JP2015103118A - Input device, and information input method therefor - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an input device capable of appropriately separating and identifying each of in-contact or in-proximity regions of plural objects which have approached each other and also identifying with high sensitivity regions which are at a weak degree of contact or proximity, and further to provide an information input method for the input device.SOLUTION: In an input device, when one detection data included in two-dimensional data is converted into an on-data (1) or an off-data (0), correction detection data is calculated to have the larger value as a detection data value adjacent to the one detection data is smaller compared with the one detection data, and to have the smaller value as the adjacent detection data value is larger compared with the one detection data. The one detection data is converted into the on-data (1) or the off-data (0) based on the correction detection data.

Description

  The present invention relates to an input device used for inputting information in an information device such as a computer or a smartphone and an information input method thereof, and in particular, specifies a region where an object such as a finger or a pen is in contact with or close to an operation surface, and The present invention relates to an input device that inputs information based on a specified area.

  Devices such as touchpads and touch panels having sensors for detecting contact positions of objects such as fingers and pens are widely used as input interfaces for information devices such as notebook PCs and tablet PCs. There are various types of sensors that detect the contact position of an object, such as a resistive film type and a capacitance type, but in recent years, an electrostatic that can handle "multi-touch" that detects multiple contact points. The adoption of capacitive sensors is increasing.

  In a general capacitance type sensor, capacitance between electrodes (mutual capacitance) and capacitance between electrodes and ground (self-capacitance) are detected in a plurality of electrodes arranged in a grid pattern. . In the input device described in Patent Document 1 below, a plurality of X electrodes and a plurality of Y electrodes are arranged so as to intersect with each other in a grid pattern (FIGS. 1 and 2), and at positions corresponding to the respective grid points. Capacitance is detected. When one of the X electrode and Y electrode is the driving electrode and the other is the receiving electrode, the mutual capacitance at the point where the receiving electrode and the driving electrode intersect is detected according to the current flowing through the receiving electrode when a driving pulse is supplied to the driving electrode. The

JP 2012-43395 A

  In the input device described in Patent Document 1 described above, detection data of capacitance is obtained at each intersection of the X electrode and the Y electrode arranged in a grid pattern. By collecting the detection data of each intersection, two-dimensional data representing the capacitance at various points on the operation surface is formed. Information on the contact position of the finger on the operation surface is acquired based on this two-dimensional data. That is, the detection data is scanned one line at a time in order from the end of the two-dimensional data, and the same label is given to the area (contact area) where detection data indicating finger contact is continuous in each line scan. Is done.

  Further, in the input device described in Patent Document 1, when a plurality of contact areas are detected across the non-contact area (area where detection data indicating that a finger is not in contact is continuous) in the above-described scan If the non-contact area is within a predetermined interval, the non-contact area is determined as the separation area. In the next line scan, the region corresponding to the separation region is treated as a non-contact region. Thereby, even when a plurality of fingers come close to each other and come into contact with the operation surface, the gap between the fingers is determined as the separation region, so that it can be detected that the plurality of fingers are in contact.

  However, in the method described in Patent Document 1, as the finger approaches the finger, the detection data that originally belongs to the region that should be determined as the separation region changes to detection data that indicates contact of the finger, and the separation is performed. There is a problem that the area cannot be determined. In order to avoid such a problem, for example, it is difficult to determine that the finger is in contact in the separation region by changing a threshold value that is a criterion for determining whether or not the detection data indicates finger contact. It can be considered to be. However, if such a threshold value is changed, the detection sensitivity of the finger is reduced over the entire operation surface, and for example, a state where the finger is lightly touching the operation surface can be detected. The problem of disappearing arises.

  The present invention has been made in view of such circumstances, and an object of the present invention is to accurately identify and specify contact areas or proximity areas of a plurality of objects that are close to each other and to weaken the degree of contact or proximity. An object of the present invention is to provide an input device capable of specifying an object region with high sensitivity and an information input method thereof.

  An input device according to a first aspect of the present invention is an input device that inputs information according to contact or proximity of an object to an operation surface, and the object contact or proximity at a plurality of detection positions on the operation surface. Generating two-dimensional data composed of a plurality of detection data indicating a state of contact or proximity of an object at a plurality of positions on the operation surface based on a detection result of the sensor unit and a detection result of the sensor unit 2 Data conversion for converting a plurality of detection data included in the two-dimensional data into on-data indicating that there is contact or proximity of an object or off-data indicating that there is no contact or proximity of an object And the contact area or proximity area of each object on the operation surface based on the two-dimensional data converted by the data converter and the data converter And a that region specifying unit. When the data conversion unit performs the conversion on one detection data included in the two-dimensional data, the data conversion unit sets a larger value as the value of the detection data adjacent to the one detection data is smaller than the one detection data. And performing correction processing to calculate correction detection data having a smaller value as the value of the adjacent detection data is larger than the one detection data, and based on the correction detection data obtained by the correction processing, One detection data is converted into the on data or the off data.

According to the above configuration, when the conversion is performed on one detection data included in the two-dimensional data, the smaller the detection data value adjacent to the one detection data is, the larger the value is. Correction processing is performed to calculate correction detection data having a smaller value as the value of the adjacent detection data is larger than the one detection data, and based on the correction detection data obtained by the correction processing. The one detection data is converted into the on data or the off data.
Therefore, when the degree of contact or proximity of an object is weaker than the surroundings in a gap between a plurality of objects that are close to each other, the corrected detection data calculated for the detection data in that gap is compared to the original detection data. The degree of contact or the degree of proximity is further weakened. In addition, in a region where a single object is lightly touching or in proximity, when the degree of contact or proximity of the object is stronger than the surroundings, the corrected detection data calculated for the detection data in that region is the original detection data The degree of contact or proximity of an object is further increased compared to That is, the correction detection data calculated by the data conversion unit is data that emphasizes the characteristics of the gaps between a plurality of objects that are close to each other and the characteristics of a region in which a single object is lightly touching or close. As a result, the detection data in the gap between the objects that are close to each other is easily converted to off-data by the data conversion unit. In addition, detection data of a region where a single object is lightly touching or in close proximity is easily converted to on-data by the data conversion unit.

Preferably, when performing the conversion on one detection data included in the two-dimensional data, the data conversion unit, based on a comparison between the one detection data and a threshold before the correction process, It is determined whether or not one detection data can be converted into the on data. If it is determined that the detection data cannot be converted into the on data, the one detection data is converted into the off data without performing the correction process. Good.
As a result, the processing time is shortened compared to a case where correction processing is uniformly performed for all detection data included in the two-dimensional data. Further, since it is not necessary to store the correction processing results of all detection data included in the two-dimensional data, the amount of memory used is reduced.

