JP6417251B2 - Rotary input device - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a rotary input device such as a rotary encoder, and more particularly to a rotary input device that detects rotation using a change in capacitance.

  An input device such as a touch sensor that detects a proximity of a fingertip or the like by using a change in capacitance and identifies various input operations is widely used. The following patent document describes a technique related to a touch sensor having a plurality of operation areas.

Japanese Patent No. 4408431

  A touch sensor that performs input operations by touching the operation area on the plane with a fingertip has a poor operational feeling of the object touching the fingertip. I can't. Therefore, it is desired to be able to use both an input operation performed while looking at the screen with a touch sensor and an input operation accompanied by an operational feeling that is actually performed by rotating an object. However, since a capacitive touch sensor generally generates noise due to electrode driving, when a touch sensor is provided near an input device (such as an encoder) that detects rotation due to a change in capacitance, the noise There is a problem that a rotation detection error is likely to occur due to the influence of.

  The present invention has been made in view of such circumstances, and an object thereof is to provide a rotary input device capable of accurately detecting rotation while suppressing the influence of noise associated with driving of electrodes of a touch sensor.

A rotary input device according to the present invention is provided on a base part, an operation part rotatably supported on the base part, a plurality of movable electrodes provided on the operation part, and the base part. A plurality of variable capacitance elements whose capacitance changes according to a positional relationship with the movable electrode, a pulse voltage supply unit for supplying a pulse voltage to each of the plurality of variable capacitance elements, and the supply of the pulse voltage to A detection signal generation unit that generates a detection signal corresponding to charges accumulated in a plurality of variable capacitance elements, and a change pattern of the detection signal is determined based on a difference between a reference value of the detection signal and the detection signal. A signal processing unit that determines a rotation direction of the operation unit based on the determined change pattern, a storage unit that stores the reference value, and a touch sensor.
The touch sensor includes a plurality of drive electrodes for transmitting a pulse voltage to a capacitor whose capacitance changes in accordance with the proximity state of an object at a plurality of positions in an operation region provided on the surface of the base portion; A touch sensor drive unit that selects a part of the drive electrodes in order from the plurality of drive electrodes and supplies the pulse voltage to the selected drive electrodes;
The pulse voltage supply unit supplies the pulse voltage at a timing synchronized with the selection of the drive electrode by the touch sensor drive unit. The storage unit stores the reference value corresponding to each of the plurality of drive electrodes. When the signal processing unit inputs the detection signal generated by supplying the pulse voltage performed at a timing synchronized with the selection timing of the drive electrode, a reference value corresponding to the selected drive electrode is input. The change pattern is acquired from the storage unit, and the change pattern is determined using the acquired reference value.

According to said structure, a pulse voltage is each supplied from the said pulse voltage supply part to the some variable capacitance element from which an electrostatic capacitance changes according to the positional relationship with the said movable electrode, and the said some by supply of the said pulse voltage A detection signal corresponding to the charge accumulated in the variable capacitance element is generated in the detection signal generation unit. The signal processing unit determines a change pattern of the detection signal based on a difference between the reference value and the detection signal, and determines a rotation direction of the operation unit based on the determined change pattern. The The pulse voltage supply unit supplies the pulse voltage at a timing synchronized with the selection of the drive electrode by the touch sensor drive unit. Then, when the detection signal generated by the supply of the pulse voltage performed at a timing synchronized with the selection timing of the drive electrode is input to the signal processing unit, the signal processing unit selects the selected A reference value corresponding to the drive electrode is acquired from the storage unit, and the change pattern is determined using the acquired reference value.
Therefore, even when the reference value fluctuates due to supply of a pulse voltage to the drive electrode in the touch sensor, the change pattern is determined using an appropriate reference value corresponding to the fluctuation. It is possible to accurately determine the rotation direction of the part.

Preferably, the touch sensor includes a plurality of sense electrodes for transmitting charges accumulated in the capacitors at the plurality of positions by the supply of the pulse voltage, and selection of the drive electrode for supplying the pulse voltage. A touch sensor detection unit configured to select a part of the sense electrodes from the plurality of sense electrodes in parallel and generate a touch detection signal corresponding to the charge of the capacitor transmitted through the selected sense electrodes; Good.
The storage unit may store the reference value for each combination of the drive electrode and the sense electrode.
When the detection signal generated by supplying the pulse voltage performed at a timing synchronized with the timing at which the drive electrode and the sense electrode are selected is input to the signal processing unit, the selected drive electrode and A reference value corresponding to a combination of sense electrodes may be acquired from the storage unit, and the change pattern may be determined using the acquired reference value.

Preferably, the pulse voltage supply unit may sequentially execute M operation modes having different pulse voltage patterns supplied to the plurality of variable capacitance elements in order.
The storage unit may store one or more reference values corresponding to one or more operation modes for each combination of the drive electrode and the sense electrode.
When the signal processing unit inputs the detection signal generated by one operation mode executed at a timing synchronized with the timing at which the drive electrode and the sense electrode are selected, the selected drive electrode and A reference value corresponding to the combination of the sense electrodes and corresponding to the executed operation mode may be acquired from the storage unit, and the change pattern may be determined using the acquired reference value. The signal processing unit may determine the rotation direction of the operation unit based on the M number of change patterns determined for the detection signals of the M operation modes.

  Preferably, the pulse voltage supply unit determines, for each combination of the selected drive electrode and sense electrode, the operation mode executed at a timing synchronized with the timing at which the drive electrode and the sense electrode are selected. In addition, the execution of the operation mode at a timing synchronized with the selection of the drive electrode by the touch sensor drive unit may be periodically paused so as to be in a specific operation mode.

  Preferably, when the signal processing unit determines that a change has occurred in the detection signal from the determination result of the change pattern, the signal processing unit obtains the one reference value each time the one reference value is acquired from the storage unit. Calculating an average value after the occurrence of the change for the detection signal to be used to discriminate the change pattern, storing the calculated average value in association with the one reference value in the storage unit, and detecting the detection When the signal change does not continuously occur for a predetermined time, the reference value may be updated based on the average value stored in the storage unit in association with the reference value.

Preferably, the plurality of movable electrodes may be arranged at equal intervals on the circumference of the first virtual circle having the same distance from the rotation axis of the operation unit.
The plurality of variable capacitance elements may be arranged on a circumference of a second virtual circle that is moved in parallel with the first virtual circle with respect to the rotation axis.
The N equally divided central angle corresponding to the arc sandwiched between positions of adjacent two of said movable electrode on the periphery of the first imaginary circle (N represents an integer of 3 or more.) Angular der Ru Unit You may provide the moderation mechanism which suppresses rotation of the said operation part in the stop position set for every rotation angle.
Based on a series of determination results of the rotation direction, the signal processing unit includes N stop positions when the operation unit is rotated N steps from the predetermined stop position to the predetermined direction by the unit rotation angle. Determining the current stop position, and if the current stop position is equal to the stop position when the reference value is updated, based on the average value calculated at the current stop position, The reference value may be updated.

