JP2021077094A - Control device and computer program - Google Patents

Abstract

To enhance operability of an instruction input device in a capacitance method.SOLUTION: A control device 13 controls operations for a touch panel 10 having a detection plane 11 which is able to detect capacitance changes. An input interface 131 receives detection signals SS corresponding to the capacitance changes at the detection plane 11. A processor 132 determines whether the capacitance change is a first change led by proximity or contact for a finger F of a user to the detection plane 11, or a second change led by proximity or contact for a plurality of second conductive parts 222 provided in a movable switch 20 to the detection plane 11. If the capacitance change is determined to be the first change, a first control signal CS1 causing the touch panel 10 to be provided with a first operation state is outputted from an output interface 133. If the capacitance change is determined to be the second change, a second control signal CS2 causing the touch panel 10 to be provided with a second operation state different from the first operation state, is outputted from the output interface 133.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

The present invention relates to a control device that controls the operation of an instruction input device having a detection surface capable of detecting a change in capacitance. The present invention also relates to a computer program executed by the control device.

Patent Document 1 discloses a capacitance type instruction input device. The device accepts the user's instruction input by detecting the change in capacitance due to the approach or contact of the user's body.

Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2019-018771

An object of the present invention is to improve the operability of a capacitance type instruction input device.

One aspect for achieving the above object is a control device that controls the operation of the first instruction input device having a detection surface capable of detecting a change in capacitance.
An input interface that receives a detection signal corresponding to a change in capacitance on the detection surface,
The capacitance change is the first change due to the approach or contact of the user's body with the detection surface, or the second change due to the approach or contact of a plurality of conductive portions provided in the second instruction input device with respect to the detection surface. A processor that determines if it is a change, and
When it is determined that the capacitance change is the first change, a first control signal for providing the first instruction input device with the first operating state is output, and the capacitance change is the second change. When it is determined that the output interface outputs a second control signal that causes the first instruction input device to provide a second operating state different from the first operating state.
It has.

One aspect for achieving the above object is a computer program executed by a control device that controls the operation of a first instruction input device having a detection surface capable of detecting a change in capacitance.
By being executed, the control device
The detection signal corresponding to the change in capacitance on the detection surface is received, and the detection signal is received.
The capacitance change is the first change due to the approach or contact of the user's body with the detection surface, or the second change due to the approach or contact of a plurality of conductive portions provided in the second instruction input device with respect to the detection surface. Let me judge if it is a change
When it is determined that the capacitance change is the first change, the first instruction input device is made to output a first control signal for providing the first operating state, and the capacitance change is the second change. When it is determined that the above is true, the first instruction input device is made to output a second control signal that provides a second operating state different from the first operating state.

According to such a configuration, the entire detection surface of the first instruction input device is normally used to receive the instruction input through the approach or contact of a part of the user's body, and the second instruction is required if necessary. By mounting the input device on the detection surface, the operating state of the first instruction input device can be switched so as to be suitable for instruction input through the second instruction input device. Therefore, it is possible to improve the operability of the capacitance type instruction input device.

The touch panel and the movable switch according to one embodiment are illustrated. The functional configuration of the touch panel and the movable switch shown in FIG. 1 is illustrated. An example is a vehicle equipped with the touch panel and the movable switch shown in FIG. The appearance of the movable switch of FIG. 1 is illustrated. The appearance of the movable switch of FIG. 1 is illustrated. The internal configuration of the movable switch according to another example is shown. The state in which the movable switch of FIG. 6 is pressed is illustrated. A movable switch according to another example is shown. A movable switch according to another example is shown. A movable switch according to another example is shown. The flow of processing executed by the control device of the touch panel is illustrated. An example of the operation of the touch panel according to FIG. 11 is shown. Another example of the operation of the touch panel according to FIG. 11 is shown. Another example of the operation of the touch panel according to FIG. 11 is shown. The functional configuration of the movable switch according to another example is shown. The operation of the movable switch according to another example is shown.

An example of the embodiment will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. In each drawing used in the following description, the scale is appropriately changed so that each member has a recognizable size.

FIG. 1 illustrates the appearance of the touch panel 10 according to the embodiment. FIG. 2 illustrates the functional configuration of the touch panel 10.

