JP2019016051A - Operation input device - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide an operation input device capable of detecting an appropriate operation position.SOLUTION: An operation input device 1 includes an operation input control part 102 for detecting a capacitance change caused by an operator proximate to or in contact with a button 15 on the basis of output of an electrostatic sensor 3 arranged to be separated from the button 15 and the like. And, the operation input control part 102 detects a direction in which a finger extends along the button 15 and the like on the basis of the capacitance change, and, in accordance with the direction, adjusts an effective operation area of the button 15 and the like. Then, the operation input control part 102 determines whether a proximate or contacting position of the finger identified based on the capacitance change corresponds to the adjusted effective operation area.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

  The present invention relates to an operation input device in which an operated part is operated.

  An operation input device that simultaneously realizes the advantages of both a touch pad that is an operation input device having a touch surface and a push switch such as a pressed button has been proposed.

  As this type of operation input device, for example, Patent Literature 1 has been proposed. The operation input device described in Patent Document 1 is configured such that an operating body movable unit existing in a partial region of a touch surface is positioned between a touch surface position that is flush with the touch surface and a button position that is raised from the position. It is described that it comprises an operating body that moves at the same time. Then, based on the strain detection result of three or more strain generating bodies that support the operating body, a pressing operation to the operating body movable part at the button position is accepted as a push button operation input, and the pressing operation to the touch surface position is touched. Accept as operation input.

  Patent Document 2 describes a touch position detection device in which a plurality of electrodes are laid on the back surface of a design panel, and a touch position on the design panel is detected based on capacitance generated from the electrodes. . The touch position detection device calculates the touch position by correcting the capacitance of the electrode based on a correction coefficient for eliminating the variation in the capacitance due to the difference in the thickness of the design panel.

JP 2014-48926 A JP 2014-110013 A

  In the case of the operation input device described in Patent Document 1, the center of gravity of the force acting on the operating body is calculated based on the amount of strain of each of the three or more strain generating bodies that support the operating body, and based on this The operation position is determined. Therefore, high accuracy is required for detecting the strain amount of three or more strain generating bodies. Furthermore, the detection accuracy also deteriorates due to variations in characteristics between the strain generating bodies, variations in detected values due to external vibrations, temperature changes, secular changes, and the like.

  Therefore, a method of determining the operation position using the electrostatic sensor 3 described in Patent Document 2 instead of the strain generating body is conceivable. Since the invention described in Patent Document 2 has a design panel on the front surface of the electrostatic sensor, the detection sensitivity of the electrostatic sensor is set high in order to detect an operator such as a finger that operates the surface of the design panel. There is a need. As a result, there is a case where the capacitance is changed not only in a part touched by a finger or the like but also in a part not touched, and the operation position is detected with a deviation. For this reason, an appropriate operation position may not be detected.

  An example of a problem to be solved by the present invention is to detect an appropriate operation position as described above.

  In order to solve the above-mentioned problem, the invention according to claim 1 is caused by an operator that approaches or contacts the operated part based on an output of an electrostatic sensor arranged apart from the operated part. A first detection unit that detects a change in capacitance, a second detection unit that detects a direction in which the operation element extends along the operated portion based on the capacitance change, and a response to the direction An adjustment unit that adjusts the effective operation region of the operated unit, and whether the proximity or contact position of the operator specified based on the change in capacitance corresponds to the adjusted effective operation region And a determination unit.

  The invention according to claim 6 is an input detection method executed by an operation input device that specifies an operation performed on the operated portion, and is based on an output of an electrostatic sensor arranged apart from the operated portion. A first detection step of detecting a change in capacitance caused by an operation element approaching or in contact with the operated portion; and the operation element extends along the operated portion based on the change in capacitance. A second detection step of detecting a direction to perform, an adjustment step of adjusting an effective operation region of the operated portion according to the direction, and a position of the proximity or contact of the operation element specified based on the capacitance change Includes a determination step of determining whether or not it corresponds to the effective operation area after the pre-adjustment.

  The invention according to claim 7 is characterized in that the input detection method according to claim 6 is executed by a computer.

It is a perspective view of the operation input device concerning the 1st example of the present invention. It is the schematic sectional drawing seen from the arrow A direction of the operation input apparatus shown by FIG. It is the block diagram which showed the functional structure of the operation input apparatus shown by FIG. It is a flowchart of the initial value calibration operation | movement of the operation input apparatus shown by FIG. It is a flowchart of the effective operation area | region adjustment operation | movement of the operation input apparatus concerning the 2nd Example of this invention. It is explanatory drawing of a selection area. It is a schematic diagram of an electrostatic sensor. It is explanatory drawing which showed the state which has touched the electrostatic sensor shown by FIG. 7 with the finger | toe. It is explanatory drawing which showed the relationship between the area | region where the change of the electrostatic capacitance has arisen in the electrostatic sensor shown by FIG. 7, and the direction of a finger | toe. It is explanatory drawing which showed the relationship between the direction of the finger | toe shown in FIG. 9, and the expansion of a selection area. It is explanatory drawing about the expansion of the selection area | region shown by FIG. It is a flowchart of the coordinate acquisition operation | movement before a press of the operation input apparatus concerning the 3rd Example of this invention.

  Hereinafter, an operation input device according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described. An operation input device according to an embodiment of the present invention is based on an output of an electrostatic sensor arranged away from an operated part, and changes in capacitance caused by an operator approaching or contacting the operated part. And a second detection unit that detects a direction in which the operating element extends along the operated unit based on a change in capacitance. Furthermore, the adjustment unit that adjusts the effective operation area of the operated unit according to the direction extending along the operated unit, and the position of the proximity or contact of the operating unit specified based on the capacitance change are adjusted. And a determination unit that determines whether or not it corresponds to the effective operation area. By doing in this way, when it tilts and pushes with respect to a to-be-operated part with an operation element, the direction which the operation element inclined can be detected. Therefore, it is possible to perform detection in consideration of the deviation of the operation element in the tilt direction. Therefore, even when the distance between the operated portion and the electrostatic sensor is increased, it is possible to determine the operation region operated with high accuracy. Therefore, the degree of freedom in the design of the operation surface and the arrangement of the operation input device can be increased.

