Knob device and operation method thereof

Abstract

The invention provides knob equipment. The knob equipment comprises a touch panel, a touch sensing controller and a knob, the touch panel is provided with a plurality of touch sensing electrodes. The touch sensing controller is coupled to the touch sensing electrodes of the touch panel. The touch sensing controller detects a touch event of the touch panel through the touch sensing electrodes. The knob has a base and a knob cap. The knob cap is pivoted on the base. The base is attached to the touch panel. A plurality of conductive electrodes are arranged at different positions of the base. The touch sensing controller detects the conduction electrodes of the base of the knob through the touch sensing electrodes of the touch panel so as to obtain the rotation direction of the knob cap on the base.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a touch control device, and in particular to a knob device and an operating method thereof. Background Art

[0002] Nowadays, many in-car center information displays (CIDs) have touch functions. For example, drivers can touch the in-car center information display (touch panel) to adjust the temperature, volume, or other system values. When drivers adjust the system values ​​in the car, they need to spend more time paying attention to the touch position and related values ​​of the center information display, which causes driving safety concerns. Summary of the invention

[0003] The invention provides a knob device and an operation method thereof, so as to realize a physical knob function on a touch panel.

[0004] In an embodiment according to the present invention, the above-mentioned knob device includes a touch panel, a touch sensing controller and a knob. The touch panel has a plurality of touch sensing electrodes. The touch sensing controller is coupled to these touch sensing electrodes of the touch panel. The touch sensing controller is used to detect touch events of the touch panel through these touch sensing electrodes. The knob has a base and a knob cap. The knob cap is pivotally arranged on the base. The base is attached to the touch panel. A plurality of conductive electrodes are arranged at different positions of the base. The touch sensing controller detects these conductive electrodes of the base of the knob through these touch sensing electrodes of the touch panel to obtain the rotation direction of the knob cap on the base.

[0005] In an embodiment of the present invention, the above-mentioned operating method includes: configuring a plurality of touch sensing electrodes on a touch panel, wherein these touch sensing electrodes are used to detect touch events of the touch panel; attaching a knob to the touch panel, wherein the knob has a base and a knob cap, the knob cap is pivotally mounted on the base, and the base is attached to the touch panel; configuring a plurality of conductive electrodes at different positions of the base of the knob; and detecting the conductive electrodes of the base of the knob through these touch sensing electrodes of the touch panel to obtain the rotation direction of the knob cap on the base.

[0006] Based on the above, the knobs described in the embodiments of the present invention are attached to the touch panel. Among them, the knob has a base and a knob cap, the knob cap is pivoted on the base, and the base is attached to the touch panel. There are different conductive electrodes at different positions of the base of the knob. Based on the rotational movement of the knob cap on the base, these conductive electrodes of the knob base undergo electrical changes (for example, changes in capacitance characteristics). The touch sensing controller can detect these conductive electrodes of the knob base through the touch sensing electrodes of the touch panel to obtain different sensing results. Based on the differences in the sensing results of these conductive electrodes, the touch sensing controller can know the rotation direction of the knob cap on the base. Therefore, the knob device can realize the physical knob function on the touch panel. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0007] Figure 1 It is a circuit block diagram of a knob device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0008] Figure 2 It is a flowchart of an operating method of a knob device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0009] Figure 3 FIG. 1 is a schematic top view of a knob according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0010] Figure 4 According to an embodiment of the present invention, the knob is Figure 3 The cross-sectional diagram along the section line AA-AA" is shown.

[0011] Figure 5 FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of different states of a user's hand operating a knob cap according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0012] Figure 6 FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of different states of a conductive electrode of a base when a touch event occurs according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0013] Figure 7 FIG. 4 is a flow chart of an operation method of a knob device according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0014] Figure 8 FIG. 1 is a schematic top view of a knob according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0015] Fig.9A and Fig. 9B According to another embodiment of the present invention, the knob is Figure 8 The cross-sectional diagram along the section line BB-BB" is shown.

[0016] Fig.10FIG. 4 is a flow chart of an operation method of a knob device according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0017] Fig.11 FIG. 4 is a schematic top view of a knob according to yet another embodiment of the present invention.

[0018] Fig.12 FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of different states of a user's hand operating a knob cap according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0019] Fig.13 FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of different states of a conductive electrode of a base when a touch event occurs according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0020] Fig.14 FIG. 4 is a flow chart of an operation method of a knob device according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0021] Fig.15 FIG. 1 is a top view of a knob according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0022] Fig.16 FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram of different states of a user's hand operating a knob cap according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0023] Fig.17 FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of different states of a conductive electrode of a base when a touch event occurs according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0024] Fig.18 FIG. 4 is a flow chart of an operation method of a knob device according to yet another embodiment of the present invention.

[0025] Fig.19 FIG. 1 is a top view of a knob according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0026] Fig. 20 According to an embodiment of the present invention, the knob is Fig.19 The cross-sectional diagram along the section line CC-CC" is shown.

[0027] Description of Reference Numerals

[0028] 30: User

[0029] 100: Knob equipment

[0030] 110: Knob

[0031] 111: Knob cap

[0032] 112: Base

[0033] 120: Touch panel

[0034] 130: Touch sensing controller

[0035] 810: Pressing piece

[0036] A1,A2,A3,A4,A5,B1,B2,B3,B4,B5,C1,C2,C3,C4,C5,D3,D4,E3,E4,E11,E12,F3,F4: Conductive Electrodes

[0037] AA-AA”, BB-BB”, CC-CC”: hatching line

[0038] AR1: Rotation axis

[0039] COM: touch drive signal

[0040] COM5: common electrode

[0041] DIR1, DIR2: Rotation direction

[0042] DIR3: Pressing direction

[0043] E31, E81, E111, E151: Hand touch

[0044] E32,E82,E112,E152,E192: Electrical Path

[0045] S210~S240,S710~S740,S1010~S1060,S1410~S1460,S1810~S1860: Steps

[0046] SP11,SP12,SP13,SP14,SP15,SP16,SP17: Touch sensing electrodes DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0047] Reference will now be made in detail to exemplary embodiments of the present invention, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Whenever possible, the same reference numerals are used in the drawings and the description to refer to the same or like parts.

