JP5832243B2 - Electronic device input device and input control method - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to an input device for an electronic device and an input control method for the input device, and more particularly to an input device including a capacitive touch sensor and an input control method for the input device. It is related with the technology to prevent.

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, there is an input device for an electronic device in which an input operation by an operator is detected using a capacitive touch sensor (see, for example, Patent Document 1) .
Input device such as a manipulation unit such as home appliances or residential equipment described in Patent Document 1, when implementing the flat input operation surface, by employing the capacitive touch sensor, a high sensitivity It is possible to detect input, and since the input operation part has a flat surface, it is easy to clean and dirt is hard to stick, and it is possible to improve the appearance and keep it clean. It has a high degree of functionality and aesthetics.
Touch sensor However, capacitive type, a cornerstone of the change in capacitance is detected, since it is intended to determine the presence or absence of an input operation, and is assumed to suffer from inherent problems.

For example, even if the operator is not performing an input operation intentionally due to the influence of changes in the environment in which the input device is placed, specifically, deformation of parts due to changes in temperature or humidity, etc. The detected capacitance changes and it is mistaken that the capacitive touch sensor has undergone an input operation, or the change in capacitance is insufficient and the input operation cannot be accepted. May not be able to perform the intended input operation.
For the purpose of avoiding the influence of the change in the capacitance due to the change in the use environment of the input device, the applicant of the present invention is in a state where the finger or the like for performing the input operation is not in contact with the input unit first. Or a criterion for determining whether to validate or invalidate the input operation (hereinafter also referred to as valid / invalid determination of the input operation) for the non-contact region. The prior art which updates a threshold value is proposed (refer patent document 2).

  FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating a method for updating a threshold value that is a reference for determining an input operation according to Patent Document 2, and illustrates how the threshold value is updated together with a change amount curve of the detection amount of the touch sensor. is there. According to the figure, the input operation is determined after a predetermined time (A1) when the detected amount of the capacitance of the touch sensor does not reach the basic threshold value TH and exceeds the correction threshold value C. The threshold value is updated from the basic threshold value TH to the variable threshold value Hi. As described above, when it is determined that the capacitance of the touch sensor is increased due to a change in the usage environment of the input device, the threshold for determining the input operation is updated to a high value, and the touch sensor is updated. The detection sensitivity is lowered. In addition, after the threshold for determining the input operation is set to the variable threshold Hi, the detection amount of the capacitance of the touch sensor is lower than the correction threshold C for a predetermined time (A2). The threshold for determining the input operation is updated from the variable threshold Hi to the basic threshold TH. As described above, when it is determined that the capacitance of the touch sensor is decreased in a state where the detection sensitivity of the touch sensor is lowered, the threshold value related to the determination of the input operation is updated to the original value, The detection sensitivity of the touch sensor is restored. As described above, the method illustrated in FIG. 6 avoids misrecognition of an input operation by changing the detection sensitivity of the touch sensor in response to a change in capacitance accompanying a change in the usage environment of the input device. To do.

  On the other hand, as another method for avoiding the influence of the change in capacitance, there is a so-called calibration method such as returning the change in capacitance to the initial state or aligning the capacitance in a plurality of regions. . For this calibration, a method for directly initializing a change in capacitance by supplying or discharging electric charges (see, for example, Patent Document 3), or a change in capacitance as a management numerical value such as digital data. There is an indirect method of storing and performing initialization by arithmetic processing using this management numerical value.

JP 2007-208682 A Japanese Patent Application No. 2010-244563 JP 58-191035 A

By the way, conventionally, calibration by a method using a management value of change in capacitance for an input device having a capacitance type touch sensor is performed, for example, by performing a predetermined period or calibration at the time of activation of the input device. Therefore, it is necessary to execute under the condition that the input operation is not performed during the operation mode period to be set, or whether the input operation is valid or invalid even if the input operation is performed. It was. The reason for this is that when calibration is performed on the input device that is performing the input operation, the capacitance increased by the input operation is initialized for the area where the input operation is performed. This is because an appropriate input operation cannot be detected by the touch sensor.
The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and the object of the present invention is to prevent the input operation from being disturbed when the operator is performing the input operation on the input device, An object of the present invention is to provide a method for executing calibration of an input device without impairing convenience, and an input device provided with this method.

(Aspect of the Invention)
The following aspects of the present invention exemplify the configuration of the present invention, and will be described separately for easy understanding of various configurations of the present invention. Each section does not limit the technical scope of the present invention, and some of the components of each section are replaced, deleted, or further while referring to the best mode for carrying out the invention. Those to which the above components are added can also be included in the technical scope of the present invention.

(1) An input device for an electronic device, which is detected by the first touch sensor and an input unit including an operation unit and a plurality of first capacitive touch sensors that detect an input operation on the operation unit. Only when the detected information is acquired as input information, and the value related to the input information exceeds the predetermined value set based on the basic value of the value related to the input information, and the input operation is determined to be valid, A control circuit unit that outputs output information corresponding to the input information to the electronic device, and the control circuit unit performs the input when the determination that the input operation is being performed is uncertain. An input device that corrects the basic value based on a value related to the input information not exceeding the predetermined value, triggered by a state where the value related to the information does not exceed the predetermined value.

  In the input device described in this section, in order to detect an input operation on the operation unit, the first capacitive touch sensor provided in the input unit detects a capacitance value as detection information. The control circuit unit acquires detection information detected by the first touch sensor as input information, and determines whether the input operation is valid or invalid based on a predetermined value set in advance. That is, the input operation is determined by comparing a predetermined value set as a threshold for determining the input operation with a value related to the input information acquired from the input unit. When the value related to the input information exceeds the threshold value, it is determined that the input operation to the operation unit is valid, and output information corresponding to the input information is output to the electronic device.