  Further, the adjustment unit may extend the effective operation region in a direction in which the operation element extends along the operated unit. By doing so, it is possible to perform detection in consideration of the deviation of the operation element in the tilt direction. Therefore, it is possible to determine the operation area operated with high accuracy.

  In addition, the operated unit may include a plurality of operation targets, and the adjustment unit may increase the adjustment amount of the effective operation region corresponding to the operation target as the separation amount of the operation target from the electrostatic sensor is larger. By doing so, the operation region can be determined with high accuracy even if the difference in capacitance detected between the portion in contact with the operation element and the portion not in contact is small and the deviation is large.

  Moreover, you may provide the drive part which makes one operation object increase the amount of separations from other operation objects. By doing in this way, it can be set as several protrusion amount with respect to operation objects, such as a some button, for example, and identification of a button etc. is attained with the protrusion amount.

  The second detection unit may detect a direction in which the operation element extends along the operated part when an operation input to the operated part is performed by the operation element. By doing so, the finger direction at the time when it is determined that the input operation has been performed is detected, so that the operation region determination system can be improved.

  In addition, the input detection method according to the embodiment of the present invention is based on the output of an electrostatic sensor that is spaced apart from the operated part, and electrostatics caused by an operator that approaches or contacts the operated part. A first detection step of detecting a change in capacitance; and a second detection step of detecting a direction in which the operating element extends along the operated portion based on the change in capacitance. Further, an adjustment step for adjusting the effective operation area of the operated part according to the direction, and determination whether the proximity or contact position of the operation element specified based on the capacitance change corresponds to the adjusted effective operation area And a determination step. By doing in this way, when it tilts and pushes with respect to a to-be-operated part with an operation element, the direction which the operation element inclined can be detected. Therefore, it is possible to perform detection in consideration of the deviation of the operation element in the tilt direction. Therefore, even when the distance between the operated portion and the electrostatic sensor is increased, it is possible to determine the operation region operated with high accuracy. Therefore, the degree of freedom in the design of the operation surface and the arrangement of the operation input device can be increased.

  Moreover, it is good also as an input detection program which performs the operation input method mentioned above by computer. By doing in this way, when it tilts and pushes with respect to a to-be-operated part with an operation element, the direction which the operation element inclined can be detected. Therefore, it is possible to perform detection in consideration of the deviation of the operation element in the tilt direction. Therefore, even when the distance between the operated portion and the electrostatic sensor is increased, it is possible to determine the operation region operated with high accuracy. Therefore, the degree of freedom in the design of the operation surface and the arrangement of the operation input device can be increased.

  An operation input device according to a first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the operation input device 1 includes a windowed panel 2, an electrostatic sensor 3, a holder 4, a load sensor 5, motor holders 6 and 7, and motors 8 and 10. , Motor output shafts 9, 11, 12, panel fixing screws 13 with windows, buttons 14, 15, 16, 17, button push-up levers 18, 19, 20, 21, motor holder fixing screws 22, A top sheet 23 and a boss 24 are provided.

  1 and 2, the direction in which the button push-up levers 18, 19, 20, and 21 move is in the x direction, the direction in which the buttons 14, 15, 16, and 17 move (projects and retracts) is in the z direction, and the x direction and z The direction orthogonal to the direction is called the y direction.

  The windowed panel 2 is a substantially plate-like panel formed of resin or the like, and a plurality of window portions 2a are formed as openings. Surface portions 14a, 15a, 16a, and 17a of buttons 14, 15, 16, and 17 described later are exposed from the plurality of window portions 2a. The windowed panel 2 is fixed to the electrostatic sensor 3 with a plurality of windowed panel fixing screws 13. Further, the windowed panel 2 is formed with a groove in which button push-up levers 18, 19, 20, and 21 to be described later move in the x direction.

  The electrostatic sensor 3 is disposed so as to overlap the lower layer of the windowed panel 2 (the side not facing the surface sheet 23). The electrostatic sensor 3 includes a flat plate sensor unit in which electrodes are stretched in a mesh shape, and a predetermined voltage applied to the electrode to detect a minute current flowing in the electrode, thereby detecting a peripheral object for each position on the flat plate sensor unit. A detection circuit unit for calculating a value corresponding to the parasitic capacitance of That is, the electrostatic sensor 3 is configured to be able to detect the electrostatic capacitance for each of a plurality of coordinate positions (regions) on the electrostatic sensor 3. The electrostatic sensor 3 is a well-known device that detects a contact position of the operation element by detecting a change in capacitance between the operation element such as a user's fingertip and the conductive film.

  The holder 4 is formed of sheet metal or the like, and the windowed panel 2, the electrostatic sensor 3, and the load sensor 5 are placed and fixed thereon. The holder 4 fixes the motors 8 and 10 via the motor holders 6 and 7.

  A plurality of load sensors 5 are arranged between the electrostatic sensor 3 and the holder 4 (see FIG. 2). The plurality of load sensors 5 are arranged apart from each other in a direction (x direction in FIG. 1, y direction, x direction in FIG. 2) orthogonal to the direction in which the load is applied (direction to be pressed). In this embodiment, the electrostatic sensor 3 is disposed at the four corners. Note that any number of load sensors 5 may be arranged at any position as long as the load caused by pressing the button 15 or the like can be detected. The load sensor 5 is not particularly limited as long as it can detect a load applied to the electrostatic sensor 3 such as a strain sensor or a piezoelectric sensor.

  The motor holder 6 is fixed to the holder 4 by a plurality of motor holder fixing screws 22. The motor holder 6 fixes the motor 8. The motor holder 7 is fixed to the holder 4 by a plurality of motor holder fixing screws 22. The motor holder 7 fixes the motor 10.