  Preferably, the signal processing unit includes the detection signal generated at the current stop position and the reference value even when the current stop position is equal to the stop position when the reference value is updated. If the difference is larger than a predetermined threshold value, the detection signal may be excluded from the average value calculation target.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a rotary input device capable of accurately detecting rotation while suppressing the influence of noise accompanying driving of electrodes of a touch sensor.

It is a figure which shows an example of a structure of the rotary input device which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is sectional drawing of a rotary input device. It is the figure which looked at the operation part of the rotary input device from the back side. It is a figure which shows an example of the electrode pattern provided in the back surface of the base part. It is a figure which shows the positional relationship of a movable electrode and a fixed electrode. It is a figure which shows an example of the structure in connection with the detection of rotation in the rotary input device which concerns on this embodiment. It is a figure which shows an example of a structure of a touch sensor. It is a figure for demonstrating the drive method of the variable capacitance element (pair of fixed electrode) in the rotary input device which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the supply pattern of a pulse voltage, and the change of the detection signal by the change of a stop position. It is a figure showing change of a signal level by change of a stop position about a new detection signal generated by performing addition and subtraction on three detection signals. It is the figure which digitized and showed the state of the stop position which the combination of three detection signals after addition and subtraction shown in Drawing 10 represents. It is a figure showing the transition of the state ST of each stop position shown in FIG. It is a flowchart for demonstrating the update of a reference value. It is a figure which shows an example of the reference value memorize | stored in a memory | storage part. It is a figure which shows the other example of the reference value memorize | stored in a memory | storage part.

  FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of a configuration of a rotary input device according to an embodiment of the present invention. The rotary input device according to the present embodiment is a device that detects a user's rotation operation using a change in capacitance between electrodes, and also has a function as a capacitive touch sensor. The rotary input device shown in FIG. 1 includes a base 5 having an operation area 1 of a touch sensor and an operation unit 10 that is rotatably supported by the base 5. The base 5 is a plate-like member such as glass, for example, and electrode patterns for rotation detection and touch sensor are formed on the surface opposite to the surface on which the operation unit 10 is attached. The front side plane corresponding to the area where the electrode pattern for the touch sensor is formed is used as the operation area 1 of the touch sensor.

  2 is a cross-sectional view taken along line A-A ′ in FIG. 1. A columnar support member 7 is fixed to the flat portion 51 on the front side of the base portion 5. The operation unit 10 is rotatably supported by the base unit 5 by the support member 7. The support member 7 has a flange portion 71 protruding perpendicularly to the rotation axis AX. Between the flange portion 71 and the flat portion 51 of the base portion 5, the ring-shaped edge portion 11 of the operation portion 10 is fitted. A plurality of bearings 18 are provided between the support member 7 and the operation unit 10.

  The support member 7 is made of a conductive material and is connected to the ground potential. Accordingly, the ring-shaped edge portion 11 of the operation unit 10 is covered with the flange portion 71 having the ground potential as viewed from the front side of the operation unit 10. A movable electrode (EM1 to EM8) to be described later is provided on the edge 11 of the operation unit 10.

FIG. 3 is a view of the operation unit 10 as viewed from the back side, and shows the back surface of the operation unit 10 facing the flat surface part 51 of the base unit 5.
On the back surface of the operation unit 10, eight movable electrodes (EM1 to EM8) arranged at equal intervals on the circumference of the first virtual circle IM1 having the same distance from the rotation axis AX of the operation unit 10 are provided. The movable electrodes EM1 to EM8 (hereinafter, any one movable electrode is referred to as “EM”) are included in the range of the sector region of the unit rotation angle θ when viewed from the center P of the first virtual circle IM1. Specifically, the movable electrode EM forms a unit rotation angle θ from two arcs Ar1 and Ar2 on the circumference of two circles CY1 and CY2 having the same center P and different diameters from the first virtual circle IM1 and the center P. And has a planar shape surrounded by two line segments Se1 and Se2 on the two straight lines L1 and L2 extending in the radial direction. Fixed electrodes EF1 to EF4 to be described later have the same shape as the movable electrodes EM1 to EM8. The unit rotation angle θ is a rotation angle from one stop position to the next stop position by the moderation mechanism 15 described below.

  The rotary input device according to the present embodiment includes a moderation mechanism 15 that suppresses the rotation of the operation unit 10 at a predetermined stop position set for each unit rotation angle θ. For example, as shown in FIG. 2, the moderation mechanism 15 includes a magnet 15 a provided on the outer periphery of the support member 7 and a magnet 15 b provided on the inner periphery of the operation unit 10. The magnets 15a and 15b have the same number of gear-shaped irregularities, respectively, and suppress the rotation of the operation unit 10 so as to maintain the state in which both convex portions face each other.

  The unit rotation angle θ is obtained by equally dividing the central angle φ corresponding to the arc sandwiched between the positions of two adjacent movable electrodes on the circumference of the first virtual circle IM1 (N is an integer of 3 or more). Set to an angle. That is, an angle obtained by dividing the rotation angle of one round (360 °) by N times the number of movable electrodes EM is the unit rotation angle θ. In the example of FIG. 3, since the number of movable electrodes is 8 and N is 3, the unit rotation angle θ is 15 °.

  Since the eight movable electrodes EM provided in the operation unit 10 have the same shape and are arranged at equal intervals on the circumference of the first virtual circle IM1, the arrangement of the movable electrodes EM viewed from the base unit 5 side. Returns to the same state each time the stop position by the moderation mechanism 15 is rotated in a fixed direction by N steps (3 steps in the example of FIG. 3).

FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of an electrode pattern provided on the back surface of the base unit 5.
Drive electrodes ED1 to ED23 and sense electrodes ES1 to ES32 are formed on the back surface of the base portion 5 as touch sensor electrodes, and fixed electrodes EF1 to EF4 are formed as rotation detection electrodes. These electrodes have, for example, a two-layer structure in which sense electrodes ES1 to ES32 and fixed electrodes EF1 to EF4 are formed on the first layer, and drive electrodes ED1 to ED23 are formed on the second layer above the first layer. The film formation layer 52 is formed. The drive electrodes ED1 to ED23 and the sense electrodes ES1 to ES32 are transparent conductive films such as ITO and transmit light from a liquid crystal panel (not shown).

