Folding determination method for an electronic device and a touch sensor

Abstract

The present invention provides an electronic device and a method for determining the folding of a touch sensor. When the touch sensor is folded at the folding line, the capacitance value of the capacitance generated between at least one first touch sensor electrode among one or more reference second touch sensor electrodes and the plurality of first touch sensor electrodes is defined as the first reference capacitance value. The capacitance value of the capacitance generated between the left second touch sensor electrode and at least one first touch sensor electrode among the plurality of first touch sensor electrodes is defined as the left capacitance value. The capacitance value of the capacitance generated between the right second touch sensor electrode and at least one first touch sensor electrode among the plurality of first touch sensor electrodes is defined as the right capacitance value. When the left capacitance value and the right capacitance value are greater than the first reference capacitance value, the determination unit determines that the touch sensor is folded.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an electronic device including a touch sensor and a method for determining folding of the touch sensor. Background Art

[0002] As an invention related to a conventional electronic device, for example, a flexible touch display panel described in Patent Document 1 is known. When the flexible touch display panel is folded, the touch electrodes on the left side of the folding line face the touch electrodes on the right side of the folding line. As a result, the capacitance value of the touch electrodes increases. Therefore, in this flexible touch display panel, when the capacitance value of the touch electrodes is greater than a threshold value, it is determined that the flexible touch display panel is folded.

[0003] Patent Document 1: U.S. Patent Publication No. 2019 / 0042042

[0004] However, in the flexible touch display panel described in Patent Document 1, when a user's finger touches the flexible touch display panel, the capacitance value of the touch electrodes increases. Therefore, in this flexible touch display panel, it is difficult to distinguish between a user's finger touching the flexible touch display panel and the flexible touch display panel being folded. Summary of the Invention

[0005] Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide an electronic device and a method for determining folding of a touch sensor that can distinguish between a user's finger touching the touch sensor and the touch sensor being folded.

[0006] An electronic device according to one aspect of the present invention includes a touch sensor and a determination unit.

[0007] The touch sensor includes:

[0008] a dielectric film having an upper surface and a lower surface;

[0009] a plurality of first touch sensor electrodes provided on the upper surface of the dielectric film and extending in the left-right direction, arranged in the front-rear direction; and

[0010] a plurality of second touch sensor electrodes provided below the lower surface of the dielectric film and extending in the front-rear direction, arranged in the left-right direction.

[0011] One or more of the second touch sensor electrodes located within a range of not more than a first distance from the folding line in the left-right direction when the touch sensor is folded at a folding line extending in the front-rear direction are defined as one or more reference second touch sensor electrodes.

[0012] When the touch sensor is folded at the folding line, the capacitance value of the capacitance generated between at least one of the one or more reference second touch sensor electrodes and the plurality of first touch sensor electrodes is defined as the first reference capacitance value.

[0013] The second touch sensor electrode located at the position closest to the second distance away from the folding line in the left direction is defined as the left second touch sensor electrode.

[0014] The second touch sensor electrode located at the position closest to the second distance away from the folding line in the right direction is defined as the right second touch sensor electrode.

[0015] The second distance is longer than the first distance.

[0016] The capacitance value of the capacitance generated between the left second touch sensor electrode and at least one of the plurality of first touch sensor electrodes is defined as the left capacitance value.

[0017] The capacitance value of the capacitance generated between the right second touch sensor electrode and at least one of the plurality of first touch sensor electrodes is defined as the right capacitance value.

[0018] When the left capacitance value and the right capacitance value are greater than the first reference capacitance value, the determination unit determines that the touch sensor is folded.

[0019] An electronic device according to one aspect of the present invention includes a touch sensor and a determination unit.

[0020] The touch sensor includes:

[0021] A dielectric film having an upper surface and a lower surface.

[0022] A plurality of first touch sensor electrodes are provided on the upper surface of the dielectric film and extend in the left-right direction, and are arranged in the front-rear direction; and

[0023] A plurality of second touch sensor electrodes are provided below the lower surface of the dielectric film and extend in the front-rear direction, and are arranged in the left-right direction.

[0024] When the touch sensor is folded at a folding line extending in the front-rear direction, the capacitance value of the capacitance generated between the second touch sensor electrode closest to the folding line and any one of the plurality of first touch sensor electrodes is defined as the second reference capacitance value.

[0025] Define the second touch sensor electrode located at the position closest to the second distance away from the folding line in the left direction as the left second touch sensor electrode.

[0026] Define the second touch sensor electrode located at the position closest to the second distance away from the folding line in the right direction as the right second touch sensor electrode.

[0027] Define the capacitance value of the capacitance generated between the left second touch sensor electrode and at least one of the first touch sensor electrodes among the plurality of first touch sensor electrodes as the left capacitance value.

[0028] Define the capacitance value of the capacitance generated between the right second touch sensor electrode and at least one of the first touch sensor electrodes among the plurality of first touch sensor electrodes as the right capacitance value.

[0029] When the intensity of the signal representing the left capacitance value input to the determination unit and the intensity of the signal representing the right capacitance value input to the determination unit are greater than the intensity of the signal representing the second reference capacitance value input to the determination unit, the determination unit determines that the touch sensor is folded.

[0030] The folding determination method of the touch sensor according to one embodiment of the present invention is a folding determination method of the touch sensor executed in an electronic device, and the electronic device includes a touch sensor.

[0031] The touch sensor includes:

[0032] A dielectric film having an upper surface and a lower surface;

[0033] A plurality of first touch sensor electrodes are provided on the upper surface of the dielectric film and extend in the left-right direction, and are arranged in the front-back direction; and

[0034] A plurality of second touch sensor electrodes are provided below the lower surface of the dielectric film and extend in the front-back direction, and are arranged in the left-right direction.

[0035] Define one or more of the second touch sensor electrodes located within a range of not more than a first distance away from the folding line in the left and right directions when the touch sensor is folded along a folding line extending in the front-back direction as one or more reference second touch sensor electrodes.

[0036] Define the capacitance value of the capacitance generated between at least one of the above-mentioned first touch sensor electrodes among the above-mentioned one or more reference second touch sensor electrodes and the above-mentioned multiple first touch sensor electrodes when the above-mentioned touch sensor is folded at the above-mentioned fold line as the first reference capacitance value.

[0037] Define the above-mentioned second touch sensor electrode located at the position closest to the second distance away from the fold line in the left direction as the left second touch sensor electrode.

[0038] Define the above-mentioned second touch sensor electrode located at the position closest to the second distance away from the fold line in the right direction as the right second touch sensor electrode.

[0039] The above-mentioned second distance is longer than the above-mentioned first distance.

[0040] Define the capacitance value of the capacitance generated between at least one of the above-mentioned first touch sensor electrodes among the above-mentioned multiple first touch sensor electrodes and the above-mentioned left second touch sensor electrode as the left capacitance value.

[0041] Define the capacitance value of the capacitance generated between at least one of the above-mentioned first touch sensor electrodes among the above-mentioned multiple first touch sensor electrodes and the above-mentioned right second touch sensor electrode as the right capacitance value.

[0042] When the above-mentioned left capacitance value and the above-mentioned right capacitance value are greater than the above-mentioned first reference capacitance value, it is determined that the above-mentioned touch sensor is folded.