  The motor 8 is fixed to the motor holder 6. The motor 8 rotates the output shaft 9 to move a button push-up lever 19 described later in the x direction. The output shaft 9 is formed with a thread groove, and the thread groove is screwed with a nut provided on the button push-up lever 19. Therefore, when the output shaft 9 of the motor 8 rotates, the button push-up lever 19 moves due to the nut moving in the thread groove. A stopper 9 a that restricts the movement of the button push-up lever 19 is formed at the tip of the output shaft 9.

  The motor 10 is fixed to the motor holder 7. The motor 10 rotates the output shaft 11 to move a button push-up lever 18 described later in the x direction. A thread groove is formed in the output shaft 11, and the thread groove is screwed with a nut provided on the button push-up lever 18. A stopper 11 a that restricts the movement of the button push-up lever 18 is formed at the tip of the output shaft 11.

  In addition to the motors 8 and 10 described above, the operation input device 1 includes a motor for moving the button lift levers 19 and 20 in the x direction. These motors also move the button push levers 19 and 20 in the x-axis direction by rotating the output shaft in the same manner as the motors 8 and 10. For example, FIG. 1 shows an output shaft 12 of a motor that moves the button push-up lever 19.

  The button 14 is placed on the electrostatic sensor 3 (see FIG. 2). As for the button 14, the surface part 14a is exposed from the window part 2a of the panel 2 with a window. The button 14 is moved by the button push-up lever 18 so as to project and retract from the window portion 2a (in the z direction).

  The button 15 is placed on the electrostatic sensor 3 (see FIG. 2). As for button 15, surface part 15a is exposed from window part 2a of panel 2 with a window. The button 15 is moved by the button push-up lever 19 so as to protrude from the window portion 2a (in the z direction).

  Similarly, the buttons 16 and 17 are placed on the electrostatic sensor 3, and the surface portions 16 a and 17 a are exposed from the window portion 2 a of the windowed panel 2. The button 16 is moved by the button push-up lever 20 so as to protrude from the window portion 2a. The button 17 is moved by the button push-up lever 21 so as to protrude from the window portion 2a.

  The button push-up lever 18 has a main body portion 18a and a lever portion 18b. As for the main-body part 18a, as shown in FIG. 2, the output shaft 11 penetrates one end part. Therefore, a hole through which the output shaft 11 passes is provided. As described above, this hole functions as a nut and is screwed into a thread groove formed in the output shaft 11. The lever portion 18b extends from the other end of the main body portion 18a toward the position where the button 14 is disposed. When the lever portion 18b moves in the right direction in FIG. 2 along with the movement of the main body portion 18a, the lever portion 18b enters between the button 14 and the electrostatic sensor 3 through the groove formed in the windowed panel 2. 14 is moved in a direction (z direction) protruding from the window portion 2a. The lever portion 18 b is tapered at the tip, and is easy to enter between the button 14 and the electrostatic sensor 3. Further, when the lever portion 18b moves to the left in FIG. 2 along with the movement of the main body portion 18a, the lever portion 18b passes through the groove formed in the windowed panel 2 and comes out from between the button 14 and the electrostatic sensor 3. The button 14 is moved in the direction of immersing in the window portion 2a.

  The button push-up lever 19 has a main body portion 19a and a lever portion 19b. As shown in FIG. 2, the output shaft 9 passes through one end of the main body 19a. Therefore, a hole through which the output shaft 9 passes is provided. As described above, this hole functions as a nut and is screwed into a thread groove formed in the output shaft 9. The lever portion 19b extends from the other end of the main body portion 19a toward the position where the button 15 is disposed. When the lever portion 19b moves in the left direction in FIG. 2 along with the movement of the main body portion 19a, the lever portion 19b enters between the button 15 and the electrostatic sensor 3 through the groove formed in the windowed panel 2 to enter the button. 15 is moved in a direction (z direction) protruding from the window portion 2a. The lever portion 19 b is tapered at the tip, and is easy to enter between the button 15 and the electrostatic sensor 3. When the lever portion 19b moves to the right in FIG. 2 along with the movement of the main body portion 19a, the lever portion 19b passes through the groove formed in the windowed panel 2 and comes out from between the button 15 and the electrostatic sensor 3. The button 15 is moved in the direction of immersing in the window portion 2a.

  The button push-up lever 20 has a main body portion 20a and a lever portion 20b. The main body 20a is provided with a hole through which the output shaft of the motor passes at one end. As described above, this hole functions as a nut and is screwed into a thread groove formed in the output shaft. The lever portion 20b extends from the other end of the main body portion 20a toward the position where the button 16 is disposed. The lever portion 20b moves in accordance with the movement of the main body portion 20a, thereby moving the button 16 in a direction protruding from the window portion 2a or in a direction sunk in the window portion 2a. The lever portion 20b has a tapered tip, and is easy to enter between the button 16 and the electrostatic sensor 3.

  The button push-up lever 21 has a main body portion 21a and a lever portion 21b. The main body 21a is provided with a hole through which the output shaft of the motor passes at one end. As described above, this hole functions as a nut and is screwed into a thread groove formed in the output shaft. The lever portion 21b extends from the other end of the main body portion 21a toward the position where the button 17 is disposed. The lever portion 21b moves in accordance with the movement of the main body portion 21a, thereby moving the button 17 in a direction protruding from the window portion 2a (z direction) or moving in a direction sunk into the window portion 2a. The lever portion 21 b is tapered at the tip, and is easy to enter between the button 17 and the electrostatic sensor 3.

  The button push-up levers 18, 19, 20, and 21 are disposed between the top sheet 23 (operation surface) and the electrostatic sensor 3, and can push up a plurality of independent areas in the operation surface individually. It functions as a part. The button push-up levers 18, 19, 20, and 21 have a minute gap between each lever portion and the electrostatic sensor 3 for movement of each lever portion.

  That is, the motors 8 and 10 and the button push-up levers 18, 19, 20, and 21 are shape change parts (for changing the shape of a part of the operated part) that project the buttons 14, 15, 16, and 17 (change some forms of the operated part). Function as a drive unit).