  The drive electrodes ED1 to ED23 and the sense electrodes ES1 to ES32 are arranged in a lattice shape as shown in FIG. 4, and a capacitor CS is formed at each intersection of the drive electrode and the sense electrode. When an object such as a finger comes close to the operation region 1 of the base unit 5, the capacitance of the capacitor CS formed near the position where the finger is close changes. The drive electrodes ED1 to ED23 transmit a pulse voltage generated by a pulse voltage supply unit 100 described later to the capacitor CS. The sense electrodes ES <b> 1 to ES <b> 32 transmit the charge QS accumulated in the capacitor CS at each intersection by supplying a pulse voltage to the detection signal generation unit 110 described later.

  The fixed electrodes EF1 to EF4 are arranged on the circumference of the second virtual circle IM2 obtained by moving the first virtual circle IM2 parallel to the base part 5 with respect to the rotation axis AX, and are arranged side by side in the example of FIG. Has been. These four fixed electrodes EF1 to EF4 (hereinafter, any one fixed electrode is referred to as “EF”) have three variable capacitance elements VC1 to VC1 whose capacitances change according to the positional relationship with the movable electrode EM. VC3 is formed (hereinafter, an arbitrary variable capacitance element is referred to as “VC”). The first variable capacitance element VC1 is formed of a pair of adjacent fixed electrodes EF1 and EF2 on the circumference of the second virtual circle IM2. The second variable capacitance element VC2 is formed by a pair of fixed electrodes EF2 and EF3 adjacent on the circumference of the second virtual circle IM2. The third variable capacitor VC3 is formed of a pair of adjacent fixed electrodes EF3 and EF4 on the circumference of the second virtual circle IM2. Therefore, the fixed electrode EF2 is shared by the first variable capacitance element VC1 and the second variable capacitance element VC2, and the fixed electrode EF3 is shared by the second variable capacitance element VC2 and the third variable capacitance element VC3. The fixed electrodes EF2 and EF3 shared by the two variable capacitance elements are connected to a detection signal generation unit 110 described later.

  FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating a positional relationship between the movable electrode EM and the fixed electrode EF. Each fixed electrode in the pair of fixed electrodes EF forming the variable capacitance element VC (the pair of EF1 and EF2, the pair of EF2 and EF3, and the pair of EF3 and EF4 in the example of FIGS. 4 and 5) When the moderation mechanism 15 is in the stop position, it is provided at a position where it can overlap with one common movable electrode EM when viewed from the direction parallel to the rotation axis AX. When the electrostatic capacity of the variable capacitance element VC is compared at the three stop positions when the operation unit 10 is rotated by three unit rotation angles θ from the stop position in a certain direction, the fixed electrode EF forming the variable capacitance element VC is compared. The capacitance at one stop position where the pair overlaps the movable electrode EM has a large capacitance difference from the capacitance at the other two stop positions where no overlap occurs. Therefore, it is possible to determine whether or not the movable electrode EM exists at a position where it overlaps with the pair of the fixed electrodes EF forming the variable capacitance element VC by examining the change in the capacitance of the variable capacitance element VC. It becomes possible.

  In the example of FIG. 5, each fixed electrode in the pair of fixed electrodes EF forming the variable capacitance element VC is parallel to the rotation axis AX when the operation unit 10 is at the stop position of the moderation mechanism 15 described above. In view of this, the common movable electrode EM is provided at a position where it can overlap with the same area. That is, the fixed electrode EF has the same shape as that of the movable electrode EM, and the unit of the fixed electrode EF is exactly the same as the position of the movable electrode EM when the operation unit 10 is at the stop position when viewed from the direction parallel to the rotation axis AX. It is formed at a position rotated on the circumference of the second virtual circle IM2 by half of the rotation angle θ (θ / 2). Since the pair of fixed electrodes EF overlaps with a common movable electrode EM, the amount of change in capacitance is larger than when the overlapping areas of the two are different.

  A ground electrode EG is formed on the film forming layer 52 on the back surface of the base portion 5 so as to cover the fixed electrode EF (FIG. 2). That is, the fixed electrode EF and the movable electrode EM are sandwiched between the edge 11 of the operation unit 10 having the ground potential and the ground electrode EG. Thereby, it is possible to reduce the influence of noise from an object such as a fingertip approaching from the front side of the base unit 5 or a liquid crystal panel positioned on the back side of the base unit 5.

FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of a configuration relating to rotation detection in the rotary input device according to the present embodiment.
The rotary input device includes a pulse voltage supply unit 100, a detection signal generation unit 110, a signal processing unit 120, and a storage unit 130 as a configuration related to rotation detection.

  The pulse voltage supply unit 100 is a circuit that supplies pulse voltages to the three variable capacitance elements (VC1 to VC3) of the base unit 5, and the pulse voltage supply patterns (pattern A, pattern B, pattern C) are different. The three operation modes (first operation mode, second operation mode, and third operation mode) are repeatedly executed while being switched in a time-sharing manner in order.

  In the following description, the stop position (stop position where the pair of fixed electrodes EF1 and EF2 overlaps the movable electrode EM) where the capacitance difference of the capacitance of the first variable capacitance element VC1 increases is “SP1”, the second The stop position (stop position where the pair of fixed electrodes EF2, EF3 and the movable electrode EM overlap) where the capacitance difference of the capacitance of the variable capacitor VC2 increases is “SP2”, and the electrostatic capacity of the third variable capacitor VC3. A stop position (a stop position where the pair of fixed electrodes EF3 and EF4 and the movable electrode EM overlap each other) where the capacitance difference between the capacitors increases is referred to as “SP3”. In this case, when the operation unit 10 is rotated from the stop position SP3 to the right in FIG. 5 by 3 unit steps by the unit rotation angle θ, the stop position of the first step becomes “SP1”, and the stop position of the second step becomes “SP2”. The stop position of the third step is “SP3”.

(First operation mode / Pattern A)
In the first operation mode, the pulse voltage supply unit 100 includes the first charge Q1 accumulated in the first variable capacitance element VC1 when the operation unit 10 is at the stop position SP1, and the first voltage Q1 accumulated when the operation unit 10 is at the stop position SP2. The pulse voltage is supplied to the first variable capacitance element VC1 and the second variable capacitance element VC2 so that the second charge Q2 stored in the two variable capacitance element VC2 has a reverse polarity. In the example of FIG. 5, the pulse voltage supply unit 100 supplies a pulse voltage of a positive voltage “+ V” to the fixed electrode EF1 of the first variable capacitor VC1 and a negative voltage “+” to the fixed electrode EF3 of the second variable capacitor VC2. -V "pulse voltage is supplied, and a ground potential is applied to the common fixed electrode EF2 of the first variable capacitance element VC1 and the second variable capacitance element VC2.
The pulse voltage supply unit 100 supplies the pulse voltage to the first variable capacitance element VC1 and the second variable capacitance element VC2 so that the first charge Q1 and the second charge Q2 have the same polarity and different sizes. May be. Also in this case, in the detection signal generation unit 110 described later, the detection signal Ds at each stop position can have a different level.

