JP2014209291A - Touch sensor device and portable terminal - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To prevent erroneous operation due to a hand input not intended by a user.SOLUTION: A touch sensor device comprises: a touch panel; an input detection unit that distinctively detects a pen input to the touch panel with a pen and a hand input thereto with a hand; an input mode switching unit that switches an input mode from a normal input mode to a pen input mode in response to detection of the pen input; and an effectiveness determination unit that, in the pen input mode, enables the pen input and disables the hand input.

Description

  The present invention relates to a touch sensor device capable of detecting pen input and manual input.

  A conventional capacitive touch panel device that can be input with a finger or a pen detects coordinates where the capacitance changes due to the contact of the finger or pen as a contact position. For this reason, for example, when inputting characters on a touch panel using a touch pen, a part of a hand holding the touch pen may come into contact with the touch panel, so-called “hand touch” may occur. In the case of "hand touch", there is a known problem that the touch panel device malfunctions because the touch position of the handle due to "hand touch" is erroneously detected in addition to the touch position of the touch pen that should be detected. Yes.

  Therefore, for example, Patent Document 1 discloses a technique for preventing a malfunction due to “hand touch”. In the touch panel device of Patent Document 1, when an object touches the touch panel surface, the touch area detecting unit that detects the touch area and the touch area detecting unit detect two touch areas, and compare the areas of both touch areas. And determining means for validating a small area touch area and invalidating a large area touch area.

Japanese Patent Laying-Open No. 2006-39686 (released on February 9, 2006)

  In Patent Document 1, it is assumed that contact with a pen and contact with “hand touch” occur almost simultaneously. However, there are cases where two events of “hand touch” contact and pen contact occur with a time difference. For example, in the case where a touch event due to “hand touch” occurs after a touch event due to a pen, the technique of Patent Document 1 has a problem of erroneously detecting a touch due to “hand touch”.

  According to the touch sensor device of one embodiment of the present invention, it is possible to appropriately accept input even when two events of pen input and manual input occur with a time difference.

  Here, the recognition of contact by the touch panel is expressed as “event”. Further, the “hand touch” refers to a contact that is generated when a finger or a part of the hand touches and is not intended by the user (input person).

  A touch sensor device according to an aspect of the present invention includes a touch panel having a plurality of capacitances, and pen input by a pen to the touch panel and manual input by hands based on a distribution of the plurality of capacitance values. An input detection unit that detects and distinguishes, an input mode switching unit that switches the input mode from the normal input mode to the pen input mode according to the detection of the pen input, and the pen input mode, the pen input is enabled, A validity determination unit that invalidates manual input.

  According to one embodiment of the present invention, even when a user makes a part of a hand touch a touch panel and performs input with a pen, malfunction due to contact with the hand can be prevented. Therefore, the touch sensor device can appropriately accept pen input intended by the user. Also, the user does not need to switch the input mode, and can input without being aware of the input mode.

It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the touch sensor apparatus which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows a mode that a user inputs with a pen with a touch panel. It is a flowchart which shows the operation | movement of the normal input mode of the said touch sensor apparatus. It is a flowchart which shows operation | movement of the pen input mode of the said touch sensor apparatus. It is a flowchart which shows the process which detects pen input and manual input in the said touch sensor. It is a figure which shows the relationship between the coordinate (j, i) and the parameter which prescribes | regulates a 1st range and a 2nd range in the process of FIG.

Embodiment 1
Hereinafter, a touch sensor device according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail.

(Configuration of touch sensor device 1)
FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of the touch sensor device 1 according to the first embodiment. The touch sensor device 1 includes a touch panel 2 and a capacitance value distribution detection circuit 3. The touch panel 2 includes drive lines HL1 to HLn arranged parallel to each other along the horizontal direction, sense lines VL1 to VLm arranged parallel to each other along the vertical direction, and a plurality of electrostatic elements arranged in a matrix. With capacity. The plurality of capacitances are formed at the intersections of the drive lines HL1 to HLn and the sense lines VL1 to VLm, respectively.

  The capacitance value distribution detection circuit 3 includes a timing generator 4, a driver 5, a sense amplifier 6, an AD converter 7, a capacitance distribution calculation unit 8, an input detection unit 9, an input mode switching unit 10, and a validity determination unit 11. ing.

  The timing generator 4 generates a signal that defines the operation of the driver 5, a signal that defines the operation of the sense amplifier 6, and a signal that defines the operation of the AD converter 7, and the driver 5, the sense amplifier 6, And supplied to the AD converter 7.