[0043] The method for determining the folding of a touch sensor according to one embodiment of the present invention is a method for determining the folding of a touch sensor executed in an electronic device. The above-mentioned electronic device is provided with a touch sensor.

[0044] The above-mentioned touch sensor includes:

[0045] A dielectric film having an upper surface and a lower surface.

[0046] A plurality of first touch sensor electrodes, which are a plurality of first touch sensor electrodes provided on the above-mentioned upper surface of the above-mentioned dielectric film and extending in the left-right direction, and are arranged in the front-back direction; and

[0047] A plurality of second touch sensor electrodes, which are a plurality of second touch sensor electrodes provided below the above-mentioned lower surface of the above-mentioned dielectric film and extending in the front-back direction, and are arranged in the left-right direction.

[0048] When the above-mentioned touch sensor is folded at the folding line extending in the front-rear direction, the capacitance value of the capacitance generated between the second touch sensor electrode closest to the folding line and any one of the plurality of first touch sensor electrodes is defined as the second reference capacitance value.

[0049] The second touch sensor electrode located at the position closest to the second distance away from the folding line in the left direction is defined as the left second touch sensor electrode.

[0050] The second touch sensor electrode located at the position closest to the second distance away from the folding line in the right direction is defined as the right second touch sensor electrode.

[0051] The capacitance value of the capacitance generated between the left second touch sensor electrode and at least one of the plurality of first touch sensor electrodes is defined as the left capacitance value.

[0052] The capacitance value of the capacitance generated between the right second touch sensor electrode and at least one of the plurality of first touch sensor electrodes is defined as the right capacitance value.

[0053] When the intensity of the signal representing the left capacitance value and the intensity of the signal representing the right capacitance value are greater than the intensity of the signal representing the second reference capacitance value, it is determined that the touch sensor is folded.

[0054] In this specification, an axis or component extending in the front-rear direction does not necessarily mean only an axis or component parallel to the front-rear direction. An axis or component extending in the front-rear direction is an axis or component inclined within a range of ±45° with respect to the front-rear direction. Similarly, an axis or component extending in the up-down direction is an axis or component inclined within a range of ±45° with respect to the up-down direction. An axis or component extending in the left-right direction is an axis or component inclined within a range of ±45° with respect to the left-right direction.

[0055] Hereinafter, the so-called first component, second component, and third component are structures included in an electronic device. In this specification, the so-called first component being supported by the second component includes the case where the first component is immovably mounted (i.e., fixed) to the second component with respect to the second component, and the case where the first component is movably mounted to the second component with respect to the second component. In addition, the so-called first component being supported by the second component includes both the case where the first component is directly mounted to the second component and the case where the first component is mounted to the second component via the third component.

[0056] In this specification, the first component and the second component arranged in the front-rear direction represent the following state. When observing the first component and the second component in a direction perpendicular to the front-rear direction, it is a state where both the first component and the second component are arranged on an arbitrary straight line representing the front-rear direction. In this specification, when observing the first component and the second component arranged in the front-rear direction in the up-down direction, it represents the following state. When observing the first component and the second component in the up-down direction, both the first component and the second component are arranged on an arbitrary straight line representing the front-rear direction. In this case, when observing the first component and the second component from the left-right direction different from the up-down direction, either one of the first component and the second component may not be arranged on an arbitrary straight line representing the front-rear direction. In addition, the first component and the second component may be in contact. The first component and the second component may also be separated. A third component may also exist between the first component and the second component. This definition also applies to directions other than the front-rear direction.

[0057] In this specification, when it is said that the first component is arranged in front of the second component, it refers to the following state. A part of the first component is arranged in the area passed through when the second component moves forward in parallel. Therefore, the first component may also be accommodated in the area passed through when the second component moves forward in parallel, or may protrude from the area passed through when the second component moves forward in parallel. In this case, the first component and the second component are arranged in the front-rear direction. This definition also applies to directions other than the front-rear direction.

[0058] In this specification, when observing in the left-right direction, when it is said that the first component is arranged in front of the second component, it refers to the following state. When observing in the left-right direction, the first component and the second component are arranged in the front-rear direction, and when observing in the left-right direction, the part of the first component facing the second component is arranged in front of the second component. In this definition, the first component and the second component may not be arranged in the front-rear direction in three dimensions. This definition also applies to directions other than the front-rear direction.

[0059] In this specification, when it is said that the first component is arranged in front of the second component, it refers to the following state. The first component is arranged in front of the plane passing through the front end of the second component and orthogonal to the front-rear direction. In this case, the first component and the second component may or may not be arranged in the front-rear direction. This definition also applies to directions other than the front-rear direction.

[0060] In this specification, unless otherwise specified, the various parts of the first component are defined as follows. The front part of the first component means the front half of the first component. The rear part of the first component means the rear half of the first component. The left part of the first component means the left half of the first component. The right part of the first component means the right half of the first component. The upper part of the first component means the upper half of the first component. The lower part of the first component means the lower half of the first component. The front end of the first component means the end at the front of the first component. The rear end of the first component means the end at the rear of the first component. The left end of the first component means the end at the left of the first component. The right end of the first component means the end at the right of the first component. The upper end of the first component means the end at the upper of the first component. The lower end of the first component means the end at the lower of the first component. The front end portion of the first component means the front end of the first component and its vicinity. The rear end portion of the first component means the rear end of the first component and its vicinity. The left end portion of the first component means the left end of the first component and its vicinity. The right end portion of the first component means the right end of the first component and its vicinity. The upper end portion of the first component means the upper end of the first component and its vicinity. The lower end portion of the first component means the lower end of the first component and its vicinity.

[0061] In this specification, the electrical connection between the first component and the second component has the following two meanings. The first meaning is that direct current can flow between the first component and the second component through physical contact between the first component and the second component. The second meaning is that direct current can flow between the first component and the second component through physical contact between the first component and a third component and physical contact between the third component and the second component. In the second meaning, the first component and the second component may or may not be in physical contact. In the second meaning, the third component may be a single component or may include multiple components.

[0062] According to the folding determination method of the electronic device and the touch sensor of the present invention, it is possible to distinguish between a user's finger touching the touch sensor and the touch sensor being folded. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0063] Figure 1 is a structural diagram of the electronic device 1.

[0064] Figure 2 is Figure 1 a cross-sectional view taken along line A - A of

[0065] Figure 3 is a view of the electronic device 1 after being folded along the folding line L.

[0066] Figure 4It is a diagram showing the capacitance formed between the first touch sensor electrode 140 for calculation and the second touch sensor electrode 16 when the user's finger is not in contact with the touch sensor 11 and the touch sensor 11 is not folded at the folding line L.

[0067] Figure 5 It is a diagram showing the capacitance formed between the first touch sensor electrode 140 for calculation and the second touch sensor electrode 162L on the left when the user's finger touches the touch sensor 11.

[0068] Figure 6 It is a diagram showing the capacitance formed between the first touch sensor electrode 140 for calculation and the second touch sensor electrode 162L on the left when the touch sensor 11 is folded at the folding line L.

[0069] Figure 7 It is a chart showing the distribution of capacitance values in the normal state.

[0070] Figure 8 It is a chart showing the distribution of capacitance values in the touch state.

[0071] Figure 9 It is a chart showing the distribution of capacitance values in the folded state.