  In the example of FIG. 5, the pulse voltage supply unit 100 applies a positive voltage “+ V” to the fixed electrode EF4 of the third variable capacitance element VC3 that does not supply the pulse voltage.

(Second operation mode / Pattern B)
In the second operation mode, the pulse voltage supply unit 100 stores the first charge Q1 in the second variable capacitance element VC2 when the operation unit 10 is at the stop position SP2, and the third when the operation unit 10 is at the stop position SP3. A pulse voltage is supplied to the second variable capacitor VC2 and the third variable capacitor VC3 so that the second charge Q2 is accumulated in the variable capacitor VC3. In the example of FIG. 5, the pulse voltage supply unit 100 supplies a pulse voltage of a positive voltage “+ V” to the fixed electrode EF2 of the second variable capacitance element VC2, and a negative voltage “to the fixed electrode EF4 of the third variable capacitance element VC3. -V "pulse voltage is supplied, and a ground potential is applied to the common fixed electrode EF3 of the second variable capacitor VC2 and the third variable capacitor VC3.

  In the example of FIG. 5, the pulse voltage supply unit 100 applies a positive voltage “+ V” to the fixed electrode EF1 of the first variable capacitance element VC1 that does not supply the pulse voltage.

(Third operation mode / pattern C)
In the third operation mode, the pulse voltage supply unit 100 stores the first charge Q1 in the first variable capacitance element VC1 when the operation unit 10 is at the stop position SP1, and the third when the operation unit 10 is at the stop position SP3. The pulse voltage is supplied to the first variable capacitor VC1 and the third variable capacitor VC3 so that the second charge Q2 is accumulated in the variable capacitor VC3. In the example of FIG. 5, the pulse voltage supply unit 100 supplies a pulse voltage of a positive voltage “+ V” to the fixed electrode EF1 of the first variable capacitor VC1, and a negative voltage “+” to the fixed electrode EF4 of the third variable capacitor VC3. −V ”pulse voltage is supplied, and a ground potential is applied to the fixed electrode EF2 of the first variable capacitor VC1 and the fixed electrode EF3 of the third variable capacitor VC3, respectively.

  The pulse voltage supply unit 100 is synchronized with the timing when one of the drive electrodes ED1 to ED23 is selected and driven by the touch sensor drive unit 210 in the touch sensor 2 described later, and the pulse voltage in each operation mode described above. Supply.

The detection signal generation unit 110 is a circuit that generates a detection signal Ds corresponding to charges accumulated in the three variable capacitance elements (VC1 to VC3) by supplying a pulse voltage. The detection signal generation unit 110 includes, for example, a charge amplifier that inputs charge and converts it into a voltage, and an AD converter that samples the voltage and converts it into a digital signal.
The detection signal generation unit 110 operates as follows according to the operation mode of the pulse voltage supply unit 100.

(First operation mode / Pattern A)
In the first operation mode, the detection signal generation unit 110 detects the detection signal Ds (first detection signal Ds1) corresponding to the sum of charges accumulated in the first variable capacitance element VC1 and the second variable capacitance element VC2 by supplying the pulse voltage. ) Is generated. That is, the detection signal generation unit 110 inputs a charge corresponding to the sum of charges accumulated in the fixed electrode EF2 shared by the first variable capacitance element VC1 and the second variable capacitance element VC2, and inputs the input charge. The first detection signal Ds1 corresponding to is generated.

  When the operation unit 10 is at the stop position SP3, the amount of change in capacitance in the first variable capacitance element VC1 and the second variable capacitance element VC2 (capacitance change due to the movable electrode EM overlapping the pair of fixed electrodes EF) is small. For this reason, charges corresponding to the amount of change in capacitance are not input to the detection signal generation unit 110. In this case, the detection signal generation unit 110 distinguishes between the case where the operation unit 10 is at the stop position SP1 or the stop position SP2 and the case where the operation unit 10 is at the stop position SP3, so that the first detection signal Ds1 at the stop position SP1. And a first detection signal Ds1 having an intermediate value between the first detection signal Ds1 at the stop position SP2. For example, when the detection signal generator 110 sets the first detection signal Ds1 at the stop position SP3 to zero, one of the first detection signals Ds1 at the stop position SP1 and the stop position SP2 is positive and the other is negative. First detection signal Ds1 is generated.

(Second operation mode / Pattern B)
In the second operation mode, the detection signal generation unit 110 detects the detection signal Ds (second detection signal Ds2) corresponding to the sum of charges accumulated in the second variable capacitance element VC2 and the third variable capacitance element VC3 by supplying the pulse voltage. ) Is generated. That is, the detection signal generation unit 110 inputs a charge corresponding to the sum of the charges accumulated in the fixed electrode EF3 shared by the second variable capacitance element VC2 and the third variable capacitance element VC3. A second detection signal Ds2 corresponding to the above is generated.

  When the operation unit 10 is at the stop position SP1, the amount of change in capacitance in the second variable capacitance element VC2 and the third variable capacitance element VC3 is small, so that the charge corresponding to the amount of change in capacitance is detected signal generation unit. 110 is not input. In this case, the detection signal generation unit 110 makes a distinction between when the operation unit 10 is at the stop position SP2 or the stop position SP3 and when it is at the stop position SP1, so that the second detection signal Ds2 at the stop position SP2 is obtained. And a second detection signal Ds2 having an intermediate value between the second detection signal Ds2 at the stop position SP3. For example, when the detection signal generation unit 110 sets the second detection signal Ds2 at the stop position SP1 to zero, one of the second detection signals Ds2 at the stop position SP2 and the stop position SP3 becomes positive and the other becomes negative. The second detection signal Ds2 is generated.

(Third operation mode / pattern C)
In the third operation mode, the detection signal generation unit 110 detects the detection signal Ds (third detection signal Ds3) corresponding to the sum of charges accumulated in the first variable capacitance element VC1 and the third variable capacitance element VC3 by supplying the pulse voltage. ) Is generated. That is, the detection signal generation unit 110 inputs and inputs charges corresponding to the sum of charges accumulated in the fixed electrode EF2 of the first variable capacitance element VC1 and the fixed electrode EF3 of the third variable capacitance element VC3. A third detection signal Ds3 corresponding to the charge is generated.

  When the operation unit 10 is at the stop position SP2, the amount of change in capacitance in the first variable capacitance element VC1 and the third variable capacitance element VC3 is small, so that the charge corresponding to the amount of change in capacitance is detected signal generation unit. 110 is not input. In this case, the detection signal generation unit 110 distinguishes between the case where the operation unit 10 is at the stop position SP1 or the stop position SP3 and the case where the operation unit 10 is at the stop position SP2, so that the third detection signal Ds3 at the stop position SP1 is obtained. And the third detection signal Ds3 having an intermediate value between the third detection signal Ds3 at the stop position SP3. For example, when the detection signal generation unit 110 sets the third detection signal Ds3 at the stop position SP2 to zero, one of the third detection signals Ds3 at the stop position SP1 and the stop position SP3 becomes positive and the other becomes negative. The third detection signal Ds3 is generated.

