JP2021026589A - Touch panel input device, and touch panel input operation detection method - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide a touch panel input device and touch panel input operation detection method in which an operator performs an input operation by an operation knob without holding the operation knob only by placing the operation knob in a prescribed location on a detection surface.SOLUTION: A short-circuit electrode electrically connecting between a pair of electrodes E1 and E2 attached to an operation knob is attached to the operation kob, a part of an AC detection signal to be output from a drive electrode Ty in the vicinity of one electrode E1 of the pair thereof is flown to the drive electrode Ty wired in the vicinity of other electrode E2 in stead of a finger of the operator caused to move nearer to the electrode E1, locations of the pair of electrodes E1 and E2 are detected since signal sensitivity V (x, y) of a detection electrode Rx in the vicinity of the one electrode E1 falls, and an input location of the operation knob only put on a detection surface is detected.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

The present invention relates to a touch panel input device for detecting an input position of an operation knob arranged on a detection surface of a projection type capacitive touch panel and a touch panel input operation detection method. More specifically, the present invention relates to an input operation using a specific operation knob. The present invention relates to a touch panel input device in which a set of electrodes is attached to an operation knob and a touch panel input operation detection method.

The projection type capacitance type touch panel can detect an input operating body approaching the detection surface in a non-contact manner and with a larger change in capacitance than a self-capacitance type touch panel, and is therefore widely used for detecting input operations. ing. First, the outline of the configuration of the projection type capacitive touch panel (hereinafter, simply referred to as a touch panel in the present specification) and the detection principle of the input operating body will be described with reference to FIGS. 14 and 15.

As shown in FIG. 14A, the touch panel 100 has a drive electrode Ty along the X direction at equal intervals in the Y direction and a plurality of detection electrodes Rx along the Y direction at equal intervals in the X direction on the detection surface. The wiring is insulated from each other at each intersection position (x, y). For the detection of the input operation, all the AC detection signals having a constant voltage are output to the plurality of drive electrodes Ty in order, and all the AC detection signals intersecting the drive electrodes Ty while the AC detection signals are output to one drive electrode Ty. The detection voltage V (x, y) of the AC detection signal appearing on the detection electrode Rx is read in order. As shown in FIG. 15A, the drive electrode Ty and the detection electrode Rx that intersect at each intersection (x, y) are in between, unless the operator's finger or the input operating body 110 touched by the finger is close to each other. The magnitude of the capacitance C _{TR , which is the capacitance C xy} between the drive electrode Ty and the detection electrode Rx, which are capacitively coupled at the capacitance C _TR and intersect at this intersection (x, y), is the intersection (x, y). , Y) is represented by the detection voltage V (x, y) read from the detection electrodes Rx intersecting.

When the input operating body 110 approaches any of the intersections (x, y), the input operating body 110 interrupts the _{capacitance CTR and is electrostatically charged, as shown in FIGS. 14 (b) and 15 (b).} coupled with capacitance _{C P,} the intersection (x, y) the capacitance _{C xy} between the drive electrodes Ty and the detecting electrode Rx that intersect at decreases. That is, a portion I _P of the alternating-current detection signal output from the driving electrode and Ty, through the capacitance C _P flows to the input operation member 110, the detecting electrode Rx from the drive electrode Ty through the capacitance C _TR The flowing AC detection signal _ITR decreases, and the detection voltage V'(x, y) read from the detection electrode Rx is lower than the detection voltage V (x, y). Therefore, the operation position where the input operating body 110 approaches from the position on the detection surface of the intersection (x, y) where the detection voltage V'(x, y) lower than the standard detection voltage V (x, y) is read. (Px, py) can be detected.

Since the touch panel 100 cannot determine the input operation body 110 to be input and cannot detect an input operation such as a rotation operation by the input operation body 110 on the detection surface, it is unique to the bottom surface of the knob body made of an insulator. A touch panel input device using an operation knob in which a plurality of electrodes are arranged in a pattern as an input operation body is known in Patent Document 1 and Patent Document 2.

In these conventional touch panel input devices, since a plurality of electrodes attached to the knob body are grounded via a finger that the operator touches the operation knob, the knob body that the finger touches a part of the short-circuit electrodes that are electrically connected to each electrode. It is exposed on the surface of. As a result, when the operator arranges the operation knob on the detection surface of the touch panel 100 while holding the operation knob, each of the plurality of electrodes is grounded via the operator's finger, and as described above, each electrode is in the vicinity thereof. intersection (x, y) binds interrupts the electrostatic capacitance C _TR between the drive electrode Ty crossing detecting electrode Rx in the electrostatic capacitance C _P in. As a result, the position of the electrode on the detection surface is detected for each electrode attached to the knob body in a unique pattern, and the input operation is performed by a specific operation knob from the distance and direction between the detected electrode positions. It can be detected, and the rotation operation direction and rotation operation angle of the operation knob can be detected from the movement locus of each electrode position.

Japanese Patent No. 6403921 Republished Patent WO 2016/166793

In a conventional touch panel input device, if at least one set of electrodes among a plurality of electrodes is electrically connected by a short-circuit electrode, the electrodes are not touched by a finger through the short-circuit electrode of the operation knob. _{The capacitance C xy} between the drive electrode Ty and the detection electrode Rx that intersect at the intersection (x, y) close to each other decreases, and the detection voltage V (x, y) detected at the intersection (x, y) decreases. It may be lowered. For example, even if the operation knob is simply placed on the detection surface of the touch panel without performing the input operation by the operation knob, there is a problem that the operation knob is mistaken for the input operation.

Further, from the detection principle of the touch panel described above, it is considered necessary to ground the electrodes of the operation knob close to the detection surface via the operator, so that each electrode touches the operator's finger via the short-circuit electrode. , There was a structural restriction that a part of it had to be exposed at the position of the surface of the knob body that the operator's finger surely touched.

Further, according to Patent Document 1, it is determined whether or not the operator's finger is touching the operation knob by comparing the touch intensity values detected at the touch points on the detection surface of the conductor column corresponding to the electrode. Since it is not always possible to detect the position of the conductor column on the detection surface when the finger is not touching the operation knob, is the finger touching by comparing the touch intensity values detected at the same touch point position? It cannot be determined whether or not.

The present invention has been made in consideration of such conventional problems, and the operation knob is simply arranged at a predetermined position on the detection surface of the touch panel without the operator holding the operation knob. It is an object of the present invention to provide a touch panel input device that performs an input operation by a touch panel and a touch panel input operation detection method.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a touch panel input device having a simple structure that does not require an operator's finger to be electrically connected to a set of electrodes attached along the bottom surface of the operation knob, and a touch panel input operation detection method. And.

Also, when the position of a set of electrodes of the operation knob on the detection surface is detected, is it an input operation with the operation knob or is it due to the operation knob being arranged on the detection surface? It is an object of the present invention to provide a touch panel input device capable of determining a touch panel and a touch panel input operation detection method.

In order to achieve the above object, the touch panel input device according to claim 1 comprises a plurality of drive electrodes Ty which are wired in the X direction orthogonal to the Y direction at a predetermined interval in the Y direction along the detection surface. Along the detection surface, a plurality of detection electrodes Rx are wired in the X direction at a predetermined interval and intersect with a plurality of drive electrodes Ty at an insulation interval, and a constant voltage AC detection signal is output. The signal sensitivity V (x, y) of the AC detection signal appearing on the plurality of detection electrodes Rx intersecting the drive electrode Ty is detected for each of the detection signal transmission circuit and the drive electrode Ty that outputs the AC detection signal. A projection type capacitance type touch panel having a scanning means for detecting the signal sensitivity V (x, y) of each intersection (x, y) of the drive electrode Ty and the plurality of detection electrodes Rx, and a projection type capacitance type. A knob body arranged on the detection surface of the touch panel and made of an insulator, a set of electrodes attached along the bottom surface of the knob body facing the detection surface, and a set of electrodes attached to the knob body above the set of electrodes. The signal sensitivity V (x, y) detected at the intersection (x, y) is provided with an operation knob having a short-circuit electrode for electrically connecting a set of electrodes, and the operation knob is not arranged on the detection surface. Assuming that y) is the standard signal sensitivity Vst, the signal sensitivity V (x, y) at the intersections (x, y) adjacent to each set of electrodes is less than the standard signal sensitivity Vst, so that the detection surface of the set of electrodes A touch panel input device that detects the upper first position E1 (Px1, py1) and the second position E2 (px2, py2) and detects the input position of the operation knob.
The length between the set of electrodes is sufficiently long compared to the distance between the plurality of drive electrodes Ty and the distance between the plurality of detection electrodes Rx wired along the detection surface, and the set of electrodes has at least a plurality of electrodes. It is characterized in that it is attached to the knob body at intervals straddling the drive electrode Ty or the plurality of detection electrodes Rx.

Regardless of which orientation the operating knob is placed on the detection surface, the set of electrodes straddles at least a plurality of drive electrodes Ty or multiple detection electrodes Rx and is near an intersection (x, y) near the position of one electrode. ), A part of the AC detection signal output to the drive electrode Ty is the other electrode and another drive electrode Ty'or the other detection electrode Rx facing the other electrode, instead of the operator's finger. _{A signal that flows to another drive electrode Ty'or another detection electrode Rx' grounded via the capacitance CE} between', and is detected from the detection electrode Rx wired at the intersection (x, y). Since the sensitivity V (x, y) is less than the standard signal sensitivity Vst, the first position E1 (Px1, py1) and the second position E2 (px2, py2) of the set of electrodes can be detected.

In the touch panel input device of claim 2, the short-circuit electrode has an arch shape along a horizontal plane parallel to the detection surface from above in the vertical direction of a set of electrodes, and the shape projected onto the detection surface is along the detection surface. It is characterized by having an arch-shaped conductive plate formed in a shape straddling a plurality of driven electrodes Ty to be wired.

