WO2013179556A1 - Information terminal, integrated circuit, and signal processing method - Google Patents

Abstract

An information terminal (1) can be operated by bringing a finger or a predetermined object into contact with an input region of a touch sensor (4). The information terminal (1) is provided with: the touch sensor (4), which has an input region, and which generates detection signals by detecting a region where the finger or the predetermined object is brought into contact, said region being in the input region; and a signal processing unit (7), which generates signals that indicate a deformation state by detecting deformation of the information terminal (1), and which corrects the detection signals on the basis of the signals indicating the deformation state.

Description

Information terminal, integrated circuit, and signal processing method

The present disclosure relates to an information terminal having an interface that accepts touch input, an integrated circuit of the information terminal, and a signal processing method.

Information terminals such as smartphones and tablet terminals that can be operated by touch input have become widespread.

Various configurations for improving the operability of such information terminals have been proposed in the past.

For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a configuration in which an input is not confirmed simply by touching the input surface with a finger. In this configuration, when the contact area of the finger with the input surface becomes equal to or greater than the threshold value, the contact position is determined to be the input position for touch input.

On the other hand, flexible film-like touch sensors have been proposed. For example, Non-Patent Document 1 proposes a film-like touch sensor using an organic transistor and polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) as organic materials.

JP 2011-43987 A

∙ The flexible touch sensor as described above may be deformed by touch input pressure or gravity. When the touch sensor is deformed, the operability of the information terminal is lowered. For example, the input position may not be detected because the force of the touch input is not properly transmitted to the touch sensor.

This disclosure provides an information terminal that improves operability by performing signal processing corresponding to deformation of the touch sensor, an integrated circuit of the information terminal, and a signal processing method.

One aspect of the present disclosure relates to an information terminal. The information terminal according to this aspect is an information terminal that can be operated by touching a predetermined input area with a finger or a predetermined object. The information terminal has a predetermined input area, detects an area touched by a finger or a predetermined object in the input area, generates a first signal, detects deformation of the information terminal, and A deformation detection unit that generates the second signal, and a processing unit that corrects the first signal based on the second signal.

The above general and specific aspects may be realized by a system, a method, a computer program, and any combination of the system, the method, and the computer program.

It is possible to provide an information terminal that improves operability by performing signal processing corresponding to deformation of the touch sensor, an integrated circuit of the information terminal, and a signal processing method.

It is an external view of an information terminal. (A) is a figure which shows the structure of the sheet-like part of an information terminal, (b) is a figure which shows the piezoelectric element film of a sheet-like part. It is a block diagram which shows the internal structure of an information terminal. (A) is a figure which shows the use condition of an information terminal, (b) is a figure which shows the detection signal detected by a touch sensor. (A) is a figure which shows the use condition of an information terminal, (b) is a figure which shows the detection signal detected by a touch sensor. (A) And (c) is a figure which shows the area | region where the pressure distribution detected by a touch sensor is formed, (b) And (d) is a figure which shows the pressure distribution detected by a touch sensor. 2 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a signal processing unit according to Embodiment 1. FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating details of a configuration of a signal processing unit according to Embodiment 1. FIG. It is a figure which shows the holding position of the information terminal based on Embodiment 1, and the nonuniform distribution and uniform distribution which comprise the pressure distribution detected by a touch sensor. It is a figure which shows the holding position of the information terminal based on Embodiment 1, and the nonuniform distribution and uniform distribution which comprise the pressure distribution detected by a touch sensor. (A) And (c) is a figure which shows the use condition of the information terminal which concerns on Embodiment 1, and the pressure distribution detected by a touch sensor, (b) and (d) show the pressure distribution after correction | amendment. FIG. (A) is a figure which shows the use condition of the information terminal which concerns on Embodiment 1, and the pressure distribution detected by a touch sensor, (b) is a figure which shows the pressure distribution after correction | amendment. 6 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a signal processing unit according to Embodiment 2. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating details of a configuration of a signal processing unit according to Embodiment 2. FIG. (A) And (b) is a figure which shows the holding | maintenance position and pressure distribution of the information terminal which concerns on Embodiment 2. FIG. (A) And (b) is a figure which shows the holding position of the information terminal which concerns on Embodiment 2, uniform distribution, and the display position of an image. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a signal processing unit according to a third embodiment.

<Knowledge obtained by the present inventor>
As described above, Non-Patent Document 1 proposes a configuration of a film-like touch sensor using an organic material. In addition, printable large area electronics using organic materials is starting to be put into practical use. It is desired to increase the screen size and flexibility of information terminals using such materials and technologies.

PVDF material, which is a piezoelectric material, generates electric power by deformation. Therefore, a touch sensor configured using such a piezoelectric material detects a pressure distribution based on a touch input or the like based on electric power generated by a force applied to the PVDF material.

When such a touch sensor is arranged in a flexible information terminal casing, the touch sensor may be deformed together with the casing in accordance with the force of touch input or gravity.

When the touch sensor is deformed, the detection signal indicating the pressure distribution detected by the touch sensor may deteriorate.

For example, since the housing of the information terminal is easily deformed by touch input, the pressure at the input position detected by the touch sensor may be reduced. In this case, the touch input may not be detected properly.

In addition, a signal resulting from deformation of the touch sensor may be mixed in the detection signal output from the touch sensor. That is, the piezoelectric material may be deformed according to the deformation of the touch sensor, and the piezoelectric material may generate electric power based on the deformation of the piezoelectric material. In this case, a signal caused by a factor different from the touch input such as a signal caused by deformation of the touch sensor is mixed in the detection signal.

Furthermore, the case of the information terminal may be deformed by its own weight. Also in this case, the touch sensor is deformed, and a signal resulting from the deformation based on the own weight is mixed in the detection signal.

As the detection signal is deteriorated due to deformation of the touch sensor or the like, the detection accuracy of the touch input is lowered, and thus the operability of the information terminal is lowered.

Especially, a relatively large touch sensor may be used, for example, when the touch sensor is arranged on a large display. In this case, the housing (or touch sensor) of the information terminal tends to be easily deformed. That is, the casing of such an information terminal is easily deformed by the lever principle. As the deformation easily occurs, the detection signal output from the touch sensor may be significantly degraded.

In consideration of the above points, the present inventor has found an information terminal that improves operability by performing signal processing corresponding to deformation of the touch sensor, an integrated circuit of the information terminal, and a signal processing method.

One aspect of the present disclosure relates to an information terminal. The information terminal according to this aspect includes an input unit that detects an input distribution, and a signal processing unit that applies a predetermined process to the distribution based on a modification of the input unit.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings.

<Embodiment 1>
1. Configuration of Information Terminal FIG. 1 is an external view of an information terminal according to the first embodiment. FIG. 2A is a diagram illustrating a configuration of the information terminal 1. FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing an internal configuration of the information terminal 1.

1.1 Sheet-like part The information terminal 1 includes a sheet-like part 2a and a non-sheet-like part 2b. The sheet-like portion 2a is made of a flexible material as will be described below with reference to FIG. The non-sheet-like part 2b has a housing attached to the sheet-like part 2a at the corner of the sheet-like part 2a.

The sheet-like part 2a is provided with a display 3 for displaying an image and a touch sensor 4 for receiving a touch input. The non-sheet-like part 2b is provided with a memory, a processor, etc. (FIG. 3) described later.

As shown in FIG. 2A, the sheet-like portion 2a is formed by laminating three layers including a display film 3a, a piezoelectric element film 4a, and an electronic circuit film 5.

A display film 3a is disposed on the uppermost surface of the sheet-like portion 2a. The display film 3a includes a light emitting element using an organic compound such as an organic EL (Electro-Luminescence). The display 3 is formed on the display film 3a. When the light emitting element emits light based on a drive signal from a driver 6 described later, the display 3 displays a screen including characters and images on the upper surface of the sheet-like portion 2a. As long as the display film 3a forms a flexible sheet-like display, the display film 3a may be a display film configured using a light emitting element different from the organic compound.

