
In the state detection step, the drive line passing through the currently set effective area is selectively driven,
An operation method of a touch panel system, wherein in the position calculating step, the state signal generated in the sense line passing through the currently set effective area is selectively processed.

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