[0048] The term "coupled (or connected)" used in the entire specification of this case (including the claims) may refer to any direct or indirect means of connection. For example, if the text describes a first device coupled (or connected) to a second device, it should be interpreted that the first device can be directly connected to the second device, or the first device can be indirectly connected to the second device through other devices or some connection means. The terms "first", "second", etc. mentioned in the entire specification of this case (including the claims) are used to name the components (element) or to distinguish different embodiments or scopes, and are not used to limit the upper or lower limit of the number of components, nor to limit the order of components. In addition, wherever possible, components / components / steps with the same number in the drawings and embodiments represent the same or similar parts. Components / components / steps using the same number or the same terminology in different embodiments can refer to the relevant descriptions of each other.

[0049] Figure 1 is a circuit block diagram of a knob device 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 1 The knob device 100 shown includes a knob 110, a touch panel 120, and a touch sensing controller 130. According to different designs, in some embodiments, the touch sensing controller 130 can be implemented as a hardware circuit. In other embodiments, the touch sensing controller 130 can be implemented as firmware, software, or a combination of the two. In still other embodiments, the touch sensing controller 130 can be implemented as a combination of hardware, firmware, and software.

[0050] In terms of hardware, the touch sensing controller 130 can be implemented as a logic circuit on an integrated circuit. For example, the relevant functions of the touch sensing controller 130 can be implemented in various logic blocks, modules and circuits in one or more controllers, microcontrollers, microprocessors, application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), digital signal processors (DSPs), field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), central processing units (CPUs) and / or other processing units. The relevant functions of the touch sensing controller 130 can be implemented as hardware circuits using hardware description languages ​​(such as Verilog HDL or VHDL) or other suitable programming languages, such as various logic blocks, modules and circuits in an integrated circuit.

[0051] In terms of software and / or firmware form, the relevant functions of the above-mentioned touch sensing controller 130 can be implemented as programming codes. For example, the touch sensing controller 130 is implemented using general programming languages ​​(such as C, C++ or assembly language) or other suitable programming languages. The programming code can be recorded / stored in a "non-transitory machine-readable storage medium". In some embodiments, the non-transitory machine-readable storage medium includes, for example, a semiconductor memory and / or a storage device. An electronic device (such as a computer, CPU, controller, microcontroller or microprocessor) can read and execute the programming code from the non-transitory machine-readable storage medium to implement the relevant functions of the above-mentioned touch sensing controller 130.

[0052] The touch panel has a plurality of touch sensing electrodes, such as (but not limited to) Figure 1The touch sensing electrodes SP11, SP12, SP13, SP14, SP15, SP16 and SP17 are shown. The touch sensing controller 130 is coupled to these touch sensing electrodes. The touch sensing controller 130 can detect touch events of the touch panel 120 through these touch sensing electrodes. The present embodiment does not limit the implementation of the touch panel 120. For example, according to the actual design, the touch panel 120 can be a known display panel with a touch detection function or other touch detection panels.

[0053] The knob 110 of this embodiment is attached to the touch panel 120 to form a touch screen knob (knob on Touch Display). Based on the drive / control of the touch sensing controller 130, the touch panel 120 can sense the knob 110. Therefore, the user (e.g., the driver) does not need to be distracted by looking at the touch panel 120 (e.g., the touch screen) when controlling the vehicle, thereby improving driving safety.

[0054] exist Figure 1 In the illustrated embodiment, the knob 110 has a knob cap 111 and a base 112. The base 112 is attached to the touch panel 120. The knob cap 111 is pivoted on the base 112. Based on the twisting of the user 30, the knob cap 111 can rotate on the axis of rotation AR1 of the base 112. For example, the user 30 can twist the knob cap 111 in the rotation direction DIR1, or twist the knob cap 111 in the rotation direction DIR2.

[0055] Figure 2 FIG. 1 is a flowchart of an operation method of a knob device according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 1 and Figure 2 In step S210, a plurality of touch sensing electrodes (eg Figure 1 The touch sensing electrodes SP11-SP17 are arranged on the touch panel 120. In step S220, the knob 110 is attached to the touch panel 120. In step S230, a plurality of conductive electrodes (eg Figure 1 The conductive electrodes E11 and E12 are arranged at different positions of the base 112 of the knob 110. It should be noted that Figure 1 The conductive electrodes E11 and E12 are only schematic diagrams. The location, quantity and geometry of the conductive electrodes of the base 112 can be determined according to actual design.

[0056] In step S240, the touch sensing controller 130 can detect the conductive electrodes E11 and E12 of the base 112 of the knob 110 through the touch sensing electrodes SP11-SP17 of the touch panel 120 to obtain the rotation direction of the knob cap 111 on the base 112. When the user 30 twists the knob cap 111, the base 112 is fixedly attached to the touch panel 120, so the knob 110 does not rub the touch panel 120.

[0057] Figure 3 FIG. 1 is a top view of a knob 110 according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 3 In the illustrated embodiment, the base 112 has conductive electrodes A1 , B1 , and C1 . Figure 3 The conductive electrodes A1, B1 and C1 shown can refer to Figure 1 Relevant description of the conductive electrodes E11 and E12 shown. Figure 3 The conductive electrodes A1, B1 and C1 shown can be used as Figure 1 One of many implementation examples of the conductive electrodes E11 and E12 shown. Figure 3 In the illustrated embodiment, the knob cap 111 includes a hand touch portion E31 and an electrical path E32. When the user 30 operates the knob cap 111, the hand touch portion E31 is adapted to contact the user 30's hand. The hand touch portion E31 may be made of any conductive material. The first end of the electrical path E32 is coupled to the hand touch portion E31. Based on the rotation of the knob cap 111 on the base 112, the second end of the electrical path E32 may be selectively coupled to one of the conductive electrodes A1, B1, and C1 of the base 112. It should be noted that Figure 3 The conductive electrode A1, conductive electrode B1, conductive electrode C1, hand touch portion E31 and electrical path E32 are only schematic diagrams. The positions, quantities and geometric shapes of the conductive electrodes, hand touch portions and electrical paths can be determined according to actual design.

