JP2024030421A - Detection device and user interface - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention provides a detection device and a user interface that can reduce the size of the device without deteriorating the detection performance of touch operations. A detection device 3 detects a touch operation on a panel based on a change in capacitance of an electrode 13 of a self-capacitance type capacitance sensor. The detection device 3 includes a plurality of selection electrodes 14 that detect different touch positions, a common electrode 15 that is shared among the plurality of selection electrodes 14, and a determination unit 41. The determination unit 41 assigns the shared electrode 15 as one element to each of the plurality of selection electrodes 14 and determines which selection electrode 14 has been touched. [Selection diagram] Figure 7

Description

The present invention relates to a detection device that detects a touch operation and a user interface.

Conventionally, as disclosed in Patent Document 1, a panel device for operating a vehicle-mounted air conditioner device is well known. In the case of this panel device, users can set the temperature and air volume using switches while looking at the display, and turn functions on and off by touching symbols on the panel. Touch operations on the panel are detected by a detection section provided on the back side of the panel. For example, a capacitive sensor is used as the detection section.

JP2022-28358A

By the way, in the case of the panel device of Patent Document 1, a detection section is provided for each symbol. For this reason, in the case of Patent Document 1, since it is necessary to arrange a plurality of detection units arranged in each column in the row direction, there is a concern that the device will become larger. On the other hand, if each detection section is made smaller, the device can be made smaller, but the trade-off is that the touch area becomes smaller, making it difficult to perform touch operations.

A detection device that solves the above problem has a configuration that detects a touch operation on a panel based on a change in capacitance of an electrode of a self-capacitance type capacitance sensor, and has a plurality of selected electrodes that detect different touch positions. a common electrode shared among the plurality of selection electrodes; and a determination unit that assigns the common electrode as one element to each of the plurality of selection electrodes and determines which selection electrode has been touched. And, it was equipped with.

A user interface that solves the above problem displays the image on the panel by projecting the image on the panel that can transmit light, and controls the touch operation on the panel using a self-capacitance capacitance sensor. A plurality of selection electrodes that detect different touch positions, and a common electrode that is shared between the plurality of selection electrodes, the configuration switching the display on the display when detection is performed based on a change in capacitance of the electrodes. and a determination unit that allocates the common electrode as one element to each of the plurality of selection electrodes and determines which of the selection electrodes has been touched.

According to the present invention, the size of the device can be reduced without deteriorating the detection performance of touch operations.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the driver's seat of the first embodiment. FIG. 3 is a front view of the user interface. FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of an electrode. FIG. 3 is a configuration diagram of a selection electrode and a common electrode. 3 is a sectional view taken along the line VV shown in FIG. 2. FIG. 3 is a sectional view (partially broken) taken along the line VI-VI shown in FIG. 2. FIG. FIG. 3 is an electrical configuration diagram of a user interface. (a) and (b) are explanatory diagrams showing examples of touch operations on electrodes. FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram of an electrode according to a second embodiment. (a) and (b) are explanatory diagrams showing examples of touch operations on electrodes.

(First embodiment)
A first embodiment of the present disclosure will be described below. In addition, in each figure explaining an embodiment, a part of structure is exaggerated or simplified for convenience of explanation. Furthermore, the dimensional ratio of each part may also differ from the actual size.

(Overview of user interface 1)
As shown in FIG. 1, a vehicle 2 is provided with a user interface 1 for operating equipment (vehicle equipment). In this example, the user interface 1 includes, for example, an operation detection function (detection device 3) that detects user operations on the user interface 1, and a display function (display device 4) that performs various displays on the user interface 1. and has. The device to be operated by the user interface 1 is, for example, an air conditioner device that air-conditions the inside of a vehicle.

As shown in FIG. 2, the display function includes, for example, a display function that converts a signal output from a device such as a computer into an image 5 and displays the image 5 on a display 6. The display 6 is arranged, for example, near the center of a panel 7 that is the design surface of the user interface 1. If the device is a car-mounted air conditioner device, the image 5 displays, for example, the temperature, air volume, air blowing mode, etc. under settings.