  The top sheet 23 is provided on the surface of the windowed panel 2 (the surface opposite to the surface facing the electrostatic sensor 3). The top sheet 23 has elasticity, and stretches and rises when the button is pushed up, and maintains a planar shape when each button is not pushed up. The surface sheet 23 covers the panel 2 with a window to prevent the buttons 14, 15, 16, 17 from coming off, and also functions as a blinding plate for the panel fixing screw 13 with window and the boss 24. Therefore, the surface of the top sheet 23 becomes the operation surface (operated part). The top sheet 23 may be omitted. In that case, the surface of the panel 2 with a window and the surface part of each button become an operation surface (operated part).

  In other words, the top sheet 23 (operated part) and the electrostatic sensor 3 are spaced apart. When each button is pushed up, each button is arranged away from the electrostatic sensor 3.

  The boss 24 is provided for positioning when the windowed panel 2 is fixed to the electrostatic sensor 3. In this embodiment, two bosses 24 are provided. That is, the panel 2 with a window and the electrostatic sensor 3 are formed with holes (boss holes) through which the bosses 24 pass, and the panel 2 with a window 2 and the electrostatic sensor by passing through the holes. 3 is positioned.

  For example, when the button 14 can be operated, the operation input device 1 having the above-described configuration causes the button 14 to protrude from the windowed panel 2 by the button push-up lever 18. Then, the user or the like can identify the operable buttons by groping. And when the button 14 is pressed by the user etc., the operation | movement which shows the operation content matched with the button 14 can be performed.

  Next, the functional configuration of the operation input device 1 of the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.

  As illustrated in FIG. 3, the operation input device 1 includes an operation input control unit 102 in addition to the configuration illustrated in FIG. 1.

  The operation input control unit 102 acquires the position of the button to be operated from an operated device such as a navigation device, and controls the motor 8 to project the corresponding button. Further, the operation input control unit 102 specifies the button that is actually operated (pressed) based on the finger contact position (coordinates) detected by the electrostatic sensor 3 and the load value detected by the load sensor 5. . In the operation input control unit 102, for the coordinates detected by the electrostatic sensor 3, a coordinate range (operation effective area) for determining that the buttons 14 to 17 are operated (pressed) is set for each button. That is, the area pushed up by the button push-up levers 18 to 21 (push-up unit) is set as the operation effective area.

  Next, the operation (initial value calibration) of the operation input device 1 configured as described above will be described with reference to FIG. In the following description, a finger of a user or the like is described as an operator, but the present invention is not limited to a finger and may be a conductive touch pen or the like.

  On the electrostatic sensor 3, there are structures whose positions change (button push-up lever 18, button 15, face sheet 23, etc.). The parasitic capacitance detected by 3 (the value corresponding thereto) changes. Therefore, initial value calibration described below is performed.

  FIG. 4 shows a flowchart of the initial value calibration operation. This flowchart is executed by the operation input control unit 102. This initial value calibration operation is executed in a state where the user or the like does not touch the operation surface of the operation input device 1 with a finger.

  First, when an instruction for initial value calibration is input at the time of shipment or designation by a user or the like (step S101), the operation input control unit 102 executes one of the push-up patterns of the buttons 14 to 17 (step S101). S102). That is, the motors 8, 10, etc. are driven so that one of a plurality of patterns such as a pattern in which the buttons 14 to 17 are individually pushed up and a pattern in which a plurality of buttons are pushed up is in that state.

  Next, the parasitic capacitance for the pattern executed in step S102 is acquired from the electrostatic sensor 3, and stored in the operation input control unit 102 as an initial value in association with the corresponding pattern (step S103). If the storage of the parasitic capacitance is completed for all patterns, the initial value calibration is ended (step S104: Y). Otherwise, the parasitic capacitance is detected and stored for the next pattern. The shape is sequentially changed (step S104: N). Note that this storage is performed for each coordinate position (region) where the capacitance is detected.

  That is, the operation input control unit 102 determines the capacitance detected by the electrostatic sensor 3 for each pattern (form) in a state where the finger (operator) is not approaching or in contact with the button 15 or the like (operated unit). It functions as a storage unit that stores the initial value.

  In this way, the operation input control unit 102 can store the parasitic capacitance for each position coordinate corresponding to all the push-up patterns as an initial value in advance. When the operation input device 1 is used (normally used), when the button 15 or the like is pushed up (projected), the initial value of the corresponding push-up pattern is read out, and the finger touches with this as a reference. The change in capacitance at the time is calculated, the position touched by the finger is specified based on the calculated change in capacitance, and the operation of the button 15 or the like is detected.

  As a specific example during normal use, when the button 15 is pushed up, a range of coordinates for determining that the button 15 is pushed is determined in advance, and the finger touches the operation surface of the operation input control unit 102. If this is detected by a change in capacitance, the coordinate position where the change in capacitance is the largest is calculated as the pressed position. If the calculated position is within the coordinate range where it is determined that the button 15 has been pressed, it is determined that the button 15 has been pressed.

  The operation of the button 15 or the like is detected when the load value detected by the load sensor 5 is greater than or equal to a predetermined value, and the button corresponding to the position calculated based on the change in capacitance is surely pressed. And the operation can be confirmed.

  That is, when the finger (operator) approaches or touches the button 15 or the like (operated part), the operation input control unit 102 determines the button 15 or the like (covered object) based on the change in capacitance calculated based on the initial value. It functions as a specifying unit that specifies an operation performed on the operating unit).

  As is apparent from the flowchart of FIG. 4, in this embodiment, step S103 is a storage process. In the flowchart of FIG. 4, only the initial value is acquired, and thus the normal operation and the operation of the specific example are the specific steps.

