JP5158492B2 - Touch switch detection device and water supply device using the same - Google Patents

Description

  An aspect of the present invention generally relates to a touch switch detection device and a water supply device using the touch switch detection device, and more specifically, to a capacitive touch switch detection device and a water supply device using the same.

  When the user spills water on the capacitive touch switch detection device, or when food that has been blown from the pan is applied to the touch key part, or when a person operates with a finger, the output change speed Some are distinguished (for example, refer to Patent Document 1). The technique disclosed in Patent Document 1 includes operation determination means for determining whether or not a person has operated a key with a finger based on the output change speed of the input means, and the operation determination means allows the person to press the key with the finger. When it is determined that the operation has not been performed, the touch key receiving operation by the pressing detection unit is canceled.

However, according to the technique disclosed in Patent Document 1, when the detection output once exceeds a predetermined level, the operation of the touch key is accepted. Then, when the output change rate of the input unit becomes equal to or less than the predetermined level, the touch key is accepted again. Cancel the action. However, in such a configuration, for example, in an automatic water faucet, when the touch key is once determined to be “ON” and water flows, it is stopped when it is determined that the person has not operated it again with a finger. That is, even when a person does not operate with a finger, the touch key performs an “ON / OFF” operation, and thus water stops. For this reason, it is mistaken for malfunction due to noise or the like, and there is a problem that it is not easy to use.
JP 2007-141541 A

  The aspect of the present invention has been made based on recognition of such a problem, and by accurately performing touch switch contact detection and separation detection, whether the touch switch operation is performed by a human finger or by water or the like Provided are a touch switch detection device and a water supply device using the touch switch detection device that can accurately determine whether or not the object is an object.

  According to an aspect of the present invention, a touch detection electrode that detects a change in capacitance due to a user's contact, a detection unit that outputs a detection output that reflects the change in capacitance, and a detection output based on the detection output An operation determination unit that determines whether or not there is an operation by the user, and the operation determination unit determines the contact of the user based on whether or not the detection output continues for a predetermined time or more and is a predetermined threshold value or more. A contact determination unit, and a separation determination unit that determines the separation of the user based on whether or not a change rate of the detection output is equal to or greater than a predetermined separation value, and the operation determination unit is a length of the duration time A touch switch detection device is provided, wherein an operation determination value is set according to the operation, and the presence / absence of the user's operation is determined based on whether or not a change rate of the detection output is equal to or higher than the operation determination value. The

  According to another aspect of the present invention, a touch detection electrode that detects a change in capacitance due to a user's contact, a detection unit that outputs a detection output that reflects the change in capacitance, and An operation determination unit that determines whether or not the user has performed an operation, and the operation determination unit determines whether or not the user has contacted based on whether or not the detection output is equal to or greater than a first detection threshold value. And a separation determination unit that determines whether the user is separated based on whether the detection output is equal to or less than a second and subsequent detection threshold values smaller than the first detection threshold value, and the operation determination unit includes: A predetermined time for continuing the second and subsequent detection thresholds is set according to a time during which the detection output is equal to or higher than the first detection threshold, and the detection output is set to the second during the predetermined time. If the user falls below the detection threshold after that, there is an operation by the user. Touch switch detecting apparatus and determines that there is provided.

  According to another aspect of the present invention, any one of the touch switch detection devices described above, an electromagnetic valve that opens and closes a water supply channel, and a water outlet that discharges water supplied through the water supply channel. And a control unit that controls the operation of the solenoid valve based on the determination of the operation determination unit.

  According to the aspect of the present invention, it is possible to accurately determine whether the operation of the touch switch is performed by a person's finger or water by accurately performing touch switch contact detection and separation detection. A switch detection device and a water supply device using the same are provided.

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a touch detection electrode that detects a change in capacitance due to a user's contact, a detection unit that outputs a detection output reflecting the change in capacitance, and a user's detection based on the detection output. An operation determination unit that determines whether or not there is an operation, and the operation determination unit determines whether or not the user has contacted based on whether the detection output continues for a predetermined time or more and is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold. And a separation determination unit that determines the separation of the user based on whether or not the change rate of the detection output is equal to or greater than a predetermined separation value, and the operation determination unit according to the length of the duration time The touch switch detection device is characterized in that an operation determination value is set, and the presence or absence of the user's operation is determined based on whether or not the change rate of the detection output is equal to or higher than the operation determination value.
As a result, the optimum operation judgment value can be set according to the operation of the user pressing the touch switch quickly or slowly, so that the detection output has decreased due to the separation of the user's finger or water droplets. It is possible to more accurately determine whether the detection output has decreased due to the discharge between the touch detection electrode and the touch detection electrode.

Further, in the second invention, in the first invention, the contact determination unit determines that the user has contacted, and the separation determination unit determines that the user has separated, The touch switch detection device is characterized in that when the change rate of the detection output is equal to or higher than the operation determination value, the operation determination unit determines that the user has operated.
As a result, even if a very small amount of water drops are applied, even if the rate of change of the detection output is almost the same as the rate of change when operated by the user, it is determined that the user has operated. Therefore, it is possible to more accurately determine whether the user has operated the touch detection electrode or whether a water droplet has been attached to the touch detection electrode.

A third invention is the touch switch detection device according to the first or second invention, wherein the operation determination unit sets the operation determination value to be smaller as the duration time is longer.
As a result, since it is possible to make a determination according to the size of the water droplet, it is possible to more accurately determine whether the user has operated the touch detection electrode or whether the water droplet has been attached to the touch detection electrode. That is, in the case of a small water droplet, the duration is shortened and the rate of change of the detection output is increased. Therefore, the size of the water droplet is estimated based on the length of the duration, and the value of the operation determination value is set as the characteristic. The difference between the finger and the water droplet can be determined in accordance with.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a touch detection electrode that detects a change in capacitance caused by a user's contact, a detection unit that outputs a detection output that reflects the change in capacitance, and an operation performed by the user. An operation determining unit that determines presence / absence, wherein the operation determining unit is configured to determine contact of the user based on whether the detection output is equal to or higher than a first detection threshold; and the detection output. A separation determination unit that determines whether the user is separated based on whether or not the second detection threshold is equal to or less than a second or later detection threshold value that is smaller than the first detection threshold value. A predetermined time for continuing the second and subsequent detection thresholds is set according to a time during which the state equal to or higher than the first detection threshold is continued, and the detection output is equal to or lower than the second and subsequent detection thresholds during the predetermined time. It is determined that there has been an operation by the user. A touch switch detection device according to claim.
As a result, it is possible to reproduce the conditions that match the characteristics of the detection output by a finger or a water drop by simply changing the detection threshold during detection without performing the calculation process of the change rate of the detection output. It is possible to more accurately determine whether the operation has been performed or whether a water droplet has been attached to the touch detection electrode.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in the fourth aspect of the invention, the predetermined time is set longer as the duration time is longer.
As a result, it is possible to change the detection threshold according to the operation when the user presses the touch switch quickly or slowly, and makes a judgment according to the size of the water drop. It is possible to more accurately determine whether the touch detection electrode has been operated or whether a water droplet has been attached to the touch detection electrode.

In addition, a sixth aspect of the invention relates to the touch switch detection device according to any one of the first to fifth aspects, an electromagnetic valve that opens and closes the water supply flow path, and a discharge that discharges water supplied through the water supply flow path. A water supply apparatus comprising: a water port; and a control unit that controls the operation of the electromagnetic valve based on the determination of the operation determination unit.
As a result, it is possible to perform a water discharge operation by making a more accurate operation determination without malfunction even when a water droplet is applied.

According to a seventh aspect, in the sixth aspect, at least one of a predetermined threshold value of the contact determination unit and the operation determination value is changed according to an open / close state of the electromagnetic valve. It is a water supply device.
As a result, it is possible to change the judgment criteria of the touch switch detection device according to the state before the water discharge of the water supply device starts and the state where the water is easily discharged in the water discharge, and more accurate operation judgment considering the influence of water It can be performed.

According to an eighth aspect based on the seventh aspect, the operation determination unit sets the predetermined threshold of the contact determination unit larger when the electromagnetic valve is in an open state than when the electromagnetic valve is in a closed state. And it is a water supply apparatus characterized by setting the said operation judgment value large.
As a result, when the solenoid valve is in the open state, the touch detection electrode is likely to be splashed with water, and it is often operated with wet hands when stopping the water, so the influence of water droplets on the operation of the touch detection electrode This makes it possible to make a more accurate operation determination.

Moreover, 9th invention is a water supply apparatus characterized by changing the 1st detection threshold value of the said contact determination part in 6th invention according to the open / close state of the said solenoid valve.
As a result, it is possible to change the judgment criteria of the touch switch detection device according to the state before the water discharge of the water supply device starts and the state where the water is easily discharged in the water discharge, and more accurate operation judgment considering the influence of water It can be performed.

In a tenth aspect based on the ninth aspect, the operation determination unit includes a first detection threshold value of the contact determination unit when the electromagnetic valve is open compared to when the electromagnetic valve is closed. Is a water supply device characterized by setting a large value.
As a result, when the solenoid valve is in the open state, the touch detection electrode is likely to be splashed with water, and it is often operated with wet hands when stopping the water, so the influence of water droplets on the operation of the touch detection electrode This makes it possible to make a more accurate operation determination.

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. In addition, in each drawing, the same code | symbol is attached | subjected to the same component and detailed description is abbreviate | omitted suitably.
FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a touch switch detection device according to an embodiment of the present invention.
A touch switch detection device 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a touch detection electrode 200, a detection unit 300, and an operation determination unit 400. As will be described later, the touch detection electrode 200 is provided, for example, directly below a panel of a water supply device or the like. Note that touching this panel by a user, a water drop, or the like is equivalent to touching the touch detection electrode 200. The detection unit 300 includes an oscillation unit 310 and a voltage conversion unit 320. The operation determination unit 400 includes a contact determination unit 410 and a separation determination unit 420.

  The oscillation unit 310 outputs a high frequency signal, forms a high frequency voltage based on the high frequency signal, and applies the high frequency voltage to the touch detection electrode 200. When the user does not touch the touch detection electrode 200 with a finger, the voltage amplitude of the high frequency voltage applied to the touch detection electrode 200 is not changed and is output to the voltage conversion unit 320. On the other hand, when the user touches the touch detection electrode 200 with a finger, the capacitance between the touch detection electrode 200 and the ground changes. As a result, the voltage amplitude of the high-frequency voltage applied to the touch detection electrode 200 changes according to the change in capacitance and is output to the voltage conversion unit 320. The voltage conversion unit 320 outputs the output of the oscillation unit 310 to the operation determination unit 400 as a voltage value detection signal.