A piezoelectric element film 4a for detecting pressure is disposed under the display 3. As schematically shown in FIG. 2B, the piezoelectric element 4c configured using PVDF (polyvinylidene fluoride) is placed on the input area of the touch sensor 4 (for example, the area corresponding to the display area of the display 3). The piezoelectric element film 4a is configured by being arranged in a matrix. In practice, the piezoelectric elements 4c may be arranged more finely than in FIG. The piezoelectric element film 4a detects the pressure of touch input (contact) by a finger or a predetermined object (such as a pen) performed on the upper surface of the sheet-like part 2a via the display film 3a, and the piezoelectric element 4c A detection signal (sensor output) corresponding to the deformation is output. The configuration of the piezoelectric element film 4a is disclosed in Non-Patent Document 1, for example.

An electronic circuit film 5 formed using an organic transistor or the like is formed below the piezoelectric element film 4a. The electronic circuit film 5 includes a driver 6, an amplifier circuit 4 b, and a signal processing unit 7.

The driver 6 outputs a drive signal for driving the display 3 to the display 3 based on a control signal from the processor 9 (described later).

The amplification circuit 4b amplifies the electric signal input from the piezoelectric element film 4a and outputs the amplified signal as a detection signal from the touch sensor 4. The amplifier circuit 4b forms the touch sensor 4 together with the piezoelectric element film 4a. The touch sensor 4 outputs a detection signal (sensor output) indicating the distribution of input to the surface on which the touch sensor 4 is disposed in order to accept touch input.

The touch sensor 4 may be a sensor that can be manufactured in a sheet shape, and may be, for example, an element that operates by a method such as a capacitance method, a resistance film method, an optical method, or an ultrasonic method.

The surface of the display film 3a corresponding to the surface on which the touch sensor 4 is arranged corresponds to an input surface for touch input. That is, the user performs touch input to the touch sensor 4 through the display film 3a. The touch sensor 4 detects the force of the touch input with respect to the input surface as a pressure, and outputs a detection signal indicating a pressure distribution. The processor 9 described later controls each part of the information terminal 1 such as displaying a screen on the display 3 based on the detection signal from the touch sensor 4.

The signal processing unit 7 is configured by an integrated circuit (for example, LSI) or the like, and applies predetermined processing (signal processing) according to the present embodiment to the detection signal from the touch sensor 4. Then, the signal processing unit 7 outputs a signal (corrected detection signal) after the signal processing is applied.

The corrected detection signal (corrected sensor output) output from the signal processing unit 7 is a signal obtained by removing the influence of deformation of the touch sensor 4 from the detection signal output from the touch sensor 4. In other words, the corrected detection signal reproduces the detection signal output from the touch sensor 4 that is not deformed.

The function of the signal processing unit 7 is realized using hardware (an integrated circuit or the like) as described above, but is not limited thereto, and may be realized by cooperation of hardware and software, for example. When software is used, for example, a program that realizes the signal processing function is incorporated into a microcontroller or the like constituting the signal processing unit 7.

Details of the function of the signal processing unit 7 will be described later with reference to FIGS.

When a power source such as a battery (for example, incorporated in the non-sheet-like part 2b) is connected to each component of the sheet-like part 2a, the display 3, the touch sensor 4, and the signal processing part 7 operate.

Part or all of the driver 6, the amplifier circuit 4b, and the signal processing unit 7 may be arranged in the non-sheet-like part 2b.

1.2 Non-sheet-like part Below, the composition of non-sheet-like part 2b is explained.

The memory 8 and the processor 9 are arranged in the non-sheet-like part 2b.

The memory 8 includes a nonvolatile memory 8a and a main memory 8b. The memory 8 stores a control program, application program, and the like (hereinafter referred to as “program”) for controlling each unit of the information terminal 1. The memory 8 is also used as a working memory for executing the program, that is, stores information temporarily generated or temporarily acquired when the program is executed.

The processor 9 executes a control process for controlling each component of the information terminal 1 such as the display 3, the touch sensor 4, and the memory 8. By executing the control process, the processor 9 transmits a control signal to each component via the bus 13 and obtains necessary information from each component via the bus 13. For example, the processor 9 acquires the corrected detection signal from the signal processing unit 7, and a screen corresponding to the acquired detection signal (for example, a window (execution screen of an application program displayed so as to accept a user operation)) , A screen including icons, buttons, and the like) is output to the driver 6 for display on the display 3.

The processor 9 is composed of a CPU or the like, and executes various processes described later based on a predetermined program. The function of the processor 9 may be realized by cooperation of hardware and software, or may be realized only by hardware (electronic circuit or the like).

The non-sheet-like portion 2b includes a memory 8 and a processor 9, a gyro sensor 10 that detects an angular velocity based on rotation of the information terminal 1, a baseband processor 11 that executes processing related to wireless communication and a telephone call, and a wireless LAN. And a wireless LAN module 12 for performing signal processing, wireless signal transmission / reception, and the like. In addition, an acceleration sensor or the like may be arranged on the non-sheet-like portion 2b. However, these elements are not essential elements.

Note that some or all of the components of the non-sheet-like part 2b shown in FIG. 3 may be arranged in the sheet-like part 2a. In this case, it is preferable that the constituent elements of the non-sheet-like portion 2b can be manufactured in a flexible sheet shape, or are small compared to the degree of deformation of the sheet-like portion 2a.

The sheet-like part 2a and the non-sheet-like part 2b may be configured as separate devices separated from each other. In this case, the information terminal 1b is configured such that various signals are transmitted and received between the sheet-like portion 2a and the non-sheet-like portion 2b by wired wiring or wireless connection.

2. Deformation of touch sensor and pressure distribution The information terminal 1 can be used in various environments. For example, the information terminal 1 is used in a state where it is placed on a desk as shown in FIG. 4A, or in a state where it is held by a hand as shown in FIG. There is a case. FIGS. 4B and 5B are diagrams schematically illustrating the pressure detected at the input position P of the touch input corresponding to FIGS. 4A and 5B, respectively.

When a touch input is made to the information terminal 1 placed on the desk as shown in FIG. 4A, the touch sensor 4 is moved to the input position P as shown in FIG. At the coordinates (x, y), the pressure f corresponding to the force of the touch input is detected. Since the information terminal 1 is placed on a desk having high rigidity, the piezoelectric element 4c disposed at the input position P receives the force of the touch input, and the reaction force from the desk to the force of the touch input. Receive. The piezoelectric element 4c is compressed by the force of the touch input and the force from the desk, and the piezoelectric element 4c outputs a voltage signal corresponding to the deformation based on the compression. The other piezoelectric elements 4c arranged at positions different from the input position P are not deformed because they do not receive pressure.

On the other hand, when a touch input is made on the information terminal 1 held by hand as shown in FIG. 5A, the touch sensor 4 bends (deforms) together with the sheet-like portion 2a. At this time, the piezoelectric element 4c does not receive the pressing force as in the case of FIG. Therefore, the pressure f at the input position P (coordinates (x, y)) detected by the touch sensor 4 is smaller than in the case of FIG.

FIG. 5 (b) schematically shows the pressure f at the input position P of the touch input. Actually, the pressure distribution detected by the touch sensor 4 may be affected by the deformation of the touch sensor 4 as described below.

FIG. 6A illustrates an example of a region in which pressure is detected by the touch sensor 4 when a touch input is performed on the information terminal 1 held by hand as illustrated in FIG. Indicates. The input position P in FIG. 6A corresponds to the input position of the touch input in FIGS. 5A and 5B. A pressure distribution of pressure detected by the touch sensor 4 is formed on the touch sensor 4.

FIG. 6B is a graph showing a distribution of the pressure distribution along a straight line M passing through the holding position A and the input position P of the information terminal 1.

When the sheet-like portion 2a is bent as shown in FIG. 5A, the pressure distribution includes a non-uniform distribution R and a uniform distribution S. The non-uniform distribution R is a pressure distribution detected based on the touch input in the input position P of the touch input and a region in the vicinity thereof. The uniform distribution S is a distribution of pressure detected in a region where the touch sensor 4 is deformed. That is, the influence of the deformation of the touch sensor 4 given to the pressure distribution in this example appears as a uniform distribution S.

