Electronic device, input method, and storage medium

Abstract

The invention provides an electronic device, an input method, and a storage medium. The electronic device includes: a display unit; a touch panel having a first detection unit that detects a touch position in accordance with a touch operation; the electronic device includes a first detection unit that detects a touch operation on a surface of the touch panel, and a second detection unit that detects a pressure applied to the surface of the touch panel in accordance with the touch operation, the electronic device being characterized in that first control relating to the touch operation is performed on the basis of a touch position detected by the first detection unit and the pressure detected by the second detection unit.

Description

[0001] This application is a divisional application of the invention patent application filed on August 10, 2022, with application number 202210953082.6 and entitled "Electronic device, input method and storage medium".

[0002] Reference to related applications

[0003] This invention claims priority to Japanese Patent Application No. 2021-149574, filed with the Japan Patent Office on September 14, 2021, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0004] This disclosure relates to electronic devices, input methods, and storage media for inputting information corresponding to user operations. Background Technology

[0005] For example, personal computers, electronic dictionaries, and other electronic devices that input information corresponding to user operations and act according to the input information are widely used.

[0006] Such an electronic device includes a touch panel type display unit in which a transparent touch panel is superimposed on a display panel such as a liquid crystal display panel or an organic EL (electro-Luminescence) panel. Based on a pen-based touch operation, markings indicating the color and thickness of the drawing conditions for depicting the touch operation are displayed near the location where the touch operation is detected. Furthermore, a drawing device is considered that allows for intuitive understanding of the drawing state of the pen-based touch operation by displaying the drawing conditions indicated by the markings (for example, see Patent Document 1).

[0007] Prior art literature

[0008] Patent documents

[0009] Patent Document 1: WO2020-241549

[0010] As with conventional drawing devices, in a touch panel display unit, when using pen-based (or finger-based) touch operations, such as drawing and displaying text or specifying the items to be displayed, one can directly touch and operate the position of the displayed text or the displayed items.

[0011] However, when the touch panel, which is the object of the touch operation, and the display unit, which displays the trajectory and position corresponding to the touch operation, are separate and do not overlap, it is impossible to directly touch and operate the position of the trajectory drawn on the display unit or the position of the displayed item. In this case, the position where the user performs a touch operation on the touch panel may sometimes be misaligned with the position the user desires on the display unit. Summary of the Invention

[0012] The present invention was made in view of such a problem, and its object is to provide a touch panel type operation unit in which the position where the user performs touch operation on the touch panel does not deviate from the position desired by the user on the display unit, so as to enable correct touch input.

[0013] Methods for solving problems

[0014] The electronic device disclosed herein includes: a display unit; a touch panel having a first detection unit that detects a touch position in accordance with a touch operation; and a second detection unit that detects pressure applied to the surface of the touch panel in accordance with the touch operation, and performs a first control related to the touch operation based on the touch position detected by the first detection unit and the pressure detected by the second detection unit. Attached Figure Description

[0015] Figure 1 This is a front view showing the external structure of the electronic dictionary 10 as described in the implementation of the electronic device, input method, and program of this disclosure.

[0016] Figure 2 From Figure 1 The side view shows the internal structure of the touch panel type operation unit 11 when viewed from below.

[0017] Figure 3 From Figure 2 The top view showing the structure of the conductive material printed sheet 11b when viewed from below.

[0018] Figure 4 This is a diagram showing the structure of the control substrate 11c. Figure 4 (A) is from Figure 2 A top view of the control board 11c as viewed from above. Figure 4 (B) is an enlarged view showing a portion of the conductive material pattern CBP printed on the upper surface of the control substrate 11c. Figure 4 (C) is a circuit diagram showing the pressure detection unit 11P1, which is composed of a conductive material printed section CB of a conductive material printed sheet 11b and a conductive material pattern CBP of a control substrate 11c opposite to the conductive material printed section CB.

[0019] Figure 5 This is a diagram illustrating an example of how the touch panel 11a and pressure detection units 11P1 to 11P5 determine whether the user performed the touch operation with their right hand or left hand.

[0020] Figure 6This is a block diagram showing the structure of the electronic circuitry of the electronic dictionary 10.

[0021] Figure 7 This is a block diagram showing the structure of the electronic circuit related to the touch panel 11a, conductive material printed sheet 11b, and control board 11c (including pressure detection unit 11P) of the touch panel type operation unit 11.

[0022] Figure 8 This is a flowchart representing the pen input processing in the pen input mode [T] of the electronic dictionary 10.

[0023] Figure 9 It is a diagram showing the display action of the pointer P corresponding to the touch position and the trajectory L corresponding to the touch position according to the pen input processing of the electronic dictionary 10.

[0024] Figure 10 This is a flowchart representing the dominant hand detection process in the pen input mode [T] of the electronic dictionary 10.

[0025] Figure 11 This is a diagram showing the display operation (1) of the touch panel display unit 12 according to the user-friendly detection processing of the electronic dictionary 10.

[0026] Figure 12 This is a diagram showing the display operation (2) of the touch panel display unit 12 according to the user-friendly detection processing of the electronic dictionary 10.

[0027] Figure 13 This is a flowchart showing the processing corresponding to the power-off (power-saving) mode [S] of the electronic dictionary 10.

[0028] Figure 14 This is a side view showing the internal structure of the touch panel type operation unit 11 of the electronic dictionary 10 according to other embodiments.

[0029] Figure 15 This is a front view showing the appearance structure of the electronic dictionary 10 according to other embodiments. Detailed Implementation

[0030] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0031] Figure 1 This is a front view showing the external structure of the electronic dictionary 10 as described in the implementation of the electronic device, input method, and program of this disclosure.

[0032] Electronic devices can be configured not only as the electronic dictionary 10 described below, but also as PDAs (personal digital assistants), PCs (personal computers), tablet terminals, mobile phones, e-books, portable game consoles, etc., equipped with touch panels.

[0033] Furthermore, the up and down directions used in the following description of the electronic dictionary 10 are based on the state normally used when the electronic dictionary 10 is placed on a flat surface (e.g., on a table). However, for the convenience of explaining the contents of the accompanying drawings, the description is based on the paper shown in the illustrations, depending on the circumstances.

[0034] The electronic dictionary 10 is configured as a foldable housing (flip-top structure) having a lower housing with a touch panel type operation unit 11 and an upper housing with a touch panel type display unit 12, which can be opened / closed via a hinge part 13.

[0035] The touch panel 11a of the touch panel type operation unit 11 is a touch position detection device that detects the position touched by a user with a finger, pen, etc. The detection unit (first detection unit) of the touch panel 11a in the embodiment uses a resistive film method, but is not limited to this, and may also be an electrostatic capacitive method, etc.

[0036] For example, in the case of a resistive film, the opposing resistive film (electrode) is disposed on the lower part of the touch panel surface. When the surface of the touch panel 11a is pressed with a pressure of a certain value or higher, the position of the conductive part is detected by energizing the contact portion of the opposing resistive film (electrode). The detection unit (first detection unit) of the touch panel 11a can be said to detect whether the pressure applied to the surface of the touch panel 11a is a certain value or higher using binary values, but there is no need to output the detected pressure value as numerical information.

[0037] The touch panel 11a has: a function designation key 14d, which is formed by a fixed printing PP on its upper part as a symbol (character) for key input; and a pen input (touch operation) mark 14m, which is formed by a fixed printing PP at equal intervals in the horizontal and vertical directions corresponding to the area other than the function designation key 14d.

[0038] Function designation key 14d is used to directly specify the category of dictionary content marked in each key ([National Language (Japanese)][English-Japanese][Japanese-English] etc.) and [Content Overview] key.

[0039] Figure 2 From Figure 1 The side view shows the internal structure of the touch panel type operation unit 11 when viewed from below.