The touch panel 10 includes a detection surface 11. The detection surface 11 is configured so that a part of the user's body (finger F or the like) can perform a touch operation. As used herein, the term "touch operation" means an operation involving the approach or contact of a portion of the user's body with respect to the detection surface 11. The user can input a desired instruction to the touch panel 10 through a touch operation. The touch panel 10 is an example of the first instruction input device.

The touch panel 10 includes a touch sensor 12. The touch sensor 12 includes electrodes (not shown). The electrodes are arranged so as to face the detection surface 11.

The touch sensor 12 includes a capacitance detection unit (not shown). The capacitance detection unit is configured to output a detection signal SS corresponding to the capacitance between the detection surface 11 and the electrode.

Specifically, the capacitance detection unit includes a charge / discharge circuit. The charge / discharge circuit is electrically connected to the electrodes. The charge / discharge circuit can perform a charging operation and a discharging operation. The charge / discharge circuit during the charging operation supplies the current supplied from a power source (not shown) to the electrodes. The charge / discharge circuit during the discharge operation discharges current from the electrodes. An electric field is generated around the detection surface 11 by the current supplied to the electrodes. When the user's finger F or the like approaches this electric field, a pseudo capacitor is formed between the user's finger F and the like. This increases the capacitance between the electrode and the detection surface 11. As the capacitance increases, the current emitted from the electrodes during discharge operation increases. The touch sensor 12 reflects the value of the current in the detection signal SS.

The touch panel 10 includes a control device 13. The control device 13 includes an input interface 131, a processor 132, and an output interface 133.

The input interface 131 receives the detection signal SS output from the touch sensor 12.

The processor 132 is configured to recognize what kind of touch operation has been performed on the touch panel 10 based on the detection signal SS. For example, the detection signal SS may include the position on the detection surface 11 where the user's finger F approaches or touches as information. The processor 132 can recognize what kind of instruction is input to the touch panel 10 by acquiring the position indicated by the detection signal SS, the time-dependent change of the position, the number of approaches or contacts, and the like.

The processor 132 is configured to generate a control signal CS that causes the controlled device to perform an operation corresponding to the recognized instruction. The processor 132 is configured to output the generated control signal CS from the output interface 133 to the controlled device.

As illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2, a movable switch 20 is mounted on the detection surface 11 of the touch panel 10. The movable switch 20 includes a knob 21. The knob 21 is configured to be rotatable about the rotation axis A in response to an operation by a part of the user's body (fingers F, hands, etc.). In other words, the knob 21 is configured to be displaceable with respect to the detection surface 11 in response to an operation by the user. The user can input a desired instruction to the movable switch 20 by rotating the knob 21. The movable switch 20 is an example of a second instruction input device. The knob 21 is an example of a movable portion.

Such an assembly of the touch panel 10 and the movable switch 20 can be mounted on the center cluster 2 of the vehicle 1 as illustrated in FIG. The vehicle 1 is an example of a moving body. In this case, the user is the occupant of the vehicle 1.

In this case, the movable switch 20 can be used for adjusting the volume in the audiovisual equipment, selecting music, selecting a channel, adjusting the temperature and the air volume in the air conditioning equipment, and the like. The touch panel 10 is used for inputting an instruction to a controlled device whose operation can be controlled through a touch operation. For example, the touch panel 10 can be used for detailed settings in audiovisual equipment, operation of a navigation device, and the like.

The detection surface 11 of the touch panel 10 may be at least a part of the surface of a display device capable of displaying an image. In this case, a graphic user interface (GUI) is provided through the detection surface 11. The image included in the GUI can be appropriately changed according to the instructions that can be input to the controlled device.

FIG. 4 illustrates the appearance of the movable switch 20 as viewed from the side. FIG. 5 illustrates the appearance of the movable switch 20 as viewed from the direction along the arrow V in FIG.

The movable switch 20 includes a first conductive portion 221. The first conductive portion 221 is formed of a conductive material. The first conductive portion 221 is arranged at a position away from the detection surface 11 of the touch panel 10 on the knob 21. In this example, the first conductive portion 221 extends along the peripheral edge at the upper end portion of the knob 21 having a cylindrical shape.

The movable switch 20 includes a plurality of second conductive portions 222. The plurality of second conductive portions 222 are formed of a conductive material. The plurality of second conductive portions 222 are arranged at positions closer to the detection surface 11 of the touch panel 10 than the first conductive portion 221 on the knob 21. In this example, the plurality of second conductive portions 222 are arranged so as to face the detection surface 11 on the bottom surface 211 of the knob 21. In this example, the plurality of second conductive portions 222 face the detection surface 11 via a gap.