Since a set of electrodes and an arched conductive plate are covered by a plurality of driving electrodes Ty wired along the detection surface, the position of one of the electrodes is located even when the operator's finger is not touching the electrodes. A part of the AC detection signal output to the drive electrode Ty wired at the nearby intersection (x, y) is the other electrode and the other drive electrode Ty facing the other electrode instead of the operator's finger. The signal sensitivity V (x, y) that flows to the other drive electrode Ty'grounded via the _{capacitance CE between'and is detected from the detection electrode Rx wired at the intersection (x, y).} Is less than the standard signal sensitivity Vst, so that the first position E1 (Px1, py1) and the second position E2 (px2, py2) of the set of electrodes can be detected.

Further, even if the first position E1 (Px3, py3) and the second position E2 (px5, py3) on the detection surface of the set of electrodes are in the vicinity of the same drive electrode Ty3, the output is output to the drive electrode Ty3. some of the alternating-current detection signal, instead of the finger of the operator, the flow in the 'other drive electrodes Ty which is grounded through the capacitance C _TS between' arched conductive plate and the other driving electrodes Ty, Since the signal sensitivity V (x3, y3) and the signal sensitivity V (x5, y3) are less than the standard signal sensitivity Vst, the first position E1 (Px3, py3) and the second position E2 (px5,) of the set of electrodes py3) can be detected.

The touch panel input device according to claim 3 is characterized in that the short-circuit electrode has an annular conductive plate made of a set of arch-shaped conductive plates formed symmetrically with respect to the diameter of the annulus.

When the first position E1 (Px3, py3) and the second position E2 (px5, py3) on the detection surface of a set of electrodes are in the vicinity of the same drive electrode Ty3, they are wired in symmetrical positions with respect to the drive electrode Ty3. _{A capacitance C TS} is formed between the other drive electrode Ty and the pair of arched conductive plates, and is output from the drive electrode Ty3 at the position of one electrode via each capacitance C _TS. A part of the AC detection signal flows in parallel with a plurality of other grounded drive electrodes Ty, and is an intersection (x3, py3) near the first position E1 (Px3, py3) and the second position E2 (px5, py3). The signal sensitivity V (x3, y3) of y3) and the signal sensitivity V (x5, y3) of the intersection (x5, y3) decrease, and the first position E1 (Px3, py3) and the second of the set of electrodes The position E2 (px5, py3) can be detected more reliably.

The touch panel input device according to claim 4 is characterized in that the short-circuit electrode is attached to the knob body with a part exposed on the surface of the knob body that the operator's finger touches.

By holding the operation knob by hand, a set of electrodes of the operation knob are connected to the ground via the operator, and a part of the AC detection signal output from the drive electrode Ty1 at the position of one electrode is a part of the operator. through the capacitance C _P between the fingers flow operator, since the signal sensitivity V (x1, y2) becomes less than the standard signal sensitivity Vst, even if an input operation with the operation knob, The first position E1 (Px1, py1) and the second position E2 (px2, py2) of a set of electrodes can be detected.

In the touch panel input device of claim 5, the projection type capacitive touch panel has a straight line connecting the first position E1 (Px1, py1) and the second position E2 (px2, py2) on the detection surface of a set of electrodes. When the electrode is inclined in the X direction or the Y direction, the detection electrode Rx1 wired in the vicinity of the first position E1 (Px1, py1) and the drive electrode Ty2 wired in the vicinity of the second position E2 (px2, py2). Wired near the detection electrode Rx2 and the first position E1 (Px1, py1) wired near the signal sensitivity V (x1, y2) or the second position E2 (px2, py2) at the intersection (x1, y2) with. Touch to determine that the operator's finger is not touching the short-circuit electrode when any of the signal sensitivities V (x2, y1) at the intersection (x2, y1) with the driven electrode Ty1 exceeds the standard signal sensitivity Vst. It is characterized by having a determination unit.

With the short-circuit electrode not touched by the operator's finger, the straight line connecting the first position E1 (Px1, py1) and the second position E2 (px2, py2) on the detection surface is inclined in the X or Y direction. If you are the intersection capacitance between the driving electrodes Ty2 and the detection electrode Rx1 for (x1, y2) is the intersection capacitance _{C TR} in (x1, y2), between one electrode and the driving electrode Ty2 since the capacitance C _E and the other electrode and the capacitance C _E between the detection electrodes Rx1 is connected in series capacitances C _{E /} 2 is applied, it is detected from the detection electrode Rx1 only electrostatic capacitance C _TR The signal sensitivity V (x1, y2) is higher than the standard signal sensitivity Vst.

Similarly, when the operator's finger is not touching the short-circuit electrode, the capacitance between the drive electrode Ty1 and the detection electrode Rx2 at the intersection (x2, y1) is the capacitance C at the intersection (x2, y1). the _TR, the drive electrodes Ty1 and the capacitance C _E and the capacitance capacitance C _E is connected in series between one electrode and the detection electrode Rx2 C _{E /} 2 between the other electrode is applied, electrostatic standard signal sensitivity Vst from the signal sensitivity V (x2, y1) is increased only by capacitance _{C TR} is detected from the detection electrode Rx2.

On the other hand, when the operator's finger is in contact with the short-circuit electrode, the ground is grounded via the operator's finger, so that the drive electrode Ty and the detection electrode Rx at the intersection (x1, y2) or the intersection (x2, y1) The capacitance between them does not increase, and the touch determination unit has either the signal sensitivity V (x1, y2) at the intersection (x1, y2) or the signal sensitivity V (x2, y1) at the intersection (x2, y1). When exceeds the standard signal sensitivity Vst, it can be determined that the operator's finger is not touching the short-circuit electrode.

In the touch panel input device of claim 6, in the touch determination unit, the first position E1 (Px3, py3) and the second position E2 (px5, py3) are in the vicinity of the same drive electrode Ty3, or the first position E1. (Px6, py4) and the second position E2 (px6, py6) are in the vicinity of the same detection electrode Rx6, and the signal sensitivity V (x4, y3) or the intersection (x4, y3) or the intersection (x4, y3) of the intersection (x4, y3) in the middle of one of them When the signal sensitivity V (x6, y5) of x6, y5) exceeds the standard signal sensitivity Vst, it is determined that the operator's finger is not touching the short-circuit electrode.

When the first position E1 (Px3, py3) and the second position E2 (px5, py3) on the detection surface are in the vicinity of the same drive electrode Ty3 when the short-circuit electrode is not touched by the operator's finger. , the electrostatic capacitance between the driving electrodes Ty3 and the detection electrode Rx4 for that midpoint intersection (x4, y3) is the electrostatic capacitance _{C TR} at the intersection point (x4, y3), and one of the electrode and the driving electrode Ty3 the capacitance capacitance C _SR are connected in series between the electrostatic capacitance C _E and the short-circuit electrode detection electrode Rx4 between the joins, the standard detected from the detection electrode Rx4 only electrostatic capacitance C _TR The signal sensitivity V (x4, y3) increases from the signal sensitivity Vst.

Similarly, when the first position E1 (Px6, py4) and the second position E2 (px6, py6) on the detection surface are in the vicinity of the same detection electrode Rx6 without the operator's finger touching the short-circuit electrode. , the electrostatic capacitance between the detection electrodes Rx6 drive electrode Ty5 for that midpoint intersection (x6, y5), intersection capacitance _{C TR} in (x6, y5), between the drive electrodes Ty5 a short-circuit electrode the capacitance capacitance C _E is connected in series between the capacitance C _SR and one of the electrode and the detection electrode Rx6 of applied, is detected from the detection electrode Rx6 only electrostatic capacitance C _TR The signal sensitivity V (x6, y5) is higher than the standard signal sensitivity Vst.

On the other hand, when the operator's finger is not touching the short-circuit electrode, the ground is grounded via the operator's finger, so that the drive electrode Ty and the detection electrode Rx at the intersection (x4, y3) or the intersection (x6, y5) The capacitance between them does not increase, and the touch determination unit has either the signal sensitivity V (x4, y3) at the intersection (x4, y3) or the signal sensitivity V (x6, y5) at the intersection (x6, y5). When exceeds the standard signal sensitivity Vst, it can be determined that the operator's finger is not touching the short-circuit electrode.

The input operation detection method of the touch panel according to claim 7 includes a plurality of drive electrodes Ty wired in the X direction orthogonal to the Y direction at a predetermined interval in the Y direction along the detection surface, and along the detection surface. A plurality of detection electrodes Rx that are wired in the Y direction with a predetermined interval in the X direction and intersect with a plurality of drive electrodes Ty at an insulation interval, and a detection signal transmission circuit that outputs an AC detection signal of a constant voltage. A knob body made of an insulator, a set of electrodes attached along the bottom surface of the knob body facing the detection surface, and above the set of electrodes on the detection surface of the projection type capacitive touch panel having An operation knob that is attached to the knob body and has a short-circuit electrode that electrically connects a set of electrodes is arranged.
The length between the set of electrodes is sufficiently long compared to the distance between the plurality of drive electrodes Ty and the distance between the plurality of detection electrodes Rx wired along the detection surface, and the set of electrodes has at least a plurality of electrodes. This is an input operation detection method for a touch panel that detects the input operation of an operation knob attached to the knob body at intervals straddling the drive electrode Ty or a plurality of detection electrodes Rx.
(1) A process of outputting an AC detection signal from the detection signal transmission circuit for each drive electrode Ty, and
(2) The signal sensitivities V (x, y) of the AC detection signal appearing on the plurality of detection electrodes Rx intersecting the drive electrodes Ty that output the AC detection signal are detected in order, and the plurality of drive electrodes Ty on the detection surface and the plurality. The step of detecting the signal sensitivity V (x, y) at each intersection (x, y) of the detection electrode Rx of
(3) Signal sensitivity V (x, y) with the signal sensitivity V (x, y) detected at the intersection (x, y) as the standard signal sensitivity Vst in a state where the operation knob is not arranged on the detection surface. 1st position E1 (Px1, py1) and 2nd position E2 (Px1, py1) on the detection surface of a set of electrodes from the position of any one or more intersections (x, y) where is less than the standard signal sensitivity Vst. Steps to detect px2, py2) and
(4) A step of detecting the input position of the operation knob from the first position E1 (Px1, py1) and the second position E2 (px2, py2) on the detection surface of the set of electrodes.
It is characterized by being equipped with.