  When the contact determination unit 410 receives the detection signal (detection output) output from the voltage conversion unit 320, the contact determination unit 410 determines whether or not a human finger or the like has touched the touch detection electrode 200 based on an operation described in detail later. I do. On the other hand, when the separation determination unit 420 receives the detection signal output from the voltage conversion unit 320, the separation determination unit 420 determines whether a human finger or the like has separated from the touch detection electrode 200 based on an operation described in detail later. .

FIG. 2 is a block diagram of a water supply device using the touch switch detection device according to the present embodiment.
Moreover, FIG. 3 represents the schematic diagram of the water supply apparatus using the touch switch detection apparatus concerning this embodiment.
The touch switch detection device 100 according to the present embodiment is used in, for example, a water supply device. A water supply device 500 shown in FIGS. 2 and 3 includes a touch switch detection device 100, a control unit 510, an electromagnetic valve 520 that opens and closes a water supply channel, and a water discharge that discharges water supplied through the water supply channel. And a water inlet 530.

  The water supply device illustrated in FIG. 3 includes touch switch detection devices 100a, 100b, and 100c. For example, the touch switch 100a detection device is a “water discharge switch”, the touch switch detection device 100b is a “flow rate adjustment switch”, and a touch switch. The detection device 100c can have a function as a “water stop switch”.

  Based on the signal output from touch switch detection device 100, control unit 510 determines the presence or absence of a user's operation, and instructs electromagnetic valve 520 to perform a spouting operation. The electromagnetic valve 520 opens and closes the valve based on the instruction output from the control unit 510. Thereby, the water discharge from the water outlet 530 of the water supply apparatus 500 is controlled.

FIG. 4 is a graph showing a voltage value (actual measurement value) output from the detection unit when the touch detection electrode is pressed with a dry finger.
The vertical axis of the graph shown in FIG. 4 represents a voltage value (100 mV / div), and the horizontal axis represents time (50 ms / div).

  When the user touches the touch detection electrode 200 with his / her finger, as described above with reference to FIG. 1, the capacitance between the touch detection electrode 200 and the ground changes, and a voltage value detection signal output from the detection unit 300. Will change. Further, when the touch detection electrode 200 is touched with a finger, the contact area of the finger with respect to the touch detection electrode 200 gradually increases, so that the voltage output from the detection unit 300 as shown in the graph of FIG. The value (detection output) gradually increases. Here, the conversion method of the voltage conversion unit 320 may be such that the voltage value decreases when the user touches the touch detection electrode 200 with a finger.

  When the user touches the touch detection electrode 200 with his / her finger, the capacitance between the touch detection electrode 200 and the ground remains changed (increased) as compared with the case where the user does not touch the touch detection electrode 200. As shown in the graph of FIG. 4, the voltage value output from the detection unit 300 remains substantially constant while being increased. Thereafter, when the user removes his / her finger from the touch detection electrode 200, the contact area of the finger with respect to the touch detection electrode 200 gradually decreases, so that the voltage value output from the detection unit 300 gradually decreases. When the finger is completely separated from the touch detection electrode 200, the voltage value output from the detection unit 300 decreases to the voltage value before touching with the finger and becomes substantially constant as shown in the graph of FIG.

FIG. 5 is a graph illustrating a voltage value (actual measurement value) output from the detection unit when a water droplet is attached to the touch detection electrode.
The vertical axis and the horizontal axis of the graph shown in FIG. 5 represent the voltage value (100 mV / div) and time (50 ms / div), respectively, as in the graph shown in FIG.

  When a water droplet is attached to the touch detection electrode 200, the capacitance between the touch detection electrode 200 and the water droplet changes, and the detection signal of the voltage value output from the detection unit 300 changes, as in the case of touching with a finger. To do. When a water droplet is attached to the touch detection electrode 200, the contact area of the water droplet with respect to the touch detection electrode 200 is rapidly increased as compared with the case where the touch detection electrode 200 is touched with a finger. Therefore, as shown in the graph of FIG. The change rate (increase rate) of the output voltage value is larger than the increase rate when touched with a finger. Here, the conversion method of the voltage conversion unit 320 may be such that the voltage value decreases when a water droplet is applied to the touch detection electrode 200.

  Further, when the user is touching the touch detection electrode 200, the person is also in contact with the ground, so that the charge transmitted from the touch detection electrode 200 to the user escapes to the ground through the human body. Therefore, the voltage value output from the detection unit 300 until the user lifts the finger is maintained at a certain voltage value. On the other hand, when a water droplet is attached, the charge is sent from the touch detection electrode 200 to the water droplet, so that charging proceeds to the capacitive component of the water droplet, and finally the touch electrode 200 and the water droplet are at the same potential. End up. Therefore, even when the water droplet remains on the touch detection electrode 200, the voltage value gradually decreases as shown in FIG. The speed at which the charge is transferred from the touch detection electrode 200 to the water droplet is determined by the capacitance component of the water droplet, but is slower than the speed at which the user lifts the finger from the touch detection electrode 200. Therefore, the rate of decrease in the voltage value when the water droplet remains on the touch detection electrode 200 is smaller than the rate of decrease in the voltage value when the user lifts his / her finger from the touch detection electrode 200 and gradually decreases. Go.

Next, a specific example of the operation of the touch switch detection device according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings.
FIG. 6 is a schematic view illustrating the case where the touch detection electrode is quickly pressed with a finger. 6A is a schematic diagram illustrating a state in which the touch detection electrode is touched with a finger, and FIG. 6B is a schematic diagram illustrating a voltage value output from the detection unit.

  When the user quickly presses the touch detection electrode 200 with a finger, the voltage value output from the detection unit 300 gradually increases (range A1), and the voltage value remains increased and becomes substantially constant (range B1). Here, as will be described in detail later, the operation determination unit 400 determines whether or not the voltage value output from the detection unit 300 continues for a predetermined time or longer and is equal to or higher than a predetermined threshold. When the voltage value continues for a predetermined time or longer and is equal to or higher than a predetermined threshold, it is determined that a finger, a water droplet, or the like has touched the touch detection electrode 200. This is because, for example, a fallen object or the like is prevented from malfunctioning due to contact with the touch detection electrode 200 almost instantaneously.

  Thereafter, when the user removes his / her finger from the touch detection electrode 200, the voltage value output from the detection unit 300 gradually decreases (range C1). For example, the voltage before pressing the touch switch detection device in about 20 milliseconds. The value is substantially constant (range D1). Here, as shown in FIG. 6B, the operation determination unit 400 changes the voltage value change rate (in this case, about 50 milliseconds) in accordance with the duration (about 50 milliseconds here) when the voltage value is equal to or greater than the predetermined threshold. An operation determination value that is a threshold value of the (decrease rate) is set. When the absolute value of the change rate of the voltage value is larger than the absolute value of the operation determination value, the operation determination unit 400 determines that the user has operated, and the touch switch detection device 100 accepts this operation. That is, when the voltage value output from the detection unit 300 continues for a predetermined time or longer and is equal to or higher than the predetermined threshold value, and the absolute value of the subsequent decrease rate of the voltage value is larger than the absolute value of the operation determination value. The touch switch detection device 100 receives a user operation.

  On the other hand, even when the voltage value output from the detection unit 300 continues for a predetermined time or longer and is equal to or higher than the predetermined threshold, the absolute value of the subsequent decrease rate of the voltage value is greater than the absolute value of the operation determination value. If it is smaller, as will be described later, the operation determination unit 400 determines that there is no user operation, and the touch switch detection device 100 does not accept this operation.

  In the specific example shown in FIG. 6, the change rate of the voltage value when the user lifts the finger from the touch detection electrode 200 is negative (minus), so the change rate of the voltage value and the operation determination value Compare the magnitude relationship of the absolute values of and. If the change rate of the voltage value when the user lifts his / her finger from the touch detection electrode 200 is positive (plus), the magnitude of the change rate of the voltage value and the operation determination value is not considered without considering the absolute value. You may compare relationships. As described above, since the rate of change of the voltage value output from the detection unit 300 may be positive or negative, the operation of a specific example will be described below in consideration of the absolute value. In addition, a large change rate of the voltage value output from the detection unit 300 means that the gradient of the change is steep. On the other hand, a small change rate of the voltage value output from the detection unit 300 means that the slope of the change is gentle.

  FIG. 7 is a schematic view illustrating the case where a small water droplet is attached to the touch detection electrode. FIG. 7A is a schematic diagram illustrating a state in which small water droplets are attached to the touch detection electrode, and FIG. 7B is a schematic diagram illustrating a voltage value output from the detection unit.

  For example, when a small water droplet of about 0.1 ml is attached to the touch detection electrode 200, the voltage value output from the detection unit 300 increases at a large increase rate (range A2). Here, as described above with reference to FIG. 6, the operation determination unit 400 determines whether or not the voltage value continues for a predetermined time or longer and is equal to or higher than a predetermined threshold. When the voltage value continues for a predetermined time or longer and is equal to or higher than a predetermined threshold, it is determined that a finger, a water droplet, or the like has touched the touch detection electrode 200.

  Here, as described above with reference to FIG. 5, it is assumed that the duration of the predetermined threshold value or more is, for example, about 50 milliseconds as a result of the gradual decrease in the voltage value (range B2). Thereafter, the voltage value further decreases (range C2), and becomes substantially constant at a voltage value before the water droplets are applied to the touch switch detection device, for example, in about 40 milliseconds (range D2). In the change of the voltage value shown in FIG. 7B, the decrease rate in the range B2 is different from the decrease rate in the range C2, but it is not limited to this and is the same. Also good.

  Here, as described above with reference to FIG. 6, the operation determination unit 400 is a threshold value for the rate of decrease in voltage value according to the duration (about 50 milliseconds here) when the voltage value is equal to or greater than the predetermined threshold value. Set the operation judgment value. If the duration of the voltage value equal to or greater than the predetermined threshold is the same, the operation determination value that is set is also the same. Therefore, the operation determination value illustrated in FIG. 6 and the operation determination value illustrated in FIG. The same.

