JP2016053828A - Electronic apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an electronic apparatus capable of preventing possibility of erroneous detection of a water droplet as an operation made by a user even when a water droplet is caught by the step formed in the periphery of a touch panel.SOLUTION: The electronic apparatus includes: a housing 140; a display part which has a predetermined shape and is disposed in the housing to display predetermined information; a capacitance touch panel which has a generally predetermined shape, and which transmits the display of the display part, and which determines a two-dimensional coordinates indicated by an indication body which has a predetermined conductivity; a gravity sensor 104 capable of detecting a vertical direction; and a step D2 which is formed along an edge of the predetermined shape, in which the inner side of the predetermined shape is formed higher and the outer side is formed lower. The electronic apparatus is capable of disposing an ineffective area I1 that invalidates the two-dimensional coordinate along an edge at the vertical direction side.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 28

Description

  The present invention relates to an electronic device equipped with a touch panel.

  Electronic devices equipped with a touch panel, such as smartphones and tablets, are in widespread use. Some of such electronic devices include a capacitive touch panel. This capacitive touch panel is not only “touch operation” that is performed by directly touching the finger of the bare hand on the surface, but also at a predetermined height from the surface of the touch panel without touching the finger of the bare hand. A “hover operation” performed with a finger can also be accepted. Thereby, the user can operate not only with bare hands but also with fingers wearing gloves.

  As a touch panel of a type that accepts “touch operation”, for example, there are those disclosed in Patent Document 1 and Patent Document 2. Moreover, there is a technique disclosed in Patent Document 3 that switches the sensitivity of the touch panel according to the vertical direction.

JP 2009-087311 A JP 2006-323457 A JP 2014-123288 A

  By the way, when an electronic device provided with a step around the touch panel is used while being held obliquely in the rain or the like, there is a possibility that raindrops that hit the touchscreen flow along the touchscreen and become water droplets and accumulate near the step.

  In particular, in the case of a capacitive touch panel with increased sensitivity for receiving a hover operation, there is a possibility that water droplets collected near the step are erroneously detected as a user operation.

  An electronic apparatus according to the present invention includes a housing, a display unit disposed in the housing, having a predetermined shape, displaying predetermined information, and substantially having the predetermined shape, and displaying the display unit. A capacitive touch panel, a gravity sensor capable of detecting the vertical direction, and a side of the predetermined shape that determines the two-dimensional coordinates indicated by the indicator having a predetermined conductivity while transmitting. An electronic device provided with a step having a low inner side and a lower outer side of a predetermined shape in the previous period, and capable of disposing an invalid area that invalidates the two-dimensional coordinate along the side, The invalid area is arranged along the side.

  With this configuration, by disposing the invalid area along the side of the touch panel on the vertical direction where water droplets tend to accumulate, even when water droplets accumulate on the steps provided along the sides, the accumulated water droplets can be used as user operations. The possibility of erroneous detection can be suppressed.

  In the electronic device of the present invention, the position of the invalid area arranged along the side on the vertical direction side is changed as the casing is rotated and the vertical direction changes in the casing.

  In the electronic device of the present invention, the height of the step is substantially constant regardless of the side of the predetermined shape.

  In the electronic device of the present invention, the invalid area has a predetermined width along the side, and the predetermined width is substantially constant regardless of the vertical direction. In the electronic device of the present invention, the display unit can display the two-dimensional coordinates, and the display unit does not display the two-dimensional coordinates of the invalid area.

  In the electronic device of the present invention, the predetermined shape is a quadrangle.

  In the electronic device of the present invention, the touch panel can determine the two-dimensional coordinates for the indicator that is separated by a predetermined distance.

  In the electronic device of the present invention, the indicator is a human finger, and the touch panel can determine the two-dimensional coordinates of the finger wearing an insulating glove.

  Moreover, the electronic device of the present invention includes a transparent member that is disposed on the touch panel and has a predetermined transparency, and the touch panel is disposed between the transparent member and the display unit.

  In the electronic device of the present invention, the transparent member and the touch panel are integrated.

  In the electronic device according to the aspect of the invention, the housing includes an edge portion at least at a part of the periphery of the touch panel, and the step is configured between the edge portion and the transparent member.

  In the electronic device of the present invention, the display unit performs a predetermined display in the invalid area.

  In the electronic device of the present invention, the predetermined display is to paint the invalid area in the previous period with a predetermined color.

  In the electronic device of the present invention, the predetermined color is black.

  In the electronic device of the present invention, the predetermined color fill has a predetermined transparency.

  According to the present invention, by disposing the invalid area along the side of the touch panel on the vertical direction side where water droplets easily collect, even when water droplets accumulate on the step provided along the side, The possibility of erroneous detection as an operation can be suppressed.

1 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of an electronic device according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. The perspective view which shows the external appearance of the electronic device which concerns on Embodiment 1. FIG. Sectional drawing which shows the press detection part of the electronic device which concerns on Embodiment 1, a display part, a touchscreen part, and a transparent member The figure which shows schematic structure of the press detection part of the electronic device which concerns on Embodiment 1. FIG. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a specific example of a distortion amount threshold set in the electronic apparatus according to the first embodiment. The positional relationship on the operation surface of the press detection unit of the electronic device according to the first embodiment is shown, and the amount of distortion that can be detected when touching the AA line of the operation surface with the same strength in the positional relationship. Illustration Flowchart for explaining the operation of the control unit of the electronic device according to the first embodiment The block diagram which shows schematic structure of the electronic device which concerns on Embodiment 2 of this invention. The figure which shows an example when the sampling interval of a two-dimensional coordinate is long compared with the change time of distortion amount The figure for demonstrating the distortion amount acquisition process for determination in the electronic device which concerns on Embodiment 2. FIG. Flowchart for explaining the operation of the control unit of the electronic device according to the second embodiment Flowchart for explaining the operation of the distortion amount acquisition unit of the electronic device according to the second embodiment The figure for demonstrating the subject used as the premise of the electronic device which concerns on Embodiment 3 of this invention. The figure for demonstrating the said function when the electronic device which concerns on Embodiment 3 has the function of "selecting the direction which detected touch later" The figure for demonstrating the said function when the electronic device which concerns on Embodiment 3 has the function of "selecting the one with a larger threshold value" FIG. 9 is a block diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of an electronic device according to a third embodiment. Flowchart for explaining the operation of the control unit of the electronic device according to the third embodiment Flowchart for explaining the operation of the distortion amount stabilization determination unit of the electronic device according to the third embodiment The figure which expanded the external appearance of the front side of the electronic device which concerns on Embodiment 4 of this invention, and the one part cross section. FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating an example of a distortion amount threshold value of an electronic device according to a fourth embodiment. A diagram for explaining a conventional problem FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of an electronic device according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention. The figure which shows schematic structure of the capacitive touch panel which concerns on Embodiment 5 etc. of this invention. The figure which shows a detection state when a finger | toe is gradually approached to the touch panel which concerns on Embodiment 5 etc. of this invention. The figure which shows the detection area | region in the electronic device which concerns on Embodiment 5 etc. of this invention The perspective view which shows an example of the external appearance of the front surface of the electronic device which concerns on Embodiment 5 of this invention. Sectional drawing of the edge part periphery of the electronic device which concerns on Embodiment 5 of this invention External view and sectional view of electronic device according to Embodiment 5 of the present invention standing in the longitudinal direction External view and sectional view of electronic device according to Embodiment 5 of the present invention standing in the short direction Flowchart showing the operation of the electronic apparatus according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention. The figure which shows an example of the icon display operation | movement of the electronic device which concerns on Embodiment 5 etc. of this invention

(Problems related to Embodiments 1 to 4)
Here, in the capacitive touch panel, the two-dimensional coordinates obtained when water or the like adheres to the panel surface may be validated. This problem can be avoided by detecting the level of pressure on the touch panel and not detecting pressure due to adhesion of water or the like. For example, a strain when water or the like adheres is detected using a strain sensor, and the two-dimensional coordinates when the detected strain amount is equal to or less than a predetermined threshold value are not validated.

  However, even if a strain sensor is provided to prevent an erroneous reaction, the amount of strain for which the operation is effective within the operation surface varies depending on the location where the strain sensor is disposed. That is, since the shape of the strain sensor is smaller than that of the touch panel, the strain amount is small at a location far from the strain sensor on the touch panel, and the strain amount is large at a close location. For example, when the strain sensor is arranged at the center portion of the touch panel, the strain amount is large at the center portion of the touch panel, and the strain amount is small at the end portion of the touch panel. Thus, depending on the location on the touch panel, the touch operation may not be effective.