[0040] The touch panel type operation unit 11 has a touch panel 11a on its surface, and a pressure detection unit 11P (second detection unit) is provided below the touch panel 11a and overlaps with it. The pressure detection unit 11P is constructed by stacking a conductive material printed sheet 11b, a control substrate 11c, and a reinforcing plate 11d. Specifically, the reinforcing plate 11d, the control substrate 11c, the conductive material printed sheet 11b, and the touch panel 11a are stacked in sequence.

[0041] The touch panel 11a is fixed between the peripheral portion of the surface side of the touch panel 11a and the housing of the touch panel type operation unit 11, and between the peripheral portion of the lower surface side of the touch panel 11a and the peripheral portion of the conductive material printed sheet 11b, by means of a packing PK made of an elastomer.

[0042] The touch panel 11a, conductive material printed sheet 11b, control substrate 11c, and reinforcing plate 11d are fixed to the housing of the touch panel type operating part 11 by means of abutment, ribs, double-sided tape, adhesive, screws, etc. on their periphery.

[0043] Additionally, the touch panel 11a is surface-mounted by the user's hand H and stylus 40 (see reference). Figure 9 , Figure 11 , Figure 12 When touched and pressure is applied downwards, for example... Figure 2 As shown in (B), the touch position is detected by generating a downward flexing based on the touch location and pressure. Furthermore, the downward flexing of the touch panel 11a is also transmitted to the conductive material printed sheet 11b disposed below the touch panel 11a, which is also formed with a downward flexing structure.

[0044] As described below, the structure of the conductive material printed sheet 11b and the control substrate 11c functions as a pressure detection unit 11P for detecting the pressure applied according to the touch operation on the touch panel 11a.

[0045] Figure 3 From Figure 2 The top view showing the structure of the conductive material printed sheet 11b when viewed from below.

[0046] The conductive material printed sheet 11b is, for example, a flexible sheet made of PET (polyethylene terephthalate) with a thickness of about 0.2 mm. On the lower surface of the conductive material printed sheet 11b, there is a conductive material printed section CB. This conductive material printed section CB is a rectangular area obtained by dividing the touch panel type operation section 11 in the left and right direction into multiple (here, 5 divisions) sections using multiple bridge-shaped spacers SP that maintain the gap between the control substrate 11c. Each of these rectangular areas is printed with a conductive material (here, "carbon") with a thickness of about 0.2 mm.

[0047] The spacer SP is formed relative to the lower surface of the conductive material printed sheet 11b by bonding, for example, an insulating resin material, with a height of about 0.5 to 0.8 mm.

[0048] Furthermore, on the upper surface of the conductive material printed sheet 11b, in the area corresponding to each conductive material printed portion CB printed on its lower surface, an arc-shaped protrusion D with a height of approximately 0.1 mm is provided, for example, using an insulating resin material. The protrusion D has the function of effectively transmitting the downward bending sensitivity caused by touching the touch panel 11a to the conductive material printed portion CB of the conductive material printed sheet 11b corresponding to the touch position.

[0049] Figure 4 This is a diagram showing the structure of the control substrate 11c. Figure 4 (A) is from Figure 2 A top view of the control board 11c as viewed from above. Figure 4 (B) is an enlarged view showing a portion of the conductive material pattern CBP printed on the upper surface of the control substrate 11c. Figure 4 (C) is a circuit diagram showing the pressure detection unit 11P1, which is composed of a conductive material printed section CB of a conductive material printed sheet 11b and a conductive material pattern CBP of a control substrate 11c opposite to the conductive material printed section CB.

[0050] The upper surface of the control substrate 11c has a conductive material pattern CBP. The conductive material pattern CBP is divided into multiple (in this case, 5 divisions) rectangular areas in the left-right direction of the touch panel type operation section 11 by multiple isolators SP disposed on the conductive material printing sheet 11b and opposite to each conductive material printing section CB of the conductive material printing sheet 11b. For example, conductive material (here, "carbon") is printed in a comb-like pattern with a thickness of about 0.2 mm.

[0051] like Figure 4As shown in (B), the conductive material pattern CBP is configured to have: a comb-shaped first conductive material pattern CBPa, which is electrically connected from the voltage supply line of the control substrate 11c via a voltage divider resistor R1; and a comb-shaped second conductive material pattern CBPb, which is the same as the first conductive material pattern CBPa, and is electrically connected from the ground line of the control substrate 11c via a voltage divider resistor R2. The comb-shaped portions on the first conductive material pattern CBPa side and the comb-shaped portions on the second conductive material pattern CBPb side are printed alternately and in parallel, spaced apart from each other by a certain gap.

[0052] Here, the function of the pressure detection unit 11P (11P1, 11P2, 11P3, 11P4, 11P5), which is composed of a conductive material printing section CB of the conductive material printing sheet 11b and a conductive material pattern CBP of the control substrate 11c opposite to the conductive material printing section CB, will be explained using pressure detection unit 11P1 as a representative example.

[0053] Reference Figure 2 As described above (B), when the surface of the touch panel 11a is touched by a user (H) and downward pressure is applied, the touch panel 11a and the conductive material printed sheet 11b flex downward according to the touched position and pressure. The conductive material printed portion CB of the range corresponding to the flexion of the conductive material printed sheet 11b contacts the conductive material pattern CBP of the control substrate 11c. Through the contact between the conductive material printed portion CB and the conductive material pattern CBP, the first conductive material pattern CBPa and the second conductive material pattern CBPb are electrically connected. In this embodiment, the conductive material pattern CBP is comb-shaped, but the conductive material printed portion CB is a solid pattern with a given area. In one embodiment, if the degree of contact between the conductive material printed portion CB and the conductive material pattern CBP when the touch panel 11a flexes is transmitted to the conductive material printed sheet 11b with sufficient sensitivity, the protrusion D may not be provided.

[0054] At this time, the wider the range of pressure applied by touching the touch panel 11a, the wider the range of flexing of the touch panel 11a and the conductive material printed sheet 11b, and the wider the contact area between the conductive material printed portion CB of the conductive material printed sheet 11b and the conductive material pattern CBP of the control substrate 11c.

[0055] exist Figure 4In the pressure detection unit 11P1 shown, the larger the contact area between the conductive material printed portion CB on the conductive material printed sheet 11b side and the conductive material pattern CBP on the control substrate 11c, the larger the area of ​​electrical conduction between the first conductive material pattern CBPa and the second conductive material pattern CBPb on the conductive material pattern CBP side. The smaller the voltage dividing resistor of the pressure detection unit 11P1 connected in series between the voltage dividing resistors R1 and R2, the higher the voltage V1, which is the voltage dividing value.

[0056] That is, as the pressure of the user (H) on the touch panel 11a increases, the range of flexure of the touch panel 11a and the conductive material printed sheet 11b increases, and the voltage Vn of the pressure detection unit 11Pn corresponding to the position of the touch operation increases, thus enabling the detection of the pressure of the touch operation.

[0057] In this embodiment, when the voltage Vn of the pressure detection unit 11Pn is above a predetermined certain voltage, it is determined that the pressure is above a certain value caused by the load of the user's hand on the touch panel type operation unit 11 in conjunction with the user's touch operation. The certain voltage can be arbitrarily set by the user. In addition, the certain voltage (hand load determination voltage) used to determine the pressure above a certain value caused by the load of the user's hand on the touch panel type operation unit 11 (hand load pressure) and the certain voltage (power-off release determination voltage) used to determine the pressure above a certain value corresponding to the touch operation performed by the user on the touch panel type operation unit 11 in order to release the power-off (power saving) mode [S] described later can be arbitrarily set, and can be the same voltage or different voltages.