  Based on the detection signal Ds generated by the detection signal generation unit 110, the signal processing unit 120 determines whether or not the operation unit 10 is rotated and the rotation direction. In other words, the signal processing unit 120 includes the first detection signal Ds1, the second detection signal Ds2, and the second detection signal Ds2 corresponding to the change in capacitance of the variable capacitance element VC (capacitance change caused when the movable electrode EM overlaps the pair of fixed electrodes EF). Based on the change of the third detection signal Ds3, the rotation direction of the operation unit 10 is determined. Specifically, the signal processing unit 120 adds a detection signal (Ds1-Ds2) generated by subtracting the second detection signal Ds2 from the first detection signal Ds1, and adds the second detection signal Ds2 and the third detection signal Ds3. The rotation direction of the operation unit 10 is determined based on the detection signal (Ds2 + Ds3) generated in this way and the change in the detection signal (Ds1 + Ds3) generated by adding the first detection signal Ds1 and the third detection signal Ds3. . The combination of these three signals represents the state of the stop position of the operation unit 10 as will be described later. The signal processing unit 120 identifies the change from one stop position to the adjacent stop position by tracking the state of the stop position specified from the combination of the three signals, and determines the rotation direction of the operation unit 10. .

  Further, the signal processing unit 120 evaluates a change in detection signal corresponding to a change in capacitance of the variable capacitance element VC (capacitance change caused when the movable electrode EM overlaps the pair of fixed electrodes EF). The change pattern of the detection signal is determined based on the difference between the detection signal and the detection signal, and the rotation direction of the operation unit 10 is determined based on the determined change pattern. For example, the signal processing unit 120 calculates a difference between the first detection signal Ds1 and the reference value R1, a difference between the second detection signal Ds2 and the reference value R2, and a difference between the third detection signal Ds3 and the reference value R3, respectively. These differences are regarded as the first detection signal Ds1, the second detection signal Ds2, and the third detection signal Ds3, and the detection signal (Ds1-Ds2), the detection signal (Ds2 + Ds3), and the detection signal (Ds1 + Ds3) described above are used. calculate. Then, the signal processing unit 120 compares each of the calculated detection signals with two predetermined threshold values to determine which of the three levels each detection signal corresponds to. The combination of the ternary levels determined for each detection signal represents the state of the stop position of the operation unit 10 as will be described later. Therefore, the signal processing unit 120 can determine the rotation direction of the operation unit 10 based on the determined level (detection signal change pattern).

The signal processing unit 120 updates the above-described reference value R used for determining the change pattern of the detection signal under a predetermined condition. That is, if the change in the detection signal does not continuously occur for a certain time, the signal processing unit 120 sets the previous reference value as a new reference based on the average value of the detection signal after the last change in the detection signal occurs. Update to value. Specifically, when the signal processing unit 120 determines that a change has occurred in the detection signal from the determination result of the change pattern, each time the reference value R is acquired from the storage unit 130, the one reference value R Is used to calculate an average value after occurrence of a change for the detection signal to be subjected to the change pattern determination, and the calculated average value is stored in the storage unit 130 in association with the one reference value R. Then, when the change in the detection signal does not continuously occur for a certain time, the signal processing unit 120 newly sets the previous reference value R based on the average value stored in the storage unit 130 in association with the reference value R. To a new reference value R.
As a result, the reference value R is updated based on the average value of the stable detection signal when no change in the detection signal occurs for a certain period of time. Therefore, the reference value R varies greatly due to drift caused by a temperature change or the like. Even in this case, an appropriate reference value R can be obtained following this variation.

  Further, the signal processing unit 120 changes the reference value R for each drive state of the touch sensor 2 in order to compensate for variations in the reference value R due to the influence of the drive pulse voltage of the drive electrodes ED <b> 1 to ED <b> 23 in the touch sensor 2. That is, the signal processing unit 120 acquires the reference value R prepared for each driving state of the touch sensor 2 from the storage unit 130 and uses the reference value R to determine the change pattern of the detection signal.

  For example, the storage unit 130 includes drive electrodes (ED1 to ED3) that are selected and driven by the touch sensor 2, sense electrodes (ES1 to ES32) that are selected for detecting capacitance, and the pulse voltage supply unit 100. The reference value R of the detection signal is stored in association with the operation modes (first operation mode to third operation mode). When the signal processing unit 120 receives detection signals (Ds1 to Ds3) generated in a specific operation mode executed at a timing synchronized with the timing at which the specific drive electrode and the sense electrode are selected in the touch sensor 2, A reference value R corresponding to the selected combination of the specific drive electrode and the sense electrode and corresponding to the executed specific operation mode is acquired from the storage unit 130, and the acquired reference value R is used. A change pattern of the detection signal is determined.

  Note that the processing of the signal processing unit 120 may be executed using, for example, a computer that executes processing based on a program stored in the storage unit 130, or at least part of the processing is performed by a dedicated logic circuit (ASIC). Etc.). Or you may perform at least one part process using the same computer as the control part 230 of the touch sensor 2 mentioned later.

  The storage unit 130 stores a computer program for executing the processing of the signal processing unit 120, constant data used for the processing (reference value R, etc.), variable data temporarily used in the process, and the like. For example, it is configured using a volatile memory such as a DRAM or SRAM, a nonvolatile memory such as a flash memory, a hard disk, or the like.

FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of the touch sensor 2.
The touch sensor 2 shown in FIG. 7 includes a sensor unit 200 including drive electrodes ED1 to ED23 and sense electrodes ES1 to ES32, a touch sensor drive unit 210, a touch sensor detection unit 220, a control unit 230, and a storage unit 250. Have.

  The touch sensor drive unit 210 sequentially selects some drive electrodes from the drive electrodes ED1 to ED23, and supplies a pulse voltage to the selected drive electrodes.

  The touch sensor detection unit 220 sequentially selects a part of the sense electrodes from the sense electrodes ES1 to ES32 in parallel with the selection of the drive electrodes that the touch sensor drive unit 210 performs to supply the pulse voltage, and performs the selection. The touch detection signal corresponding to the charge QS of the capacitor CS transmitted through the sense electrode is generated. As shown in FIG. 4, the sense electrodes ES1 to ES32 are divided into two 16 sense electrode groups ES_A and ES_B, and the touch sensor detection unit 220 alternately selects the two sense electrode groups ES_A and ES_B. , 16 touch detection signals corresponding to the 16 sense electrodes are generated in parallel.