  In addition, there is a trade-off relationship between operability and false detection, and reducing the effective distortion amount increases false detection, such as determining that electrical noise and vibration not caused by operation are also effective. On the other hand, if the effective distortion amount is increased, the distortion at the panel edge cannot be detected effectively.

  FIG. 21 is a diagram illustrating the above problem. (A) of the same figure is a figure which shows the operation surface 100 and the distortion sensor 101. FIG. As shown to (a) of the figure, the distortion sensor 101 is arrange | positioned a little below from the center of the operation surface 100, and the AA line of the operation surface 100 which passes along the center part of the distortion sensor 101 is the same intensity | strength. Touch operation. (B) of the same figure is a figure which shows the distortion amount detected by the distortion sensor 101 at this time.

  The touch position Pa on the operation surface 100 is a position on the AA line of the upper end of the operation surface 100 (the upper end is the upper end in the drawing), and the touch position Pb is A of the strain sensor 101 of the operation surface 100. The position on the -A line, the touch position Pc, is the position on the AA line at the lower end of the operation surface 100 (the lower end in the drawing is the lower end). Since the touch position Pa is the farthest position from the distortion sensor 101, the detected distortion amount is a small value as shown in FIG. Since the touch position Pb is a position where the strain sensor 101 is disposed, the detected strain amount is a large value as shown in FIG. Since the touch position Pc is a position that is approximately half the distance from the strain sensor 101 to the touch position Pa, the touch position Pc is larger than the distortion amount at the touch position Pa and smaller than the distortion amount at the touch position Pb. .

  An operation validity threshold is set to determine whether or not a touch operation has been performed. In the surrounding 110 including the touch position Pb, since the influence of the touch operation on the distortion sensor 101 is large, the amount of distortion that can be detected even with a light force operation exceeds the threshold. That is, it is effective even with an operation with a lighter force than the surrounding area. At the touch position Pc, although the influence of the touch operation on the distortion sensor 101 is not greater than that at the touch position Pb, the amount of distortion that can be detected with a slight force operation exceeds the threshold. In the surrounding area 111 including the touch position Pa, since the touch operation hardly affects the distortion sensor 101, the amount of distortion that can be detected does not exceed the threshold value and cannot be determined as the touch operation. As described above, depending on the location where the strain sensor 101 is disposed, the amount of strain for which the touch operation is effective varies within the operation surface 100. Although the touch operation can affect the distortion sensor 101 even at the touch position Pa by lowering the threshold value, a false reaction occurs due to noise by lowering the threshold value.

  The present invention has been made in view of such circumstances, and enables two-dimensional coordinates by the operation to be effective at any position on the operation surface, and if water or the like adheres to the operation surface, the water is used. An object of the present invention is to provide an electronic device that does not make two-dimensional coordinates effective.

  DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS Hereinafter, preferred embodiments for carrying out the invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

(Embodiment 1)
FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of an electronic apparatus according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing an appearance of the electronic apparatus of FIG. FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a press detection unit, a display unit, a touch panel unit, and a transparent member of the electronic apparatus of FIG. Note that the electronic apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment is applied to a portable wireless device called a smartphone, for example, and the portion functioning as a wireless device is omitted in the block diagram of FIG.

  In FIG. 1, an electronic apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment includes a touch panel unit 2, a press detection unit 3, an operation surface threshold determination unit 4, an application processing unit 5, and a control unit 6. As shown in FIG. 2, the electronic apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment has a rectangular housing 10, and the touch panel unit 2 and the display unit 11 are arranged on the front side of the housing 10. The In this case, as shown in FIG. 3, the touch panel unit 2, the press detection unit 3, the display unit 11, and the transparent member 12 are stacked on the upper surface side of the display unit 11 in the order of the touch panel unit 2 and the transparent member 12. The pressure detection unit 3 is disposed on the lower surface side of the display unit 11. The touch panel unit 2 and the display unit 11 have a planar shape having an area slightly smaller than the area of the front surface of the housing 10 and are formed in a rectangular shape in plan view. In this case, the area of the touch panel unit 2 is slightly smaller than the area of the display unit 11. Needless to say, the touch panel unit 2 is disposed so as to overlap the display surface side of the display unit 11, so that it is substantially parallel to the display surface of the display unit 11.

  In FIG. 1, the touch panel unit 2 enables an operation (referred to as “hover operation”) within a predetermined range without touching the operation surface with an indicator (such as a user's finger or pen). The capacitance method is adopted. The touch panel unit 2 is arranged so as to overlap the display surface side of the display unit 11, and transmits two-dimensional coordinates (hereinafter referred to as “touch coordinates”) indicated by the indicator having predetermined conductivity while transmitting the display of the display unit 11. And call the determined touch coordinates. The touch panel unit 2 detects the indicator, and outputs the coordinates (touch coordinates) of the center of the indicator along the operation surface of the touch panel unit 2 to the control unit 6. The touch panel unit 2 includes, in the touch coordinates, the vertical distance from the operation surface of the touch panel unit 2 to the indicator in the touch coordinates. That is, the touch panel unit 2 outputs the two-dimensional coordinates and the vertical distance at the touch position to the control unit 6.

  2 and 3, the display unit 11 has a rectangular shape and is used for display for operating the electronic device 1, display of images, and the like. For the display unit 11, a display device such as an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display), an organic EL (Electro Luminescence), or an electronic paper is used. In FIG. 3, the transparent member 12 is disposed so as to overlap the upper surface side of the touch panel unit 2 and transmits the display on the display unit 11. The transparent member 12 may be integrated with the touch panel unit 2 or may be a separate body.

  In FIG. 1 and FIG. 3, the press detection unit 3 is disposed so as to overlap the lower surface side of the display unit 11 and detects distortion of the transparent member 12. The pressure detection unit 3 has a strain sensor (not shown) having an area smaller than that of the transparent member 12 and outputs the strain detected by the strain sensor as a strain amount. For example, a piezoelectric element or a piezoelectric film is used for the strain sensor of the press detection unit 3. Here, the structure of the press detection part 3 using a piezoelectric film and the detection principle of the pressing force by a piezoelectric film are demonstrated. FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of the press detection unit 3 using a piezoelectric film. In the same figure, the press detection part 3 has the base plate 31 and the piezoelectric film 32, and comprises the structure which laminated | stacked these. On both surfaces of the piezoelectric film 32, pressing force detection electrode patterns 33 and 34 are formed. Electric charges are generated in the piezoelectric film 32 due to minute deflection of the base plate 31, and a voltage is generated between the opposing pressing force detection electrode patterns 33 and 34. The pressing force can be detected based on this voltage. In addition, since electric charges are generated in the piezoelectric film 32 even when the base plate 31 is slightly bent, it can be detected even with a slight pressing force. 4, predetermined patterns 35 are arranged on both sides of the piezoelectric film 32 in addition to the pressing force detection electrode patterns 33 and 34. The predetermined pattern 35 may be used in the same manner as the pressing force detection electrode patterns 33 and 34, or an arbitrary signal may be passed therethrough.

  In FIG. 1, an in-operation-surface threshold value determination unit 4 determines a threshold value according to touch coordinates output from the touch panel unit 2, and determines the determined threshold value as a distortion amount threshold value (hereinafter referred to as “distortion amount threshold value (predetermined threshold value)). Output as “TH”. The distortion amount threshold TH is set for each section by dividing the operation surface of the touch panel unit 2 into predetermined sections. Examples of the shape of the compartment include a quadrangle and a triangle.

  FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating a specific example of the distortion amount threshold value TH. In this case, as illustrated in FIG. 5A, the press detection unit 3 is disposed slightly below the center of the operation surface 40 of the touch panel unit 2. The distortion amount threshold value TH is set for each section obtained by dividing the operation surface 40 of the touch panel unit 2 into 40 sections of 5 × 8. In this case, as shown in FIG. 5B, a large value is set in the portion 41 where the amount of distortion that can be detected is physically large, such as the vicinity of the press detection unit 3, and the end of the operation surface 40 can be detected. A small value is set in the portion 42 where the amount of distortion is physically small. For example, in the portion 41 where the pressure detection unit 3 is arranged, the distortion amount threshold values TH of “50”, “70”, “50”, “40”, “50”, “40” are set, and the pressure detection unit In a portion 42 farthest from the portion where 3 is arranged, each distortion amount threshold TH of “1”, “2”, “3”, “2”, “1” is set. Thus, the distortion amount threshold value TH is set for each of the divided predetermined sections by dividing the operation surface 40 of the touch panel unit 2 into a plurality of parts.