[0058] The touch panel 11a has a detection unit (first detection unit) that can detect the pressure applied to the surface of the touch panel with a first pressure resolution (2-value) and detect the position where the pressure is applied with a first position resolution. In contrast, the pressure detection unit 11P (second detection unit) can detect the pressure applied to the surface of the touch panel with a second pressure resolution that is higher than the first pressure resolution and detect the position where the pressure is applied with a second position resolution that is lower than the first position resolution.

[0059] In the implementation method, such as Figures 2-4 As shown, the structure in which the pressure detection unit 11P is configured as five pressure detection units 11P1 to 11P5 divided in the left-right direction of the touch panel type operation unit 11 has been described. However, the number of divisions is not limited to five divisions, and may also include dividing each pressure detection unit 11Pn into touch panel type operation units 11. Figure 3 , Figure 4The structure extends vertically (in the depth direction of the electronic dictionary 10). The number of divisions corresponding to the touch panel-type operation unit 11 of the pressure detection unit 11Pn can be determined according to the accuracy and sensitivity required at the pressure detection position.

[0060] Furthermore, the direction, number, and thickness (width) of the comb-shaped first conductive material pattern CBPa and the second conductive material pattern CBPb constituting the pressure detection unit 11Pn are not limited to... Figure 4 The structure shown in (B) is not limited to a comb-shaped pattern. That is, the conductive material pattern CBP of the pressure detection unit 11Pn can be adjusted by changing the resistance value of the pressure detection unit 11Pn according to the contact area of ​​the conductive material printing part CB on the conductive material printing sheet 11b side. The shape of the pattern can be determined according to the positional accuracy and sensitivity required for pressure detection.

[0061] Figure 5 This diagram illustrates an example of a method for determining whether a user performed a touch operation using their right hand or left hand, based on the touch panel 11a of the touch panel type operation unit 11 and the pressure detection units 11P1 to 11P5.

[0062] like Figure 5 As shown in (A), in the area corresponding to the pressure detection unit 11P3 near the center of the touch panel type operation unit 11, if the touch position TP is detected by the touch panel 11a, and a voltage V4 and / or V5 corresponding to a certain voltage (hand load determination voltage) or higher is obtained by the pressure detection units 11P4 and / or 11P5 in the area to the right of the pressure detection unit 11P3, it is determined that pressure corresponding to the state of the user's right hand holding the stylus 40 is placed on the touch panel 11a, and it is determined that the user has performed a touch operation with his right hand (here, the dominant right hand).

[0063] Similarly, in the area corresponding to the pressure detection unit 11P3 near the center of the touch panel type operation unit 11, the touch position TP is detected by the touch panel 11a, and if a voltage V2 and / or V1 corresponding to a pressure detection of a certain value or higher is obtained by the pressure detection units 11P2 and / or 11P1 in the area to the left of the pressure detection unit 11P3, it is determined that pressure corresponding to the state of the user's left hand holding the stylus 40 is placed on the touch panel 11a, and it is determined that the user has performed a touch operation with his left hand (here, the dominant left hand).

[0064] In addition, such as Figure 5As shown in (B), in the area corresponding to the pressure detection unit 11P1 on the left (here, the left end) of the touch panel type operation unit 11, the touch position TP is detected by the touch panel 11a, and if a voltage V2 and (or V3 and (or V4 and (or V5) corresponding to a pressure detection of a certain value or higher is obtained by the pressure detection units 11P2 and (or) 11P3 and (or) 11P4 and (or) 11P5 on the right side of the pressure detection unit 11P1, it is determined that pressure corresponding to the state of the user's right hand holding the stylus 40 is placed on the touch panel 11a, and it is determined that the user has performed a touch operation with his right hand (here, the dominant right hand).

[0065] Similarly, in the area corresponding to the pressure detection unit 11P1 on the left (here, the left end) of the touch panel type operation unit 11, if the touch position TP is detected by the touch panel 11a and no voltage V2 to V5 corresponding to the pressure detection is obtained from any of the pressure detection units 11P2 to 11P5 in the area to the right of the pressure detection unit 11P1, it is determined that the user's left hand holding the stylus 40 is located on the left side of the touch panel 11a, and it is determined that the user has performed a touch operation with their left hand (here, the dominant left hand).

[0066] In addition, such as Figure 5 As shown in (C), in the area corresponding to the pressure detection unit 11P5 on the right side (here, the right end) of the touch panel type operation unit 11, the touch position TP is detected by the touch panel 11a. When a voltage V4 and / or V3 and / or V2 and / or V1 corresponding to a pressure detection of a certain value or higher is obtained by the pressure detection units 11P4 and / or 11P3 and / or 11P2 and / or 11P1 in the area to the left of the pressure detection unit 11P5, it is determined that pressure corresponding to the state of the user's left hand holding the stylus 40 is placed on the touch panel 11a, and it is determined that the user has performed a touch operation with his left hand (here, the dominant left hand).

[0067] Similarly, in the area corresponding to the pressure detection unit 11P5 on the right side (here, the right end) of the touch panel type operation unit 11, the touch position TP is detected by the touch panel 11a. If no voltage V1 to V4 corresponding to the pressure detection is obtained from any of the pressure detection units 11P1 to 11P4 in the area to the left of the pressure detection unit 11P5, it is determined that the user's right hand holding the stylus 40 is located to the right of the touch panel 11a, and it is determined that the user has performed a touch operation with their right hand (here, the dominant right hand).

[0068] Furthermore, the conductive material printed portion CB provided on the lower surface of the conductive material printed sheet 11b and the conductive material pattern CBP provided on the upper surface of the control substrate 11c opposite to the conductive material printed portion CB use "carbon" as the conductive material preferred in terms of cost, processing and wear. However, it is not limited to this. It is acceptable as long as it is a conductive material with a certain degree of resistance, whose contact resistance can easily change significantly according to the contact area, can withstand shape changes in the thin film state and has flexibility.

[0069] Figure 6 This is a block diagram showing the structure of the electronic circuitry of the electronic dictionary 10.

[0070] The electronic dictionary 10 includes a control unit (CPU: central processing unit) 21 that functions as a computer. The control unit 21 controls the operation of each part of the circuit according to a dictionary control program 22a pre-stored in a storage unit 22 such as a flash memory ROM. There may be one or more processors such as a CPU.

[0071] In addition, at least one of the dictionary control program 22a, the dictionary data described later, and the learning data described later can be read from a non-temporary external recording medium 23 such as a memory card through the recording medium reading unit 24 and stored in the storage unit 22, or it can be downloaded from a web server (in this case, a program server) 30 on the communication network N through the communication unit 25 and stored in the storage unit 22.

[0072] In addition to being connected to the storage unit 22, the recording medium reading unit 24, and the communication unit 25 via the data and control bus, the control unit 21 is also connected to... Figures 1-5 The touch panel type operation unit 11 and touch panel type display unit 12 are shown. Although not shown, the control unit 21 can also be connected to a sound output unit and a sound input unit.

[0073] In addition to storing the system program responsible for the overall operation of this electronic dictionary 10 and the communication program for communicating with external electronic devices via the communication unit 25, the storage unit 22 also stores the dictionary control program 22a. The dictionary control program includes a dictionary retrieval program for retrieving and displaying the user's desired entries and explanatory information such as translations, semantics, usage examples, and explanations corresponding to the entries based on the dictionary data described later, and a learning program for learning the subject (English, Mandarin, Chinese characters, etc.) that the user desires based on the learning data described later.

[0074] In addition, the storage unit 22 includes a storage area that stores data such as the dictionary data storage area 22b, the learning data storage area 22c, the pattern data storage area 22d, the touch position data storage area 22e, the voltage detection data storage area 22f, and the operation data storage area 22g, which are used to perform various functions through this electronic dictionary 10.