In addition, the input device described in this section is in a state in which the value related to the input information does not exceed the predetermined value (threshold value) at the time when the determination that the input operation is being performed in the control circuit unit is not confirmed. as a trigger, a basic value of the input information, based on the value of the input information currently acquired, is corrected to the optimum value. Here, the basic value of the input information, the electrostatic capacitance value first touch sensor is detected, if it is affected by changes in the usage environment of the input devices has changed, that the change In order to initialize the capacitance value indirectly (pseudo), when the control circuit unit acquires the detection information related to the capacitance value detected by the first touch sensor as the input information, It is a value to be added to or subtracted from such a value. That is, in the input device described in this section, when the currently acquired input information is invalid input information as an input operation, the capacitance value related to this input information is changed in the usage environment of the input device. As a capacitance value that has been changed by being influenced by, etc., by adding to or subtracting from the value related to this input information, an input is made to such a value that the capacitance value related to this input information is indirectly initialized. correcting the basic value of the information, and performs a so-called calibration. Therefore, since the area where the input operation is performed is not subject to calibration, the calibration is performed without interfering with the input operation even when the input operation is performed on the input device.

(2) In the above item (1), the control circuit unit is in a state in which the value related to the input information does not exceed the predetermined value at the time when the determination that the input operation is being performed is uncertain. The input device according to claim 1, wherein the basic value is corrected to a corrected basic value obtained by adding or subtracting a value related to the input information not exceeding the predetermined value to the basic value as a trigger. (Claim 2).
  The input device described in this section is triggered by a state in which the value related to the input information does not exceed a predetermined value (threshold value) at the time when the determination that the input operation is being performed in the control circuit unit is uncertain. The basic value of the input information is corrected by adding or subtracting the value related to the currently acquired input information to the basic value of the currently set input information. That is, the basic value of the input information is corrected to an optimum value in spite of simple processing such as addition or subtraction.

(3) In the above items (1) and (2), the control circuit unit stores the corrected basic value as a corrected basic value, and acquires input information related to the detection information based on the corrected basic value. And an input device that determines whether or not to update the basic value of the input information to the corrected basic value, triggered by whether or not the value related to the input information exceeds a predetermined range set in advance (Claim 3). ).
The input device according to the above, in the control circuit unit, basic values of the input information after the correction, i.e., a basic value of the input information after the calibration execution, is stored as the correction basic value, the based on the corrected basic value again acquires input information relating to detection information first touch sensor detects. Then, the value of the input information based on the corrected basic value, it is determined whether it exceeds a predetermined range set in advance, this determination result, the basic value of the input information, the stored correction basic value Decide whether or not to update. That is, the value of the obtained input information based on the basic value after calibration executed by performing whether the verification is within a predetermined tolerance range set in advance, enable the execution result of the calibration Or whether to invalidate (hereinafter also referred to as validation or invalidation). For this reason, only the result of the calibration executed properly can be surely adopted.

(4) In the above item (3), wherein the control circuit unit stores the basic value of the corrected as correction basic value, obtains the input information according to the detection information based on the corrected basic value with, as a trigger state value according to the input information does not exceed a predetermined range set in advance, an input device which decides to update the basic values of the input information to the correction based on the present value.
The input device according to the above, in the control circuit unit, the value of the obtained input information on the basis of the correction based on the value, if not exceed the predetermined range set in advance, the basic value of the input information, It decides to update the stored correction basic value. That is, the value of the obtained input information based on the basic value after calibration executed, if the verification result is obtained that is within a predetermined tolerance range set in advance, enable the execution result of the calibration The decision to make is. For this reason, only the result of the calibration executed properly can be surely adopted.

(5) In the above item (3), wherein the control circuit unit stores the basic value of the corrected as correction basic value, obtains the input information according to the detection information based on the corrected basic value with, as a trigger state value according to the input information exceeds a predetermined range set in advance, the input device of the basic values of the input information to decide not to update the correction based on the present value.
The input device according to the above, in the control circuit unit, the value of the obtained input information on the basis of the correction based on the value, if it exceeds the predetermined range set in advance, the basic value of the input information, It decides not to update the stored correction basic value. That is, invalid values according to the acquired input information based on the basic value after calibration executed, if the verification result that is not within a predetermined allowable range set in advance is obtained, the execution result of the calibration The decision to make is. As a result, the calibration execution result determined to be valid last time is continuously adopted, and only the appropriate calibration execution result is adopted.

( 6 ) In the items ( 3 ) to ( 5 ), the control circuit unit includes a storage unit and a data processing unit, and the storage unit stores the detection information detected by the first touch sensor. And a function for storing the predetermined value relating to the validity / invalidity of the input operation on the operation unit and the predetermined range relating to the update of the basic value of the input information, and the data processing unit Is obtained only when the detection information detected by the first touch sensor is acquired as the input information, and the value related to the input information exceeds the predetermined value and the input operation is determined to be valid. A state in which the value related to the input information does not exceed the predetermined value at the time when the determination that the input operation is being performed and the function of outputting the output information corresponding to the electronic device to the electronic device is unconfirmed As a trigger , And a value according to the input information does not exceed the predetermined value to the base value to the addition or subtraction correction base value, and correcting the basic value, the basic value of the corrected as correction basic value a function of outputting to the memory unit, the correction input information acquired in accordance with the detection information on the basis of the basic value, whether a value relating to the input information exceeds a predetermined range set in advance as a trigger, input device and a function of determining whether to update the basic values of the input information to the correction based on the present value (claim 4).