  The control unit 230 is a circuit that controls the overall operation of the touch sensor 2, for example, a computer that performs processing according to an instruction code of a program stored in the storage unit 250, or a logic circuit (ASIC that implements a specific function). Etc.). The control unit 230 controls the drive electrode selection in the touch sensor drive unit 210, the sense electrode selection in the touch sensor detection unit 220, the generation timing of the touch detection signal, and the like. Further, the control unit 230 performs a process of calculating the contact position of the object in the operation region 1 based on the touch detection signal input from the touch sensor detection unit 220.

  The storage unit 250 stores constant data and variable data used for processing in the control unit 230. When the control unit 230 includes a computer, the storage unit 230 may store a program executed on the computer. The storage unit 250 is configured using, for example, a volatile memory such as DRAM or SRAM, a nonvolatile memory such as flash memory, a hard disk, or the like.

  Next, the operation of the rotary input device according to this embodiment having the above-described configuration will be described.

First, the operation of determining the rotation direction of the operation unit 10 will be described.
FIG. 8 is a diagram for explaining a driving method of the variable capacitance element VC (a pair of fixed electrodes) in the rotary input device according to the present embodiment.

The pulse voltage supply unit 100 supplies a pulse voltage to four fixed electrodes (FE1 to FE4) arranged adjacent to each other by using three patterns (pattern A, pattern B, and pattern C).
In the first operation mode (pattern A), the pulse voltage supply unit 100 supplies a pulse voltage of a positive voltage “+ V” to the fixed electrode FE1, applies a ground potential to the fixed electrode FE2, and applies a negative voltage to the fixed electrodes FE3 and FE4. A pulse voltage of “−V” is supplied. In the first operation mode, the detection signal generation unit 110 generates the first detection signal Ds1 corresponding to the sum of the charges of the first variable capacitance element VC1 and the second variable capacitance element VC2 transmitted from the fixed electrode FE2.
In the second operation mode (pattern B), the pulse voltage supply unit 100 supplies a pulse voltage of a positive voltage “+ V” to the fixed electrodes FE1 and FE2, applies a ground potential to the fixed electrode FE3, and supplies the fixed electrodes FE3 and FE4 with a ground potential. A pulse voltage of negative voltage “−V” is supplied. The detection signal generation unit 110 generates a second detection signal Ds2 corresponding to the sum of charges of the second variable capacitance element VC2 and the third variable capacitance element VC3 transmitted from the fixed electrode FE3.
In the third operation mode (pattern C), the pulse voltage supply unit 100 supplies a pulse voltage of a positive voltage “+ V” to the fixed electrode FE1, applies a ground potential to the fixed electrodes FE2 and FE3, and applies a negative voltage to the fixed electrode FE4. A pulse voltage of “−V” is supplied. The detection signal generation unit 110 generates a second detection signal Ds2 corresponding to the sum of charges of the first variable capacitance element VC1 and the third variable capacitance element VC3 transmitted from the fixed electrodes FE2 and FE3.

  FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating a pulse voltage supply pattern and a change in the detection signal due to a change in the stop position. In FIG. 9, the numbers surrounded by circles indicate the numbers of the three stop positions SP1, SP2 and SP3 shown in FIG. Further, alphabets A to C indicate pulse voltage supply patterns, respectively.

  FIG. 9A shows the polarities of the pulse voltages applied to the three variable capacitance elements (VC1, VC2, VC3) corresponding to the three stop positions (SP1, SP2, SP3). “P” indicates a pulse voltage with a positive voltage “+ V”, “N” indicates a pulse voltage with a negative voltage “−V”, and “0” indicates that no pulse voltage is applied.

  According to FIG. 9A, when the operation unit 10 rotates from the stop position SP1 to the stop position SP2, the first detection signal Ds1 generated in the pattern A (first operation mode) includes the first variable capacitance element VC1. A level change corresponding to a change from a charge due to a pulse voltage of positive voltage “+ V” to a charge due to a pulse voltage of negative voltage “−V” of the second variable capacitance element VC2 occurs. If the change from “P” to “N” is represented by a numerical value “2”, the numerical value indicating the change from “N” to “P” can be represented by “−2”. Further, the change from “P” to “0” and the change from “0” to “N” correspond to half of the change from “P” to “N”, and therefore can be represented by the numerical value “1”. . The change from “N” to “0” and the change from “0” to “P” correspond to half of the change from “N” to “P”, and therefore can be represented by a numerical value “−1”.

  9B to 9D show the changes in the detection signals (Ds1 to Ds3) when rotating from the reference stop position to another stop position, respectively, as described above in “2”, “1”, “−1”, “ -2 ". However, the reference stop position is represented by a numerical value “0”. This numerical value represents the magnitude of the relative change of the detection signals (Ds1 to Ds3) in five levels. In order to discriminate this level for the actual detection signals (Ds1 to Ds3), it is independent. It is necessary to use these four threshold values. Assuming that the change in capacitance is small, it is desirable that the number of levels to be determined is as small as possible.

  Therefore, in the rotary input device according to the present embodiment, in order to reduce the number of levels and increase the amplitude of change in the detection signal, the three detection signals (Ds1 to Ds3) generated by the three patterns are used. Add and subtract. That is, the signal processing unit 120 generates a detection signal (Ds1-Ds2) generated by subtracting the second detection signal Ds2 from the first detection signal Ds1, and adds the second detection signal Ds2 and the third detection signal Ds3. The detected signal (Ds2 + Ds3) and the detection signal (Ds1 + Ds3) generated by adding the first detection signal Ds1 and the third detection signal Ds3 are calculated.

  FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a change in signal level due to a change in the stop position of a new detection signal generated by performing addition / subtraction on the three detection signals (Ds1 to Ds3). When adding and subtracting “Ds1−Ds2 (A−B)”, “Ds2 + Ds3 (B + C)”, and “Ds1 + Ds3 (A + C)” with respect to the numerical values in FIGS. 9B to 9D, as shown in FIG. Are aggregated into three levels of “3”, [0], and “−3”. Further, the maximum amplitude of the signal to be determined increases from 2 to 3 by addition / subtraction with respect to the three detection signals (Ds1 to Ds3). Therefore, the level of the minute detection signal can be accurately determined.

  FIG. 11 is a diagram showing the state of the stop position represented by the combination of the three detection signals (“A−B”, “B + C”, “A + C”) after addition and subtraction shown in FIG. “ST” in FIG. 11 is obtained by quantifying three detection signals (“A−B”, “B + C”, and “A + C”) in a radix-3. When the numerical values of the three detection signals shown in FIG. 10 are represented by the symbols [AB], [B + C], and [A + C], the state ST is represented by the following equation.

