JPH0628103A - Touch panel - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To improve the operability by providing a means which selects information to be handled as input information among pieces of information displayed at a display part when abnormality of an input part is detected. CONSTITUTION:A CPU 50 once judging that the touch type input part 51A(2) of the touch panel is defective displays a guidance 4 for substitute input at the display part 51C and reverses a display corresponding to a key 1 on the display screen. When a user indicates the movement of the reversed display with a key F1 or F2 at a mechanical input part 51B(3), the CPU 50 moves the reversed display in a specific direction each time the operation of the keys F1 or F2 is detected. When the user operates a key F3 after selecting the reversed display, the CPU 50 generates a key code corresponding to the key of the selected reversed display. Consequently, pieces of information corresponding to keys 1-6 can be inputted with the keys F1-F3 as substitutes.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a touch panel for inputting the same information as display information by designating the position of display information by touching an object.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In a touch panel type key input device, pressing of the touch panel is detected by an input section using a sensor or the like. In order to perform reliable key input, that is, to prevent chattering, the key input device measures the pressing time or the number of pressings of the touch panel, and when the measured value exceeds a certain value, it is determined as an input. An apparatus has also been proposed in which a fixed value (threshold value) used for this determination can be variably set by software processing according to an operator's instruction.

The smaller the threshold value, the higher the possibility of uncertain input, but the faster the key input speed, and the larger the threshold value, the slower the key input speed but the reliable input. There is.

[0004]

However, in this proposal, the threshold value is used in common for all keys, and cannot be set separately for each type of key. For example, the 10 (numerical key) key, the clear key, the enter key, etc. are frequently used and have an important role. Also, function keys are used less frequently. In addition, if there is an erroneous input such as a number or letter key, it is easy to correct the state before the input and a key such as a function key or enter key that is difficult to correct Input speed and certainty of input are different. Further, recently, there are many application softwares in which the positions and roles of the keys are changed according to the switching of the display screen, and the importance of the keys is greatly different.

Further, conventionally, when insulation failure partially occurs in the input part of the touch panel, there is no other way than replacing the touch panel.

However, if the touch panel becomes defective,
The device could not be used until the touch panel was replaced by a service person or the like. this is,
In particular, in a portable handy terminal used for business such as route sales, when the touch panel becomes inoperable at the destination, there is a drawback that it is necessary to interrupt the work and return to work to replace a new device or panel. there were.

As described above, there are still some points to be improved in the operability of the touch panel, and it is desired to further improve the performance.

Therefore, in view of the above points, an object of the present invention is to provide a touch panel capable of improving operability.

[0009]

In order to achieve such an object, the invention of claim 1 is such that an input section is provided on the display screen of the display section, and the input section is included in the information displayed on the display section. In a touch panel that handles the designated information as input information by detecting the position of the designated information, an abnormality detecting unit that detects an abnormality in the input unit and a period when the abnormality is not detected by the abnormality detecting unit. An operation instruction or information input is possible, and when the abnormality detecting means detects the abnormality, it comprises a selecting means for selecting information to be treated as input information among the information displayed on the display section. Characterize.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, the input section is provided on the display screen of the display section, and the specified information in the information displayed on the display section is detected by the input section to detect the specified information. In a touch panel handled as input information, abnormality detecting means for detecting an abnormality of the input section, and a drive voltage is supplied to the input section while the abnormality is not detected by the abnormality detecting section, When an abnormality is detected, a control means for supplying a voltage, which is higher than the drive voltage for burning out the defective insulation portion, to the input portion is provided.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, the input section is provided on the display screen of the display section, and the information specified on the display section for a certain period of time or more is detected by the input section. In a touch panel that handles designated information as input information, a storage unit that presets a parameter value indicating the fixed time for each type of information displayed on the display unit, and stores the determined parameter value, And a control unit that determines whether or not the specified information can be input using the parameter value of the storage unit.

[0012]

According to the first aspect of the present invention, the information displayed on the display unit of the touch panel is selected when an abnormality occurs by using the mechanical switch for inputting information or the switch for instructing power on / off. It becomes possible to substitute input instead of the department.

According to the second aspect of the present invention, the abnormal state is eliminated by burning the defective insulation portion.

According to the third aspect of the present invention, the input speed is changed for each key type by changing the (scan) parameter value for each type of display information (key) on the touch panel.