[0072] Figure 10 It is a flowchart showing the processing executed by the control unit 26.

[0073] Figure 11 It is a diagram after folding the electronic device 1a at the folding line L1.

[0074] Figure 12 It is a diagram showing the distribution of capacitance values formed between the first touch sensor electrode 140 for calculation and the second touch sensor electrode 16 when the touch sensor 11 is in the folded state.

[0075] Figure 13 It is a diagram after folding the electronic device 1b at the folding lines L2 and L3.

[0076] Figure 14 It is a diagram showing the distribution of capacitance values formed between the first touch sensor electrode 140 for calculation and the second touch sensor electrode 16 when the touch sensor 11 is in the folded state. Detailed Description of the Invention

[0077] (First Embodiment)

[0078] [Structure of the Electronic Device]

[0079] Hereinafter, the structure of the electronic device 1 according to the first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. Figure 1It is a structural diagram of the electronic device 1. Figure 2 It is Figure 1 a cross-sectional view taken along line A-A of Figure 2 . However, in Figure 3 the description of the display 10 is omitted.

[0080] In addition, in this specification, the directions are defined as follows. The direction in which the normal line of the unfolded touch sensor 11 extends is defined as the up-down direction. The direction in which the first touch sensor electrode 14 of the touch sensor 11 extends is defined as the left-right direction. The direction in which the second touch sensor electrode 16 of the touch sensor 11 extends is defined as the front-back direction. In addition, the up-down direction, the left-right direction, and the front-back direction are orthogonal to each other. Furthermore, the definition of the directions in this specification is an example. Therefore, the direction during the actual use of the electronic device 1 does not need to be the same as the directions in this specification. In addition, in Figure 1 the up-down direction can also be reversed. Similarly, in Figure 1 the left-right direction can also be reversed. In Figure 1 the front-back direction can also be reversed.

[0081] The electronic device 1 is, for example, a foldable smartphone. As Figure 1 and Figure 2 shown, the electronic device 1 includes a display 10, a touch sensor 11, a transmission circuit 20, a reception circuit 22, and a determination unit 18. The display 10 displays an image for the user. The display 10 emits light upward. The display 10 is, for example, a flexible organic EL display. The display 10 has a sheet shape. The display 10 has an upper surface and a lower surface. When viewed from the downward direction, the display 10 has a rectangular shape. In addition, since the structure of the display 10 is a general structure, the description thereof is omitted.

[0082] The touch sensor 11 is provided on the upper surface of the display 10. The touch sensor 11 covers the entire upper surface of the display 10. The touch sensor 11 is an input unit that detects the position where the user's finger touches the touch sensor 11. The touch sensor 11 is, for example, a capacitive touch sensor. Hereinafter, the details of the touch sensor 11 will be described.

[0083] As Figure 1 and Figure 2As shown, the touch sensor 11 includes a dielectric film 12, a plurality of first touch sensor electrodes 14, a plurality of second touch sensor electrodes 16, an insulating layer 30, and an adhesive layer 32. The dielectric film 12 has a sheet shape. The dielectric film 12 has an upper surface and a lower surface. When viewed from below, the dielectric film 12 has a rectangular shape. The material of the dielectric film 12 is, for example, PET (polyethylene terephthalate), PEN (polyethylene naphthalate), PP (polypropylene), or the like.

[0084] The insulating layer 30 has a sheet shape. The insulating layer 30 has an upper surface and a lower surface. When viewed from below, the insulating layer 30 has a rectangular shape. The insulating layer 30 is disposed below the dielectric film 12. The material of the insulating layer 30 is, for example, PET, PEN, PP, or the like. The adhesive layer 32 joins the dielectric film 12 and the insulating layer 30. Thus, the dielectric film 12, the insulating layer 30, and the adhesive layer 32 are integrated.

[0085] As Figure 2 shown, a plurality of first touch sensor electrodes 14 are provided below the lower surface of the dielectric film 12. In the present embodiment, as Figure 2 shown, a plurality of first touch sensor electrodes 14 are provided on the upper surface of the insulating layer 30. The plurality of first touch sensor electrodes 14 extend in the left-right direction. In the present embodiment, the plurality of first touch sensor electrodes 14 extend linearly in the left-right direction. In addition, the plurality of first touch sensor electrodes 14 are arranged in the front-rear direction. In the present embodiment, the plurality of first touch sensor electrodes 14 are arranged at equal intervals in the front-rear direction.

[0086] As Figure 2 shown, a plurality of second touch sensor electrodes 16 are provided on the upper surface of the dielectric film 12. In the present embodiment, the plurality of second touch sensor electrodes 16 are provided on the upper surface of the dielectric film 12. The plurality of second touch sensor electrodes 16 extend in the front-rear direction. In the present embodiment, the plurality of second touch sensor electrodes 16 extend linearly in the front-rear direction. In addition, the plurality of second touch sensor electrodes 16 are arranged in the left-right direction. In the present embodiment, the plurality of second touch sensor electrodes 16 are arranged at equal intervals in the left-right direction. Therefore, when viewed from below, the plurality of second touch sensor electrodes 16 respectively cross the plurality of first touch sensor electrodes 14. The plurality of first touch sensor electrodes 14 and the plurality of second touch sensor electrodes 16 have a lattice shape. The materials of the plurality of first touch sensor electrodes 14 and the plurality of second touch sensor electrodes 16 as described above are, for example, ITO.

[0087] The transmission circuit 20 transmits a transmission signal to a plurality of first touch sensor electrodes 14. The transmission circuit 20 is an electrical circuit including a multiplexer. The multiplexer sequentially selects the plurality of first touch sensor electrodes 14 one by one. The transmission circuit 20 transmits the transmission signal to the first touch sensor electrode 14 selected by the multiplexer. In this way, the plurality of first touch sensor electrodes 14 are transmission electrodes. In addition, since the structure of the transmission circuit 20 is a general structure, the description thereof is omitted.

[0088] The reception circuit 22 receives a reception signal from a plurality of second touch sensor electrodes 16. The reception circuit 22 is an electrical circuit including a multiplexer. The multiplexer sequentially selects the plurality of second touch sensor electrodes 16 one by one. The reception circuit 22 receives the reception signal from the second touch sensor electrode 16 selected by the multiplexer. In this way, the plurality of second touch sensor electrodes 16 are reception electrodes. In addition, since the structure of the reception circuit 22 is a general structure, the description thereof is omitted.

[0089] The determination unit 18 includes a capacitance calculation unit 24 and a control unit 26. The determination unit 18 is implemented by a CPU, for example. The capacitance calculation unit 24 calculates capacitance values of a plurality of capacitances generated between the plurality of first touch sensor electrodes 14 and the plurality of second touch sensor electrodes 16 based on the reception signal. The capacitance value increases as the intensity of the reception signal increases. The control unit 26 determines whether the touch sensor 11 is folded based on the capacitance values calculated by the capacitance calculation unit 24.

[0090] Here, as Figure 1 shown, one of the plurality of first touch sensor electrodes 14 in the plurality of first touch sensor electrodes 14 is defined as a first touch sensor electrode 140 for calculation. In the present embodiment, the first touch sensor electrode 140 for calculation is the first touch sensor electrode 14 located at the center in the vertical direction among the plurality of first touch sensor electrodes 14.