  In FIG. 1, the distortion amount threshold TH determined by the operation in-plane threshold determination unit 4 is output to the control unit 6. The control unit 6 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a ROM (Read Only Memory), a RAM (Random Access Memory), and an interface circuit. The ROM stores a program for controlling the CPU. Used in the operation of the CPU. The control unit 6 acquires touch coordinates determined by the touch panel unit 2 at regular time intervals, and outputs them to the operation surface threshold determination unit 4. Further, the control unit 6 inputs the distortion amount Dv detected by the press detection unit 3 and also inputs the distortion amount threshold TH determined by the in-operation-surface threshold determination unit 4, and compares these values. When the distortion amount Dv detected by the press detection unit 3 is greater than the distortion amount threshold TH determined by the operation surface threshold determination unit 4, the touch coordinates determined by the touch panel unit 2 are validated and validated. The coordinates are output to the application processing unit 5 as effective touch coordinates. The application processing unit 5 performs various processes based on the effective touch coordinates. Needless to say, the distortion amount Dv and the distortion amount threshold TH compared by the control unit 6 are obtained from the same touch coordinates.

  FIG. 6 shows a positional relationship on the operation surface 40 of the touch panel unit 2 and a distortion amount Dv that can be detected when the user touches the AA line of the operation surface 40 with the same strength in the positional relationship. It is. As shown to (a) of the figure, the touch position Pa on the operation surface 40 is the position on the AA line of the upper end of the operation surface 40 (the upper end is the upper end in the drawing), the touch position Pb. Is the position on the AA line of the pressing detection unit 3 of the operation surface 40, and the touch position Pc is the position on the AA line at the lower end of the operation surface 40 (the lower end is the lower end in the drawing). is there.

  The touch position Pa is the position farthest from the press detection unit 3, and the detected distortion amount Dv is a small value as shown in FIG. The touch position Pb is a position where the press detection unit 3 is disposed, and the detected distortion amount Dv is a large value as shown in FIG. The touch position Pc is a position that is approximately half the distance from the pressure detection unit 3 to the touch position Pa, and is larger than the distortion amount Dv at the touch position Pa and smaller than the distortion amount Dv at the touch position Pb. It becomes.

  A distortion amount threshold TH is set in order to determine the effectiveness of the operation on the operation surface 40 of the touch panel unit 2. The distortion amount threshold value TH is set for each section of the operation surface 40 divided into a plurality as described above. The distortion amount threshold set for each section is a value smaller than the distortion amount detected by the press detection unit 3 when touching for each section. Thereby, the touch coordinate by the operation becomes effective no matter what position on the operation surface 40 is touched. However, the minimum value of the distortion amount threshold TH is a value that is not detected even when water or the like adheres to the operation surface 40, or a value that is larger than the value of electrical noise. That is, the value is larger than the amount of distortion obtained when water or the like adheres to the operation surface 40. By determining the distortion amount threshold value TH in this way, even when water or the like adheres to the operation surface 40, the touch coordinates by the water do not become effective.

  FIG. 7 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of the control unit 6 of the electronic apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment. In the figure, the control unit 6 acquires the touch coordinates output from the touch panel unit 2 (step S1), and outputs it to the in-operation threshold determination unit 4. That is, when the user touches the operation surface 40 of the touch panel unit 2, the touch panel unit 2 determines the touch coordinates corresponding to the touch position, and outputs the determined touch coordinates to the in-operation surface threshold determination unit 4.

  After outputting the touch coordinates to the in-operation-surface threshold value determination unit 4, the control unit 6 determines whether the release of the effective operation has been detected based on the acquired touch coordinates (step S2). In the electronic device 1 according to the present embodiment, since the operation is effective after the operation surface 40 of the touch panel unit 2 is touched with a finger and then released, the finger is released from the operation surface 40. If so, it is determined that the valid operation has been released. That is, the control unit 6 traces the touch coordinates and recognizes an operation with the same finger even if a certain coordinate changes. Further, the control unit 6 determines that the touch coordinates once determined to be valid are valid until it is determined that the finger is released from the operation surface 40 of the touch panel unit 2.

  When it is determined that the release of the effective operation has been detected (when it is determined “Yes” in Step S2), the control unit 6 clears the valid state of the touch coordinates (Step S3). That is, the touch coordinates are invalidated. After clearing the valid state of the touch coordinates, the touch coordinates are released (step S4), and this process ends.

  On the other hand, when it is determined in step S2 that release of an effective operation cannot be detected (when “No” is determined in step S2), that is, when it is determined that the finger is not separated from the operation surface 40, touch It is determined whether the coordinates are already valid (step S5). That is, it is determined whether or not the state in which the finger is touched on the operation surface 40 of the touch panel unit 2 continues. In this determination, when it is determined that the touch coordinates are already valid (when “Yes” is determined in step S5), that is, it is determined that the state in which the finger is touched on the operation surface 40 continues. In this case, the touch coordinates are validated (step S6), and this process is finished.

  On the other hand, when it is determined that the touch coordinates are not valid (when “No” is determined in step S5), that is, the touch coordinates are acquired, but the distortion amount is still smaller than the predetermined threshold value. The control unit 6 acquires the distortion amount Dv detected by the press detection unit 3 (step S7). Next, the control unit 6 acquires a distortion amount threshold TH corresponding to the touch coordinates (particularly, two-dimensional coordinates) from the operation surface threshold determination unit 4 (step S8). After obtaining the distortion amount Dv at the touch coordinates and further obtaining the distortion amount threshold TH according to the touch coordinates, these values are compared (step S9). When it is determined that the distortion amount Dv is larger than the distortion amount threshold TH (when “Yes” is determined in step S9), the touch coordinates are validated (step S6), and this process is terminated. On the other hand, when it is determined that the distortion amount Dv is equal to or less than the distortion amount threshold value TH (when it is determined “No” in step S9), the touch coordinates are invalidated (step S10), and this process is terminated. The above processing (step S1 to step S10) is performed every time touch coordinates are acquired.

  As described above, according to the electronic apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment, the operation surface 40 of the touch panel unit 2 is divided into a plurality of predetermined sections, and the divided predetermined sections are set according to the distance from the press detection unit 3. Since the set distortion amount threshold TH is set, the touch coordinates are valid regardless of the position on the operation surface 40 of the touch panel unit 2 that is touched. Further, since the minimum value of the distortion amount threshold value TH is set to a value larger than the distortion amount Dv when water or the like adheres to the operation surface 40 or a value larger than the electric noise value, The touch coordinates by the water do not become effective when the water adheres.

(Embodiment 2)
FIG. 8 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of an electronic apparatus according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention. In the figure, the same reference numerals are given to the portions common to FIG. The electronic device 50 according to the second embodiment can accurately acquire a change in the amount of distortion even if the change time of the amount of distortion may be shorter than the touch coordinate acquisition interval (sampling interval). As a means for enabling this, a distortion amount acquisition unit 51 is provided.

  FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating an example when the sampling interval Ta of the two-dimensional coordinates is longer than the distortion change time. As shown in the figure, the maximum value Dvmax of the distortion amount Dv obtained by the touch operation is within the sampling interval Ta of the two-dimensional coordinates, and the distortion amounts Dv1, Dv2 at the two-dimensional coordinate acquisition timings t1, t2, t3. , Dv3 are both below the distortion amount threshold TH. Therefore, the two-dimensional coordinates by the touch operation at this time are not effective. As in this example, if the change in the amount of distortion cannot be acquired accurately, the two-dimensional coordinates obtained by this touch operation will not be valid even if there is a touch operation. Originally, the two-dimensional coordinates by the touch operation after the distortion amount Dv exceeds the distortion amount threshold TH need to be effective. Note that the two-dimensional coordinate obtained by water may not be effective if it adheres to water or the like, but the two-dimensional coordinate obtained by the touch operation by a pointer such as a finger becomes effective. There is a need.

  FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining a distortion amount acquisition process for determination in the electronic device 50 according to the second embodiment. As shown in the figure, the distortion amount acquisition unit 51 acquires the distortion amount Dv at a cycle (“distortion amount acquisition interval Tb” described below) faster than the change of the distortion amount Dv, and stores the maximum value. At the same time, the maximum value of the distortion amount Dv is output to the control unit 6 as the effective determination distortion amount Dve. Each time the distortion amount acquisition unit 51 acquires the distortion amount Dv at the distortion amount acquisition interval Tb, the distortion amount acquisition unit 51 compares the distortion amount Dv acquired immediately before to obtain the maximum value of the distortion amount Dv. The distortion amount acquisition unit 51 continues to output the validity determination distortion amount Dve until it is reset by the control unit 6.

  The control unit 6 acquires touch coordinates output from the touch panel unit 2 at a constant interval (sampling interval) Ta. The control unit 6 compares the effective determination distortion amount Dve acquired by the distortion amount acquisition unit 51 with the distortion amount threshold TH according to the touch coordinates, and if the effective determination distortion amount Dve is larger than the distortion amount threshold TH, The current touch coordinates are valid. Then, the valid touch coordinates are output to the application processing unit 5 as valid touch coordinates.