[0015]

Embodiments of the present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

<First Embodiment> FIG. 1 shows a schematic view. Reference numeral 1 is a portable electronic device, 2 is a touch panel in which an input unit is placed on the display screen of the display unit, and information is input by detecting the position of the touch-type input unit.
..., when the user touches the position of the key 6, a unique key code corresponding to the position is returned. Reference numeral 3 denotes a mechanical key, which is used as an auxiliary input for the touch panel. When it is detected that one point is still in the input state on the touch panel portion of 2, the screen display shown in 4 is performed for a certain period of time, and the screen returns to the screen of 2. All input from the touch panel is canceled and F
The selection key is displayed in reverse video as shown by 5 in response to the input of the F1 and F2 keys, and the alternative input can be performed in the input of the F3 key. The F1 to F3 keys operate as the selection means of the present invention.

FIG. 2 shows a circuit configuration of the portable electronic device.

In FIG. 2, the central processing unit (CP
U) 50 performs the following system control according to the system program stored in the memory unit 52.

(1) The information input from the input unit 51A of the touch panel 51 is externally output via the interface unit 23.

(2) A predetermined calculation process is performed, and the calculation result is printed out by the printer unit 54.

(3) Display information for inputting information from the input section 51 is displayed on the display section 51C of the touch panel 51.

(4) When an abnormality of the touch-type input section in the input section 51 is detected, when the display section 51C indicates that an abnormality has occurred, the input mode is switched to change the touch-type input section 51.
Instead of A, it is possible to input from the mechanical input section 51B.

The touch panel 51 includes a touch input unit (1 in FIG. 1) 51A and a mechanical input unit (3 in FIG. 1) 51B.
And a display section 51C. The touch-type input unit 51A may be a well-known one such as a pressure-sensitive panel that detects a touch (touch) of an object, and the mechanical input unit 51B may be a well-known one such as a push-down key switch.

The memory unit 52 stores the program shown in FIG. 3 and other system programs in a non-volatile storage area, and temporarily stores the calculation data of the CPU 50.

A line printer is used as the printer unit 54, and the calculation result of the CPU 50 is printed out.

The circuit operation according to the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 3 shows a control procedure executed by the CPU 50 interruptively when an input is generated on the touch panel 51.

Normally, the CPU 50 is in a state of waiting for an input from the touch panel 51. When an input on the touch panel 51 is detected, the CPU 50 measures the time during which the input is generated and the input disappears, that is, the user's finger touches. It waits until it is separated from the touch input unit 51A (steps 6 to 8).
If the above time has not reached a certain time, CP
U50 determines that the touch-type input unit 51A is operating normally, and the input position of the touch-type input unit 51A or the key code corresponding to the F1 to F3 keys is used as the input information.
It is delivered to the program executed in U50 (step 9).

On the other hand, when the CPU 50 detects that the input generation time of the touch panel 51 exceeds a certain time (timeout), the CPU 50 erases the current key display (see 2 in FIG. 1) of the display unit 51C, Display a warning message "Please release the key" (Step 10 →
11). Then, the CPU 50 starts timing again and waits for the input to disappear. If the key is released here, the key code is returned in step 9 and the process ends normally.

However, if the CPU 50 detects that a certain period of time has passed without releasing the key, the CPU 50 times out in step 13, and the CPU 50 has a defective touch-type input section 51A of the touch panel 51 at this point. To judge. CPU 50 then proceeds to step 14
The guide display (screen 4 in FIG. 1) for alternative input is displayed.

More specifically, the CPU 50 has the memory unit 5
The guidance information is read from within 2 and transferred to the display unit 51C.

Next, after a certain period of time, the CPU 50 transfers the key display information in the memory 52 to the display section 51C to erase the current guide information and restore the display on the display screen of the display section 51C. (Steps 14 → 15). Next, CP
U50 reverses the display corresponding to key 1 on the display screen (step 16).

This reverse display is the F switch of the mechanical switch.
When the 3 key is operated, it means that the same key code as the highlighted key is generated. The user can instruct the movement of this reverse display with the F1 and F2 keys. In this input mode, F1 key is X direction, F2
The key is used to move the reverse display in the Y direction. CPU
Reference numeral 50 moves the reverse display in a predetermined direction by the number of operations each time the operation of the F1 and F2 keys is detected (step 1
7-20).

When the user selects the reverse display and operates the F3 key, the CPU 50 confirms the operation of the F3 key in step 21, and the input function of the F1 to F3 keys is the original function, that is, the normal key input. After returning to the function, a key code corresponding to the currently selected highlighted key is generated and passed to the control procedure that has been executed so far.