The movable switch 20 includes a conductive path 223. The conductive path 223 is formed of a conductive material. The conductive path 223 electrically connects the first conductive portion 221 and the plurality of second conductive portions 222.

As illustrated in FIG. 2, a plurality of second units that are electrically connected to the first conductive portion 221 via the conductive path 223 by the user's finger F approaching or contacting the first conductive portion 221. The potential of the conductive portion 222 changes from the initial state. As a result, the capacitance between the electrode of the touch sensor 12 and the detection surface 11 changes as in the case where the user's finger F approaches or touches the detection surface 11 of the touch panel 10.

When the knob 21 is rotated in this state, the plurality of second conductive portions 222 are displaced with respect to the detection surface 11 of the touch panel 10 while maintaining their positional relationship. That is, the portion of the detection surface 11 where the change in capacitance is detected moves. As a result, the displacement of the plurality of second conductive portions 222 can be recognized by the touch panel 10 as an instruction input similar to a touch operation on the detection surface 11 by the user's finger F. The control device 13 of the touch panel 10 recognizes the content of the input instruction based on the rotation direction and the amount of rotation of the knob 21, and outputs the control signal CS corresponding to the instruction.

According to such a configuration, an instruction can be input to the capacitive touch panel 10 through the movable switch 20 having the knob 21 having a more direct operability. Therefore, it is possible to improve the operability of the capacitance type touch panel 10. In addition, since the displacement of the plurality of second conductive portions 222 is detected only as the movement of the point where the capacitance changes on the detection surface 11 of the touch panel 10, the instruction input by the movable switch 20 is detected on the touch panel 10 side. There is no need to newly provide a special configuration for this purpose. That is, the operability can be improved while using the general-purpose touch panel 10.

The knob 21 may be configured to be able to be pressed in addition to or instead of being configured to be rotatable as described above. FIG. 6 shows the internal configuration of the movable switch 20 according to another example having such a configuration. A partial cross section from the central axis of the cylindrical knob 21 to the outer peripheral surface along the radial direction is illustrated.

The movable switch 20 according to this example includes a support pin 23, a spring 24, and a stopper 25. The lower end of the support pin 23 is in contact with the detection surface 11 of the touch panel 10. The spring 24 is inserted between the upper end of the support pin 23 and the knob 21. The spring 24 urges the knob 21 in a direction away from the detection surface 11. The stopper 25 is engaged with a part of the knob 21 to prevent the knob 21 from being separated from the detection surface 11. The initial position of the knob 21 is defined by the stopper 25.

Also in this example, the first conductive portion 221 is arranged at a position away from the detection surface 11 on the knob 21. The plurality of second conductive portions 222 are arranged at positions closer to the detection surface 11 than the first conductive portion 221 on the knob 21. In FIG. 6, only one of the plurality of second conductive portions 222 is illustrated. Specifically, the first conductive portion 221 extends along the peripheral edge at the upper end portion of the knob 21. The plurality of second conductive portions 222 are arranged so as to face the detection surface 11 on the bottom surface 211 of the knob 21. When the knob 21 is in the initial position, the plurality of second conductive portions 222 face the detection surface 11 through the gap. In this example, the conductive path 223 extends inside the knob 21 to connect the first conductive portion 221 and the plurality of second conductive portions 222.

When the knob 21 is pressed from above as illustrated in FIG. 7, the spring 24 is compressed and the knob 21 is displaced downward. As a result, the plurality of second conductive portions 222 come into contact with the detection surface 11. As a result, the capacitance between the electrode of the touch sensor 12 and the detection surface 11 changes as in the case where the user's finger F approaches or touches the detection surface 11 of the touch panel 10. That is, the displacement of the plurality of second conductive portions 222 accompanying the pressing of the movable switch 20 can be recognized by the touch panel 10 as an instruction input similar to a touch operation on the detection surface 11 by the user's finger F. The control device 13 of the touch panel 10 recognizes the content of the input instruction based on the pressing timing and the number of pressings of the knob 21, and outputs the control signal CS corresponding to the instruction.

As illustrated in FIGS. 4-7, the movable switch 20 may include a fixing portion 26. The fixing portion 26 fixes the movable switch 20 to the detection surface 11 of the touch panel 10 while allowing the knob 21 to be displaced. The fixing portion 26 can be realized by a double-sided tape or an adhesive.