  At this time, as described above with reference to FIG. 5, the absolute value of the decrease rate of the voltage value when the water droplet is attached to the touch detection electrode 200 is the decrease of the voltage value when the user presses the touch detection electrode 200 with a finger. Less than the absolute value of the rate. Therefore, depending on the setting of the operation determination value, the absolute value of the decrease rate of the voltage value when a water droplet is attached to the touch detection electrode 200 is smaller than the absolute value of the operation determination value, and the user moves the touch detection electrode 200. The absolute value of the decrease rate of the voltage value when pressed with a finger may be larger than the absolute value of the operation determination value. When the absolute value of the voltage value decrease rate is smaller than the absolute value of the operation determination value, the operation determination unit 400 determines that there is no user operation, and the touch switch detection device 100 does not accept this operation.

  Therefore, the operation determination unit 400 can more accurately determine the presence / absence of the user's operation by appropriately setting the operation determination value according to the duration when the voltage value is equal to or greater than the predetermined threshold. If the voltage value reduction rate shown in FIG. 6B and FIG. 7B is used, the reduction rate corresponding to, for example, about 30 milliseconds is operated until the voltage value drops and becomes substantially constant. By setting as a determination value, it is possible to more accurately determine the presence or absence of the user's operation.

  FIG. 8 is a schematic view illustrating the case where the touch detection electrode is slowly pressed with a finger. 8A is a schematic diagram illustrating a state in which the touch detection electrode is touched with a finger, and FIG. 8B is a schematic diagram illustrating a voltage value output from the detection unit.

  When the user slowly presses the touch detection electrode 200 with his / her finger, the contact area of the finger with the touch detection electrode 200 increases slowly, so that the voltage increases at a rate smaller than the rate of increase in voltage value shown in FIG. Go (range A3). Subsequently, for example, the voltage value becomes substantially constant at a predetermined threshold value or more for about 200 milliseconds (range B3). This indicates that the contact time of the finger with respect to the touch detection electrode 200 is longer than that shown in FIG. Subsequently, the operation determination unit 400 sets an operation determination value according to the duration (about 200 milliseconds here) when the voltage value is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold.

  At this time, it is preferable to set the absolute value of the operation determination value to be smaller as the duration time during which the voltage value is equal to or greater than the predetermined threshold is longer. That is, it is preferable that the absolute value of the operation determination value shown in FIG. 8B is smaller than the absolute value of the operation determination value shown in FIG. This is because the absolute value of the decrease rate of the voltage value is small when the duration of the voltage value exceeding a predetermined threshold is long, such as when the user slowly presses the touch switch detection device 100 with a finger. It is to become. That is, when the user slowly presses the touch switch detection device 100 with the finger, the finger is separated so that the contact area of the finger with the touch detection electrode 200 gradually decreases.

  For example, as shown in FIG. 8B, when the user slowly removes his / her finger from the touch detection electrode 200, the voltage value output from the detection unit 300 slowly decreases (range C3), for example, about 100 milliseconds. The voltage value before pressing the touch switch detection device 100 is substantially constant (range D3). Here, as illustrated in FIG. 8B, when the absolute value of the decrease rate of the voltage value is larger than the absolute value of the operation determination value, the operation determination unit 400 is assumed to have been operated by the user. The touch switch detection apparatus 100 accepts this operation.

  FIG. 9 is a schematic view illustrating a case where a large water droplet is attached to the touch detection electrode. FIG. 9A is a schematic diagram illustrating a state where a large water droplet is attached to the touch detection electrode, and FIG. 9B is a schematic diagram illustrating a voltage value output from the detection unit.

  For example, when a large water droplet of about 0.5 ml is attached to the touch detection electrode 200, the voltage value output from the detection unit 300 increases at a large increase rate (range A4). Subsequently, as described above with reference to FIG. 5, it is assumed that the duration of the predetermined threshold value or more is, for example, about 200 milliseconds (range B4) as a result of the voltage value gradually decreasing. As described above, the duration of the predetermined threshold or more when a large water droplet is attached to the touch detection electrode 200 is longer than the duration of the predetermined threshold or more when the small water droplet is attached (see FIG. 7B). This is because a large water droplet has a larger amount of water droplet and a larger volume component, and therefore the time constant becomes larger.

  At this time, the duration (about 200 milliseconds here) when the voltage value is equal to or greater than the predetermined threshold is the same as that shown in FIG. 7B, so the operation determination value shown in FIG. It is set to be the same as the operation determination value shown in FIG. Here, even if the operation determination value is the same, the absolute value of the decrease rate of the voltage value when a large water droplet is attached to the touch detection electrode 200 is the value when the user slowly presses the touch detection electrode 200 with a finger. Since the voltage value decrease rate is smaller than the absolute value, it is possible to more accurately determine the presence / absence of the user's operation by appropriately setting the operation determination value. If the voltage value reduction rate shown in FIG. 8B and FIG. 9B is used, the reduction rate corresponding to, for example, about 150 milliseconds is operated until the voltage value decreases and becomes substantially constant. By setting as a determination value, it is possible to more accurately determine the presence or absence of the user's operation.

  FIG. 10 is a schematic view illustrating another specific example when a small water droplet is attached to the touch detection electrode. FIG. 10A is a schematic diagram illustrating a state where a small water droplet is attached to the touch detection electrode, and FIG. 10B is a schematic diagram illustrating a voltage value output from the detection unit.

  The change in voltage value shown in FIG. 10B is the same as the change in voltage value shown in FIG. In this case, the operation determination unit 400 sets two large and small operation determination values, which are threshold values for the voltage value decrease rate, according to the duration time (here, 50 milliseconds) when the voltage value is equal to or greater than the predetermined threshold value. Can do. That is, as illustrated in FIG. 10B, the operation determination unit 400 sets the operation determination value a according to the duration during which the voltage value is equal to or greater than the predetermined threshold, and further, the absolute value of the operation determination value a An operation determination value b having an absolute value larger than that can be set. If the absolute value of the rate of decrease in the voltage value is between the absolute value of the operation determination value a and the absolute value of the operation determination value b, the operation determination unit 400 does not perform any user operation. The touch switch detection device 100 does not accept this operation.

  On the other hand, when the absolute value of the decrease rate of the voltage value is not between the absolute value of the operation determination value a and the absolute value of the operation determination value b, the operation determination unit 400 displays the user's It is determined that there is an operation, and the touch switch detection device 100 accepts this operation. As described above, the touch switch detection device 100 according to the present embodiment determines the presence / absence of a user's operation more accurately by setting two large and small operation determination values and providing a certain width for the determination criterion. You can also.

FIG. 11 is a flowchart illustrating a specific example of the operation of the operation determination unit of this embodiment.
The operation determination unit 400 first determines whether or not a finger, a water droplet, or the like has contacted the touch detection electrode 200 by the operation of the contact determination unit 410 (step S102). If it is determined by the operation of the contact determination unit 410 described later with reference to FIG. 12 that a finger, a water droplet, or the like has contacted, the operation determination unit 400 starts a timer T (step S104). Subsequently, the detection output (voltage value) output from the detection unit 300 is read (step S106), and it is determined whether or not the voltage value is equal to or less than a predetermined threshold (step S108). If the voltage value is not less than or equal to the predetermined threshold (step S108: NO), the voltage value is continuously read. If the voltage value is less than or equal to the predetermined threshold (step S108: YES), the process is started in step S104. The timer T is stopped (step S110).

  Subsequently, the operation determination unit 400 determines whether or not the timer T stopped in step S110 is longer than a predetermined duration (step S112). When the timer T is smaller than the predetermined duration (step S112: NO), the process returns to step S102 and the contact determination unit 410 is operated. That is, even if the voltage value is equal to or higher than a predetermined threshold value, if it does not continue for a predetermined time or longer, the operation determination unit 400 determines that a finger, a water droplet, or the like is not substantially in contact with the touch switch detection device 100.

On the other hand, when the timer T is longer than the predetermined duration (step S112: YES), it is determined whether the timer T is equal to or shorter than the branch determination time T1 (step S114). If the timer T is not equal to or less than the branch determination time T1 (step S114: NO), it is determined whether the timer T is equal to or less than the branch determination time T2 (step S116). Similarly, if the timer T is not equal to or shorter than the branch determination time T2 (step S116: NO), it is determined whether or not the timer T is equal to or shorter than the branch determination time _Tn−1 (step S118). Note that the relationship of the following equation holds for the branch determination time.

T1 <T2 <... < _Tn-1 < _Tn Formula (1)

Subsequently, the operation determination unit 400 sets an operation determination value according to the relationship between the timer T and the branch determination time (step S120, step S122, step S124, step S126). The absolute value of the operation determination value has the following relationship.

| Α1 |> | α2 |>...> | Α _n-1 |> | α _n | Equation (2)

  Subsequently, the operation of the separation determination unit 420 determines whether or not a finger or the like has separated from the touch detection electrode 200 (step S128). When it is determined that the finger or the like has separated from the touch detection electrode 200 by the operation of the separation determination unit 420 described later with reference to FIG. ) Is larger than the absolute value of the operation determination value set in step S120, step S122, step S124, or step S126 (step S130). When the absolute value of the change rate of the voltage value output from the detection unit 300 is larger than the absolute value of the set operation determination value (step S130: YES), the operation determination unit 400 has an operation by the user. (Step S132). On the other hand, when the absolute value of the change rate of the voltage value output from the detection unit 300 is smaller than the absolute value of the set operation determination value (step S130: NO), the operation determination unit 400 performs the user's operation. It is determined that there was no (step S134). By performing such an operation, the operation determination unit 400 can more accurately determine the presence or absence of the user's operation.

FIG. 12 is a flowchart illustrating a specific example of the operation of the contact determination unit of the present embodiment.
The contact determination unit 410 first reads the detection output (voltage value) output from the detection unit 300 (step S152). Subsequently, it is determined whether or not the read voltage value is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold value (step S154). If the voltage value is not equal to or greater than the predetermined threshold value (step S154: NO), the contact determination unit 410 determines that a finger, a water droplet, or the like is not in contact with the touch detection electrode 200, and continues to read the voltage value (step). S152). On the other hand, if the voltage value is equal to or greater than the predetermined threshold (step S154: YES), the contact determination unit 410 determines that a finger, a water droplet, or the like has contacted the touch detection electrode 200, and ends the operation (step S156).

