Touch panel operation device

Abstract

To suppress erroneous detection without requiring troublesome work in a touch panel operation device in which a touch panel and a physical operation section are combined.SOLUTION: A touch panel operation device (1) includes: a touch panel (12) that consists of multiple element areas and detects a change in capacitance for the respective element areas; physical operation sections (21 to 25) that are provided in a partial area on the surface of the touch panel and receive user's physical input operation; input detection sections (15, 55, 65) for detecting input operation to the physical operation sections by a method using those other than a change in capacitance in the touch panel; and a determination section (43) for determining that input operation is performed to the physical operation sections provided in the partial area by locating an element area in the partial area in which a change in capacitance exceeding a predetermined threshold is detected when input operation to the physical operation sections is detected by the input detection sections.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a touch panel operating device in which a physical operation unit such as a push switch is combined with a touch panel.

Background Art

[0002] In recent years, touch panels have been widely used in smartphones, tablet terminals, and the like. The touch panels used in these devices are, for example, those in which an electrode layer and a cover layer are laminated on a display screen, and detect a user's input operation based on a change in capacitance that occurs in the electrode layer when the user touches or brings a finger close.

[0003] Since a touch panel can freely arrange various touch areas (input buttons) on the panel, it has the advantage of high freedom in the configuration of the input device. On the other hand, when a plurality of touch areas are close to each other, there is a possibility of accidentally operating an adjacent touch area. Also, when no immediate change occurs in the operation target due to a touch operation, the user cannot be sure whether the touch operation has been input (accepted). When operating in-vehicle devices during driving or controlling industrial equipment in a factory, this may lead to dangerous consequences. Therefore, there is a demand for a touch panel that can perform an input operation by a physical operation such as pressing a push switch or turning a dial so that a user can perform a reliable operation without visually recognizing the screen of the touch panel.

[0004] Patent Document 1 describes an operation device in which a push switch and a dial are arranged on the surface of a touch panel that detects an input operation based on a change in capacitance. In this operation device, a dial area where a dial is attached, a push switch area where a push switch is attached, and a touch area where neither a dial nor a push switch is attached are provided on the surface of the touch panel, and different sensitivities are set for the touch panels in the touch area, the dial area, and the push switch area, respectively. Specifically, different amplification factors are set for each of the dial area and the push switch area, and based on the fact that the value obtained by multiplying the amount of change in capacitance detected in each area by the amplification factor set for that area exceeds a predetermined threshold value, the input operation of the user in each area is detected.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0005]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0006] In the operation device described in Patent Document 1, it is necessary to set different sensitivities (amplification factors) for each of the area provided with a physical operation unit such as a push switch and the area where no physical operation unit is provided (touch area), but the work of setting the sensitivity for each of the plurality of areas is time-consuming. Also, it is not easy to set an appropriate sensitivity for each area. For example, if the sensitivity (amplification factor) is too high, even if a slight change in capacitance occurs due to some factor, it may be erroneously detected that an input operation has been performed although the user has not performed an input operation.

[0007] The problem to be solved by the present invention is to suppress false detection without requiring time-consuming work in a touch panel operation device that combines a touch panel and a physical operation unit.

Means for Solving the Problem

[0008] The touch panel operation device according to the present invention made to solve the above problems includes: a touch panel composed of a plurality of elementary regions and detecting a change in capacitance for each elementary region; a physical operation unit provided in a partial region on the surface of the touch panel and receiving a physical input operation by a user; an input detection unit that detects an input operation on the physical operation unit by a method other than a change in capacitance in the touch panel; a determination unit that, when an input operation on the physical operation unit is detected by the input detection unit, determines that an input operation has been performed on the physical operation unit provided in the partial region by specifying an elementary region within the partial region where a change in capacitance exceeding a predetermined threshold has been detected; and is characterized by comprising the same.