[0091] As Figure 3 shown, when the touch sensor 11 is folded at the extension folding line L in the front-rear direction, one or more second touch sensor electrodes 16 located within a range A1 that is at a distance of not more than a first distance D1 from the folding line L in the left-right direction are defined as one or more reference second touch sensor electrodes 160 (refer to Figure 1 ). In the present embodiment, the folding line L extends in the front-rear direction at the center in the left-right direction of the touch sensor 11. In addition, the first distance D1 is shorter than the interval between two adjacent second touch sensor electrodes 16 in the left-right direction. Therefore, the reference second touch sensor electrode 160 is one second touch sensor electrode 16 located at the center in the left-right direction among the plurality of second touch sensor electrodes 16.

[0092] The second touch sensor electrode 16 located closest to a position away from the folding line L by a second distance D2 to the left is defined as the left second touch sensor electrode 162L. The second distance D2 is longer than the first distance D1. In the present embodiment, the left second touch sensor electrode 162L is the leftmost second touch sensor electrode 16 among the plurality of second touch sensor electrodes 16.

[0093] The second touch sensor electrode 16 located closest to a position away from the folding line L by a second distance D2 to the right is defined as the right second touch sensor electrode 162R. In the present embodiment, the right second touch sensor electrode 162R is the rightmost second touch sensor electrode 16 among the plurality of second touch sensor electrodes 16.

[0094] The capacitance value of the capacitance generated between one or more reference second touch sensor electrodes 160 and at least one first touch sensor electrode 14 among the plurality of first touch sensor electrodes 14 when the touch sensor 11 is folded at the folding line L is defined as the first reference capacitance value C0. In the present embodiment, the first reference capacitance value C0 is the capacitance value of the capacitance generated between one or more reference second touch sensor electrodes 160 and the first touch sensor electrode 140 for calculation.

[0095] The capacitance value generated between the left second touch sensor electrode 162L and at least one first touch sensor electrode 14 among the plurality of first touch sensor electrodes 14 is defined as the left capacitance value CL. In the present embodiment, the left capacitance value CL is the capacitance value of the capacitance generated between the left second touch sensor electrode 162L and the first touch sensor electrode 140 for calculation.

[0096] The capacitance value generated between the right second touch sensor electrode 162R and at least one first touch sensor electrode 14 among the plurality of first touch sensor electrodes 14 is defined as the right capacitance value CR. In the present embodiment, the right capacitance value CR is the capacitance value of the capacitance generated between the right second touch sensor electrode 162R and the first touch sensor electrode 140 for calculation.

[0097] Here, the capacitance calculation unit 24 of the determination unit 18 calculates the left capacitance value CL, the right capacitance value CR, and the first reference capacitance value C0 based on the received signal. Further, when the left capacitance value CL and the right capacitance value CR are greater than the first reference capacitance value C0, the control unit 26 of the determination unit 18 determines that the touch sensor 11 is folded. On the other hand, when the left capacitance value CL and the right capacitance value CR are equal to or less than the first reference capacitance value C0, the determination unit 18 does not determine that the touch sensor 11 is folded.

[0098] [Operation of the electronic device]

[0099] Hereinafter, the operation of the determination unit 18 will be described with reference to the drawings. Figure 4 It is a diagram showing the capacitance formed between the first touch sensor electrode 140 for calculation and the second touch sensor electrode 16 when the user's finger does not touch the touch sensor 11 and the touch sensor 11 is not folded at the fold line L. Figure 5 It is a diagram showing the capacitance formed between the first touch sensor electrode 140 for calculation and the second touch sensor electrode 162L on the left when the user's finger touches the touch sensor 11. Figure 6 It is a diagram showing the capacitance formed between the first touch sensor electrode 140 for calculation and the second touch sensor electrode 162L on the left, and the capacitance formed between the first touch sensor electrode 140 for calculation and the second touch sensor electrode 162R on the right when the touch sensor 11 is folded at the fold line L. Hereinafter, Figure 4 The state of Figure 5 is defined as the normal state. The state of Figure 6 is defined as the touch state. The state of

[0100] Figure 7 is a graph showing the distribution of capacitance values in the normal state. Figure 8 is a graph showing the distribution of capacitance values in the touch state. Figure 9 is a graph showing the distribution of capacitance values in the folded state. Figures 7 to 9 The vertical axis of Figures 7 to 9 represents the capacitance value. The horizontal axis of Figures 7 to 9 represents the position in the left - right direction. In

[0101] As Figure 4 shown, in the normal state, the capacitance value of the capacitance generated between the first touch sensor electrode 140 for calculation and the second touch sensor electrode 16 is the capacitance value C1. The capacitance values of all the multiple capacitances generated between the first touch sensor electrode 140 for calculation and the multiple second touch sensor electrodes 16 are substantially equal to the capacitance value C1. It should be noted that in this specification, "substantially equal" means including the case of complete equality and the case of being slightly different due to manufacturing differences, etc. When the left capacitance value CL, the right capacitance value CR, and the first reference capacitance value C0 are the capacitance value C1, the control unit 26 determines that the touch sensor 11 is in the normal state.

[0102] As Figure 5As shown, in the touch state, a capacitance is generated between the second touch sensor electrode 162L on the left and the user's finger. The capacitance value of this capacitance is capacitance value C2. At this time, the left capacitance value CL of the capacitance generated between the second touch sensor electrode 162L on the left and the first touch sensor electrode 140 for calculation is the sum of capacitance value C1 and capacitance value C2. Therefore, the left capacitance value CL of the capacitance generated between the second touch sensor electrode 162L on the left and the first touch sensor electrode 140 for calculation is larger than the capacitance value of the capacitance generated between the other second touch sensor electrodes 16 and the first touch sensor electrode 140 for calculation. Thus, as Figure 8 shown, the left capacitance value CL is greater than the right capacitance value CR and the first reference capacitance value C0. Therefore, when the left capacitance value CL is greater than the right capacitance value CR and the first reference capacitance value C0, the control unit 26 determines that the touch sensor 11 is in the touch state.

[0103] As Figure 3 shown, in the folded state, the left end portion of the touch sensor 11 contacts the right end portion of the touch sensor 11. At this time, as Figure 6 shown, a capacitance is generated between the right end portion of the second touch sensor electrode 162L on the left and the first touch sensor electrode 140 for calculation. Similarly, a capacitance is generated between the left end portion of the second touch sensor electrode 162R on the right and the first touch sensor electrode 140 for calculation. The capacitance values of these capacitances are capacitance value C3. In this case, the left capacitance value CL of the capacitance generated between the second touch sensor electrode 162L on the left and the first touch sensor electrode 140 for calculation is the sum of capacitance value C1 and capacitance value C3. The right capacitance value CR of the capacitance generated between the second touch sensor electrode 162R on the right and the first touch sensor electrode 140 for calculation is the sum of capacitance value C1 and capacitance value C3. Additionally, as Figure 9 shown, the plurality of capacitance values increase as they move away from the folding line L in the left direction. Additionally, the plurality of capacitance values increase as they move away from the folding line L in the right direction. Therefore, the left capacitance value CL and the right capacitance value CR are larger than the first reference capacitance value C0 of the capacitance generated between the reference second touch sensor electrode 160 and the first touch sensor electrode 140 for calculation. Additionally, the left capacitance value CL and the right capacitance value CR are substantially equal. Therefore, when the left capacitance value CL and the right capacitance value CR are greater than the first reference capacitance value C0, the control unit 26 determines that the touch sensor 11 is in the folded state.