  The driver 5 drives each capacitance by applying a voltage to the drive lines HL1 to HLn based on the code sequence. The sense amplifier 6 reads the linear sum of the voltages corresponding to the respective capacitances driven by the driver 5 through the sense lines VL <b> 1 to VLm and supplies it to the AD converter 7. The AD converter 7 performs AD conversion on the linear sum of the voltages corresponding to the respective capacitances read through the sense lines VL <b> 1 to VLm and supplies the result to the capacitance distribution calculation unit 8.

  The capacitance distribution calculation unit 8 determines the capacitance value (a signal indicating the capacitance value) on the touch panel 2 based on the linear sum of the voltages corresponding to each capacitance supplied from the AD converter 7 and the code series. (Capacitance distribution) showing the distribution of intensity). The capacitance distribution calculation unit 8 supplies the obtained capacitance distribution to the input detection unit 9.

  The input detection unit 9 distinguishes and detects pen input by a pen on the touch panel 2 and manual input by a hand including a finger from the capacitance distribution. The pen input refers to an input made when a pointed indicator such as a stylus pen touches the touch panel 2. Manual input refers to input made by touching the touch panel 2 with a finger or hand not as sharp as a pen. The input detection unit 9 supplies the detection result to the input mode switching unit 10.

  The input mode switching unit 10 switches the input mode between the normal input mode and the pen input mode according to the detection result. The input mode switching unit 10 instructs the validity determination unit 11 on the set input mode. Further, the input mode switching unit 10 supplies the detection result of the input detection unit 9 to the validity determination unit 11.

  The validity determination unit 11 determines whether the detected input to the touch panel 2 is valid or invalid based on the instructed input mode. The validity determination unit 11 outputs the coordinate value of the input (touch input) determined to be valid to the host device 13 connected to the outside of the touch sensor device 1.

  Based on the coordinate value of the touch input received from the touch sensor device 1, the host device 13 executes processing corresponding to the application software that the host device 13 has.

  FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a state in which a user inputs to the touch panel 2 with a pen. FIG. 2 schematically shows the writing of characters with the pen 14 while holding the hand 15 on the touch panel 2 having n drive lines and m sense lines. When inputting in this way, a part of the hand 15 may come into contact with the touch panel 2 at a position away from the position where the pen 14 is in contact.

  In the present embodiment, when the input to the touch panel 2 satisfies a predetermined condition, the touch sensor device 1 shifts to a pen input mode in which manual input is regarded as invalid input. This prevents erroneous detection of contact with the hand 15 when performing pen input.

(Normal input mode operation)
FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing the operation in the normal input mode of the touch sensor device 1 according to the present embodiment. The touch sensor device 1 drives the driver 5 and the sense amplifier 6 at predetermined intervals to obtain a capacitance distribution. The input detection unit 9 detects pen input or manual input from the capacitance distribution, and recognizes the detected input as an event. Further, the input detection unit 9 specifies the coordinates of the detected input (contact position of the indicator).

  If no event is detected (No in step S1), the driver 5 and the sense amplifier 6 are driven again after a predetermined period (return to S1).

  On the other hand, when an event is detected (Yes in S1), the input mode switching unit 10 determines whether or not the event E1 is a pen input.

  When the detected event E1 is a pen input (Yes in S2), the input mode switching unit 10 switches the input mode to the pen input mode (S3). Then, the validity determination unit 11 determines that the detected event (pen input) E1 is valid (S4). The validity determination unit 11 outputs the coordinates of the detected event to the host device 13. Thereafter, the touch sensor device 1 operates in the pen input mode.

  On the other hand, when the detected event E1 is not a pen input (for example, a manual input) (No in S2), the validity determination unit 11 stores the coordinates of the detected event (manual input) E1 ( S5). Thereafter, the validity determination unit 11 determines whether or not another event E2 is detected within a predetermined first period after detecting the manually input event E1 (S6).

  When no other event E2 is detected within the first period (No in S6), the validity determination unit 11 determines that the manually input event E1 detected before the first period is valid (S7). . The validity determination unit 11 outputs the coordinates of the detected event E1 to the host device 13 (returns to S1).

  On the other hand, when another event E2 is detected within the first period (Yes in S6), the validity determination unit 11 determines whether the other event E2 detected within the first period is a pen input. (S8).