  In addition, the control unit 6 continues touch coordinates (particularly two-dimensional coordinates) until the finger as an indicator moves away from the operation surface 40 of the touch panel unit 2 in the vertical direction by a predetermined distance or more from the output of the touch panel unit 2. Valid. When the finger as an indicator moves away from the operation surface 40 of the touch panel unit 2 by a predetermined distance or more in the vertical direction, the operation for the effective touch coordinates is released and the output of the effective touch coordinates is stopped, and the distortion amount acquisition unit 51 Is reset, and the distortion amount Dve for validity determination, which is the maximum value of the distortion amount Dv stored in the distortion amount acquisition unit 51, is deleted.

  When touching the touch panel unit 2 with an indicator such as a finger to operate the electronic device 50 with the touch coordinates enabled, large distortion is detected at the beginning of the contact, but then the contact is continued and the operation is continued. The distortion tends to gradually decrease. In particular, this tendency is remarkable in a flick operation or the like. In the present embodiment, the touch coordinates are enabled based on the distortion, and then enabled until the indicator moves away from the touch panel unit 2, so that the false detection due to water with extremely small distortion is suppressed and the actual flick or the like is suppressed. It can be suppressed that the operation is erroneously determined to be invalid.

  FIG. 11 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of the control unit 6 of the electronic device 50 according to the second embodiment. In the figure, the same processes as those in FIG. 7 described above are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof is omitted.

  In FIG. 11, the control unit 6 acquires the touch coordinates output from the touch panel unit 2 (step S <b> 1), and outputs it to the operation surface threshold determination unit 4. After outputting the touch coordinates to the in-operation-surface threshold value determination unit 4, the control unit 6 determines whether the release of the effective operation has been detected based on the acquired touch coordinates (step S2). When it is determined that the release of the effective operation has been detected (when “Yes” is determined in Step S2), a request for resetting the maximum distortion amount, that is, the effective determination distortion amount Dve is output to the distortion amount acquisition unit 51 (Step S2). S11). That is, a request is made to delete the effective determination distortion amount Dve stored in the distortion amount acquisition unit 51. After outputting a request for resetting the valid determination strain amount Dve to the strain amount acquisition unit 51, the touch coordinate valid state is cleared (step S3). Thereafter, the touch coordinates are released (step S4), and this process is finished.

  On the other hand, when it is determined in step S2 that the release of the effective operation cannot be detected (when “No” is determined in step S2), it is determined whether the touch coordinates are already effective (step S5). That is, it is determined whether or not the state in which the finger is touched on the operation surface 40 continues. In this determination, when it is determined that the touch coordinates are already valid (when “Yes” is determined in step S5), that is, it is determined that the state in which the finger is touched on the operation surface 40 continues. In this case, the touch coordinates are validated (step S6), and this process is finished.

  On the other hand, when it is determined that the touch coordinates are not valid (when “No” is determined in step S5), a distortion amount Dve for validity determination is acquired from the distortion amount acquisition unit 51 (step S12). Next, the control unit 6 acquires a distortion amount threshold TH corresponding to the touch coordinates from the operation surface threshold determination unit 4 (step S8). After obtaining the effective determination distortion amount Dve and further obtaining the distortion amount threshold TH corresponding to the touch coordinates, these values are compared (step S9). In this comparison, when it is determined that the distortion amount Dve for validity determination is larger than the distortion amount threshold TH (when “Yes” is determined in step S9), the touch coordinates are validated (step S6), and this process is finished. On the other hand, when it is determined that the valid determination distortion amount Dve is equal to or less than the distortion amount threshold TH (when “No” is determined in step S9), the touch coordinates are invalidated (step S10), and this processing is performed. Finish. The above processing (step S1 to step S6, step S8 to step S12) is performed every time touch coordinates are acquired.

  FIG. 12 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of the distortion amount acquisition unit 51 of the electronic device 50 according to the present embodiment. In the same figure, the distortion amount acquisition part 51 acquires the distortion amount output from the press detection part 3 (step S20). Next, it is determined whether or not the maximum distortion amount (effective determination distortion amount Dve) is effective (step S21). When it is determined that the maximum distortion amount is valid (when “Yes” is determined in step S21), it is determined whether the currently acquired distortion amount is larger than the maximum distortion amount (step S22). In this determination, when it is determined that the currently acquired distortion amount is larger than the maximum distortion amount (when “Yes” is determined in step S22), the maximum distortion amount is updated (step S23). That is, the currently acquired distortion amount is updated to the maximum distortion amount.

  On the other hand, when it is determined in step S21 that the maximum distortion amount is not effective (when “No” is determined in step S21), the maximum distortion amount is updated (step S23). After the maximum distortion amount is updated, it is determined whether or not there is a reset request from the control unit 6 (step S24). When it is determined that there is a reset request (when “Yes” is determined in step S24), the currently stored maximum distortion amount is cleared (step S25), and this process is terminated. Further, when it is determined in step S24 that there is no reset request (when “No” is determined in step S24), this process is terminated without performing any process. The above processing (step S20 to step S25) is performed at predetermined time intervals.

  As described above, according to the electronic device 50 according to the second embodiment, the distortion amount acquisition unit 51 that acquires the distortion amount at a cycle faster than the change of the distortion to be detected and stores the maximum value is short. It is possible to validate the touch operation even with the amount of distortion of the change and suppress erroneous determination of the actual operation as invalid. That is, when the touch coordinates are acquired at a predetermined sampling interval and the amount of distortion when the touch coordinates are acquired does not exceed the distortion amount threshold (that is, when the predetermined condition is not satisfied), then Do not enable touch coordinates. Thereby, validation of touch coordinates due to adhesion of water or the like can be suppressed. Also, even within the sampling interval for acquiring touch coordinates, when the amount of distortion when the touch coordinates are acquired exceeds the distortion amount threshold (that is, when a predetermined condition is satisfied), the touch coordinates at that time are valid. Thereby, the two-dimensional coordinate obtained by the touch operation with a pointer such as a finger can be validated. Also, once the touch coordinates are validated, they are valid until an indicator such as a finger is separated from the operation surface 40 of the touch panel unit 2 by a predetermined distance in the vertical direction. Accordingly, it is possible to suppress invalidation when an operation that cannot maintain a large amount of distortion such as a flick operation is performed.

(Embodiment 3)
Electronic device 60 according to Embodiment 3 of the present invention has means that can suppress erroneously determining that the touch coordinates that are not operations are valid even if touch panel unit 2 detects multi-touch. . The case where the touch panel unit 2 detects a plurality of touch coordinates simultaneously includes, for example, one touch coordinate by a finger operation and the other touch coordinate by water. Here, as shown in FIG. 13A, when the water 90 is near the end of the operation surface 40 and the finger 91 is operating near the center of the operation surface 40, the water 90 and the finger 91 are in the operation surface. 40 is touched, touch coordinates corresponding to the water 90 and the finger 91 are output from the touch panel unit 2.

  Since the finger 91 is in the central portion of the operation surface 40 and the water 90 is at the end of the operation surface 40, the distortion amount threshold value is smaller for water. That is, as shown in FIG. 13B, the distortion amount threshold value TH1 for the water 90 is a small value, and the distortion amount threshold value TH2 for the finger 91 is a large value. Since the distortion amount exceeds the distortion amount threshold value TH1 in the direction where the water 90 is present, erroneous detection by the water 90 becomes effective first. That is, the touch coordinates by the water 90 are validated at the touch coordinate acquisition time t2. I want to make the touch coordinates with the finger 91 obtained at the touch coordinate acquisition time t3 effective first.

The following methods can be considered as measures for solving this problem.
-While the amount of distortion is increasing, validation is not performed during operation.
-Validate the touch coordinates after determining that the change in distortion is stable.

    -Since the change in the distortion amount due to the touch operation is detected by increasing → stagnation → decreasing, the activation determination is not performed while the operation is in progress.

-Proposed method for determining that it is stable-When the increase in the amount of distortion falls below a predetermined threshold (threshold for determining an increase in the amount of distortion)-The increase in the amount of distortion is a predetermined threshold (threshold for determining an increase in the amount of distortion) ) When the number of consecutive cases is less than the specified number of times ・ When it is detected that there is no change in the amount of distortion or when the decrease in the amount of distortion is detected for the first time ・ After the amount of distortion has not changed, the number of times does not increase continuously If the amount of distortion does not increase continuously a predetermined number of times after detecting the decrease in the amount of distortion ・ After the amount of distortion exceeds a predetermined threshold (threshold for ignoring electrical noise, etc.) Selection method when multiple coordinates are simultaneously exceeding the threshold at the judgment timing − Select the one that detects touch later − Select the one with the larger threshold ・ Large distortion is in the center rather than the edge Who If the threshold for easy for-each touch coordinates out are the same include draft below.