[0104] Hereinafter, the operation of the electronic device 1 will be further described with reference to the drawings. Figure 10 is a flowchart showing the processing executed by the control unit 26.

[0105] This process starts by turning on the power of the electronic device 1. The capacitance calculation unit 24 periodically obtains from the reception circuit 22 a plurality of reception signals representing capacitance values of a plurality of capacitances generated between the plurality of first touch sensor electrodes 14 and the plurality of second touch sensor electrodes 16. The capacitance calculation unit 24 calculates a plurality of capacitance values based on the plurality of reception signals. The control unit 26 obtains the plurality of capacitance values from the capacitance calculation unit 24 (step S1). The plurality of capacitance values includes a first reference capacitance value C0, a left capacitance value CL, and a right capacitance value CR.

[0106] Next, the control unit 26 determines whether the left capacitance value CL and the right capacitance value CR are greater than the first reference capacitance value C0 (step S2). If the left capacitance value CL and the right capacitance value CR are greater than the first reference capacitance value C0, this process proceeds to step S3. If the left capacitance value CL and the right capacitance value CR are not greater than the first reference capacitance value C0, this process proceeds to step S4.

[0107] If the left capacitance value CL and the right capacitance value CR are greater than the first reference capacitance value C0, the control unit 26 determines that the touch sensor 11 is in a folded state (step S3). In this case, the control unit 26 outputs a folding signal indicating that the touch sensor 11 is folded. In addition, instead of outputting a folding signal, the control unit 26 can, for example, control the electronic device 1 to a sleep state or reduce the brightness of the display 10 of the electronic device 1. After that, this process proceeds to step S5.

[0108] If the left capacitance value CL and the right capacitance value CR are not greater than the first reference capacitance value C0, the control unit 26 determines that the touch sensor 11 is not in a folded state (step S4). In this case, the control unit 26 does not output a folding signal indicating that the touch sensor 11 is folded. In addition, for example, the control unit 26 can also not control the electronic device 1 to a sleep state or not reduce the brightness of the display 10 of the electronic device 1. After that, this process proceeds to step S5.

[0109] In step S5 above, the control unit 26 determines whether the power of the electronic device 1 has been switched off (OFF) (step S5). If the power of the electronic device 1 has been switched off, this process ends. If the power of the electronic device 1 has not been switched off, this process returns to step S1.

[0110] [Effect]

[0111] The electronic device 1 configured as described above can distinguish between a user's finger touching the touch sensor 11 and the touch sensor 11 being folded. More specifically, when the touch sensor 11 is in a touched state, for example, the left capacitance value CL is greater than the first reference capacitance value C0 and the right capacitance value CR. On the other hand, when the touch sensor 11 is in a folded state, the left capacitance value CL and the right capacitance value CR are greater than the first reference capacitance value C0. Therefore, when the left capacitance value CL and the right capacitance value CR are greater than the first reference capacitance value C0, the determination unit 18 determines that the touch sensor 11 is folded. Thus, the electronic device 1 can distinguish between a user's finger touching the touch sensor 11 and the touch sensor 11 being folded.

[0112] According to the electronic device 1, the processing of the control unit 26 becomes simple. More specifically, the plurality of first touch sensor electrodes 14 are a plurality of transmitting electrodes. The plurality of second touch sensor electrodes 16 are a plurality of receiving electrodes. Thus, the determination unit 18 can determine whether the touch sensor 11 is folded based on the capacitance values of the capacitances generated between the calculation first touch sensor electrode 140 and the plurality of second touch sensor electrodes 16. For example, the capacitance value of the capacitance generated between the left second touch sensor electrode 162L and the calculation first touch sensor electrode 140 is defined as the left capacitance value CL. In addition, the capacitance value of the capacitance generated between the right second touch sensor electrode 162R and the calculation first touch sensor electrode 140 is defined as the right capacitance value CR. The capacitance value of the capacitance generated between the reference second touch sensor electrode 160 and the calculation first touch sensor electrode 140 is defined as the first reference capacitance value C0. Moreover, the determination unit 18 determines whether the touch sensor 11 is folded based on the first reference capacitance value C0, the left capacitance value CL, and the right capacitance value CR. Here, the capacitance having the first reference capacitance value C0, the capacitance having the left capacitance value CL, and the capacitance having the right capacitance value CR are arranged in a straight line in the left-right direction. Therefore, the received signal representing the first reference capacitance value C0, the received signal representing the left capacitance value CL, and the received signal representing the right capacitance value CR are included in the plurality of received signals representing the capacitance values of the plurality of capacitances generated between the calculation first touch sensor electrode 140 and the plurality of second touch sensor electrodes 16. The plurality of received signals representing the capacitance values of the plurality of capacitances generated between the calculation first touch sensor electrode 140 and the plurality of second touch sensor electrodes 16 are output continuously. Therefore, the control unit 26 may not perform processing such as arranging the received signals. As a result, the processing of the control unit 26 becomes simple.

[0113] According to the electronic device 1, the determination unit 18 can more accurately determine whether the touch sensor 11 is folded. More specifically, the left capacitance value CL and the right capacitance value CR are substantially equal. Therefore, the determination unit 18 can determine whether the touch sensor 11 is folded by determining whether the left capacitance value CL and the right capacitance value CR are substantially equal.

[0114] (First modification example)

[0115] Next, the electronic device 1a of the first modification example will be described with reference to the drawings. Figure 11 is a view of the electronic device 1a after being folded at the folding line L1. In addition, for the structural diagram and the cross-sectional view of the electronic device 1a, reference is made to Figure 1 and Figure 2 . Figure 12 is a view of the distribution of the capacitance value formed between the first touch sensor electrode 140 for calculation and the second touch sensor electrode 16 when the touch sensor 11 is in a folded state.

[0116] The electronic device 1a is different from the electronic device 1 in the position of the folding line L1. More specifically, in the electronic device 1, the folding line L extends in the front-rear direction along the center in the left-right direction of the touch sensor 11. On the other hand, in the electronic device 1a, the folding line L1 extends in the front-rear direction in the right part of the touch sensor 11. In this case, the right second touch sensor electrode 162R is the second touch sensor electrode 16 located at the rightmost in the plurality of second touch sensor electrodes 16. On the other hand, the left second touch sensor electrode 162L is not the second touch sensor electrode 16 located at the leftmost in the plurality of second touch sensor electrodes 16. The left second touch sensor electrode 162L is located to the right of the second touch sensor electrode 16 located at the leftmost in the plurality of second touch sensor electrodes 16. As a result, the distribution of the capacitance value is as Figure 12 shown. Even for the distribution of the capacitance value as Figure 12 shown, when the left capacitance value CL and the right capacitance value CR are greater than the first reference capacitance value C0, the control unit 26 can also determine that the touch sensor 11 is folded.