  When the other event E2 detected within the first period is not a pen input (that is, a manual input) (No in S8), the validity determination unit 11 detects the manual input event E1 detected before the first period. Is determined to be valid (S7). For example, if a plurality of other events are detected within the first period after the manually input event E1, and if all other events within the first period are not pen input, the validity determination unit 11 It is determined that the manually input event E1 detected before one period is valid. In addition, when a plurality of manual input events are detected at different times, an event (manual input) in which no other pen input is detected within the first period after the detection of each event is considered valid. .

  On the other hand, when the other event E2 detected within the first period is a pen input (Yes in S8), the validity determination unit 11 determines that the manually input event E1 detected before the first period is invalid. Determine (S9). In addition, the validity determination unit 11 deletes the stored coordinates of the manually input event E1. Then, the input mode switching unit 10 switches the input mode to the pen input mode (S3). In addition, the validity determination unit 11 determines that another event (pen input) E2 detected within the first period is valid (S4).

  As described above, when the touch sensor device 1 detects the pen input, the touch sensor device 1 shifts to the pen input mode.

(Pen input mode operation)
FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing an operation in the pen input mode of the touch sensor device 1 according to the present embodiment. Even in the pen input mode, the touch sensor device 1 drives the driver 5 and the sense amplifier 6 at predetermined intervals, and specifies the coordinates of the input detected from the obtained capacitance distribution.

  When no other event E4 (pen input or manual input) is detected during the predetermined second period after event E3 (pen input or manual input) is detected last (No in S21), the input mode is switched. The unit 10 switches the input mode to the normal input mode (S22).

  When the other (next) event E4 is detected within the second period since the event E3 was detected last (Yes in S21), the validity determination unit 11 determines that the other event detected within the second period It is determined whether E4 is a pen input (S23).

  When the other event E4 detected within the second period is a pen input (Yes in S23), the validity determination unit 11 validates the other event (pen input) E4 detected within the second period. (S24). The process returns to S21.

  On the other hand, when the other event E4 detected in the second period is not pen input (that is, manual input) (No in S23), the validity determination unit 11 determines that the other event detected in the second period (Manual input) E4 is invalidated (S25). The process returns to S21.

  The first period can be set to about 0.5 to 1 second, for example, and the second period can be set to about 0.5 to 2 seconds, for example. However, the first period and the second period are not limited to this and can be arbitrarily set.

(Effect of touch sensor device 1)
When a user performs input on a touch panel, pen input and manual input are often used according to the input purpose. For example, a pen is mainly used when writing a character or a picture, and a finger (hand) is mainly used when selecting an item, changing a window size, or scrolling a screen.

  In this embodiment, in the normal input mode, both manual input and pen input are valid. However, in the normal input mode, if the pen input is made within the first period after the manual input, the manual input becomes invalid. When a pen input is detected in the normal input mode, the touch sensor device 1 shifts to a pen input mode in which only the pen input is valid. Once the pen input mode is entered, the pen input mode is maintained as long as the input is continued without leaving a predetermined period (second period). In the pen input mode, pen input is enabled and manual input is disabled.

  Therefore, even if a user puts a part of his hand on the touch panel 2 when performing pen input, only pen input is considered effective. Therefore, the touch sensor device 1 does not erroneously detect manual input when the user performs pen input, and can prevent malfunction caused by the hand touching the touch panel 2 during pen input. . Also in the normal input mode, manual input that was within the first period before pen input is invalidated. Therefore, the touch sensor device 1 can prevent malfunction caused by contact with a hand immediately before pen input even when the user starts pen input after touching the touch panel 2.

  The touch sensor device 1 can appropriately accept both pen input and manual input by automatically determining a user input means (pen or hand) and switching the input mode according to the input means. . Therefore, in the touch sensor device 1, the user does not need to intentionally switch the input mode. Therefore, since the user can perform pen input and manual input without being aware of the input mode, the touch sensor device 1 can enhance the convenience for the user.

  The touch sensor device 1 can be provided as an instruction input unit in a mobile terminal such as a mobile phone, a smartphone, a tablet terminal, or a mobile game machine. The portable terminal also includes a host device 13.

(Pen input and manual input detection flow)
FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating processing in which the input detection unit 9 detects pen input and manual input. The input detection unit 9 detects pen input and manual input separately from the capacitance distribution. The capacitance value of the capacitance (intensity of the capacitance value signal) at j columns and i rows (coordinates (j, i)) on the touch panel 2 is C [j] [i].