In the input device described in this section, the control circuit unit includes the storage unit and the data processing unit, so that the processing operation performed by the control circuit unit described in the above (1) to (3) is shared. To do. Specifically, the storage unit, detection information detected by the first touch sensor, correction based on the present value, the threshold according to the determination of the input operation, and a predetermined allowable range according to the update of the basic values of the input information Memorize etc. Then, the data processing unit acquires each data stored in the storage unit or outputs each data stored in the storage unit, etc. A processing operation other than the processing operation related to the storage to be performed is performed. For this reason, the same operation as the items (1) to (3) is achieved while efficiently performing the processing operations performed by the control circuit unit.

(7) from above (3) (6) section, wherein the control circuit unit, to the corrected basic value obtained by adding or subtracting a value related to the input information do not exceed the predetermined value with respect to the basic value, the a processing operation for correcting the basic value, said basic value after correction is stored as the correction basic value, the process operation for acquiring the input information according to the detection information based on the corrected basic value, the input information the processing operation for determining whether to update the basic value, said the first every touch sensors, or first for each touch sensor preset predetermined plurality of input devices for performing in sequence (Claim 5 ).

  The input device described in this section performs a series of processing operations from the execution of calibration to the validation or invalidation of the calibration execution result for each first touch sensor provided in the input unit or in advance. It is intended to reduce the calculation processing burden of the control circuit unit by performing in order for each of the set predetermined first touch sensors. If the input device is a device having a large number of key switches, such as a keyboard for input operation of a personal computer, for example, the first touch sensor is provided for each key switch. The above-described series of processing operations are performed sequentially for each key or sequentially for each of a plurality of keys.

(8) In the above (3) to (6) section, wherein the control circuit section includes a value related to the input information do not exceed the predetermined value to the base value to the addition or subtraction correction basic value, the a processing operation for correcting the basic value, said basic value after correction is stored as the correction basic value, the process operation for acquiring the input information according to the detection information based on the corrected basic value, the input information an input device that performs the basic value and the processing operation of determining whether to update, for each preset time interval (claim 6).
The input device described in this section performs a series of processing operations from the execution of calibration to the validation or invalidation of the execution result of the calibration at predetermined time intervals, so that the calculation of the control circuit unit is performed. This is intended to reduce the processing burden. Furthermore, this time interval is set in consideration of the time scale in which the capacitance changes due to the change in the usage environment of the input device, etc., so that the calibration can be performed efficiently at the required timing. Become.

( 9 ) In the above items ( 3 ) to ( 8 ), the input unit further includes a second capacitive touch sensor that detects contact or proximity of a human body to a specific area of the input device, and the control circuit unit, on the basis of the second detection information of the touch sensor to determine the presence or absence of human contact or proximity with respect to the specific region, if it is determined that there is no the contact or proximity, the relative basic value to a predetermined value beyond non wherein adding a value according to the input information or subtracting correction base value, and a processing operation for correcting the basic value, the basic value of the corrected and stored as a correction basic value, the a processing operation for acquiring the input information according to the detection information based on the corrected basic value, the processing operation for determining whether to update the basic values of the input information, the input device (claim 7) .

According to the input device described in this section, the control circuit unit determines the presence or absence of contact or proximity of the human body with respect to the specific area of the input device based on the detection information of the second touch sensor, and there is no contact or proximity. Only in this case, a series of processing operations from the execution of calibration to the validation or invalidation of the calibration execution result are performed. That is, only when it is determined that the operator has not performed an input operation on the input device based on the detection information of the second touch sensor without relying on the detection information of the first touch sensor. Since the calibration is performed, there is no area that is not subject to calibration due to the input operation being performed, and the calibration is performed efficiently.
Here, in the input device described in this section, the specific region of the input device is a region different from the region in which the input operation is detected, and the posture for the operator to perform a normal input operation on the operation unit Provided where there is a high probability that any part of the operator's body (typically, the operator's palm, wrist, etc.) will be in contact with or close to the body when taken (hereinafter also referred to as input posture) Further, it is desirable that the part is a part having a high probability that no part of the operator's body is in contact with or close to the part when the operator is not in the input posture. As a result, since it is accurately determined that the operator is not in the input posture, that is, the input operation is not being performed, the calibration is performed efficiently.

( 10 ) An input unit including an operation unit and a plurality of first capacitive touch sensors that detect an input operation on the operation unit, and detection information detected by the first touch sensor is acquired as input information. Only when the value related to the input information exceeds a predetermined value set based on the basic value of the value related to the input information and the input operation is determined to be valid, the output information corresponding to the input information is and a control circuit section to be output to electronic devices, an input control method of the input device of the electronic device, at the time the decision is undetermined and the input operation is being performed, the input information The basic value is corrected to a corrected basic value obtained by adding or subtracting a value related to the input information not exceeding the predetermined value to the basic value , triggered by a state where the value related to the input value does not exceed the predetermined value Step Input control method comprising (claim 8).
(11) In the step of correcting the basic value in the above item (10), the value related to the input information does not exceed the predetermined value at the time when the determination that the input operation is being performed is uncertain An input control method for correcting the basic value to a corrected basic value obtained by adding or subtracting a value related to the input information that does not exceed the predetermined value with respect to the basic value using a state as a trigger (claim 9).