The region forming the non-uniform distribution R is divided into a region Ra in which a finger or the like directly applies pressure to the touch sensor 4 and a surrounding region. The non-uniform distribution R shows a larger pressure in the region Ra than the surrounding region. The pressure distribution detected in the surrounding area is a pressure distribution caused by deformation (dent) of the touch sensor 4 based on the touch input. That is, the piezoelectric material is deformed when the touch sensor 4 is depressed, and the pressure distribution related to the deformation is detected in the surrounding region.

As shown in FIG. 6B, the pressure f detected at the input position P when the sheet-like portion 2a is bent (FIG. 5A) is such that the information terminal 1 is placed on the desk. It is smaller than the case (FIG. 4A).

The non-uniform distribution R is a non-uniform distribution localized near the input position P of touch input.

On the other hand, the uniform distribution S is formed in an area where the touch sensor 4 is curved as shown in FIG. That is, the uniform distribution S corresponds to the touch sensor 4 being curved (see FIG. 5A) on the region including the straight line L shown in the figure, and the boundary (the upper side It is formed in a band-shaped region in contact with the lower side.

As shown in FIG. 6A, the area of the region forming the uniform distribution S is larger than the area of the region forming the non-uniform distribution R. Furthermore, the gradient of the formed uniform distribution S (the degree of change in pressure in the x-axis and y-axis directions) is gentle compared to the non-uniform distribution.

As described above, the pressure distribution detected by the touch sensor 4 includes the uniform distribution S based on the deformation of the touch sensor 4 in addition to the non-uniform distribution R based on the touch input. Therefore, the detection accuracy of the touch input (or the input position P) from the detection signal may be lowered due to the deformation of the touch sensor 4. A decrease in detection accuracy leads to a decrease in operability of the information terminal 1.

Therefore, in the first embodiment, the information terminal 1 is provided with the signal processing unit 7 in order to improve the detection accuracy of the touch input.

3. Signal Processing The signal processing unit 7 applies signal processing for removing the influence of deformation of the touch sensor 4 from the detection signal indicating the pressure distribution detected by the touch sensor 4 to the detection signal from the touch sensor 4. Specifically, the signal processing unit 7 removes an output corresponding to the uniform distribution S based on the deformation of the touch sensor 4 from, for example, a sensor output constituting the pressure distribution. In addition, the signal processing unit 7 performs signal processing so as to increase the pressure level of the non-uniform distribution R based on the touch input (the sensor output that configures the non-uniform distribution R). As a result, the pressure distribution detected by the touch sensor 4 in a state where the sheet-like portion 2a is not deformed as shown in FIG. 6D is reproduced on the region as shown in FIG. 6C. Here, FIG. 6D is a graph showing a distribution along the straight line M passing through the holding position A and the input position P of the information terminal 1 after the influence of the deformation of the touch sensor 4 is removed. It is. The pressure distribution in FIG. 6D does not include the uniform distribution S, and the pressure f in the contact region Ra such as a finger is stronger than in the case of FIG. A detection signal indicating the pressure distribution reproduced in this way is output from the signal processing unit 7 as a corrected detection signal.

Hereinafter, the function (signal processing) of the signal processing unit 7 will be described with reference to FIGS. 7 and 8.

FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing functions of the signal processing unit 7. FIG. 8 is a block diagram showing detailed functions of the signal processing unit 7.

The signal processing unit 7 includes a preprocessing unit 20, a terminal information extraction unit 30, an input position detection unit 40, a deformation detection unit 50, and a correction unit 60.

The pre-processing unit 20 includes an adjustment unit 21 that applies noise removal or the like to the detection signal from the touch sensor 4 and a pressure distribution acquisition unit 22 that acquires a pressure distribution from the detection signal.

The adjusting unit 21 acquires a detection signal from the touch sensor 4. The adjusting unit 21 removes noise from the detection signal from the touch sensor 4 that is RAW data, and amplifies the detection signal to convert it into a detection signal having an appropriate amplitude. The adjustment unit 21 outputs the detection signal after adjustment to the pressure distribution acquisition unit 22.

The pressure distribution acquisition unit 22 acquires the detection signal adjusted by the adjustment unit 21. Then, the pressure distribution acquisition unit 22 acquires the pressure distribution applied to the touch sensor 4 from the acquired detection signal. Then, the pressure distribution acquisition unit 22 outputs a signal indicating the pressure distribution to the input position detection unit 40 and the deformation detection unit 50.

The pressure distribution acquisition unit 22 acquires the pressure distribution from the detection signal, for example, at a sampling period that can capture a change in the detection signal related to the user's touch input. The sampling period may be longer or shorter than the above period. For example, in order to increase the time accuracy of detection of the touch operation, a sampling period that greatly exceeds the speed of change of the detection signal related to the touch input may be set.

The pressure distribution acquisition unit 22 outputs a signal corresponding to the pressure distribution when there is a change in the acquired pressure distribution. However, the pressure distribution acquisition unit 22 may be configured to output a signal indicating the pressure distribution even when there is no change in the acquired pressure distribution.

The terminal information extraction unit 30 extracts information related to the information terminal 1. The information regarding the information terminal 1 includes, for example, information for indicating the size of the grid of the piezoelectric elements 4c constituting the touch sensor 4 and the rigidity (or ease of deformation) of the sheet-like part 2a (material of the sheet-like part 2a). And information indicating rigidity). The terminal information extraction unit 30 outputs the extracted information to the input position detection unit 40 and the deformation detection unit 50. The terminal information extraction unit 30 may acquire information on the information terminal 1 from information held by an OS (Operating System), or may be acquired from a hardware driver or the like. Further, when information related to the information terminal 1 is stored in the memory 8 in advance, the terminal information extraction unit 30 may acquire information related to the information terminal 1 from the memory 8.

The input position detection unit 40 acquires information on the pressure distribution from the preprocessing unit 20 and also acquires information on the information terminal 1 from the terminal information extraction unit 30. And the input position detection part 40 acquires a nonuniform distribution and an input position based on the information regarding pressure distribution, and the information regarding the information terminal 1. FIG. Then, the input position detection unit 40 outputs information indicating the non-uniform distribution and the input position to the correction unit 60.

The input position detection unit 40 includes a non-uniform distribution extraction unit 41 and a position determination unit 42.

The non-uniform distribution extraction unit 41 extracts a distribution having a width equal to or smaller than a predetermined value, which is composed of output values satisfying a predetermined condition, as a non-uniform distribution formed based on a touch input. . Here, the predetermined condition regarding the pressure distribution is that the pressure is higher than a pressure detected in the vicinity thereof by a predetermined threshold value (for example, about several grams to several hundred grams). Specifically, the non-uniform distribution extraction unit 41 acquires a signal related to the pressure distribution from the pressure distribution acquisition unit 22. In addition, the non-uniform distribution extracting unit 41 acquires information indicating the size of the grid of the piezoelectric elements 4 c constituting the touch sensor 4 from the terminal information extracting unit 30 as information related to the information terminal 1. Then, the non-uniform distribution extraction unit 41 has a predetermined area (for example, a value about the area of the fingertip. For example, 0.5 cm ² to 5 cm) from the pressure distribution. ² ) The following distribution is extracted as a non-uniform distribution. The non-uniform distribution extraction unit 41 outputs information indicating the extracted non-uniform distribution to the position determination unit 42. For example, the non-uniform distribution R illustrated in FIG. 6B is extracted by the non-uniform distribution extraction unit 41. When a distribution not based on touch input is detected, for example, the area of the distribution composed of output values that satisfy a predetermined condition is smaller than the area of the fingertip (for example, 1% to 50% of the fingertip area). %), The non-uniform distribution extracting unit 41 may be configured not to extract this distribution as a non-uniform distribution.

The non-uniform distribution extracting unit 41 refers to the information regarding the size of the grid acquired from the terminal information extracting unit 30 when calculating the area of the region.