Regardless of which orientation the operating knob is placed on the detection surface, the set of electrodes straddles at least a plurality of drive electrodes Ty or multiple detection electrodes Rx and is near an intersection (x, y) near the position of one electrode. ), A part of the AC detection signal output to the drive electrode Ty is the other electrode and another drive electrode Ty'or the other detection electrode Rx facing the other electrode, instead of the operator's finger. _{A signal that flows to another drive electrode Ty'or another detection electrode Rx' grounded via the capacitance CE} between', and is detected from the detection electrode Rx wired at the intersection (x, y). Since the sensitivity V (x, y) is less than the standard signal sensitivity Vst, the first position E1 (Px1, py1) and the second position E2 (px2, py2) of the set of electrodes are detected from the step (3). it can.

In the input operation detection method of the touch panel according to claim 8, the short-circuit electrode has an arch shape along a horizontal plane parallel to the detection surface from above in the vertical direction of a set of electrodes, and the shape projected onto the detection surface is the detection surface. It has an arch-shaped conductive plate formed in a shape straddling a plurality of drive electrodes Ty that are wired along the above, and a part of the surface of the knob body that the operator's finger touches is exposed and attached to the knob body.
After the step (3) of detecting the first position E1 (Px1, py1) and the second position E2 (px2, py2) on the detection surface of the set of electrodes,
(3A) The first when the straight line connecting the first position E1 (Px1, py1) and the second position E2 (px2, py2) on the detection surface of the set of electrodes is inclined in the X direction or the Y direction. Signal sensitivity V (x1, y2) at the intersection (x1, y2) of the detection electrode Rx1 wired near the position E1 (Px1, py1) and the drive electrode Ty2 wired near the second position E2 (px2, py2). The signal at the intersection (x2, y1) of the detection electrode Rx2 wired near the second position E2 (px2, py2) and the drive electrode Ty1 wired near the first position E1 (Px1, py1). The sensitivity V (x2, y1) is compared with the standard signal sensitivity Vst, and when either signal sensitivity V (x1, y2) or V (x2, y1) exceeds the standard signal sensitivity Vst, the operator attaches to the short-circuit electrode. If the operator's finger is not touching, it is determined that the operator's finger is touching the short-circuit electrode when the standard signal sensitivity is Vst or less.
(3B) The first position E1 (Px3, py3) and the second position E2 (px5, py3) on the detection surface of the set of electrodes are in the vicinity of the same drive electrode Ty3, or the first position E1 (Px6). , Py4) and the second position E2 (px6, py6) are in the vicinity of the same detection electrode Rx6, the signal sensitivity V (x4, y3) or the intersection (x6, y3) of the intersections (x4, y3) in the vicinity of each intermediate. The signal sensitivity V (x6, y5) of y5) is compared with the standard signal sensitivity Vst, and when any signal sensitivity V (x, y) exceeds the standard signal sensitivity Vst, the operator's finger touches the short-circuit electrode. If not, the step of determining that the operator's finger is touching the short-circuit electrode when the standard signal sensitivity is Vst or less is performed.
It is characterized by being further prepared.

When the straight line connecting the first position E1 (Px1, py1) and the second position E2 (px2, py2) on the detection surface of the set of electrodes is inclined in the X direction or the Y direction, the operator attaches the short-circuit electrode to the short-circuit electrode. in a state where the finger does not touch, the intersection (x1, y2) the capacitance _{C xy} between the detecting electrodes Rx1 and the driving electrode Ty2 for the capacitance _{C TR} at the intersection point (x1, y2), the driving electrodes Ty2 since one of the capacitance C _{E /} 2 of the capacitance C _E and the other electrode and the capacitance C _E between the detection electrodes Rx1 is connected in series between the electrodes is applied with only an electrostatic capacitance C _TR The signal sensitivity V (x1, y2) is higher than the standard signal sensitivity Vst detected from the detection electrode Rx1.

Similarly, when the operator's finger is not touching the short-circuit electrode, the capacitance C _xy between the drive electrode Ty1 and the detection electrode Rx2 at the intersection (x2, y1) is the capacitance at the intersection (x2, y1). the capacitance C _TR, the drive electrodes Ty1 and the other electrostatic capacitance C _E and the capacitance C _{E /} 2 of the capacitance C _E is connected in series between one electrode and the detection electrode Rx2 between the electrodes is applied , the electrostatic capacitance _{C TR} only be detected from the detection electrode Rx2 standard signal sensitivity Vst from the signal sensitivity V (x2, y1) is increased.

On the other hand, when the operator's finger is in contact with the short-circuit electrode, the ground is grounded via the operator's finger, so that the drive electrode Ty and the detection electrode Rx at the intersection (x1, y2) or the intersection (x2, y1) Since the capacitance between them does not increase, in the step (31), the signal sensitivity V (x1, y2) at the intersection (x1, y2) or the signal sensitivity V (x2, y1) at the intersection (x2, y1). If any of the above exceeds the standard signal sensitivity Vst and the short-circuit electrode is not touched by the operator's finger, it can be determined that the short-circuit electrode is touched by the operator's finger when the standard signal sensitivity is Vst or less. ..

When the first position E1 (Px3, py3) and the second position E2 (px5, py3) on the detection surface are in the vicinity of the same drive electrode Ty3, and the short-circuit electrode is not touched by the operator's finger, the capacitance between the detection electrodes Rx4 and the driving electrode Ty3 for that midpoint intersection (x4, y3) is the intersection point (x4, y3) on the capacitance _{C TR} in, with any of the electrode and the driving electrode Ty3 Since the capacitance C _{E between the capacitance CE and the capacitance C SR} between the short-circuit electrode and the detection electrode Rx4 are connected in series is added, the standard signal detected from the detection electrode Rx4 only by the _{capacitance C TR.} The signal sensitivity V (x4, y3) increases from the sensitivity Vst.

When the first position E1 (Px6, py4) and the second position E2 (px6, py6) on the detection surface are in the vicinity of the same detection electrode Rx6, the short-circuit electrode is not touched by the operator's finger. in the electrostatic capacitance between the detection electrodes Rx6 drive electrode Ty5 for that midpoint intersection (x6, y5) is an intersection capacitance _{C TR} in (x6, y5), the driving electrodes Ty5 and between short-circuit electrode the capacitance capacitance C _E is connected in series between the detection electrodes Rx6 the capacitance C _SR and one of the electrodes is applied, the standard detected from the detection electrode Rx6 only electrostatic capacitance C _TR The signal sensitivity V (x6, y5) is higher than the signal sensitivity Vst.

On the other hand, when the short-circuit electrode is not touched by the operator's finger, the ground is grounded via the operator's finger, so that the drive electrode Ty and the detection electrode Rx at the intersection (x4, y3) or the intersection (x6, y5) Since the capacitance between them does not increase, the signal sensitivity V (x4, y3) at the intersection (x4, y3) or the signal sensitivity V (x6, y5) at the intersection (x6, y5) in the step (32). If any of the above exceeds the standard signal sensitivity Vst and the short-circuit electrode is not touched by the operator's finger, it can be determined that the short-circuit electrode is touched by the operator's finger when the standard signal sensitivity is Vst or less. ..

According to the inventions of claims 1 and 7, the input operation by the operation knob is performed only by arranging the operation knob at a predetermined position on the detection surface of the touch panel without the operator holding the operation knob to perform the input operation. It can be performed.

In addition, it is not necessary to expose a set of electrodes attached along the bottom surface of the knob body of the operation knob to the surface of the knob body touched by the operator's finger in order to detect the type of the operation knob and the rotation operation of the operation knob. , The operation knob can have a simple structure.

According to the invention of claim 2, in order to detect the signal sensitivity V (x, y) of the AC detection signal appearing on the detection electrode Rx, even if the detection electrode Rx is set to high impedance, the operator does not have an operation knob. The position of the knob on the detection surface can be detected.

According to the invention of claim 3, the input position of the operation knob that is not touched by a finger can be detected more reliably with the operation knob having a limited size.

According to the invention of claim 4, it is either an input operation in which the operator holds the operation knob and moves on the detection surface, or an input operation in which the operation knob is simply arranged at a predetermined position on the detection surface of the touch panel. However, the input position of the operation knob can be detected.

According to the invention of claim 5, the straight line connecting the first position E1 (Px1, py1) and the second position E2 (px2, py2) on the detection surface of the set of electrodes is the drive electrode Ty or the detection electrode Rx. When the operator is inclined in the wiring direction, the input operation that the operator holds the operation knob to move on the detection surface and the input operation that the operation knob is placed at a predetermined position on the detection surface of the touch panel are surely performed. Can be judged.

According to the inventions of claims 6 and 8, a straight line connecting a set of first positions E1 (Px3, py3), (px6, py4) and second positions E2 (px5, py3), (px6, py6). Is parallel to the wiring direction of the drive electrode Ty or the detection electrode Rx, the operator holds the operation knob to move on the detection surface, and the operation knob is moved to a predetermined position on the detection surface of the touch panel. It is possible to reliably determine the input operation just by arranging.