[0075] In the dictionary data storage area 22b, dictionary data corresponding to various dictionary contents (Chinese dictionary / encyclopedia / English-Japanese dictionary / English-Japanese dictionary / ...) is stored as data that maps entries to explanatory information such as translations, semantics, usage examples, and explanations corresponding to those entries.

[0076] The learning data corresponding to the learning content (problem sets / writing exercises / ...) for various taught subjects is stored in the learning data storage area 22c.

[0077] The pattern data storage area 22d stores arbitrary pattern data, including pen input mode [T] and power-off (power-saving) mode [S], which are selectively set according to the operation of the electronic dictionary 10 following the dictionary control program 22a.

[0078] In the touch position data storage area 22e, touch position data representing the touch position (XY coordinates) detected by the touch panel 11a based on the touch operation of the touch panel type operation unit 11 is stored as touch position data in a state where noise has been eliminated by the control unit 21. Here, the noise detected by the touch panel 11a refers to the touch position that is concentratedly detected at a position different from the touch position intended by the user, such as the side of the user's hand making contact with the touch panel 11a. The elimination of this noise means, for example, eliminating the data of such concentratedly detected touch positions.

[0079] The voltage detection data storage area 22f stores data of voltages V1 to V5 corresponding to the pressure of user operation on touch panel 11a detected by pressure detection units 11P1 to 11P5 of touch panel type operation unit 11.

[0080] In the work data storage area 22g, as the control unit 21 controls the operation of each part of the circuit according to the dictionary control program 22a, various data obtained by the control unit 21, such as data input by the user operation, data obtained by the control unit 21, or data generated by the control unit 21, are temporarily stored (held) as needed.

[0081] Figure 7 This is a block diagram showing the structure of the electronic circuit related to the touch panel 11a, conductive material printed sheet 11b, and control board 11c (including pressure detection unit 11P) of the touch panel type operation unit 11.

[0082] The touch panel 11a is connected to the touch panel control circuit (touch panel CONTROL IC) 15 via connector CN, and the touch panel control circuit 15 is connected to the control unit 21 via control bus B1.

[0083] The touch panel control circuit 15 takes the output signal OUTPUT of the OR circuit OR1 as the touch panel valid signal ENABLE input, so that the touch panel 11a is activated, and outputs the touch position data corresponding to the touch position (XY coordinates) output by the touch panel 11a to the control unit 21.

[0084] When the voltage detection signal output from the voltage detection circuit 17 (described later) is used as input as signal A IN_A, or when the touch panel valid signal TE output from the control unit 21 is used as input as signal B IN_B, circuit OR1 outputs signal A IN_A or signal B IN_B as output signal OUTPUT to touch panel control circuit 15.

[0085] When the voltage detection circuit 17 detects a pressure detection voltage V1 to V5 that is above a certain voltage (power-off release determination voltage) output by the pressure detection units 11P1 to 11P5 via the OR circuit OR2, it outputs the voltage detection signal as an A signal IN_A to the OR circuit OR1, and as an interrupt signal INT to enable the control unit 21 to output a touch panel valid signal TE. In one embodiment, the voltage detection circuit 17 may include an IC (e.g., a voltage detector, comparator, etc.) that outputs a voltage detection signal when a voltage above a predetermined voltage is input, or it may be composed of a combination of transistors and diodes.

[0086] Furthermore, the pressure detection voltages V1 to V5 output by the pressure detection units 11P1 to 11P5 are input to the A / D converter (ADC) 16 via channels CH1 to CH5 of the analog switch SW, which is switched in a time-division manner according to the channel selection signal CS from the control unit 21. The data of the pressure detection voltages V1 to V5 from each pressure detection unit 11P1 to 11P5 output by the A / D converter 16 are output to the control unit 21 via the control bus B2. Based on the data of the pressure detection voltages V1 to V5 input from the A / D converter 16, the control unit 21 determines whether any one of the pressure detection voltages V1 to V5 is above a certain voltage (hand load determination voltage), thereby determining that a pressure (hand load pressure) of a certain value based on the user's hand load has been applied to the area corresponding to any one of the pressure detection units 11P1 to 11P5.

[0087] In addition, the control unit 21, based on its own output channel selection signal CS, inputs the pressure detection voltages V1 to V5 from the pressure detection units 11P1 to 11P5 in a time-division manner via the analog switch SW, thereby obtaining data that determines the pressure detection voltages V1 to V5 of each pressure detection unit 11P1 to 11P5. However, it can also be configured as follows: instead of using the analog switch SW, the data of the pressure detection voltages V1 to V5 from each pressure detection unit 11P1 to 11P5 are input in parallel via separate A / D converters (ADCs), thereby determining each pressure detection unit 11P1 to 11P5.

[0088] When the operation mode is set to pen input mode [T] according to the dictionary control program 22a, the control unit 21 outputs a touch panel valid signal TE and a channel selection signal CS.

[0089] Therefore, when the control unit 21 obtains the touch position data detected by the touch panel 11a via the touch panel control circuit 15, and the pressure detection voltage Vn of the pressure detection unit 11Pn corresponding to the touch position obtained from the pressure detection unit 11Pn via the A / D converter 16 according to the touch operation is less than the reference voltage Vref, the touch panel display unit 12 displays the pointer P (refer to) corresponding to the touch position. Figure 9 (A) indicates to the user the relative touch position with respect to the touch panel type operation unit 11. Furthermore, when the pressure detection voltage Vn from the pressure detection unit 11Pn corresponding to the touch position is above the reference voltage Vref, the touch panel type display unit 12 displays the trajectory L corresponding to the touch position (see reference). Figure 9 (B)

[0090] Furthermore, the control unit 21, based on the touch position data detected by the touch panel 11a and the pressure detection voltages V1 to V5 output from the pressure detection units 11P1 to 11P5, as described above... Figure 5 As explained, the system determines the left-right position relationship between the pressure detection unit 11Pn and the area outside the touch position TP of the touch panel type operation unit 11, i.e., the area where a pressure detection voltage Vn of a certain voltage (hand load determination voltage) or higher is obtained, or the area where a pressure detection voltage Vn of a certain voltage (hand load determination voltage) or higher is not obtained, and determines whether the user performed the touch operation with their right hand (right-handed) or left hand (left-handed). Furthermore, based on the determination result of whether the touch operation is right-handed or left-handed, processing is performed, such as moving the display position of the display data displayed on the touch panel type display unit 12 to a position to the left or right where the user's right hand RH or left hand LH will not obstruct it (see reference). Figure 11 , Figure 12 ).

[0091] Furthermore, when the control unit 21 sets the operation mode to power-off mode [S] according to the dictionary control program 22a, it at least turns off the touch panel display unit 12 and stops the output of the touch panel active signal TE and the channel selection signal CS, thereby saving power. By stopping the output of the touch panel active signal TE, the operation of the touch panel 11a and the touch panel control circuit 15 is stopped.

[0092] In the power-off mode [S], if, based on a touch operation relative to the touch panel operation unit 11, any output from the pressure detection units 11P1 to 11P5 can determine that the pressure corresponding to the user's touch operation is a certain voltage (power-off release determination voltage) or higher, then the voltage detection signal of the pressure detection voltage Vn detected by the voltage detection circuit 17 is input to the touch panel control circuit 15 as the touch panel valid signal ENABLE via the OR circuit OR1, and the touch panel 11a immediately returns to the operating state after the touch operation. Furthermore, in response to inputting the voltage detection signal from the voltage detection circuit 17 as an interrupt signal INT, the control unit 21 outputs the touch panel valid signal TE to the touch panel control circuit 15, causing the operating state of the touch panel 11a to continue.

[0093] In this embodiment, the control unit (CPU) 21 is described as operating normally in the power-down mode [S]. However, if the control unit 21 has a power-saving mode such as a sleep mode, it can also switch to sleep mode in the power-down mode [S]. In this case, the control unit 21 is configured to resume from sleep mode to normal operation via the interrupt signal INT. This further reduces the power consumption of the power-down mode [S].