(12) In (10) (11) section, the steps of said basic value after correction is stored as the correction basic value, obtains the input information according to the detection information based on the corrected basic value, as a trigger whether exceeds a predetermined range value according to the input information is set in advance, the input control and determining whether to update the basic values of the input information to the correction based on the present value A method (claim 10 ).

(13) In (12) section, and a value according to the input information do not exceed the predetermined value to the base value to the addition or subtraction correction base value, and correcting the basic value, the correction storing the basic value after the correction based on the present value, determined acquiring input information according to the detection information based on the corrected basic value, whether to update the basic values of the input information a step of, said the first every touch sensors, or first for each touch sensor preset predetermined plurality, the input control method performed in sequence (claim 11).

(14) In (12) section, and a value according to the input information do not exceed the predetermined value to the base value to the addition or subtraction correction base value, and correcting the basic value, the correction storing the basic value after the correction based on the present value, determined acquiring input information according to the detection information based on the corrected basic value, whether to update the basic values of the input information steps and a preset input control method performed for each time interval (claim 12).

( 15 ) In the above ( 12 ) to ( 14 ), the input unit further includes a capacitive second touch sensor that detects contact or proximity of a human body to a specific area of the input device, The presence or absence of human contact or proximity to the specific area is determined based on the detection information of the touch sensor 2 and if it is determined that there is no contact or proximity, the basic value exceeds the predetermined value. to not the values of the input information obtained by adding or subtracting the correction basic value, and correcting the basic value, and stores the basic value of the corrected as correction basic value, on the basis of the correction based on the present value step a, and determining whether to update the basic values of the input information, and input control method for obtaining input information according to the detection information Te (claim 13).
And the input control method as described in said ( 10 ) to ( 15 ) term | claim has an effect | action corresponding to the input device of said (1) to ( 9 ) term, respectively by performing the said step. .

  Since the present invention is configured as described above, when the operator is performing an input operation on the input device, the input operation is not hindered and the comfort and convenience of the input operation are not impaired. Calibration can be executed.

It is a block diagram which shows the principal part of the input device which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows one execution example of calibration in the input device which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows another execution example of a calibration in the input device which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the input control method of the input device of the electronic device in the input device which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention, and is related with execution of calibration. In the input device according to an embodiment of the present invention, it is a top view schematically showing an example of an arrangement mode of the second touch sensor. It is a figure which illustrates the method of updating the detection sensitivity of a touch sensor in the input device provided with the capacitive touch sensor.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the following description, parts that are the same as or correspond to those in the prior art are denoted by the same reference numerals and detailed description thereof is omitted.
As shown in FIG. 1, an input device 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention is an input device for an electronic device 6, and is an operation unit (see reference numeral 14 in FIG. 5) and a static that detects an input operation on the operation unit. An input unit 1 having a capacitive first touch sensor 7 and a control circuit unit 2 to which input operation detection information from the input unit 1 is input. The input unit 1 may further include a capacitive second touch sensor 8 that detects contact or proximity of a human body to a specific area on the input device 10. Note that the second touch sensor 8 and the input control method when the second touch sensor 8 is used will be described later.

  Here, in the input device 10 according to the present embodiment, a plurality of sections are provided on the operation unit, and the first touch sensor 7 is provided for each section, so that each section functions as a key switch. (See FIG. 5). Therefore, the operator of the input device 10 executes the input operation by touching each key switch (section) on the operation unit with a finger or the like. In the input device 10 in the present embodiment, the input operation is performed. Specifically, the target area indicates each key switch to which the first touch sensor 7 corresponds. In addition, each 1st touch sensor 7 should just be provided on the board | substrate arrange | positioned under the operation part so that it may be arrange | positioned directly under each division, for example.

In the input device 10, the control circuit unit 2 includes a storage unit 5 and a data processing unit 4 as functional blocks. Storage unit 5, the detection information detected by the first touch sensor 7, basic values of the input information after the correction, threshold according to the determination of the input operation, and, given that according to the update of the basic values of the input information Each data such as an allowable range is stored, or the data is updated and stored as appropriate.
The data processing unit 4, the detection information detected in the input unit 1 obtains as input information on the basis of the basic value, and a value according to the input information, the judgment of the input operation stored in the storage unit 5 The threshold value is compared to determine whether the input operation is valid or invalid. When the value related to the input information exceeds the threshold value related to the determination of the input operation, it is determined that the input operation is being performed, and the output information corresponding to the input operation detection information input from the input unit 1 Is output to the electronic device 6. Further, the data processing unit 4 performs a processing operation related to so-called calibration, which will be described later.

In the input device 10, the control circuit unit 2 may be configured as a known microcomputer system including a central processing unit, a memory, an input / output circuit, and the like. At that time, the storage unit 5 and the data processing unit 4 provided as the constituent elements of the control circuit unit 2 can be implemented by arbitrary hardware or software, or a combination thereof, as long as they fulfill the functions in the present description.
Further, if necessary, the human body touches an analog value that is detection information of the input operation detected by the first touch sensor 7 and a specific area on the input device 10 detected by the second touch sensor 8. Alternatively, it is provided with an input information detection circuit 3 (illustrated as being included in the input unit 1 in FIG. 1) that A / D converts an analog value that is proximity detection information and outputs the analog value to the control circuit unit 2 It is also good. By doing so, the control circuit unit 2 can handle the detection information detected by each touch sensor as a digital value, so that a series of more reliable processing operations can be performed.