The non-uniform distribution extracting unit 41 may extract the non-uniform distribution by a method other than the extraction method based on the area. For example, an image corresponding to the pressure distribution may be generated, and the non-uniform distribution may be extracted by applying an image recognition process to the image. In this case, for example, the shape (circular, elliptical, etc.) of a finger or the like that contacts the touch sensor 4 via the display film 3a is identified and extracted from the image based on the pressure distribution.

The non-uniform distribution extracting unit 41 may be implemented in various modes other than the above as long as it is configured to detect a pressure distribution based on touch input. Information (information indicating the material and rigidity of the sheet-like part 2a) for indicating the rigidity (or ease of deformation) of the sheet-like part 2a is further acquired from the terminal information extraction unit 30, and based on the information, The predetermined condition may be changed as appropriate.

The position determination unit 42 acquires information indicating the non-uniform distribution from the non-uniform distribution extraction unit 41. The position determination unit 42 determines that the position indicating the maximum pressure in the non-uniform distribution is the input position P by touch input based on the acquired information. The position determination unit 42 outputs a signal indicating the non-uniform distribution and the input position P of the touch input to the correction unit 60.

The non-uniform distribution R detected by the input position detection unit 40 is not limited to the non-uniform distribution R in FIG. For example, as shown in FIGS. 9 and 10, a plurality of non-uniform distributions R <b> 1 and R <b> 2 may be detected by the input position detection unit 40. Each pressure distribution in the example of FIGS. 9 and 10 includes one uniform distribution S and two non-uniform distributions R1 and R2. In these cases, the non-uniform distribution extraction unit 41 extracts two non-uniform distributions R1 and R2, and the position determination unit 42 calculates input positions P1 and P2 corresponding to the non-uniform distributions R1 and R2, respectively. To detect.

9 and 10, there are cases where the non-uniform distributions R1 and R2 detected by the input position detection unit 40 are truly non-uniform distributions based on touch input, and other cases. That is, one or both of the non-uniform distributions R1 and R2 may be a pressure distribution that is not based on touch input. Processing for excluding distributions not based on touch input from the plurality of non-uniform distributions (candidates) R1 and R2 is executed by the correction unit 60 (described later).

The deformation detection unit 50 acquires a signal indicating the pressure distribution from the preprocessing unit 20 and the information related to the information terminal 1 from the terminal information extraction unit 30, similarly to the input position detection unit 40. And the deformation | transformation detection part 50 detects the deformation | transformation state of the sheet-like part 2a (or touch sensor 4) based on the signal which shows pressure distribution, and the information regarding the information terminal 1. FIG. And the deformation | transformation detection part 50 outputs the signal which shows the deformation | transformation state of the detected sheet-like part 2a to the correction | amendment part 60. FIG. The signal indicating the deformation state of the touch sensor 4 includes a uniform distribution (described later).

The deformation detection unit 50 includes a uniform distribution extraction unit 51 and a deformation determination unit 52.

The uniform distribution extraction unit 51 acquires a signal indicating the pressure distribution from the pressure distribution acquisition unit 22. Further, the uniform distribution extraction unit 51 acquires information on the size of the grid of the piezoelectric elements 4 c constituting the touch sensor 4 as information on the information terminal 1 from the terminal information extraction unit 30. The uniform distribution extracting unit 51 satisfies the predetermined condition from the pressure distribution and has an area equal to or larger than a predetermined area (about the area of the area where the touch sensor 4 (sheet-like part 2a) is deformed). The distribution on the region is extracted as a uniform distribution. The uniform distribution extraction unit 51 outputs a signal indicating the uniform distribution to the deformation determination unit 52.

The predetermined condition is that the pressure detected by the touch sensor 4 is not less than a predetermined threshold value. When calculating the area of the region, the uniform distribution extraction unit 51 refers to information on the grid size acquired from the terminal information extraction unit 30.

For example, the uniform distribution S shown in FIG. 6A, FIG. 9 and FIG.

The uniform distribution extraction unit 51 may extract the uniform distribution by a method other than the above extraction method based on the area. For example, an image corresponding to the pressure distribution may be generated, and the uniform distribution may be extracted by applying an image recognition process to the image. In this case, for example, from the image based on the pressure distribution, the area and shape of the region in which the pressure is detected (for example, a band-shaped shape in contact with the two sides of the touch sensor 4) are identified and extracted.

However, the deformation mode of the touch sensor 4 depends on the material forming the sheet-like portion 2a. Therefore, when the shape of the deformed portion is recognized for the extraction of the uniform distribution, the shape may be other shapes such as a rectangle, a triangle, and a circle in addition to a belt-like shape that touches two sides of the touch sensor 4. possible. Therefore, the conditions relating to the shape of the deformed portion may be set as appropriate for extracting a uniform distribution. For example, in order to set conditions regarding the shape of the deformed portion for extracting a uniform distribution, information for indicating the rigidity (or ease of deformation) of the sheet-like portion 2a (material and rigidity of the sheet-like portion 2a) Information) may be acquired from the terminal information extraction unit 30.

The deformation determination unit 52 acquires a uniform distribution from the uniform distribution extraction unit 51. Then, the deformation determination unit 52 determines the deformation state of the touch sensor 4 based on the uniform distribution. The deformation determination unit 52 outputs a signal indicating the deformation state of the touch sensor 4 described below to the correction unit 60.

The deformation determination unit 52 extracts features from the uniform distribution and detects and determines the deformation state of the touch sensor 4 based on the extracted features. The deformation determination unit 52 detects a straight line L that approximates the shape of a region where a uniform distribution is formed. For example, the deformation determination unit 52 extracts a region having a high pressure level from the uniform distribution, and detects a straight line L that approximates the shape of the region.

For example, as shown in FIG. 5A, the deformation determination unit 52 determines that the touch sensor 4 (sheet-like portion 2a) is curved around the straight line L.

The deformation determination unit 52 outputs a signal indicating the uniform distribution and the straight line L to the correction unit 60 as a signal indicating the deformation state of the touch sensor 4.

In this way, the deformation detection unit 50 detects the deformation state of the touch sensor 4.

The deformation determination unit 52 determines that the touch sensor 4 is deformed so as to bend in a direction orthogonal to the detected straight line L. The signal indicating the deformation state of the touch sensor 4 is used by the correction unit 60 to exclude the influence of the deformation of the touch sensor 4 on the detection signal from the touch sensor 4. If the deformation determination unit 52 is information that can exclude the influence of deformation of the touch sensor 4 in the detection signal from the touch sensor 4, the signal indicating the deformation state may include information other than the uniform distribution or the straight line L. For example, information indicating the degree of deformation (or bending) of the touch sensor 4 in the uniform distribution forming portion may be included in the signal indicating the deformation state. In this case, the deformation determination unit 52 further acquires, for example, information related to the information terminal 1 from the terminal information extraction unit 30, and detects the degree of deformation based on the information related to the information terminal 1.

Note that the deformation state of the touch sensor 4 detected by the deformation determination unit 52 may indicate a deformation state that is not based on touch input. For example, the touch sensor 4 may be deformed based on the weight of the sheet-like part 2a. In this case, the uniform distribution extracted from the pressure distribution by the uniform distribution extraction unit 51 detects a deformation state that is not based on the touch input. When a deformed state not based on touch input is detected, the detection signal from the touch sensor 4 does not need to be corrected, and thus the detection signal in this case is not corrected by the correction unit 60 described below.

The correction unit 60 acquires the non-uniform distribution and the input position from the input position detection unit 40, and acquires a signal indicating the deformation state of the touch sensor 4 from the deformation detection unit 50. Then, the correction unit 60 corrects the detection signal from the touch sensor 4 based on the non-uniform distribution and the deformation state of the touch sensor 4, and outputs the corrected detection signal.