FIG. 13 is a flowchart illustrating a specific example of the operation of the separation determination unit of this embodiment.
The separation determination unit 420 first reads the detection output (voltage value) output from the detection unit 300 (step S202). Subsequently, the change rate (decrease rate) of the voltage value is calculated based on the read voltage value (step S204). Subsequently, it is determined whether or not the absolute value of the change rate calculated in step S204 is larger than the absolute value of the predetermined separation value (step S206). When the absolute value of the change rate is smaller than the absolute value of the predetermined separation value (step S206: NO), the process returns to step S202 and reads the detection output (voltage value) output from the detection unit 300 again. . On the other hand, when the absolute value of the rate of change is larger than the absolute value of the predetermined separation value (step S206: YES), the separation determination unit 420 determines that a finger or the like has separated from the touch detection electrode 200, and performs the operation. The process ends (step S208).

Next, the operation of the operation determination unit of the present embodiment will be further described with reference to time charts corresponding to the operations in the flowcharts shown in FIGS.
FIG. 14 is a time chart illustrating a specific example of the operation of the operation determination unit of the present embodiment. FIG. 14A is a schematic diagram illustrating a voltage value when the touch detection electrode is quickly pressed with a finger, and FIG. 14B is a voltage value when a small water droplet is attached to the touch detection electrode. It is a schematic diagram which illustrates this.

  When the user quickly presses the touch detection electrode 200 with a finger and the duration (timer) T of the voltage value that is equal to or greater than the predetermined threshold is longer than the predetermined duration as shown in FIG. The unit 400 determines that a finger or the like has touched the touch detection electrode 200. Subsequently, since the duration T is shorter than the branch determination time T1 in FIG. 14A, the operation determination unit 400 sets the operation determination value to α1. Subsequently, since the absolute value of the voltage value change rate (decrease rate) is larger than the absolute value of the predetermined separation value, the separation determination unit 420 determines that a finger or the like has separated from the touch detection electrode 200. Here, since the absolute value of the change rate of the voltage value shown in FIG. 14A is larger than the absolute value of the operation determination value α1, the operation determination unit 400 determines that there has been an operation by the user, The touch switch detection device 100 accepts this operation.

  On the other hand, when a small water droplet is attached to the touch detection electrode 200, as shown in FIG. 14B, the absolute value of the change rate of the voltage value is smaller than the absolute value of the operation determination value α1. As described above with reference to FIG. 5, the absolute value of the decrease rate of the voltage value when the water droplets are attached to the touch detection electrode 200 is the decrease rate of the voltage value when the finger is released from the touch detection electrode 200. This is because it is smaller than the absolute value of. Therefore, the operation determination unit 400 determines that there is no user operation, and the touch switch detection device 100 does not accept this operation.

  FIG. 15 is a time chart illustrating another specific example of the operation of the operation determination unit of the present embodiment. FIG. 15A is a schematic diagram illustrating a voltage value when the touch detection electrode is slowly pressed with a finger, and FIG. 14B is a voltage value when a large water droplet is attached to the touch detection electrode. It is a schematic diagram which illustrates this.

  When the user slowly presses the touch detection electrode 200 with a finger and the duration T of the voltage value that is equal to or greater than the predetermined threshold is longer than the predetermined duration as shown in FIG. It is determined that a finger or the like has touched the touch detection electrode 200. Subsequently, since the duration T is longer than the branch determination time T1 and shorter than the branch determination time T2 in FIG. 15A, the operation determination unit 400 sets the operation determination value to α2. Subsequently, since the absolute value of the change rate of the voltage value is larger than the absolute value of the predetermined separation value, the separation determination unit 420 determines that a finger or the like has separated from the touch detection electrode 200. Here, since the absolute value of the change rate of the voltage value shown in FIG. 15A is larger than the absolute value of the operation determination value α2, the operation determination unit 400 determines that the user has operated, The touch switch detection device 100 accepts this operation.

  On the other hand, when a large water droplet is attached to the touch switch detection device, as shown in FIG. 15B, the absolute value of the voltage value change rate is smaller than the absolute value of the operation determination value α2. Therefore, the operation determination unit 400 determines that there is no user operation, and the touch switch detection device 100 does not accept this operation.

  As described above, the operation determination unit 400 sets the operation determination value according to the duration of the voltage value that is equal to or greater than the predetermined threshold, the absolute value of the operation determination value, the absolute value of the rate of change of the voltage value, By comparing these, the presence or absence of the user's operation can be determined more accurately. In addition, by setting the absolute value of the operation determination value to be smaller as the duration T of the voltage value that is equal to or greater than the predetermined threshold is longer, the presence or absence of the user's operation can be more accurately determined. That is, when a small water droplet is attached, the duration for which the voltage value is equal to or greater than the predetermined threshold is short, and the absolute value of the voltage value reduction rate is larger. Therefore, the difference in the size of the water droplet can be determined by matching the detection threshold, and the determination of the finger and the water droplet can be performed more accurately.

FIG. 16 is a graph showing the voltage value (actual measurement value) output from the detection unit when the touch detection electrode of this embodiment is pressed with a wet finger.
The vertical axis and the horizontal axis of the graph shown in FIG. 16 represent the voltage value (100 mV / div) and time (50 ms / div), respectively, similarly to the graph shown in FIG.

  When the user touches the touch detection electrode 200 with a wet finger, the water attached to the finger spreads quickly with respect to the touch detection electrode 200, so that the voltage value increases at a higher rate than when touched with a dry finger. . Furthermore, since the finger is wet with water, the contact area with respect to the touch detection electrode 200 is increased by the amount wet. Therefore, the capacitance is larger than that when touching with a dry finger, and as a result, the voltage value while the user touches the touch detection electrode 200 with a wet finger is dry as shown in FIG. It is larger than the voltage value while touching with a finger (see FIG. 4).

  After that, when the user releases the wet finger from the touch detection electrode 200, the touch detection electrode 200 and the finger come into contact with each other through the water due to the surface tension of water even if the finger tries to move away from the touch detection electrode 200. The state continues. When the finger is separated to some extent, the water is separated from the finger, and as a result, the finger is separated from the touch detection electrode 200 at a stretch. Therefore, the contact area between the finger and the touch detection electrode 200 does not gradually decrease as in the case where the touch detection electrode 200 is pressed with a dry finger. Therefore, when the wet finger moves away from the touch detection electrode 200, the voltage value decreases at a larger change rate than that of the dry finger.

  As described above, even when the user presses the touch detection electrode 200 with a finger, the waveform of the voltage value output from the detection unit 300 differs depending on the wetness of the finger. Therefore, it is preferable that the operation determination unit 400 estimates whether the finger is wet or whether the finger is dry, and determines whether or not there is a user operation according to each state. Therefore, next, a specific example of the operation of the operation determination unit 400 that estimates whether the finger is wet and when the finger is dry and determines whether or not the user has performed an operation will be described.

  FIG. 17 is a flowchart illustrating another specific example of the operation of the operation determination unit according to this embodiment. Note that the operation of the operation determination unit illustrated in FIG. 17 is exemplified when the touch switch detection device 100 is used in a device having an on-off valve such as the electromagnetic valve 520, such as the water supply device illustrated in FIG. ing.

  When the electromagnetic valve 520 is open, the water supply device using the touch switch detection device 100 is used by the user, and there is a high possibility that the user's hand is wet. In addition, when the electromagnetic valve 520 is open, the device is used by a user, and there is a high possibility that water droplets will be attached to the touch detection electrode 200 due to reflection from a cleaning object or the like. Therefore, the operation determination unit 400 of this specific example estimates that the user is likely to press the touch detection electrode 200 with a wet finger when the electromagnetic valve 520 is open, and the electromagnetic valve opens. The predetermined threshold value can be changed depending on whether it is closed or closed.

The operation determination unit 400 first determines whether or not the electromagnetic valve 520 is closed (step S251). When the solenoid valve is closed (step S251: YES), the predetermined threshold is set to Va, and when the solenoid valve is open (step S251: NO), the predetermined threshold is set to Vb. To do. Note that the relationship of the following equation is established between the predetermined thresholds Va and Vb.

Va <Vb Formula (3)

As described above with reference to FIG. 16, when the user touches the touch detection electrode 200 with a wet finger, the voltage value while touching with the wet finger is equal to the voltage value while touching with the dry finger. It is because it becomes larger.

  Subsequently, the operations of Step S254, Step S255, Step S256, Step S257, Step S258, and Step S259 are the same as Step S102, Step S104, Step S106, Step S108, Step S110, and Step S112 shown in FIG. It is the same as the operation of.

Subsequently, the operation determination unit 400 determines again whether or not the electromagnetic valve 520 is closed (step S260). When the solenoid valve 520 is closed (step S260: YES), similarly to the operation of the flowchart shown in FIG. 11, the timer T and each of the branch determination times T1, T2, and T _n−1 are And the operation determination values α1, α2, α _n−1 , α _n are set according to the determination result (step S261, step S262, step S263, step S264, step S265, step S266, Step S267).

On the other hand, when the electromagnetic valve 520 is open (step S260: NO), each of the timer T and branch determination times T1, T2, and T _n−1 is the same as when the electromagnetic valve 520 is closed. And the operation determination values β1, β2, β _n−1 , β _n are set according to the determination results (step S268, step S269, step S270, step S271, step S272, step S272). S273, step S274). Note that the branch judgment time T1, _{T2, T n-1,} holds the relationship of Equation (1), the operation judgment value [alpha] 1, [alpha] 2, the absolute value of α _n-1, α _n, formula (2) A relationship is established. Furthermore, the absolute values of the operation determination values β1, β2, β _n−1 , β _n are in the relationship of the equation (4), and the operation determination values α and β are expressed by the equations (5) to (8). A relationship is established.

| Β1 |> | β2 |>...> | β _n-1 |> | β _n | Equation (4)

| Α1 | <| β1 | Formula (5)

| Α2 | <| β2 | Formula (6)

| Α _n-1 | <| β _n-1 | Formula (7)

| Α _n | <| β _n | Equation (8)

  Subsequently, the operation determination unit 400 performs the same operations as the operations of Step S128, Step S130, Step S132, Step S134, and Step S136 illustrated in FIG. 11, and more accurately determines the presence or absence of the user's operation. (Step S275, Step S276, Step S277, Step S278, Step S279).