  According to the present embodiment, the operation input device 1 detects the electrostatic capacitance between the button push-up lever 18 or the like that projects and retracts the button 15 or the like, the motor 8 or the like, and a surrounding object including the button 15 or the like. And an electrostatic sensor 3. Furthermore, an operation input control unit 102 that stores the capacitance detected by the electrostatic sensor 3 in a state in which the finger is not approaching or in contact with the button 15 or the like as an initial value for each feature in which the button protrudes, is provided. When the finger approaches or touches the button 15 or the like, the operation input control unit 102 specifies an operation performed on the button 15 or the like based on the change in capacitance calculated with reference to the initial value. By doing in this way, the initial value can be acquired and memorize | stored according to the form from which an electrostatic capacitance changes. Therefore, it becomes possible to detect only the capacitance change caused by the finger approaching or touching the button 15 or the like using this initial value, and by specifying the operation based on this capacitance change, the operated part Even when the capacitance changes due to deformation or the like, the operation can be appropriately specified without being affected by the change.

  In addition, the electrostatic sensor 3 can detect capacitance for each of a plurality of regions on the electrostatic sensor, and the operation input control unit 102 can detect coordinate positions (regions) that the electrostatic sensor 3 can detect. The initial value corresponding to each of these is stored. In this way, the initial value can be acquired and stored separately for the area where the shape changes and the area where the shape does not change as the button 14 protrudes.

  Further, the operation input control unit 102 controls the button push-up lever 18 and the motor 8 and the like so as to sequentially change the projecting and retracting state of the button 15 and the like, while the finger is not approaching or contacting the button 15 and the like. The capacitance detected by the electrostatic sensor 3 each time the button 15 or the like protrudes is stored. In addition, the operation input control unit 102 is configured so that the electrostatic sensor 3 is activated when the button push-up lever 18 or the like, the motor 8 or the like projects the button 15 or the like without the finger approaching or contacting the button 15 or the like. The detected capacitance is stored as an initial value. By doing in this way, the electrostatic capacitance at the time of the shape change can be stored.

  Further, the operation input control unit 102 calculates the approach position or contact position of the finger based on the capacitance change caused by the finger, and specifies the operation performed on the button 15 or the like based on the approach position or contact position. ing. By doing so, it is possible to specify the operation based on the capacitance without the influence of the change in the capacitance due to the change in the shape by the initial value corresponding to the shape.

  Moreover, the motors 8 and 10 which are drive parts for projecting one or more of the buttons 14 to 17 and the button lifting levers 18 to 21 are provided. By doing in this way, operation about button 14-17 can be specified appropriately according to the state of protrusion and depression.

  Next, an operation input device according to a second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. The same parts as those in the first embodiment described above are denoted by the same reference numerals and description thereof is omitted.

  In this embodiment, the effective operation area adjustment operation will be described. Since the operation input device 1 shown in FIG. 1 and the like has a structure on the electrostatic sensor 3, the distance between the finger and the electrostatic sensor 3 must be increased. The capacity detection sensitivity must be set high. For this reason, the electrostatic sensor 3 may detect the parasitic capacitance with respect to the part which is not in contact with the operation surface of the finger. In particular, as the finger approaches the operation surface in a state of being almost parallel to the operation surface, the influence of the portion that is not in contact with the operation surface of the finger increases.

  As described above, since the capacitance change is detected in the direction in which the finger is inclined with respect to the operation surface (the direction in which the operation element extends along the operated portion), the touch position coordinate of the finger is There is a tendency to be detected in the direction of finger tilt. Therefore, the validity determination area of the operation area (such as the operation button 15) is adjusted based on the deviation of the operation position caused by the angle of the finger to be operated with respect to the operation surface.

  FIG. 5 shows a flowchart of the effective operation area adjustment operation. This flowchart is executed by the operation input control unit 102.

  First, when the operation input device 1 is activated (system activation) (step S201), the buttons 15 and the like that can be operated in conjunction with the navigation device and the like are driven by driving the motors 8 and 10 and the buttons are projected. An initial value of an area (valid operation area) that is recognized as operating 15 or the like is set (step S202). FIG. 6 shows an example of the effective operation area. In FIG. 6, areas A to C indicated by broken lines around the buttons 15 to 17 are effective operation areas when the buttons protrude.

  Next, the capacitance change when the user or the like actually operates with a finger is acquired from the electrostatic sensor 3 (step S203). An example of capacitance change in the electrostatic sensor 3 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 7 is a schematic view of the electrostatic sensor 3 as viewed from the z direction in FIG. 1, and the numbers in each region indicate the amount of change in capacitance at that position. Symbol F indicates a finger.

  In FIG. 7, as shown in FIG. 8, the finger F touches the top sheet 23 as the operation surface so as to be tilted to the right side in the figure. Further, since the operation input device 1 has a structure such as the surface sheet 23 between the operation sensor 1 and the electrostatic sensor 3, the detection sensitivity of the electrostatic sensor 3 is increased. Therefore, the electrostatic sensor 3 changes the capacitance not only at the position where the finger F is touched, but also at the portion where the finger F is not touching, even at a portion close to the topsheet 23.

  That is, the operation input control unit 102 is based on the output of the electrostatic sensor 3 arranged away from the button 15 or the like (operated part), and the finger (approaching or touching the button 15 or the like (operated part)). It functions as a first detection unit that detects a change in capacitance caused by the operator.

  Next, the presence / absence of an operation input is determined based on whether the load value detected by the load sensor 5 is equal to or greater than a predetermined value. If it is determined that there is no operation input, the process returns to step S203 (step S204: N). On the other hand, when it is determined that there is an operation input (step S204: Y), the direction of the finger F is calculated (step S205). The calculation of the direction of the finger F will be described with reference to FIG.

  That is, the operation input control unit 102 functions as a second detection unit that detects the direction in which the finger (operation element) extends along the top sheet 23 (operated unit) based on the change in capacitance. Further, the operation input control unit 102 assumes that an operation input to the button 15 or the like (operated unit) is performed by a finger (operator) when the load sensor 5 is pressed with a predetermined load or more. The child) detects a direction extending along the button 15 or the like (operated part).

  The shaded portion in FIG. 9 is the result of geometrical analysis of the shape of the region where the capacitance change occurs. Then, based on the region where the maximum capacitance change occurs, the direction in which the capacitance change occurs in one of the eight directions (1) to (8) in FIG. 8 is analyzed. . In the case of FIG. 8, it can be seen that it extends in the direction of (4). In FIG. 8, eight directions are used, but the number may be fewer or more than eight directions.