[Equation 1]
ST = [A−B] + [B + C] × 3 + [A + C] × 9 (1)

  In FIG. 11, the state ST that can occur during the rotation from the reference stop position to the adjacent stop position is also expressed in numerical form. As can be seen from FIG. 11, the transition of the state ST is “α”, “β”, or “γ” depending on which of the “SP1”, “SP2”, and “SP3” is the reference stop position. Divided into patterns. When the reference stop position is “SP1”, the state transition is “α”, when the reference stop position is “SP2”, the state transition is “β”, and the reference stop position is “SP3”. In this case, the state transition is “γ”.

FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating transition of the state ST at each stop position illustrated in FIG. 11.
In the state transition pattern shown in FIG. 12, the numerical values of the state ST at each stop position are all different. In addition, the numerical value of the state ST that may occur during the rotation from one stop position to another stop position does not overlap with the numerical value of the state ST at each stop position. Therefore, even when the reference stop position is unknown, when the first stop position changes, the three detection signals (“A−B”, “B + C”, By obtaining the state ST of the expression (1) from “A + C”), the signal processing unit 120 can immediately determine the state transition pattern and the current stop position. Therefore, the signal processing unit 120 can accurately determine the rotation direction by comparing the previous stop position with the current stop position.

Next, reference value updating will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.
When the signal processing unit 120 receives three patterns of detection signals (Ds1 to Ds3) from the detection signal generation unit 110, the signal processing unit 120 acquires reference values (R1 to R3) corresponding to the respective detection signals from the storage unit 130, and detects the detection signals. The difference between (Ds1 to Ds3) and the reference value (R1 to R3) is calculated. The signal processing unit 120 regards this calculation result as a normal detection signal (Ds1 to Ds3), performs subsequent addition / subtraction processing (FIG. 10) and state ST calculation (equation (1)) to determine the rotation direction. I do. Therefore, if the reference value fluctuates due to the influence of drift such as temperature, the rotational direction cannot be correctly determined. Therefore, the signal processing unit 120 performs a process of updating the reference value based on the average value of the detection signals (Ds1 to Ds3) input from the detection signal generation unit 110.

  The signal processing unit 120 determines a change pattern of the detection signal based on the difference between the detection signal and the reference value, and always repeatedly performs a process of determining the rotation direction of the operation unit 10 based on the determined change pattern. When the detection signal changes due to the rotation of the operation unit 10 (ST100), the signal processing unit 120 starts calculating the average value of the detection signals generated by the detection signal generation unit 110 (ST110). Each time the signal processing unit 120 acquires one reference value from the storage unit 130, the signal processing unit 120 calculates an average value after occurrence of a change for the detection signal to be used to determine the change pattern using the one reference value, The calculated average value is stored in the storage unit 130 in association with the one reference value. For example, when the reference value R1 corresponding to the first detection signal Ds1 generated in the first operation mode (pattern A) is read from the storage unit 130, the first detection signal Ds1 input after a change due to rotation occurs. Is calculated, and the calculated average value is stored in the storage unit 130 in association with the reference value R1. In addition, when the calculation of the average value of the detection signals is started, the signal processing unit 120 starts counting with a timer in order to measure the elapsed time from the start time (ST120).

  Further, the signal processing unit 120 is set to a position where the current stop position is a reference (the stop position where the state ST is zero in FIG. 11 and the same as the stop position where the reference value was updated in step ST160 described later). If it becomes (ST130), the current reference value is updated based on the latest detection signal obtained in the detection signal generation unit 110 (ST140). For example, the signal processing unit 120 stores the result obtained by adding a predetermined weight to the latest detection signal and the current reference value in the storage unit 130 as a new reference value. As a result, the reference value can be updated even during the rotation of the operation unit 10.

  When the measured value of the timer started in step ST120 reaches a predetermined time (ST150), the signal processing unit 120 converts the previous reference value to a new reference value based on the average value started to be calculated in step ST110. Update to For example, the average value calculated in step ST110 is directly stored in the storage unit 130 as a new reference value (ST160). When the update of the reference value is completed, the signal processing unit 120 stops the timer started in step ST120, resets the time measurement value, and ends the average value calculation process (ST170). Each time the signal processing unit 120 performs capacitance detection and rotation direction determination processing, the signal processing unit 120 executes the processing of steps ST100 to ST170 described above.

FIG. 14 is a diagram illustrating an example of a reference value stored in the storage unit 130.
As shown in FIG. 14, the storage unit 130 stores a reference value corresponding to the operation mode for each combination of the drive electrode and the sense electrode selected by the touch sensor 2. In the touch sensor 2, there are 46 combinations of 23 drive electrodes ED and 2 sets of sense electrode groups (ES_A, ES_B), and the entire scanning of the operation region 1 is performed by 46 selection / drive operations. Complete. “TP_1” to “TP_46” in FIG. 14 indicate 46 combinations of the drive electrode ED and the sense electrode group. On the other hand, it is necessary to generate detection signals (Ds1 to Ds3) for three operation modes in order to determine the state of one stop position in the signal processing unit 120. Therefore, three operation modes (first operation mode to third operation mode) are required. Operation mode) is repeatedly executed in order. Accordingly, when three operation modes are assigned to all 46 combinations, 46 × 3 reference values are held in the storage unit 130 as shown in FIG. The signal processing unit 120 detects detection signals (Ds1 to Ds3) generated in one operation mode (first operation mode to third operation mode) executed at a timing synchronized with the timing at which the drive electrode and the sense electrode are selected. , The reference value corresponding to the selected combination of the drive electrode and the sense electrode and corresponding to the executed operation mode is acquired from the storage unit 130 and detected using the acquired reference value. A change pattern of the signals (Ds1 to Ds3) is determined.

FIG. 15 is a diagram illustrating another example of the reference value stored in the storage unit 130.
In the example of FIG. 14 described above, three operation modes are assigned to all 46 selection / drive operations in the touch sensor 2, and 46 is a value that cannot be divided by 3, so 46 selection / drive operations are performed. Each time, the operation mode of the pulse voltage supply unit 100 corresponding to the first selection / drive operation “TP_1” is shifted by one. Therefore, the pulse voltage supply unit 100 determines an operation mode to be executed at a timing synchronized with the timing at which the drive electrode and the sense electrode of the touch sensor 2 are selected for each combination of the selected drive electrode and the sense electrode. Alternatively, the execution of the operation mode at a timing synchronized with the selection of the drive electrode ED by the touch sensor drive unit 210 may be periodically paused so as to be in a specific operation mode. In the example of FIG. 15, the pulse voltage supply unit 100 pauses the pulse voltage supply operation in the 46th selection / drive operation “TP_46” among the 46 selection / drive operations. As a result, even when the 46 selection / drive operations in the touch sensor 2 are repeated, the operation mode of the pulse voltage supply unit 100 determined every time is performed for the 46 selection / drive operations. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 15, the number of reference values that the signal processing unit 120 should hold in the storage unit 130 can be reduced to 45.