Preferably, when the data conversion unit performs the conversion on one detection data included in the two-dimensional data, the data conversion unit performs the correction processing on each of a plurality of directions viewed from the one detection data. In the correction process, the plurality of detection data arranged in the one direction with the one detection data in between are performed as the plurality of detection data adjacent to the one detection data, and the correction process is performed. The one detection data may be converted into the on data or the off data based on a plurality of correction detection data obtained in the correction processing in a plurality of directions.
As a result, when the separation performance of the object area in a specific direction on the operation surface is required, by selecting the specific direction as the direction of the above correction processing, the areas of a plurality of close objects can be accurately separated. And can be specified.

Preferably, when performing the conversion on one detection data included in the two-dimensional data, the data conversion unit sequentially performs the correction processing for the plurality of directions, and the correction detection data is obtained by the correction processing. Each time it is determined whether or not the obtained corrected detection data indicates contact or proximity of an object, and if it is determined in the determination that there is no contact or proximity of an object, the one detection data is converted to the off-data. If it is determined that all the correction detection data obtained by the pre-correction processing in the plurality of directions indicate contact or proximity of an object, the one detection data may be converted into the on data. .
Thereby, when it is determined that the correction detection data obtained in the correction process in one direction indicates that there is no contact or proximity of the object, even if there are still directions in which correction processing is not performed, The correction processing is not performed, and the one detection data is converted into off data. Therefore, the processing time can be shortened as compared with the case where correction processing is uniformly performed in all directions.

  Preferably, in the correction processing, the data conversion unit is opposite to the first coefficient for a value obtained by multiplying the one detection data by a first coefficient and a plurality of detection data adjacent to the one detection data. The correction detection data may be calculated by adding together the values obtained by multiplying the second coefficients having the following signs.

  An information input method according to a second aspect of the present invention is an information input method performed in an input device that inputs information according to contact or proximity of an object to the operation surface, and a plurality of detections on the operation surface. Detecting a contact or proximity state of an object at each position, and a plurality of detections indicating the contact or proximity state of the object at a plurality of positions on the operation surface based on the detection results at the plurality of detection positions A step of generating two-dimensional data comprising data, and a plurality of detection data included in the two-dimensional data, on data indicating that there is contact or proximity of an object, or off data indicating that there is no contact or proximity of an object Respectively, and the two-dimensional data converted in the step of converting the two-dimensional data. And a step of identifying a contact area or the adjacent region of the individual objects in the plane. In the step of converting the two-dimensional data, when the conversion is performed on one detection data included in the two-dimensional data, a value of detection data adjacent to the one detection data is smaller than that of the one detection data. A correction process for calculating correction detection data having a larger value and a smaller value as the value of the adjacent detection data is larger than the one detection data is performed, and the correction detection data obtained by the correction process is obtained. Based on this, the one detection data is converted into the on data or the off data.

  Preferably, in the step of converting each of the plurality of detection data included in the two-dimensional data, when the conversion is performed on one detection data included in the two-dimensional data, the one detection is performed before the correction process. Based on the comparison between the data and the threshold value, it is determined whether or not the one detection data can be converted to the on data.If it is determined that the detection data cannot be converted to the on data, the correction process is performed without performing the correction process. One detection data may be converted into the off data.

  Preferably, in the step of converting each of the plurality of detection data included in the two-dimensional data, when performing the conversion on one detection data included in the two-dimensional data, a plurality of directions viewed from the one detection data In the correction process for one direction, a plurality of detection data arranged in the one direction with the one detection data interposed therebetween are adjacent to the one detection data. The correction processing may be performed as a plurality of detection data, and the one detection data may be converted into the on data or the off data based on the plurality of correction detection data obtained in the correction processing in the plurality of directions.

  Preferably, in the step of converting each of the plurality of detection data included in the two-dimensional data, when the conversion is performed on one detection data included in the two-dimensional data, the correction processing is sequentially performed for the plurality of directions. Each time the correction detection data is obtained by the correction process, it is determined whether or not the obtained correction detection data indicates an object contact or proximity, and it is determined that there is no object contact or proximity in the determination. If the one detection data is converted into the off data, and it is determined that all the correction detection data obtained by the pre-correction processing in the plurality of directions indicate the contact or proximity of the object, The detected data may be converted into the on-data.

  Preferably, when performing the correction process in the step of converting each of the plurality of detection data included in the two-dimensional data, a value obtained by multiplying the one detection data by a first coefficient and the one detection data The corrected detection data may be calculated by adding together the values obtained by multiplying a plurality of adjacent detection data by a second coefficient having a sign opposite to that of the first coefficient.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to accurately identify and specify contact areas or proximity areas of a plurality of objects that are close to each other, and it is also possible to specify an area of an object that is weakly in contact or proximity with high sensitivity.

It is a figure which shows an example of a structure of the input device which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart for demonstrating operation | movement of the input device which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart for demonstrating operation | movement of a data converter. It is a figure which shows the example of the coefficient used for a correction process. 4A shows coefficients used for the horizontal correction process, and FIG. 4B shows coefficients used for the vertical correction process. It is a figure which shows the example which converts each detection data of two-dimensional data into on data or off data. 5A shows the two-dimensional data before conversion, FIG. 5B shows the two-dimensional data after the horizontal correction process, FIG. 5C shows the two-dimensional data after the vertical correction process, FIG. 5D shows the two-dimensional data after being converted to on data or off data. It is a 1st figure which shows the example which converts two-dimensional data, without performing a correction process. FIG. 6A shows two-dimensional data before conversion, and FIG. 6B shows two-dimensional data after conversion. It is a 2nd figure which shows the example which converts two-dimensional data, without performing a correction process. FIG. 7A shows two-dimensional data before conversion, and FIG. 7B shows two-dimensional data after conversion. It is a figure which shows an example of the process which searches the ON data in two-dimensional data in an area | region specific part. It is a flowchart for demonstrating an example of an outline tracking process. It is a figure which shows an example of the search direction which can be set in outline tracking. It is a figure for demonstrating the specific example of an outline tracking. It is a figure which shows the process which updates the on data in the gathering area | region where the outline tracking shown in FIG. 11 was made into off data.

Hereinafter, an input device according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of a configuration of an input device according to the present embodiment. The input device illustrated in FIG. 1 includes a sensor unit 10, a processing unit 20, a storage unit 30, and an interface unit 40.
The input device according to the present embodiment is a device that inputs information according to the position of contact or proximity by bringing an object such as a finger or pen into contact or proximity with an operation surface provided with a sensor. Note that “proximity” in the present specification includes both being close in a contact state and being close in a non-contact state.

[Sensor unit 10]
The sensor unit 10 detects contact or proximity states of an object such as a finger or a pen at a plurality of detection positions distributed on the operation surface. For example, the sensor unit 10 is generated in a sensor matrix 11 in which a plurality of capacitive sensor elements 12 whose capacitances change according to contact or proximity of an object are formed in a matrix, and the capacitive sensor elements 12 of the sensor matrix 11. A capacitance-voltage conversion circuit (CV conversion circuit) 13 that converts a change in capacitance into a voltage, and a sensor drive circuit 14 that supplies a voltage to the capacitive sensor element 12 of the sensor matrix 11.