[0009] The touch panel operation device according to the present invention includes an input detection unit that detects an input operation on a physical operation unit provided on the surface of a capacitive touch panel by a method other than a change in capacitance of the touch panel. In the touch panel operation device according to the present invention, when an input operation on the physical operation unit is detected by the input detection unit, the determination unit specifies a position within the touch panel (i.e., the position of the elementary region) where a change in capacitance exceeding a predetermined threshold has been detected, and determines that an input operation has been performed on the physical operation unit provided at that position (the “partial region”). In the touch panel operation device according to the present invention, as long as an input operation on the physical operation unit is not detected by the input detection unit, even if an unintended change in capacitance occurs in the touch panel due to some factor, false detection based on that change in capacitance will not occur. Further, even when a region where a physical operation unit is arranged and a region where no physical operation unit is arranged (a region where an input operation such as directly touching the touch panel is performed) are provided on the surface of the touch panel, it is not necessary to set different capacitance thresholds for them.

[0010] In the touch panel operation device according to the present invention, for example, The physical operation unit has a button panel having a plurality of push switches, and the input detection unit has a pressure sensor that detects pressure applied to the button panel. It can be configured in this way.

[0011] In the touch panel operation device of the above aspect, by detecting the pressure on the button panel with a pressure sensor, it is detected that the user has performed an input operation of pressing any one of the push switches on the button panel, and further, the determination unit can identify the push switch on which the input operation has been performed.

[0012] Also, in the touch panel operation device according to the present invention, for example, the physical operation unit has a plurality of push switches configured to move between a first position that is an initial position and a second position that is closer to the surface of the touch panel than the first position, the input detection unit has a light source and a light receiving unit that receives light emitted from the light source, and has an optical sensor configured such that the plurality of push switches at the second position are located on the optical path from the light source to the light receiving unit. It can be configured in this way.

[0013] In the touch panel operation device of the above aspect, by detecting with an optical sensor that the light emitted from the light source is blocked by the push switch at the second position, it is detected that the user has performed an input operation of pressing any one of the push switches, and further, the determination unit can identify the push switch on which the input operation has been performed.

[0014] Furthermore, the input detection unit in the touch panel operation device according to the present invention, for example, the physical operation unit has a plurality of push switches with built-in permanent magnets, and the input detection unit has a magnetic sensor (for example, a Hall element) that outputs a voltage corresponding to the displacement of the permanent magnet. It can be configured in this way.

[0015] In the touch panel operating device of the above aspect, by detecting that the voltage output from the magnetic sensor has changed with the displacement of the permanent magnet built in the push switch, it is detected that the user has performed an input operation of pressing the push switch, and further, the determination unit can identify the push switch on which the input operation has been performed.

Advantages of the Invention

[0016] By using the touch panel operating device according to the present invention, it is possible to suppress false detection in a touch panel operating device that combines a touch panel and a physical operation unit without requiring laborious work.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0017]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0018] Embodiments of the touch panel operating device according to the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. In each of the following figures, for the sake of easy understanding of each part, the scale is appropriately changed from the actual scale for illustration.

[0019] <First Embodiment> The touch panel operating device 1 of the first embodiment includes a main body 10 and a control / processing unit 40. This touch panel operating device 1 is used, for example, to control an audio device mounted on a vehicle.

[0020] Fig. 1 shows the main component configuration of the main body 10 of the touch panel operating device 1 of the first embodiment. In Fig. 1, in addition to the plan view of the main body 10, a sectional view taken along line A-A' (lower side) and a sectional view taken along line B-B' (right side) are shown. Also, a partial enlarged view of the portion surrounded by a broken line in the A-A' section is shown.

[0021] The main body 10 has a structure in which a touch panel 12 and a button panel 13 are sequentially stacked on the surface of an LCD module 11. Frame-shaped spacer members (gaskets) 14 are respectively disposed between the LCD module 11 and the touch panel 12, and between the touch panel 12 and the button panel 13. Also, a pressure sensor 15 is disposed inside the spacer member 14 disposed between the touch panel 12 and the button panel 13. Alternatively, the pressure sensor 15 may be disposed inside the spacer member 14 disposed between the LCD module 11 and the touch panel 12.

[0022] The LCD module 11 displays various types of information (such as information on functions executed by operations of each push switch described later) in the touch panel operating device 1. The touch panel 12 detects changes in capacitance in each of a plurality of pixel regions two-dimensionally provided on its surface, and is made of a material that is transparent at least in the visible light region.