The display function includes, for example, a pattern lighting display function that lights and displays display objects 8 in a predetermined pattern determined in advance. The display object 8 is, for example, a symbol 8a representing a picture. When the device is an in-vehicle air conditioner device, the symbol 8a is, for example, an operation icon provided corresponding to the function of the air conditioner device. The operation icons include, for example, a temperature setting icon, an air volume setting icon, an air blowing mode setting icon, and the like. For example, the display object 8 may be visible by surrounding environmental light when the lights of the vehicle 2 are not lit, and may be lit by a pattern lighting display function when the lights of the vehicle 2 are lit.

The operation detection function includes, for example, a function of detecting a user operation on the user interface 1 using the touch switch 9. The touch switch 9 is provided, for example, to detect a touch operation on a symbol 8a provided on the user interface 1. The touch switch 9 (electrode 13) is arranged at a position overlapping the display object 8 (in this example, the symbol 8a). The touch switch 9 uses, for example, a capacitance sensor 10 that detects a touch operation based on a change in capacitance of an electrode 13. The capacitance sensor 10 is preferably of a self-capacitance type, for example.

The touch switches 9 include, for example, a driver seat temperature setting switch 9a, a passenger seat temperature setting switch 9b, an air volume setting switch 9c, and an air blowing mode setting switch 9d. The driver's seat temperature setting switch 9a is a switch for setting the temperature of the air conditioner device on the driver's seat side. The passenger seat temperature setting switch 9b is a switch for setting the temperature of the air conditioner device on the passenger seat side. The air volume setting switch 9c is a switch for setting the strength of the air volume of the air conditioner device. The ventilation mode setting switch 9d is a switch for setting the ventilation mode of the air conditioner device.

As shown in FIG. 3, each of the touch switches 9 is assigned a plurality of (in this example, two) touch operation areas, for example, in units of one switch. Specifically, in the touch switch 9, an upper region and a lower region are assigned as touch operation regions. For example, in the case of the driver's seat temperature setting switch 9a, one touch operation area is assigned as a temperature increase switch, and the other touch operation area is assigned as a temperature decrease switch.

(Overview of detection device 3 and electrode 13)
As shown in FIG. 4, the detection device 3 detects a touch operation on the panel 7 based on a change in capacitance of the electrode 13. The detection device 3 includes a plurality of selection electrodes 14 that detect different touch positions, and a common electrode 15 that is shared among the plurality of selection electrodes 14. That is, the electrode 13 includes a plurality of selection electrodes 14 and a common electrode 15.

In this example, a total of two selection electrodes 14 are arranged on both sides of the common electrode 15. In the selection electrode 14 of this example, one side is the first selection electrode 14a, and the other side is the second selection electrode 14b. A set of a plurality of selection electrodes 14 and common electrodes 15 is provided for each touch switch 9, for example. The plurality of selection electrodes 14 and common electrodes 15 are arranged, for example, in parallel in the vertical direction (vertical direction in the drawing). In this way, the plurality of selection electrodes 14 and the common electrode 15 are arranged side by side along the prescribed direction so that the common electrode 15 is located between the plurality of selection electrodes 14.

The first selection electrode 14a and the second selection electrode 14b may have the same horizontal length as the common electrode 15, but may have a smaller vertical length. The first selection electrode 14a and the second selection electrode 14b are formed in the same shape. A non-electrode portion 16 in which no electrode layer exists is provided between the first selection electrode 14a and the common electrode 15. Further, a non-electrode portion 16 is also provided between the second selection electrode 14b and the common electrode 15.