  The sensor matrix 11 includes a plurality of electrodes Lx extending in the vertical direction and a plurality of electrodes Ly extending in the horizontal direction. The plurality of electrodes Lx are arranged in parallel in the horizontal direction, and the plurality of electrodes Ly are arranged in parallel in the vertical direction. The plurality of electrodes Lx and the plurality of electrodes Ly intersect in a lattice pattern, and the capacitive sensor element 12 is formed at each intersection. One of the electrode Lx and the electrode Ly functions as a drive electrode, and the other functions as a detection electrode.

  The sensor drive circuit 14 selects one drive electrode in order from a plurality of drive electrodes, and applies a pulse voltage to the one drive electrode.

  The capacitance-voltage conversion circuit 13 selects one detection electrode in order from the plurality of detection electrodes, and charges the capacitive sensor element 12 in and out according to the application of the pulse voltage by the sensor drive circuit 14. Transfer from the detection electrode to a reference capacitor. The capacitance-voltage conversion circuit 13 outputs a detection signal corresponding to the capacitance of the capacitive sensor element 12 based on the voltage generated in the reference capacitor due to the charge transferred from the capacitive sensor element 12.

  The sensor unit 10 converts the detection signal output in the capacitance-voltage conversion circuit 13 into a digital signal in an analog-digital converter (not shown), and outputs this to the processing unit 20 as detection data.

  The sensor unit 10 shown in the above example uses the capacitance (mutual capacitance) generated between the electrodes as the capacitive sensor element 12, and detects contact or proximity of an object by changing the capacitance. However, the present invention is not limited to this example, and contact or proximity of an object may be detected by various other methods. For example, the sensor unit 10 may be a system that detects a capacitance (self-capacitance) generated between the electrode and the ground. Further, the sensor unit 10 is not limited to the electrostatic capacity method, and may be, for example, a resistance film method or an electromagnetic induction method.

[Processing unit 20]
The processing unit 20 is a circuit that controls the overall operation of the input device, and includes, for example, a CPU that performs processing according to an instruction code of a program and a logic circuit that implements a specific function. All the processing of the processing unit 20 may be realized based on a program in the CPU, or a part or all of the processing may be realized by a logic circuit.

  In the example of FIG. 1, the processing unit 20 includes a timing control unit 21, a two-dimensional data generation unit 22, a data conversion unit 25, a region specifying unit 26, and a coordinate calculation unit 27.

  The timing control unit 21 controls the detection timing in the sensor unit 10. Specifically, the timing control unit 21 has an appropriate timing for selecting a drive electrode and generating a pulse voltage in the sensor drive circuit 14 and selecting a detection electrode and generating a detection signal in the capacitance-voltage conversion circuit 13. Control these circuits as is done in

  Based on the detection result of the sensor unit 10, the two-dimensional data generation unit 22 generates two-dimensional data including a plurality of detection data indicating the state of contact or proximity of an object at a plurality of positions on the operation surface, and the storage unit 30. Are stored in the two-dimensional data memory 33.

  For example, as illustrated in FIG. 1, the two-dimensional data generation unit 22 includes a data acquisition unit 23 and a change amount calculation unit 24. The data acquisition unit 23 stores the detection data output from the sensor unit 10 in the current value memory 31 of the storage unit 30 as two-dimensional data in a matrix format. The change amount calculation unit 24 calculates the difference between each detection data of the two-dimensional data stored in the current value memory 31 of the storage unit 30 and each detection data of the two-dimensional data stored in the reference value memory 32 of the storage unit 30. Are respectively calculated for the detection data corresponding to each other, and the calculation results are stored in the two-dimensional data memory 33 of the storage unit 30 in a matrix format.

  The reference value memory 32 stores in advance detection data output from the sensor unit 10 in a state where nothing touches or is close to the operation surface. Therefore, the detection data calculated by the change amount calculation unit 24 represents the change amount from a state where the object is not in contact with or close to the operation surface.

  In addition, each detection data of the two-dimensional data generated in the two-dimensional data generation unit 22 is not limited to data representing the amount of change from the non-contact state as described above. For example, detection data output from the sensor unit 10 and The same may be used.

  The data conversion unit 25 uses a plurality of detection data included in the two-dimensional data stored in the two-dimensional data memory 33 of the storage unit 30 as on-data (for example, a value “1”) indicating that there is contact or proximity of an object. Data) or off-data indicating that there is no contact or proximity of an object (for example, data of value “0”), and the conversion result is stored in the two-dimensional data memory 34 of the storage unit 30.

When converting one detection data included in the two-dimensional data stored in the two-dimensional data memory 33 into on data or off data, the data conversion unit 25 detects detection data adjacent to the one detection data in the two-dimensional data. A correction process is performed to calculate correction detection data having a larger value as the value of is smaller than the one detection data and having a smaller value as the value of the adjacent detection data is larger than the one detection data. . Then, the data conversion unit 25 converts the one detection data into on data or off data based on the correction detection data obtained by the correction processing.
That is, the data conversion unit 25 corrects the one detection data so that the magnitude relationship between the one detection data and the detection data adjacent to the one detection data is emphasized, and the one detection data based on the correction result. Is converted to on data or off data.

  Specifically, when correcting one detection data in the correction process, the data conversion unit 25 multiplies the one detection data by a predetermined coefficient (first coefficient), The corrected detection data is calculated by adding a plurality of detection data adjacent to the detection data and a value obtained by multiplying each of the detection data adjacent to the detection data by a coefficient having the opposite sign to the first coefficient (second coefficient).

  In addition, when converting one detection data included in the two-dimensional data of the two-dimensional data memory 33 into on-data or off-data, the data conversion unit 25 has a plurality of directions (for example, vertical direction) viewed from the one detection data. And the horizontal direction). When performing correction processing for one direction, the data conversion unit 25 converts a plurality of detection data arranged in the one direction with the one detection data in between, to a plurality of detections adjacent to the one detection data. Correction processing is performed as data. Then, the data conversion unit 25 converts the one detection data into on data or off data based on a plurality of correction detection data obtained in the correction processing in a plurality of directions.

  For example, when converting one detection data included in two-dimensional data into on-data or off-data, the data conversion unit 25 sequentially performs correction processing for a plurality of directions, and correction detection data is obtained in the correction processing. Then, it is determined whether or not the obtained correction detection data indicates contact or proximity of the object. In this determination, when it is determined that there is no contact or proximity of the object, the data conversion unit 25 converts the one detection data into off data. On the other hand, when it is determined that all the correction detection data obtained by the correction processes in a plurality of directions indicate contact or proximity of the object, the data conversion unit 25 converts the one detection data into on data.