[0023] On the surface of the touch panel 12, there are provided a touch area 121 where a user performs an input operation by bringing a finger into contact with (or approaching) the surface of the touch panel 12, and a physical operation area 122 where a user performs an input operation by operating a physical operation unit. In the physical operation area 122, there are further provided a push switch area 1221 corresponding to the area where the push switches 21 to 25 are arranged, and a dial area 1222 corresponding to the area where the dial 31 is arranged.

[0024] The button panel 13 is a plate-like member arranged in the physical operation area 122 on the surface of the touch panel 12. Physical operation units such as the push switches 21 to 25 and the dial 31 are arranged on the button panel 13.

[0025] Each of the push switches 21 to 25 is composed of an elastic deformation part 26 fixed to the button panel 13 and an operation part 27 provided above (on the side opposite to the button panel 13) of the elastic deformation part 26. When the user performs an operation of pressing the operation part 27, the elastic deformation part 26 contracts (refer to the push switch 21 in the A - A' cross-section of FIG. 1), and when the user releases the hand from the operation part 27, the elastic deformation part 26 restores (refer to the push switches 22 to 25 in the A - A' cross-section of FIG. 1). The elastic deformation part 26 can include, for example, a spring. Thereby, when the user operates the push switches 21 to 25, the user can obtain an operation feeling (the feeling of pressing the push switch).

[0026] The dial 31 has a fixed part 311 fixed to the button panel 13 and a rotatable rotation part 312 provided so as to cover the upper part and the side part of the fixed part 311. Further, at the bottom of the rotation part 312 (near the button panel 13), conductive chips 313 are embedded at two positions symmetric with respect to the rotation axis of the rotation part 312. The conductive chip 313 only needs to be such that a change in capacitance occurs in the elementary area within the dial area 1222 of the touch panel 12 when the conductive chip 313 moves. Also, the number of the conductive chips 313 may be one, or may be three or more.

[0027] The button panel 13, push switches 21 to 25, and dial 31 are also made of a material (for example, a transparent resin material) that is transparent at least in the visible light region. Thereby, the display content of the LCD module 11 (for example, the pattern indicating the operation content by the push switches 21 to 25 in FIG. 1) can be visually recognized by the user through the touch panel 12, button panel 13, push switches 21 to 25, and dial 31. This is the same for the touch panel operation device 5 of the second embodiment and the touch panel operation device 6 of the third embodiment described later.

[0028] The spacer member 14 holds the LCD module 11, touch panel 12, and button panel 13 apart from each other and prevents the entry of dust and the like from the outside.

[0029] The pressure sensor 15 detects the pressure applied to the button panel 13 accompanying the user's input operation (the operation of pressing the push switches 21 to 25) on the push switches 21 to 25 provided on the button panel 13. For the pressure sensor 15, various conventionally known ones (for example, those having a piezoelectric element such as a piezo element and outputting a voltage when a force is applied to the piezoelectric element, or those measuring pressure by the change in capacitance of a substance deformed by a pressure change) can be used. In the example of FIG. 1, a total of two pressure sensors 15 are arranged, one on each side at the position of the A-A' cross section, but only one pressure sensor 15 may be arranged at the position of the A-A' cross section, or three or more may be arranged. Also, one frame-shaped pressure sensor 15 may be arranged.

[0030] The control / processing unit 40 is built in the main body unit 10 or provided outside the main body unit 10 and connected to the main body unit 10, and controls the operation of an external device (for example, an audio device) connected to the touch panel operation device 1 according to the user's input operation.

[0031] As shown in FIG. 2, the control and processing unit 40 includes a storage unit 41. In the storage unit 41, information on the content to be displayed on the LCD module 11 and its display position is stored. Further, in the storage unit 41, for each of the push switches 21 to 25 and the dial 31, information on the two-dimensional position on the surface of the touch panel 12 (the positions of a plurality of element regions of the touch panel 12 corresponding to the positions where the push switches 21 to 25 and the dial 31 are provided), the touch region 121, the push switches 21 to 25, and information on the criteria for detecting the user's input operation to the dial 31 (threshold values for determining that an input operation has been performed), information on the content of the processing to be executed for the input operation to each part, etc. are stored. The plurality of element regions of the touch panel 12 corresponding to the positions where each of the push switches 21 to 25 is provided correspond to a partial region in the present invention.