[0058] Figure 4 According to an embodiment of the present invention, the knob 110 is Figure 3 The cross-sectional diagram along the section line AA-AA" is shown. Figure 4 The conductive electrode A1, the hand touch portion E31 and the electrical path E32 shown can refer to Figure 3 The conductive electrode A1, the hand touch portion E31 and the electrical path E32 are shown. Figure 4 The hand touch portion E31 and the electrical path E32 shown can be used as Figure 3One of many implementation examples of the hand touch portion E31 and the electrical path E32 shown. When the user 30 operates the knob cap 111, the user 30 can contact the hand touch portion E31. The first end of the electrical path E32 is coupled to the hand touch portion E31. Based on the rotation of the knob cap 111 on the base 112, the second end of the electrical path E32 can be selectively coupled to one of the conductive electrodes A1, B1 and C1 of the base 112. It should be noted that Figure 4 The conductive electrode A1, the hand touch portion E31 and the electrical path E32 are only schematic diagrams. The positions, quantities and geometric shapes of the conductive electrode, the hand touch portion and the electrical path can be determined according to the actual design.

[0059] Please refer to Figure 3 and Figure 4 , when the hand of the user 30 contacts the hand touch portion E31 and the second end of the electrical path E32 is selectively coupled to the conductive electrode A1 of the base 112, the touch sensing controller 130 can detect the touch event of the hand of the user 30 through the touch sensing electrode SP12, the conductive electrode A1, the electrical path E32 and the hand touch portion E31. This embodiment does not limit the touch event detection method performed by the touch sensing controller 130 on the touch sensing electrodes SP11 to SP17 of the touch panel 120. For example, according to the actual design, the touch sensing controller 130 can drive / control the touch panel 120 to perform known detection or other detections on touch events.

[0060] That is, when the hand of the user 30 touches the hand touch portion E31 and the second end of the electrical path E32 is selectively coupled to the conductive electrode A1 of the base 112, the touch sensing controller 130 can know that a touch event occurs at the position of the conductive electrode A1 (at the position of the touch sensing electrode SP12) on the touch panel 120. Figure 3 When the conductive electrode B1 or C1 is touched, the touch sensing controller 130 can know that a touch event occurs on the touch panel 120 at the position of the conductive electrode B1 or C1.

[0061] Figure 5 1 is a schematic diagram of different states of the user 30 operating the knob cap 111 according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 5 The conductive electrode A1, conductive electrode B1, conductive electrode C1 and hand touch portion E31 can refer to Figure 3 The conductive electrode A1, conductive electrode B1, conductive electrode C1 and hand touch portion E31 are shown in FIG. When the user 30 operates the knob cap 111, the hand touch portion E31 can be selectively coupled to the conductive electrode A1, B1 or C1 through an electrical path, such as Figure 5The touch sensing controller 130 can detect whether a touch event occurs at the positions of the conductive electrodes A1, B1 and C1 of the base 112 through different touch sensing electrodes of the touch panel 120. Based on the order in which the touch events occur at the conductive electrodes A1, B1 and C1, the touch sensing controller 130 can determine the rotation direction of the knob cap 111 on the base 112.

[0062] Figure 6 1 is a schematic diagram of different states when a touch event occurs at the position of the conductive electrode A1, B1 or C1 of the base 112 according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 6 The horizontal axis represents the position of the conductive electrode A1, B1 or C1 of the base 112, and the vertical axis represents different states. The touch sensing controller 130 can convert the detection results of the conductive electrodes A1, B1 and C1 of the base 112 into a current code. The current code can indicate that a touch event occurs on a single electrode of the conductive electrodes A1, B1 and C1 of the base 112.

[0063] Please refer to Figure 5 and Figure 6 , when the hand of the user 30 touches the hand touch portion E31 and the hand touch portion E31 is selectively coupled to the conductive electrode A1 of the base 112 through an electrical path, the touch sensing controller 130 can know that a touch event occurs at the position of the conductive electrode A1 of the touch panel 120, while no touch event occurs at the other conductive electrodes B1 and C1. At this time, the touch sensing controller 130 can convert the detection results of the conductive electrodes A1, B1 and C1 into the current code "100" (i.e. Figure 6 Similarly, when the hand of the user 30 touches the hand touch portion E31 and the hand touch portion E31 is selectively coupled to the conductive electrode B1 of the base 112 through an electrical path, the touch sensing controller 130 can convert the detection results of the conductive electrodes A1, B1 and C1 into the current code "010" (i.e. Figure 6 When the hand of the user 30 touches the hand touch portion E31 and the hand touch portion E31 is selectively coupled to the conductive electrode C1 of the base 112 through an electrical path, the touch sensing controller 130 can convert the detection results of the conductive electrodes A1, B1 and C1 into the current code "001" (i.e. Figure 6 State 3) is shown.

[0064] The touch sensing controller 130 may compare the current code with the previous code to determine whether the knob cap 111 is rotated, and further determine the rotation direction of the knob cap 111. When the current code and the previous code indicate that the order of the touch events occurring at the conductive electrodes A1, B1, and C1 is the first order (e.g., state 1→state 2→state 3→state 1), the touch sensing controller 130 may determine that the rotation direction of the knob cap 111 is clockwise. When the current code and the previous code indicate that the order of the touch events occurring at the conductive electrodes A1, B1, and C1 is the second order (e.g., state 3→state 2→state 1→state 3), the touch sensing controller 130 may determine that the rotation direction of the knob cap 111 is counterclockwise.