  Further, when converting one detection data included in the two-dimensional data into on-data or off-data, the data conversion unit 25 compares the one detection data with a threshold value before performing the above correction processing. Based on this, it is determined whether or not the one detection data can be converted into on-data. If it is determined in this determination that the data cannot be converted to on data, the data conversion unit 25 converts the one detection data into off data without performing the above correction processing.

  When it is determined whether the detection data can be converted to on-data based on the result of comparing the detection data with one threshold value, the conversion result is found when the detection data fluctuates near the threshold value. May change in an unstable manner. Therefore, the data conversion unit 25 may determine whether or not the detection data can be converted into on-data based on the comparison result between the two threshold values separated by the hysteresis width and the detection data. That is, when the detection data is not included between two threshold values (hysteresis range), the data conversion unit 25 detects that the detection data is on-data according to the magnitude relationship between the detection data and the two threshold values. It is determined whether or not conversion is possible. On the other hand, when the detected data is included in the hysteresis range, the data conversion unit 25 determines that the data can be converted to on data if the previous conversion result stored separately in the two-dimensional data memory 34 is on data. If the previous conversion result is off data, it is determined that the data cannot be converted to on data. As described above, by providing a hysteresis range for maintaining the previous conversion result in the determination based on the threshold value, it is possible to make it difficult to cause an unstable change in the conversion result as described above.

  The area specifying unit 27 specifies the contact area or proximity area of each object on the operation surface based on the two-dimensional data converted by the data conversion unit 25. For example, the region specifying unit 27 refers to the two-dimensional data in which each detection data is converted into on-data or off-data by the data conversion unit 25 and refers to a region in which the on-data is gathered adjacently (hereinafter simply referred to as “collection region”). ) Is traced to identify the area where the object is in contact with or close to the object.

  Specifically, the area specifying unit 27 sequentially acquires each piece of two-dimensional data stored in the two-dimensional data memory 34 of the storage unit 30 from the end of the operation surface, and determines whether or not the data is on-data. When the acquired data is on-data, the area specifying unit 27 sets the acquired data as a start point, and stores the coordinates in the start point memory 36 of the storage unit 30. Then, the area specifying unit 27 sequentially tracks the outline of the collection area in which the ON data gathers adjacently until it starts from this start point and returns to the start point. The area specifying unit 27 specifies an area where one object is in contact with or close to the operation surface based on the result of the contour tracking, and stores information regarding the specified area in the area information memory 35 of the storage unit 30.

  In addition, the area specifying unit 27 performs tracking of the outline of the ON collection area, and then when the ON data belonging to the collection area is updated to OFF data by the two-dimensional data update unit 26 described later, If there is data in the two-dimensional data stored in the two-dimensional data memory that has not yet been determined as to whether it is on-data, the undecided data is further acquired in order to determine whether it is on-data. Determine whether or not. When the acquired data is on-data, the area specifying unit 27 performs contour tracking of the collective area using the acquired data as a new starting point, as described above, and the object is operated based on the result of the contour tracking. Identify areas in contact with or close to the surface.

  The two-dimensional data updating unit 26 belongs to the collective region whose contour is tracked in the two-dimensional data stored in the two-dimensional data memory 34 of the storage unit 30 every time the region specifying unit 27 performs the contour tracking of the collective region. Update on-data to off-data (rewrite).

  The two-dimensional data stored in the two-dimensional data memory 34 is obtained by repeating the contour tracking by the region specifying unit 27 and specifying the contact region (proximity region) and updating the two-dimensional data by the two-dimensional data updating unit 26. The on-data included in is gradually updated to off-data. When the contact area or the proximity area of all objects in contact with or close to the operation surface is specified, all the data included in the two-dimensional data becomes off data. When the conversion with the hysteresis range as described above is performed in the data conversion unit 25, it is necessary to perform conversion with reference to the previous conversion result. In this case, the update target of the two-dimensional data update unit 26 Separately from the two-dimensional data, the reference two-dimensional data of the data converter 25 may be stored in the two-dimensional data memory 34.

Based on the contact area or proximity area of the object specified by the area specifying unit 27, the coordinate calculation unit 28 calculates the coordinates on the operation surface where the object has contacted or approached.
For example, the coordinate calculation unit 28 creates profile data for each of the horizontal direction (direction in which the electrode Ly is arranged) and the vertical direction (direction in which the electrode Ly is arranged) of the region specified by the region specifying unit 27. The profile data in the horizontal direction is obtained by calculating the sum of a group of detection data in the vertical direction of the operation surface for each column and arranging the sum of the detection data in the horizontal direction of the operation surface. The profile data in the vertical direction is obtained by calculating the sum of a group of detection data in the horizontal direction of the operation surface for each row and arranging the sum of the detection data in the order of the vertical direction of the operation surface. The coordinate calculation unit 28 calculates the peak position and the center of gravity position of the detection data for each of the horizontal profile data and the vertical profile data. The position in the horizontal direction and the position in the vertical direction obtained by this calculation represent coordinates at which the object is in contact with or close to the operation surface. The coordinate calculation unit 28 stores the coordinate data obtained by such calculation in the object coordinate memory 38 of the storage unit 30. In addition, the coordinate calculation unit 28 stores the number of objects whose coordinates on the operation surface are obtained in the object number memory 37 of the storage unit 30.

[Storage unit 30]
The storage unit 30 stores constant data and variable data used for processing in the processing unit 20. When the processing unit 20 includes a CPU, the storage unit 30 may store a program executed on the CPU. The storage unit 30 includes, for example, a volatile memory such as DRAM or SRAM, and a nonvolatile memory such as flash memory.

[Interface unit 40]
The interface unit 40 is a circuit for exchanging data between the input device and another control device (such as a control IC for an information device equipped with the input device). The processing unit 20 outputs information (such as object coordinates and the number of objects) stored in the storage unit 30 from the interface unit 40 to a control device (not shown).

  Here, the operation of the input device having the above-described configuration will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG. Note that the flowchart shown in FIG. 2 shows a process that is executed each time the entire operation surface is detected in the sensor unit 10, and this process is constant when used for operation of an information device such as a smartphone. It is repeatedly executed at the time interval.

ST100:
The timing control unit 21 of the processing unit 20 controls the sensor unit 10 so that detection data is obtained at a plurality of detection positions distributed over the entire operation surface. The sensor drive circuit 14 of the sensor unit 10 selects a plurality of drive electrodes of the sensor matrix 11 in order under the control of the timing control unit 21 and applies a pulse voltage. The capacitance-voltage conversion circuit 13 selects a plurality of detection electrodes in the sensor matrix 11 in order each time one drive electrode is selected and driven, and the capacitance at the intersection of the drive electrode and the detection electrode. A detection signal having a voltage corresponding to the capacitance of the sensor element 12 is output. The sensor unit 10 converts detection signals sequentially output from the capacitance-voltage conversion circuit 13 into digital signals, and outputs them to the processing unit 20 as detection data. The two-dimensional data generation unit 22 of the processing unit 20 stores the detection data sequentially output from the sensor unit 10 in the current value memory 31 of the storage unit 30 in a matrix format.