  Next, the effective operation area initially set in step S202 is adjusted based on the finger direction calculated in step S205 (step S206). An example of adjustment is shown in FIGS. FIG. 10 shows a state where the effective operation area is expanded in the direction in which the area where the capacitance change occurs is extended. The effective operation area may be moved in that direction instead of being expanded. That is, the operation input control unit 102 functions as an adjustment unit that adjusts the effective operation area of the button 15 or the like (operated unit) according to the direction extending along the button 15 or the like (operated unit). When the capacitance change shown in FIG. 9 is detected, the direction in which the region where the capacitance change occurs is (4), so the effective operation region is in the direction shown in FIG. 10 (4). Is expanded.

  An example in which the area expansion shown in FIG. 10 is applied to the effective operation areas A to C shown in FIG. 6 is shown in FIG. Regions A1 to C1 in FIG. 11 are expanded regions. Note that this processing may be performed only in the effective operation area corresponding to the protruding button, for example.

  On the other hand, in parallel with steps S205 and S206, for example, the coordinates at which the maximum capacitance change is detected are calculated as the touch position coordinates (step S207). Note that the touch position coordinates may be the center of the area where the sum of the capacitance change values of the area composed of a predetermined plurality of adjacent coordinates is calculated and the sum is maximized.

  Then, it is determined whether the touch position coordinates calculated in step S207 are within the range of the effective operation area adjusted in step S206 (step S208). If it is determined in step S208 that the touch position coordinates are included in the effective operation area, the effective range is determined. A command corresponding to the operation of the button 15 or the like corresponding to is output to an operated device such as a navigation device (step S209). After the command is output, the process returns to step S203 in preparation for the next operation input.

  That is, the operation input control unit 102 executes steps S208 and S209, and the proximity or contact position of the finger (operator) specified based on the capacitance change corresponds to the adjusted effective operation area. It functions as a determination unit for determining whether or not.

  Further, as is apparent from the flowchart of FIG. 5, in this embodiment, step S203 functions as a first detection process, step S205 functions as a second detection process, step S206 functions as an adjustment process, and steps S208 and S209 function as a determination process. .

  According to the present embodiment, the operation input device 1 changes the capacitance due to the operator approaching or contacting the button 15 on the basis of the output of the electrostatic sensor 3 arranged away from the button 15 or the like. The operation input control part 102 which detects this is provided. Further, the operation input control unit 102 detects the direction in which the finger extends along the button 15 or the like based on the capacitance change, and adjusts the effective operation area of the button 15 or the like according to the direction. Then, the operation input control unit 102 determines whether the proximity or contact position of the finger specified based on the capacitance change corresponds to the adjusted effective operation area. In this way, when the finger or the like is tilted and pressed with respect to the operation surface of the button 15 or the like, the tilted direction of the finger can be detected. Therefore, it is possible to perform detection in consideration of the deviation in the finger tilt direction. Therefore, even when the distance between the operation surface button 15 and the electrostatic sensor 3 is increased, the operated area can be determined with high accuracy, so that the degree of freedom in designing the operation surface and arranging the operation input device is increased. Can do.

  Further, the operation input control unit 102 extends the effective operation area in the direction in which the finger extends along the button 15 or the like. By doing so, it is possible to perform detection in consideration of the deviation in the finger tilt direction. Therefore, it is possible to determine the operation area operated with high accuracy.

  Further, the operation input control unit 102 detects a direction in which the finger extends along the button 15 or the like when an operation input to the button 15 or the like is made by the finger. By doing so, the finger direction at the time when it is determined that the input operation has been performed is detected, so that the operation region determination system can be improved.

  A button with a large protrusion amount and a button with a small protrusion amount may be provided, and the expansion amount of the effective area of the button with a large protrusion amount may be set larger than the expansion amount of a button that does not protrude. That is, a plurality of buttons 15 and the like (operation target) are provided, and the operation input control unit 102 (adjustment unit) increases as the projection amount (separation amount with respect to the electrostatic sensor) of the button 15 and the like (operation target) increases. The amount of adjustment of the effective operation area corresponding to (operation target) is increased. For example, by gradually changing the thickness of the lever portion 19b, the protrusion amount of the button 15, that is, the separation amount can be changed according to the movement amount of the lever portion 19b.

  When operated in this manner, the difference in the capacitance detected between the portion in contact with the finger and the portion not in contact with the finger decreases as the protruding amount of the button 15 or the like increases. In other words, due to the influence of the parasitic capacitance on the part that is not in contact with the operation surface of the finger, there is a strong tendency that the touch position coordinates of the finger are detected by being shifted in the finger tilt direction. Therefore, by adjusting so that the effective operation area is widened, the operation area can be accurately determined even in such a case. Further, by making the protrusion amount different for each button in this way, a plurality of protrusion amounts can be set for each button, and the button or the like can be identified by the protrusion amount.

  Next, an operation input device according to a third embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. The same parts as those in the first embodiment described above are denoted by the same reference numerals and description thereof is omitted.

  In this embodiment, a pre-pressing coordinate acquisition operation will be described. Of the structures on the electrostatic sensor 3, for example, the buttons 15 and the like are configured to be displaceable, and thus are disposed with a slight gap between the respective parts. For this reason, when a finger is lightly touching the operation surface, when the operation surface is pressed with a finger, the gap between the parts is clogged or the parasitic capacitance to the electrostatic sensor 3 changes due to deformation of the structure itself. May end up. That is, even when the finger is touching the same position on the operation surface, the electrostatic sensor 3 has different coordinate positions when the finger is lightly touching and when the operation surface is strongly pressed with the finger. May occur.

  Therefore, when the load sensor 5 detects a pressing load larger than the contact threshold value (threshold value for detecting light contact of the finger with the operation surface), the detected touch position coordinates of the finger are stored in advance. If the determination threshold value (threshold value for detecting presence of operation input) is continuously exceeded, it is determined that there has been an operation input at the previously stored touch position coordinates. That is, the contact threshold is the second threshold, and the final threshold is the first threshold.