The correction unit 60 corrects the detection result from the touch sensor 4 when the detection result is rational, and the input determination unit 61 that determines whether the detection result by the input position detection unit 40 and the deformation detection unit 50 is reasonable. And a correction application unit 62 that applies

The input determination unit 61 acquires the non-uniform distribution and the input position from the input position detection unit 40, and acquires a signal indicating the deformation state of the touch sensor 4 from the deformation detection unit 50. Then, the input determination unit 61 determines whether the deformation state of the touch sensor 4 is formed based on the touch input based on a predetermined determination condition, and from the input position detected by the input position detection unit 40, Exclude input positions that are not based on touch input, that is, input positions that are not rational. When it is determined that the deformed state of the touch sensor 4 is formed based on the touch input, the input determination unit 61 sets the input position (the input position having rationality) after the input position that is not based on the touch input is excluded. The corresponding non-uniform distribution and a signal indicating the deformation state of the touch sensor 4 are output to the correction application unit 62.

The above-described predetermined determination condition regarding the processing of the input determination unit 61 will be described below using an example.

Referring to FIG. 6A, the input determination unit 61 detects the straight line M passing through the predetermined holding position A of the information terminal 1 and the input position P detected by the input position detection unit 40, and the deformation detection unit 50. An angle θ formed by the straight line L is extracted. Here, the predetermined holding position A is set with predetermined coordinates. When the deviation between the angle θ and 90 degrees is less than the predetermined angle θ0 (that is, | 90−θ | <θ0), the input determination unit 61 determines that the input position P is a true input position based on the touch input. judge. Then, the input determination unit 61 determines that the deformation state of the touch sensor 4 is a deformation state based on the touch input. In other words, when the touch sensor 4 (sheet-like portion 2a) has a reasonable way of bending in consideration of the holding position A, the input position P, and the straight line L, the input determination unit 61 determines that the input position P is touched. The true input position is determined based on the input.

The predetermined angle θ0 is set to about 0 to 30 degrees, for example. The predetermined angle θ0 may be appropriately set according to the configuration of the sheet-like portion 2a, the usage environment of the information terminal 1, user settings, and the like. Moreover, the input determination part 61 may acquire the information regarding the structure of the sheet-like part 2a from the terminal information extraction part 30, and may set predetermined | prescribed angle (theta) 0 based on the acquired information.

When the deviation between the angle θ and 90 degrees is equal to or greater than the predetermined angle θ0 (that is, | 90−θ | ≧ θ0), the input determination unit 61 forms a deformed state of the touch sensor 4 by the touch input with respect to the input position P. It is determined that there is no rationality. In this case, it is not necessary to correct the detection signal from the touch sensor 4, and the correction unit 60 does not perform further processing for outputting the corrected detection signal.

As shown in FIG. 9, two input positions P1 and P2 may be detected by the input position detection unit 40. In this case, the input determination unit 61 calculates the angles θ1 and θ2 corresponding to the input positions P1 and P2 in the same manner as the angle θ. In the case of FIG. 9, | 90−θ1 | <θ0 and | 90−θ2 | ≧ θ0 hold. Therefore, the input determination unit 61 extracts the input position P1 as the input position P1 based on the touch input, and determines that the deformation state of the touch sensor 4 is formed based on the touch input with respect to the input position P1.

Even in the case of FIG. 10, two input positions P1 and P2 are detected by the input position detection unit 40, and angles θ1 and θ2 corresponding to the input positions P1 and P2 are calculated. In the case of FIG. 10, | 90−θ1 | <θ0 and | 90−θ2 | <θ0 hold. Therefore, the input determination unit 61 extracts the two input positions P1 and P2 as the input positions P1 and P2 based on the touch input, and the deformation state of the touch sensor 4 is a touch input to the two input positions P1 and P2 ( It is determined that it is formed based on multi-touch input).

10, the input determination unit 61 extracts two input positions P1 and P2 as touch input positions P1 and P2. However, the input determination unit 61 may extract, for example, one input position corresponding to the angle closer to 90 degrees out of the angles θ1 and θ2 as the input position of the touch input.

In the case of FIG. 10, if | 90−θ1 | ≧ θ0 and | 90−θ2 | ≧ θ0 are satisfied, the input determination unit 61 determines that both of the two input positions P1 and P2 are touch input positions. In other words, it is determined that the deformation state of the touch sensor 4 is not formed based on the touch input. However, the input determination unit 61 may extract, for example, one input position corresponding to the angle closer to 90 degrees out of the angles θ1 and θ2 as the input position of the touch input.

<The input determination part 61 may perform a determination process based on conditions other than said determination conditions. For example, the determination process may be executed based on the relationship between the pressure levels of the non-uniform distribution R and the uniform distribution S. The input determination unit 61 estimates the pressure level of the uniform distribution S from the pressure level of the non-uniform distribution R and the holding position A based on the lever principle. By comparing the estimated distribution and the detected uniform distribution S, the presence / absence of rationality is determined (for example, if the pressure levels of both distributions are similar to each other, it is determined that there is rationality). )

The correction application unit 62 acquires from the input determination unit 61 a signal indicating the input position of the touch input extracted by the input determination unit 61, the non-uniform distribution corresponding to the input position, and the deformation state of the touch sensor 4. . Then, the correction application unit 62 generates a detection signal after correction based on the deformation state of the touch sensor 4 and the non-uniform distribution corresponding to the input position of the extracted touch input. Output as an output signal.

The correction application unit 62 amplifies the acquired non-uniform distribution according to the deformation state of the touch sensor 4, and outputs the amplified non-uniform distribution as a detection signal after correction. Specifically, the correction application unit 62 adds a value corresponding to the uniform distribution extracted by the deformation detection unit 50 to the non-uniform distribution. That is, for example, an average value of the uniform distribution is added to each value constituting the non-uniform distribution as a value corresponding to the uniform distribution. That is, the influence of the deformation of the touch sensor 4 is removed from the pressure distribution, and the pressure distribution when the touch input is performed on the touch sensor 4 that is not deformed is reproduced.

As long as the value corresponding to the uniform distribution is a value representing the pressure level of the uniform distribution S, such as an average value or an integral value of the uniform distribution, or a value proportional to the average value or the integral value, various values can be used. The value of Further, a value corresponding to the uniform distribution S may be multiplied to each value constituting the non-uniform distribution instead of addition. As described above, the correction applying unit 62 may emphasize the non-uniform distribution by various methods in accordance with the pressure level of the uniform distribution. In other words, the correction application unit 62 may emphasize the output value of the sensor output constituting the non-uniform distribution.

As described above, the correction application unit 62 adds a value corresponding to the uniform distribution extracted by the deformation detection unit 50 to the non-uniform distribution. However, the correction application unit 62 subtracts a component corresponding to the deformation of the touch sensor 4 based on the weight of the sheet-like portion 2a from the uniform distribution extracted by the deformation detection unit 50, and a value corresponding to the remaining pressure value. (For example, a value obtained by multiplying the remaining pressure value by a predetermined coefficient) may be added to the non-uniform distribution. The pressure distribution corresponding to the deformation of the touch sensor 4 based on the weight of the sheet-like part 2a is specified from the uniform distribution detected by the deformation detection unit 50 when the non-uniform distribution is not detected by the input position detection unit 40. it can. Such a specifying process is performed by, for example, the correction application unit 62. By applying such correction, the pressure distribution when the touch input is performed on the touch sensor 4 in the undeformed state is more faithfully reproduced.

Alternatively, on the basis of the distance between the holding position A and the uniform distribution and the distance between the holding position A and the input position P, the coefficient is a value corresponding to the pressure of the uniform distribution in the addition process. The value obtained by multiplying by may be added to the non-uniform distribution. For example, this coefficient may be a numerical value proportional to the ratio obtained by dividing the distance between the holding position A and the input position by the distance between the holding position A and the uniform distribution. By taking this configuration, a correction effect may be further obtained. For example, when the value of the ratio is large, that is, when the distance between the holding position A and the input position P is larger than the distance between the holding position A and the uniform distribution, touch input is performed with a small force. Even if it breaks, the sheet-like part 2a is easily deformed by the principle of leverage. For this reason, the pressure value in the non-uniform distribution is low, and the touch input is difficult to detect. However, when the correction using the ratio is applied, the pressure level of the non-uniform distribution based on the force of the touch input weakened by the lever principle is appropriately reinforced, and the pressure distribution is faithfully reproduced.

4). Correction Application Examples FIGS. 11A to 11D show application examples of correction by the correction application unit 62. FIG.