It is a circuit diagram of the touch panel input device 1 which concerns on embodiment of this invention. (A) of the operation knob 2 is a plan view, and (b) is a sectional view taken along line AA of (a). A plan view showing a state in which a straight line connecting a set of electrodes E1 and E2 is inclined in the X direction or the Y direction, and (a) shows a state in which the operation knob 2 is arranged on the detection surface 31, (b). ) Is an explanatory diagram showing a signal sensitivity V (x, y) detected at each intersection (x, y) of the detection surface 31 in a state where the operator does not touch the operation knob 2, and (c) is an explanatory diagram. It is explanatory drawing which shows the signal sensitivity V (x, y) detected for each intersection (x, y) of the detection surface 31 in a state where an operator's hand is touching an operation knob 2. FIG. 3B will explain why the signal sensitivity V (x1, y1) detected at the intersection (x1, y1) in the vicinity of one of the electrodes E1E1 (Px1, py1) is lower than the standard signal sensitivity Vst. It is a figure. In FIG. 3B, the intersection of the detection electrode Rx1 wired in the vicinity of one set of electrodes E1E1 (Px1, py1) and the drive electrode Ty2 wired in the vicinity of the other electrode E2 (px2, py2). It is explanatory drawing explaining the reason why the signal sensitivity V (x1, y2) detected about (x1, y2) exceeds the standard signal sensitivity Vst. One set of electrodes E1 (px3, py3) and the other electrode E2 (px5, py3) are oriented so as to be in the vicinity of the same drive electrode Ty3, and in (a), the operation knob 2 is arranged on the detection surface 31. The plan view (b) showing the completed state shows the signal sensitivity V (x, y) detected at each intersection (x, y) of the detection surface 31 in a state where the operator does not touch the operation knob 2. ), (C) shows the signal sensitivity V (x, y) detected at each intersection (x, y) of the detection surface 31 while the operator's hand is touching the operation knob 2. It is explanatory drawing which shows. FIG. 6B will explain why the signal sensitivity V (x3, y3) detected at the intersection (x3, y3) near one of the electrodes E1 (px3, py3) is lower than the standard signal sensitivity Vst. It is a figure. In FIG. 6B, the signal sensitivity V (x4, y3) detected at an intermediate near intersection (x4, y3) between one set of electrodes E1 (px3, py3) and the other electrode E2 (px5, py3). It is explanatory drawing explaining the reason why y3) exceeds a standard signal sensitivity Vst. One set of electrodes E1 (px6, py4) and the other electrode E2 (px6, py6) are oriented so as to be in the vicinity of the same detection electrode Rx6, and in (a), the operation knob 2 is arranged on the detection surface 31. The plan view (b) showing the completed state shows the signal sensitivity V (x, y) detected at each intersection (x, y) of the detection surface 31 in a state where the operator does not touch the operation knob 2. ), (C) shows the signal sensitivity V (x, y) detected at each intersection (x, y) of the detection surface 31 while the operator's hand is touching the operation knob 2. It is explanatory drawing which shows. FIG. 9B will explain why the signal sensitivity V (x6, y4) detected at the intersection (x6, y4) near one of the electrodes E1 (px6, py4) is lower than the standard signal sensitivity Vst. It is a figure. In FIG. 9B, the signal sensitivity V (x6, y5) detected at an intermediate near intersection (x6, y5) between one set of electrodes E1 (px6, py4) and the other electrode E2 (px6, py6). It is explanatory drawing explaining the reason why y5) exceeds a standard signal sensitivity Vst. It is a flowchart which shows the process of detecting the signal sensitivity V (x, y) for each intersection (x, y) of the input operation detection method of the touch panel which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the process of determining whether or not the operation knob 2 of the input operation detection method of the touch panel which concerns on embodiment of this invention is held. FIG. 3A is a plan view of the touch panel 100 showing the principle of detecting an input operation by the touch panel, and FIG. 3B is an explanatory view showing a change in capacitance due to the input operation. The change of the capacitance Cxy between the transmitting electrode Ty and the receiving electrode Tx due to the input operation is shown, (a) is a circuit diagram before the input operation, and (b) is a circuit diagram after the input operation in which the operator's finger is brought closer. ,.

Hereinafter, the touch panel input device 1 according to the first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 11. The touch panel input device 1 detects the input position of the operation knob 2 arranged on the detection surface 31 of the touch panel (projection type capacitance type touch panel), and detects the input position of the operation knob 2 shown in FIG. 1 (projection type capacitance type touch panel). ) 3 and the operation knob 2 shown in FIG.

As shown in FIG. 1, the touch panel 3 has i wires (i) wired in the X direction orthogonal to the Y direction at a predetermined interval of, for example, 6 mm in the Y direction with the surface of the insulating panel 30 as the detection surface 31. , 2 or more natural numbers) drive electrodes Ty and j (j is a natural number) detection electrodes Rx wired in the Y direction with a predetermined interval of, for example, 6 mm in the X direction at each intersection (x, y). Insulated from each other and wired in a grid pattern.

In the present specification, each position on the detection surface 31 is represented by xy coordinates in the orthogonal XY directions, and for convenience of explanation, a projection shape diagram in which the electrode E described later of the operation knob 2 is projected onto the detection surface 31. The position of the center is expressed as the intersection (x, y) of the position E (px, py) of the electrode E, the detection electrode Rx wired in the Y direction in the vicinity thereof, and the drive electrode Ty wired in the X direction. Will be explained.

The drive electrodes Ty and the detection electrodes Rx, which are wired in a grid pattern along the detection surface 31, protect these electrodes, and the electrode E of the operation knob 2 and the operator's finger directly touch these electrodes. It is covered with a transparent insulating sheet (not shown) to prevent malfunction.

Each of the i drive electrodes Ty is connected to a detection signal transmission circuit 33 that outputs an AC detection signal of a square wave having a pulse height (voltage) of Vo via a damping resistor 32 that removes noise. Further, the input / output ports PTy1 to PTyi of the microcomputer 4 are _{connected to the connection points T1 to i} of the drive electrodes Ty and the damping resistor 32 corresponding to the drive electrodes Ty1 to Tyi.

When each input / output port PTy1 to PTyi is in the OFF mode in which the input / output port PTy is in the output port state, the input / output port PTy has a low impedance, and the drive electrode Ty connected to the input / output port PTy The potential is stable at 0 V at the potential (for example, “L”) level of the input / output port PTy, and VCS at the “H” level), and AC detection of the rectangular wave AC signal output from the detection signal transmission circuit 33. The signal is not output to the input drive electrode PTy. Further, when the input / output port PTy is in the ON mode in which the input / output port PTy is in the state of the input port, the rectangular wave AC signal output from the detection signal transmission circuit 33 is sent to the high impedance input port PTy. The AC detection signal, which is a rectangular wave AC signal, is output to the drive electrode Ty connected to the input / output port P without flowing. That is, the microcomputer 4 sets any input / output port PTy as an input port in any order, and outputs an AC detection signal to the drive electrode Ty to which the input / output port PTy is connected.

Each of the j detection electrodes Rx is connected to a multiplexer 34 whose connection with the voltage detection circuit 41 of the microcomputer 4 is switched by control from the microcomputer 4. The microcomputer 4 connects j detection electrodes Rx intersecting the drive electrode Ty with the voltage detection circuit 41 of the microcomputer 4 for each drive control period in which an AC detection signal is output to one of the drive electrodes Ty. The voltage detection circuit 41 detects the detection voltage V (x, y) of the AC detection signal appearing on the detection electrode Rx connected by switching. At this time, the detection electrode Rx switched and connected by the multiplexer 34 is connected to the high impedance voltage detection circuit 41, and the other detection electrodes Rx are grounded with low impedance. Here, as for the detection voltage V (x, y) detected at each intersection (x, y), the AC detection signal of the voltage Vo output to the drive electrode Ty at the intersection (x, y) is sent to the detection electrode Rx. Since it is the voltage that appears, it represents the signal sensitivity V (x, y) of the AC detection signal at the intersection (x, y).

Voltage detection circuit 41, while the microcomputer 4 outputs an AC detection signal to one of the drive electrodes Ty, through the capacitance C _TR between the detection electrodes Rx intersecting the drive electrodes Ty and a driving electrode Ty The detection voltage V (x, y) of the AC detection signal appearing on the detection electrode Rx is read, and the read detection voltage V (x, y) is stored in the storage unit 42 at all the intersections (x, y) on the detection surface 31. To do. Here, the capacitance _CTR is almost a constant value if there is no change in the stray capacitance around it. Therefore, if the stray capacitance of the drive electrode Ty does not fluctuate without the input operating body approaching, the detection voltage V ( x, y) is constant at the standard signal voltage Vst (x, y) proportional to the output voltage Vo of the AC detection signal, and is substantially the same value at all intersections (x, y). Hereinafter, in the present specification, this standard signal voltage Vst (x, y) is referred to as a standard signal sensitivity Vst.

On the other hand, when the electrode E of the operation knob 2 approaches any of the intersections (x, y), as will be described later, the intersection (x, y) regardless of whether or not the operator holds the operation knob 2 in his / her hand. _{The capacitance C xy} between the drive electrode Ty and the detection electrode Rx that intersect at y) decreases. Further, as will be described later, when the operator does not hold the operation knob 2 in his / her hand, the intersection (x, y) at a specific intersection (x, y) away from the position E (px, py) of the electrode E. _{, Y), the capacitance C xy} between the driving electrode Ty and the detection electrode Rx intersects on the contrary.

Therefore, the microcomputer 4 compares the detection voltage V (x, y) stored in the storage unit 42 with respect to the standard signal sensitivity Vst at all the intersections (x, y) of the detection surface 31, and first, the position of the electrode E. The operation knob 2 is operated when the detection voltage V (x, y) at a specific intersection (x, y) away from E (px, py) is compared with the standard signal sensitivity Vst and exceeds the standard signal sensitivity Vst. It is determined that the person does not hold it in his hand (to be exact, the operator's finger does not touch the short-circuit electrode 22 described later of the operation knob 2), and the operation knob 2 is operated when the standard signal sensitivity is Vst or less. It is determined that the person is holding it in his hand (to be exact, the operator's finger is in contact with the short-circuit electrode 22 described later of the operation knob 2).

Subsequently, the position of the electrode E of the operation knob 2 (px, y) from the position of the intersection (x, y) at which the detection voltage V (x, y) at any of the intersections (x, y) becomes less than the standard signal sensitivity Vst. py) is detected.