-Effective all -Effective later touched -Effective near the center The case of "selecting the later detected touch" will be described with reference to the drawings.

  FIG. 14 is a diagram for explaining the function in a case where electronic device 60 according to the third embodiment has a function of “selecting a later-detected touch” function. In the description of this function, the drawing of FIG. 13 is also used. The example shown in FIG. 14 is an example in which the finger 91 that has entered after the water 90 is selected when the water 90 adheres to the operation surface 40 before the operation surface 40 of the touch panel unit 2 is operated with the finger 91. . Since the water 90 itself is not recognized, it is not known whether the operation surface 40 is touched by the water 90, but in this example, the water 90 is touched.

  When water 90 adheres to the operation surface 40 of the touch panel unit 2, touch coordinates corresponding to the position where the water 90 has adhered are output from the touch panel unit 2. The touch coordinates output from the touch panel unit 2 are taken into the control unit 6 at the touch coordinate acquisition timing. Further, since the amount of distortion detected by the pressure detection unit 3 when the water 90 adheres is a value smaller than the distortion amount threshold value TH, it does not exceed the distortion amount threshold value TH. As described above, the distortion amount threshold value TH is set to a value larger than the distortion amount detected when the water 90 adheres so that the touch coordinates are not valid due to the attachment of the water 90.

  After the water 90 adheres to the operation surface 40 of the touch panel unit 2, when the operation surface 40 is touched with the finger 91, touch coordinates corresponding to the position touched by the finger 91 are output from the touch panel unit 2. The distortion amount Dv output from the press detection unit 3 gradually increases, but when the maximum value is reached, the change is stabilized. It is determined whether or not the touch coordinates are valid from when the change in the distortion amount Dv is stabilized. After the change in the distortion amount Dv is stabilized, it is compared with a distortion amount threshold value (a distortion amount threshold value corresponding to the coordinate position where the finger is touched) TH at the touch coordinate acquisition timing t7. At this time, if the distortion amount Dv exceeds the distortion amount threshold TH, the touch coordinates touched by the finger 91 are valid. In this way, if the change in the distortion amount Dv is stable and exceeds the distortion amount threshold TH, the touch coordinates at that time are validated.

  FIG. 15 is a diagram for explaining the function when electronic device 60 according to the third embodiment has a function of “selecting a larger threshold”. In the figure, when the distortion amount Dv gradually increases and reaches a maximum value, the change is stabilized. It is determined whether or not the touch coordinates are valid from when the change in the distortion amount Dv is stabilized. After the change of the distortion amount Dv is stabilized, the touch coordinate having the larger threshold value among the distortion amount threshold values TH1 and TH2 is selected at the touch coordinate acquisition timing t4. In this case, since the distortion amount threshold value TH2 of the finger 91 is larger than the distortion amount threshold value TH1 of the water 90, the touch coordinates touched by the finger 91 are valid. As described above, after the change in the distortion amount Dv is stabilized, the touch coordinate having the larger distortion amount threshold is selected, and the touch coordinate is validated.

  FIG. 16 is a block diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of an electronic device 60 according to the third embodiment. In the figure, the same reference numerals are given to the portions common to FIG. 1 described above, and the description thereof is omitted. As described above, electronic device 60 according to the third exemplary embodiment incorrectly detects touch coordinates that are not operations even when touch panel unit 2 detects multi-touch at a portion where the threshold of distortion amount is different on operation surface 40 of touch panel unit 2. Therefore, a distortion amount stabilization determination unit 61 is provided as means for enabling this.

  The distortion amount stabilization determination unit 61 outputs the distortion amount as the validity determination distortion amount to the control unit 62 after the change in the distortion amount output from the press detection unit 3 is stabilized. The operation surface threshold determination unit 4 outputs a distortion amount threshold corresponding to each of the plurality of touch coordinates to the control unit 62. For example, a distortion amount threshold value corresponding to the touch coordinates of the water 90 and a distortion amount threshold value corresponding to the touch coordinates of the finger 91 are output to the control unit 62. When the control unit 62 has a function of “selecting the one that detects a touch later”, the control unit 62 selects a distortion amount threshold value corresponding to the touch coordinates of the finger 91, and is acquired by the distortion amount threshold value and the distortion amount stabilization determination unit 61. The effective determination distortion amounts are compared. If the effective determination distortion amount is larger than the distortion amount threshold value, the touch coordinates by the finger 91 are validated, and the touch coordinates are output to the application processing unit 5 as the effective touch coordinates.

  On the other hand, when the control unit 62 has a function of “selecting the larger threshold value”, the distortion amount threshold value corresponding to the touch coordinates of the finger 91 is selected, and the distortion amount threshold value and the distortion amount stabilization determination unit 61 acquire the distortion amount threshold value. The effective determination distortion amount is compared, and if the effective determination distortion amount is larger than the distortion amount threshold, the touch coordinates by the finger 91 are validated, and the touch coordinates are output to the application processing unit 5 as the effective touch coordinates. Thereafter, the validation of the touch coordinates continues until no operation is performed (that is, until the finger is released from the operation surface 40 of the touch panel unit 2). When the operation is no longer performed (that is, when a finger is released from the operation surface 40 of the touch panel unit 2), the control unit 62 resets the distortion amount stabilization determination unit 61 and uses the effective touch coordinates. Stop the output of.

  FIG. 17 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of the control unit 62 of the electronic device 60 according to the third embodiment. In the figure, the same processes as those in FIG. 7 described above are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof is omitted.

  In FIG. 17, the control unit 62 acquires the touch coordinates output from the touch panel unit 2 (step S <b> 1), and outputs it to the operation surface threshold determination unit 4. After outputting the touch coordinates to the operation surface threshold determination unit 4, it is determined whether release of an effective operation has been detected based on the acquired touch coordinates (step S2). When it is determined that the release of the effective operation has been detected (when “Yes” is determined in step S2), a stabilization determination reset request is output to the distortion amount stabilization determination unit 61 (step S13). After outputting a reset request to the distortion amount stabilization determination unit 61, the valid state of the touch coordinates is cleared (step S3). Thereafter, the touch coordinates are released (step S4), and this process is finished.

  On the other hand, when it is determined in step S2 that the release of the effective operation cannot be detected (when “No” is determined in step S2), it is determined whether the touch coordinates are already effective (step S5). In this determination, when it is determined that the touch coordinates are already enabled (when “Yes” is determined in step S5), the touch coordinates are enabled (step S6), and the process is terminated. In step S6, if a plurality of touch coordinates simultaneously exceed the threshold, selection is performed. For example, the one that detects the touch later is selected or the one with the larger distortion amount threshold is selected.

  On the other hand, when it is determined that the touch coordinates are not valid (when “No” is determined in step S5), the distortion correction amount for validity determination output from the distortion amount stabilization determination unit 61 is acquired. (Step S14). Then, it is determined whether or not there is an effective determination distortion amount (step S15). When it is determined that there is an effective determination distortion amount (when it is determined "Yes" in step S15), that is, the change in distortion amount is stable. When it determines with having performed, the control part 6 acquires the distortion amount threshold value according to a touch coordinate from the operation surface threshold value determination part 4 (step S8).

  After obtaining the distortion amount for validity determination and further obtaining the distortion amount threshold corresponding to the touch coordinates, these values are compared (step S9). When it is determined that the distortion amount for validity determination is larger than the distortion amount threshold value (when “Yes” is determined in step S9), the touch coordinates are validated (step S6), and this process ends. On the other hand, when it is determined that the valid determination distortion amount is equal to or less than the distortion amount threshold value (when “No” is determined in step S9), the touch coordinates are invalidated (step S10), and the process is terminated.

  When it is determined in step S15 that there is no effective determination distortion amount (when it is determined "No" in step S15), that is, it is determined that the distortion amount is increasing or the change in distortion amount is not stable. If so, the touch coordinates are invalidated (step S10), and the process is terminated. The above processing (step S1 to step S6, step S8 to step S10, step S13 to step S15) is performed every time the touch coordinates are acquired.