In the detection device 3, a plurality of electrode sets 17 are allocated by combining each of the plurality of selection electrodes 14 with a common electrode 15. In the case of this example, the first selection electrode 14a and the common electrode 15 are the first electrode set 17a, and the second selection electrode 14b and the common electrode 15 are the second electrode set 17b. In the detection device 3, the first electrode group 17a and the second electrode group 17b are assigned as detection units of touch operations. Specifically, for each switch, the first electrode set 17a detects an operation on one touch operation area, and the second electrode set 17b detects an operation on the other touch operation area.

(Outline of display function of display device 4)
As shown in FIG. 5, the panel 7 is configured to be able to transmit light in order to display the image 5 displayed by the display 6. The panel 7 is preferably a member containing smoke (a light attenuating member), for example. The panel 7 may be, for example, flat or curved.

The display 6 includes a display section 20 that displays the image 5 on the panel 7. The display section 20 includes, for example, a back film 21, a light shielding layer 22, and an opening frame 23.

The back film 21 is attached to the back surface of the panel 7, for example. As the back film 21, for example, a transparent film is used.
The light shielding layer 22 is provided on the back surface of the back film 21, for example. The light shielding layer 22 is formed by, for example, black printing. The light shielding layer 22 is made of a material that does not allow light from the display section 20 to pass through the panel 7. The light shielding layer 22 is formed, for example, by a manufacturing method such as coating laser, screen printing, inkjet printing, or pad printing.

The display section 20 includes, for example, a light source 25, a liquid crystal 26, and a diffusion sheet 27. The light source 25 is, for example, an LED (Light Emitting Diode). For example, it is preferable that a plurality of light sources 25 be mounted on the substrate 28 and provided in plurality. The liquid crystal 26 is, for example, a liquid crystal display (LCD). The diffusion sheet 27 is attached to the back surface of the liquid crystal 26, for example. The diffusion sheet 27 is made of, for example, a white sheet that can transmit light. The light from the light source 25 is diffused by the diffusion sheet 27 and irradiated onto the liquid crystal 26 .

The opening frame 23 is formed, for example, by omitting a portion of the light shielding layer 22 that faces the light source 25. The opening frame 23 is provided, for example, to draw out the light (image 5) of the display section 20 to the panel 7. The opening frame 23 can be seen through the surface of the panel 7 depending on how it is exposed to external light such as sunlight. The opening frame 23 is, for example, formed in a rectangular shape.

The display unit 20 displays the image 5 on the panel 7 by projecting the image 5 onto the panel 7 from the back side of the panel 7 through the aperture frame 23. Specifically, when the light source 25 is turned on, the light beam L1 that has passed through the diffusion sheet 27 and the liquid crystal 26 is drawn out from the opening frame 23 through the back film 21 and the panel 7, so that the image 5 is displayed on the panel 7. Is displayed. In this way, the display unit 20 displays the image 5 on the panel 7 by projecting the image 5 from the back side of the panel 7.

(Outline of pattern lighting display function of display device 4)
As shown in FIG. 6, the display device 4 includes a pattern lighting display section 31 that lights up the display object 8 (in this example, the symbol 8a). The pattern lighting display unit 31 illuminates and displays the display object 8 using the light that passes through the hole 32, for example, by irradiating light from the back of the panel 7 to a light-transmissible hole 32 shaped like the display object 8. The display object 8 represents a touch operation function.

The pattern lighting display section 31 includes, for example, a light source 34 and a lens 35 in addition to the hole 32 described above. The light source 34 is, for example, an LED. The light source 34 is mounted on the substrate 28, for example. It is preferable that one light source 34 be provided for each display object 8, for example. Lens 35 is provided to increase the brightness of light source 34. The hole 32 is formed, for example, by omitting a portion of the light shielding layer 22 that faces the light source 34 .

The pattern lighting display section 31 includes, for example, a light attenuation layer 36 and a diffusion sheet 37. The light attenuation layer 36 is provided on the back surface of the light shielding layer 22. The light attenuation layer 36 is, for example, a layer that ensures the black appearance of the panel 7, and is a so-called smoke layer. The light attenuating layer 36 is disposed over the entire back surface of the light shielding layer 22 and is formed in a shape that fills the hole 32 . Note that the above-mentioned non-electrode portion 16 may be composed of either the light attenuation layer 36 or the diffusion sheet 37.