Next, the operation of the operation determination unit of this embodiment will be further described with reference to a time chart corresponding to the operation of the flowchart shown in FIG.
FIG. 18 is a schematic diagram illustrating the voltage value when the electromagnetic valve is opened by pressing the touch detection electrode with a finger. FIG. 18A is a schematic diagram illustrating voltage values when the touch detection electrode is pressed with a dry finger to open the solenoid valve and then pressed with a wet finger to close the solenoid valve. FIG. 18B is a schematic diagram illustrating voltage values when water droplets are attached to the touch detection electrode after the touch detection electrode is pressed with a dry finger to open the solenoid valve.

  When the user presses the touch detection electrode 200 with a finger to open the electromagnetic valve 520, the operation determination unit 400 sets a predetermined threshold value Va because the electromagnetic valve 520 is closed. When the duration T of the voltage value that is equal to or greater than the predetermined threshold Va becomes longer than the predetermined duration, the operation determination unit 400 determines that a finger or the like has touched the touch detection electrode 200. Subsequently, assuming that the duration (timer) T is equal to or shorter than the branch determination time T1, for example, as illustrated in FIG. 18A, the operation determination unit 400 determines the operation determination value when the electromagnetic valve 520 is closed. Is set as α1. According to the time chart shown in FIG. 18A, the absolute value of the change rate (decrease rate) of the voltage value is larger than the absolute value of the operation determination value α1, so the operation is accepted and the solenoid valve 520 is opened. To do.

  Here, since the solenoid valve 520 is opened, the operation determination unit 400 sets the predetermined threshold value to Vb. As described above, when the electromagnetic valve 520 is open, the user's hand is likely to be wet, and the touch detection electrode 200 may be subject to water droplets due to reflection on the cleaning object. This is because the nature is high. Subsequently, when the user presses the touch detection electrode 200 with a wet finger to close the solenoid valve 520, the duration T of the voltage value that is equal to or higher than the predetermined threshold Vb is the predetermined duration as in the case of opening. The operation determination unit 400 determines that a finger or the like has touched the touch detection electrode 200. Assuming that the duration T is equal to or shorter than the branch determination time T1, for example, as illustrated in FIG. 18A, the operation determination unit 400 sets β1 as the operation determination value when the electromagnetic valve 520 is open.

  The absolute value of the operation determination value β1 is larger than the absolute value of the operation determination value α1, but when the finger is wet, the absolute value of the voltage decrease rate is the dry finger as described above with reference to FIG. Therefore, the operation determination value β1 can be larger than the absolute value. Thereby, the case where it presses with the wet finger and the case where a water droplet adheres can be determined more clearly. According to the time chart shown in FIG. 18A, since the absolute value of the rate of decrease in voltage value is larger than the absolute value of the operation determination value β1, the touch switch detection device 100 accepts the operation and the electromagnetic valve 520 Is closed.

  On the other hand, when the touch detection electrode 200 is pressed with a dry finger and the electromagnetic valve 520 is opened and then a water droplet is attached to the touch detection electrode 200, the predetermined threshold is set to Vb larger than Va. For this reason, even if the voltage rises to approximately the same voltage value as when pressed with a dry finger, for example, the touch switch detection device 100 does not accept this operation. This is because the voltage value increased due to the water droplets on the touch detection electrode 200 does not exceed the predetermined threshold value Vb.

  FIG. 19 is a flowchart illustrating still another specific example of the operation of the operation determination unit of this embodiment. Note that the operation of the operation determination unit shown in FIG. 19 corresponds to a flowchart relating to the operation of the specific example described above with reference to FIG.

  First, the operation determination unit 400 performs the same operations as those in step S102, step S104, step S106, step S108, step S110, and step S112 described above with reference to FIG. It is determined whether or not (step S301, step S302, step S303, step S304, step S305, step S306).

Subsequently, the operation determination unit 400 determines the magnitude relationship between the timer T and each of the branch determination times T1, T2, and T _n−1 , and two operation determination values “Lα1,. “Hα1”, “Lα2, Hα2”, “Lα _n−1 , Hα _n−1 ”, “Lα _n , Hα _n ” are respectively set (step S307, step S308, step S309, step S310, step S311 and step S312). Step S313). The absolute value of these operation determination values has the following relationship.

| Lα1 |> | Lα2 |>...> | Lα _n-1 |> | Lα _n | Equation (9)

| Hα1 |> | Hα2 |>...> | Hα _n-1 |> | Hα _n | Equation (10)

| Lα1 | <| Hα1 | Formula (11)

| Lα2 | <| Hα2 | Formula (12)

| Lα _n-1 | <| Hα _n-1 | Formula (13)

| Lα _n | <| Hα _n | Formula (14)

  Subsequently, the operation of the separation determination unit 420 shown in FIG. 13 determines whether or not a finger or the like has separated from the touch detection electrode 200 (step S314). If it is determined that the finger has separated (step S314: YES) ), It is determined whether or not the absolute value of the voltage value decrease rate (change rate) is between the absolute value of the operation determination value Lα and the absolute value of the operation determination value Hα (step S315). When the absolute value of the voltage value decrease rate (change rate) is between the absolute value of the operation determination value Lα and the absolute value of the operation determination value Hα (step S315: YES), the operation determination unit 400 Determines that there is no user operation, and the touch switch detection device 100 does not accept this operation (step S316). On the other hand, when the absolute value of the voltage value decrease rate (change rate) is not between the absolute value of the operation determination value Lα and the absolute value of the operation determination value Hα (step S315: NO), the operation determination unit. 400 determines that there has been an operation by the user, and the touch switch detection apparatus 100 accepts this operation (step S317).

Next, the operation of the operation determination unit of this embodiment will be further described with reference to a time chart corresponding to the operation of the flowchart shown in FIG.
FIG. 20 is a time chart illustrating the operation of this example. 20A is a schematic diagram illustrating a voltage value when the touch detection electrode is quickly pressed with a finger, and FIG. 20B is a voltage value when a small water droplet is attached to the touch detection electrode. It is a schematic diagram which illustrates this.

  First, the operation for determining that a finger or the like has touched the touch detection electrode 200 is the same as the operation described above with reference to FIG. Subsequently, since the duration T is shorter than the branch determination time T1 in FIG. 20A, the operation determination unit 400 sets the operation determination value to “Lα1, Hα1”. Subsequently, similarly to the operation described above with reference to FIG. 14A, it is determined whether or not a finger or the like has separated from the touch detection electrode 200. Here, since the absolute value of the rate of decrease of the voltage value shown in FIG. 20A is larger than the absolute value of the operation determination value Hα1, the operation determination unit 400 determines that there has been an operation by the user, The touch switch detection device 100 accepts this operation.

  On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 20B, when the absolute value of the voltage value decrease rate is larger than the absolute value of the operation determination value Lα1 and smaller than the absolute value of the operation determination value Hα1, the operation determination unit. 400 determines that there is no user operation, and the touch switch detection device 100 does not accept this operation.

  FIG. 21 is a time chart illustrating another operation of this example. 21A is a schematic diagram illustrating the voltage value when the touch detection electrode is slowly pressed with a finger, and FIG. 21B is the voltage value when a large water droplet is attached to the touch detection electrode. It is a schematic diagram which illustrates this.

  First, the operation for determining that a finger or the like has touched the touch detection electrode 200 is the same as the operation described above with reference to FIG. Subsequently, since the duration T is longer than the branch determination time T1 and shorter than the branch determination time T2 in FIG. 21A, the operation determination unit 400 sets the operation determination value to “Lα2, Hα2”. Subsequently, similarly to the operation described above with reference to FIG. 14A, it is determined whether or not a finger or the like has separated from the touch detection electrode 200. Here, since the absolute value of the rate of decrease of the voltage value shown in FIG. 21A is larger than the absolute value of the operation determination value Hα2, the operation determination unit 400 determines that there has been an operation by the user, The touch switch detection device 100 accepts this operation.

  On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 21B, when the absolute value of the voltage value decrease rate is larger than the absolute value of the operation determination value Lα2 and smaller than the absolute value of the operation determination value Hα2, the operation determination unit. 400 determines that there is no user operation, and the touch switch detection device 100 does not accept this operation. In this way, by setting two large and small operation determination values and providing a certain range for the determination criterion, it is possible to determine the presence or absence of the user's operation more accurately.

  FIG. 22 is a flowchart illustrating yet another specific example of the operation of the operation determination unit according to this embodiment. The operation of the operation determination unit illustrated in FIG. 22 is a combination of the operation of the operation determination unit illustrated in FIG. 17 and the operation of the operation determination unit illustrated in FIG.

In the flowchart shown in FIG. 22, the operation determination values α1, α2, α _n−1 , α _n set in step S264, step S265, step S266, and step S267 of the flowchart shown in FIG. The operation determination values “Lα1, Hα1”, “Lα2, Hα2”, “Lα _n−1 , Hα _n−1 ”, “Lα _n , Hα _n ” are respectively replaced with large and small (Step S364, Step S365, Step S365). S366, step S367). In the same manner, step S271 of Figure flowchart shown in FIG. 17, step S272, step S273, and the operation determination value β1 to set each at step _{S274, β2, β n-1} , the beta _n, large and small two operations The judgment values “Lβ1, Hβ1”, “Lβ2, Hβ2”, “Lβ _n−1 , Hβ _n−1 ”, “Lβ _n , Hβ _n ” are respectively replaced (Step S371, Step S372, Step S373, Step S374). ).

  Furthermore, the determination method in step S276 of the flowchart shown in FIG. 17 is the same as the absolute value of the operation determination value Lα (β) and the operation determination value Hα (β). The method is replaced with a method for determining whether or not the absolute value is in between (step S376). Other operations are the same as those shown in FIG.

  In this way, by performing an operation that combines the operation of the operation determination unit illustrated in FIG. 17 and the operation of the operation determination unit illustrated in FIG. 19, water drops are applied when pressed with a wet finger. The determination of the presence or absence of the user's operation can be made more accurately by setting two operation determination values of large and small and providing a certain range for the determination criterion. it can.