As described above, when the CPU 50 detects an abnormality in the touch-type input section 51A, the input mode is immediately switched, and information corresponding to the keys 1 to 6 (see FIG. 1) is obtained by pressing the F1 to F3 keys. It is possible to enable the alternative input of. In this embodiment, when the input is generated for a certain period of time or more, it is determined that the touch input unit 51A is abnormal. However, in addition to this, even if the main power is turned on, the touch input unit 51A is powered on. The above-mentioned alternative input mode can be automatically switched also when an abnormality in which is not supplied is detected.

In the above-described first embodiment, the alternative input is performed by using the mechanical switch key for information input, but in the device of FIG. 4 having only the touch-type input section, the power on / off switch is used. Alternate inputs can be made using 24. In this case, the CPU 50 performs alternative input according to the control procedure of FIG. 5 after detecting the abnormality of the touch input unit 51A.

In this control procedure, the on time of the power on / off switch 24 is counted, and the reverse display is moved by the number of times proportional to the on time (steps 26 → 27 to 29).
Loop processing). The user switches the power on / off switch 24 from on to off when the key he / she wants to select is highlighted. When the CPU 50 detects this (step 27), the CPU 50 generates a key code corresponding to the currently highlighted key, that is, the selected key (step 30).

<Second Embodiment> In the second embodiment, when the touch-type input section of the touch panel causes insulation failure due to some factor and the input generation state continues even in the non-touch state, the insulation failure location is identified. This is an example of burning out.

FIG. 6 shows the circuit configuration of the second embodiment. 20
Reference numeral 1 is an operating voltage in a normal state, and 202 is a DC-DC converter that generates a high voltage higher than the normal voltage. Reference numeral 203 denotes a switch that switches the high voltage to the touch panel body 204 when a defect occurs, and 204 denotes a touch-type touch panel. When an input failure occurs on the touch panel 204 and an input failure occurs, the user connects the output of the DC-DC converter 202 by the switch 203 for a certain period of time and outputs the high voltage 205 generated by the DC-DC converter 202. Touch panel body 2
04, burns out the defective insulation.

FIG. 7 shows an equivalent circuit of the touch panel and insulation failure.

In the normal state, the resistance (R) is 8 → ∞ (air). When the touch panel is in a poor insulation state due to some factor, R becomes small and reaches a level where it is determined that the input is made. However, since the portions that were not in contact with each other are in contact with each other, the conduction is not perfect, and is sufficiently larger than the resistance values of the upper and lower electrodes of the touch panel, as indicated by 210. here,
By changing the applied voltage V to a higher voltage 205, a current will flow through the contact and the energy will be W = I of 211.
The heat generated in the contact portion is increased by ² R, and the electrode in the conductive portion can be burnt out. In general, what is currently used as an electrode is a transparent alloy called ITo, and its thickness is several hundred Å. 30V (volt) in the experiment
It was possible to burn out the iTo in the contact area by applying a certain amount of voltage.

FIG. 8 is a side view of the touch panel input section. The electrodes 213 are coated on the upper and lower sides of 212 and 215 inside the glass, and the distance between them is several μm to several tens of μm. During this time, the conductive foreign matter of 214 intervenes, resulting in insulation failure. By applying a high voltage between the upper and lower electrodes, the electrode 216 in the contact portion between the conductive foreign matter and the electrode is burned down, and the conductivity of the burned portion is lost to eliminate the defective insulation state. If the conductive foreign matter is more sensitive to heat than the electrode, the conductive foreign matter is burned before the electrode, and the result is the same.

The burned portion naturally causes an input failure (no entry), but since the distance between the electrodes is several tens of μm, the size of the conductive foreign matter is less than the same level, and the burned portion is small, and the input is small. Can be done.

<Third Embodiment> The circuit configuration of the third embodiment is similar to that of the first embodiment shown in FIG. 2, except that the CPU 50 and the printer unit 54 are connected by a Centronics interface. Different from the first embodiment.

The third embodiment is the display unit 5 of the touch panel 51.
This is an example in which the data scan interval for printing is variably set according to the type of information displayed in 1C.

FIG. 9 shows a processing procedure executed by the control unit in the printer unit 54 for this purpose.

Communication is started in step 301, initialized in step 302, and first in step 303, a data scan interval for printing a character (character code) is set.
In step 304, data scanning for printing is performed.
In step 305, it is determined whether the received data is the code of the graphic printing mode. If not, the normal processing is performed in step 306, and the process proceeds to the data scanning in step 304. When the received data is a graphic print code (usually an escape code is used to shift to the graphic mode with a 2 or 3 byte code),
The procedure moves from step 305 to step 307 to set the data scan interval to the value of graphic printing.
The data is scanned in step 308, the data is received, and processing is performed in step 309. In step 310, it is determined whether or not the graphic printing is completed. If the graphic scanning is not completed yet, the data scan interval is set to 8 and the data scan interval is set to the character print value in 3.