[0117] (Second modification example)

[0118] Next, the electronic device 1b of the second modification example will be described with reference to the drawings. Figure 13 is a view of the electronic device 1b after being folded at the folding lines L2 and L3. In addition, for the structural diagram and the cross-sectional view of the electronic device 1b, reference is made to Figure 1 and Figure 2 . Figure 14It is a diagram showing the distribution of capacitance values formed between the first touch sensor electrode 140 for calculation and the second touch sensor electrode 16 when the touch sensor 11 is in a folded state.

[0119] The electronic device 1b is different from the electronic device 1 at the points where there are two folding lines L2 and L3. More specifically, in the electronic device 1b, the folding line L2 extends in the front-rear direction on the left side of the touch sensor 11. The folding line L3 extends in the front-rear direction on the right side of the touch sensor 11. Therefore, the left side and the right side of the touch sensor 11 will be described separately.

[0120] First, the left side of the touch sensor 11 will be described. The left second touch sensor electrode 162L is the leftmost second touch sensor electrode 16 among the plurality of second touch sensor electrodes 16. On the other hand, the right second touch sensor electrode 162R is not the rightmost second touch sensor electrode 16 among the plurality of second touch sensor electrodes 16. The right second touch sensor electrode 162R is the second touch sensor electrode 16 located to the left of the center in the left-right direction of the touch sensor 11. As a result, the distribution of capacitance values becomes as shown in the left half of Figure 14 . Even for the distribution of capacitance values as shown in Figure 14 , when the left capacitance value CL and the right capacitance value CR are greater than the first reference capacitance value C0, the control unit 26 of the determination unit 18 can determine that the left side of the touch sensor 11 is folded.

[0121] Next, the right side of the touch sensor 11 will be described. The right second touch sensor electrode 162R is the rightmost second touch sensor electrode 16 among the plurality of second touch sensor electrodes 16. On the other hand, the left second touch sensor electrode 162L is not the leftmost second touch sensor electrode 16 among the plurality of second touch sensor electrodes 16. The left second touch sensor electrode 162L is the second touch sensor electrode 16 located to the right of the center in the left-right direction of the touch sensor 11. As a result, the distribution of capacitance values becomes as shown in the right half of Figure 14 . Even for the distribution of capacitance values as shown in Figure 14 , when the left capacitance value CL and the right capacitance value CR are greater than the first reference capacitance value C0, the control unit 26 of the determination unit 18 can determine that the right side of the touch sensor 11 is folded.

[0122] (Second Embodiment)

[0123] Hereinafter, the structure of the electronic device 1c according to the second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. For the structural diagram of the electronic device 1c, the cross-sectional view of the electronic device 1c, and the diagram after folding the electronic device 1c, reference is made to Figures 1 to 3In addition, the method for determining the folding of the touch sensor 11 is a determination method performed by the electronic device 1c.

[0124] The operation of the determination unit 18 in the electronic device 1c is different from that of the electronic device 1. Hereinafter, the electronic device 1c will be described centering on this difference. In addition, since the structures of the display 10, touch sensor 11, transmission circuit 20, and reception circuit 22 of the electronic device 1c are the same as those of the display 10, touch sensor 11, transmission circuit 20, and reception circuit 22 of the electronic device 1, the description thereof will be omitted.

[0125] Here, as Figure 1 shown, one of the plurality of first touch sensor electrodes 14 is defined as the calculation first touch sensor electrode 140. In the present embodiment, the calculation first touch sensor electrode 140 is the first touch sensor electrode 14 located at the center in the vertical direction among the plurality of first touch sensor electrodes 14.

[0126] As Figure 3 shown, when the touch sensor 11 is folded at the folding line L extending in the front-rear direction, one of the second touch sensor electrodes 16 closest to the folding line L is defined as the reference second touch sensor electrode 160 (see Figure 1 ).

[0127] The second touch sensor electrode 16 located closest to the position at a second distance D2 away from the folding line L in the left direction is defined as the left second touch sensor electrode 162L. In the present embodiment, the left second touch sensor electrode 162L is the leftmost second touch sensor electrode 16 among the plurality of second touch sensor electrodes 16.

[0128] The second touch sensor electrode 16 located closest to the position at a second distance D2 away from the folding line L in the right direction is defined as the right second touch sensor electrode 162R. In the present embodiment, the right second touch sensor electrode 162R is the rightmost second touch sensor electrode 16 among the plurality of second touch sensor electrodes 16.

[0129] When the touch sensor 11 is folded at the folding line L, the capacitance value of the capacitance generated between the second touch sensor electrode 16 (reference second touch sensor electrode 160) closest to the folding line L and any one of the first touch sensor electrodes 14 (calculation first touch sensor electrode 140) among the plurality of first touch sensor electrodes 14 is defined as the second reference capacitance value C00.

[0130] Define the capacitance value generated between the second left touch sensor electrode 162L and at least one of the plurality of first touch sensor electrodes 14 as the left capacitance value CL. In the present embodiment, the left capacitance value CL is the capacitance value of the capacitance generated between the second left touch sensor electrode 162L and the first touch sensor electrode 140 for calculation.

[0131] Define the capacitance value generated between the second right touch sensor electrode 162R and at least one of the plurality of first touch sensor electrodes 14 as the right capacitance value CR. In the present embodiment, the right capacitance value CR is the capacitance value of the capacitance generated between the second right touch sensor electrode 162R and the first touch sensor electrode 140 for calculation.

[0132] When the intensity of the signal representing the left capacitance value CL input to the determination unit 18 and the intensity of the signal representing the right capacitance value CR input to the determination unit 18 are greater than the intensity of the signal representing the second reference capacitance value C00 input to the determination unit 18, the determination unit 18 determines that the touch sensor 11 is folded. In the present embodiment, when the intensity of the received signal representing the left capacitance value CL input to the determination unit 18 and the intensity of the received signal representing the right capacitance value CR input to the determination unit 18 are greater than the intensity of the received signal representing the second reference capacitance value C00 input to the determination unit 18, the determination unit 18 determines that the touch sensor 11 is folded.

[0133] The determination of whether the electronic device 1c is implemented as described above is performed through the following steps. First, measure the intensity of the received signal representing the left capacitance value CL, the intensity of the received signal representing the right capacitance value CR, and the intensity of the received signal representing the second reference capacitance value C00. Next, determine whether the intensity of the received signal representing the left capacitance value CL and the intensity of the received signal representing the right capacitance value CR are greater than the intensity of the received signal representing the second reference capacitance value C00. When the intensity of the received signal representing the left capacitance value CL and the intensity of the received signal representing the right capacitance value CR are greater than the intensity of the received signal representing the second reference capacitance value C00, confirm whether the determination unit 18 determines that the touch sensor 11 is folded. Confirming whether the determination unit 18 determines that the touch sensor 11 is folded can be achieved, for example, by confirming that the electronic device 1c is controlled to the sleep state and the brightness of the display 10 is reduced, etc.

[0134] In addition, in the electronic device 1c, it is preferable that the intensity of the signal representing the left capacitance value CL and the intensity of the signal representing the right capacitance value CR are substantially equal. Thereby, the determination unit 18 can more accurately determine whether the touch sensor 11 is folded.

[0135] (Other embodiments)

[0136] The electronic devices of the present invention are not limited to the electronic devices 1, 1a to 1c, and can be changed within the scope of its gist. In addition, the structures of the electronic devices 1, 1a to 1c can be arbitrarily combined.