[0065] Figure 7 It is a flowchart of the operation method of the knob device according to another embodiment of the present invention. In step S710, the touch sensing controller 130 can convert the detection results of the conductive electrodes A1, B1 and C1 of the base 112 into the current code. In step S720, the touch sensing controller 130 can compare the current code with the previous code to determine whether the code has changed (that is, to determine whether the knob cap 111 has been rotated). If the code has not changed (the judgment result of step S720 is "No"), return to step S710 to update the current code. If the current code has been changed (the judgment result of step S720 is "Yes"), perform step S730 to determine the rotation direction of the knob cap 111. The judgment details of step S730 can be referred to. Figure 5 and Figure 6 The relevant description of the touch sensing controller 130 is omitted here. The touch sensing controller 130 can report the rotation direction (or even the rotation speed) of the knob cap 111 to the system to trigger / adjust the corresponding application function (for example, adjust the temperature, volume or other system values). In step S740, the touch sensing controller 130 can update the previous code based on the current code. After completing step S740, the touch sensing controller 130 can return to step S710 to update the current code.

[0066] Figure 8 FIG. 1 is a top view of a knob 110 according to another embodiment of the present invention. Figure 8 In the illustrated embodiment, the knob cap 111 includes a hand-touch portion E81 and an electrical path E82 , and the base 112 has conductive electrodes A2 , B2 , and C2 . Figure 8 The hand touch portion E81, the electrical path E82, the conductive electrode A2, the conductive electrode B2 and the conductive electrode C2 can refer to Figure 3 The hand touch portion E31, the electrical path E32, the conductive electrode A1, the conductive electrode B1 and the conductive electrode C1 are shown. Figure 8 The conductive electrodes A2, B2 and C2 shown can be used as Figure 1 One of many implementation examples of the conductive electrodes E11 and E12 shown. Figure 8 In the illustrated embodiment, the knob cap 111 further includes a pressing member 810. When the user 30 presses the knob cap 111, the pressing member 810 is adapted to electrically connect the conductive electrodes A2, B2, and C2 of the base 112. The touch sensing controller 130 can detect whether a "touch event" occurs simultaneously at the conductive electrodes A2, B2, and C2 of the base 112 through different touch sensing electrodes of the touch panel 120 to determine whether the knob cap 111 is pressed.

[0067] Fig.9A and Fig. 9B According to another embodiment of the present invention, the knob 110 is Figure 8 The cross-sectional diagram along the section line BB-BB" is shown. Fig.9A and Fig. 9B The conductive electrode A2, conductive electrode B2, hand touch portion E81 and electrical path E82 shown in FIG. Figure 8 The conductive electrode A2, the conductive electrode B2, the hand touch portion E81 and the electrical path E82 are shown. Fig.9A and Fig. 9B The hand touch portion E81 and the electrical path E82 shown can be used as Figure 8 One of many implementation examples of the hand touch portion E81 and the electrical path E82 is shown. Fig.9A and Fig. 9B The conductive electrode A2, conductive electrode B2, hand touch portion E81 and electrical path E82 shown in FIG. Figure 4 The related descriptions of the conductive electrode A1, the hand touch portion E31 and the electrical path E32 are also applicable.

[0068] Fig.9A 1 shows a state where the knob cap 111 has not been pressed. When the user 30 operates the knob cap 111, the user 30 can contact the hand touch portion E31 to rotate the knob cap 111 on the base 112. For example, the user 30 can twist the knob cap 111 in the rotation direction DIR1 or in the rotation direction DIR2. The knob 110, the touch panel 120 and the touch sensing controller 130 are connected to each other. Fig.9A The rotation sensing operation in the shown state can be referred to Figures 3 to 7 The related description of the rotation sensing operation is analogous, so it is not repeated here. When the knob cap 111 is not pressed, the pressing member 810 is in an electrical floating state.

[0069] Fig. 9B The diagram shows a state where the knob cap 111 is pressed. Figure 8 and Fig. 9B When the user 30 presses the knob cap 111 in the pressing direction DIR3, the pressing member 810 of the knob cap 111 is electrically connected to the conductive electrodes A2, B2 and C2 of the base 112. The touch sensing controller 130 can detect whether a "touch event" occurs simultaneously at the conductive electrodes A2, B2 and C2 of the base 112 through different touch sensing electrodes of the touch panel 120 to determine whether the knob cap 111 is pressed.

[0070] Fig.10 FIG. 4 is a flow chart of an operation method of a knob device according to another embodiment of the present invention. Fig.10 The steps S1010, S1020, S1040 and S1060 shown in FIG. Figure 7 The relevant descriptions of steps S710, S720, S730 and S740 are shown and are analogous, so they are not repeated here. If the current code is changed (the judgment result of step S1020 is "yes"), step S1030 is performed to determine whether the knob cap 111 is pressed. In step S1030, the touch sensing controller 130 can check the current code. If the current code is not "111" (the judgment result of step S1030 is "no"), step S1040 is performed to determine the rotation direction of the knob cap 111. If the current code is "111" (the judgment result of step S1030 is "yes"), step S1050 is performed to determine that the knob cap 111 has been pressed, and then step S1060 is performed.

[0071] Fig.11 FIG. 1 is a top view of a knob 110 according to yet another embodiment of the present invention. Fig.11 In the illustrated embodiment, the knob cap 111 has a hand-touch portion E111 and an electrical path E112 , and the base 112 has conductive electrodes A3 , B3 , C3 , D3 , E3 , and F3 . Fig.11 The hand touch portion E111, the electrical path E112 and the conductive electrodes A3 to F3 can be referred to Figure 3 The related descriptions of the hand touch portion E31 , the electrical path E32 and the conductive electrodes A1 - C1 are also applicable. Fig.11 The conductive electrodes A3 to F3 shown can be used as Figure 1 One of many implementation examples of conductive electrodes E11 and E12 is shown.

[0072] exist Fig.11 In the illustrated embodiment, when the user 30 operates the knob cap 111, based on the rotation of the knob cap 111 on the base 112, the second end of the electrical path E112 can be selectively coupled to one of the conductive electrodes A3 to F3 of the base 112. It should be noted that Fig.11The conductive electrodes A3 to F3, the hand-touch portion E111 and the electrical path E112 are only schematic diagrams. The positions, quantities and geometric shapes of the conductive electrodes, the hand-touch portion and the electrical path can be determined according to actual design.