As shown in FIG. 2, the operation knob 2 includes a cylindrical knob body 21, a set of disc-shaped electrodes E1 and E2 attached along the bottom surface of the knob body 21, and a set of electrodes E1 and E2. It is composed of a short-circuit electrode 22 which is connected to the upper surface of the above and electrically connects the electrodes E1 and E2. The distance between a set of electrodes E1 and E2 attached at intervals of 180 degrees around the central axis of the cylindrical knob body 21 is 12 mm or more, and when the operation knob 2 is arranged on the detection surface 31, it is at least 6 mm. It has a length that straddles the upper part of the three drive electrodes Ty or the detection electrode Rx that are wired at intervals. Each of the electrodes E1 and E2 faces the drive electrode Ty and / or the detection electrode Rx in the vertical direction via the detection surface 31, and a capacitance _CE is formed between them. Since the distances between the drive electrode Ty and the detection electrode Rx to the electrode E are almost the same, here, the capacitance between the electrode E and the drive electrode Ty and the capacitance between the electrode E and the detection electrode Rx are the same. Represented by _CE. Intersection (x, y) is the distance between the driving electrodes Ty and the detecting electrode Rx crossing in a small, since the opposing area between them is also small, as compared with the electrostatic capacitance C _TR intersection (x, y) Te, the driving electrodes Ty or detecting electrode Rx and the electrode E the capacitance is large opposing area between C _E becomes too large to be ignored.

The short-circuit electrode 22 penetrates the annular conductive plate 23 attached along the upper surface of the cylindrical knob main body 21 in the vertical direction and the annular conductive plate 23 as a set of electrodes E1 and E2. It consists of a set of rod electrodes 24A and 24B that are electrically connected to. Further, the annular conductive plate 23 further has a set of arch-shaped conductive plates 23A and 23B formed in an annular shape having a symmetrical shape in the horizontal direction, with the connecting portions with the set of rod electrodes 24A and 24B at both ends. Are integrally combined to form. Since the arch-shaped conductive plates 23A and 23B are adhered along the upper surface of the cylindrical knob body 21 having a radius of 6 mm or more from the central axis, the operation knob 2 of any of the arch-shaped conductive plates 23A and 23B is attached. Regardless of the angle around the central axis of the detection surface 31, it straddles at least two drive electrodes Ty and faces two or more drive electrodes Ty in the vertical direction, and any of the drive electrodes Ty _{Capacitance CS} is formed between the arch-shaped conductive plates 22A and 22B. Again the capacitance C _S, the driving electrodes Ty and arched conductive plate 23A, since the opposing area between 23B is large, the intersection (x, y) can not be ignored as compared with the electrostatic capacitance C _TR size.

As shown in FIG. 2, the annular conductive plate 23 composed of a set of arched conductive plates 22A and 22B is exposed over the entire circumference of the upper surface of the operation knob 2, so that the operator can hold the operation knob 2 by holding the operation knob 2. In the case of the moving operation, the pair of electrodes E1 and E2 are connected to the ground via the annular conductive plate 23 touched by the operator's finger and the rod electrodes 24A and 24B.

In the present embodiment, the set of electrodes E1 and E2 is formed in a disk shape, but other shapes such as a rod shape integrated with the rod electrodes 24A and 24 may be used.

Hereinafter, the operation knob 2 describes a method of detecting the input position of the operation knob 2 that the operator holds and operates by the touch panel input device 1 and the input position of the operation knob 2 that is simply arranged on the detection surface 31. Will be described separately for the rotational posture with respect to the XY direction.

A. When the straight line connecting the set of electrodes E1 and E2 of the operation knob 2 is in an inclined direction with respect to the X direction or the Y direction As shown in FIG. 3A, one set of electrodes E1 Assuming that the position is E1 (Px1, Py1) and the position of the other electrode E2 is E2 (Px2, Py2), the drive electrodes Ty1 and the detection intersecting at the intersection (x1, y1) in the vicinity of E1 (Px1, Py1). The electrode Rx1 and the drive electrode Ty2 and the detection electrode Rx2 that intersect at the intersection (x2, y2) in the vicinity of E2 (Px2, Py2) are different electrodes from each other.

A1. When the operator's finger does not touch the short-circuit electrode 22 of the operation knob 2 As shown in FIG. 4, from the drive electrode Ty1 passing through the intersection (x1, y1) near the position E1 (Px1, Py1) of the electrode E1. some of the current _{I TR} of the current Iy1 AC detection signal flowing flows to the detection electrode Rx1 through the capacitance _{C TR} which is formed between the detection electrode Rx1. _{Further, since capacitance CE} is formed between the drive electrode Ty1 and the electrode E1 and between the electrode E2 and the drive electrode Ty2 passing through the intersections (x2, y2), the alternating current flowing from the drive electrode Ty1 is formed. some of the current I _E of the current Iy1 detection signals, through two capacitances C _E, which is connected in series with a short-circuit electrode 22 short-circuit electrode 22, flows to the driving electrodes Ty2 which is a ground connection. As a result, the detection voltage V (x1, y1) detected from the detection electrode Rx1 at the intersection (x1, y1) becomes less than the standard signal sensitivity Vst (indicated by − in FIG. 3B).

Similarly, the position of the electrode E2 E2 (Px2, Py2) portion of the current _{I E} of the current Iy2 AC detection signal flowing from the drive electrode Ty2 when passing through the intersection in the vicinity of (x2, y2) of the short-circuit and the short-circuit electrode 22 through two capacitances _{C E,} which is connected in electrode 22 in series, flow to the drive electrode Ty1 to be ground connection, the intersections (x2, y2) for detecting the voltage V detected from the detection electrode Rx2 (x2, y2) be It becomes less than the standard signal sensitivity Vst (indicated by-in FIG. 3B). Therefore, in the microcomputer 4, from the intersections (x1, y1) and the intersections (x2, y2) where the detection voltage V (x, y) is less than the standard signal sensitivity Vst, the pair of electrodes E1 and E2 of the operation knob 2 The positions E1 (Px1, Py1) and E2 (Px2, Py2) are detected.

When the operator's finger is not touching the short-circuit electrode 22 of the operation knob 2, the detection electrode Rx1 and the electrode E2 are located near the position E1 (Px1, Py1) of the electrode E1 (Px2, Py1). the capacitance _{C x1y2} between drive electrodes Ty2 wired to the vicinity of the py2) is from the electrostatic capacitance _{C TR} detection electrode Rx1 and the driving electrode Ty2 at both intersections (x1, y2) is formed by opposed To increase. That is, as shown in FIG. 5, at the position E2 (Px2, Py2) of the electrode E2, the capacitance _CE is formed between the electrode E2 and the driving electrode Ty2, and the position E1 (Px1, Py2) of the electrode E1 is formed. _{In Py1), a capacitance CE} is formed between the electrode E1 and the detection electrode Rx1, and both are connected in series by the short-circuit electrode 22, so that the capacitance C between the detection electrode Rx1 and the drive electrode Ty2 _x1y2 is in the electrostatic capacitance _{C TR,} 2 two capacitance _{C E} is increased to join the capacitance _C E / 2 by being connected in series. As a result, the detection voltage V (x1, y2) detected from the detection electrode Rx1 at the intersection (x1, y2) rises to a level exceeding the standard signal sensitivity Vst (indicated by + in FIG. 3B).

_{Similarly, the capacitance C x2y1} between the detection electrode Rx2 wired near the position E2 (Px2, Py2) of the electrode E1 and the drive electrode Ty1 wired near the position E1 (Px1, Py1) of the electrode E1 also _{Since the capacitance CE} connected in series by the short-circuit electrode 22 is formed between the drive electrode Ty1 and the electrode E1 and between the electrode E2 and the detection electrode Rx2, between the detection electrode Rx2 and the drive electrode Ty1. the capacitance _{C X2Y1} of, the electrostatic capacitance _{C TR,} 2 two capacitance _{C E} is increased to join the capacitance _C E / 2 by being connected in series. As a result, the detection voltage V (x2, y1) detected from the detection electrode Rx2 at the intersection (x2, y1) rises to a level exceeding the standard signal sensitivity Vst (indicated by + in FIG. 3B). Therefore, in the microcomputer 4, either the detection voltage V (x1, y2) detected at the intersection (x1, y2) or the detection voltage V (x2, y1) detected at the intersection (x2, y1) is the standard signal sensitivity. When it exceeds Vst, it is determined that the operation knob 2 is not touched and is only arranged on the detection surface 31.

A2. When the operator's finger is touching the short-circuit electrode 22 of the operation knob 2 The current Iy1 of the AC detection signal flowing from the drive electrode Ty1 passing through the intersection (x1, y1) near the position E1 (Px1, Py1) of the electrode E1. A part of the current flows to the operator who is grounded through the short-circuit electrode 22 connected to the electrode E1 and the finger touching the short-circuit electrode 22, and the detection voltage V (x1, y1) detected from the detection electrode Rx1 at the intersection (x1, y1). ) Is less than the standard signal sensitivity Vst (indicated by − in FIG. 3C). Further, a part of the current Iy of the AC detection signal flowing from the drive electrode Ty2 passing through the intersection (x2, y2) near the position E2 (Px2, Py2) of the electrode E2 is also short-circuited with the short-circuit electrode 22 connected to the electrode E2. The detection voltage V (x2, y2) that flows to the operator who is grounded through the finger touching the electrode 22 and is detected from the detection electrode Rx2 at the intersection (x2, y2) is also less than the standard signal sensitivity Vst (FIG. 3 (c)). ) And-indicated). Therefore, in the microcomputer 4, from the intersections (x1, y1) and the intersections (x2, y2) where the detection voltage V (x, y) is less than the standard signal sensitivity Vst, the pair of electrodes E1 and E2 of the operation knob 2 The positions E1 (Px1, Py1) and E2 (Px2, Py2) are detected.