[0094] In the electronic dictionary 10 configured in this way, the control unit 21 controls the operation of each part of the circuit, including the touch panel type operation unit 11, according to the commands of the dictionary control program 22a stored in the storage unit 22. Through the coordinated operation of software and hardware, various functions, including the input functions corresponding to touch operation described in the following operation description, are realized.

[0095] Next, the operation of the electronic dictionary 10 according to the implementation method will be explained.

[0096] <Pen Input (Handwriting) Mode [T]>

[0097] Figure 8 This is a flowchart representing the pen input processing in the pen input mode [T] of the electronic dictionary 10.

[0098] Figure 9It is a diagram showing the display action of the pointer P corresponding to the touch position and the trajectory L corresponding to the touch position according to the pen input processing of the electronic dictionary 10.

[0099] When the operation mode of the electronic dictionary 10 is set to pen input mode [T] by the control unit 21, the control unit 21 outputs a touch panel valid signal TE to the touch panel control circuit 15, so that the touch panel 11a is in an active state (step T1). For example, in response to inputting a voltage detection signal from the voltage detection circuit 17 as an interrupt signal INT, the control unit 21 sets the operation mode of the electronic dictionary 10 to pen input mode [T].

[0100] For example, such as Figure 9 As shown, when the touch position data corresponding to the touch position detected by the touch panel 11a is input to the control unit 21 via the touch panel control circuit 15 according to the touch operation of the stylus 40 (or the fingertip of the user's hand H) relative to the touch panel operation unit 11 (step T2), the control unit 21 determines whether the pressure detection voltage Vn of the pressure detection unit 11Pn corresponding to the touch position detected by the touch operation via the analog switch SW and the A / D converter 16 is less than or greater than the reference voltage Vref (steps T3, T4).

[0101] Here, for example, when the stylus 40 is lightly touching the touch panel type operation unit 11, if it is determined that the pressure detection voltage Vn detected based on the touch operation (pen input operation) of the stylus 40 is less than the reference voltage Vref (step T4 (Yes)), the control unit 21... Figure 9 As shown in (A), the touch panel display unit 12 displays a pointer P corresponding to the touch position, and indicates to the user the relative touch position M2 corresponding to the movement of the hand H (movement of the stylus 40) M1 that performs the touch operation on the touch panel operation unit 11 (step T5).

[0102] Furthermore, for example, when the stylus 40 is in secure contact with the touch panel type operation unit 11, if it is determined that the pressure detection voltage Vn detected based on the touch operation (pen input operation) of the stylus 40 is above the reference voltage Vref (step T4 (No)), the control unit 21 as follows: Figure 9 As shown in (B), the touch panel display unit 12 displays the trajectory L corresponding to the touch position, such as tracing the strokes of handwritten characters (step T6).

[0103] Thus, in the pen input process in the pen input mode [T], instead of using an expensive dedicated pen such as a stylus (electromagnetic induction type), according to the touch operation on the touch panel type operation unit 11, based on whether the pressure detection voltage Vn output from the pressure detection unit 11Pn corresponding to the touch position is less than the reference voltage Vref or not, in the state where the user gently touches the touch panel type operation unit 11, the touch panel type display unit 12 displays a pointer P corresponding to the touch position, and in the state where the user firmly touches the touch panel type operation unit 11, the touch panel type display unit 12 can display a locus L corresponding to the touch position.

[0104] For example, when handwriting input Figure 9 characters with separated strokes (here "Ren") as shown on the touch panel type operation unit 11 and display them on the touch panel type display unit 12, the user can correctly handwrite the characters while easily and accurately grasping the positions between the input strokes by means of the pointer P displayed corresponding to the touch position on the touch panel type display unit 12, and make it display as a locus L on the touch panel type display unit 12.

[0105] In addition, the reference voltage Vref, which is the threshold value for determining whether the state of the pressure of the touch operation corresponding to the user's touch position is in the state of the pressure for displaying the pointer P or in the state of the pressure for displaying the locus L, can be arbitrarily set by the user according to the user's own pen pressure and other characteristics.

[0106] In the pen input process in the pen input mode [T] of the present embodiment ( Figure 8 ), the following structure is adopted: in the state where the stylus 40 gently touches the touch panel type operation unit 11, when the pressure detection voltage Vn corresponding to the touch position is less than the reference voltage Vref, a pointer P corresponding to the touch position is displayed; in the state where the stylus 40 firmly touches the touch panel type operation unit 11, when the pressure detection voltage Vn corresponding to the touch position is not less than the reference voltage Vref, a locus L corresponding to the touch position is displayed. However, conversely, the following structure can also be adopted: when the pressure detection voltage Vn corresponding to the touch position is not less than the reference voltage Vref, a pointer P corresponding to the touch position is displayed; when the pressure detection voltage Vn corresponding to the touch position is less than the reference voltage Vref, a locus L corresponding to the touch position is displayed.

[0107] Thus, in the state where the user performs pen input with a normal pen pressure, a locus L such as the input characters is displayed, and in the state where the pen pressure is increased, a pointer P indicating the input position is displayed.

[0108] Furthermore, the setting for displaying either pointer P or trajectory L can be configured so that the user can selectively switch between the display based on whether the pressure detection voltage Vn corresponding to the touch position is less than or greater than the reference voltage Vref.

[0109] Figure 10 This is a flowchart representing the dominant hand detection process in the pen input mode [T] of the electronic dictionary 10.

[0110] Figure 11 This is a diagram showing the display operation (1) of the touch panel display unit 12 according to the user-friendly detection processing of the electronic dictionary 10.

[0111] Figure 12 This is a diagram showing the display operation (2) of the touch panel display unit 12 according to the user-friendly detection processing of the electronic dictionary 10.

[0112] When the operation mode of the electronic dictionary 10 is set to pen input mode [T] by the control unit 21, the pen input processing described above ( Figure 8 Similarly, the control unit 21 outputs the touch panel valid signal TE to the touch panel control circuit 15, so that the touch panel 11a is in an active state (step T1).

[0113] For example, such as Figure 11 as well as Figure 12 As shown, when the touch operation of the touch panel type operation unit 11 is performed by the stylus 40 (or the fingertip of the user's hand RH / LH), and the touch position data corresponding to the touch position detected by the touch panel 11a is input to the control unit 21 via the touch panel control circuit 15 (step T2), the control unit 21 determines whether the pressure detection voltage Vn input via the analog switch SW and the A / D converter 16 from the pressure detection unit 11P (11P1~11P5) with a certain voltage (hand load determination voltage) or higher is from the pressure detection unit 11Pn to the right of the pressure detection unit 11Pn corresponding to the touch position, or from the pressure detection unit 11Pn to the left of the pressure detection unit 11Pn (steps T21, T22).

[0114] Here, for example, as referred to above Figure 5 (A) or Figure 5 As explained in (B), when it is determined that a pressure detection voltage Vn of a certain voltage (hand load determination voltage) or higher is input from the pressure detection unit 11Pn which is located to the right of the pressure detection unit 11Pn corresponding to the touch position TP corresponding to the touch operation (step T21 (Yes)), the control unit 21 assumes that the user is performing a touch operation with his right hand RH and performs processing corresponding to the user's right hand (step T25).

[0115] For example, such as Figure 11 As shown, in a scenario where the touch panel display 12 displays a set of English questions for learning, such as... Figure 11 As shown in (B), when the user touches the touch panel type operation unit 11 with his right hand RH, the control unit 21 causes the question text of the question set displayed on the touch panel type display unit 12 to be displayed on the left side of the display area of ​​the display unit 12. By displaying the answer dialog box on the right side, learning can proceed smoothly without the question text being hidden by the right hand RH.