ST105:
When the detection data of the entire operation surface is stored in the current value memory 31 as two-dimensional data in a matrix format, the two-dimensional data generation unit 22 detects each detection data stored in the current value memory 31 and the reference value memory. A difference from each detection data (detection data when the object is not in contact with the operation surface) stored in 32 is calculated for each corresponding detection data (detection data at the same position on the operation surface). The detection data obtained by this calculation indicates the amount of change from the state in which the object is not in contact. The two-dimensional data generation unit 22 stores two-dimensional data including detection data indicating the amount of change in the two-dimensional data memory 33 of the storage unit 30.

ST110:
The data conversion unit 25 converts each detection data included in the two-dimensional data stored in the two-dimensional data memory 33 into on-data or off-data, and stores the conversion result in the two-dimensional data memory 34.

FIG. 3 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of data converter 25 in step ST110 of FIG.
The data conversion unit 25 acquires detection data one by one from the two-dimensional data stored in the two-dimensional data memory 33 (ST200). For example, the data conversion unit 25 selects a plurality of rows in two-dimensional data configured in a matrix form one by one from the first row to the last row, and detects the detection data included in the selected row from the first column to the last column. Get in order.

  The data converter 25 determines whether or not the detected data read from the two-dimensional data memory 33 is equal to or greater than the first threshold value (ST205). If the detected data is smaller than the first threshold value, data converter 25 converts the detected data into off-data (ST235).

When the detection data read from the two-dimensional data memory 33 is equal to or greater than the first threshold value, the data conversion unit 25 first performs a lateral correction process on the detection data (ST210). The data converter 25 compares the correction detection data calculated by the horizontal correction process with the second threshold value (ST215). If the correction detection data is greater than or equal to the second threshold value, the data conversion unit 25 next performs vertical correction processing on the detection data (ST220). The data converter 25 compares the correction detection data calculated by the vertical correction process with the second threshold value (ST225). If the corrected detection data is greater than or equal to the second threshold value, data converter 25 converts the detected data to on data (ST230).
When it is determined that the correction detection data calculated in the horizontal correction process is smaller than the second threshold value (ST215), it is determined that the correction detection data calculated in the vertical correction process is smaller than the second threshold value. In the case (ST225), the data conversion unit 25 converts the detected data into off data (ST235).

  After the detection data read from the two-dimensional data memory 33 is converted to off-data or off-data (ST230, ST235), the data conversion unit 25 checks whether all detection data included in the two-dimensional data has been converted. (ST240) If there is detected data that has not yet been converted, the processing from step ST200 is repeated, and if all detected data has been converted, the processing ends.

FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of coefficients used for the correction process. 4A shows coefficients used for the horizontal correction process, and FIG. 4B shows coefficients used for the vertical correction process.
In the case of the horizontal correction process (ST210), the data conversion unit 25 uses a value obtained by multiplying the detection data to be corrected by “3” (first coefficient) and the detection data to be corrected in the horizontal direction. The corrected detection data is calculated by adding the values obtained by multiplying the two detection data adjacent in the direction (adjacent to the left and right) by “−1” (second coefficient), respectively. For example, when the detection target data is “60” and the left and right data are “80”, the correction detection data is “20” obtained by adding “60 × 3”, “−80”, and “−80”. .
In the case of the vertical correction process (ST220), the data conversion unit 25 sandwiches the correction target detection data and the value obtained by multiplying the correction target detection data by “3” (first coefficient). The corrected detection data is calculated by adding together the values obtained by multiplying two detection data adjacent in the vertical direction (adjacent in the vertical direction) by “−1” (second coefficient). For example, when the data to be detected is “80”, the upper data is “60”, and the lower data is “80”, the correction detection data is “80 × 3”, “−60”, and “−80”. Combined to be “100”

  FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of converting each detection data of the two-dimensional data into on data or off data using the correction coefficient shown in FIG. FIG. 5A shows two-dimensional data before conversion. FIG. 5B shows the two-dimensional data after the lateral correction process is performed on the two-dimensional data of FIG. 5A. FIG. 5C shows the two-dimensional data after the vertical correction processing is performed on the two-dimensional data of FIG. 5A. FIG. 5D shows the two-dimensional data after each detection data is converted into on data or off data.

  When the first threshold value is “50”, the data conversion unit 25 determines that the detected data belonging to the thick frame range in FIG. 5A is equal to or greater than the first threshold value (ST205). The data conversion unit 25 performs a horizontal correction process on the detection data within the thick frame (ST210), and calculates correction detection data shown in FIG. 5B. On the other hand, the data conversion unit 25 converts other detection data that does not belong to the thick frame range of FIG. 5A into off data (ST235).

  The data converter 25 compares the correction detection data in the thick frame in FIG. 5B with the second threshold value (ST215). When the second threshold value is “30”, the correction detection data in the hatched area is smaller than the second threshold value. Therefore, the data conversion unit 25 converts the detection data in the shaded area into off data (ST235). The data conversion unit 25 performs vertical correction processing on the detection data of the remaining area excluding the hatched area in the thick frame in FIG. 5B (ST220). By the correction process in the vertical direction, the data conversion unit 25 calculates correction detection data shown in FIG. 5C.

  The data conversion unit 25 compares the correction detection data in the thick frame in FIG. 5C with the second threshold value (ST225). Since the detection data in the hatched area in FIG. 5C is smaller than the second threshold value (= 30), the data conversion unit 25 converts the detection data in the hatched area into off data (ST235). The data conversion unit 25 converts the detection data of the remaining area excluding the shaded area in the thick frame in FIG. 5C into on-data (ST230). Through the above processing, the data conversion unit 25 converts each detection data of the two-dimensional data shown in FIG. 5A into on data or off data as shown in FIG. 5D.

6 and 7 are diagrams illustrating an example in which the same two-dimensional data as in FIG. 5 is converted without performing the correction processing as described above. FIG. 6 shows a case where detection data having a threshold value “50” or more is converted to on data, and FIG. 7 shows a case where detection data having a threshold value “70” or more is converted to on data.
In the conversion result of FIG. 5D in which the correction process has been performed, the on-data area of three close objects and the on-data area of one isolated object are detected. On the other hand, in the conversion result of FIG. 6B using the threshold value “50”, the on-data areas of the three objects that are close together are combined into one on-data area, and the areas of each object can be appropriately separated. Absent. This is because the detection data has a higher value (60) in the area of the gap between the close objects. When the threshold value is raised to “70” so that this higher detection data becomes off-data, the on-data area of the lower right isolated object disappears as shown in FIG. 7B. That is, the area where the object is lightly touched cannot be detected properly, and the detection sensitivity is lowered.
As can be seen from comparison with these examples, in the conversion process of the two-dimensional data by the data conversion unit 25, the contact area or the proximity area due to the approaching object can be appropriately separated, and the contact area or the proximity area of the isolated object can be separated. Can be detected with high sensitivity.
The above is the description of the data conversion process (ST110) in the flowchart of FIG.