[0073] Fig.12 FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of different states of a user 30 operating the knob cap 111 according to another embodiment of the present invention. Fig.12 The conductive electrodes A3 to F3 and the hand touch portion E111 can be referred to Fig.11 When the user 30 operates the knob cap 111, the hand touch portion E111 can be selectively coupled to one of the conductive electrodes A3-F3 through an electrical path, such as Fig.12 The touch sensing controller 130 can detect whether a touch event occurs at the position of the conductive electrodes A3 to F3 of the base 112 through different touch sensing electrodes of the touch panel 120. Based on the order in which the touch events occur at the conductive electrodes A3 to F3, the touch sensing controller 130 can determine the rotation direction of the knob cap 111 on the base 112.

[0074] Fig.13 FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of different states of the conductive electrodes A3 - F3 of the base 112 when a touch event occurs according to another embodiment of the present invention. Fig.13 The horizontal axis represents the positions of the conductive electrodes A3 to F3 of the base 112, and the vertical axis represents different states. The touch sensing controller 130 can convert the detection results of the conductive electrodes A3 to F3 of the base 112 into a current code. The current code can indicate that a single electrode of the conductive electrodes A3 to F3 of the base 112 has a touch event.

[0075] Please refer to Fig.11 and Fig.13 , when the hand of the user 30 touches the hand touch portion E111 and the hand touch portion E111 is selectively coupled to the conductive electrode A3 of the base 112 through an electrical path, the touch sensing controller 130 can know that a touch event occurs at the position of the conductive electrode A3 of the touch panel 120, while no touch event occurs at other conductive electrodes B3 to F3. At this time, the touch sensing controller 130 can convert the detection result of the conductive electrodes A3 to F3 into the current code "100000" (i.e. Fig.13 Similarly, when the hand of the user 30 touches the hand touch portion E111 and the hand touch portion E111 is selectively coupled to one of the conductive electrodes B3-F3 of the base 112 through an electrical path, the touch sensing controller 130 can convert the detection result of the conductive electrodes A3-F3 into the current code "010000" (i.e. Fig.13State 2), "001000" (i.e. Fig.13 State 3), "000100" (i.e. Fig.13 State 4), "000010" (i.e. Fig.13 State 5) or "000001" (i.e. Fig.13 State 6) is shown.

[0076] The touch sensing controller 130 may compare the current code with the previous code to determine whether the knob cap 111 is rotated, and further determine the rotation direction of the knob cap 111. When the current code and the previous code indicate that the order of the touch events occurring on the conductive electrodes A3 to F3 is the first order (e.g., state 1→state 2→state 3→state 4→state 5→state 6→state 1), the touch sensing controller 130 may determine that the rotation direction of the knob cap 111 is clockwise. When the current code and the previous code indicate that the order of the touch events occurring on the conductive electrodes A3 to F3 is the second order (e.g., state 6→state 5→state 4→state 3→state 2→state 1→state 6), the touch sensing controller 130 may determine that the rotation direction of the knob cap 111 is counterclockwise.

[0077] Fig.14 FIG. 4 is a flow chart of an operation method of a knob device according to another embodiment of the present invention. Fig.14 The steps S1410, S1420, S1440 and S1460 shown can refer to Figure 7 The relevant descriptions of steps S710, S720, S730 and S740 are shown and can be deduced by analogy, so they will not be repeated here. If the current code is changed (the judgment result of step S1420 is "yes"), step S1430 is performed to determine whether the state is continuous. If the state is continuous (the judgment result of step S1430 is "yes"), step S1440 is performed to determine the rotation direction of the knob cap 111. If the state is discontinuous (the judgment result of step S1430 is "no"), step S1450 is performed to issue a state omission notification. For example, if the current code indicates Fig.13 State 3 is shown, while the previous encoding indicates Fig.13 If the state 1 is shown, the touch sensing controller 130 can determine that the state is not continuous (missing state 2). Usually, the rotation speed of the knob cap 111 is too fast and the state may be lost. At this time, the touch sensing controller 130 can report the state missing notification to the system and then proceed to step S1140.

[0078] Fig.15 FIG. 1 is a top view of a knob 110 according to another embodiment of the present invention. Fig.15In the illustrated embodiment, the knob cap 111 has a hand-touch portion E151 and an electrical path E152 , and the base 112 has conductive electrodes A4 , B4 , C4 , D4 , E4 , and F4 . Fig.15 The hand touch portion E151, the electrical path E152 and the conductive electrodes A4 to F4 can be referred to Figure 3 The related description of the hand touch portion E31, the electrical path E32 and the conductive electrodes A1-C1 can be deduced by analogy, or can be referred to Fig.11 The related descriptions of the hand touch portion E111 , the electrical path E112 and the conductive electrodes A3 - F3 are also applicable. Fig.15 The conductive electrodes A4 to F4 shown can be used as Figure 1 One of many implementation examples of conductive electrodes E11 and E12 is shown.

[0079] exist Fig.15 In the illustrated embodiment, when the user 30 operates the knob cap 111, based on the rotation of the knob cap 111 on the base 112, the second end of the electrical path E152 can be selectively coupled to one of the conductive electrodes A4 to F4 of the base 112. It should be noted that Fig.15 The conductive electrodes A4-F4, the hand touch portion E151 and the electrical path E152 are only schematic diagrams. The positions, quantities and geometric shapes of the conductive electrodes, the hand touch portion and the electrical path can be determined according to the actual design.

[0080] Fig.16 1 is a schematic diagram of different states of the user 30 operating the knob cap 111 according to another embodiment of the present invention. Fig.16 The conductive electrodes A4 to F4 and the hand touch portion E151 shown can refer to Fig.15 The conductive electrodes A4-F4 and the hand touch portion E151 are shown in FIG. When the user 30 operates the knob cap 111, the hand touch portion E151 can be selectively coupled to multiple of the conductive electrodes A4-F4 through an electrical path, such as Fig.16 The touch sensing controller 130 can detect whether a touch event occurs at the position of the conductive electrodes A4 to F4 of the base 112 through different touch sensing electrodes of the touch panel 120. Based on the order in which the touch events occur at the conductive electrodes A4 to F4, the touch sensing controller 130 can determine the rotation direction of the knob cap 111 on the base 112.