  FIG. 12 shows a flowchart of the pre-pressing coordinate acquisition operation (input operation method). This flowchart is executed by the operation input control unit 102.

  First, when the operation input device 1 is activated (system activation) (step S301), the buttons 15 and the like that can be operated in conjunction with the navigation device and the like are driven to drive the motors 8 and 10 to protrude, and the buttons An initial value of an area (valid operation area) that recognizes that 15 is operated is set (step S302). Step S302 is basically the same as step S202 described above.

  Next, the touch position coordinate is acquired from the electrostatic sensor 3 from the change in capacitance when the finger is approaching or touching the operation surface (step S303), and the load value is acquired from the load sensor 5 (step S304). ). The touch position coordinates may be calculated as the operation position coordinates, for example, the coordinates at which the maximum capacitance change is detected as in step S207 described above. That is, the operation input control unit 102 functions as a contact position detection unit that detects the contact position of a finger (operator) that contacts the button 15 or the like (operation target unit) based on the output of the electrostatic sensor.

  Next, it is determined whether or not the load value acquired in step S304 is larger than the contact threshold value. If it is smaller, the process returns to step S303 (step S305: N), and if larger (step S305: Y), the latest touch position. The coordinates are stored as touch position coordinates O (step S306). This touch position coordinate O becomes the first contact position. That is, the operation input control unit 102 (specifying unit) detects the touch position coordinate O (first value) when the pressing load detected by the load sensor 5 exceeds the contact threshold value (second threshold value) smaller than the fixed threshold value (first threshold value). Contact position).

  Note that step S306 is determined based on the detection value of the load sensor 5. However, for example, determination may be made based on whether or not the magnitude of the capacitance change based on the detection result of the electrostatic sensor 3 is greater than or equal to a certain value. Good.

  Next, a load value is acquired again from the load sensor 5 (step S307), and it is determined whether or not the load value is larger than a fixed threshold value. As a result of the determination, when the load value is smaller than the fixed threshold value (step S308: N), it is determined again whether or not the load value is larger than the contact threshold value, and when it is larger than the contact threshold value (step S309: Y). Then, the process returns to step S307 to acquire the load value again.

  As a result of the determination in step S309, when it is determined that the load value is smaller than the contact threshold value (step S309: N), the load value becomes smaller after being larger than the contact threshold value. That is, assuming that the operation with the finger is interrupted, the process returns to step S303. That is, steps S308 and S309 are determined without the operation input control unit 102 being equal to or lower than the contact threshold (second threshold) after the pressing load detected by the load sensor 5 exceeds the contact threshold (second threshold). It is detected that the threshold value (first threshold value) has been exceeded.

  As a result of the determination in step S308, if it is determined that the load value is larger than the fixed threshold (step S308: Y), the current touch position coordinate G is acquired (step S310). That is, the operation input control unit 102 acquires the touch position coordinates G (second contact position) detected when the determination threshold (first threshold) is exceeded.

  Next, the touch position coordinate O stored in step S306 is compared with the touch position coordinate G acquired in step S301. In this comparison, for example, it is determined whether or not the coordinate difference is within a predetermined range. If this difference is not within the predetermined range, it is determined that the finger position has been slid from when the finger touches the operation surface until it is pressed, and in this embodiment, no operation is accepted in such a case ( Step S311: N). Note that step S310 and step S311 can be arbitrarily adopted and may be omitted. In that case, if the determination in step S308 is affirmative, the process may proceed to step S312.

  If the difference between the coordinates compared in step S306 is within a predetermined range (step S311: Y), the selected area is determined from the touch position coordinates O, and which button 15 or the like has been operated (specified) (step) S312), a command corresponding to the determined operation of the button 15 or the like is output to a device to be operated such as a navigation device (step S313). After the command is output, the process returns to step S303 in preparation for the next operation input. The predetermined range in step S311 may be set as appropriate based on the degree of change in capacitance when a structure such as the button 15 is pushed.

  That is, the operation input control unit 102 functions as a specifying unit that specifies an operation performed on the button 15 or the like (operated unit) when the pressing load exceeds a fixed threshold (first threshold). Further, the operation input control unit 102 detects the touch position detected before the pressing load exceeds the determination threshold (first threshold) when the pressing load detected by the load sensor 5 exceeds the determination threshold (first threshold). Based on the coordinate O (first contact position), an operation performed on the button 15 or the like (operated part) is specified.

  As is apparent from the flowchart of FIG. 11, in this embodiment, step S303 functions as a contact position detection process, steps S304 and S307 function as a load detection process, and step S312 functions as a specific process.

  According to the present embodiment, in the operation input device 1, the operation input control unit 102 contacts the button 15 or the like based on the output of the electrostatic sensor 3 that is disposed apart from the top sheet 23 that is the operation surface. The touch position coordinates of the finger are detected. In addition, the operation input control unit 102 specifies a load sensor 5 that detects a pressing load on the button 15 or the like by a finger, and an operation performed on the button 15 or the like when the pressing load exceeds a fixed threshold. Then, the operation input control unit 102 specifies an operation performed on the button 15 or the like based on the touch position coordinates detected before the pressing load exceeds the fixed threshold. By doing in this way, operation can be specified based on contact to button 15 grade before operation input device 1 detects press load which specifies operation. That is, since the operation is specified based on the touch position coordinates touched with a force smaller than the fixed threshold, an appropriate operation position can be detected regardless of the force applied to the button 15 or the like. Therefore, it is possible to give a wide range to selection of members and strengths of the operation surface such as the operated portion, and it is possible to increase the degree of freedom of design.

  The operation input control unit 102 acquires the touch position coordinate O when the pressing load detected by the load sensor 5 exceeds the contact threshold value smaller than the determination threshold value, and when the pressing load detected by the load sensor 5 exceeds the determination threshold value. Further, the operation performed on the button 15 or the like is specified based on the touch position coordinate O. By doing in this way, operation can be specified based on the touch position coordinate O when the contact threshold value before the operation input control part 102 detects the press load which specifies operation is exceeded. In other words, the touch position is based on the touch position when the finger is lightly touching, and the operation is specified when the operation surface is strongly pressed with the finger. An appropriate operation position can be detected. In addition, since the touch position when lightly touching is used as a reference, it is possible to prevent the structure from being affected by deformation or the like.