For example, a pressure distribution as shown in FIG. 11A may be detected by the touch sensor 4. In this case, as shown in FIG. 11A, a non-uniform distribution R and a uniform distribution S are detected. When the input determination unit 61 determines that these detection results are rational, the correction application unit 62 calculates a value corresponding to the uniform distribution S (such as an average value of the uniform distribution S) as a non-uniform distribution. By adding R to each value constituting the pressure, a corrected pressure distribution as shown in FIG. 11B is generated. The corrected pressure distribution does not include a uniform distribution but includes a non-uniform distribution R ′ corresponding to the input position P of the touch input. The pressure f2 in the non-uniform distribution R ′ is larger than the pressure f1 before correction. That is, the correction application unit 62 removes the influence of deformation of the touch sensor 4 from the pressure distribution detected from the touch sensor 4 and outputs a sensor output that forms a non-uniform distribution according to the pressure level of the uniform distribution S. Emphasize the output value of.

For example, when a touch input is performed on a portion where the touch sensor 4 is bent, a pressure distribution as shown in the graph of FIG. 11C may be detected by the touch sensor 4. In this case, the uniform distribution S as shown in FIG. 11C is formed around a region where the non-uniform distribution R is formed. Further, the input position detection unit 40 calculates a distribution constituted by a value obtained by subtracting the average value of the uniform distribution S from the value of the detected pressure distribution on the region where the non-uniform distribution R is formed. Detect as uniform distribution. When the uniform distribution S is formed around the region where the non-uniform distribution R is formed, the input determination unit 61 determines that the detection result is valid without using the predetermined determination condition (separately) The validity may be determined based on the conditions of Then, the correction application unit 62 generates a corrected pressure distribution as shown in FIG. That is, the correction application unit 62 adds a value corresponding to the uniform distribution S (an average value of the uniform distribution S or the like) to each value constituting the non-uniform distribution R, thereby obtaining the result shown in FIG. A corrected pressure distribution as shown is generated. The pressure distribution after correction does not include the uniform distribution but includes the non-uniform distribution R ′ corresponding to the input position P of the touch input, and the pressure f2 in the non-uniform distribution R ′ is the pressure f1 before correction. Greater than. Therefore, also in the case of the example of FIG. 11C and FIG. 11D, the correction application unit 62 removes the influence of the deformation of the touch sensor 4 from the pressure distribution detected from the touch sensor 4 and is uniform. The output value of the sensor output constituting the non-uniform distribution is emphasized according to the pressure level of the distribution S.

As illustrated in FIGS. 11A to 11D, the corrected pressure distribution includes a non-uniform distribution corresponding to the input position of the extracted touch input, and the input position of the touch input that has not been extracted. The corresponding non-uniform distribution is not included, and the uniform distribution is not included.

As described above, the signal processing unit 7 applies the correction process to the detection signal from the touch sensor 4 and outputs the corrected detection signal. The corrected detection signal is acquired by, for example, the processor 9 and the processor 9 controls each unit of the information terminal 1 based on an application program or the like. Since touch input is detected with high accuracy based on the corrected detection signal, the operability of the information terminal 1 is improved.

Note that touch input may be performed in a state where the information terminal 1 is placed on a soft surface (such as a sofa seat). In this case, the touch sensor 4 detects a pressure distribution as shown in FIG. In this case, the deformation detection unit 50 detects a circular uniform distribution S formed around a region where the non-uniform distribution R is formed. When the uniform distribution S is formed around the region where the non-uniform distribution R is formed, the input determination unit 61 uses the input position detection unit 40 and the deformation detection unit 50 without using the predetermined determination condition. The detection result is determined to be reasonable (the validity may be determined based on another condition). The correction application unit 62 generates the corrected pressure distribution as shown in FIG. 12B by executing the same processing as that described with reference to FIGS. 11C and 11D. To do. That is, the correction application unit 62 adds a value corresponding to the uniform distribution S (an average value of the uniform distribution S or the like) to each value constituting the non-uniform distribution R, thereby obtaining the result shown in FIG. A corrected pressure distribution as shown is generated. The corrected pressure distribution does not include a uniform distribution but includes a non-uniform distribution R ′ corresponding to the input position P of the touch input. The pressure f2 in the non-uniform distribution R ′ is larger than the pressure f1 before correction.

As described with reference to FIG. 11C and FIG. 12A, when an exceptional pressure distribution is detected, the detection result by the input position detection unit 40 and the deformation detection unit 50 by the input determination unit 61 The process of evaluating the validity of may be omitted (the validity may be determined based on another condition).

As described above, in the configuration of the present embodiment, the correction process is applied to the detection signal indicating the pressure distribution detected by the touch sensor based on the deformation of the touch sensor 4. By applying the correction process, the influence of the deformation of the touch sensor 4 (sheet-like portion 2a) based on the deformation of the information terminal 1, that is, the uniform distribution is removed from the output value of the sensor output constituting the pressure distribution, and the touch input. The output value of the sensor output that forms a non-uniform distribution based on is emphasized (amplified). Therefore, for example, when the processor 9 accepts an input from the touch sensor 4, the presence / absence of the touch input and the input position are detected well. That is, even when the touch sensor 4 is deformed, good detection accuracy of touch input is maintained, and the operability of the information terminal 1 is improved.

In addition, the signal processing by the signal processing unit 7 described above may be applied to the information terminal 1 including the large display 3 (for example, a display having a screen having a size of 9 inches or more). Since the touch sensor 4 (size is 9 inches or more) arranged on the housing (sheet-like portion 2a) of the large information terminal 1 is easily deformed, the effect of the present embodiment becomes remarkable, and the operability of the user is improved. Greatly improved. The configuration of the present embodiment may be applied to a flexible tablet information terminal device (corresponding to the information terminal 1).

In this embodiment, the signal processing unit 7 such as an LSI provided separately from the processor 9 applies signal processing (correction processing) to the detection signal from the touch sensor 4. The signal processing unit 7 may be realized by dedicated LSI hardware, for example.

Some or all of the functions of the signal processing unit 7 may be realized by the processor 9. In this case, the program related to the function executed by the processor 9 is read from, for example, the memory 8 or acquired via a wired or wireless communication network.

<Embodiment 2>
In the first embodiment, the holding position A of the information terminal 1 is fixed at a predetermined position. In the present embodiment, processing for detecting the holding position of the information terminal 1 is executed based on the touch input and information indicating the deformation of the information terminal.

FIG. 13 is a block diagram illustrating functions of the signal processing unit 7 according to the present embodiment.

The signal processing unit 7 according to the present embodiment includes a preprocessing unit 20, a terminal information extraction unit 30, an input position detection unit 40, and a deformation detection unit 50 having the same configuration as that of the above embodiment. The signal processing unit 7 further includes a holding position detection unit 70. A signal from the holding position detection unit 70 is output to the display processing unit 80 provided in the processor 9.

Regarding the preprocessing unit 20, the terminal information extraction unit 30, the input position detection unit 40, and the deformation detection unit 50, the description of the same configuration as in the first embodiment may be omitted in the following description. Hereinafter, the holding position detection unit 70 and the display processing unit 80 will be mainly described.

The holding position detection unit 70 acquires a signal indicating the non-uniform distribution and the input position from the input position detection unit 40, and acquires a signal indicating the deformation state of the touch sensor 4 from the deformation detection unit 50. Then, the holding position detection unit 70 specifies the holding position of the information terminal 1. Then, the holding position detection unit 70 outputs a signal indicating the holding position and the uniform distribution to the display processing unit 80. The display processing unit 80 executes processing for displaying a screen on the display 3 according to the detection result of the holding position detection unit 70, that is, based on the holding position and the uniform distribution acquired from the holding position detection unit 70.

FIG. 14 is a block diagram showing details of the function of the signal processing unit 7 according to the present embodiment.

The holding position detection unit 70 includes an input determination unit 71 and a holding position determination unit 72.