As described above, according to the rotary input device according to the present embodiment, the pulse voltage supply unit 100 supplies the pulse voltage at the timing synchronized with the selection of the drive electrode ED by the touch sensor drive unit 210. When the detection signal generated by supplying the pulse voltage of the pulse voltage supply unit 100 performed at a timing synchronized with the timing at which the drive electrode ED is selected is input to the signal processing unit 120, the signal processing unit 120 A reference value corresponding to the selected drive electrode ED is acquired from the storage unit 130, and the change pattern is determined using the acquired reference value.
Therefore, even when the reference value largely fluctuates due to the supply of the pulse voltage to the drive electrode ED in the touch sensor 2, the change pattern of the detection signal is determined using an appropriate reference value according to the fluctuation. The rotation direction of the operation unit 10 can be accurately determined.

The present invention is not limited to the above embodiment, and various modifications obvious to those skilled in the art are possible.
For example, in the above-described embodiment, a mutual capacitive touch sensor is used as the touch sensor 2 as an example. However, in another embodiment of the present invention, a self-capacitive touch sensor having no sense electrode may be used. Good.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Operation area 2 Touch sensor 5 Base part 7 Support member 71 Flange part 10 Operation part 11 Edge part 15 Moderation mechanism 18 Bearing 100 Pulse voltage supply part 110 Detection signal generation part 120 Signal processing part 130 Storage part 200 Sensor part 210 Touch sensor Drive unit 220 Touch sensor detection unit 230 Control unit 250 Storage units EF1 to EF4 Fixed electrodes EM1 to EM8 Movable electrodes VC1 to VC3 Variable capacitance elements

Claims (7)

A base,
An operation unit rotatably supported by the base unit;
A plurality of movable electrodes provided in the operation unit;
A plurality of variable capacitance elements that are provided on the base, and whose capacitance changes according to a positional relationship with the movable electrode;
A pulse voltage supply unit for supplying a pulse voltage to each of the plurality of variable capacitance elements;
A detection signal generation unit that generates a detection signal according to charges accumulated in the plurality of variable capacitance elements by supplying the pulse voltage;
A signal processing unit that determines a change pattern of the detection signal based on a difference between a reference value of the detection signal and the detection signal, and that determines a rotation direction of the operation unit based on the determined change pattern;
A storage unit for storing the reference value;
A touch sensor,
The touch sensor is
A plurality of drive electrodes for transmitting a pulse voltage to a capacitor whose capacitance changes in accordance with the proximity state of an object at a plurality of positions in an operation region provided on the surface of the base;
A touch sensor drive unit that selects a part of the drive electrodes in order from the plurality of drive electrodes, and supplies the pulse voltage to the selected drive electrode; and
The pulse voltage supply unit supplies the pulse voltage at a timing synchronized with the selection of the drive electrode by the touch sensor drive unit,
The storage unit stores the reference value corresponding to each of the plurality of drive electrodes,
When the signal processing unit inputs the detection signal generated by supplying the pulse voltage performed at a timing synchronized with the selection timing of the drive electrode, a reference value corresponding to the selected drive electrode is input. The rotary input device characterized in that the change pattern is acquired from the storage unit and the change pattern is determined using the acquired reference value. The touch sensor is
A plurality of sense electrodes for transmitting charges accumulated in the capacitors at the plurality of positions by the supply of the pulse voltage;
In parallel with the selection of the drive electrode for supplying the pulse voltage, a part of the plurality of sense electrodes is selected in order, and a touch corresponding to the charge of the capacitor transmitted through the selected sense electrode is selected. A touch sensor detection unit that generates a detection signal, and
The storage unit stores the reference value for each combination of the drive electrode and the sense electrode,
When the detection signal generated by supplying the pulse voltage performed at a timing synchronized with the timing at which the drive electrode and the sense electrode are selected is input to the signal processing unit, the selected drive electrode and The rotary input device according to claim 1, wherein a reference value corresponding to a combination of sense electrodes is acquired from the storage unit, and the change pattern is determined using the acquired reference value. The pulse voltage supply unit sequentially executes M operation modes having different pulse voltage patterns supplied to the plurality of variable capacitance elements in order,
The storage unit stores one or more reference values corresponding to one or more of the operation modes for each combination of the drive electrode and the sense electrode,
The signal processing unit
Corresponds to the combination of the selected drive electrode and sense electrode when the detection signal generated by the one operation mode executed at the timing synchronized with the timing at which the drive electrode and the sense electrode are selected is input. And acquiring a reference value corresponding to the executed operation mode from the storage unit, and determining the pattern of the change using the acquired reference value,
The rotary input device according to claim 2, wherein the rotational direction of the operation unit is determined based on the M patterns of change determined for the detection signals of the M operation modes. The pulse voltage supply unit has a specific mode in which the operation mode executed at a timing synchronized with a timing at which the drive electrode and the sense electrode are selected is determined for each combination of the selected drive electrode and the sense electrode. The rotary input device according to claim 3, wherein execution of the operation mode is periodically paused at a timing synchronized with selection of the drive electrode by the touch sensor drive unit so as to be in an operation mode. . The signal processing unit
When it is determined from the change pattern determination result that the detection signal has changed, each time the reference value is obtained from the storage unit, the change pattern is determined using the one reference value. Calculating an average value after occurrence of the change for the detection signal to be performed, and storing the calculated average value in the storage unit in association with the one reference value;
The reference value is updated based on the average value stored in the storage unit in association with the reference value when the change of the detection signal does not continuously occur for a certain period of time. The rotary input device according to any one of 4. The plurality of movable electrodes are arranged at equal intervals on the circumference of the first virtual circle having the same distance from the rotation axis of the operation unit.
The plurality of variable capacitance elements are arranged on a circumference of a second virtual circle that moves in parallel with the first virtual circle with respect to the rotation axis, and are adjacent to the two movable electrodes on the circumference of the first virtual circle. in a central angle corresponding to the arc sandwiched position N equal parts (N represents an integer of 3 or more.) angular der Ru unit set stop position for each rotation angle, the rotation of the operating part It has a moderation mechanism to suppress,
The signal processing unit
Based on a series of determination results of the rotation direction, the current stop position is the N stop positions when the operation unit is rotated N steps from the predetermined stop position in the predetermined direction by the unit rotation angle. Determine which is,
The reference value is updated based on the average value calculated at the current stop position when the current stop position is equal to the stop position when the reference value is updated. The rotary input device described in 1. The signal processing unit has a difference between the detection signal generated at the current stop position and the reference value even when the current stop position is equal to the stop position when the reference value is updated. The rotary input device according to claim 6, wherein the detection signal is excluded from the calculation target of the average value if it is larger than a predetermined threshold value.