  In addition, the operation input control unit 102 determines whether the button load is detected based on the touch position coordinate O when the pressing load detected by the load sensor 5 exceeds the contact threshold and then exceeds the determination threshold without falling below the contact threshold. The operation performed at 15 etc. is specified. By doing so, it is possible to specify the operation only when the load continues to increase and exceeds the fixed threshold. That is, it is possible to detect a single pressing operation and specify the operation.

  Further, the operation input control unit 102 acquires the touch position coordinates G detected when the determination threshold is exceeded, compares the touch position coordinates G with the touch position coordinates O, and the difference between these coordinates is within a predetermined range. In some cases, the operation performed on the button 15 or the like is specified based on the touch position coordinate O. By doing so, it is possible to suppress an erroneous operation that may occur when the finger is in contact with the operation surface and the button is slid to reselect the button.

  Moreover, the motors 8 and 10 which are drive parts for projecting one or more of the buttons 14 to 17 and the button lifting levers 18 to 21 are provided. In this way, when the button 15 or the like is pressed, an appropriate operation position can be detected regardless of the force.

  The processes of the first to third embodiments may be combined.

  In the second and third embodiments described above, only the protruded buttons 15 and the like have been described as operation targets. However, the buttons 15 and the like that are not protruded may be included in the operation targets. For example, only buttons that are frequently used depending on the scene may be projected for convenience of the user, and buttons that are not projected may be operable. In this case, the operation input control unit 102 may apply the effective operation area adjustment described in the second embodiment, for example, only to the protruded button 14. Specifically, for example, only the protruding button 14 has a large distance between the button 14 and the electrostatic sensor 3, so that the effective area may be expanded.

  The operation input device may not include a button push-up mechanism. For example, when the electrostatic sensor 3 is arranged apart from the operation surface (surface touched by the finger) due to design restrictions, if the effective operation area adjustment described in the second embodiment is applied, Regardless of the direction of operation, it can be determined that the predetermined position of the operation surface has been appropriately operated. This means that the effective operation area adjustment can be applied to areas other than the buttons 14 to 17 in the configuration of FIG. In this way, for example, when the operation input device 1 is arranged at the center console of the vehicle, it appropriately corresponds to the operation from the driver seat / passenger seat, and when it is arranged at the handle, the driver's handle It can respond appropriately to the difference in grip position.

  Further, when the operation input device uses a member that does not have a button push-up mechanism and is easily deformed due to a design restriction or the like, apply the pre-press coordinate acquisition described in the third embodiment. Thus, even if the operation surface is deformed by pressing, it is possible to determine which position of the operation surface has been appropriately operated. This means that the coordinate acquisition before pressing can be applied to regions other than the buttons 14 to 17 when the panel 2 with a window is easily deformed in the configuration of FIG. 1 and the like.

  Further, the operation input device may determine that an operation input has been made with a certain degree of proximity even if a finger does not touch the operation surface. In this case, the load sensor 5 is not provided, and when the maximum value of the capacitance change detected by the electrostatic sensor 3 is equal to or greater than a predetermined value, the finger approaches the operation surface to some extent (= operation input is present). It may be determined. Also in this case, if the processing described in the first embodiment or the second embodiment is combined or applied alone, it is possible to determine which position has been appropriately operated.

  Further, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiment. That is, those skilled in the art can implement various modifications in accordance with conventionally known knowledge without departing from the scope of the present invention. Of course, such modifications are included in the scope of the present invention as long as the configuration of the operation input device of the present invention is provided.

1 Operation Input Device 3 Electrostatic Sensor 5 Load Sensor 8 Motor (Driver)
10 Motor (drive unit)
14 button (operated part)
15 button (operated part)
16 buttons (operated part)
17 button (operated part)
18 Button push-up lever (drive unit)
19 Button push-up lever (drive unit)
20 Button push-up lever (drive unit)
21 Button push-up lever (drive unit)
23 Surface sheet (operated part)
102 Operation input control unit (contact position detection unit, identification unit)

Claims (7)

A first detection unit that detects a change in capacitance caused by an operator that approaches or contacts the operated unit, based on an output of an electrostatic sensor disposed away from the operated unit;
A second detection unit that detects a direction in which the operation element extends along the operated unit based on the capacitance change;
An adjustment unit that adjusts an effective operation area of the operated unit according to the direction;
A determination unit that determines whether the proximity or contact position of the operation element specified based on the capacitance change corresponds to the adjusted effective operation area;
An operation input device comprising:   The operation input device according to claim 1, wherein the adjustment unit extends the effective operation region in a direction in which the operation element extends along the operated portion. The operated portion includes a plurality of operation objects,
The operation according to claim 1, wherein the adjustment unit increases the adjustment amount of the effective operation region corresponding to the operation object as the separation amount of the operation object with respect to the electrostatic sensor increases. Input device.   4. The operation input device according to claim 3, further comprising a drive unit that causes the one operation target to have a larger amount of separation than the other operation target. 5.   The said 2nd detection part detects the direction where the said operation element extends along the said to-be-operated part when the operation input to the said to-be-operated part is made by the said operation element. The operation input device according to any one of 1 to 4. An input detection method executed by an operation input device that identifies an operation performed on an operated part,
A first detection step of detecting a change in capacitance caused by an operator approaching or contacting the operated portion based on an output of an electrostatic sensor disposed away from the operated portion;
A second detection step of detecting a direction in which the operating element extends along the operated portion based on the change in capacitance;
An adjustment step of adjusting an effective operation area of the operated portion according to the direction;
A determination step of determining whether the proximity or contact position of the operation element specified based on the capacitance change corresponds to the effective operation area after the adjustment;
An input detection method comprising:   An input detection program that causes a computer to execute the input detection method according to claim 6.

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