[0032] The user's input operation to the touch region 121 is detected as an input operation to the touch region (input button displayed on the screen) displayed in the element region where the change in capacitance has occurred, based on the fact that the change in capacitance in the element region of the touch panel 12 has exceeded the threshold value stored in the storage unit 41.

[0033] The input operation to the push switches 21 to 25 (push switch region 1221) is detected based on the pressure sensor 15 detecting that a force has been applied to the button panel 13. However, at this point, it is not specified which of the push switches 21 to 25 the input operation has been performed on, and it is detected that an input operation has been performed on any of the push switches 21 to 25. When the pressure sensor 15 detects the pressure on the button panel 13, the change in capacitance in the plurality of element regions within the push switch region 1221 of the touch panel 12 (more specifically, the plurality of element regions included in the partial regions where the push switches 21 to 25 are respectively arranged) is confirmed, and the position of the element region where the change in capacitance has occurred is specified. Then, based on the position of the specified element region, the push switch 21 to 25 on which the input operation has been performed is specified.

[0034] An input operation on the dial 31 (dial area 1222) is detected as a clockwise rotation operation or a counterclockwise rotation operation based on the fact that the position of the element area where a capacitance change occurred due to the movement of the conductive chip 313 built in the dial 31 in accordance with the input operation changed so as to draw an arc. In the touch panel operation device 1 of the first embodiment, the threshold value for detecting a capacitance change in the element area can be set to a common value for the touch area 121, the push switch area 1221, and the dial area 1222.

[0035] The control and processing unit 40 also includes, as functional blocks, a display control unit 42, an input determination unit 43, and a device control execution unit 44. The display control unit 42 displays information stored in advance in the storage unit 41 on the screen of the LCD module 11, and changes the screen display of the LCD module 11 to the content corresponding to the instruction when the user's input operation instructs a change in the screen display. The input determination unit 43 detects the input operation by the user to each part based on the change in capacitance output from the touch panel 12 and the output signal from the pressure sensor 15. The device control execution unit 44 executes various controls on the external devices connected to the touch panel operation device 1. The display control unit 42, the input determination unit 43, and the device control execution unit 44 are realized by the processor executing a dedicated control and processing program 45 pre-installed in the control and processing unit 40.

[0036] Next, an operation example of the touch panel operation device 1 of the first embodiment will be described.

[0037] When the user turns on the power of the touch panel device 1 (including the case where the power of the touch panel operating device 1 is turned on in conjunction with an operation such as inserting a key into the ignition key cylinder and rotating it), the display control unit 42 displays an initial screen in the area corresponding to the touch area 121 of the LCD module 11 based on the information previously stored in the storage unit 41. Here, as an example of the initial screen, an audio control screen including the names of songs and artists stored in the media set in the audio device, and a button for changing the display screen from the audio control screen to the map navigation screen are displayed in the touch area 121. Further, the LCD module 11 displays a pattern as shown in FIG. 1 in the area of the push switch area 1221 where the push switches 21 to 25 are arranged.

[0038] The input determination unit 43 receives the output signals from the touch panel 12 and the pressure sensor 15 at a predetermined time interval (for example, 60 times / second), stores them in the storage unit 41, and based on those values, determines whether a change in capacitance exceeding a threshold value has occurred in any of the elementary areas included in the touch area 121 and the dial area 1222 of the touch panel 12, and also determines whether the pressure sensor 15 has detected a press on the button panel 13.

[0039] When the user performs an input operation (such as touching the surface with a finger) on the portion of the touch area 121 where the display switching button is displayed, a change in capacitance occurs in the elementary area where the display switching button is displayed as the user's finger comes into contact. When the change in capacitance exceeds the threshold value stored in the storage unit 41, the input determination unit 43 detects that the user has performed an input operation on the display switching button. In response to this, the display control unit 42 executes an operation corresponding to the input button displayed at the position (elementary area) where the user performed the input operation (for example, an operation of changing the display screen of the LCD module 11 from the audio control screen to the map navigation screen). When the input button on which the user performed the input operation is for instructing the control of an external device, the device control execution unit 44 controls the operation of the external device based on that instruction.