Further, when the operator's finger touches the short-circuit electrode 22 of the operation knob 2, the pair of electrodes E1 and E2 are grounded via the short-circuit electrode 22 and the operator's finger, so that each electrode is grounded. E1, E2 and the capacitance _{C E,} which is formed between the driving electrodes Ty or detecting electrode Rx is, and the capacitance _{C x1y2} between the detection electrode Rx1 driving electrodes Ty2, between the detection electrode Rx2 driving electrodes Ty1 _{Either the} detection voltage V (x1, y2) detected at the intersection (x1, y2) or the detection voltage V (x2, y1) detected at the intersection (x2, y1) without being applied to the capacitance C x2y1. It may be less than the standard signal sensitivity Vst (indicated by-or no symbol in FIG. 3C), and since one of the microcomputers 4 is less than the standard signal sensitivity Vst, the operator's finger is attached to the short-circuit electrode 22 of the operation knob 2. Is touched.

B. When one set of electrodes E1 (px3, py3) and the other electrode E2 (px5, py3) of the operation knob 2 are in the vicinity of the same drive electrode Ty3 As shown in FIG. 6A, a set of electrodes Assuming that the position of one electrode E1 is E1 (Px3, Py3) and the position of the other electrode E2 is E2 (Px5, Py3), they intersect at the intersection (x3, y3) near E1 (Px3, Py3). The drive electrode Ty3 and the detection electrode Rx3, and the drive electrode Ty3 and the detection electrode Rx5 that intersect at the intersection (x5, y3) in the vicinity of E2 (Px5, Py3) are common to the drive electrode Ty3.

B1. When the operator's finger does not touch the short-circuit electrode 22 of the operation knob 2 As shown in FIG. 7, from the drive electrode Ty3 passing through the intersection (x3, y3) near the position E1 (Px3, Py3) of the electrode E1. some of the current _{I TR} of the current Iy3 AC detection signal flowing flows to the detection electrode Rx3 through capacitance _{C TR} which is formed between the detection electrode Rx3. _{Further, since the capacitance CE} is formed between the drive electrode Ty3 and the electrode E1 and between the electrode E2 and the detection electrode Rx5 passing through the intersections (x5, y3), the alternating current flowing from the drive electrode Ty1 is formed. some of the current I _E of the current Iy3 detection signals, through two capacitances C _E, which is connected in series with a short-circuit electrode 22 short-circuit electrode 22, flows to the detection electrode Rx5 being ground. As a result, the detection voltage V (x3, y3) detected from the detection electrode Rx3 at the intersection (x3, y3) becomes less than the standard signal sensitivity Vst (indicated by − in FIG. 6B).

Similarly, the position of the electrode E2 E2 (Px5, Py3) near the intersection point (x5, y3) portion of the current _{I E} of the current Iy3 AC detection signal flowing from the drive electrode Ty3 passing of short circuit and short-circuit electrode 22 through two capacitances _{C E,} which is connected in electrode 22 in series, flow through the sense electrode Rx3 being ground connection, the intersections (x5, y3) for detecting the voltage V detected from the detection electrode Rx5 (x5, y3) also It becomes less than the standard signal sensitivity Vst (indicated by-in FIG. 6B). Therefore, in the microcomputer 4, from the intersection (x3, y3) and the intersection (x5, y3) where the detection voltage V (x, y) is less than the standard signal sensitivity Vst, the set of electrodes E1 and E2 of the operation knob 2 The positions E1 (Px3, Py3) and E2 (Px5, Py3) are detected.

When the operator's finger does not touch the short-circuit electrode 22 of the operation knob 2, the intersection (x4) near the middle of the position E1 (Px3, Py3) of the electrode E1 and the position E2 (Px5, Py3) of the electrode E2. , capacitance _{C X4y3} between the detection electrodes Rx4 and the driving electrode Ty3 that intersect at y3), the detection electrodes Rx4 and the driving electrode Ty3 at the intersection (x4, y3) from capacitance _{C TR} formed by opposed To increase. That is, as shown in FIG. 8, at the position E1 (Px3, Py3) of the electrode E1 and the position E2 (Px5, Py3) of the electrode E2, the capacitance _CE is formed between the electrodes E1, E2 and the drive electrode Ty3. while being formed, at each position arched conductive plate 23A, the 23B and the detection electrode Rx4 facing in the vertical direction, an arch-shaped conductive plate 23A, the capacitance _{C a} between 23B and detection electrode Rx4 are formed, the two sets of the capacitance _{C E} and the capacitance _{C a,} so are connected in series between the respective drive electrodes Ty3 and the detection electrode Rx4, the electrostatic capacitance _{C X4y3} between the detection electrodes Rx4 and the driving electrode Ty3 is in the electrostatic capacitance _{C TR,} two pairs of capacitances connected in series _{C E} the capacitance _{C a} capacitance due to be connected in parallel _{2C E · C a / (C} E + C a) Will increase with the addition of. As a result, the detection voltage V (x4, y3) detected from the detection electrode Rx4 at the intersection (x4, y3) rises to a level exceeding the standard signal sensitivity Vst (indicated by + in FIG. 6B). Therefore, the microcomputer 4 detects the detection voltage V (x4, y3) at the intersection (x4, y3) near the middle of the positions E1 (Px3, Py3) and E2 (Px5, Py3) of the set of the detected electrodes E1 and E2. , Y3) exceeds the standard signal sensitivity Vst, it is determined that the operation knob 2 is not touched and is simply arranged on the detection surface 31.

B2. When the operator's finger is touching the short-circuit electrode 22 of the operation knob 2 The current Iy1 of the AC detection signal flowing from the drive electrode Ty3 passing through the intersection (x3, y3) near the position E1 (Px3, Py3) of the electrode E1. A part of the current flows to the operator who is grounded through the short-circuit electrode 22 connected to the electrode E1 and the finger touching the short-circuit electrode 22, and the detection voltage V (x3, y3) detected from the detection electrode Rx3 at the intersection (x3, y3). ) Is less than the standard signal sensitivity Vst (indicated by − in FIG. 6 (c)). Further, a part of the current Iy3 of the AC detection signal flowing from the drive electrode Ty3 passing through the intersection (x5, y3) near the position E2 (Px5, Py3) of the electrode E2 is also short-circuited with the short-circuit electrode 22 connected to the electrode E2. The detection voltage V (x5, y3) detected from the detection electrode Rx5 at the intersection (x5, y3) flowing to the operator who is grounded through the finger touching the electrode 22 also becomes less than the standard signal sensitivity Vst (FIG. 6 (c). ) And-indicated). Therefore, the microcomputer 4 has a set of electrodes E1 and E2 of the operation knob 2 from the positions of the intersections (x3, y3) and the intersections (x5, y3) where the detection voltage V (x, y) is less than the standard signal sensitivity Vst. Positions E1 (Px3, Py3) and E2 (Px5, Py3) are detected.

Further, when the operator's finger touches the short-circuit electrode 22 of the operation knob 2, the pair of electrodes E1 and E2 are grounded via the short-circuit electrode 22 and the operator's finger, so that each electrode is grounded. _{The capacitance CE} formed between E1 and E2 and the drive electrode Ty or the detection electrode Rx _{does not add to the capacitance C x4y3} between the drive electrode Ty3 and the detection electrode Rx4, and the intersection (x4, y3). ), The detection voltage V (x4, y3) detected is equal to or less than the standard signal sensitivity Vst (displayed without a symbol in FIG. 6C), and in the microcomputer 4, the operator's finger is placed on the short-circuit electrode 22 of the operation knob 2. Judge that it is touching.

C. When one set of electrodes E1 (px6, py4) and the other electrode E2 (px6, py6) of the operation knob 2 are in the vicinity of the same detection electrode Rx6 As shown in FIG. 9A, a set of electrodes Assuming that the position of one electrode E1 is E1 (Px6, Py4) and the position of the other electrode E2 is E2 (Px6, Py6), they intersect at the intersection (x6, y4) near E1 (Px6, Py4). The drive electrode Ty4 and the detection electrode Rx6, and the drive electrode Ty6 and the detection electrode Rx6 that intersect at the intersection (x6, y6) near E2 (Px6, Py6) are common to the detection electrode Rx6.

C1. When the operator's finger is not touching the short-circuit electrode 22 of the operation knob 2 As shown in FIG. 10, from the drive electrode Ty4 passing through the intersection (x6, y4) near the position E1 (Px6, Py4) of the electrode E1. some of the current _{I TR} of the current Iy4 AC detection signal flowing flows to the detection electrode Rx6 through capacitance _{C TR} which is formed between the detection electrode Rx6. _{Further, since the electrostatic capacitance CE} is formed between the drive electrode Ty4 and the electrode E1 and between the electrode E2 and the drive electrode Ty6 passing through the intersections (x6, y6), the alternating current flowing from the drive electrode Ty4 some of the current I _E of the current Iy4 detection signals, through two capacitances C _E, which is connected in series with a short-circuit electrode 22 short-circuit electrode 22, flows to the driving electrodes Ty6 being ground. As a result, the detection voltage V (x6, y4) detected from the detection electrode Rx6 at the intersection (x6, y4) becomes less than the standard signal sensitivity Vst (indicated by − in FIG. 9B).

Similarly, the position of the electrode E2 E2 (Px6, Py6) portion of the current _{I E} in the vicinity of the intersection point (x6, y6) of the alternating-current detection signal flowing from the drive electrode Ty6 passing current Iy6 of short-circuit and short-circuit electrode 22 through two capacitances _{C E,} which is connected in electrode 22 in series, flow to the drive electrode Ty4 being ground connection, the intersections (x6, y6) detected voltage V detected from the detection electrode Rx6 for (x6, y6) also It becomes less than the standard signal sensitivity Vst (indicated by-in FIG. 9B). Therefore, the microcomputer 4 has a set of electrodes E1 of the operation knob 2 from each position of the intersection (x6, y4) and the intersection (x6, y6) where the detection voltage V (x, y) is less than the standard signal sensitivity Vst. The positions E1 (Px6, Py4) and E2 (Px6, Py6) of E2 are detected.