  FIG. 18 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of the distortion amount stabilization determination unit 61 of the electronic device 60 according to the third embodiment. In the figure, the distortion amount stabilization determination unit 61 determines that the distortion is stable when the change in the distortion amount disappears or when a decrease in the distortion amount is detected for the first time. The distortion amount stabilization determination unit 61 acquires the distortion amount output from the press detection unit 3 (step S30). Next, it is determined whether or not it is the first determination after the stabilization reset (step S31). (Step S32). Since it is the first time, of course, it is not stable, so it is determined that it is not stable. And the present distortion amount and determination result are memorize | stored (step S33), and this process is complete | finished.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step S31 that it is not the first determination after stabilization reset (if “No” is determined in step S31), it is determined whether it is determined to be stable (step S34), and it is determined to be stable. (When determined as “Yes” at step S34), it is determined that it is stable (step S37). And the present distortion amount and determination result are memorize | stored (step S33), and this process is complete | finished. If it is determined in step S34 that it is not determined to be stable (when it is determined "No" in step S34), a difference from the stored distortion amount is calculated (step S35).

  After calculating the difference, it is determined whether or not the change in distortion amount is 0 (zero) or less (step S36). That is, it is determined whether there is no change in the distortion amount or whether the distortion amount has changed. When it is determined that the change in the amount of distortion exceeds 0 (zero) (when it is determined “No” in step S36), that is, when it is determined that there is a change, the process proceeds to step S32, where it is determined that it is not stable. On the other hand, when it is determined that the change in the distortion amount is 0 (zero) or less (when “Yes” is determined in step S36), it is determined that the distortion is stable (step S37), and the control unit 62 uses the distortion amount for effective determination. Output to. Thereafter, in step S33, the current distortion amount and determination result are stored (step S33), and the present process ends.

  As described above, according to the electronic device 60 according to the third embodiment, when the touch panel unit 2 detects multi-touch at a portion where the threshold value of the distortion amount is different, it is erroneously determined that touch coordinates that are not operations are valid. Can be suppressed.

(Embodiment 4)
FIG. 19 is an enlarged view of a front side appearance and a partial cross section of an electronic device 70 according to Embodiment 4 of the present invention. Even in other electronic devices as well as the electronic device 70 according to the fourth embodiment, depending on the structure of the housing, if there is a step near the boundary between the inside and outside of the operation surface, water may easily accumulate. If water adheres to the operation surface 40, it may be detected constantly. In the electronic device 70 according to the fourth embodiment, the structure of the casing is left as it is, and even if water 90 accumulates near the boundary between the bezel 45 and the operation surface 40, no erroneous detection is performed.

  In the electronic device 70 according to the fourth embodiment, the distortion amount threshold value is set to a value that does not respond to normal operation only at the end portion. FIG. 20 is a diagram illustrating an example of the distortion amount threshold TH of the electronic device 70 according to the fourth embodiment. As shown in the figure, a large value (“500”) is set only for the peripheral portion. In this way, even when the operation near the installation position of the pressure detection unit 3 that can detect a large amount of distortion is prevented from exceeding the distortion threshold, the water 90 accumulated at the end is not determined to be effective.

  Note that if the area of the end portion is wide, the end operation cannot be performed.

  ・ Make the area division fine.

  ・ Make the area division fine at the edges.

  Further, if the portion that is likely to be erroneously detected is limited to the lower end, the threshold value may be changed only near the lower end.

  Further, in order to increase the operable area without significantly increasing the number of partitions, only the edge area may be divided finely.

  Further, the threshold value may be changed dynamically only at the lower end according to the orientation of the terminal.

  The programs describing the processes shown in the flowcharts of the first to third embodiments (FIGS. 7, 11, 12, 17, and 18) are stored in the ROMs of the control units 6 and 62. Use the telecommunications line by storing the program in a storage medium such as a magnetic disk, optical disk, magneto-optical disk, flash memory, etc., or storing it on a server (not shown) on a network such as the Internet. You can also make it available for download.

  In addition, the electronic devices 1, 50, 60, and 70 according to the first to fourth embodiments are applied to a portable wireless device called a smartphone, but are not limited to portable wireless devices, The present invention can also be applied to an operation panel for navigation such as a car.

  In addition, at least the electronic devices 1, 50, 60, and 70 according to the first to fourth embodiments can be grasped as follows.

  Electronic devices 1, 50, 60, and 70 are a casing, a display unit that is disposed in the casing, displays predetermined information, and transmits the display on the display unit and has a predetermined conductivity. A capacitive touch panel unit that determines the two-dimensional coordinates instructed by the touch panel unit, a transparent member that is disposed on the touch panel unit and transmits the display on the display unit, and a pressure that detects distortion of the transparent member. An electronic device that enables two-dimensional coordinates to be determined by the touch panel unit when distortion detected by the press detection unit is greater than a predetermined threshold value, wherein the predetermined threshold value is the touch panel. Depending on the location in the department.

  According to the above configuration, the operation is detected by the pressure detection unit, and the predetermined threshold value to be compared with the distortion detected by the pressure detection unit is changed depending on the location on the touch panel unit. Even when touching at a position, the two-dimensional coordinates by the operation are valid. In addition, the minimum value of the predetermined threshold value is set to a value larger than the amount of distortion when water or the like adheres to the operation surface of the touch panel unit, or a value larger than the value of electrical noise. When water or the like adheres to the surface, the two-dimensional coordinates by the water are not effective.

  The said structure WHEREIN: The said predetermined threshold value becomes small as it leaves | separates from the said press detection part.

  According to the above configuration, the two-dimensional coordinates by the operation are validated regardless of where the touch panel unit is touched.

  In the above configuration, the predetermined threshold value is set for each of the divided predetermined sections by dividing the operation surface of the touch panel unit into a plurality of predetermined sections.

  According to the above configuration, the two-dimensional coordinates by the operation are validated regardless of where the touch panel unit is touched.

  In the above configuration, the predetermined section has a quadrangular shape.

  According to the above configuration, the two-dimensional coordinates by the operation are validated regardless of where the touch panel unit is touched.

  The said structure WHEREIN: The said press detection part has a distortion sensor smaller than the said transparent member.

  In the above configuration, when the change in distortion detected by the press detection unit is after the stable point and when the distortion is greater than the predetermined threshold, the two-dimensional coordinates determined by the touch panel unit are validated.

  According to the above configuration, even if multi-touch is performed on a plurality of sections having different thresholds on the operation surface of the touch panel unit, only the two-dimensional coordinates that are operations are valid.

  In the above configuration, when the change in the distortion disappears, or when the decrease in the distortion is detected for the first time, it is determined that the change in the distortion is stable.

  According to the above configuration, only the two-dimensional coordinates that are operations are valid.

  In the above configuration, when there are a plurality of two-dimensional coordinates determined by the touch panel unit at the same time, the two-dimensional coordinates instructed later by the indicator are validated.

  According to the above configuration, only the two-dimensional coordinates that are operations are valid.

  In the above configuration, the predetermined threshold value is set to a value that does not validate the two-dimensional coordinates determined by the touch panel unit in normal operation at least in the section on the lower end side of the touch panel.

  According to the above configuration, even when an event such as water collecting on the lower end side of the touch panel causes an erroneous reaction, two-dimensional coordinates that are not operations are not validated.

  The said structure WHEREIN: The said transparent member is integral with the said touch panel part.

  According to the said structure, an assembly becomes easy by integration of a transparent member and a touchscreen part.

  The said structure WHEREIN: The said press detection part is comprised using the piezoelectric film.

According to the said structure, the press by the touch with respect to a touchscreen part can be detected with high precision.
(Embodiment 5)
The fifth embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

  FIG. 22 is a block diagram showing an example of a schematic configuration of the electronic device 130 according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention.

  As illustrated in FIG. 22, the electronic device 130 includes at least a touch panel unit 2, a display unit 103, a vertical direction detection unit 104, a wireless communication unit 105, a control unit 106, an antenna 107, a storage unit 108, and a switch unit 109. Examples of the electronic device 130 include a smartphone or a tablet.

  The touch panel unit 2 is a capacitive touch panel, and includes a transmission electrode 25 and a reception electrode 26 as shown in FIG. 23, and these are arranged separately on the lower surface of a plate-like dielectric 27, for example. A drive pulse based on the transmission signal is applied to the transmission electrode 25 via the amplifier 28. When a drive pulse is applied to the transmission electrode 25, an electric field is generated from the transmission electrode 25. When a conductive finger or the like enters the electric field, electric lines of force between the transmission electrode 25 and the reception electrode 26 are generated. And the change in the number appears as a change in charge at the receiving electrode 26.

  The touch panel unit 2 continuously outputs the two-dimensional coordinates (x, y) in the display unit 103 instructed by a finger or the like to the control unit 106 based on the received signal corresponding to the change in the charge in the receiving electrode 26. To do. That is, even when the two-dimensional coordinates (x, y) change with the movement of the finger or the like, the two-dimensional coordinates (x, y) corresponding to the same finger or the like are continuously output. The operation described here is performed in a touch panel control unit (not shown) included in the touch panel unit 2.