As described above, the instruction input through the movable switch 20 is detected by the touch panel 10 by moving the point where the capacitance changes with the displacement of the plurality of second conductive portions 222. Therefore, as described above, the movable switch 20 can be fixed to the detection surface 11 without changing the configuration of the touch panel 10.

As illustrated in FIGS. 8 and 9, the fixing portion 26 can also be realized by an engaging structure such as a snap fit. In this case, one of the engaging claw and the engaging hole is provided on the movable switch 20, and the other is provided on the touch panel 10. In the illustrated example, the engaging claw is provided on the movable switch 20, and the engaging hole is formed on the touch panel 10. The engagement between the engaging claw and the engaging hole may be permanent or disengaged. That is, according to the fixed portion 26 having such a configuration, the movable switch 20 can be detached from the detection surface 11 of the touch panel 10.

In order to allow the movable switch 20 to be detached from the detection surface 11, the engagement structure as illustrated in FIGS. 8 and 9 is not essential. For example, a weak adhesive layer capable of temporarily fixing the movable switch 20 to the detection surface 11 may be provided on a portion of the movable switch 20 that comes into contact with the detection surface 11.

Alternatively, as illustrated in FIG. 10, the placement of the movable switch 20 on the detection surface 11 of the touch panel 10 may depend only on the holding force of the user's hand. In other words, the fixed portion 26 is not essential. Also in this case, since the user's hand in contact with the first conductive portion 221 is detected as a change in capacitance on the detection surface 11 through the plurality of second conductive portions 222, an instruction input through the movable switch 20 can be input. It is possible.

By making the movable switch 20 detachable from the detection surface 11, the entire detection surface 11 can be used to receive a touch operation by the user except when an instruction input by the movable switch 20 is required. In particular, when the detection surface 11 also serves as the display surface of the display device, the GUI can be provided by making maximum use of the display surface.

In this example, even when the knob 21 is rotating, the plurality of second conductive portions 222 face the detection surface 11 of the touch panel 10 through the gap.

According to such a configuration, since the plurality of second conductive portions 222 do not slide in contact with the detection surface 11, not only the rotation operation can be smoothed, but also the detection surface 11 can be prevented from being damaged. This effect is particularly remarkable when the movable switch 20 is attached to and detached from the detection surface 11.

FIG. 11 shows an example of the flow of processing executed by the control device 13 of the touch panel 10 when the movable switch 20 is detachable from the detection surface 11 as described above.

The processor 132 determines whether a significant change in capacitance has been detected on the detection surface 11 (STEP 1). Specifically, it is determined whether the magnitude of the capacitance change on the detection surface 11 indicated by the detection signal SS input to the input interface 131 exceeds the threshold value. The process is repeated until it is determined that the magnitude of the capacitance change exceeds the threshold value (NO in STEP1).

When it is determined that the magnitude of the capacitance change exceeds the threshold value (YES in STEP 1), the processor 132 determines that the capacitance change is the first change due to the approach or contact with the detection surface 11 of a part of the user's body. (STEP2). Specifically, the processor 132 determines that the first change has been detected when at least one of the conditions listed below is satisfied.

-The number of points at which approach or contact with the detection surface 11 is detected is singular.
-There are a plurality of points where approach or contact with the detection surface 11 is detected, and the mutual positional relationship between the plurality of points is not constant.
The area where contact with the detection surface 11 is detected is not constant.

When it is determined that the first change is detected (YES in STEP2), the processor 132 outputs the first control signal CS1 from the output interface 133 (STEP3). The first control signal CS1 is a signal that causes the touch panel 10 to provide the first operating state. The first operation state is an operation state for receiving a touch operation input by a part of the user's body. After the output of the first control signal CS1, the process returns to STEP1.

When it is determined that the detected capacitance change is not the first change (NO in STEP2), the processor 132 determines that the capacitance change is relative to the detection surfaces 11 of the plurality of second conductive portions 222 of the movable switch 20. Determine if it is a second change due to approach or contact (STEP 4). Specifically, the processor 132 determines that the second change has been detected when at least one of the conditions listed below is satisfied.

-There are a plurality of points where approach or contact with the detection surface 11 is detected, and the mutual positional relationship between the plurality of points is constant.
-The area where contact with the detection surface 11 is detected is constant.