Next, the operation of the operation determination unit of this embodiment will be further described with reference to a time chart corresponding to the operation of the flowchart shown in FIG.
FIG. 23 is a time chart illustrating the operation of this example. FIG. 23A is a schematic diagram illustrating the voltage value when the touch detection electrode is pressed with a dry finger to open the solenoid valve and then pressed with a wet finger to close the solenoid valve. FIG. 23B is a schematic diagram illustrating voltage values when water droplets are attached to the touch detection electrode after the touch detection electrode is pressed with a dry finger to open the solenoid valve.

  When the electromagnetic valve is closed, the operation determination unit 400 sets a predetermined threshold value Va as described above with reference to FIG. 18, and determines whether or not a finger or the like has touched the touch detection electrode 200. Subsequently, assuming that the duration (timer) T is equal to or less than the branch determination time T1, for example, as illustrated in FIG. 23A, the operation determination unit 400 sets the operation determination value when the solenoid valve is closed. “Lα1, Hα1” is set. According to the time chart shown in FIG. 23A, the absolute value of the change rate (decrease rate) of the voltage value is larger than the absolute value of the operation determination value Hα1, and thus the touch switch detection device 100 accepts the operation. Then, the electromagnetic valve 520 is opened.

  Here, since the electromagnetic valve 520 is opened, the operation determination unit 400 sets the predetermined threshold value to Vb, and determines whether or not a finger or the like has touched the touch detection electrode 200. Subsequently, assuming that the duration T is equal to or less than the branch determination time T1, for example, as illustrated in FIG. 23A, the operation determination unit 400 sets “Lβ1 as an operation determination value when the electromagnetic valve 520 is open. , Hβ1 ”. According to the time chart shown in FIG. 23A, since the absolute value of the change rate (decrease rate) of the voltage value is larger than the absolute value of the operation determination value Hβ1, the touch switch detection device 100 accepts the operation. Then, the electromagnetic valve 520 is closed.

  On the other hand, when the touch detection electrode 200 is pressed with a dry finger and the electromagnetic valve 520 is opened and then a water droplet is attached to the touch detection electrode 200, the predetermined threshold is set to Vb larger than Va. For this reason, even if the voltage rises to approximately the same voltage value as when pressed with a dry finger, for example, the touch switch detection device 100 does not accept this operation. This is because, as described above with reference to FIG. 18B, the voltage value that has increased due to the water droplets on the touch detection electrode 200 does not exceed the predetermined threshold value Vb.

Next, as a method of determining the change rate (decrease rate) of the voltage value output from the detection unit 300, a method of determining using other determination criteria instead of the operation determination value will be described.
FIG. 24 is a schematic view illustrating the case where the touch detection electrode is quickly pressed with a finger. 24A is a schematic diagram illustrating a state in which the touch detection electrode is touched with a finger, and FIG. 24B is a schematic diagram illustrating a voltage value output from the detection unit. That is, the change in voltage value shown in FIG. 24B corresponds to the change in voltage value shown in FIG.

  When the user quickly presses the touch detection electrode 200 with a finger, the voltage value output from the detection unit 300 gradually increases (range A5), and the voltage value remains increased and becomes substantially constant (range B5). Here, as will be described in detail later, the operation determination unit 400 determines whether or not the voltage value output from the detection unit 300 is equal to or greater than a first detection threshold value. When the voltage value is equal to or higher than the first detection threshold, it is determined that a finger, a water drop, or the like has touched the touch switch detection device 100.

  Thereafter, when the user lifts his / her finger from the touch detection electrode 200, the voltage value output from the detection unit 300 gradually decreases (range C5), for example, the voltage before pressing the touch switch detection device in about 20 milliseconds. The value is substantially constant (range D5). Here, the operation determination unit 400 sets a predetermined time according to a duration time (about 50 milliseconds here) when the voltage value is equal to or higher than the first detection threshold, and continues for the predetermined time. A second detection threshold smaller than the detection threshold is set. When the voltage value becomes equal to or lower than the second detection threshold during the predetermined time, the operation determination unit 400 determines that there is a user operation, and the touch switch detection device 100 accepts this operation. . That is, when the voltage value output from the detection unit 300 is equal to or higher than the first detection threshold value and the subsequent voltage value is equal to or lower than the second detection threshold value for a predetermined time, the touch switch The detection apparatus 100 receives a user's operation.

  On the other hand, even when the voltage value output from the detection unit 300 is equal to or greater than the first detection threshold, the subsequent voltage value does not fall below the second detection threshold during a predetermined time. As described later, a third detection threshold smaller than the second detection threshold is set for a predetermined time. A specific example in this case will be described later with reference to FIG.

  FIG. 25 is a schematic view illustrating the case where a small water droplet is attached to the touch detection electrode. FIG. 25A is a schematic diagram illustrating a state where a small water droplet is attached to the touch detection electrode, and FIG. 25B is a schematic diagram illustrating a voltage value output from the detection unit. That is, the change in the voltage value shown in FIG. 25B corresponds to the change in the voltage value shown in FIG.

  For example, when a small water droplet of about 0.1 ml is attached to the touch detection electrode 200, the voltage value output from the detection unit 300 increases at a large increase rate (range A6). Here, the operation determination unit 400 determines whether or not the voltage value is greater than or equal to the first detection threshold value. When the voltage value is equal to or higher than the first detection threshold, it is determined that a finger, a water drop, or the like has touched the touch detection electrode 200.

  Here, as a result of the voltage value gradually decreasing, it is assumed that the duration of the first detection threshold or more is, for example, about 50 milliseconds (range B6). Thereafter, the voltage value further decreases (range C6) and becomes substantially constant at the voltage value before the water droplets are applied to the touch detection electrode 200 in about 40 milliseconds (range D6).

  Here, as described above with reference to FIG. 24B, the operation determination unit 400 sets a predetermined time according to the duration (about 50 milliseconds here) when the voltage value is equal to or higher than the first detection threshold. Then, a second detection threshold smaller than the first detection threshold is set continuously for the predetermined time. As shown in FIG. 25 (b), when the subsequent voltage value does not fall below the second detection threshold value for a predetermined time, it continues for a predetermined time and is smaller than the second detection threshold value. A third detection threshold is set. Subsequently, as illustrated in FIG. 25B, when the subsequent voltage value does not become the third detection threshold value or less during the predetermined time, the detection threshold value is gradually reduced to the predetermined lower limit value. If the voltage value does not fall below the lower limit detection threshold value for a predetermined time, the operation determination unit 400 determines that there is no user operation, and the touch switch detection device 100 accepts this operation. Absent.

  As described above, the operation determination unit 400 sets a predetermined time according to the duration time during which the voltage value is equal to or higher than the first detection threshold value, and continues for the predetermined time period and is smaller than the first detection threshold value. Therefore, it is possible to reproduce a condition that matches the change characteristic of the voltage value due to a finger, a water drop, or the like only by changing the setting of the detection threshold during detection.

  FIG. 26 is a schematic view illustrating a case where the touch detection electrode is slowly pressed with a finger. FIG. 26A is a schematic diagram illustrating a state where the touch detection electrode is touched with a finger, and FIG. 26B is a schematic diagram illustrating a voltage value output from the detection unit. That is, the change in voltage value shown in FIG. 26B corresponds to the change in voltage value shown in FIG.

  When the user slowly pushes the touch detection electrode 200 with a finger, the voltage value increases at a rate of increase smaller than the rate of increase of the voltage value shown in FIG. 24A (range A7), and the voltage value is the first detection threshold value. Thus, it becomes substantially constant (range B7). Here, as described above with reference to FIG. 24, the operation determination unit 400 determines whether or not a finger, a water droplet, or the like has touched the touch detection electrode 200.

  Thereafter, when the user removes his / her finger from the touch detection electrode 200, the voltage value output from the detection unit 300 gradually decreases (range C7), for example, the voltage before pressing the touch switch detection device in about 100 milliseconds. The value is substantially constant (range D7). Here, the operation determination unit 400 sets a predetermined time according to a duration time (about 200 milliseconds here) when the voltage value is equal to or higher than the first detection threshold, and continues for the predetermined time. A second detection threshold smaller than the detection threshold is set.

  At this time, it is preferable that the predetermined time in the second detection threshold is set longer as the duration time during which the voltage value is equal to or higher than the first detection threshold is longer. This is equivalent to reducing the absolute value of the operation determination value described above. This is because the finger touches the touch detection electrode 200 when the voltage value is longer than the first detection threshold, such as when the user slowly presses the touch detection electrode 200 with a finger. This is because the finger value is gradually lowered so that the area gradually decreases, and the voltage value gradually decreases. As illustrated in FIG. 26B, when the voltage value is equal to or lower than the second detection threshold, the operation determination unit 400 determines that there is a user operation, and the touch switch detection device 100 This operation is accepted.

  FIG. 27 is a schematic view illustrating the case where a large water droplet is attached to the touch detection electrode. FIG. 27A is a schematic diagram illustrating a state in which a large water droplet is attached to the touch detection electrode, and FIG. 27B is a schematic diagram illustrating a voltage value output from the detection unit. That is, the change in the voltage value shown in FIG. 27B corresponds to the change in the voltage value shown in FIG.

  For example, when a large water droplet of about 0.5 ml is attached to the touch detection electrode 200, the voltage value output from the detection unit 300 increases at a large increase rate (range A8). Here, as described above with reference to FIG. 25, the operation determination unit 400 determines whether a finger, a water droplet, or the like has contacted the touch detection electrode 200.

  Here, as a result of the voltage value gradually decreasing, it is assumed that the duration of the first detection threshold or more is, for example, about 200 milliseconds (range B8). Thereafter, the voltage value further decreases (range C8), and becomes substantially constant at a voltage value before the water droplet is applied to the touch switch detection device 100 in about 200 milliseconds (range D8).

  Subsequently, as described above, the operation determination unit 400 sets a predetermined time according to the duration (about 200 milliseconds here) when the voltage value is equal to or higher than the first detection threshold, and continues for the predetermined time. Then, a second detection threshold smaller than the first detection threshold is set. At this time, as described above with reference to FIG. 26, it is preferable that the predetermined time in the second detection threshold is set to be longer as the duration during which the voltage value is equal to or higher than the first detection threshold is longer. Subsequently, as shown in FIG. 27B, when the detection threshold value is gradually reduced to the predetermined lower limit value, and the voltage value does not fall below the lower limit value of the detection threshold value during the predetermined time. The operation determination unit 400 determines that there is no user operation, and the touch switch detection device 100 does not accept this operation.