  FIG. 24 is a diagram illustrating a detection state when a finger is gradually brought closer to the touch panel unit 2. In FIG. 24, (a) is a state where the finger is not in the electric field, that is, a state where the finger is not detected. (B) is a state where a finger is in the electric field but not touching the touch panel unit 2, that is, a state where a hover operation is detected. (C) is a state where a finger enters the electric field and touches the touch panel unit 2, that is, a state where a touch operation is detected. Note that in the case of an operation of touching the touch panel unit 2 with a gloved finger, the finger does not directly touch the touch panel unit 2, and thus the state shown in FIG.

  FIG. 25 is a diagram illustrating in detail a state in which the hover operation of FIG. 24B is detected. As shown in FIG. 25, when the vertical distance (z) between the finger 91 and the touch panel unit 2 becomes smaller than a predetermined distance, the hover operation is detected. Note that the predetermined distance changes depending on the direction and thickness of the finger 91 and is a value that can be changed as necessary in design. Further, as described above, the finger 91 can be detected even when the glove 92 is worn.

  The touch panel unit 2 outputs the two-dimensional coordinates (x, y) corresponding to the finger 91 when the hover operation by the finger 91 is detected (including a touch state of vertical distance = 0). Thereafter, the two-dimensional coordinates (x, y) are continuously output as described above, and the two-dimensional coordinates (x, y) are output until the finger 91 leaves the touch panel unit 2 and no hover operation is detected. The two-dimensional coordinates are two-dimensional coordinates on a plane along the planar touch panel unit 2.

  Returning to the description of the block diagram of FIG. The display unit 103 displays predetermined information instructed by the control unit 106. The display unit 103 includes, for example, a liquid crystal and a backlight, or an organic EL. The vertical direction detection unit 104 is arranged inside the housing 140 and is configured by a gravity sensor, detects the vertical direction of the electronic device 130, and notifies the control unit 106. The storage unit 108 includes a volatile memory such as a DRAM (Dynamic Random Access Memory), and stores the settings when the user performs various settings on the electronic device 130.

  The control unit 106 controls each unit of the electronic device 130. The control unit 106 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a ROM (Read Only Memory), a RAM (Random Access Memory), and an interface circuit. The ROM stores a program for controlling the CPU, and the RAM is used as a calculation area when the CPU operates. The wireless communication unit 105 is connected to an antenna 107. The wireless communication unit 105 performs wireless transmission and reception with the outside via the antenna 107, and transmits and receives data such as programs. The switch unit 109 is used to start the electronic device 130 by a user operation or to return to the initial state during the operation of the electronic device.

  The electronic device 130 has a rectangular parallelepiped casing 140 as shown in FIG. In FIG. 26, the glass 12 and the touch panel unit 2 that are transparent members are disposed on the front (front) side of the housing 140. The glass 12 and the touch panel unit 2 are formed in a rectangular shape (rectangular shape) in plan view, and have an area smaller than the area of the front surface of the housing 140. And the glass 12 is arrange | positioned so that it may overlap with the touch panel part 2 so that it may become the front side from the touch panel part 2. FIG.

  In FIG. 26, the glass 12 and the touch panel unit 2 have been described as being rectangular, but are not limited to being rectangular. For example, it may have a predetermined shape such as a triangle, square, polygon, circle, or ellipse.

  Here, the x-axis, y-axis, and z-axis shown in the lower left of FIG. 26 are schematic figures that uniformly indicate the direction and orientation in each drawing. The x-axis arrow indicates the direction from negative to positive in the direction along the x-axis, the y-axis arrow similarly indicates the direction from negative to positive in the direction along the y-axis, and the z-axis arrow indicates Similarly, the direction from negative to positive in the direction along the z-axis is shown. The arrow of each axis is the same in the following drawings. Further, the positive / negative in each axis is not merely technically significant. It is simply a concept used to explain the direction in a unified way. The same applies to the following drawings.

  FIG. 27 is a cross-sectional view showing a part of a cross section of the electronic device 130 taken along the xz plane in FIG.

  Here, the y-axis circle and the cross mark (x) in the circle shown in the lower right of FIG. 27 indicate the direction of the y-axis from the front of the page to the back side of the page along the direction perpendicular to the page. Indicates that In this case, the y axis is negative on the front side of the paper and positive on the back side of the paper. The circle of each axis and the cross mark (x) in the circle are the same in the following drawings.

  As shown in FIG. 27, the glass 12, the touch panel unit 2, and the display unit 103 are arranged in order from positive to negative along the z-axis. In FIG. 27, the glass 12 and the touch panel unit 2 are shown as separate bodies, but they may be integrated. The casing 140 is formed so as to protrude from the negative side to the positive side along the z axis on the positive side along the x axis with respect to the glass 12, and the edge 140 a is formed at the protruding end. It comes to be prepared. A step D is formed between the edge 140a and the glass 12. Moreover, the level | step difference D is provided with the height hD which is between the edge part 140a and the glass 12, as shown in FIG. Note that the step D in FIG. 27 corresponds to a step D4 in FIG. 29 described later.

  FIG. 28A is an external view of the electronic device 130 set in the longitudinal direction, and FIG. 28B is a cross-sectional view of the electronic device 130 of FIG.

  Here, the z-axis circle and the center point of the circle shown in the lower right of FIG. 28A are directions from the back side of the paper toward the front of the paper along the direction perpendicular to the paper. Indicates that In this case, the z-axis is negative on the back side of the paper and positive on the front side of the paper. The circle of each axis and the center point of the circle are the same in the following figures.

  In FIG. 28A, a white arrow written on the lower side indicates a vertical direction. That is, the vertical direction in FIG. 28 includes at least components from positive to negative directions on the y-axis. Also in FIG. 28 (B), the white arrow written on the lower side indicates the same vertical direction as FIG. 28 (A). That is, the vertical direction in FIG. 28 includes at least components from the positive direction to the negative direction on the z axis. As shown in FIG. 28B, in the electronic device 130, a step D1 is formed between the edge 140a and the glass 12 on the positive side of the y-axis, and the edge 140a and the glass 12 on the negative side of the y-axis. A step D2 is formed between the two.

  The steps D1 and D2 each have a height hD1 and a height hD2 (not shown in FIG. 28) in the same manner as the step D shown in FIG. 27 has a height hD. When the electronic device 130 is held in the vertical direction shown in FIG. 28 and used, for example, when it is raining, the rain hitting the glass 12 flows in the vertical direction along the glass 12, In some cases, water 95 collects in the vicinity of the step D2.

  In the display portion 103, as shown in FIG. 28A, the width in the short side direction (x-axis direction) is wx, and the width in the long-side direction (y-axis direction) is wy. The relationship between wx and wy is wx: wy = 3: 4, wx: wy = 9: 16, etc., and in principle, wx is shorter than wy.

  FIG. 29A shows an external view when the electronic device 130 is erected in the short-side direction, and FIG. 29B is a cross-sectional view of the electronic device 130 of FIG.

  In FIG. 29A, the white arrow written on the lower side indicates the vertical direction. That is, the vertical direction in FIG. 29 includes at least components from positive to negative directions on the x-axis. Also in FIG. 29 (B), the white arrow written on the lower side indicates the same vertical direction as FIG. 29 (A). That is, the vertical direction in FIG. 29 includes at least components from the positive direction to the negative direction on the z-axis. In the electronic device 130, as shown in FIG. 29B, a step D3 is formed between the edge 140a and the glass 12 on the negative side of the x-axis, and the edge 140a and the glass 12 on the positive side of the x-axis. A step D4 is formed between the two.

  Each of the steps D3 and D4 has a height hD3 and a height hD4 (not shown in FIG. 29) in the same manner as the step D shown in FIG. 27 has a height hD. The heights hD1, hD2, hD3, and hD4 are substantially the same. Here, the height is substantially the same, for example, the difference between the maximum value and the minimum value among hD1, hD2, hD3, and hD4 is 5% or less of the average value of hD1, hD2, hD3, and hD4. Or 10% or less, or 20% or less, or 30% or less, or 40% or less, or 50% or less. When the electronic device 130 is held in the vertical direction shown in FIG. 29 and used, for example, when it is raining, the rain hitting the glass 12 flows in the vertical direction along the glass 12, Water 96 may collect near the step D4.

  27, 28, and 29, the steps D1 to D4 are described between the edge portion 140a of the housing and the glass 12. However, the present invention is not limited to this. Any level difference may be used. For example, the level | step difference with which glass 12 itself is provided may be sufficient.

  In addition, as shown in FIGS. 28 and 29, the electronic device 130 is provided with the steps D1 to D4 on the four sides of the glass 12, respectively, but is not limited thereto. It is sufficient that there is a step on at least one side.