[0081] Fig.17 FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of different states of the conductive electrodes A4 - F4 of the base 112 when a touch event occurs according to another embodiment of the present invention. Fig.17The horizontal axis represents the positions of the conductive electrodes A4-F4 of the base 112, and the vertical axis represents different states. The touch sensing controller 130 can convert the detection results of the conductive electrodes A4-F4 of the base 112 into current codes. The current codes can indicate that a touch event occurs on multiple adjacent conductive electrodes A4-F4 of the base 112.

[0082] Please refer to Fig.15 and Fig.17 , when the hand of the user 30 touches the hand touch portion E151 and the hand touch portion E151 is selectively coupled to the conductive electrodes A4 and B4 of the base 112 through an electrical path, the touch sensing controller 130 can know that a touch event occurs at the position of the conductive electrodes A4 and B4 of the touch panel 120, while no touch event occurs at the other conductive electrodes C4 to F4. At this time, the touch sensing controller 130 can convert the detection result of the conductive electrodes A4 to F4 into the current code "110000" (i.e. Fig.17 Similarly, when the hand of the user 30 touches the hand touch portion E111 and the hand touch portion E111 is selectively coupled to a plurality of adjacent conductive electrodes A4-F4 of the base 112 through an electrical path, the touch sensing controller 130 can convert the detection result of the conductive electrodes A4-F4 into the current code "011000" (i.e. Fig.17 State 2), "001100" (i.e. Fig.17 State 3), "000110" (i.e. Fig.17 State 4), "000011" (i.e. Fig.17 State 5) or "100001" (i.e. Fig.17 State 6) is shown.

[0083] The touch sensing controller 130 may compare the current code with the previous code to determine whether the knob cap 111 is rotated, and further determine the rotation direction of the knob cap 111. When the current code and the previous code indicate that the order of the touch events occurring on the conductive electrodes A4 to F4 is the first order (e.g., state 1→state 2→state 3→state 4→state 5→state 6→state 1), the touch sensing controller 130 may determine that the rotation direction of the knob cap 111 is clockwise. When the current code and the previous code indicate that the order of the touch events occurring on the conductive electrodes A4 to F4 is the second order (e.g., state 6→state 5→state 4→state 3→state 2→state 1→state 6), the touch sensing controller 130 may determine that the rotation direction of the knob cap 111 is counterclockwise.

[0084] Fig.18 FIG. 4 is a flow chart of an operation method of a knob device according to yet another embodiment of the present invention. Fig.18The steps S1810, S1820, S1840 and S1860 shown can refer to Figure 7 The relevant descriptions of steps S710, S720, S730 and S740 are shown and can be deduced by analogy, so they are not repeated here. If the current code is changed (the judgment result of step S1820 is "yes"), step S1830 is performed. In step S1830, the touch sensing controller 130 can check and determine whether the current code is abnormal. If the current code is not abnormal (the judgment result of step S1830 is "no"), step S1840 is performed to determine the rotation direction of the knob cap 111. If the current code is abnormal (the judgment result of step S1830 is "yes"), step S1850 is performed.

[0085] When the current code is abnormal, the touch sensing controller 130 can repair the current code based on the previous code in step S1850. For example, if the current code is "010000" and the previous code is "110000", the touch sensing controller 130 can determine that the current code "010000" is abnormal (the sensing result of the conductive electrode C4 is lost). At this time, the touch sensing controller 130 can repair the current code "010000" to "011000" based on the previous code "110000", and then perform step S1840.

[0086] Fig.19 FIG. 1 is a top view of a knob 110 according to another embodiment of the present invention. Fig.19 In the illustrated embodiment, the knob cap 111 includes an electrical path E192, and the base 112 has a common electrode COM5, a conductive electrode A5, a conductive electrode B5, and a conductive electrode C5. The common electrode COM5, the conductive electrode A5, the conductive electrode B5, and the conductive electrode C5 can be made of any conductive material. Fig.19 The conductive electrodes A5, B5 and C5 shown can refer to Figure 3 Relevant description of the conductive electrodes A1, B1 and C1 shown. Fig.19 The conductive electrodes A5, B5 and C5 shown can be used as Figure 1 One of many implementation examples of conductive electrodes E11 and E12 is shown.

[0087] The material of the electrical path E192 can be any conductive material. The first end of the electrical path E192 is coupled to the common electrode COM5. When the user 30 operates the knob cap 111, the second end of the electrical path E192 is selectively coupled to one of the conductive electrodes A5, B5 and C5 of the base 112 based on the rotation of the knob cap 111 on the base 112. It should be noted that Fig.19The conductive electrode A5, conductive electrode B5, conductive electrode C5, common electrode COM5 and electrical path E192 are only schematic diagrams. The positions, quantities and geometric shapes of the conductive electrodes, common electrodes and electrical paths can be determined according to actual design. For example, Fig.19 The description of the embodiment shown can be applied by analogy to Figure 8 or Fig.11 In other embodiments, the second end of the electrical path E192 can be selectively coupled to multiple of the conductive electrodes A5, B5, and C5 of the base 112 based on the rotation of the knob cap 111 on the base 112. For example, Fig.19 The description of the embodiment shown can be applied by analogy to Fig.15 The embodiment shown.

[0088] Fig. 20 According to an embodiment of the present invention, the knob 110 is Fig.19 The cross-sectional diagram along the section line CC-CC" is shown. Fig. 20 The conductive electrode A5, the common electrode COM5 and the electrical path E192 shown can refer to Fig.19 The related descriptions of the conductive electrode A5, the common electrode COM5 and the electrical path E192 are shown. Fig. 20 The electrical path E192 shown can be used as Fig.19 One of many implementation examples of the electrical path E192 shown. The first end of the electrical path E192 of the knob cap 111 is coupled to the common electrode COM5 of the base 112. When the user 30 operates the knob cap 111, based on the rotation of the knob cap 111 on the base 112, the second end of the electrical path E192 can be selectively coupled to one of the conductive electrodes A5, B5 and C5 of the base 112. It should be noted that Fig. 20 The electrical path E192 , the conductive electrode A5 , the common electrode COM5 , and the electrical path E192 are merely schematic diagrams. Fig. 20 The positions, quantities and geometries of the electrical paths, conductive electrodes, common electrodes and electrical paths shown can be determined according to actual design. Fig. 20 The description of the embodiment shown can be applied by analogy to Figures 9A to 9B The embodiment shown.