The optimum data scan interval will be described with reference to FIGS. 10 to 13. FIG. 10 shows the minimum time required to print one line. 311 is character printing and 312 is graphic printing. In the case of a character, it is necessary to receive it with a code (Asci Jis etc.) and develop it into a font, whereas in the graphic, data corresponding to dots can be printed as it is, so naturally the graphic requires less time.

FIG. 11 shows the time required to receive data for one line. 313 is character printing and 314 is graphic printing. In the case of a character, since one character can be sent by one data because it is input by a code, the number of characters is naturally smaller than that of communication corresponding to one dot.

FIG. 12 shows the optimum scan interval in character printing. 3 from 311 and 313
The optimum value of the scanning interval of the 15 character prints can be obtained. The optimum interval is T1 of 317. With this interval, data does not accumulate in the communication buffer, and there is no time loss due to waiting for data. Reference numeral 316 indicates the time when graphic printing is performed at the same intervals. The internal processing time indicated by 312 has ended sufficiently, and the time for waiting for data becomes extremely long.

FIG. 13 shows the optimum scan interval in graphic printing. The optimum timing is 312 from 312 and 314. As the minimum value of the scan interval, T2 of 320 can be obtained. Reference numeral 318 shows a case where character printing is performed at the same timing. More data than the amount of data necessary for the internal processing time of 311 is received, and the data is accumulated in the communication buffer.

Therefore, in step 303 of FIG.
In step 307 of FIG. 9, T2 of 320 is set to T2 of 320 so that optimum printing speeds can be obtained for both characters and graphics.

<Fourth Embodiment> A fourth embodiment in which the input speed is changed according to the type of key will be described. Since the main circuit configuration of the display device is the same as that of the first embodiment shown in FIG. 1, only the structural differences will be described.

In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 14, the key group 5
Set the parameter value that determines the input speed to “1” for the numeric keys “0” to “6” in 01, and click “CLR”.
For the key and “ENT” key, set the parameter value to “5”
Set to.

For this reason, the parameter value is stored in advance in the memory section (storage means of the present invention) 52 of FIG. 1 in association with the type of key, that is, the key display information displayed on the display section 51C of FIG. .

Further, FIG. 15 shows a processing procedure of the CPU 50 of FIG. 1 for performing an input process using this parameter value. This processing procedure is executed by interruption in a constant cycle.

The CPU 50 key-scans the touch input section 51A, and sequentially determines the key input of each key, that is, the presence / absence of key depression (step 503). If no key is pressed, the key buffer that stores the input key return code and the counter that counts the number of times the return code is generated are cleared to "0", and it is determined whether the next key is pressed until the end of scanning (step 505 → 50
3).

On the other hand, when the operator operates the "1" key, for example, the occurrence of key input is detected in step 504, and the execution procedure of the CPU 50 shifts to step 506. Here, the CPU 50 compares the current stored value NIL (information indicating that there is nothing) of the key buffer with the key return code indicating "1" of the input, and the time measurement of the key return code is not started. This is confirmed by the mismatch judgment of this comparison. Next, the CPU 50 first clears the counter by “0”, stores the input key return code (corresponding to “1”) in the key buffer, and then, FIG.
The parameter value "1" corresponding to the "1" key explained in step 1 is read and set as a threshold value (step 506-).
509).

Next, the repeat count value of the key return code of the counter is updated from "0" to "1" and compared with the reading threshold value "1". Here, since the count value of the counter is determined to be equal to or greater than the parameter value, the CPU 50 determines that the input is confirmed, and performs the input process of taking the input information into the internal processing routine (steps 510 to 513). After that, the CPU 50 confirms whether or not the remaining keys are pressed (step 503 → 503A → 504 → 505 → 5).
03 loop processing), scanning for all keys is completed, and one scan processing is completed (step S
503A → end).

After the elapse of a certain time, the processing of FIG. 15 is executed again in the CPU 50. As described above, when the operation of the “1” key is continued, the operation is detected in step 504, but the key return code stored in the key buffer and the return code read this time match. That is, the continuous operation of the keys is confirmed in step 506. Therefore, the execution procedure of the CPU 50 jumps from step 506 to step 510, and the repeat count of the counter is updated.