[0137] In the electronic devices 1, 1a to 1c, the determination unit 18 may also determine that the housing is folded. More specifically, the electronic devices 1, 1a to 1c may further include a first housing that supports the touch sensor 11 to the left of the folding line L, and a second housing that supports the touch sensor 11 to the right of the folding line L. Moreover, when the left capacitance value CL and the right capacitance value CR are greater than the first reference capacitance value C0, the determination unit 18 may determine that the first housing and the second housing are folded.

[0138] In addition, in the electronic devices 1, 1a to 1c, a plurality of the first touch sensor electrodes 14 may be a plurality of receiving electrodes, and a plurality of the second touch sensor electrodes 16 may be a plurality of transmitting electrodes.

[0139] In addition, in the electronic devices 1, 1a, 1b, the left capacitance value CL may be the capacitance value of the capacitance generated between the left second touch sensor electrode 162L and at least one of the first touch sensor electrodes 14 among the plurality of first touch sensor electrodes 14. Therefore, the left capacitance value CL may also be the capacitance value of two or more capacitances generated between the left second touch sensor electrode 162L and two or more of the first touch sensor electrodes 14. Similarly, the right capacitance value CR may be the capacitance value of the capacitance generated between the right second touch sensor electrode 162R and at least one of the first touch sensor electrodes 14 among the plurality of first touch sensor electrodes 14. Therefore, the right capacitance value CR may also be the capacitance value of two or more capacitances generated between the right second touch sensor electrode 162R and two or more of the first touch sensor electrodes 14. In this case, when all of the two or more left capacitance values CL and all of the two or more right capacitance values CR are greater than the first reference capacitance value C0, the control unit 26 determines that the first housing and the second housing are folded. In this case, the control unit 26 can more accurately determine that the touch sensor 11 is folded. In addition, the left capacitance value CL may also be the average value of the capacitance values of two or more capacitances generated between the left second touch sensor electrode 162L and two or more of the first touch sensor electrodes 14. The right capacitance value CR may also be the average value of the capacitance values of two or more capacitances generated between the right second touch sensor electrode 162R and two or more of the first touch sensor electrodes 14. The calculation of the average value is performed, for example, in the determination unit 18.

[0140] In addition, in the electronic devices 1, 1a, and 1b, there may also be a plurality of reference second touch sensor electrodes 160. In this case, the first reference capacitance value C0 is, for example, the average value of the capacitance values of a plurality of capacitances generated between at least one first touch sensor electrode 14 among the plurality of reference second touch sensor electrodes 160 and the plurality of first touch sensor electrodes 14.

[0141] In addition, in the electronic devices 1, 1a to 1c, the left capacitance value CL may also be the capacitance value of the capacitance generated between the left second touch sensor electrode 162L and the first calculation first touch sensor electrode 140a (see Figure 1 ). The right capacitance value CR may also be the capacitance value of the capacitance generated between the right second touch sensor electrode 162R and the second calculation first touch sensor electrode 140b (see Figure 1 ). The first calculation first touch sensor electrode 140a is an electrode different from the second calculation first touch sensor electrode 140b.

[0142] In addition, in the electronic devices 1, 1a, and 1b, the left capacitance value CL and the right capacitance value CR may also be different. In addition, in the electronic device 1c, the intensity of the signal representing the left capacitance value CL and the intensity of the signal representing the right capacitance value CR may also be different.

[0143] In addition, in the electronic devices 1, 1a to 1c, the display 10 may not be a single display but may include a plurality of separated displays. In this case, the boundary of the plurality of separated displays is a fold line.

[0144] In addition, in the electronic devices 1, 1a to 1c, it is preferable to satisfy at least one of the following two conditions.

[0145] · The left second touch sensor electrode 162L is the leftmost second touch sensor electrode among the plurality of second touch sensor electrodes 16.

[0146] · The right second touch sensor electrode 162R is the rightmost second touch sensor electrode among the plurality of second touch sensor electrodes 16.

[0147] In addition, in the electronic devices 1, 1a, and 1b, the control unit 26 may also determine that the touch sensor 11 is folded when the left capacitance value CL and the right capacitance value CR are greater than the first reference capacitance value C0 and the amount of change of the left capacitance value CL and the right capacitance value CR over a specified time is equal to or less than a specified value. The specified time is, for example, from 0.1 second to 1 second. The so-called specified value is, for example, about 1 / 10 to 1 / 100 of the signal amount obtained when a finger touches.

[0148] Reference Numeral Explanation

[0149] 1, 1a to 1c... electronic devices; 10... display; 11... touch sensor; 12... dielectric film; 14... first touch sensor electrode; 16... second touch sensor electrode; 18... determination unit; 20... transmission circuit; 22... reception circuit; 24... capacitance calculation unit; 26... control unit; 30... insulating layer; 32... adhesive layer; 140... first touch sensor electrode for calculation; 140a... first first touch sensor electrode for calculation; 140b... second first touch sensor electrode for calculation; 160... reference second touch sensor electrode; 162L... left second touch sensor electrode; 162R... right second touch sensor electrode; A1... range; C0... first reference capacitance value; C00... second reference capacitance value; C1 to C3... capacitance values; CL... left capacitance value; CR... right capacitance value; L, L1 to L3... fold lines.

Claims

1. An electronic device includes a touch sensor and a determination unit. The touch sensor includes: A dielectric film having an upper surface and a lower surface; A plurality of first touch sensor electrodes provided on the upper surface of the dielectric film and extending in the left - right direction, arranged in the front - back direction; and A plurality of second touch sensor electrodes provided below the lower surface of the dielectric film and extending in the front - back direction, arranged in the left - right direction. When the touch sensor is folded along a fold line extending in the front - back direction, one or more of the second touch sensor electrodes located within a range of not more than a first distance away from the fold line in the left - right direction are defined as one or more reference second touch sensor electrodes. When the touch sensor is folded at the fold line, the capacitance value of the capacitance generated between one or more of the reference second touch sensor electrodes and at least one of the plurality of first touch sensor electrodes is defined as a first reference capacitance value. The second touch sensor electrode located at the position closest to a second distance away from the fold line in the left direction is defined as the left - hand second touch sensor electrode. The second touch sensor electrode located at the position closest to the second distance away from the fold line in the right direction is defined as the right - hand second touch sensor electrode. The second distance is longer than the first distance. The capacitance value of the capacitance generated between the left - hand second touch sensor electrode and at least one of the plurality of first touch sensor electrodes is defined as the left capacitance value. The capacitance value of the capacitance generated between the right - hand second touch sensor electrode and at least one of the plurality of first touch sensor electrodes is defined as the right capacitance value. When the left capacitance value and the right capacitance value are greater than the first reference capacitance value, the determination unit determines that the touch sensor is folded.

2. The electronic device according to claim 1, wherein, The plurality of first touch sensor electrodes are a plurality of transmitting electrodes, The plurality of second touch sensor electrodes are a plurality of receiving electrodes, The electronic device further includes: A transmitting circuit that sends a transmission signal to the plurality of transmitting electrodes; and A receiving circuit that receives a reception signal from the plurality of receiving electrodes. The determination unit calculates the left capacitance value, the right capacitance value, and the first reference capacitance value based on the reception signal.