[0089] Please refer to Fig.19 and Fig. 20, the touch sensing controller 130 can provide a touch driving signal COM to the common electrode COM5 of the base 112 of the knob 110 through at least one of the multiple touch sensing electrodes of the touch panel 120 (for example, the touch sensing electrode SP14). The present embodiment does not limit the implementation method of the touch driving signal COM. For example, according to the actual design, the touch driving signal COM can be a ground voltage, a pulse signal, a clock signal or other driving signals. The user 30 can twist the knob cap 111 according to the rotation direction DIR1, or twist the knob cap 111 according to the rotation direction DIR2. When the user 30's hand operates the knob cap 111 and the second end of the electrical path E192 is selectively coupled to the conductive electrode (for example, the conductive electrode A5) of the base 112, the touch driving signal COM can be transmitted from the touch sensing electrode SP14 through the common electrode COM5 and the electrical path E192 to the conductive electrode A5.

[0090] The touch sensing controller 130 can detect all the conductive electrodes of the base 112 of the knob 110 through all the touch sensing electrodes (eg, the touch sensing electrodes SP11 to SP17) of the touch panel 120 to obtain the rotation direction of the knob cap 111 on the base 112. Fig. 20 Taking the operation scenario shown as an example, when the second end of the electrical path E192 is selectively coupled to the conductive electrode A5 of the base 112, the touch sensing controller 130 can detect the touch drive signal COM of the conductive electrode A5 of the base 112 through the touch sensing electrode SP12 of the touch panel 120. At this time, the other conductive electrodes B5 and C5 of the base 112 do not have the touch drive signal COM. That is, when the second end of the electrical path E192 is selectively coupled to the conductive electrode A5 of the base 112, the touch sensing controller 130 can know that a touch event occurs at the position of the conductive electrode A5 (at the position of the touch sensing electrode SP12) on the touch panel 120. Similarly, when the second end of the electrical path E192 is selectively coupled to Fig.19 When the conductive electrode B5 or C5 is shown, the touch sensing controller 130 can know that a touch event occurs on the touch panel 120 at the position of the conductive electrode B5 or C5.

[0091] Figure 5 , Figure 6 and Figure 7 The relevant description can be applied by analogy to Fig.19 and Fig. 20 In the illustrated embodiment, the touch sensing controller 130 can detect whether a touch event occurs at the positions of the conductive electrodes A5, B5, and C5 of the base 112 through different touch sensing electrodes of the touch panel 120. Based on the order in which the touch events occur at the conductive electrodes A5, B5, and C5, the touch sensing controller 130 can determine the rotation direction of the knob cap 111 on the base 112.

[0092] In summary, the knob 110 described in the embodiments can be attached to the touch panel 120. Among them, the knob 110 has a base 112 and a knob cap 111, the knob cap 111 is pivoted on the base 112, and the base 112 is attached to the touch panel 120. Different conductive electrodes are provided at different positions of the base 112 of the knob 110. Based on the rotational movement of the knob cap 111 on the base 112, these conductive electrodes of the knob base 112 undergo electrical changes (for example, changes in capacitance characteristics). The touch sensing controller 1300 can detect these conductive electrodes of the knob base 112 through the touch sensing electrodes of the touch panel 120 to obtain different sensing results. Based on the difference in the sensing results of these conductive electrodes of the knob base 112, the touch sensing controller 130 can know the rotation direction of the knob cap 111 on the base 112. Therefore, the knob device 100 can realize the physical knob function on the touch panel 120.

[0093] Finally, it should be noted that the above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of the present invention, rather than to limit it. Although the present invention has been described in detail with reference to the aforementioned embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that they can still modify the technical solutions described in the aforementioned embodiments, or replace some or all of the technical features therein with equivalents. However, these modifications or replacements do not cause the essence of the corresponding technical solutions to deviate from the scope of the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention.

Claims

1. A knob device, characterized in that: The knob device comprises: A touch panel having a plurality of touch sensing electrodes; a touch sensing controller coupled to the plurality of touch sensing electrodes of the touch panel, and configured to detect a touch event of the touch panel through the plurality of touch sensing electrodes; and A knob having a base and a knob cap, wherein the knob cap is pivotally mounted on the base, the base is attached to the touch panel, a plurality of conductive electrodes are arranged at different positions of the base, and the touch sensing controller detects the plurality of conductive electrodes of the base of the knob through the plurality of touch sensing electrodes of the touch panel to obtain the rotation direction of the knob cap on the base.

2. The knob device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The knob cap comprises: a hand touch portion, wherein the hand touch portion is adapted to contact the hand when the hand operates the knob cap; and An electrical path, wherein a first end of the electrical path is coupled to the hand touch portion, and a second end of the electrical path is selectively coupled to one or more of the plurality of conductive electrodes of the base based on rotation of the knob cap on the base.

3. The knob device according to claim 2, characterized in that: When the hand contacts the hand touch portion and the second end of the electrical path is selectively coupled to a first conductive electrode among the plurality of conductive electrodes of the base, the touch sensing controller detects the touch event of the hand through the plurality of touch sensing electrodes, the first conductive electrode, the electrical path and the hand touch portion.

4. The knob device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The touch sensing controller detects whether the touch event occurs at the positions of the multiple conductive electrodes on the base through the multiple touch sensing electrodes, and the touch sensing controller determines the rotation direction of the knob cap on the base based on the order in which the touch events occur on the multiple conductive electrodes.

5. The knob device according to claim 4, characterized in that: The touch sensing controller converts the detection results of the multiple conductive electrodes of the base into a current code, compares the current code with the previous code to determine whether the knob cap is rotated, and updates the previous code based on the current code.