First, the significance of the parameters used in the description of the flowchart shown in FIG. 5 is as shown below.
m: number of sense lines,
n: number of drive lines,
PEN_THRESH: an intensity threshold for determining whether or not there is an input (touch),
PEN_THRESH2: intensity threshold for determining whether or not the input is performed with a finger
FOOT_THRESH: a peripheral threshold value for determining the magnitude of the value of the capacitance value signal around the peak of the capacitance distribution;
AREA_THRESH: a region threshold value for determining the number of peripheral regions (capacitance thereof) where the value of the capacitance value signal exceeds the peripheral threshold value FOOT_THRESH around the peak of the capacitance distribution;
And

  Flag [j] [i] is a variable (array) indicating an input (pen input “1”, manual input “2”, or no touch “0”) at coordinates (j, i), and count is , A counter for counting the number of peripheral areas (capacitance thereof) in which the capacitance value C [q] [p] of the coordinates (q, p) exceeds the peripheral threshold FOOT_THRESH.

  The input detection unit 9 repeats the process of the loop L1 for all coordinates (0 ≦ j ≦ m, 0 ≦ i ≦ n). The loop L1 includes the processes of steps S31 to S40.

  In the loop L1, the input detection unit 9 first determines whether or not the capacitance value C [j] [i] is larger than the intensity threshold value PEN_THRESH (S31).

  When the capacitance value C [j] [i] is equal to or less than the intensity threshold value PEN_THRESH (No in S31), the input detection unit 9 determines that there is no touch on the coordinates (j, i), and Flag [j] [i ] Is set to 0 (S32).

  On the other hand, when the capacitance value C [j] [i] is greater than the intensity threshold value PEN_THRESH (Yes in S31), the input detection unit 9 next determines whether the capacitance value C [j] [i] is greater than the intensity threshold value PEN_THRESH2. Is determined (S33).

  When the capacitance value C [j] [i] is larger than the intensity threshold value PEN_THRESH2 (Yes in S33), the input detection unit 9 determines that the hand (finger) is touching the coordinate (j, i) instead of the pen. Then, the value of Flag [j] [i] is set to 2 (S34).

  On the other hand, when the capacitance value C [j] [i] is larger than the intensity threshold value PEN_THRESH and equal to or less than the intensity threshold value PEN_THRESH2 (No in S33), the input detection unit 9 uses a pen or hand at coordinates (j, i) ( It is determined that (finger) is touching. The input detection unit 9 initializes the value of the counter count to 0 (S35). Then, the input detection unit 9 repeatedly performs the process of the loop L2 for the coordinates (q, p) of a predetermined range (first range) in order to specify whether the input is a pen input or a manual input. The loop L2 includes the processes of S36 to S38.

Here, the coordinates (q, p) of the first range are
j−dm1 ≦ q ≦ j + dp1,
i−sm1 ≦ p ≦ i + sp1
Coordinates that satisfy

In the loop L2, first, the coordinates (q, p) are
j−dm2 ≦ q ≦ j + dp2,
i−sm2 ≦ p ≦ i + sp2
It is determined whether or not the coordinates of the second range satisfy the condition (S36). Here, the second range is included in the first range. That is, dm1>dm2> 0, dp1>dp2> 0, sm1>sm2> 0, and sp1>sp2> 0.

  When the coordinates (q, p) are within the second range (Yes in S36), the processes in S37 and S38 in the loop L2 are skipped.

  On the other hand, when the coordinates (q, p) are outside the second range (No in S36), the input detection unit 9 determines whether or not the capacitance value C [q] [p] is larger than the peripheral threshold value FOOT_THRESH ( S37).

  When the capacitance value C [q] [p] is larger than the peripheral threshold value FOOT_THRESH (Yes in S37), the input detection unit 9 increases the value of the counter count by 1 (S38).

  On the other hand, when the capacitance value C [q] [p] is equal to or smaller than the peripheral threshold FOOT_THRESH (No in S37), the process of S38 in the loop L2 is skipped.

  That is, the area outside the second range in the first range indicates the peripheral area of the coordinates (j, i). The counter count indicates the number of coordinates in the peripheral area where the capacitance value C exceeds the peripheral threshold value FOOT_THRESH.

  When the processing of the loop L2 ends, the input detection unit 9 determines whether or not the value of the counter count is larger than the area threshold value AREA_THRESH (S39).

  When the value of the counter count is larger than the area threshold value AREA_THRESH (Yes in S39), it is considered that the contact area by the indicator is large. Therefore, the input detection unit 9 determines that the coordinate (j, i) is touched by a hand (finger) instead of a pen, and sets the value of Flag [j] [i] to 2 (S34).