3. The electronic device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, One of the plurality of first touch sensor electrodes is defined as a first touch sensor electrode for calculation. The left capacitance value is the capacitance value of the capacitance generated between the left - hand second touch sensor electrode and the first touch sensor electrode for calculation. The right capacitance value is the capacitance value of the capacitance generated between the right - hand second touch sensor electrode and the first touch sensor electrode for calculation.

4. The electronic device according to claim 3, wherein, The above-mentioned first reference capacitance value is the capacitance value of the capacitance generated between the above-mentioned one or more reference second touch sensor electrodes and the above-mentioned first touch sensor electrode for calculation.

5. The electronic device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, the above-mentioned left capacitance value and the above-mentioned right capacitance value are substantially equal.

6. The electronic device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, a plurality of the above-mentioned capacitance values increase as they move away from the above-mentioned folding line in the left direction, a plurality of the above-mentioned capacitance values increase as they move away from the above-mentioned folding line in the right direction.

7. An electronic device includes a touch sensor and a determination unit, the above-mentioned touch sensor includes: a dielectric film having an upper surface and a lower surface; a plurality of first touch sensor electrodes provided on the above-mentioned upper surface of the above-mentioned dielectric film and extending in the left-right direction, arranged to be arranged in the front-rear direction; and a plurality of second touch sensor electrodes provided below the above-mentioned lower surface of the above-mentioned dielectric film and extending in the front-rear direction, arranged to be arranged in the left-right direction, when the above-mentioned touch sensor is folded at a folding line extending in the front-rear direction, the capacitance value of the capacitance generated between the above-mentioned second touch sensor electrode closest to the above-mentioned folding line and any one of the above-mentioned first touch sensor electrodes among the above-mentioned plurality of first touch sensor electrodes is defined as the second reference capacitance value, the above-mentioned second touch sensor electrode located at the position closest to the second distance away from the above-mentioned folding line in the left direction is defined as the left second touch sensor electrode, the above-mentioned second touch sensor electrode located at the position closest to the second distance away from the above-mentioned folding line in the right direction is defined as the right second touch sensor electrode, the capacitance value of the capacitance generated between the above-mentioned left second touch sensor electrode and at least one of the above-mentioned first touch sensor electrodes among the above-mentioned plurality of first touch sensor electrodes is defined as the left capacitance value, the capacitance value of the capacitance generated between the above-mentioned right second touch sensor electrode and at least one of the above-mentioned first touch sensor electrodes among the above-mentioned plurality of first touch sensor electrodes is defined as the right capacitance value, when the intensity of the signal representing the above-mentioned left capacitance value input to the above-mentioned determination unit and the intensity of the signal representing the above-mentioned right capacitance value input to the above-mentioned determination unit are greater than the intensity of the signal representing the above-mentioned second reference capacitance value input to the above-mentioned determination unit, the above-mentioned determination unit determines that the above-mentioned touch sensor is folded.

8. The electronic device according to claim 7, wherein, the above-mentioned plurality of first touch sensor electrodes are a plurality of transmitting electrodes, the above-mentioned plurality of second touch sensor electrodes are a plurality of receiving electrodes, the above-mentioned electronic device further includes: a transmitting circuit that transmits a transmission signal to the above-mentioned plurality of transmitting electrodes; and a receiving circuit that receives a reception signal from the above-mentioned plurality of receiving electrodes, When the intensity of the received signal representing the left capacitance value input to the determination unit and the intensity of the received signal representing the right capacitance value input to the determination unit are greater than the intensity of the received signal representing the second reference capacitance value input to the determination unit, the determination unit determines that the touch sensor is folded.

9. The electronic device according to claim 7 or 8, wherein, one of the plurality of first touch sensor electrodes is defined as a first touch sensor electrode for calculation, the left capacitance value is the capacitance value of the capacitance generated between the second touch sensor electrode on the left side and the first touch sensor electrode for calculation, the right capacitance value is the capacitance value of the capacitance generated between the second touch sensor electrode on the right side and the first touch sensor electrode for calculation.

10. The electronic device according to claim 9, wherein, the second reference capacitance value is the capacitance value of the capacitance generated between the second touch sensor electrode closest to the folding line and the first touch sensor electrode for calculation.

11. The electronic device according to claim 7 or 8, wherein, the intensity of the signal representing the left capacitance value and the intensity of the signal representing the right capacitance value are substantially equal.

12. A method for determining the folding of a touch sensor, which is a method for determining the folding of a touch sensor executed in an electronic device, the electronic device being provided with a touch sensor, the touch sensor includes: a dielectric film having an upper surface and a lower surface; a plurality of first touch sensor electrodes provided on the upper surface of the dielectric film and extending in the left-right direction, arranged in the front-back direction; and a plurality of second touch sensor electrodes provided below the lower surface of the dielectric film and extending in the front-back direction, arranged in the left-right direction, when the touch sensor is folded along a folding line extending in the front-back direction, one or more of the second touch sensor electrodes located within a range not exceeding a first distance away from the folding line in the left-right direction are defined as one or more reference second touch sensor electrodes, the capacitance value of the capacitance generated between the one or more reference second touch sensor electrodes and at least one of the plurality of first touch sensor electrodes when the touch sensor is folded at the folding line is defined as a first reference capacitance value, the second touch sensor electrode located at the position closest to a second distance away from the folding line in the left direction is defined as the left second touch sensor electrode, the second touch sensor electrode located at the position closest to a second distance away from the folding line in the right direction is defined as the right second touch sensor electrode, the second distance is longer than the first distance, the capacitance value of the capacitance generated between the left second touch sensor electrode and at least one of the plurality of first touch sensor electrodes is defined as the left capacitance value, Define the capacitance value of the capacitance generated between the second touch sensor electrode on the right side and at least one of the plurality of first touch sensor electrodes as the right capacitance value. When the left capacitance value and the right capacitance value are greater than the first reference capacitance value, it is determined that the touch sensor is folded.

13. A method for determining the folding of a touch sensor, which is a method for determining the folding of a touch sensor executed in an electronic device. The electronic device is provided with a touch sensor. The touch sensor includes: A dielectric film having an upper surface and a lower surface; A plurality of first touch sensor electrodes, which are arranged on the upper surface of the dielectric film and extend in the left-right direction, and are configured to be arranged in the front-back direction; and A plurality of second touch sensor electrodes, which are arranged below the lower surface of the dielectric film and extend in the front-back direction, and are configured to be arranged in the left-right direction. When the touch sensor is folded along a folding line extending in the front-back direction, define the capacitance value of the capacitance generated between the second touch sensor electrode closest to the folding line and any one of the plurality of first touch sensor electrodes as the second reference capacitance value. Define the second touch sensor electrode located at the position closest to a second distance away from the folding line in the left direction as the second touch sensor electrode on the left side. Define the second touch sensor electrode located at the position closest to a second distance away from the folding line in the right direction as the second touch sensor electrode on the right side. Define the capacitance value of the capacitance generated between the second touch sensor electrode on the left side and at least one of the plurality of first touch sensor electrodes as the left capacitance value. Define the capacitance value of the capacitance generated between the second touch sensor electrode on the right side and at least one of the plurality of first touch sensor electrodes as the right capacitance value. When the intensity of the signal representing the left capacitance value and the intensity of the signal representing the right capacitance value are greater than the intensity of the signal representing the second reference capacitance value, it is determined that the touch sensor is folded.

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