[0116] Similarly, for example, Figure 12 As shown in (B), when the user touches the touch panel type operation unit 11 with his right hand RH, the control unit 21 displays the toolbar 12T displayed on the touch panel type display unit 12 at the left position of the display area of ​​the display unit 12, so that the toolbar 12T is not blocked by the right hand RH and can be hidden, so as to facilitate the operation of the electronic dictionary 10.

[0117] On the other hand, as mentioned above Figure 5 (A) or Figure 5 As explained in (C), when it is determined that a pressure detection voltage Vn of a certain voltage (hand load determination voltage) or higher is input from the pressure detection unit 11Pn on the left side of the pressure detection unit 11Pn corresponding to the touch position TP corresponding to the touch operation (step T21 (Yes)), the control unit 21 considers that the user is performing a touch operation with his left hand LH and performs processing corresponding to the user's habitual left hand (step T26).

[0118] For example, such as Figure 11 As shown in (A), when the user touches the touch panel type operation unit 11 with their left hand LH, the control unit 21 causes the question text of the question set displayed on the touch panel type display unit 12 to be displayed on the right side of the display area of ​​the display unit 12, and causes the answer dialog box to be displayed on the left side, so that the question text will not be hidden by the left hand LH, and learning can be carried out smoothly.

[0119] Similarly, for example, Figure 12 As shown in (A), when the user touches the touch panel type operation unit 11 with the left hand LH, the control unit 21 displays the toolbar 12T displayed on the touch panel type display unit 12 at the right position of the display area of ​​the display unit 12, so that the toolbar 12T is not hidden by the left hand LH, and the electronic dictionary 10 can be operated conveniently.

[0120] Furthermore, for example, as mentioned above Figure 5 (B) or Figure 5As described in (C) above, when it is determined that no pressure detection voltage Vn equal to or higher than a certain voltage is input from the pressure detection unit 11Pn on the right side of the pressure detection unit 11Pn corresponding to the touch position TP corresponding to the touch operation, and no pressure detection voltage Vn equal to or higher than a certain voltage is input from the pressure detection unit 11Pn on the left side of the pressure detection unit 11Pn corresponding to the touch position TP (step T21 (No) → T22 (No)), the control unit 21 determines whether the touch position TP corresponds to the area of the pressure detection unit 11P1 at the left end of the touch panel type operation unit 11 (whether only the pressure detection voltage V1 is input from the pressure detection unit 11P1) or the area of the pressure detection unit 11P5 at the right end (whether only the pressure detection voltage V5 is input from the pressure detection unit 11P5) (steps T23, T24).

[0121] Here, as described in (B) of Figure 5 above, when it is determined that the touch position TP corresponds to the area of the pressure detection unit 11P1 at the left end of the touch panel type operation unit 11 (only the pressure detection voltage V1 is input from the pressure detection unit 11P1) (step T23 (Yes)), the control unit 21 assumes that the user performs a touch operation with the left hand LH. For example, as described in (A) of Figure 11 above and Figure 12 above, the process corresponding to being left-handed is executed (step T26).

[0122] On the other hand, as described in (C) of Figure 5 above, when it is determined that the touch position TP corresponds to the area of the pressure detection unit 11P5 at the right end of the touch panel type operation unit 11 (only the pressure detection voltage V5 is input from the pressure detection unit 11P5) (step T24 (Yes)), the control unit 21 assumes that the user performs a touch operation with the right hand RH. For example, as described in (B) of Figure 11 above and Figure 12 above, the process corresponding to being right-handed is executed (step T25).

[0123] In addition, as the process executed according to the dominant hand of the touch operation, the process of displaying the display data displayed on the touch panel type display unit 12 at a position not blocked and hidden by the dominant hand is described, but of course it is not limited to this. For example, in the learning content of learning the writing of characters, it is possible to have a function of detecting the dominant hand of the user inputting characters and guiding the writing method of characters corresponding to the dominant hand (for example, "はね", "払い").

[0124] Therefore, in the dominant hand detection processing in the pen input mode [T], based on the touch position data detected by the touch panel 11a and the pressure detection voltages V1 to V5 output from the pressure detection units 11P1 to 11P5, the left-right position relationship of the touch position TP relative to the touch panel type operation unit 11 and the area other than the pressure detection unit 11Pn corresponding to the touch position TP, that is, the pressure detection unit 11Pn that has obtained a pressure detection voltage Vn of a certain voltage (hand load determination voltage) or not obtained a pressure detection voltage Vn of a certain voltage (hand load determination voltage), can be determined with high precision whether the user performed the touch operation with their right hand (dominant right hand) or their left hand (dominant left hand).

[0125] Furthermore, by performing processing corresponding to the determination result of whether the touch operation is performed by the right hand or the left hand, it enables users to learn smoothly with good operability and effectively considers the learning of the dominant hand.

[0126] <Power Off (Power Saving) Mode [S]>

[0127] Figure 13 This is a flowchart showing the processing corresponding to the power-off (power-saving) mode [S] of the electronic dictionary 10.

[0128] For example, when a certain period of time (e.g., 3 minutes) has elapsed since no user operation has been performed on the electronic dictionary 10, the control unit 21 sets the operation mode of the electronic dictionary 10 to power-off mode [S], and the control unit 21 disconnects the touch panel display unit 12 (turns it off, stops the operation) (step S1).

[0129] The control unit 21 stops the output of the touch panel valid signal TE, thereby stopping the operation of the touch panel control circuit 15 and the touch panel 11a via the touch panel control circuit 15 (step S2).

[0130] The control unit 21 stops the output of the channel selection signal CS, thereby stopping the operation of the analog switch SW and the A / D converter 16 (step S3).

[0131] Here, at least the touch panel display unit 12, touch panel 11a, analog switch SW, and A / D converter 16 are not supplied with power. Furthermore, the operation of the associated blocks within the control unit 21 (analog switch SW, A / D converter 16, and the block associated with the output of the touch panel valid signal TE) also ceases. This achieves power saving.

[0132] At this time, based on the user's touch operation on the touch panel type operation unit 11, for example... Figure 2As shown in (B), if the touch panel 11a is bent, the conductive material printing portion CB of the conductive material printing sheet 11b corresponding to the touch position comes into contact with the conductive material pattern CBP of the control substrate 11c without electrical conduction, then there is no power consumption of the pressure detection unit 11P (11P1 to 11P5), and power saving can also be achieved here.

[0133] Subsequently, when there are continuous touch operations on the touch panel operation unit 11 for a certain period of time (e.g., 3 seconds) or more, and the pressure detection voltage Vn is above a certain voltage (power-off release determination voltage) corresponding to the pressure (power-off release pressure) output from the pressure detection unit 11Pn corresponding to the touch position, the voltage detection signal from the voltage detection circuit 17 is input to the touch panel control circuit 15 as the touch panel valid signal ENABLE via the OR circuit OR1, and the touch panel 11a returns to the operation state.

[0134] In response to the voltage detection signal from the voltage detection circuit 17 being input as an interrupt signal INT, the control unit 21 outputs the touch panel valid signal TE to the touch panel control circuit 15, so that the operation state of the restored touch panel 11a continues (steps S4 and S5).

[0135] Therefore, the touch position data corresponding to the touch position detected by the touch panel 11a is input to the control unit 21 via the touch panel control circuit 15 (step S6), and the control unit 21 performs processing corresponding to the touch position of the touch panel type operation unit 11 (step S7).

[0136] That is, even when the power-off mode [S] is set, for example, if any dictionary content is specified by continuous touch operation on the function designation key 14d for a certain period of time (e.g., 3 seconds) or more, the control unit 21 will cause the touch panel display unit 12 to immediately display the initial screen corresponding to the arbitrary dictionary content.