When it is determined that the second change has been detected (YES in STEP 4), the processor 132 outputs the second control signal CS2 from the output interface 133 (STEP 5). The second control signal CS2 is a signal that causes the touch panel 10 to provide the second operating state. The second operating state is an operating state for receiving an input of an instruction through the movable switch 20. After the output of the second control signal CS2, the process returns to STEP1.

If it is not determined that the second change has been detected (NO in STEP4), the process returns to STEP1 and the capacitance is detected again.

According to such a configuration, in the normal state, the entire detection surface 11 of the touch panel 10 is used to receive the instruction input by the touch operation, and the movable switch 20 is mounted on the detection surface 11 as needed. , The operating state of the touch panel 10 can be switched so as to be suitable for instruction input through the movable switch 20. Therefore, it is possible to improve the operability of the capacitance type touch panel 10.

When the detection surface 11 of the touch panel 10 also serves as the display surface of the display device, the first operating state may include the display of the first image by the display device. The second operating state may include display of a second image different from the first image by the display device.

As illustrated in FIG. 12, when the user's finger F is approaching or in contact with the detection surface 11, the touch panel 10 displays a GUI including an image for accepting the user's touch operation. Specifically, the processor 132 outputs the first control signal CS1 for displaying the GUI on the touch panel 10 from the output interface 133.

When the movable switch 20 is placed on the detection surface 11, a GUI including an image for receiving an instruction input by the movable switch 20 is displayed. Specifically, the processor 132 outputs the second control signal CS2 for displaying the GUI on the touch panel 10 from the output interface 133.

The GUI for accepting a user's touch operation generally has a relatively small area for inputting a specific instruction, and its position is also strictly defined. On the other hand, as illustrated in the figure, the GUI for receiving the instruction input by the movable switch 20 is displayed according to the position where the approach or contact of the plurality of second conductive portions 222 with respect to the detection surface 11 is detected. It is possible to move the position.

That is, the user can execute a desired instruction input by placing the movable switch 20 somewhere on the detection surface 11 and rotating the knob 21. Since the restrictions on the input position are relaxed as compared with the instruction input by the touch operation, the operability of the capacitance type touch panel 10 is improved. This effect is particularly remarkable when the touch panel 10 is mounted on the vehicle 1.

The processor 132 can change the second operating state according to the position on the detection surface 11 of the touch panel 10 where the movable switch 20 (that is, the plurality of second conductive portions 222) is arranged. Specifically, as illustrated in FIG. 13, the movable switch 20 can be arranged in any of the first region 111, the second region 112, and the third region 113 on the detection surface 11.

For example, when it is detected that the movable switch 20 is arranged in the first region 111, the processor 132 causes the touch panel 10 to display a GUI (displayed with a solid line) for adjusting the volume of the audiovisual equipment in the vehicle 1. sell. Specifically, the second control signal CS2 for displaying the GUI is output from the output interface 133.

For example, when it is detected that the movable switch 20 is arranged in the second region 112, the processor 132 displays a GUI (displayed by a chain double-dashed line) for adjusting the temperature of the air conditioner in the vehicle 1 on the touch panel 10. I can let you. Specifically, the second control signal CS2 for displaying the GUI is output from the output interface 133.

For example, when it is detected that the movable switch 20 is arranged in the third region 113, the processor 132 can display a GUI (not shown) for adjusting the air volume of the blower device in the vehicle 1 on the touch panel 10. Specifically, the second control signal CS2 for displaying the GUI is output from the output interface 133.

According to such a configuration, the controlled function can be switched only by assigning a plurality of functions to the single movable switch 20 and changing the mounting position on the detection surface 11.

Alternatively, the processor 132 can change the second operating state according to the mutual positional relationship of the plurality of detected second conductive portions 222. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 14, a first movable switch 201, a second movable switch 202, and a third movable switch 203 may be provided. The first movable switch 201, the second movable switch 202, and the third movable switch 203 are different in the number and arrangement of the plurality of second conductive portions 222. The processor 132 can identify which movable switch is mounted on the detection surface 11 based on the number and arrangement of the plurality of second conductive portions 222 detected by the touch sensor 12.

For example, when it is specified that the first movable switch 201 is mounted on the detection surface 11, the processor 132 causes the touch panel 10 to display a GUI (displayed with a solid line) for adjusting the volume of the audiovisual device in the vehicle 1. sell. Specifically, the second control signal CS2 for displaying the GUI is output from the output interface 133.