  FIG. 30 is a flowchart illustrating an operation related to the invalid area of the electronic device 130. Here, the electronic device 130 includes at least a water drop handling mode corresponding to water drops such as rain, and a normal mode that does not particularly support water drops. Switching between the operation mode such as the water droplet handling mode and the normal mode can be set by the user and is stored in the storage unit 108.

  In FIG. 30, the control unit 106 confirms the setting of the operation mode stored in the storage unit 108 when the operation is started (step S41). Next, the control part 106 returns to step S41, when it is not a water drop corresponding | compatible mode (step S42: NO). In step S42, when the control unit 106 is in the water droplet handling mode (step S42: YES), the control unit 106 confirms the vertical direction with the vertical direction detection unit 104 (step S43). Next, the control unit 106 sets an invalid area along the confirmed vertical side in the display unit 103 and the touch panel unit 2 (step S44). Thereafter, the process returns to step S41.

  The invalid area set along the side in the vertical direction will be described with reference to FIGS. As shown in FIG. 28, when the electronic device 130 is erected in the longitudinal direction, the area indicated by the broken hatching in FIG. 28A is the invalid area I1, and the electronic device 130 is short as shown in FIG. When set in the direction, the area indicated by the broken hatching in FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 28A, the invalid area I1 has a first width wI1 along the negative side of the y-axis in the display unit 103, and the invalid area I2 is shown in FIG. As shown, the second width wI2 is provided along the positive side of the x-axis in the display unit 103. The first width wI1 and the second width wI2 are substantially the same. Here, the first width wI1 and the second width wI2 are substantially the same. For example, the absolute value of the difference between wI1 and wI2 is 5% or less of the average value of wI1 and wI2. Means 10% or less, or 20% or less, or 30% or less, or 40% or less, or 50% or less.

  Here, even if the control unit 106 detects a coordinate by touching or the like on the touch panel unit 2 in the invalid region, the control unit 106 does not set the coordinate as a valid coordinate. That is, in the invalid area, the control unit 106 does not limit the coordinates due to the attachment of water droplets or the like, as well as the touch of the finger or the like. The control unit 106 sets the coordinates detected by the touch panel unit 2 as valid coordinates in an area that is not an invalid area. The display unit 103 can display effective coordinates.

An example of effective coordinates will be described with reference to FIG. When the two-dimensional coordinates (x ₁ , y ₁ ) are valid coordinates as shown in FIG. 31A, for example, the icon 120 is displayed on the display unit 103 as shown in FIG. 31B. This case is also valid two-dimensional coordinates (x _{1, y 1)} is not being directly displayed, the two-dimensional coordinates (x _{1, y 1)} is displayed in the form of icons 120 is displayed That is, it can also be regarded as displayable.

  In FIG. 31B, a pointer (not shown) may be displayed corresponding to the two-dimensional coordinates (x, y). In this case, when the pointer overlaps the icon 120, the icon 120 may be in a selectable state. Such display of the pointer and icon 120 and the activation of the function corresponding to the icon 120 are performed according to an instruction from the control unit 106. The concept of effective coordinates shown in FIG. 31 is applicable not only to the present embodiment but also to the first to fourth embodiments.

  Returning to the description of the flowchart of FIG. Each time the control unit 106 repeats the operation (step S41, step S42, step S43, step S44) based on the flowchart of FIG. 30 to switch the vertical direction of the electronic device 130, it follows the side on the vertical direction side. The invalid area to be set is switched. For example, when the electronic device 130 is held in the vertical direction shown in FIG. 28, an invalid area is set as shown in FIG. 28A, and then held in the vertical direction shown in FIG. In this case, the area is switched to an invalid area as shown in FIG. After that, when it is held in the vertical direction shown in FIG. 28, it returns to the invalid area as shown in FIG.

  As described above, the electronic device 130 is disposed even when water droplets accumulate on the step provided along the side by disposing the invalid area along the side of the touch panel on the vertical direction where water droplets easily collect. The possibility of erroneously detecting a water drop as a user operation can be suppressed.

  The invalid areas I1 and I2 may be displayed on the display unit 103 or may not be displayed. When the invalid areas I1 and I2 are displayed on the display unit 103, for example, a dashed hatching area may be filled with a predetermined color. The predetermined color may be black, for example. Alternatively, in the case of painting with a predetermined color, the painting may have a predetermined transmittance so that the screen normally displayed on the display unit 103 can be checked under the painting.

  Alternatively, the normal display screen may not be displayed in the invalid areas I1 and I2, and the normal display screen may be reduced and displayed in the areas other than the invalid areas I1 and I2. Or you may make it display by scrolling suitably the screen normally displayed in the area | region except the invalid area | regions I1 and I2.

  Further, the electronic device 130 is substantially the same (substantially constant) with respect to the heights hD1, hD2, hD3, and hD4 of the steps D1, D2, D3, and D4 around the display unit 103, and the ineffective region first. The first width wI1 and the second width wI2 are substantially the same. This is because the heights of the steps are the same, so the amount of water droplets collected in the vicinity of the steps is considered to be close, and the first width wI1 and the second width wI2 of the invalid region are not dependent on the aspect ratio of the display unit 103. Are substantially the same (constant).

  As described above, in the electronic device 130, the width of the invalid area is made constant as the case where the height of the step is constant, but the invention is not limited to this. If the height of the step is high, it is considered that the amount of water droplets collected in the vicinity of the step increases, and the width of the invalid area may be increased according to the height of the step. For example, when hD2> hD4, wI1> wI2 may be set, and when hD2 <hD4, wI1 <wI2 may be set.

  In the electronic device 130, a touch operation with a finger or the like is detected by the touch panel unit 2. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, as with the electronic devices 1, 50, 60, and 70, the touch operation may be determined using the press detection unit 3 or the like.

  The present invention can be applied to an electronic device using a capacitive touch panel such as a smartphone.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1,50,60,70,130 Electronic device 2 Touch panel part 3 Press detection part 4 Operation surface threshold value judgment part 5 Application processing part 6, 62, 106 Control part 10,140 Case 11,103 Display part 12 Transparent member ( Glass)
40, 100 Operation surface 45 Bezel 51 Strain amount acquisition unit 61 Strain amount stabilization determination unit 90, 95, 96 Water 91 Finger 92 Gloves 104 Vertical direction detection unit (gravity sensor)
105 Wireless communication unit 107 Antenna 108 Storage unit 109 Switch unit 120 Icon

Claims (15)

A housing,
A display unit disposed in the housing, having a predetermined shape, and displaying predetermined information;
A capacitive touch panel that has substantially the predetermined shape, transmits the display of the display unit, and determines two-dimensional coordinates indicated by an indicator having predetermined conductivity;
A gravity sensor capable of detecting the vertical direction;
Provided along the side of the predetermined shape, comprising a step having a low inside on the inside and a high outside on the predetermined shape in the previous period,
An electronic device capable of disposing an invalid area that invalidates the two-dimensional coordinates along the side,
Arranging the invalid area along the side on the vertical side;
Electronics. The electronic device according to claim 1,
As the casing is rotated and the vertical direction in the casing changes, the position of the invalid area arranged along the side on the vertical direction side is changed.
Electronics. The electronic device according to claim 1 or 2,
The height of the step is substantially constant regardless of the side of the predetermined shape.
Electronics. The electronic device according to claim 3,
The invalid area has a predetermined width along the side;
The predetermined width is substantially constant regardless of the vertical direction.
Electronics. The electronic device according to any one of claims 1 to 4,
The display unit can display the two-dimensional coordinates,
The display unit does not display the two-dimensional coordinates of the invalid area;
Electronics. The electronic device according to any one of claims 1 to 5,
The predetermined shape is a rectangle.
Electronics. The electronic device according to any one of claims 1 to 6,
The touch panel can determine the two-dimensional coordinates for the indicator that is separated by a predetermined distance.
Electronics. The electronic device according to claim 7,
The indicator is a human finger,
The touch panel can determine the two-dimensional coordinates for the finger wearing an insulating glove,
Electronics. The electronic device according to claim 1, wherein:
A transparent member that is arranged on the touch panel and has a predetermined transparency,
The touch panel is an electronic device disposed between the transparent member and the display unit. The electronic device according to claim 9,
The transparent member and the touch panel are integrated.
Electronics. The electronic device according to claim 9 or 10,
The housing includes an edge at least at a part of the periphery of the touch panel,
The step is configured between the edge and the transparent member.
Electronics. The electronic device according to any one of claims 1 to 11,
The display unit performs a predetermined display in the invalid area.
Electronics. The electronic device according to claim 12,
The predetermined display is to fill the invalid area in the previous period with a predetermined color.
Electronics. The electronic device according to claim 13,
The predetermined color is black;
Electronics. The electronic device according to claim 13 or 14,
The predetermined color fill has a predetermined transparency.

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