  On the other hand, when the value of the counter count is equal to or smaller than the area threshold value AREA_THRESH (No in S39), it is considered that the contact area by the indicator is small. Therefore, the input detection unit 9 determines that the pen is touching the coordinates (j, i), and sets the value of Flag [j] [i] to 1 (S40).

  The input detection unit 9 performs the process of the loop L1 for each coordinate of the capacitance distribution of m columns and n rows. In this way, the input detection unit 9 distinguishes and detects pen input or manual input. The input mode switching unit 10 and the validity determining unit 11 recognize whether the input of each coordinate is a pen input, a manual input, or no input by referring to the value of Flag [j] [i]. It is possible.

(Relationship between detection region R1, peripheral region R2, and intermediate region R3)
FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating a relationship between coordinates (j, i) and parameters defining the first range and the second range in order to facilitate understanding of the algorithm illustrated in FIG. The detection region R1 is the coordinates (j, i), the intermediate region R3 is in the second range excluding the coordinates (j, i), and the peripheral region R2 is in the first range excluding the second range. .

  The detection region R1 for determining the strength of the capacitance value signal to determine whether the input is performed with a pen or a hand has coordinates (i, j). The detection region R1 is surrounded by a peripheral region R2 including a plurality of coordinates constituting a donut shape. An intermediate region R3 is disposed between the detection region R1 and the peripheral region R2.

  The coordinates of the upper left corner of the peripheral region R2 are (j-dm1, i-sm1). The coordinates of the lower left corner of the peripheral region R2 are (j−dm1, i + sp1). The coordinates of the upper right end of the peripheral region R2 are (j + dp1, i−sm1). The coordinates of the lower right corner of the peripheral region R2 are (j + dp1, i + sp1).

  The coordinates of the upper left corner of the intermediate region R3 are (j-dm2, i-sm2). The coordinates of the lower left corner of the intermediate region R3 are (j−dm2, i + sp2). The coordinates of the upper right end of the intermediate region R3 are (j + dp2, i−sm2). The coordinates of the lower right corner of the intermediate region R3 are (j + dp2, i + sp2).

  The input detection unit 9 determines the contact area of the indicator based on the number of coordinates where the intensity of the capacitance value signal in the peripheral region R2 is greater than the peripheral threshold value FOOT_THRESH. When the contact area is large (the counter count is larger than the area threshold AREA_THRESH), the input detection unit 9 determines that the indicator is a hand (finger) instead of a pen.

[Embodiment 2]
Another embodiment of the present invention will be described below. For convenience of explanation, members having the same functions as those described in the above-described embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals and description thereof is omitted.

  In the touch sensor device 1 of the present embodiment, the conditions for switching from the pen input mode to the normal input mode are different from those of the first embodiment (FIG. 4). In the first embodiment, as in S21 to S22, the input mode is selected when neither pen input nor manual input is detected during a predetermined second period after the event E3 (pen input or manual input) is detected last. Is switched from the pen input mode to the normal input mode. In this case, if there is manual input within the second period, the pen input mode is continued.

  In the present embodiment, in the pen input mode, when no other pen input event is detected within a predetermined second period after the last pen input event is detected, the input mode switching unit 10 Switch to normal input mode. That is, even if manual input continues in the pen input mode, if there is no pen input during the second period, the pen input mode is canceled and the normal input mode is entered.

  In the present embodiment, when the user performs manual input following the pen input, even if the manual input is performed in the second period after the pen input, the touch sensor device 1 shifts to the normal input mode after the second period. To do. Therefore, in the touch sensor device 1, the pen input mode is not canceled when the user wants to perform manual input. Therefore, the convenience for the user is not impaired.

[Summary]
The touch sensor device (1) according to the first aspect of the present invention includes a touch panel (2) having a plurality of capacitances, and pen input to the touch panel from a distribution of values of the plurality of capacitances. An input detection unit (9) that distinguishes and detects manual input by hand, an input mode switching unit (10) that switches the input mode from the normal input mode to the pen input mode in response to detection of the pen input, and the pen The input mode includes an validity determination unit (11) that validates the pen input and invalidates the manual input.

  According to the above configuration, when pen input is detected, the pen input mode is entered. Since manual input is disabled in the pen input mode, even when the user touches a part of the hand with the touch panel and performs input with the pen, it is possible to prevent malfunction caused by hand contact. . Therefore, the touch sensor device can appropriately accept pen input intended by the user. Also, the user does not need to switch the input mode, and can input without being aware of the input mode.