The electrode 13 is arranged between the light attenuation layer 36 and the diffusion sheet 37, for example. The electrode 13 is, for example, an electrode sheet (sensor sheet) of the capacitance sensor 10. The electrode 13 detects a touch operation on the panel 7 aimed at the symbol 8a. The electrode 13 is transparent (transparent electrode) so that light from the light source 34 can be drawn out to the panel 7.

The diffusion sheet 37 is attached to the back surface of the electrode 13. The diffusion sheet 37 is made of, for example, a white sheet that can transmit light.
The hole 32 is formed in the shape of the display object 8 in the light shielding layer 22, for example. The light source 34 illuminates and displays the display object 8 on the panel 7 according to the shape of the hole 32 by irradiating the hole 32 with light from the back side of the panel 7 . That is, when the light source 34 is turned on, the light ray L2 that has passed through the lens 35, the diffusion sheet 37, the electrode 13, and the light attenuation layer 36 is extracted from the hole 32 through the back film 21 and the panel 7 to the outside. Object 8 (symbol 8a) is displayed lit.

(Electrical configuration of detection device 3)
As shown in FIG. 7, the user interface 1 includes a control device 40 that controls the operation of the user interface 1. In this example, the control device 40 controls the detection device 3 and the display device 4. The control device 40 is, for example, an MPU (Micro Processor Unit) or an ECU (Electronic Control Unit). The control device 40 has an input connected to the electrode 13 (selection electrode 14, common electrode 15) of the touch switch 9, and an output connected to the liquid crystal 26 and the light sources 25, 34.

For example, the control device 40 displays the image 5 on the display 6 when the vehicle power is turned on. The control device 40 controls the display on the display 6 based on a detection signal (capacitance of the electrode 13) of the touch switch 9 that detects a touch operation on the symbol 8a. Specifically, when the control device 40 detects a touch operation on the symbol 8a, the control device 40 switches the screen of the liquid crystal 26 to a display corresponding to the touch operation. For example, when an operation to increase the air blowing temperature by one level is performed, the temperature display on the liquid crystal 26 is switched to a value that is increased by one level. Furthermore, when the control device 40 detects a touch operation on the symbol 8a, it outputs a control command corresponding to the touch operation to other ECUs.

For example, the control device 40 may turn on the light source 34 for the symbol 8a when the vehicle lights are turned on. As a result, the symbol 8a is lit and displayed on the panel 7. Therefore, the symbol 8a becomes easier to see at night.

(Determination unit 41 of detection device 3)
As shown in FIG. 7, the detection device 3 includes a determination unit 41 that determines a touch operation on the panel 7 based on a change in capacitance of the electrode 13. The determination unit 41 is provided in the control device 40, for example. The determination unit 41 assigns the common electrode 15 as one element to each of the plurality of selection electrodes 14 and determines which selection electrode 14 has been touched. In the case of this example, by combining each of the plurality of selected electrodes 14 with the common electrode 15, the determination unit 41 assigns these electrode sets 17 as a touch operation detection unit, and determines which electrode set 17 was touched. Determine.

In this example, the determination unit 41 determines the calculated value of the capacitance for each electrode set 17, and determines a touch operation based on the calculated value. The calculated value is, for example, the sum of the capacitance of one selection electrode 14 and the capacitance of the common electrode 15. Specifically, the determination unit 41 detects a touch operation on the upper region of the touch switch 9 based on the sum of the first selection electrode 14a and the common electrode 15. Further, the determination unit 41 detects a touch operation on the lower region of the touch switch 9 based on the sum of the second selection electrode 14b and the common electrode 15.