Next, an input control method related to execution of calibration, which is an input control method of the input device 10 in the present embodiment, will be described with reference to FIGS. 2 and 3, the detection value indicates a change in the capacitance value detected by the first touch sensor 7 as detection information, and a value acquired by the data processing unit 4 as input information. the basic value LS, indicates the basic value as a reference on the data processing according to the acquisition of input information, the basic threshold value TH, shows a threshold according to the determination of the input operation, further, the allowable range RP is calibration The allowable range related to the determination of validation / invalidation of execution results is shown.

The input control method of the input device 10 in the present embodiment is schematically illustrated in the example of FIG. 2 from the initial state where the detection value is not acquired in the data processing unit 4 (FIG. 2A). When the determination as to whether or not an input operation has been performed is uncertain, the detection value acquired from the input unit 1 is triggered by a state where the detection value does not exceed the basic threshold TH (FIG. 2B). It includes a step of correcting the basic value LS by subtracting (−ΔS) the same magnitude value (ΔS) from the basic value LS (FIG. 2C), that is, a step of executing calibration. .
In the example of FIG. 3, in the data processing unit 4, when the determination as to whether or not the input operation has been performed is unconfirmed from the initial state where the detection value is not acquired (FIG. 3A), Using the state where the detected value acquired from the input unit 1 does not exceed the basic threshold value TH (FIG. 3B) as a trigger, a value (−ΔS) having the same magnitude as the detected value is added to the basic value LS (+ ΔS ), The basic value LS is corrected (FIG. 3C), and a calibration execution step is included.

  Further, in the input control method of the input device 10 in the present embodiment, in addition to the above-described steps, the data processing unit 4 stores the basic value LS after execution of calibration in the storage unit 5, and after this calibration is executed. Based on the basic value LS, whether to execute the calibration execution result using the step of acquiring the detection value from the input unit 1 again and whether or not the detection value acquired again exceeds the allowable range RP. Or determining whether to invalidate.

Hereinafter, the example of FIGS. 2 and 3 will be described in detail with reference to the flowchart of FIG.
Step S100: The data processing unit 4 obtains a detection value (value related to input information) SI _n from the input unit 1 with reference to the currently set basic value L S.
Step S110: the data processing unit 4, the detection value acquired in step S100 (the value according to the input information) SI _n is, monitors whether above the base threshold TH (threshold according to the determination of the input operation).
Step S120: In the determination of the data processing unit 4 in step S110, the detection value (value related to input information) SI _n acquired in step S100 exceeds the basic threshold value TH (threshold value related to determination of input operation). If it is determined (Yes), the control circuit unit 2 outputs output information (key input ON) corresponding to the input information to the electronic device 6. That is, in this case, it is determined that the key switch corresponding to the first touch sensor 7 that has detected the detection value acquired in step S100 is currently performing an input operation, and the data processing unit 4 The key switch is excluded from the current calibration execution target, and the process returns to step S100.

Step S130: In the determination of the data processing unit 4 in step S110, the detection value (value related to input information) SI _n acquired in step S100 does not exceed the basic threshold value TH (threshold value related to determination of input operation). When it is determined (No), the data processing unit 4 adds the detected value (value related to the input information) SI _n acquired in step S100 to the currently set basic value L S. Is added and subtracted to correct the basic value L S. That is, in this case, the key switch corresponding to the first touch sensor 7 that has detected the detection value acquired in step S100 is not currently being input, and this detection value is a value of the environment in which the input device 10 is used. Judging that it is a capacitance value that has been changed by being affected by a change, etc., so that the magnitude of this changed capacitance value is not added to the detection value (value relating to input information) to be acquired next time, Perform calibration.

Step S140: The data processing unit 4 outputs the corrected basic value LS obtained as a result of the calibration executed in step S130 to the storage unit 5, and then again uses the corrected basic value LS as a reference. The detection value (value relating to input information) SI _{n + 1} is acquired from the input unit 1. Then, the storage unit 5, a basic value LS corrected input from the data processing unit 4, and stores the corrected basic value.
Step S150: In the data processing unit 4, the detection value (value related to the input information) SI _{n + 1} acquired in Step S140 is within the allowable range RP (allowable range related to validation or invalidation of the calibration execution result). It is monitored whether it is in. Thus, it is monitored whether or not an input operation has been performed before determining (determining) whether the calibration execution result is to be validated or invalidated. The allowable range RP is a value that is much smaller than the basic threshold value TH unless the detected value SI _{n + 1} acquired with the basic value LS corrected in step S140 as a reference is a change in the capacitance value accompanying an input operation. 2 and 3, an allowable range RP shown in FIG. 2 and FIG. 3 has a width smaller than the difference between the basic threshold value TH and the basic value LS, and a range in which the basic value LS is symmetrically expanded vertically. It is desirable to set.

Step S160: In the determination of the data processing unit 4 in Step S150, the detection value (value relating to input information) SI _{n + 1} acquired in Step S140 is used for the allowable range RP (validation or invalidation of the calibration execution result). If it is determined that the value is within the range of (acceptable range) (Yes), the data processing unit 4 determines that the result of the current calibration executed in step S130 is valid.
Step S170: the data processing unit 4, basic value LS after correction (corrected basic value), the newly set as the basic value L S, and outputs this value to the storage unit 5. Then, the storage unit 5, a basic value LS corrected input from the data processing unit 4, and stores the basic value L S. Thereafter, the process returns to step S100.