The input determination unit 71 is substantially the same as the configuration of the input determination unit 61 of the first embodiment. However, unlike the input determination unit 61 of the first embodiment, the input determination unit 71 of the present embodiment does not execute the process of extracting the input position based on the touch input. The input determination unit 71 acquires a signal indicating the non-uniform distribution and the input position from the input position detection unit 40, and acquires a signal indicating the deformation state of the touch sensor 4 from the deformation detection unit 50. However, when the touch input is not performed, the input determination unit 71 does not acquire the non-uniform distribution and the input position from the input position detection unit 40. In this case, the input determination unit 71 determines that the deformation of the touch sensor 4 is not formed based on the touch input based on the fact that the non-uniform distribution or the input position is not acquired, and acquires the deformation from the deformation determination unit 52. The uniform distribution is output to the holding position determination unit 72.

That is, when the touch sensor 4 (sheet-like part 2a) is deformed by its own weight, the process of the holding position determination part 72 is executed.

When it is determined that the deformation state of the touch sensor 4 is not formed based on the touch input, the holding position determination unit 72 outputs the output value of the sensor output forming the uniform distribution detected from the input determination unit 71. get. Then, the holding position determination unit 72 detects the holding position of the information terminal 1 based on the uniform distribution. The holding position determination unit 72 outputs the output value of the sensor output that forms a uniform distribution with the detected holding position to the display processing unit 80.

The holding position determination unit 72 detects the holding position A of the information terminal 1 by the user as follows.

15A and 15B show examples of the detected holding position A. FIG. The holding position determination unit 72 first extracts a region having a high pressure level from the uniform distribution, and detects a straight line L that approximates the shape of the region. The method for detecting the straight line L is the same as the method described in the first embodiment. Then, the holding position determination unit 72 extracts the midpoint H of the straight line L on the touch sensor 4, and the edge of the information terminal 1 positioned in the direction passing through the midpoint H and orthogonal to the straight line L is determined as the holding position. Detect as A. Here, although there are two candidates for the holding position A, the position closer to the straight line L of the two positions is detected as the holding position A.

As shown in FIGS. 15A and 15B, when the holding position A of the information terminal 1 is changed, the deformation mode of the touch sensor 4 due to the weight of the sheet-like portion 2a is changed according to the change of the holding position A. Changes. The holding position A is appropriately detected by the detection processing of the holding position A.

The holding position determination unit 72 may statistically detect the holding position A from the detection signal detected by the touch sensor 4 (for example, the fluctuation in the gradient of the output value of the sensor output that constitutes the pressure distribution is large). The portion may be detected as the holding position A).

Alternatively, the holding position determination unit 72 may detect the position where the pressure is constantly detected at the boundary of the touch sensor 4 as the holding position A.

The detection method of the holding position A is not limited to the above method, and may be detected by various methods. For example, the above two detection methods of the holding position A may be combined. In this case, for example, when there are a plurality of positions where pressure is constantly detected at the boundary of the touch sensor 4, a position that is appropriate as a holding position based on the straight line L is set as the holding position A from the plurality of positions. It can be detected. In addition, for example, a touch sensor for detecting the holding position may be separately provided around the sheet-like portion 2a. In addition, the holding position determination unit 72 may detect the holding position by various methods.

FIG. 16A and FIG. 16B are diagrams showing an example of image display by the display processing unit 80.

The display processing unit 80 causes the display 3 to display an image based on the holding position A and the uniform distribution S acquired from the holding position determination unit 72.

For example, the display processing unit 80 displays the window 90 on the display 3 based on the program that the processor 9 is currently executing.

Here, the display processing unit 80 acquires position information (such as the coordinates of the frame of the window 90) related to the display of the window 90. Then, the display processing unit 80 moves the window 90 so as to approach the holding position A.

For example, a uniform distribution S may be formed between the holding position A and the window 90. In this case, the window 90 is displayed at a portion bent by the weight of the sheet-like portion 2a. Therefore, the display processing unit 80 displays the window 90 as an area where the holding position A and the uniform distribution S are formed based on the fact that the uniform distribution S is formed between the holding position A and the window 90. Move between.

The display processing unit 80 is not limited to the window 90, and may execute processing for moving various images such as icons, buttons, and dialogs in the same manner as described above.

Further, the display processing unit 80 is not limited to moving the image, and performs various switching operations such as switching on / off of the screen and switching on / off of the power supply of the information terminal 1 based on a predetermined condition regarding the uniform distribution or the like. Control for processing may be performed. For example, when the uniform distribution is formed in the immediate vicinity of the holding position A (when the sheet-like portion 2a hangs down and it is difficult to view the display 3), or the uniform distribution is a touch sensor. 4 is formed in almost all of the areas where 4 is arranged (in a state where the information terminal 1 is rounded), the display processing unit 80 performs control to turn off the display on the display 3. In this case, when the predetermined condition is not satisfied, the display processing unit 80 turns on the display of the display 3.

As described above, in the present embodiment, the holding position A of the information terminal 1 is detected based on the detection signal detected by the touch sensor 4. By detecting the holding position A, the processor 9 can execute various processes corresponding to the deformation of the information terminal 1 based on the pressure distribution (non-uniform distribution, uniform distribution, etc.) and the holding position. Improves.

For example, as described above, the display position of the image 90 is changed corresponding to the deformation of the information terminal 1, so that the visibility of the screen displayed on the display 3 is improved.
<Embodiment 3>
FIG. 17 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of the signal processing unit 7 according to the third embodiment.

In the second embodiment, the configuration of the correction unit 60 of the first embodiment is omitted (FIG. 13). However, the signal processing unit 7 of the third embodiment further includes a correction unit 60 in addition to the configuration of the second embodiment. As shown in FIG. 17, the correction unit 60 of the first embodiment is inserted between the holding position detection unit 70 and the display processing unit 80.

According to the configuration of the present embodiment, even when the display 3 and the touch sensor 4 of the information terminal 1 are deformed when an image is displayed on the display 3 by the processor 9 based on an application program or the like, As in the case, the high detection accuracy of the touch input is maintained, and at the same time, when the touch input is not performed, various images are displayed at an easily viewable position (near the holding position) of the display 3 as in the second embodiment. Is done.

Further, the correction unit 60 can correct the sensor output constituting the pressure distribution detected by the touch sensor 4 using the information on the holding position detected by the holding position detection unit 70. Therefore, the correction application unit 62 of the correction unit 60 detects the detection signal from the touch sensor 4 based on the distance between the holding position and the region where the uniform distribution is formed, as described in the second embodiment. Can be corrected. In this case, the holding position detected by the holding position detection unit 70 is used for the correction process, so that the correction is performed more appropriately, and the touch input detection accuracy is further improved.

In addition, the embodiment of the present disclosure can be variously modified as appropriate within the scope of the technical idea shown in the claims. For example, some or all of the above embodiments can be combined.

<Aspects of the present disclosure>
The above disclosure discloses the following aspects of the invention.

1. An information terminal (1) that can be operated by touching a predetermined input area with a finger or a predetermined object,
An input unit (4) that has a predetermined input area, detects an area touched by a finger or a predetermined object in the input area, and generates a first signal (detection signal);
A deformation detection unit (7) that detects a deformation of the information terminal (1) and generates a second signal (a signal indicating the deformation state);
An information terminal (1) comprising: a processing unit (7) that corrects the first signal (detection signal) based on a second signal (a signal indicating a deformed state).

With this configuration, the first signal (detection signal) is corrected based on the second signal (signal indicating a deformed state). Therefore, the operability of the information terminal (1) is improved by performing signal processing (correction processing) corresponding to the deformation of the information terminal (1) (input unit (4)).

2. The processing unit (7) determines the distribution when the distribution of the output values of the first signal (detection signal) and the distribution composed of the output values satisfying the predetermined condition is equal to or smaller than the predetermined value. Correcting the first signal (detection signal) by emphasizing a signal (non-uniform distribution) indicating a touch-operated region based on the constituting signal;
2. The information terminal (1) according to (1) above, wherein

This configuration emphasizes a signal (non-uniform distribution) indicating a touch-operated region, thereby maintaining good input detection accuracy and improving operability.