(Action of embodiment)
Next, the operation of the detection device 3 of this embodiment will be explained.
As shown in FIG. 8(a), in the touch switch 9, when a touch operation is performed on the upper touch operation area, the area touched by the finger is closer to the first electrode set 17a than the second electrode set 17b. becomes larger. In this example, the determining unit 41 determines whether the touch operation is upward or downward by comparing the sum of the detection capacitances of the first electrode set 17a and the sum of the detection capacitances of the second electrode set 17b. Determine whether the area has been touched.

In the case of FIG. 8A, since the touch area of the upper touch operation area is larger than that of the lower touch operation area, the detection of the first electrode set 17a is larger than the sum of the detection capacitance of the second electrode set 17b. The sum of the capacitances has a larger value. At this time, the determination unit 41 obtains a determination result in which the sum of the detection capacitances of the first electrode set 17a is equal to or greater than the touch determination threshold. Therefore, the determination unit 41 determines that the upper touch operation area has been touched when the sum of the detection capacitances of the first electrode set 17a is equal to or greater than the threshold value.

For example, when the control device 40 obtains a determination result that an operation to increase the set temperature of the air volume by one level has been performed, the control device 40 outputs a temperature increase command to the air conditioner device to increase the temperature of the air volume by one level. Further, the control device 40 switches the set temperature image 5 on the liquid crystal 26 to a value raised by one step. As a result, the user is notified that the set temperature for the air volume has been raised by one level.

As shown in FIG. 8(b), in the touch switch 9, when a lower touch operation area is touched, for example, the area touched by the finger is closer to the second electrode set 17b than the first electrode set 17a. becomes larger. Therefore, the sum of the detection capacitances of the second electrode set 17b is larger than the sum of the detection capacitances of the first electrode set 17a. At this time, the determination unit 41 obtains a determination result in which the sum of the detection capacitances of the second electrode set 17b is greater than or equal to the touch determination threshold. Therefore, when the sum of the detection capacitances of the second electrode set 17b becomes equal to or greater than the threshold value, the determination unit 41 determines that the lower touch operation area has been touched.

For example, when the control device 40 obtains a determination result that an operation to lower the set temperature of the air volume by one level has been performed, the control device 40 outputs a temperature reduction command to the air conditioner device to lower the temperature of the air volume by one level. Further, the control device 40 switches the set temperature image 5 on the liquid crystal 26 to a value lowered by one step. As a result, the user is notified that the set temperature of the air volume has been lowered by one level.

(Effects of embodiment)
According to the detection device 3 (user interface 1) of the above embodiment, the following effects can be obtained.

(1-1) The detection device 3 detects a touch operation on the panel 7 based on a change in capacitance of the electrode 13 of the self-capacitance type capacitance sensor 10. The detection device 3 includes a plurality of selection electrodes 14 that detect different touch positions, a common electrode 15 that is shared among the plurality of selection electrodes 14, and a determination unit 41. The determination unit 41 assigns the common electrode 15 as one element to each of the plurality of selection electrodes 14 and determines which selection electrode 14 has been touched.

According to this configuration, by assigning the common electrode 15 as one element to each of the plurality of selection electrodes 14, it is determined which selection electrode 14 has been touched. In this way, since the common electrode 15 is shared among the plurality of selection electrodes 14, it is possible to keep the electrode size necessary for touch detection small while widening the detection range of touch operations. Therefore, the device size can be reduced without deteriorating the touch operation detection performance.

(1-2) The plurality of selection electrodes 14 and the common electrode 15 are arranged side by side in a prescribed direction so that the common electrode 15 is located between the plurality of selection electrodes 14. According to this configuration, the plurality of selection electrodes 14 and common electrodes 15 can be arranged in a simple manner.

(1-3) By combining each of the plurality of selected electrodes 14 with the common electrode 15, the determination unit 41 assigns these electrode sets 17 as a detection unit of a touch operation, and determines which electrode set 17 has been touched. Determine. According to this configuration, by combining each of the plurality of selection electrodes 14 with the common electrode 15, these electrode sets 17 are assigned as a detection unit of a touch operation. Therefore, it is possible to widen the detection range of touch operations while keeping the electrode size small. Therefore, the device size can be reduced without deteriorating the touch operation detection performance.