Step S180: In the determination by the data processing unit 4 in Step S150, the detection value (value related to input information) SI _{n + 1} acquired in Step S140 is used for the allowable range RP (validation or invalidation of the calibration execution result). If it is determined that it is not within the range of (acceptable range) (No), the data processing unit 4 determines that the result of the current calibration executed in step S130 is invalid.
Step S190: The data processing unit 4 uses the basic value LS that is currently set , that is, the basic value LS obtained as the execution result of the calibration that has been recently validated, as it is. , and re-set as the basic value L S, and outputs this value to the storage unit 5. Then, the storage unit 5, the current base value LS input from the data processing unit 4, and stores again the basic value L S. Thereafter, the process returns to step S100.

Here, the calibration execution timing according to the input control method of the input device 10 in the present embodiment as shown in the flowchart of FIG. 4 will be described. The calibration according to this input control method does not necessarily need to be performed simultaneously on all detected key switches each time a change in capacitance is detected by the first touch sensor 7. In consideration of the time scale of the change in the time, it is desirable to execute the calibration at a timing at which the calibration effect is sufficiently exhibited while suppressing the calibration execution frequency.
For example, when the input device 10 is an input device having a large number of key switches, such as a keyboard device for a personal computer, a plurality of keys set in advance for each key switch. Calibration may be executed in turn for each switch. Further, a time scale in which the capacitance changes due to the influence of a change in the usage environment of the input device 10 is measured by, for example, a timer counter mounted on the hardware constituting the input device 10, and this time scale. Calibration may be executed at a timing in consideration of the above.

Next, the input control method of the input device 10 when the second touch sensor 8 provided in the input unit 1 and the second touch sensor 8 are used will be described with reference to FIG.
First, in FIG. 5, the key switches SW <b> 00 to SW <b> 36 on the operation unit 14 are regions that are targets of input operations corresponding to the first touch sensor 7. Operator detection switches SW40 and SW45 corresponding to the second touch sensor 8 are provided at two locations (specific areas in the present embodiment). Similar to the first touch sensor 7, the second touch sensor 8 is provided on a substrate disposed below the input operation surface so as to be disposed immediately below the operator detection switches SW40 and SW45. It may be a thing.

  Here, the positions where the operator detection switches SW40 and SW45 (and the corresponding second touch sensor 8) are provided as shown in FIG. 5 are positions that are not the targets of the input operation. This is an example of a suitable position in an input device such as a keyboard device for which an operator is assumed to perform an input operation at a relatively high speed using a plurality of fingers of both hands. Takes the input posture, for example, the palm or wrist of the operator's left hand touches the operator detection switch SW40, and the palm or wrist of the operator's right hand touches or approaches the operator detection switch SW45. When there is a high probability that the operator does not take an input posture, it is a highly probable location where no part of the operator's body is in contact with or close to the body. In addition, the sizes of the operator detection switches SW40 and SW45 (in other words, the range in which the capacitance of the corresponding second touch sensor 8 can be detected) are also appropriately set in consideration of the above probability. It is.

Then, the data processing unit 4 acquires detection information detected by the second touch sensor 8 from the input unit 1, and based on this detection information, the human body touches or approaches the operator detection switches SW40 and SW45. Whether or not has occurred is determined.
Therefore, if the detection information detected by the second touch sensor 8 is used in the input control method of the input device 10 in the present embodiment as shown in the flowchart of FIG. 4, for example, the operator detection switch SW40. In addition, the present invention can be applied to an input control method in which calibration is executed only when no contact or proximity of the human body to SW45 occurs.

  Now, according to the embodiment of the present invention configured as described above, the following operational effects can be obtained. That is, in the input device 10 according to the present embodiment having the main part as shown in FIG. 1, in order to detect an input operation with respect to the operation unit 14, a first capacitive type provided in the input unit 1 is used. The touch sensor 7 detects the capacitance value as detection information. The control circuit unit 2 acquires the detection information detected by the first touch sensor 7 as input information, and determines whether the input operation is valid or invalid based on a predetermined value (basic threshold value TH) set in advance. Do. That is, a predetermined value (basic threshold value TH) set as a threshold for determining an input operation is compared with a value (detected value) related to input information acquired from the input unit 1 to determine the input operation. I do. When the value (detection value) related to the input information exceeds the threshold (basic threshold TH), it is determined that the input operation to the operation unit 14 is valid, and the output information corresponding to the input information is transmitted to the electronic device 6. Is output for.

In addition, as shown in FIGS. 2 to 4, the input device 10 according to the present embodiment has a value related to input information at the time when the determination that the input operation is being performed in the control circuit unit 2 is uncertain. Input information is triggered by a state in which (detected value SI _n ) does not exceed a predetermined value (basic threshold TH) (FIG. 2B, FIG. 3B, “No” in step S110 of FIG. 4). Is corrected to an optimum value based on the value (detected value SI _n ) related to the currently acquired input information (FIG. 2 (c), FIG. 3 (c), step S130 of FIG. )be able to. That is, when the currently acquired input information is invalid input information as an input operation, the capacitance value related to the input information is changed due to a change in the usage environment of the input device 10 or the like. As a capacitance value, by adding or subtracting to the value (detected value SI _n ) related to this input information, the value of the input information is changed to a value such that the capacitance value related to this input information is indirectly initialized. So- called calibration for correcting the basic value LS can be performed. Accordingly, since the area where the input operation is performed is not subject to calibration, even when the input operation is performed on the input device 10, the input operation is not hindered and the input operation is comfortable and convenient. Calibration can be performed without impairing the performance.
Further, when calibration is performed, the basic value of the input information is obtained by adding or subtracting the value (detected value SI _n ) related to the currently acquired input information to the currently set basic value LS of the input information. If the value LS is corrected, the basic value LS of the input information can be corrected to an optimum value in spite of a simple process of addition or subtraction.