ST115, ST120:
Returning to FIG.
The area specifying unit 27 sequentially acquires each piece of two-dimensional data stored in the two-dimensional data memory 34 from the end of the operation surface (ST115), and determines whether or not the data is on-data (ST120). When the acquired data is on-data, the area specifying unit 27 performs processes of steps ST130 to ST150 described later. FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating an example of processing for searching for on-data in the two-dimensional data in the region specifying unit 27. In the example of FIG. 8, rows are selected in order from the upper end to the lower end of the operation surface, and on-data search is performed in order from the left end to the right end of the selected row, and the coordinates (X2, Y2 ) The first on-data is found at the position.

ST130:
When the on-data is found from the two-dimensional data by the search in steps ST115 and 120, the area specifying unit 27 performs a process of tracking the outline of the collection area of the on-data using the on-data as a starting point.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart for explaining an example of the contour tracking process by the region specifying unit 27.
The area specifying unit 27 stores the on-data coordinates found by the search in steps ST115 and 120 in the start point memory 36 as the coordinates of the start point of the contour tracking (ST300). Further, the area specifying unit 27 sets the start point as the first search point (ST305), and sets the search direction instructing the position of the next search point candidate from the search point to “0” defined in FIG. "(Right direction)" (ST310).

  FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of search directions that can be set in contour tracking. In the example of FIG. 10, four directions (right, down, left, up) centered on the search point can be set as search directions, and numerical values from “0” to “3” are assigned to each direction. Yes.

  Further, the region specifying unit 27 stores the search point as a contour point in the region information memory 35 (ST315). The area information memory 35 stores, for example, two-dimensional data representing the contour point as “1” and the other points as “0”, and the area specifying unit 27 stores data corresponding to the search point in the two-dimensional data. Is rewritten to “1”.

  Next, the area specifying unit 27 acquires search direction data from the two-dimensional data in the two-dimensional data memory 34 (ST320), and determines whether the data is on-data (ST325). When the search direction data is on-data, region specifying unit 27 moves the search point in the search direction (ST360), and sets the left side toward the search direction as a new search direction (ST365).

  For example, when the search point is moved to “0” (right), the region specifying unit 27 sets “3” corresponding to the left side in the direction as a new search direction. The new search direction when the search point is moved to “1” (down) is “0” (left), and the new search direction when the search point is moved to “2” (left) is “1”. (Down), the new search direction when the search point is moved to “3” (up) is “2” (left). That is, the numerical value indicating the new search direction can be obtained as a remainder obtained by dividing the numerical value of the current search direction by adding “3” by “4”.

  When the search point and the search direction are newly set, the region specifying unit 27 returns to step ST315 again and stores the search point as a contour point in the region information memory 35. Then, the newly set search direction data is acquired from the two-dimensional data memory 34 (ST320), and it is determined whether the data is on-data (ST325).

  When it is determined that the data acquired from the two-dimensional data memory 34 is not on-data (ST325), the region specifying unit 27 determines whether or not the current search point is a start point (ST330). The direction is changed clockwise (ST335). That is, when the search direction is “0”, the search direction is “1”, when the search direction is “1”, the search direction is “2”, when the search direction is “2”, the search direction is “3”. In case of, change to “0”.

  After changing the search direction clockwise, the area specifying unit 27 returns to step ST320 again, acquires the changed search direction data from the two-dimensional data memory 34, and determines whether it is on-data (ST325).

If the search direction data is not on-data (ST325) and the current search point is the start point (ST330), the area specifying unit 27 determines that the current search direction is “2” (left). It is determined whether or not (ST340).
If the current search direction is not “2” (left), region specifying unit 27 changes the search direction clockwise (ST335), and returns to step ST320 again.
On the other hand, when the current search direction is “2”, the directions “2” and “3” are all off-data as seen from the start point, as can be seen from the on-data search process shown in FIG. Even if the search direction is changed clockwise, on-data cannot be found in these directions, and the search direction rotates to “0”. The direction clockwise from “0” as viewed from the start point has already been searched in the first routine. Therefore, in this case, the region specifying unit 27 determines that the contour tracking of the collective region has been completed, and ends the process.

  FIG. 11 is a diagram for explaining a specific example of the above-described contour tracking. The two-dimensional data on which contour tracking is performed in the specific example of FIG. 11 is the same as that shown in FIG. 5D.

First, the area specifying unit 27 searches for two-dimensional data as shown in FIG. 8, and uses the data of coordinates (X2, Y2) where the on-data is first found as the start point of contour tracking. The area specifying unit 27 sets the direction of “0” (right) as the first search direction with the start point as a search point (FIG. 11A). Since there is ON data in the direction of “0”, the region specifying unit 27 moves the search point to the coordinates (X3, Y2) (FIG. 11B).
Since the search point is moved in the search direction of “0”, the region specifying unit 27 sets the direction of “3” corresponding to the left side in the direction of “0” as a new search direction. The area specifying unit 27 searches for on-data while rotating the search direction clockwise from the direction of “3”. Since the first on data found by this search is in the direction of “1”, the area specifying unit 27 moves the search point in the direction of “1”. As a result, the new search point moves to the coordinates (X3, Y3) (FIG. 11C).
Since the search point has been moved in the search direction “1”, the region specifying unit 27 sets the direction “0” on the left side in the direction “1” as a new search direction. The area specifying unit 27 searches for on-data while rotating the search direction clockwise from the direction of “0”. Since the first on-data found by this search is in the direction “2”, the region specifying unit 27 moves the search point in the direction “2”. As a result, the new search point moves to the coordinates (X2, Y3) (FIG. 11D).
Since the search point is moved in the search direction “2”, the region specifying unit 27 sets the direction “1” on the left side in the direction “2” as a new search direction. The area specifying unit 27 searches for on-data while rotating the search direction clockwise from the direction of “1”. Since the first on data found by this search is in the direction of “3”, the area specifying unit 27 moves the search point in the direction of “3”. As a result, the new search point returns to the coordinates (X2, Y2) of the start point.
Since the search point is moved in the search direction “3”, the region specifying unit 27 sets the direction “2” on the left side in the direction “3” as the new search direction, but the data in this search direction is off. It is data. Since the search point is equal to the start point and the search direction is “2”, the region specifying unit 27 ends the contour tracking process.
The above is the description of the contour tracking process (ST130) in the flowchart of FIG.