  As described above, the operation determination unit 400 sets the predetermined time in the second and subsequent detection thresholds to be longer as the duration time during which the voltage value is equal to or higher than the first detection threshold is longer. Can be determined more accurately. That is, when a small water droplet is attached, the duration for which the voltage value is equal to or higher than the first detection threshold is short, and the voltage value decreases more quickly. Therefore, the difference in the size of the water droplet can be determined by matching the detection threshold, and the determination of the finger and the water droplet can be performed more accurately.

FIG. 28 is a flowchart illustrating a specific example of the operation of the operation determination unit when a plurality of detection thresholds are used.
First, the operation determination unit 400 performs the same operations as those in step S102, step S104, step S106, step S108, step S110, and step S112 described above with reference to FIG. It is determined whether or not (Step S402, Step S404, Step S406, Step S408, Step S410, Step S411). The operation of the contact determination unit (step S402) will be described later with reference to FIG.

Subsequently, the operation determination unit 400 determines the magnitude relationship between the timer T and each of the branch determination times T1, T2, and T _n−1 , and predetermined times t1, t2, and t _n− according to the determination result. ₁ Setting the t _n, respectively (step S412, step S414, step S416, step S418, step S420, step S422, step S424). Note that the relationship of the above-described equation (1) holds for the branch determination time, and the relationship of the following equation holds for the predetermined time.

t1 <t2 <... <t _n-1 <t _n Formula (15)

  Subsequently, the operation of the separation determination unit 420 determines whether or not a finger or the like has separated from the touch detection electrode 200 (step S426). Subsequently, it is determined whether or not the detection threshold is the lower limit detection threshold Bn (step S428). When the detection threshold is the lower limit detection threshold Bn (step S428: YES), the operation determination unit 400 determines that there is no user operation, and the touch switch detection device 100 does not accept this operation (step S430). . On the other hand, when the detection threshold is not the lower limit detection threshold Bn (step S428: NO), the operation determination unit 400 determines that there is a user operation, and the touch switch detection device 100 accepts this operation (step S432). ).

FIG. 29 is a flowchart illustrating a specific example of the operation of the contact determination unit when a plurality of detection threshold values are used.
The contact determination unit 410 first reads the detection output (voltage value) output from the detection unit 300 (step S452). Subsequently, it is determined whether or not the read voltage value is greater than or equal to the first detection threshold A (step S454). If the voltage value is not equal to or greater than the first detection threshold A (step S454: NO), the contact determination unit 410 determines that a finger, a water droplet, or the like is not in contact with the touch detection electrode 200, and continues to read the voltage value. This is performed (step S452). On the other hand, if the voltage value is greater than or equal to the first detection threshold A (step S454: YES), the contact determination unit 410 determines that a finger, a water drop, or the like has contacted the touch detection electrode 200, and ends the operation (step). S456).

FIG. 30 is a flowchart illustrating a specific example of the operation of the separation determination unit when a plurality of detection threshold values are used.
The separation determination unit 420 first sets the detection threshold to a detection threshold that is one step smaller (step S502). That is, if the detection threshold when the separation determination processing operation is started is the first detection threshold, the second detection threshold is set (step S502). Subsequently, the separation determination unit 420 starts a timer t (step S504). Subsequently, the detection output (voltage value) output from the detection unit 300 is read (step S506), and it is determined whether or not the voltage value is equal to or higher than the second and subsequent detection threshold values B (step S508). If the voltage value is not equal to or greater than the second and subsequent detection threshold values B (step S508: NO), it is determined that a finger or the like has separated from the touch detection electrode 200, and the operation of the separation determination unit 420 ends (step S516).

  On the other hand, if the voltage value is equal to or higher than the second and subsequent detection threshold values B (step S508: YES), the separation determining unit 420 is the predetermined set in step S418, step S420, step S422, and step S424 shown in FIG. It is determined whether or not the timer t is longer than the time (step S510). If the timer t is not longer than the predetermined time (step S510: NO), the detection output (voltage value) output from the detection unit 300 is continuously read (step S506), and the voltage value is the second and subsequent detection threshold values B. It is determined whether or not this is the case (step S508).

  On the other hand, if the timer t is longer than the predetermined time (step S510: YES), it is determined whether the second and subsequent detection threshold values B are the lower limit detection threshold values Bn. If the second and subsequent detection threshold values B are the lower limit detection threshold value Bn (step S512: YES), the operation of the separation determination unit 420 ends (step S516), and the second and subsequent detection threshold values B must be the lower limit detection threshold value Bn. If this is the case (step S512: NO), the timer t is reset (step S514), and the detection threshold is set to a detection threshold smaller by one step (step S502).

Next, the operation of the operation determination unit of the present embodiment will be further described with reference to time charts corresponding to the operations in the flowcharts shown in FIGS.
FIG. 31 is a time chart illustrating a specific example of the operation of the operation determination unit when a plurality of detection thresholds are used. FIG. 31A is a schematic diagram illustrating a voltage value when the touch detection electrode is quickly pressed with a finger, and FIG. 31B is a voltage value when a small water droplet is attached to the touch detection electrode. It is a schematic diagram which illustrates this.

  When the user quickly presses the touch detection electrode 200 with a finger and the voltage value output from the detection unit 300 becomes equal to or higher than the first detection threshold A as shown in FIG. It is determined that a finger or the like has contacted the detection electrode 200. Subsequently, since the duration T in which the voltage value is equal to or greater than the first detection threshold A is shorter than the branch determination time T1 in FIG. 31A, the operation determination unit 400 sets the predetermined time to t1. Subsequently, as illustrated in FIG. 31A, when the voltage value becomes equal to or lower than the second detection threshold B2 during the predetermined time t1, the separation determination unit 420 determines that the finger or the like has separated from the touch detection electrode 200. judge. Therefore, the operation determination unit 400 determines that there has been a user operation, and the touch switch detection device 100 receives this operation.

  On the other hand, when a small water droplet is attached to the touch detection electrode 200, as shown in FIG. 31B, the voltage value does not become the second detection threshold B2 or less during the predetermined time t1. As described above with reference to FIG. 5, the voltage value decrease rate when water droplets are attached to the touch detection electrode 200 is smaller than the voltage value decrease rate when the finger is removed from the touch detection electrode 200. Because. Subsequently, the separation determination unit 420 changes the second detection threshold B2 to the third detection threshold B3. As shown in FIG. 31B, when the voltage value does not become the third detection threshold B3 or less during the predetermined time t1, the voltage is gradually reduced to the lower limit detection threshold Bn. If the voltage value does not fall below the lower limit detection threshold Bn during the predetermined time t1, the operation determination unit 400 determines that there is no user operation, and the touch switch detection device 100 does not accept this operation.

  FIG. 32 is a time chart illustrating another specific example of the operation of the operation determination unit when a plurality of detection thresholds are used. FIG. 32A is a schematic diagram illustrating a voltage value when the touch detection electrode is slowly pressed with a finger, and FIG. 32B is a voltage value when a large water droplet is attached to the touch detection electrode. It is a schematic diagram which illustrates this.

  When the user slowly presses the touch detection electrode 200 with a finger and the voltage value output from the detection unit 300 becomes equal to or higher than the first detection threshold A as shown in FIG. It is determined that a finger or the like has contacted the detection electrode 200. Subsequently, since the duration T during which the voltage value is equal to or greater than the first detection threshold A is longer than the branch determination time T1 and shorter than the branch determination time T2 in FIG. The predetermined time is set to t2. As described above, the predetermined time t2 is longer than the predetermined time t1. Subsequently, as illustrated in FIG. 32A, when the voltage value becomes equal to or smaller than the second detection threshold B <b> 2 during the predetermined time t <b> 2, the separation determination unit 420 determines that the finger or the like has separated from the touch detection electrode 200. judge. Therefore, the operation determination unit 400 determines that there has been a user operation, and the touch switch detection device 100 receives this operation.

  On the other hand, when a large water droplet is attached to the touch detection electrode 200, as shown in FIG. 32B, the voltage value does not become equal to or lower than the second detection threshold B2 during the predetermined time t2. Subsequently, the separation determination unit 420 changes the second detection threshold B2 to the third detection threshold B3. As shown in FIG. 32B, when the voltage value does not become the third detection threshold B3 or less during the predetermined time t2, it is gradually reduced to the lower limit detection threshold Bn. If the voltage value does not fall below the lower limit detection threshold Bn during the predetermined time t2, the operation determination unit 400 determines that there is no user operation, and the touch switch detection device 100 does not accept this operation.

  FIG. 33 is a flowchart illustrating another specific example of the operation of the operation determination unit when a plurality of detection thresholds are used. Note that the operation of the operation determination unit illustrated in FIG. 33 exemplifies a case where the touch switch detection device 100 is used in a device having an on-off valve such as the electromagnetic valve 520 such as the water supply device illustrated in FIG. ing.

The operation determination unit 400 first determines whether or not the electromagnetic valve 520 is closed (step S551). If the solenoid valve 520 is closed (step S551: YES), the first detection threshold is set to A1a, and the second detection threshold is set to B1a (step S552). On the other hand, when the electromagnetic valve 520 is open (step S551: NO), the first detection threshold is set to A1b, and the second detection threshold is set to B1b (step S553). In addition, the relationship of following Formula is formed between 1st detection threshold value A1a, A1b and 2nd detection threshold value B1a, B1b.

A1a <A1b Formula (16)

B1a <B1b Formula (17)

  As described above with reference to FIG. 17, when the electromagnetic valve 520 is open, the user's hand is likely to be wet, and when the user touches the touch detection electrode 200 with a wet finger, This is because the voltage value while touching with a wet finger is larger than the voltage value while touching with a dry finger. Subsequently, the operation after step S554 is the same as the operation after step S402 in the flowchart shown in FIG.

  In this way, when the electromagnetic valve 520 is closed and when it is opened, the detection threshold value is set, so that the touch detection electrode 200 is touched with a wet finger, and water droplets are attached. The case can be determined more clearly.