The input device 10 according to the present embodiment, the control circuit section 2, the basic value LS of the input information after the correction, i.e., a basic value LS of the input information after the calibration run is stored as correction basic value and advance, on the basis of the corrected basic value again acquires input information relating to detection information first touch sensor 7 detects (step S140 in FIG. 4). Then, the value of the input information based on the corrected basic value (detected value SI n _{+ 1)} may determine whether it exceeds a predetermined range set in advance (tolerance RP), this determination result, the input information the basic value LS, to determine whether to update the stored correction basic value. That is, it is verified whether or not the value (detected value SI _{n + 1} ) related to the input information acquired based on the basic value LS after the calibration is performed is within a predetermined allowable range (allowable range RP) set in advance. By performing this, it is determined whether the execution result of the calibration is valid or invalid. For this reason, it is possible to reliably adopt only the execution result of the properly executed calibration.

Further, as shown in FIG. 4, in the control circuit unit 2, a value (detected value SI _{n + 1} ) related to the input information acquired based on the basic value LS after the calibration is performed is set to a predetermined allowable range (allowable) If the verification result is within the range (RP) (if “Yes” in step S150 in FIG. 4), the calibration execution result is determined to be valid (step S160 in FIG. 4). The execution result of the calibration is updated (step S170 in FIG. 4), and further, when a verification result is obtained that the result is not within the preset predetermined allowable range (allowable range RP) (in step S150 in FIG. 4). In the case of “No”, a determination is made to invalidate the execution result of the calibration (step S180 in FIG. 4), and the previously validated calibration is performed. If the execution result is continuously adopted (step S190 in FIG. 4), the input device 10 according to the present embodiment can adopt only the execution result of the appropriate calibration based on the verification result. It becomes.

As shown in FIG. 1, the input device 10 according to the present embodiment includes a storage unit 5 and a data processing unit 4 so that the processing operation performed by the control circuit unit 2 is shared. Can be done. Specifically, the storage unit 5 is, detection information detected by the first touch sensor 7, the correction basic value, the threshold value according to the judgment of the input operation (basic threshold value TH), and, the basic value LS of the input information A predetermined allowable range (allowable range RP) and the like related to the update are stored. Then, the data processing unit 4 acquires each data stored in the storage unit 5 or outputs each data stored in the storage unit 5 and executes each data transfer with the storage unit 5. Processing operations other than the processing operations related to storage performed by the storage unit 5 are performed. For this reason, it is possible to execute accurate calibration even when an input operation is performed on the input device 10 while efficiently performing the processing operations performed by the control circuit unit 2.

In addition, the input device 10 according to the present embodiment is provided with a series of processing operations from the execution of calibration to the validation or invalidation of the calibration execution result as shown in FIG. The calculation of the control circuit unit 2 is performed in order for each key switch corresponding to the first touch sensor 7 or for each key switch corresponding to a plurality of predetermined first touch sensors 7. The processing burden can be reduced.
On the other hand, the input device 10 according to the present embodiment performs a series of processing operations from the execution of calibration to the validation or invalidation of the calibration execution result as shown in FIG. If this is done, it is possible to further reduce the processing load on the control circuit unit 2. Further, the time interval is set in consideration of the time scale in which the capacitance changes due to the influence of the change in the usage environment of the input device 10 and the calibration is efficiently executed at the necessary timing. It becomes possible.

  Further, in the input device 10 according to the present embodiment, the control circuit unit 2 determines the presence or absence of contact or proximity of the human body with respect to the specific area based on the detection information of the second touch sensor 8, and there is no contact or proximity. Only in this case, if a series of processing operations from the execution of calibration to the validation or invalidation of the calibration execution result as shown in FIG. 4 are performed, the calibration can be performed efficiently. That is, it is determined that the operator has not performed an input operation on the input device 10 based on the detection information of the second touch sensor 8 without relying on the detection information of the first touch sensor 7. Since only the calibration is performed, there is no area that is not subject to calibration due to the input operation being performed, and the calibration can be performed more efficiently.

  In the above-described embodiment, it is assumed that the input device 10 according to the present invention is such that the operator performs an input operation on each key switch at high speed mainly using a plurality of fingers, such as a keyboard device for a personal computer. The input device according to the present invention has been described by way of example. However, the input device according to the present invention includes an input operation unit of a game device, an input operation unit of a mobile communication terminal, an operation panel of various electronic devices, and various electronic devices. The present invention can be applied to any input device for electronic equipment, including remote control devices and the like.

  1: input unit, 2: control circuit unit, 3: input information detection circuit, 4: data processing unit, 5: storage unit, 6: electronic device, 7: first touch sensor, 8: second touch sensor, 10: input device, 14: operation unit

Claims (13)