[0137] In this situation, the touch panel control circuit 15, which stopped operating according to the power-off mode [S], resumes its operation by using the voltage detection signal from the voltage detection circuit 17 as the touch panel valid signal ENABLE before returning to the operating state based on the touch panel valid signal TE output from the control unit 21. Accompanying this, the touch panel 11a operates, thus performing processing corresponding to the touch position instantaneously after the user's touch operation, and continuing operation of the touch panel 11a even after the voltage detection circuit 17 no longer detects voltage from the pressure detection unit 11P. In one embodiment, the control unit 21 can output a channel selection signal CS based on the input of the interrupt signal INT, and can also activate the analog switch SW and the A / D converter 16.

[0138] Furthermore, in conventional electronic devices equipped with touch panels, when power-saving modes such as power-off mode [S] (or sleep mode) are deactivated, a process to deactivate the power-saving mode needs to be performed in response to a touch position detection signal received from the touch panel. Therefore, it is impossible to stop the operation of the touch panel itself to achieve effective power saving. In addition, touch panels are not limited to touch operations with user intent; even slight touches output touch position detection signals. Therefore, it is impossible to accurately detect touch operations with user intent to deactivate the power-saving mode, and it is impossible to perform power-saving mode deactivation processing without erroneous actions.

[0139] In the electronic dictionary 10 of this embodiment, as described above, the operation of the touch panel 11a itself can be stopped, thereby achieving effective power saving. Furthermore, in the electronic dictionary 10 of this embodiment, a pressure detection unit 11P, configured by combining the conductive material printing portion CB of the conductive material printed sheet 11b (which flexes according to the flexing of the touch panel 11a corresponding to the touch operation) and the conductive material pattern CBP of the control substrate 11c, detects a pressure (power-off release pressure) of a certain value or higher corresponding to the touch operation. This allows for high-precision detection of touch operations intended by the user to deactivate the power-saving mode, and the execution of a power-saving mode deactivation process without erroneous actions.

[0140] (Summary of implementation methods)

[0141] According to the electronic dictionary 10 of the embodiment, in the pen input processing in pen input mode [T], based on the touch operation of the touch panel type operation unit 11, and depending on whether the pressure detection voltage Vn output from the pressure detection unit 11Pn corresponding to the touch position is less than or greater than the reference voltage Vref, when the user lightly (or strongly) touches the touch panel type operation unit 11, the touch panel type display unit 12 displays the pointer (marker) P corresponding to the touch position; when the user firmly (or lightly) touches the touch panel type operation unit 11, the touch panel display unit 12 can display the trajectory L corresponding to the touch position. Therefore, the position where the user performs a touch operation on the touch panel 11a will not deviate from the position desired by the user on the display unit 12, and touch input can be performed correctly. In addition, the pressure detection state of the pressure detection unit 11Pn sets the state where the pointer P corresponding to the touch position needs to be displayed to a first state, and sets the state where the trajectory L corresponding to the touch position needs to be displayed to a second state.

[0142] In other words, when the pressure detection state based on the pressure detection unit (second detection unit) is in the first state, information about the touch position detected by the touch panel (first detection unit) is input for pen input processing (first processing). When the pressure detection state based on the pressure detection unit (second detection unit) is in the second state, it is not necessary to input information about the touch position detected by the touch panel (first detection unit) for the pen input processing (first processing), and a mark indicating the touch position detected by the touch panel (first detection unit) can be displayed on the display unit.

[0143] Furthermore, according to the electronic dictionary 10 of the embodiment, the pressure detection units 11P1 to 11P5 respectively detect the pressure applied to the surface of the touch panel 11a corresponding to the multiple regions divided by the touch panel 11a. The control unit 21 controls the display of the pointer P and the trajectory L of the touch panel display unit 12 based on the detection state of the pressure of the pressure detection unit 11Pn corresponding to the touch position detected by the touch panel 11a. Therefore, with a simple structure, the pointer P and the trajectory L corresponding to the touch position can be displayed with high precision based on the necessary positional accuracy and sensitivity of the pressure detection.

[0144] Furthermore, according to the electronic dictionary 10 of the embodiment, the control unit 21 inputs the data of the pressure detection voltages V1 to V5 of each of the multiple regions output from the pressure detection units 11P1 to 11P5 in a time-division manner via an analog switch SW that controls the switching of channels CH1 to CH5 by the channel selection signal CS. Therefore, the input structure of the control unit 21 is not complicated, and the region where pressure is detected can be determined based on the touch operation.

[0145] Furthermore, according to the electronic dictionary 10 of the embodiment, the pressure detection units 11P1 to 11P5 consist of a conductive material printed sheet 11b (insulating sheet) disposed below the touch panel 11a, a conductive material printed portion CB (conductive material covering portion) printed and covering the lower surface of the conductive material printed sheet 11b, a control substrate 11c (insulating plate-like portion) disposed below the conductive material printed sheet 11b with a gap, and a conductive material pattern CBP (conductive material pattern portion) disposed on the upper surface of the control substrate 11c opposite to the conductive material printed portion CB. The pressure detection unit 11P is configured such that, based on the contact area between the conductive material printed portion CB of the conductive material printed sheet 11b and the conductive material pattern CBP of the control substrate 11c, the pressure applied to the surface of the touch panel 11a is detected based on the voltage V1 to V5 output through the conductive material printed portion CB and the conductive material pattern CBP. Therefore, it is not limited to cost considerations. From the perspective of needing to make the touch panel type operation unit 11 thinner, it is possible to realize a pressure detection unit 11P suitable for the touch panel type operation unit 11 without using a pressure sensor that is not preferred in terms of physical, circuit, and control scale.

[0146] Furthermore, according to the electronic dictionary 10 of the embodiment, the conductive material pattern CBP has a comb-shaped first conductive material pattern CBPa (first pattern portion) and a comb-shaped second conductive material pattern CBPb (second pattern portion). The comb portions of the first conductive material pattern CBPa and the second conductive material pattern CBPb are alternately spaced apart by a certain gap. When the conductive material printing portion CB is in contact with the conductive material pattern CBP, the pressure detection portions 11P1 to 11P5 detect the pressure applied to the surface of the touch panel 11a based on the pressure detection voltage Vn output by the electrically conductive first conductive material pattern CBPa, the conductive material printing portion CB, and the second conductive material pattern CBPb. Therefore, the pressure can be detected with high precision according to the sensitivity required for pressure detection.

[0147] Furthermore, according to the embodiment of the electronic dictionary 10, by using carbon as the conductive material for the conductive material printing section CB and the conductive material pattern CBP, the pressure detection section 11P can achieve good performance in terms of cost, processability, and wear resistance.

[0148] Furthermore, according to the electronic dictionary 10 of the embodiment, a protrusion D is provided on the upper surface of the conductive material printed sheet 11b in a region corresponding to each conductive material printed portion CB printed on its lower surface side, which can effectively transmit the downward bending sensitivity caused by the touch panel 11a being touched to the conductive material printed portion CB of the conductive material printed sheet 11b corresponding to the touch position.

[0149] (Other implementation methods)

[0150] The touch panel type operation unit 11 of the electronic dictionary 10 in the aforementioned embodiment is designed to function primarily as an operation unit 11 for pen input (handwriting input), but it can also be configured as follows. Figure 14 as well as Figure 15 Like the electronic dictionary 10 in other embodiments described, it is configured to enable the touch panel type operation unit 11 to function as an operation unit 11 (key input unit 14K) for key input.

[0151] Figure 14 This is a side view showing the internal structure of the touch panel type operation unit 11 of the electronic dictionary 10 according to other embodiments.

[0152] Figure 15 This is a front view showing the appearance structure of the electronic dictionary 10 according to other embodiments.

[0153] exist Figure 14 as well as Figure 15 In the middle, regarding the aforementioned Figure 1 as well as Figure 2Identical parts are labeled with the same reference numerals and their descriptions are omitted.