The operation of the operation determination unit of the present embodiment will be further described with reference to a time chart corresponding to the operation of the flowchart shown in FIG.
FIG. 34 is a time chart illustrating the operation when a plurality of detection thresholds are used. FIG. 34A is a schematic diagram illustrating voltage values when the touch detection electrode is pressed with a dry finger to open the solenoid valve and then pressed with a wet finger to close the solenoid valve. FIG. 34B is a schematic diagram illustrating voltage values when water droplets are attached to the touch detection electrode after the touch detection electrode is pressed with a dry finger to open the solenoid valve.

  When the solenoid valve 520 is closed, the operation determination unit 400 sets the first detection threshold value to A1a and sets the second detection threshold value to B1a as described above with reference to FIG. Subsequently, when the voltage value output from the detection unit 300 becomes equal to or higher than the first detection threshold A1a, the operation determination unit 400 determines that a finger or the like has touched the touch detection electrode 200. Subsequently, the operation determination unit 400 sets a predetermined time t according to the duration time during which the voltage value is equal to or higher than the first detection threshold A1a. If the separation determination unit 420 determines that the voltage value has become equal to or lower than the second detection threshold B2a during the predetermined time t, the touch switch detection device 100 accepts this operation and opens the electromagnetic valve 520.

  Here, since the electromagnetic valve 520 is opened, the operation determination unit 400 sets the first detection threshold value to A1b and sets the second detection threshold value to B1b. Subsequently, when the user presses the touch detection electrode 200 with a wet finger to close the electromagnetic valve 520, the voltage value output from the detection unit 300 is equal to or higher than the first detection threshold A1b, as in the case of opening. Then, the operation determination unit 400 determines that a finger or the like has touched the touch detection electrode 200. Subsequently, the operation determination unit 400 sets a predetermined time t according to the duration time during which the voltage value is equal to or higher than the first detection threshold A1b. If the separation determination unit 420 determines that the voltage value has become equal to or lower than the second detection threshold B2b during the predetermined time t, the touch switch detection device 100 receives this operation and closes the electromagnetic valve 520.

  In contrast, when the touch detection electrode 200 is pressed with a dry finger to open the electromagnetic valve 520 and then a water droplet is attached to the touch detection electrode 200, the first detection threshold A1b is larger than the detection threshold A1a. Since it is set, for example, even if the voltage rises to approximately the same voltage value as when pressed with a dry finger, the touch switch detection device 100 does not accept this operation. This is because the voltage value increased due to the water droplets on the touch detection electrode 200 does not exceed the first detection threshold A1b when the electromagnetic valve is opened.

  As described above, according to the present embodiment, the voltage value output from the detection unit 300 continues for a predetermined time or longer and is equal to or higher than the predetermined threshold, and the absolute value of the subsequent decrease rate of the voltage value is When the operation determination value is larger than the absolute value, the touch switch detection device 100 accepts a user operation. Thereby, it is possible to accurately determine whether the operation of the touch detection electrode 200 is performed by a human finger or water droplets. Further, when the voltage value output from the detection unit 300 is equal to or higher than the first detection threshold value and the subsequent voltage value is equal to or lower than the second detection threshold value for a predetermined time, the touch switch The detection apparatus 100 receives a user's operation. As a result, it is possible to reproduce a condition that matches the change characteristic of the voltage value due to a finger, a water drop, or the like only by changing the setting of the detection threshold value during detection.

The embodiment of the present invention has been described above. However, the present invention is not limited to these descriptions. As long as the features of the present invention are provided, those skilled in the art appropriately modified the design of the above-described embodiments are also included in the scope of the present invention. For example, in the description of the embodiment of the present invention, the voltage value of the detection output reflecting the change in the capacitance increases when the finger touches, and the voltage value decreases when the finger is released as an example. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and depending on the configuration of the detection circuit, the voltage value of the detection output can be lowered when the finger is touched, and the voltage value can be increased when the finger is removed.
Moreover, each element with which each embodiment mentioned above is provided can be combined as long as technically possible, and the combination of these is also included in the scope of the present invention as long as it includes the features of the present invention.

The block diagram of the touch switch detection apparatus concerning embodiment of this invention is represented. The block diagram of the water supply apparatus using the touch switch detection apparatus concerning this embodiment is represented. The schematic diagram of the water supply apparatus using the touch switch detection apparatus concerning this embodiment is represented. It is a graph showing the voltage value (actual measurement value) output from the detection part when a touch detection electrode is pushed with the dry finger. It is a graph showing the voltage value (actual measurement value) output from the detection part when a water droplet adheres to a touch detection electrode. It is a schematic diagram which illustrates the case where a touch detection electrode is pushed quickly with a finger. It is a schematic diagram which illustrates the case where a small water droplet adheres to a touch detection electrode. It is a schematic diagram which illustrates the case where a touch detection electrode is pushed slowly with a finger. It is a schematic diagram which illustrates the case where a big water droplet adheres to a touch detection electrode. It is a schematic diagram which illustrates the other specific example at the time of a small water droplet attaching to a touch detection electrode. It is a flowchart figure which illustrates the specific example of operation | movement of the operation determination part of this embodiment. It is a flowchart figure which illustrates the specific example of operation | movement of the contact determination part of this embodiment. It is a flowchart figure which illustrates the specific example of operation | movement of the separation determination part of this embodiment. It is a time chart which illustrates the example of operation | movement of the operation determination part of this embodiment. It is a time chart which illustrates the other specific example of operation | movement of the operation determination part of this embodiment. It is a graph showing the voltage value (actual measurement value) output from the detection part when the touch detection electrode of this embodiment is pushed with the wet finger. It is a flowchart figure which illustrates the other specific example of operation | movement of the operation determination part of this embodiment. It is a schematic diagram which illustrates the voltage value at the time of pushing a touch detection electrode with a finger | toe and opening an electromagnetic valve. It is a flowchart figure which illustrates the other specific example of operation | movement of the operation determination part of this embodiment. It is a time chart which illustrates operation | movement of this example. It is a time chart figure which illustrates other operations of this example. It is a flowchart figure which illustrates the other specific example of operation | movement of the operation determination part of this embodiment. It is a time chart which illustrates operation | movement of this example. It is a schematic diagram which illustrates the case where a touch detection electrode is pushed quickly with a finger. It is a schematic diagram which illustrates the case where a small water droplet adheres to a touch detection electrode. It is a schematic diagram which illustrates the case where a touch detection electrode is pushed slowly with a finger. It is a schematic diagram which illustrates the case where a big water droplet adheres to a touch detection electrode. It is a flowchart figure which illustrates the specific example of operation | movement of the operation determination part at the time of using a some detection threshold value. It is a flowchart figure which illustrates the specific example of operation | movement of the contact determination part at the time of using a some detection threshold value. It is a flowchart figure which illustrates the specific example of operation | movement of the separation determination part at the time of using a some detection threshold value. It is a time chart which illustrates the example of operation | movement of the operation determination part at the time of using a some detection threshold value. It is a time chart which illustrates the other specific example of operation | movement of the operation determination part at the time of using a some detection threshold value. It is a flowchart figure which illustrates the other specific example of operation | movement of the operation determination part at the time of using a some detection threshold value. It is a time chart which illustrates operation at the time of using a plurality of detection thresholds.

Explanation of symbols

  100, 100a, 100b, 100c Touch switch detection device, 200 touch detection electrode, 300 detection unit, 310 oscillation unit, 320 voltage conversion unit, 400 operation determination unit, 410 contact determination unit, 420 separation determination unit, 500 water supply device, 510 Control unit, 520 solenoid valve, 530 water outlet

Claims (10)

A touch detection electrode that detects a change in capacitance due to a user's contact;
A detection unit that outputs a detection output reflecting the change in the capacitance;
An operation determination unit that determines the presence or absence of the user's operation based on the detection output;
With
The operation determination unit is
A contact determination unit that determines the contact of the user based on whether or not the detection output continues for a predetermined time or more and is a predetermined threshold value or more;
A separation determination unit that determines the separation of the user based on whether the change rate of the detection output is equal to or greater than a predetermined separation value;
Have
The operation determination unit sets an operation determination value according to the duration of the duration, and determines whether or not there is an operation by the user based on whether the change rate of the detection output is equal to or higher than the operation determination value. A touch switch detection device characterized by that.   When the contact determination unit determines that the user has contacted, and the separation determination unit determines that the user has separated, the change rate of the detection output is equal to or greater than the operation determination value. The touch switch detection device according to claim 1, wherein the operation determination unit determines that the user has operated.   The touch switch detection device according to claim 1, wherein the operation determination unit sets the operation determination value to be smaller as the duration time is longer. A touch detection electrode that detects a change in capacitance due to a user's contact;
A detection unit that outputs a detection output reflecting the change in the capacitance;
An operation determination unit for determining presence or absence of the user's operation;
With
The operation determination unit is
A contact determination unit that determines the contact of the user based on whether the detection output is equal to or greater than a first detection threshold;
A separation determination unit that determines the separation of the user based on whether or not the detection output is equal to or less than a second or later detection threshold that is smaller than the first detection threshold;
Have
The operation determination unit sets a predetermined time for continuing the second and subsequent detection thresholds according to a time during which the state in which the detection output is equal to or greater than the first detection threshold continues, and during the predetermined time, A touch switch detection device that determines that the user's operation has been performed when a detection output is equal to or less than a second and subsequent detection threshold values.   The touch switch detection device according to claim 4, wherein the operation determination unit sets the predetermined time longer as the duration is longer. The touch switch detection device according to any one of claims 1 to 5,
A solenoid valve that opens and closes the water supply flow path;
A water discharge port for discharging water supplied through the water supply channel;
Based on the determination of the operation determination unit, a control unit that controls the operation of the solenoid valve;
A water supply apparatus comprising:   The water supply apparatus according to claim 6, wherein at least one of a predetermined threshold value of the contact determination unit and the operation determination value is changed according to an open / close state of the electromagnetic valve.   The operation determination unit sets the predetermined threshold value of the contact determination unit larger when the electromagnetic valve is open than when the electromagnetic valve is closed, and sets the operation determination value larger. The water supply apparatus according to claim 7.   The water supply apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the first detection threshold value of the contact determination unit is changed according to an open / close state of the electromagnetic valve.   10. The operation determination unit according to claim 9, wherein the operation determination unit sets the first detection threshold of the contact determination unit to be larger when the electromagnetic valve is in an open state than when the electromagnetic valve is in a closed state. Water supply device.