For example, when it is specified that the second movable switch 202 is mounted on the detection surface 11, the processor 132 displays a GUI (displayed by a two-dot chain line) for adjusting the temperature of the air conditioner in the vehicle 1 on the touch panel 10. I can let you. Specifically, the second control signal CS2 for displaying the GUI is output from the output interface 133.

For example, when it is specified that the third movable switch 203 is mounted on the detection surface 11, the processor 132 may display a GUI (not shown) for adjusting the air volume of the blower device in the vehicle 1 on the touch panel 10. Specifically, the second control signal CS2 for displaying the GUI is output from the output interface 133.

According to such a configuration, only one of a plurality of movable switches having different mutual positional relationships between the plurality of second conductive portions 222 is mounted on the detection surface 11, and the mounting position on the detection surface 11 is restricted. The controlled function can be switched without receiving it.

According to the configuration illustrated in FIG. 15, it is possible to realize a state in which the mutual positional relationships of the plurality of second conductive portions 222 are different while using a single movable switch 20. In this example, the plurality of second conductive portions 222 each have a plurality of groups 222A and 222B including a plurality of conductive elements. In this case, the conductive path 223 includes a plurality of conductive path elements 223A and 223B that electrically connect the first conductive portion 221 to a plurality of conductive elements included in any of the plurality of groups 222A and 222B.

The movable switch 20 may include a switching mechanism 27. The switching mechanism 27 is configured to select one of the plurality of conductive path elements 223A and 223B based on a mechanical operation by the user. For example, the switching mechanism 27 may be configured such that the conductive path element 223A and the conductive path element 223B are alternately selected each time the operation of pressing the knob 21 is performed. That is, each time the operation of pressing the knob 21 is performed, the plurality of conductive elements included in the group 222A and the plurality of conductive elements included in the group 222B are alternately electrically connected to the first conductive portion 221. ..

Alternatively, the movable switch 20 may include a control device 28. The control device 28 is configured to recognize the user's voice and select one of the plurality of conductive path elements 223A and 223B based on the voice.

For example, the plurality of conductive elements included in the group 222A can be associated with the volume control function of the audiovisual equipment in the vehicle 1. The plurality of conductive elements included in the group 222B can be associated with the temperature control function of the air conditioner in the vehicle 1. In this case, when the user inputs a voice (volume, volume, etc.) suggesting volume adjustment to the movable switch 20, the control device 28 selects the conductive path element 223A. As a result, the first conductive portion 221 and the plurality of conductive elements included in the group 222A are electrically connected. When the user inputs a voice (temperature, heating, cooling, etc.) suggesting temperature control to the movable switch 20, the control device 28 selects the conductive path element 223B. As a result, the first conductive portion 221 and the plurality of conductive elements included in the group 222B are electrically connected.

The control device 28 can be realized by a dedicated integrated circuit such as a microcontroller, ASIC, or FPGA capable of executing a computer program that realizes such a function.

In FIG. 15, the conductive elements contained in each of the plurality of groups 222A and 222B are independent of each other. However, the plurality of groups may share the same conductive element. Such a specific example will be described with reference to FIG.

Eight second conductive portions 222 (conductive elements) are arranged on the bottom surface of the movable switch 20 illustrated in FIG. In the figure, the hatched second conductive portion 222 is shown to be in a state of being electrically connected to the first conductive portion 221. In this example, the eight second conductive portions 222 include a plurality of groups 222A, 222B, 222C. Each group includes a plurality of second conductive portions 222 (conductive elements). Although the number and mutual positional relationship of the plurality of second conductive portions 222 (conductive elements) included in each group are different from those of another group, some of the second conductive portions 222 (conductive elements) are present in a plurality. Shared by the group. A plurality of groups 222A, 222B, and 222C may be selected by the switching mechanism 27 or the control device 28 described above.

According to such a configuration, a plurality of functions can be assigned to a single movable switch 20. If a plurality of second conductive portions 222 that are electrically connected to the first conductive portion 221 are selected, the controlled function can be switched without being restricted by the mounting position on the detection surface 11 of the touch panel 10.