  In the touch sensor device according to aspect 2 of the present invention, in the aspect 1, in the normal input mode, the validity determination unit detects the pen input within a predetermined first period after the manual input is detected. In such a case, the manual input may be invalidated.

  According to the above configuration, even if there is an unintended manual input such as putting a hand on the touch panel prior to the pen input, the manual input performed prior to the pen input is invalidated and the hand touch. It is possible to prevent the malfunction caused by it. Therefore, the touch sensor device can appropriately accept pen input intended by the user.

  In the touch sensor device according to aspect 3 of the present invention, in the aspect 2, in the normal input mode, the validity determination unit does not detect the pen input within the first period after the manual input is detected. In this case, the configuration may be such that the manual input is valid.

  When there is no pen input after manual input, the manual input is considered to be an input intended by the user. According to said structure, when there is no pen input within the 1st period after manual input, this manual input is validated. Therefore, it is possible to appropriately accept the manual input intended by the user.

  In the touch sensor device according to aspect 4 of the present invention, in aspects 1 to 3, when the pen input is detected in the normal input mode, the input mode switching unit switches the input mode to the pen input mode, and In the pen input mode, when neither pen input nor manual input is detected during the predetermined second period after the pen input or manual input is detected last time, the input mode may be switched to the normal input mode. .

  According to the above configuration, when there is no pen input or manual input over the second period, it is determined that the pen input has been completed, and the mode can be shifted to the normal input mode in which the manual input is valid. Therefore, the user can perform manual input after pen input without being aware of switching of input modes. Further, even when the user keeps a hand on the touch panel after pen input, the pen input mode is continued, so that it is possible to prevent malfunction caused by the hand being touched.

  In the touch sensor device according to aspect 5 of the present invention, in the aspects 1 to 3, the input mode switching unit switches the input mode to the pen input mode when the pen input is detected in the normal input mode. In the pen input mode, when no other pen input is detected within a predetermined second period since the pen input was last detected, the input mode may be switched to the normal input mode.

  According to said structure, when there is no pen input over a 2nd period, it can be judged that pen input was completed and it can transfer to the normal input mode which validates manual input. When the user performs manual input following the pen input, the touch sensor device shifts to the normal input mode after the second period even if the manual input is performed in the second period after the pen input. Therefore, according to the above configuration, the pen input mode is not canceled when the user wants to perform manual input.

  The portable terminal which concerns on aspect 6 of this invention is equipped with the touch sensor apparatus in any one of aspect 1-5 as an instruction | indication input part.

  The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications are possible within the scope shown in the claims, and embodiments obtained by appropriately combining technical means disclosed in different embodiments. Is also included in the technical scope of the present invention. Furthermore, a new technical feature can be formed by combining the technical means disclosed in each embodiment.

  The present invention can be applied to a touch sensor device that detects pen and finger input input to a touch panel having a plurality of capacitances arranged in a matrix.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Touch sensor apparatus 2 Touch panel 8 Capacity distribution calculation part 9 Input detection part 10 Input mode switching part 11 Validity determination part

Claims (6)

A touch panel having a plurality of capacitances;
From the distribution of the values of the plurality of capacitances, an input detection unit that detects and detects pen input by a pen on the touch panel and manual input by a hand;
An input mode switching unit that switches the input mode from the normal input mode to the pen input mode in response to detection of the pen input;
In the pen input mode, the touch sensor device includes an validity determination unit that validates the pen input and invalidates the manual input.   In the normal input mode, the validity determination unit invalidates the manual input when the pen input is detected within a predetermined first period after the manual input is detected. The touch sensor device according to 1.   In the normal input mode, the validity determining unit validates the manual input when the pen input is not detected within the first period after the manual input is detected. 3. The touch sensor device according to 2. The input mode switching unit is
When the pen input is detected in the normal input mode, the input mode is switched to the pen input mode,
When no other pen input or manual input is detected during a predetermined second period after the pen input or the manual input was last detected in the pen input mode, the input mode is switched to the normal input mode. The touch sensor device according to claim 1, wherein the touch sensor device is a touch sensor device. The input mode switching unit is
When the pen input is detected in the normal input mode, the input mode is switched to the pen input mode,
The input mode is switched to the normal input mode when no other pen input is detected within a predetermined second period since the pen input was last detected in the pen input mode. The touch sensor device according to any one of the above.   A portable terminal comprising the touch sensor device according to claim 1 as an instruction input unit.

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