6. The knob device according to claim 5, characterized in that: The current code indicates that the touch event occurs at a single electrode among the plurality of conductive electrodes of the base.

7. The knob device according to claim 5, characterized in that: The current code indicates that the touch event occurs on a plurality of electrodes adjacent to each other among the plurality of conductive electrodes of the base.

8. The knob device according to claim 5, characterized in that: When the current code and the previous code indicate that the touch events occurring at the multiple conductive electrodes occur in a first order, the touch sensing controller determines that the rotation direction of the knob cap is clockwise rotation; and when the current code and the previous code indicate that the touch events occurring at the multiple conductive electrodes occur in a second order different from the first order, the touch sensing controller determines that the rotation direction of the knob cap is counterclockwise rotation.

9. The knob device according to claim 5, characterized in that: The touch sensing controller checks whether the current code is abnormal, and When the current code is abnormal, the touch sensing controller repairs the current code based on the previous code.

10. The knob device according to claim 1, characterized in that The knob cap comprises: A pressing member, wherein when the hand presses the knob cap, the pressing member is adapted to electrically connect the plurality of conductive electrodes of the base, The touch sensing controller detects whether the touch event occurs simultaneously on the multiple conductive electrodes of the base through the multiple touch sensing electrodes to determine whether the knob cap is pressed.

11. The knob device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The base is further configured with a common electrode, and the touch sensing controller provides a touch driving signal to the common electrode of the base of the knob through at least one of the multiple touch sensing electrodes of the touch panel, the knob cap includes an electrical path, a first end of the electrical path is coupled to the common electrode, and a second end of the electrical path is selectively coupled to one or more of the multiple conductive electrodes of the base based on the rotation of the knob cap on the base, and the touch sensing controller detects the multiple conductive electrodes of the base of the knob through the multiple touch sensing electrodes of the touch panel to obtain the rotation direction of the knob cap on the base.

12. The knob device according to claim 11, characterized in that When the second end of the electrical path is selectively coupled to a first conductive electrode among the plurality of conductive electrodes of the base, the touch sensing controller detects the touch driving signal of the first conductive electrode through the plurality of touch sensing electrodes.

13. A method for operating a knob device, characterized in that: The operation method comprises: Disposing a plurality of touch sensing electrodes on the touch panel, wherein the plurality of touch sensing electrodes are used to detect a touch event of the touch panel; Attaching a knob to the touch panel, wherein the knob comprises a base and a knob cap, and the knob cap is pivotally mounted on the base; disposing a plurality of conductive electrodes at different locations of the base of the knob; and The plurality of conductive electrodes of the base of the knob are detected by the plurality of touch sensing electrodes of the touch panel to obtain the rotation direction of the knob cap on the base.

14. The operating method according to claim 13, characterized in that: The knob cap includes a hand touch portion and an electrical path, the hand touch portion is suitable for contacting the hand when the hand operates the knob cap, a first end of the electrical path is coupled to the hand touch portion, and a second end of the electrical path is selectively coupled to one or more of the plurality of conductive electrodes of the base based on the rotation of the knob cap on the base, and the operating method further includes: When the hand contacts the hand touch portion and the second end of the electrical path is selectively coupled to a first conductive electrode among the plurality of conductive electrodes of the base, the touch event of the hand is detected through the plurality of touch sensing electrodes, the first conductive electrode, the electrical path and the hand touch portion.

15. The operating method according to claim 13, characterized in that: The operation method further includes: Detecting, by means of the plurality of touch sensing electrodes, whether the touch event occurs at the positions of the plurality of conductive electrodes of the base; and The rotation direction of the knob cap on the base is determined based on the order in which the touch events occur on the plurality of conductive electrodes.

16. The operating method according to claim 15, characterized in that: The operation method further includes: converting the detection results of the plurality of conductive electrodes of the base into a current code; Comparing the current code with the previous code to determine whether the knob cap has been rotated; and The previous code is updated based on the current code.

17. The operating method according to claim 16, characterized in that: The current code indicates that the touch event occurs at a single electrode among the plurality of conductive electrodes of the base.

18. The operating method according to claim 16, characterized in that: The current code indicates that the touch event occurs on a plurality of electrodes adjacent to each other among the plurality of conductive electrodes of the base.

19. The operating method according to claim 16, characterized in that: The operation method further includes: When the current code and the previous code indicate that the occurrence order of the touch events on the plurality of conductive electrodes is the first order, determining that the rotation direction of the knob cap is clockwise rotation; and When the current code and the previous code indicate that the occurrence sequence of the touch events on the plurality of conductive electrodes is a second sequence different from the first sequence, it is determined that the rotation direction of the knob cap is counterclockwise rotation.

20. The operating method according to claim 16, characterized in that: The operation method further includes: Checking whether the current code is abnormal; and When the current code is abnormal, the current code is repaired based on the previous code.

21. The operating method according to claim 13, characterized in that: The knob cap includes a pressing member, and when the hand presses the knob cap, the pressing member is adapted to electrically connect the plurality of conductive electrodes of the base, and the operating method further includes: The touch sensing electrodes are used to detect whether the touch event occurs simultaneously on the multiple conductive electrodes of the base, so as to determine whether the knob cap is pressed.

22. The operating method according to claim 13, characterized in that: The base is further configured with a common electrode, and the operating method further includes: Providing a touch driving signal to the common electrode of the base of the knob through at least one of the plurality of touch sensing electrodes of the touch panel, wherein the knob cap comprises an electrical path, a first end of the electrical path is coupled to the common electrode, and a second end of the electrical path is selectively coupled to one or more of the plurality of conductive electrodes of the base based on rotation of the knob cap on the base; and The plurality of conductive electrodes of the base of the knob are detected by the plurality of touch sensing electrodes of the touch panel to obtain the rotation direction of the knob cap on the base.

23. The operating method according to claim 22, characterized in that: The operation method further includes: When the second end of the electrical path is selectively coupled to a first conductive electrode among the plurality of conductive electrodes of the base, the touch driving signal of the first conductive electrode is detected by the plurality of touch sensing electrodes.

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