(1-4) The determination unit 41 determines a calculated value of capacitance for each electrode set 17, and determines a touch operation based on the calculated value. According to this configuration, a touch operation can be determined by a simple process of obtaining and comparing calculated values for each electrode group 17.

(1-5) The detection device 3 includes a display 6 that displays an image 5 on a panel 7. The display 6 displays the image 5 on the panel 7 by projecting the image 5 according to the determination result of the determination unit 41 from the back of the panel 7 . According to this configuration, the detection device 3 can be provided with the display 6 that displays the image 5 according to the determination result of the determination section 41.

(1-6) The panel 7 has a display object 8 representing a touch operation function at a position overlapping the electrode 13. According to this configuration, the operation function of the touch operation can be immediately recognized by the display object 8, and the display object 8 can be recognized as the operation position of the touch operation.

(1-7) The detection device 3 includes a pattern lighting display unit 31 that displays the display object 8 on the panel 7 by lighting it. The pattern lighting display unit 31 illuminates and displays the display object 8 by irradiating light from the back of the panel 7 to a light-transmissible hole 32 shaped like the display object 8 , so that the display object 8 is illuminated by the light transmitted through the hole 32 . According to this configuration, the display object 8 related to the touch operation function can be placed in a position overlapping the electrode 13. Therefore, the touch operation function can be recognized by the display object 8. Further, the display object 8 can also be used as the target position of the touch operation.

(Second embodiment)
Next, a second embodiment will be described. Note that the second embodiment is an example in which the electrode configuration of the first embodiment is changed. Therefore, the same parts as those in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the explanation thereof will be omitted, and only the different parts will be described in detail.

(Overview of electrode 13)
As shown in FIG. 9, each of the plurality of selection electrodes 14 is arranged near the center of the electrode 13 in the width direction (direction of arrow K in FIG. 9), and in a direction crossing the width direction ( It is formed in a shape elongated in the direction of arrow R in FIG. 9). The common electrode 15 is formed, for example, in the shape of a capital letter H. Therefore, the common electrode 15 includes a pair of wide area portions 46a arranged in the width direction of the electrode 13, and a connecting portion 46b connecting the pair of wide area portions 46a.

To obtain the electrode shape of this example, for example, a pair of recesses (for example, slits, etc.) may be formed in the common electrode 15, and the first selection electrode 14a and the second selection electrode 14b may be arranged in these recesses, respectively. Can be mentioned. Further, other than this method, for example, there is a method in which each of the first selection electrode 14a and the second selection electrode 14b is arranged on the surface of the square common electrode 15 with an insulating layer interposed therebetween.

(How to judge touch)
The determination unit 41 uses the common electrode 15 as an identification electrode for detecting the presence or absence of a touch operation. Specifically, the shared electrode 15 is used as an electrode for detecting whether or not the electrode 13 has been touched. Then, the determination unit 41 determines which of the first selection electrode 14a and the second selection electrode 14b has been touched based on the detection capacitance of the first selection electrode 14a and the second selection electrode 14b.

(Action of embodiment)
As shown in FIG. 10(a), in the touch switch 9, when the upper touch operation area is touched, the finger touches the common electrode 15 and selects the first selection electrode 14b rather than the second selection electrode 14b. Touch the electrode 14a more. In the case of this example, the determination unit 41 determines whether a touch operation has been performed based on the detected capacitance of the shared electrode 15. That is, if the detected capacitance of the shared electrode 15 exceeds a specified value, it is determined that a touch operation has been performed by the user.

Further, the determination unit 41 determines which touch operation area, the upper or lower touch operation area, has been touched by comparing the detection capacitances of the first selection electrode 14a and the second selection electrode 14b. . That is, the determination unit 41 recognizes that there is a touch operation on the common electrode 15, and determines whether the touch operation area is upper or lower based on the detection capacitance of the first selection electrode 14a and the second selection electrode 14b. Determine whether a touch operation has been performed.