ST135:
Returning again to FIG.
When the contour tracking is completed, the region specifying unit 27 next performs a process of filling the region inside the contour. That is, the area specifying unit 27 searches for the points inside the outline in the two-dimensional data stored in the area information memory 35, and sets them to “1” if points inside the outline are found. By filling the inside of the contour with data having the same value as the contour, the two-dimensional data in the region information memory 35 becomes data for specifying a group of regions in contact with or close to one object.

ST140:
When the area specifying unit 27 specifies an area in contact with or close to one object and two-dimensional data indicating the area is stored in the area information memory 35, the coordinate calculation unit 28 is stored in the area information memory 35. Based on the two-dimensional data, the coordinates on the operation surface where the object is in contact with or close to the object are calculated. For example, the coordinate calculation unit 28 creates horizontal profile data and vertical profile data of the region indicated by the two-dimensional data stored in the region information memory 35, and for each profile data, the position of the peak of the detection data, The position of the center of gravity is calculated, and coordinates indicating the position in the horizontal direction and the vertical direction are obtained. The area specifying unit 27 stores the coordinate information obtained by the calculation in the object coordinate memory 38.

ST145:
When calculating the coordinates indicating the position of the object, the coordinate calculation unit 28 adds 1 to the value of the number of objects stored in the object number memory 37.

ST150:
When the contour tracking of the collection region of the on data is performed in the region specifying unit 27, the two-dimensional data updating unit 26 in the two-dimensional data stored in the two-dimensional data memory 34, the on data belonging to the collection region whose contour is tracked. Is updated to off-data. For example, the two-dimensional data update unit 26 searches the two-dimensional data stored in the two-dimensional data memory 34 for the same region as the region represented by the two-dimensional data stored in the region information memory 35, and all the searched data is off-data. Rewrite to FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating a process of updating the on data in the collective area subjected to the contour tracking illustrated in FIG. 11 to off data. 11A shows the two-dimensional data stored in the two-dimensional data memory 34, FIG. 11B shows the two-dimensional data stored in the area information memory 35, and FIG. 9C shows the state after being updated by the two-dimensional data update unit 26. 2D data is shown.
In this way, by updating the ON data of the collective area where the contour tracking has been performed to the OFF data, even when a plurality of objects touch or approach the operation surface, the contact area or the proximity area of each object is detected by the contour tracking. It becomes possible to specify.

ST125:
When it is determined in step ST120 that the data acquired from the two-dimensional data in the two-dimensional data memory 34 is off-data, or because the data acquired from the two-dimensional data is determined to be on-data, the processing of steps ST130 to ST150 If the data has not been determined yet (step ST120) in the two-dimensional data, the region specifying unit 27 returns to step ST115 and returns to the two-dimensional Undecided data is sequentially acquired from the data, and the determination in step ST120 is performed. When the on-data is found in the determination, the area specifying unit 27 performs the processes of steps ST130 to ST150 as described above. When the determination in step ST120 is performed for all data of the two-dimensional data, the area specifying unit 27 ends the process for the two-dimensional data.

As described above, according to the input device according to the present embodiment, when one detection data included in two-dimensional data is converted into on-data or off-data, detection data adjacent to the one detection data is detected. Correction processing is performed to calculate corrected detection data having a smaller value as the value is smaller than the one detection data, and having a smaller value as the adjacent detection data value is larger than the one detection data. Based on the correction detection data obtained by this correction processing, the one detection data is converted into on data or off data.
Therefore, when the degree of contact or proximity of an object is weaker than the surroundings in a gap between a plurality of objects that are close to each other, the corrected detection data calculated for the detection data in that gap is compared to the original detection data. The degree of contact or the degree of proximity is further weakened. In addition, in a region where a single object is lightly touching or in proximity, when the degree of contact or proximity of the object is stronger than the surroundings, the corrected detection data calculated for the detection data in that region is the original detection data The degree of contact or proximity of an object is further increased compared to That is, the correction detection data calculated by the data conversion unit 25 is data that emphasizes the characteristics of the gaps between a plurality of objects that are close to each other and the characteristics of a region where a single object is lightly touching or in close proximity. As a result, the detection data in the gap between the objects that are close to each other is easily converted to off-data by the data conversion unit 25. In addition, detection data of a region where a single object is lightly touching or in close proximity is easily converted into on-data by the data conversion unit 25. Accordingly, it is possible to accurately separate and specify the contact area or proximity area of a plurality of objects that are close to each other, and it is also possible to specify the area of an object that is weakly in contact or proximity with high sensitivity.

Further, according to the input device according to the present embodiment, when one detection data included in two-dimensional data is converted into on-data or off-data, a plurality of directions (for example, vertical direction) viewed from the one detection data. And the horizontal direction) are corrected. When correction processing is performed for one direction, the plurality of detection data arranged in the one direction with the one detection data interposed therebetween is corrected as a plurality of detection data adjacent to the one detection data. Is done. Then, based on a plurality of correction detection data obtained in the correction processes in a plurality of directions, the one detection data is converted into on data or off data.
As a result, when separation performance of an object region in a specific direction on the operation surface is required, by selecting the specific direction as the direction of the above correction processing, a plurality of close object regions can be more accurately identified. It becomes possible to specify separately.

Further, according to the input device according to the present embodiment, when converting one detection data included in two-dimensional data into on-data or off-data, correction processing is sequentially performed for a plurality of directions, and correction is performed in the correction processing. Each time detection data is obtained, it is determined whether or not the obtained corrected detection data indicates contact or proximity of an object. If it is determined in this determination that there is no contact or proximity of the object, the one detection data is converted to off data. On the other hand, when it is determined that all the correction detection data obtained by the correction processes in a plurality of directions indicate the contact or proximity of the object, the one detection data is converted into on data.
Thereby, when it is determined that the correction detection data obtained in the correction process in one direction indicates that there is no contact or proximity of the object, even if there are still directions in which correction processing is not performed, The correction processing is not performed, and the one detection data is converted into off data. Therefore, the processing time can be shortened compared to the case where correction processing is uniformly performed in all directions.

Furthermore, according to the input device according to the present embodiment, when converting one detection data included in the two-dimensional data into on-data or off-data, the threshold is set to the one detection data before performing the above correction processing. Based on the comparison with the value, it is determined whether or not the one detection data can be converted into on-data. If it is determined in this determination that the data cannot be converted to on data, the one detection data is converted to off data without performing the above correction processing.
As a result, the processing time can be shortened compared to the case where correction processing is uniformly performed for all detection data included in the two-dimensional data. In addition, since it is not necessary to store the correction processing results of all the detection data included in the two-dimensional data, the amount of memory used can be reduced.

  In addition, this invention is not limited only to embodiment mentioned above, Various modifications are included.