The function of the control device 13 of the touch panel 10 described so far can be realized by a general-purpose microprocessor that operates in cooperation with a general-purpose memory. Examples of general-purpose microprocessors include CPUs, MPUs, and GPUs. A ROM or RAM can be exemplified as a general-purpose memory. In this case, the ROM may store a computer program that executes the above-described processing. The ROM is an example of a storage medium that stores a computer program. The control device 13 specifies at least a part of the program stored in the ROM, expands it on the RAM, and executes the above-described processing in cooperation with the RAM. The control device 13 may be realized by a dedicated integrated circuit such as a microcontroller, ASIC, or FPGA capable of executing a computer program that realizes the above-mentioned processing. The control device 13 may be realized by a combination of a general-purpose microprocessor and a dedicated integrated circuit.

The above embodiments are merely examples for facilitating the understanding of the present invention. The configuration according to the above embodiment may be appropriately changed or improved without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

In the above embodiment, the entire movable switch 20 is arranged on the detection surface 11 of the touch panel 10. However, if it is possible to input an instruction through the displacement of the plurality of second conductive portions 222, a configuration in which only a part of the movable switch 20 is arranged on the detection surface 11 can be adopted.

In the above embodiment, the plurality of second conductive portions 222 face the detection surface 11 of the touch panel 10 through the gap. However, the plurality of second conductive portions 222 may be in contact with the detection surface 11 at least when the knob 21 is stationary and when it is displaced.

The movable switch 20 is not limited to the dial switch. As long as it has a movable portion capable of displaces a plurality of second conductive portions 222 with respect to the detection surface 11 of the touch panel 10, a form such as a lever switch or a slide switch can be adopted.

The touch operation detected by the detection surface 11 of the touch panel 10 does not necessarily have to be performed by the user's finger F. Touch operations by body parts such as palms, elbows, knees, and toes can also be detected.

The moving body on which the touch panel 10 and the movable switch 20 are mounted is not limited to the vehicle 1. Examples of other mobiles include railroad trains, ships, aircraft and the like. The moving body does not have to require a driver.

The touch panel 10 and the movable switch 20 can be used for an appropriate user interface that requires detection of a touch operation by the user. Examples of devices having such a user interface include building air conditioning equipment, building dimming equipment, audiovisual equipment used indoors or outdoors, cooking equipment, air conditioning equipment, game equipment, toys, and the like. ..

1: Vehicle, 10: Touch panel, 11: Detection surface, 13: Control device, 131: Input interface, 132: Processor, 133: Output interface, 20: Movable switch, 222: Second conductive part, CS1: First control signal , CS2: Second control signal, F: User's finger, SS: Detection signal

Claims (7)

It is a control device that controls the operation of the first instruction input device having a detection surface capable of detecting a change in capacitance.
An input interface that receives a detection signal corresponding to a change in capacitance on the detection surface,
The capacitance change is the first change due to the approach or contact of the user's body with the detection surface, or the second change due to the approach or contact of a plurality of conductive portions provided in the second instruction input device with respect to the detection surface. A processor that determines if it is a change, and
When it is determined that the capacitance change is the first change, a first control signal for providing the first instruction input device with the first operating state is output, and the capacitance change is the second change. When it is determined that the output interface outputs a second control signal that causes the first instruction input device to provide a second operating state different from the first operating state.
Is equipped with
Control device. The detection surface is at least a part of the surface of a display device capable of displaying an image.
The first operating state includes the display of the first image by the display device.
The second operating state includes the display of a second image different from the first image by the display device.
The control device according to claim 1. The position where the second image is displayed changes depending on the position where the plurality of conductive portions are arranged.
The control device according to claim 2. The second operating state can be changed according to the position on the detection surface where the plurality of conductive portions are arranged.
The control device according to any one of claims 1 to 3. The second operating state can be changed according to the mutual positional relationship of the plurality of conductive portions.
The control device according to any one of claims 1 to 3. Mounted on a mobile body,
The control device according to any one of claims 1 to 5. A computer program executed by a control device that controls the operation of a first instruction input device having a detection surface capable of detecting a change in capacitance.
By being executed, the control device
The detection signal corresponding to the change in capacitance on the detection surface is received, and the detection signal is received.
The capacitance change is the first change due to the approach or contact of the user's body with the detection surface, or the second change due to the approach or contact of a plurality of conductive portions provided in the second instruction input device with respect to the detection surface. Let me judge if it is a change
When it is determined that the capacitance change is the first change, the first instruction input device is made to output a first control signal for providing the first operating state, and the capacitance change is the second change. When it is determined that the above is true, the first instruction input device is made to output a second control signal that provides a second operating state different from the first operating state.
Computer program.

Images