When the operator's finger does not touch the short-circuit electrode 22 of the operation knob 2, the intersection (x6) near the middle of the position E1 (Px6, Py4) of the electrode E1 and the position E2 (Px6, Py6) of the electrode E2. , capacitance _{C X6y5} between the detection electrodes Rx6 the drive electrode Ty5 that intersect at y5), from the intersection point (x6, y5) capacitance detecting electrode Rx6 and the driving electrode Ty5 is formed by opposed _{C TR} To increase. That is, as shown in FIG. 11, at each position where the drive electrode Ty3 faces the arch-shaped conductive plates 23A and 23B in the vertical direction, the capacitance C is between the drive electrode Ty3 and the arch-shaped conductive plates 23A and 23B. _A is formed, and at the positions E1 (Px6, Py4) of the electrodes E1 and the positions E2 (Px6, Py6) of the electrodes E2, the electrodes E1, E2 and the detection electrodes Rx6 that are electrically connected to the arch-shaped conductive plates 23A and 23B the capacitance C _E is formed between the capacitance of the two sets C _E and the capacitance C _a, so are connected in series between the respective drive electrodes Ty5 and the detection electrode Rx6, detection electrodes Rx6 the capacitance C _X6y5 between drive electrodes Ty5 is in the electrostatic capacitance C _TR, electrostatic due to two sets of capacitances connected in series C _E and the capacitance C _a is connected in parallel capacity _{2C E · C A / (C} E + C A) is increased to join. As a result, the detection voltage V (x6, y5) detected from the detection electrode Rx6 at the intersection (x6, y5) rises to a level exceeding the standard signal sensitivity Vst (indicated by + in FIG. 9B). Therefore, the microcomputer 4 detects the detection voltage V (x6, y5) at the intersection (x6, y5) near the middle of the positions E1 (Px6, Py4) and E2 (Px6, Py6) of the set of the detected electrodes E1 and E2. , Y5) exceeds the standard signal sensitivity Vst, it is determined that the operation knob 2 is not touched and is simply arranged on the detection surface 31.

C2. When the operator's finger is touching the short-circuit electrode 22 of the operation knob 2 The current Iy4 of the AC detection signal flowing from the drive electrode Ty4 passing through the intersection (x6, y4) near the position E1 (Px6, Py4) of the electrode E1. A part of the current flows to the operator who is grounded through the short-circuit electrode 22 connected to the electrode E1 and the finger touching the short-circuit electrode 22, and the detection voltage V (x6, y4) detected from the detection electrode Rx6 at the intersection (x6, y4). ) Is less than the standard signal sensitivity Vst (indicated by − in FIG. 9C). Further, a part of the current Iy6 of the AC detection signal flowing from the drive electrode Ty6 passing through the intersection (x6, y6) near the position E2 (Px6, Py6) of the electrode E2 is also short-circuited with the short-circuit electrode 22 connected to the electrode E2. The detection voltage V (x6, y6) detected from the detection electrode Rx6 at the intersection (x6, y6) flowing to the operator who is grounded through the finger touching the electrode 22 also becomes less than the standard signal sensitivity Vst (FIG. 9 (c)). ) And-indicated). Therefore, the microcomputer 4 has a set of electrodes E1 and E2 of the operation knob 2 from the position of the intersection (x6, y4) and the intersection (x6, y6) where the detection voltage V (x, y) is less than the standard signal sensitivity Vst. Positions E1 (Px6, Py4) and E2 (Px6, Py6) are detected.

Further, when the operator's finger touches the short-circuit electrode 22 of the operation knob 2, the pair of electrodes E1 and E2 are grounded via the short-circuit electrode 22 and the operator's finger, so that each electrode is grounded. _{The electrostatic capacitance CE} formed between E1 and E2 and the drive electrode Ty or the detection electrode Rx _{does not add to the capacitance C x6y5} between the drive electrode Ty5 and the detection electrode Rx6, and the intersection (64, y5). ), The detection voltage V (x6, y5) detected is equal to or less than the standard signal sensitivity Vst (indicated by − in FIG. 9C), and the microcomputer 4 touches the short-circuit electrode 22 of the operation knob 2 with the operator's finger. Judged as

Hereinafter, using the touch panel input device 1 described above, a touch panel input operation detection method for determining whether or not the operator has the operation knob 2 and detecting the input position of the operation knob is shown in FIGS. 12 and 13. I will explain along.

Before detecting an input position, with the removal of the manipulation knob 2 from the top detection surface 31, passes through the electrostatic capacitance C _TR formed between the driving electrodes Ty and the detection electrode Rx in any intersection (x, y) Then, the detection voltage V (x, y) appearing on the detection electrode Rx is stored in the storage unit 42 as the standard signal sensitivity Vst, and the initial setting is performed (step S1). This standard signal sensitivity Vst is the detection voltage V (x) detected from the detection electrode Rx passing through the intersection (x, y) when the electrode E of the operation knob 2 is not close to the intersection (x, y). , Y).

When detecting the input position of the operation knob 2, first, y as a natural number is set to 1 (step S2), an AC detection signal is output to the drive electrode T1 (step S3), and x as a natural number is set to 1. (Step S4), the detection voltage V (1, 1) detected from the detection electrode R1 passing through the intersection (1, 1) is stored in the storage unit 42 (step S5).

Next, x incremented in step S6 is compared with the total number j of the detection electrodes Rx (step S7), and the detection voltages detected from all the detection electrodes Rx intersecting the drive electrode T1 outputting the AC detection signal. After repeating the processes of steps S3 to S7 until V (1, x) is stored in the storage unit 42, y is incremented (step S8), an AC detection signal is output to the next drive electrode Ty, and the tep. The y incremented in S8 is compared with the total number i of the drive electrodes Ty (step S9), and the detection voltage V (x, y) detected at all the intersections (x, y) of ixj on the detection surface 31 is stored. The processes of steps S3 to S9 are repeated until stored in the unit 42, and one scanning of the touch electrode is completed.

After the scanning up to step S9 is completed, the microcomputer 4 reads out the detection voltage V (x, y) detected at all the intersections (x, y) of ixj from the storage unit 42 and compares it with the standard signal sensitivity Vst. From the position of the intersection (x, y) where the detected voltage V (x, y) is less than the standard signal sensitivity Vst, the first position E1 (px1, py1) of one of the pair of electrodes E1 and the other electrode The second position E2 (px2, py2) of E2 is detected (step S10). As described above, regardless of whether or not the operator's finger is touching the short-circuit electrode 22 of the operation knob 2, the detection voltage V (x) is detected at each intersection (x, y) near at least one set of electrodes E1 and E2. , Y) is less than the standard signal sensitivity Vst. On the other hand, in general, at the position of the electrode E, the detection voltage V (x, y) for each of a plurality of adjacent intersections (x, y) is less than the standard signal sensitivity Vst, so the weighted average is calculated or the lowest detection is performed. The position E (px, py) of the electrode E is obtained from the position of the intersection (x, y) where the voltage V (x, y) is detected.

Subsequently, the first position E1 (px1, py1) of one electrode E1 obtained in step S10 and the second position E2 (px2, py2) of the other electrode E2 are in the vicinity of the same detection electrode Rx or drive electrode Ty. (Step S11), the straight line connecting the first position E1 (px1, py1) and the second position E2 (px2, py2) is not parallel to the X or Y direction, and the detection electrode Rx or If it is not along the drive electrode Ty, the process proceeds to step S12, and the drive electrode Tpy1 is wired near the first position E1 (px1, py1) and is wired near the second position E2 (px2, py2). The detection electrode Rpx1 wired near the detection voltage V (px2, py1) or the first position E1 (px1, py1) detected at the intersection (px2, py1) with the detection electrode Rpx2 and the second position E2 (px2, py1). The detection voltage V (px1, py2) detected at the intersection (px1, py2) with the drive electrode Tpy2 wired in the vicinity of px2, py2) is compared with the standard signal sensitivity Vst.

As described above, when either the detection voltage V (px2, py1) or the detection voltage V (px1, py2) exceeds the standard signal sensitivity Vst, the operator's finger does not touch the operation knob 2. Therefore, the operator proceeds to step S14, and the operator puts his or her finger on the position of the operation knob 2 obtained from the first position E1 (px1, py1) of the electrode E1 and the second position E2 (px2, py2) of the electrode E2. It is detected as the input position of the operation knob 2 that is not touched.

On the other hand, in step S12, when both the detection voltage V (px2, py1) and the detection voltage V (px1, py2) are equal to or less than the standard signal sensitivity Vst, the operation knob 2 is touched by the operator's finger. Since the determination can be made, the operation proceeds to step S15, and the operator holds the position of the operation knob 2 obtained from the first position E1 (px1, py1) of the electrode E1 and the second position E2 (px2, py2) of the electrode E2. It is detected as the input position of the operation knob 2 to be operated.

Further, in step S11, the straight line connecting the first position E1 (px1, py1) and the second position E2 (px2, py2) is parallel to the X direction or the Y direction and is near the common detection electrode Rx or the drive electrode Ty. If there is, the process proceeds to step S13, and the detection voltage V (x, y) detected at an arbitrary intersection (x, y) near the middle of the first position E1 (px1, py1) and the second position E2 (px2, py2) ( x, y) is compared with the standard signal sensitivity Vst. As described above, when the detected voltage V (x, y) exceeds the standard signal sensitivity Vst, it can be determined that the operator's finger is not touching the operation knob 2, so the process proceeds to step S14, and the electrode The position of the operation knob 2 obtained from the first position E1 (px1, py1) of E1 and the second position E2 (px2, py2) of the electrode E2 is detected as the input position of the operation knob 2 that the operator does not touch. To do.

On the other hand, in step S13, when the detection voltage V (x, y) detected at the intersection (x, y) near the middle of the electrodes E1 and E2 is equal to or less than the standard signal sensitivity Vst, the operator presses the operation knob 2. Since it can be determined that the finger is touching, the process proceeds to step S15, and the position of the operation knob 2 obtained from the first position E1 (px1, py1) of the electrode E1 and the second position E2 (px2, py2) of the electrode E2 is determined. , Detected as the input position of the operation knob 2 that the operator holds and operates.