In the case of FIG. 10A, the touch area of the upper touch operation area is larger than that of the lower touch operation area, so the detection capacitance of the first selection electrode 14a is larger than that of the second selection electrode 14b. The value will be larger. Therefore, in order to obtain a determination result in which the detection capacitance of the first selection electrode 14a rather than the second selection electrode 14b is equal to or higher than the touch determination threshold when a touch operation is recognized by the common electrode 15, the determination unit 41 selects an upper It is determined that the touch operation area has been touched.

As shown in FIG. 10(b), in the touch switch 9, when the lower touch operation area is touched, the finger touches the common electrode 15 and the second selection electrode 14a is selected more than the first selection electrode 14a. Touch the electrode 14b more. Therefore, the value of the detection capacitance of the second selection electrode 14b is larger than that of the first selection electrode 14a. Therefore, in order to obtain a determination result in which the detection capacitance of the second selection electrode 14b rather than the first selection electrode 14a is equal to or higher than the touch determination threshold when a touch operation is recognized by the shared electrode 15, the determination unit 41 selects a lower value. It is determined that the touch operation area has been touched.

(Effects of embodiment)
Therefore, according to the second embodiment, the following effects can be obtained in addition to the effects described in the first embodiment.

(2-1) Each of the plurality of selection electrodes 14 is disposed near the center of the electrode 13 in the width direction, and is formed into an elongated shape extending in a direction intersecting the width direction. According to this configuration, since the selection electrodes 14 are arranged in spots, the selection electrodes 14 can be made small. Furthermore, the selection electrode 14 can be placed at the optimal position for touch operation.

(2-2) The determination unit 41 detects the presence or absence of a touch operation based on the capacitance of the common electrode 15, and determines which selection electrode 14 was touched based on the magnitude relationship of the capacitance of the plurality of selection electrodes 14. Determine whether According to this configuration, since the selection electrode 14 only needs to be able to detect the presence or absence of a touch operation, it is possible to reduce the size. Therefore, the detection device 3 further contributes to miniaturization of the device size.

(Other embodiments)
Note that this embodiment can be implemented with the following modifications. This embodiment and the following modified examples can be implemented in combination with each other within a technically consistent range.

- In each embodiment, the lighting display function of the display object 8 may be omitted from the user interface 1. That is, the display object 8 may be made visible only by surrounding environmental light. In this way, the pattern lighting display section 31 may be omitted from the user interface 1.

- In the first embodiment, the selection electrode 14 and the common electrode 15 are not limited to being formed in a quadrilateral (rectangular) shape, but may be changed to other polygonal shapes or circular shapes.
- In the first embodiment, the calculated value is not limited to the sum of the detected capacitances, but may be other values such as the amount of change in the detected capacitances.

- In the second embodiment, the selection electrode 14 is not limited to being placed at the center of the electrode 13 in the width direction, but may be placed offset from the center by a predetermined amount.
- Also in the second embodiment, the shapes of the selection electrode 14 and the common electrode 15 may be changed freely.

- In each embodiment, the selection electrodes 14 are not limited to being arranged in the vertical direction of the electrodes 13, but may be arranged in the width direction.
- In each embodiment, the plurality of selection electrodes 14 are not limited to the same shape, but may have different shapes.

- In each embodiment, a plurality of electrodes 13 (display objects 8) may be provided in the row direction on the panel 7.
- In each embodiment, the number of selection electrodes 14 is not limited to two, but may be three or more.

- In each embodiment, when there are four selection electrodes 14, these may be arranged in a cross shape. In this way, the touch switch 9 can be operated in up, down, right, left, and cross directions.

- In each embodiment, the determination method of the second embodiment may be adopted using the electrode shape of the first embodiment. Moreover, on the contrary, the determination method of the first embodiment may be adopted using the electrode shape of the second embodiment.