Again, in step 511, the parameter value and the counter count value are compared, but since the counter count value is larger than the parameter value this time, the input processing of the key return code is performed again. Next, the operator is "1"
When the operation of the key of is finished and the "ENT" key is operated,
Since there is a time gap between the operation of the "1" key and the operation of the "ENT" key, in the meantime, in the scanning process of FIG.
It is confirmed by the loop processing of 505. Further, the counter count value and the key buffer are cleared to prepare for the next key input.

Therefore, the CPU 50 that executes the processing procedure of steps 506 to 511 operates as the control means of the present invention that determines whether or not the specified information can be input.

In the case of operating the ENT key, when the scanning process of FIG. 15 is repeated five times, that is, ENT
When the continuous key operation time reaches the time corresponding to the count value of the counter being 5, the determination processing in step 511 returns YE.
Only when the S determination is made, the return code input process of the ENT key is achieved.

Therefore, the input time of the numeric keys is fast, and the control key such as the "ENT" key has a slow input speed, and the operator is required to perform a reliable operation.

For setting the above-mentioned parameter values, there are (1) a method of writing in a nonvolatile memory at the time of manufacturing the touch panel, (2) a method of inputting from the touch panel by an operator, and (3) a method of inputting a signal from an external device. . In particular, in the case of a handy terminal having a touch panel, etc., an editor that can easily create a matrix of display keys, a return code of each key, etc. by a connected host computer is prepared. Therefore, a function for setting key parameters is added to the editor on the host computer, and a parameter file for each screen is created in advance by providing this parameter area in the file. It is recommended that the host computer file the parameter values and transfer the parameter values to the handy terminal when connecting. An example of this file is shown in FIG. In this example, the display font pattern, the return code, and the scan parameter are made into a file for each type of key.

[0065]

As described above, according to the present invention, it is possible to eliminate an alternative input or an input abnormality. Therefore, even if an input abnormality occurs, it is necessary to interrupt the entire operation of the device currently being executed. Disappears.

By making it possible to set the scan parameter for each key, the parameter can be changed according to the importance of the key for each application, and it is possible to separate the key that requires fast input and the key that requires reliable input. Can be set, and it is possible to judge that it is an input with a slight press on a key that requires fast input, and with a key that requires reliable input information will not be input with a slight press It is possible to prevent it and to give the user a sense of security.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram showing display contents of a first embodiment.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a circuit configuration of the first embodiment.

FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure executed by a CPU 50 of FIG.

FIG. 4 is an external view showing another form of the first embodiment.

5 is a flowchart showing an input processing procedure on the touch panel of FIG.

FIG. 6 is a circuit diagram of a second embodiment.

FIG. 7 is a circuit diagram showing the operation of the second embodiment.

FIG. 8 is a structural diagram showing an insulation failure state of an input section.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing a scan processing procedure of the third embodiment.

FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a data scan operation.

FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a data scan operation.

FIG. 12 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a data scan operation.

FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a data scan operation.

FIG. 14 is an explanatory diagram showing a relationship between key types and parameter values in the fourth embodiment.

FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure of a fourth embodiment.

FIG. 16 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a parameter file.

[Explanation of symbols]

 50 CPU 51 Touch panel 52 Memory section

Claims (3)

[Claims] 1. A touch panel in which an input section is provided on a display screen of a display section, and the specified information in the information displayed on the display section is detected by the input section to handle the specified information as the input information. In the case where the abnormality detection means for detecting an abnormality in the input section and an operation instruction or information input is possible while the abnormality detection means does not detect the abnormality, the abnormality detection means detects the abnormality. A touch panel, further comprising: a selection unit that selects information to be handled as input information among the information displayed on the display unit. 2. A touch panel in which an input section is provided on the display screen of the display section, and the specified information in the information displayed on the display section is detected by the input section to handle the specified information as the input information. In the above, in the abnormality detecting means for detecting an abnormality in the input section, a drive voltage is supplied to the input section while the abnormality detecting means does not detect the abnormality, and the abnormality detecting means detects the abnormality. In this case, the touch panel is provided with a control unit that supplies a voltage, which is higher than the drive voltage for burning out the defective insulation portion, to the input unit. 3. An input unit is provided on the display screen of the display unit, and the designated information is input by detecting the position of the designated information in the information displayed on the display unit for a certain time or more at the input unit. In a touch panel handled as information, a parameter value indicating the fixed time is determined in advance for each type of information displayed on the display unit, a storage unit that stores the determined parameter value, and a parameter value of the storage unit And a control unit that determines whether or not the designated information can be input using the touch panel.