An input device for electronic equipment,
An input unit including an operation unit and a plurality of first capacitive touch sensors that detect an input operation on the operation unit;
Detection information detected by the first touch sensor is acquired as input information, and a value related to the input information exceeds the predetermined value set with reference to a basic value of the value related to the input information. Only when it is determined that is effective, the control circuit unit for outputting output information corresponding to the input information to the electronic device,
Wherein said control circuit unit, at the time the decision is ambiguous and the input operation is performed, triggered by the state value according to the input information does not exceed the predetermined value, the basic value, the predetermined An input device that performs correction based on a value related to the input information that does not exceed the value. The control circuit unit triggers a state in which a value related to the input information does not exceed the predetermined value at a time when the determination that the input operation is being performed is indeterminate, and the predetermined value with respect to the basic value. The input device according to claim 1, wherein the basic value is corrected to a corrected basic value obtained by adding or subtracting a value related to the input information not exceeding the value. Wherein the control circuit unit stores the basic value of the corrected as correction basic value, acquires the input information according to the detection information based on the corrected basic value,
As a trigger whether exceeds a predetermined range value according to the input information is set in advance, according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the determining whether to update the base value to the correction based on the present value The input device described. The control circuit unit includes a storage unit and a data processing unit,
The storage unit has a function of storing the detection information detected by the first touch sensor, the predetermined value related to determination of validity / invalidity of an input operation to the operation unit, and a basic value of the input information. A function of storing the predetermined range related to the update of
The data processing unit acquires the detection information detected by the first touch sensor as the input information, and only when the value related to the input information exceeds the predetermined value and the input operation is determined to be valid. A function of outputting output information corresponding to the input information to the electronic device;
When the determination that the input operation is being performed is unconfirmed, the state in which the value related to the input information does not exceed the predetermined value is a trigger, and the predetermined value is not exceeded with respect to the basic value. and the value of the input information to the adding or subtracting correction base value, and correcting the basic value, a function of outputting to the storage unit a basic value of the corrected as correction basic value,
The correction based on the basis of the present value obtains input information according to the sensing information, as a trigger whether or not a value relating to the input information exceeds a predetermined range set in advance, said basic value of the input information input device according to claim 3, characterized by and a function of determining whether or not to update the correction based on the present value. Wherein said control circuit unit, to the basic values for correcting the basic value obtained by adding or subtracting a value related to the input information do not exceed the predetermined value, the process operation for correcting the basic value, groups of the corrected stores this value as the correction basic value, determines the process operation for acquiring the input information according to the detection information based on the corrected basic value, whether to update the basic values of the input information processing 5. The input device according to claim 3 , wherein the operation is performed in order for each of the first touch sensors or for each of a plurality of predetermined first touch sensors set in advance. Wherein said control circuit unit, to the basic values for correcting the basic value obtained by adding or subtracting a value related to the input information do not exceed the predetermined value, the process operation for correcting the basic value, groups of the corrected stores this value as the correction basic value, determines the process operation for acquiring the input information according to the detection information based on the corrected basic value, whether to update the basic values of the input information processing The input device according to claim 3 or 4 , wherein the operation is performed at predetermined time intervals. The input unit further includes a capacitive second touch sensor that detects contact or proximity of a human body to a specific area of the input device,
The control circuit unit determines the presence or absence of human contact or proximity to the specific area based on the detection information of the second touch sensor, and if it is determined that there is no contact or proximity, the control circuit unit sets the basic value. wherein to a predetermined value does not exceed the input correction base value a value according to the addition or subtraction information, and stores a processing operation for correcting the basic value, the basic value of the corrected as correction basic value against a processing operation for obtaining the input information according to the detection information based on the corrected basic value, the processing operation for determining whether to update the basic values of the input information, and performing The input device according to claim 3 . An input unit including an operation unit and a plurality of first capacitive touch sensors that detect an input operation on the operation unit;
Detection information detected by the first touch sensor is acquired as input information, and a value related to the input information exceeds the predetermined value set with reference to a basic value of the value related to the input information. only if is determined to be valid, and a control circuit section for outputting the output information corresponding to the input information to the electronic device, an input control method of the input device of the electronic device,
When the determination that the input operation is being performed is uncertain, the basic value is not exceeding the predetermined value, triggered by a state in which the value related to the input information does not exceed the predetermined value An input control method comprising a step of correcting based on a value related to input information. In the step of correcting the basic value, when the determination that the input operation is being performed is unconfirmed, a state in which the value related to the input information does not exceed the predetermined value is set as the trigger to the basic value. 9. The input control method according to claim 8, wherein the basic value is corrected to a corrected basic value obtained by adding or subtracting a value related to the input information not exceeding the predetermined value. A step wherein a basic value of the corrected and stored as a correction basic value, obtains the input information according to the detection information based on the corrected basic value,
As a trigger whether exceeds a predetermined range value according to the input information is set in advance, to include a step of determining whether to update the basic values of the input information to the correction based on the present value The input control method according to claim 8 or 9, characterized in that the input control method. To the basic values for correcting the basic value obtained by adding or subtracting a value related to the input information do not exceed the predetermined value, and correcting the basic value, the correction based on the present value of the basic value after correction stored as a step of obtaining input information according to the detection information based on the corrected basic value, and determining whether to update the basic values of the input information, the first touch The input control method according to claim 10 , wherein the input control method is performed sequentially for each sensor or for each of a plurality of predetermined first touch sensors. To the basic values for correcting the basic value obtained by adding or subtracting a value related to the input information do not exceed the predetermined value, and correcting the basic value, the correction based on the present value of the basic value after correction stored as the time acquiring input information according to the detection information based on the corrected basic value, and determining whether to update the basic values of the input information, preset The input control method according to claim 10 , wherein the input control method is performed at intervals. The input unit further includes a capacitive second touch sensor that detects contact or proximity of a human body to a specific area of the input device,
Based on the detection information of the second touch sensor, the presence or absence of human contact or proximity to the specific area is determined, and when it is determined that there is no contact or proximity, the predetermined value is set to the basic value. beyond the values according to the input information is not the addition or subtraction correction base value, and correcting the basic value, and stores the basic value of the corrected as correction basic value, the correction based on the present value It said acquiring input information according to the detection information, and determining whether to update the basic values of the input information, any one of claim 10, wherein 12 to be based on the The input control method according to claim 1.

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