- In each embodiment, the display object 8 may be omitted.
- In each embodiment, the display 6 may be omitted.
- In each embodiment, the detection device 3 is not limited to in-vehicle use, and may be used in other devices or systems.

- In each embodiment, the determination unit 41 may be configured by [1] one or more processors that operate according to a computer program (software), or [2] such a processor and at least one of various types of processing. It may be configured in combination with one or more dedicated hardware circuits, such as an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), that perform the processing of the section. A processor includes a CPU and memory such as RAM and ROM, and the memory stores program code or instructions configured to cause the CPU to perform processing. Memory (computer-readable media) includes any available media that can be accessed by a general purpose or special purpose computer. Alternatively, instead of the computer including the processor, a processing circuit configured with one or more dedicated hardware circuits that executes all of the various processes may be used.

- In each embodiment, the determination unit 41 may be constructed from an independent processor, or may be constructed from a processor whose functions are partially shared. In this way, the determination unit 41 is not limited to being an independent functional block, but may be composed of a single functional block, or may be composed of functional blocks whose portions are shared.

- Although the present disclosure has been described based on examples in each embodiment, it is understood that the present disclosure is not limited to the examples or structures. The present disclosure also includes various modifications and equivalent modifications. In addition, various combinations and configurations, as well as other combinations and configurations that include only one, more, or fewer elements, are within the scope and scope of the present disclosure.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1... User interface, 3... Detection device, 5... Image, 6... Display, 7... Panel, 8... Display object, 10... Capacitance sensor, 13... Electrode, 14... Selection electrode, 14a... First selection electrode, 14b...second selection electrode, 15...common electrode, 17...electrode group, 17a...first electrode group, 17b...second electrode group, 31...pattern lighting display section, 32...hole, 41...judgment section.

Claims (10)

A detection device that detects a touch operation on a panel based on a change in capacitance of an electrode of a self-capacitance type capacitance sensor,
Multiple selection electrodes with different touch positions to detect,
a common electrode shared among the plurality of selection electrodes;
A detection device comprising: a determination unit that allocates the common electrode as one element of each of the plurality of selection electrodes and determines which selection electrode has been touched. The detection device according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of selection electrodes and the common electrode are arranged side by side in a prescribed direction such that the common electrode is located between the plurality of selection electrodes. 2. Each of the plurality of selection electrodes is arranged at a position near the center of the electrode in the width direction, and is formed in a shape elongated in a direction crossing the width direction. Detection device. 1 . The determination unit determines which electrode set has been touched by combining each of the plurality of selected electrodes with the common electrode, allocating these electrode sets as a unit of detection of a touch operation. The detection device described in . The detection device according to claim 4, wherein the determination unit determines a calculated value of capacitance for each electrode group, and determines a touch operation based on the calculated value. The determining unit detects the presence or absence of a touch operation based on the capacitance of the common electrode, and determines which of the selected electrodes has been touched based on the magnitude relationship of the capacitances of the plurality of selected electrodes. Detection device according to item 1. The detection device according to claim 1, further comprising a display that displays the image on the panel by projecting the image according to the determination result of the determination unit from the back of the panel. The detection device according to claim 1, wherein the panel has a display object representing a touch operation function at a position overlapping the electrode. 9. The display panel according to claim 8, further comprising a pattern lighting display section that illuminates and displays the display object by the light transmitted through the hole by irradiating light from the back side of the panel to a light-transmissible hole shaped like the display object. The detection device described. The image is displayed on the panel by projecting the image on the display onto a panel that can transmit light, and the touch operation on the panel is based on the capacitance change of the electrode of the self-capacitance type capacitance sensor. A user interface that switches the display on the display when detected,
Multiple selection electrodes with different touch positions to detect,
a common electrode shared among the plurality of selection electrodes;
A user interface comprising: a determination unit that allocates the common electrode as one element of each of the plurality of selection electrodes and determines which selection electrode has been touched.

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