In the above-described embodiment, a set of electrodes E1 and E2 are attached to the operation knob 2, but three or more electrodes E are attached to the bottom surface of the knob body, and at least two of them are attached. E1 and E2 may be electrically connected by a short-circuit electrode 22, or a set of E1 and E2 and a short-circuit electrode 22 may be integrally formed.

Further, the short-circuit electrode 22 is formed with an annular conductive plate in which symmetrical arch-shaped conductive plates 23A and 23B are integrated, and the pair of electrodes E1 and E2 are arched horizontally from above in the vertical direction. The short-circuit electrode 22 may be provided with an arch-shaped conductive plate in which the shape projected onto the detection surface 31 straddles a plurality of drive electrodes Ty wired along the detection surface 31. If it is not necessary to determine whether or not the author's finger is touching the short-circuit electrode 22 of the operation knob 2, it is not necessary to provide the arch-shaped conductive plate.

Further, in the above-described embodiment, the detection electrodes Rx other than the detection electrode Rx connected to the voltage detection circuit 41 are grounded as low impedance, but the outputs of all the detection electrodes Rx may be high impedance.

The present invention is suitable for a touch panel input device in which an operation knob is arranged at a predetermined position on a detection surface of a projection type capacitive touch panel to perform an input operation, and a touch panel input operation detection method.

1 Touch panel input device 2 Operation knob 21 Knob body E1, E2 A set of electrodes 22 Short-circuit electrode 23 Ring conductive plate 23A, 23B Arched conductive plate 3 Projection type capacitive touch panel 31 Detection surface

Claims (8)

A plurality of drive electrodes Ty that are wired in the X direction orthogonal to the Y direction at predetermined intervals in the Y direction along the detection surface.
A plurality of detection electrodes Rx, which are wired in the Y direction with a predetermined interval in the X direction along the detection surface and intersect with the plurality of drive electrodes Ty at an insulation interval, respectively.
A detection signal transmission circuit that outputs a constant voltage AC detection signal,
For each drive electrode Ty that outputs the AC detection signal, the signal sensitivities V (x, y) of the AC detection signal appearing on the plurality of detection electrodes Rx intersecting the drive electrode Ty are detected, and the plurality of drives are detected. A projection type capacitive touch panel having a scanning means for detecting a signal sensitivity V (x, y) at each intersection (x, y) of the electrode Ty and the plurality of detection electrodes Rx, and a
A knob body arranged on the detection surface of the projection type capacitive touch panel and made of an insulator, and a set of electrodes attached along the bottom surface of the knob body facing the detection surface, and the set. It is provided with an operation knob which is attached to the knob body above the electrodes and has a short-circuit electrode for electrically connecting the set of electrodes.
In a state where the operation knob is not arranged on the detection surface, the signal sensitivity V (x, y) detected at the intersection (x, y) is set as the standard signal sensitivity Vst, and each of them is close to the set of electrodes. Since the signal sensitivity V (x, y) at the intersection (x, y) is less than the standard signal sensitivity Vst, the first positions E1 (Px1, py1) and the first position on the detection surface of the set of electrodes are the first. A touch panel input device that detects two positions E2 (px2, py2) and detects the input position of the operation knob.
The length between the set of electrodes is sufficiently longer than the distance between the plurality of drive electrodes Ty and the distance between the plurality of detection electrodes Rx wired along the detection surface, and the set of electrodes has the same length. A touch panel input device, which is attached to the knob body at intervals straddling at least a plurality of drive electrodes Ty or a plurality of detection electrodes Rx. The short-circuit electrodes are arched from above in the vertical direction of the set of electrodes along a horizontal plane parallel to the detection surface, and a plurality of shapes projected onto the detection surface are wired along the detection surface. The touch panel input device according to claim 1, further comprising an arch-shaped conductive plate formed in a shape straddling the drive electrode Ty. The touch panel input device according to claim 2, wherein the short-circuit electrode has a ring-shaped conductive plate formed of a set of arch-shaped conductive plates formed symmetrically with respect to the diameter of the ring. The short-circuit electrode according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein a part of the short-circuit electrode is exposed on the surface of the knob body that the operator's finger touches, and the short-circuit electrode is attached to the knob body. The touch panel input device described. In the projection type capacitive touch panel, the straight line connecting the first position E1 (Px1, py1) and the second position E2 (px2, py2) on the detection surface of the set of electrodes is in the X direction or the Y direction. When it is inclined, the intersection (x1, py2) of the detection electrode Rx1 wired in the vicinity of the first position E1 (Px1, py1) and the drive electrode Ty2 wired in the vicinity of the second position E2 (px2, py2) The detection electrode Rx2 wired near the signal sensitivity V (x1, y2) or the second position E2 (px2, py2) of y2) and the drive electrode Ty1 wired near the first position E1 (Px1, py1). It has a touch determination unit for determining that the operator's finger is not touching the short-circuit electrode when any of the signal sensitivities V (x2, y1) at the intersection (x2, y1) exceeds the standard signal sensitivity Vst. The touch electrode input device according to claim 4, characterized in that. In the touch determination unit, the first position E1 (Px3, py3) and the second position E2 (px5, py3) are in the vicinity of the same drive electrode Ty3, or the first position E1 (Px6, py4) and the second position. The signal sensitivity V (x4, y3) or the signal sensitivity V of the intersection (x4, y3) at the intersection (x4, y3) in the vicinity of the same detection electrode Rx6 at the position E2 (px6, py6). The touch panel input device according to claim 4, wherein when (x6, y5) exceeds the standard signal sensitivity Vst, it is determined that the operator's finger is not touching the short-circuit electrode. A plurality of drive electrodes Ty wired in the X direction orthogonal to the Y direction at a predetermined interval in the Y direction along the detection surface, and a predetermined interval in the X direction along the detection surface in the Y direction. A projection type capacitive touch panel having a plurality of detection electrodes Rx which are wired to the above and intersect with the plurality of drive electrodes Ty at intervals of insulation, and a detection signal transmission circuit which outputs an AC detection signal of a constant voltage. On the detection surface, a knob body made of an insulator, a set of electrodes attached along the bottom surface of the knob body facing the detection surface, and a set of electrodes attached to the knob body above the set of electrodes. , An operation knob having a short-circuit electrode for electrically connecting the set of electrodes is arranged.
The length between the set of electrodes is sufficiently longer than the distance between the plurality of drive electrodes Ty and the distance between the plurality of detection electrodes Rx wired along the detection surface, and the set of electrodes has the same length. It is an input operation detection method of a touch panel that detects an input operation of the operation knob attached to the knob body at intervals straddling at least a plurality of drive electrodes Ty or a plurality of detection electrodes Rx.
(1) A step of outputting the AC detection signal from the detection signal transmission circuit for each drive electrode Ty.
(2) The signal sensitivities V (x, y) of the AC detection signal appearing on the plurality of detection electrodes Rx intersecting the drive electrodes Ty that output the AC detection signal are sequentially detected, and a plurality of signals on the detection surface. A step of detecting the signal sensitivity V (x, y) at each intersection (x, y) of the drive electrode Ty and the plurality of detection electrodes Rx, and
(3) The signal sensitivity V (x, y) detected at the intersection (x, y) is set as the standard signal sensitivity Vst in a state where the operation knob is not arranged on the detection surface. , Y) from the position of any one or more intersections (x, y) where the standard signal sensitivity Vst is less than the standard signal sensitivity Vst, the first position E1 (Px1, py1) on the detection surface of the set of electrodes. And the step of detecting the second position E2 (px2, py2),
(4) A step of detecting the input position of the operation knob from the first position E1 (Px1, py1) and the second position E2 (px2, py2) on the detection surface of the set of electrodes.
A touch panel input operation detection method characterized by being equipped with. The short-circuit electrodes are arched from above in the vertical direction of the set of electrodes along a horizontal plane parallel to the detection surface, and a plurality of shapes projected onto the detection surface are wired along the detection surface. It has an arch-shaped conductive plate formed in a shape straddling the drive electrode Ty of the above, and is attached to the knob body with a part exposed on the surface of the knob body touched by the operator's finger.
After the step (3) of detecting the first position E1 (Px1, py1) and the second position E2 (px2, py2) on the detection surface of the set of electrodes.
(3A) When the straight line connecting the first position E1 (Px1, py1) and the second position E2 (px2, py2) on the detection surface of the set of electrodes is inclined in the X direction or the Y direction. The signal sensitivity V (x1, y2) at the intersection (x1, y2) of the detection electrode Rx1 wired in the vicinity of the first position E1 (Px1, py1) and the drive electrode Ty2 wired in the vicinity of the second position E2 (px2, py2). The intersection (x2, y1) of the detection electrode Rx2 wired in the vicinity of x1, y2) or the second position E2 (px2, py2) and the drive electrode Ty1 wired in the vicinity of the first position E1 (Px1, py1). The signal sensitivity V (x2, y1) of the above is compared with the standard signal sensitivity Vst, and when any of the signal sensitivities V (x1, y2) or V (x2, y1) exceeds the standard signal sensitivity Vst, the above. If the operator's finger is not touching the short-circuit electrode, it is determined that the operator's finger is touching the short-circuit electrode when the standard signal sensitivity is Vst or less.
(3B) The first position E1 (Px3, py3) and the second position E2 (px5, py3) on the detection surface of the set of electrodes are in the vicinity of the same drive electrode Ty3, or the first position E1. When (Px6, py4) and the second position E2 (px6, py6) are in the vicinity of the same detection electrode Rx6, the signal sensitivity V (x4, y3) or the intersection (x4, y3) or the intersection (x4, y3) of the intersections (x4, y3) in the vicinity of each intermediate. The signal sensitivity V (x6, y5) of x6, y5) is compared with the standard signal sensitivity Vst, and when any of the signal sensitivity V (x, y) exceeds the standard signal sensitivity Vst, the short-circuit electrode is used. If the operator's finger is not touching, it is determined that the operator's finger is touching the short-circuit electrode when the standard signal sensitivity is Vst or less.
The method for detecting an input operation on a touch panel according to claim 7, further comprising.

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