[0154] In another embodiment of the electronic dictionary 10, the touch panel type operation unit 11 has a transmissive sheet 11s on its surface, which will be described in detail later. A touch panel 11a, a light guide plate 11e, a conductive material printed sheet 11b, a control substrate 11c, and a reinforcing plate 11d are stacked under the transmissive sheet 11s. A key-transmitting LED 11L is disposed near or partially on the light guide plate 11e. Specifically, the reinforcing plate 11d, the control substrate 11c, the conductive material printed sheet 11b, the light guide plate 11e, the touch panel 11a, and the transmissive sheet 11s are stacked in sequence.

[0155] The transmissive sheet 11s has: a light-blocking area LB that prevents light from passing through; a key display section 14s that is formed as a light-transmitting area LT that allows light to pass through, and displays symbols (characters) including text and graphics for key input in a visually identifiable manner by guiding light below the sheet 11s; a boundary display section 14b that displays the boundaries of each key formed as the light-transmitting area LT; a function designation key 14d that is formed by a fixed printing PP on the upper part of the sheet 11s as a symbol (character) for key input; and a pen input (touch operation) mark 14m that is formed by a fixed printing PP at equal intervals in the horizontal and vertical directions corresponding to a certain area of ​​each key.

[0156] The key display unit 14s can visually display symbols including text and graphics corresponding to the QWERTY keys or the 50-key keyboard.

[0157] The key display section 14s and the boundary display section 14b illuminate light guided by the light guide plate 11e from below the transmissive sheet 11s by illuminating the key transmission LED 11L. The illuminated light passes through the light-transmitting area LT, thus allowing visual recognition of the text, symbols, and boundaries of each key for key input. If the key transmission LED 11L is turned off, the key display section 14s and the boundary display section 14b become visually unreadable. Figure 1 Similarly, the electronic dictionary 10 of the aforementioned embodiment also retains a state in which the function designation key 14d and the pen input mark 14m can be visually identified.

[0158] In addition to the pen input (handwriting) mode [T] and power-off (power-saving) mode [S] of the electronic dictionary 10 in other embodiments, the electronic dictionary 10 in other embodiments also has three operation modes, including key input mode [K].

[0159] In key input mode [K], the key transmission LED 11L of the touch panel type operation unit 11 is turned on, so that the key display unit 14s, the boundary display unit 14b, which is the light-transmitting area LT of the transmissive sheet 11s, and the function designation key 14d can be visually identified, thereby enabling the touch panel type operation unit 11 to function as the key input unit 14K.

[0160] In pen input mode [T], the key-transmitting LED 11L of the touch panel type operation unit 11 is disconnected, as shown in the following example. Figure 1 As shown, by leaving the function designation key 14d and the pen input mark 14m in a visually recognizable manner, the touch panel type operation unit 11 functions as a pen input unit.

[0161] In the power-off mode [S], at least the power to the touch panel type operation unit 11, including the key-transmitting LED 11L, and the touch panel type display unit 12 is disconnected. In this case, as Figure 1 As shown, the touch panel type operation unit 11 is in appearance such that the function designation key 14d and the pen input mark 14m can be visually identified.

[0162] Thus, the electronic dictionary 10 according to other embodiments can not only realize various functions including the same touch operation-corresponding input functions as the electronic dictionary 10 of the aforementioned embodiments, but also, by switching the LED 11L for key transmission on and off, the touch panel type operation unit 11 can be switched to the key input unit 14K (see reference). Figure 15 ) and pen input section (see Figure 1 ).

[0163] Therefore, there is no need to use a touch panel type display device in the touch panel type operation unit 11, which has problems such as high power consumption, large circuit and mechanical scale, and high product price, and users can perform key input and handwriting input with good operability.

[0164] The electronic device of the present invention is not limited to the electronic dictionary 10 described as an embodiment, but can also be applied to other electronic devices having the same touch panel type operation unit 11 as the electronic dictionary 10.

[0165] The processing methods based on the electronic dictionary 10 described in the above embodiments are, in other words, Figure 8 The flowchart shows the pen input processing in pen input mode [T]. Figure 10 The flowchart shows the habitual hand detection processing in the pen input mode [T]. Figure 13The various methods, such as the processing in the power-off mode [S] shown in the flowchart, can all be stored as programs executable by a computer and distributed on media such as memory cards (ROM cards, RAM cards, etc.), disks (floppy disks, hard disks, etc.), optical discs (CD-ROMs, DVDs, etc.), and semiconductor memories. Furthermore, the control unit (CPU) of the electronic device reads the program recorded on the media of the external recording device into the storage device, controls the operation through the read program, thereby enabling various functions, including the input functions corresponding to touch operation described in the embodiments, to be implemented, and performing the same processing based on the aforementioned methods.

[0166] Furthermore, the data of the program used to implement each method can be transmitted on the communication network (N) as program code, and the data of the aforementioned program can be retrieved from the computer device (program server) connected to the communication network (N) into the electronic device and stored in the storage device, thereby realizing various functions including input functions corresponding to the aforementioned touch operation.

[0167] Furthermore, the present invention is not limited to any particular embodiment, and various modifications can be made during the implementation phase without departing from its spirit. Moreover, embodiments can be appropriately combined to achieve combined effects. Furthermore, the embodiments include various inventions, and various inventions can be extracted by selecting combinations from the disclosed multiple structural elements. For example, if the problem can be solved and an effect can be obtained even if several structural elements are deleted from all the structural elements shown in the embodiments, the structure with the deleted structural elements can be extracted as an invention.

Claims

1. An electronic device comprising: a display section; a touch panel having a first detection section that detects a touch position in correspondence with a touch operation; a second detection section that detects a pressure applied to a surface of the touch panel in correspondence with the touch operation, and that has a plurality of pressure detection regions in a left-right direction; and a control section that performs control related to the touch operation based on the touch position detected by the first detection section, the pressure detected by the second detection section, and a position of the pressure detection region in which the pressure is detected by the second detection section.

2. The electronic device according to claim 1, wherein the second detection section is capable of detecting a pressure applied to a position on the touch panel other than the touch position detected in correspondence with the touch operation.

3. The electronic device according to claim 2, wherein the control section determines whether a person who operates a pen is right-handed or left-handed based on a position detected by the touch panel and a position detected by the second detection section, and performs processing corresponding to a result of the determination.

4. The electronic device according to claim 3, wherein the control section performs processing corresponding to right-handedness when a pressure detection voltage of a certain voltage or more is detected from a pressure detection region on a right side of the touch position detected by the first detection section, and performs processing corresponding to left-handedness when a pressure detection voltage of a certain voltage or more is detected from a pressure detection region on a left side of the touch position detected by the first detection section.

5. An input method performed by a control section of an electronic device that comprises a display section, a touch panel having a first detection section that detects a touch position in correspondence with a touch operation, and a second detection section that detects a pressure applied to a surface of the touch panel in correspondence with the touch operation, and that has a plurality of pressure detection regions in a left-right direction, the method comprising: wherein performing control related to the touch operation based on the touch position detected by the first detection section, the pressure detected by the second detection section, and a position of the pressure detection region in which the pressure is detected by the second detection section.

6. A recording medium that records a program that causes a control section of an electronic device to function as: the electronic device comprising a display section, a touch panel having a first detection section that detects a touch position in correspondence with a touch operation, and a second detection section that detects a pressure applied to a surface of the touch panel in correspondence with the touch operation, and that has a plurality of pressure detection regions in a left-right direction, the program causing the control section to function as: performing control related to the touch operation based on the touch position detected by the first detection section, the pressure detected by the second detection section, and a position of the pressure detection region in which the pressure is detected by the second detection section. wherein ​ ​ ​

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