3. The deformation detection unit (7) is a distribution of the output value of the first signal (detection signal), and the information is obtained when the distribution of the output value satisfying a predetermined condition is greater than or equal to the predetermined value. Detecting that the terminal (1) is deformed;
3. The information terminal (1) according to 1 or 2 above, wherein

This configuration makes it possible to correct the first signal (detection signal) based on the deformation of the information terminal (1), that is, based on the influence (uniform distribution) based on the deformation of the information terminal (1). For example, the influence of deformation (non-uniform distribution) can be removed from the first signal (detection signal), so that the input detection accuracy and the operability of the information terminal (1) are improved.

4). A holding position detector (7) for detecting a holding position of the information terminal (1) held by the user;
The holding position detector (7) detects the holding position (A) by the user based on the first signal (detection signal) and the second signal (signal indicating the deformation state). Information terminal (1) as described in any one of thru | or 3.

With this configuration, since the holding position of the information terminal (1) is detected, the information terminal (1) can execute processing based on the holding position. As an example, the first signal can be corrected based on the holding position of the information terminal (1) and the deformation of the information terminal (1).

5. It further includes a display for displaying text and images,
Control the display of the display unit according to the detection result of the holding position detection unit (7),
5. The information terminal (1) as described in 4 above, wherein

6). The deformation detection unit (7) detects the deformation of the information terminal (1) based on the first signal (detection signal), and generates a second signal (a signal indicating a deformation state). The information terminal (1) according to any one of 1 to 5.

In this configuration, the deformation detection unit (7) uses the first signal (detection signal) from the input unit (4). That is, the configuration of the information terminal (1) is simplified as compared with the case where the second signal is generated based on a signal from a component different from the input unit (4).

7). 7. The information terminal (1) according to any one of (1) to (6), wherein the input unit (4) is manufactured by a film-like flexible device.

When the input unit (4) of the information terminal (1) is manufactured with a flexible device as in this configuration, the degree of deformation of the information terminal (1) and the input unit (4) is particularly large. In this case, the effect of improving the operability of the information terminal (1) with the configurations 1 to 6 is high.

8). The size of the input part (4) is 9 inches or more,
The information terminal (1) according to any one of the above 1 to 7, characterized in that:

As in this configuration, when the input unit (4) is large, the input unit (4) is easily deformed. In this case, the effect of improving the operability of the information terminal (1) according to the configurations 1 to 7 is even higher.

9. The information terminal (1) according to any one of 1 to 8, which is a tablet-type information processing apparatus.

10. The input unit (4) is composed of a piezoelectric element.
The information terminal (1) according to any one of the above 1 to 9, characterized in that:

For example, by using this configuration, the deformation of the information terminal (1) (input unit (4)) is detected.

11. An integrated circuit used by being incorporated in an information terminal (1),
An input circuit (7) for receiving a signal detecting an area touched by a finger or a predetermined object in a predetermined input area;
A detection circuit (7) for detecting deformation of the information terminal (1) based on the received signal;
An integrated circuit (7) comprising a circuit (7) for correcting a signal received by the input circuit based on an output signal from the detection circuit.

12 A signal processing method in an information terminal (1) capable of inputting and / or operating information by touching a predetermined input area with a finger or a predetermined object,
Detecting a region touched by a finger or a predetermined object in the input region and generating a first signal (detection signal);
Detecting a deformation of the information terminal (1) and generating a second signal (a signal indicating a deformation state);
Correcting the first signal (detection signal) based on the second signal (signal indicating the deformation state).

13. An information terminal (1) that can be operated by touching a predetermined input area with a finger or a predetermined object,
An input unit (4) that has a predetermined input area, detects an area touched by a finger or a predetermined object in the input area, and generates a first signal (detection signal);
A deformation detection unit (7) that detects a deformation of the information terminal (1) and generates a second signal (a signal indicating the deformation state);
A holding position detector (7) for detecting the holding position (P) of the information terminal (1) held by the user;
The holding position detector (7) detects the holding position (P) by the user based on the first signal and the second signal.
An information terminal characterized by that.

With this configuration, various processes can be executed based on the modification of the information terminal (1) as well as the correction of the first signal described in 1 to 12 above.

14 A display unit (3) for displaying characters and images;
Control the display of the display unit according to the detection result of the holding position detection unit (7),
The information terminal according to claim 13.

This configuration makes it possible to change the characters and images displayed on the display unit according to the deformation of the detected information terminal (1). Therefore, the visibility of the display unit is improved, or the operability for the display unit is improved, and the convenience of the information terminal is improved.

In the above aspect of the invention, the functions of the deformation detection unit, the processing unit, and the holding position detection unit can be realized by using the signal processing unit (7) described in the above embodiment. The signal processing unit (7) can be realized using hardware (an integrated circuit, a CPU, an LSI, or the like). The function of the signal processing unit may be realized by a combination of hardware and software. For example, some or all of the functions of the signal processing unit may be realized using the processor (9) and software. The hardware that realizes part or all of the functions of the signal processing unit may be configured to be distributed in, for example, hardware and processors (9) built in the touch sensor.

In the above-described aspect of the invention, the function of the holding position detection unit may be realized by a combination of hardware and software constituting a touch sensor, a gyro sensor, an acceleration sensor, and the like for detecting the holding position. Further, the function of the holding position detection unit may be realized only by hardware.

When some or all of the functions of the application unit, the position detection unit, the deformation detection unit, and the holding position detection unit are realized by software, the software may be embedded in hardware or may be a memory or the like. It may be stored in the storage unit or installed after factory shipment. The software may be distributed through a communication line such as the Internet.

These general and specific aspects may be realized by a system, a method, a computer program, and any combination of the system, method, and computer program.

The present disclosure can be used for an information terminal having a display unit.

Claims (12)

1. An information terminal that can be operated by touching a predetermined input area with a finger or a predetermined object,
   An input unit that has the predetermined input region and detects a region touched by a finger or a predetermined object in the input region and generates a first signal;
   A deformation detection unit that detects a deformation of the information terminal and generates a second signal;
   An information terminal comprising: a processing unit that corrects the first signal based on the second signal.
2. The processing unit outputs a signal constituting the distribution when the distribution of the output values of the first signal and the distribution of the output values satisfying a predetermined condition is equal to or smaller than a predetermined value. And correcting the first signal by enhancing a signal indicating a touch-operated region,
   The information terminal according to claim 1.
3. The deformation detection unit deforms the information terminal when the distribution of the output values of the first signal and the distribution composed of output values satisfying a predetermined condition is greater than or equal to a predetermined value. To detect,
   The information terminal according to claim 1, wherein the information terminal is an information terminal.
4. A holding position detector for detecting the holding position of the information terminal held by the user;
   The information terminal according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the holding position detection unit detects a holding position by a user based on the first signal and the second signal.
5. It further includes a display for displaying text and images,
   Controlling the display of the display unit according to the detection result of the holding position detection unit;
   The information terminal according to claim 4.
6. The information terminal according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the deformation detection unit detects a deformation of the information terminal based on the first signal and generates a second signal. .
7. The information terminal according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the input unit is manufactured with a film-like flexible device.
8. The size of the input unit is 9 inches or more.
   The information terminal according to claim 1, wherein the information terminal is an information terminal.
9. The information terminal according to any one of claims 1 to 8, which is a tablet-type information processing device.
10. The input unit is composed of a piezoelectric element,
    The information terminal according to claim 1, wherein the information terminal is an information terminal.
11. An integrated circuit used by being incorporated in an information terminal,
    An input circuit that receives a signal that detects an area touched by a finger or a predetermined object in a predetermined input area;
    A detection circuit for detecting deformation of the information terminal based on the received signal;
    An integrated circuit comprising: a circuit for correcting a signal received by the input circuit based on an output signal from the detection circuit.
12. A signal processing method in an information terminal capable of inputting and / or operating information by touching a predetermined input area with a finger or a predetermined object,
    Detecting an area touched by a finger or a predetermined object in the input area and generating a first signal;
    Detecting deformation of the information terminal and generating the second signal;
    And correcting the first signal based on the second signal.

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