  For example, in the above-described embodiment, detection data correction processing is performed in two directions (vertical direction and horizontal direction) of the operation surface, and detection data conversion (ON) is performed based on the correction detection data obtained by the correction processing. Data / off data) is performed, but the present invention is not limited to this example. In another embodiment of the present invention, correction processing may be performed in more directions, and detection data may be converted based on the correction result. For example, when the search direction is set to eight directions (upper right, right, lower right, lower, lower left, left, upper left, and upper) in the contour tracking of the on-data set region, the correction processing is performed in four directions (vertical direction, horizontal direction, (Upper right-lower left direction, upper left-lower right direction).

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 ... Sensor part, 12 ... Capacitive sensor element, 13 ... Electrostatic capacity-voltage conversion circuit, 14 ... Sensor drive circuit, 20 ... Processing part, 21 ... Timing control part, 22 ... Two-dimensional data generation part, 23 ... Data Acquisition unit, 24 ... change amount calculation unit, 25 ... data conversion unit, 26 ... two-dimensional data update unit, 27 ... region specifying unit, 28 ... coordinate calculation unit, 30 ... storage unit, 31 ... current value memory, 32 ... reference Value memory 34 ... Two-dimensional data memory 35 ... Area information memory 36 ... Start point memory 37 ... Object number memory 38 ... Object coordinate memory

Claims (10)

An input device for inputting information according to contact or proximity of an object to an operation surface,
A sensor unit for detecting a state of contact or proximity of an object at each of a plurality of detection positions on the operation surface;
A two-dimensional data generation unit configured to generate two-dimensional data including a plurality of detection data indicating a state of contact or proximity of an object at a plurality of positions on the operation surface based on a detection result of the sensor unit;
A plurality of detection data included in the two-dimensional data, respectively, a data conversion unit for converting into on-data indicating that there is contact or proximity of an object or off-data indicating that there is no contact or proximity of an object;
An area specifying unit that specifies a contact area or a proximity area of each object on the operation surface based on the two-dimensional data converted by the data conversion unit;
When the data conversion unit performs the conversion on one detection data included in the two-dimensional data, the data conversion unit sets a larger value as the value of the detection data adjacent to the one detection data is smaller than the one detection data. And performing correction processing to calculate correction detection data having a smaller value as the value of the adjacent detection data is larger than the one detection data, and based on the correction detection data obtained by the correction processing, The input device characterized in that the one detection data is converted into the on data or the off data. When performing the conversion on one detection data included in the two-dimensional data, the data conversion unit detects the one detection based on a comparison between the one detection data and a threshold before the correction process. It is determined whether or not data can be converted into the on data, and if it is determined that the data cannot be converted into the on data, the one detection data is converted into the off data without performing the correction processing. The input device according to claim 1. The data conversion unit, when performing the conversion for one detection data included in the two-dimensional data, performs the correction processing for each of a plurality of directions viewed from the one detection data, and the data for one direction In the correction process, the plurality of detection data arranged in the one direction with the one detection data interposed therebetween is subjected to the correction process as a plurality of detection data adjacent to the one detection data, and the plurality of directions The input device according to claim 1, wherein the one detection data is converted into the on data or the off data based on a plurality of correction detection data obtained in the correction processing. When performing the conversion on one detection data included in the two-dimensional data, the data conversion unit performs the correction processing in order for the plurality of directions, and whenever the correction detection data is obtained by the correction processing, It is determined whether or not the obtained corrected detection data indicates contact or proximity of an object. If it is determined in the determination that there is no contact or proximity of an object, the one detection data is converted into the off data. When it is determined that all the correction detection data obtained by the pre-correction processing in the plurality of directions indicate contact or proximity of an object, the one detection data is converted into the on-data. The input device according to claim 3. In the correction process, the data conversion unit adds a value obtained by multiplying the one detection data by a first coefficient, and a plurality of detection data adjacent to the one detection data to a sign opposite to the first coefficient. The input device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the correction detection data is calculated by adding together the values obtained by multiplying the respective second coefficients. An information input method performed in an input device that inputs information according to contact or proximity of an object to an operation surface,
Detecting a state of contact or proximity of an object at each of a plurality of detection positions on the operation surface;
Generating two-dimensional data composed of a plurality of detection data indicating a state of contact or proximity of an object at a plurality of positions on the operation surface based on a result of the detection at the plurality of detection positions;
Converting the plurality of detection data included in the two-dimensional data into on-data indicating that there is contact or proximity of an object or off-data indicating that there is no contact or proximity of an object, respectively;
Identifying the contact area or proximity area of each object on the operation surface based on the two-dimensional data converted in the step of converting the two-dimensional data,
In the step of converting the two-dimensional data, when the conversion is performed on one detection data included in the two-dimensional data, a value of detection data adjacent to the one detection data is smaller than that of the one detection data. The correction detection data obtained by the correction process is performed by calculating correction detection data having a larger value and a smaller value as the value of the adjacent detection data is larger than the one detection data. Based on the above, the one detection data is converted into the on data or the off data. In the step of converting each of the plurality of detection data included in the two-dimensional data, when the conversion is performed on one detection data included in the two-dimensional data, the threshold is set to the one detection data before the correction process. Based on the comparison with the value, it is determined whether the one detection data can be converted to the on data. If it is determined that the one detection data cannot be converted to the on data, the one detection data is not performed without performing the correction process. The data input method according to claim 6, wherein data is converted into the off-data. In the step of converting each of the plurality of detection data included in the two-dimensional data, when the conversion is performed on one detection data included in the two-dimensional data, each of the plurality of directions viewed from the one detection data is performed. The correction processing is performed, and in the correction processing for one direction, a plurality of detection data arranged in the one direction with the one detection data interposed therebetween are detected as a plurality of detection data adjacent to the one detection data. The correction processing is performed as data, and the one detection data is converted into the on data or the off data based on a plurality of correction detection data obtained in the correction processing in the plurality of directions. The information input method according to 6 or 7. In the step of converting each of the plurality of detection data included in the two-dimensional data, when the conversion is performed on one detection data included in the two-dimensional data, the correction processing is sequentially performed for the plurality of directions, and the correction is performed. Each time the correction detection data is obtained by processing, it is determined whether or not the obtained correction detection data indicates an object contact or proximity, and if it is determined in the determination that there is no object contact or proximity, If the one detection data is converted into the off data, and it is determined that all the correction detection data obtained by the pre-correction processing in the plurality of directions indicate contact or proximity of an object, the one detection data The method according to claim 8, wherein the information is converted into the on-data. When performing the correction process in the step of converting each of the plurality of detection data included in the two-dimensional data, a value obtained by multiplying the one detection data by a first coefficient and a plurality of adjacent to the one detection data The corrected detection data is calculated by adding the detection data obtained by multiplying each of the detection data by a value obtained by multiplying each of the second coefficients having a sign opposite to that of the first coefficient. The information input method according to claim 1.