[0040] When the user performs an input operation (operation of pressing any one of the push switches 21 to 25) on any one of the push switches 21 to 25, the elastic deformation portions 26 of the push switches 21 to 25 contract, and at the same time, the button panel 13 is also pressed. Then, a signal (for example, voltage) indicating that the button panel 13 has been pressed is output by the pressure sensor 15. The input determination unit 43 determines whether the signal output from the pressure sensor 15 exceeds the threshold value stored in the storage unit 41, and when the signal exceeds the threshold value, determines that an input operation has been performed on any one of the push switches 21 to 25. Further, the input determination unit 43 checks the change in capacitance in the elementary region within the push switch region 1221 of the touch panel 12, and determines whether there is a change in capacitance exceeding the threshold value stored in the storage unit 41 in any of the elementary regions. When there is a change in capacitance exceeding the threshold value stored in the storage unit 41 in the elementary region within the push switch region 1221 of the touch panel 12, the input determination unit 43 identifies the elementary region, and based on the identified elementary region, identifies the push switch 21 to 25 on which the user's input operation has been performed.

[0041] In the touch panel operation device 1 of the present embodiment, when the input determination unit 43 detects an input operation (operation of pressing the push switch 21) on the push switch 21, the device control execution unit 44 executes an operation of taking out the medium inserted in the audio device. When the input determination unit 43 detects an input operation on the push switch 22, the device control execution unit 44 executes an operation of reverse-playing (rewinding) the inserted medium. When the input determination unit 43 detects an input operation on the push switch 23, the device control execution unit 44 executes an operation of temporarily stopping the playback of the inserted medium. When the input determination unit 43 detects an input operation on the push switch 24, the device control execution unit 44 executes an operation of fast-playing (fast-forwarding) the inserted medium. When the input determination unit 43 detects an input operation on the push switch 25, the device control execution unit 44 executes an operation of turning on / off the power of the audio.

[0042] When the user performs an operation of rotating the dial 31, the conductive chip 313 built into the dial 31 is displaced, and accordingly, a change in capacitance occurs in a plurality of elementary regions corresponding to the dial region 1222. When the change in capacitance exceeds a threshold value previously stored in the storage unit 41, the input determination unit detects that an input operation has been performed on the dial 31. Further, according to whether the elementary region in which the change in the threshold value has occurred is moving clockwise or counterclockwise in time series, the rotation direction of the input operation on the dial 31 is determined, and furthermore, the amount of rotation is determined. Based on the determination result by the input determination unit 43, the device control execution unit 44 executes an operation of increasing or decreasing the volume of the audio device.

[0043] In a conventional device, since an input operation on a push switch is detected only based on a change in capacitance in a touch panel, when used in an environment where disturbances are likely to occur, it may be erroneously detected that an input operation has been performed even though the user has not performed an input operation. Further, as described in Patent Document 1, when different sensitivities (amplification factors) are set for each of a region provided with a push switch or the like as a physical operation unit and a region where no physical operation unit is provided (touch region), it takes time to set the sensitivity for each of the plurality of regions, and it is not easy to set an appropriate sensitivity for each region. For example, if the sensitivity (amplification factor) is too high, it may be erroneously detected that an input operation has been performed even though only a slight change in capacitance has occurred due to some factor and the user has not performed an input operation.

[0044] In contrast, in the touch panel operating device 1 of the first embodiment, input operations on the push switches 21 to 25 are detected based on both the output signal from the pressure sensor 15 and the change in capacitance in the elementary region of the touch panel 12. Therefore, even if an unintended change in capacitance occurs in the touch panel 12 due to some factor, as long as the output signal from the pressure sensor 15 does not exceed the threshold value stored in the storage unit 41, false detection based on the change in capacitance does not occur. Also, in the touch panel operating device 1 of the first embodiment, it is not necessary to set different capacitance threshold values for the touch area 121 and the physical operation area 122 (push switch area 1221 and dial area 1222) of the touch panel 12. However, in the touch panel operating device 1 of the first embodiment, setting different capacitance threshold values for each area is not excluded.

[0045] <Second Embodiment> Next, the touch panel operating device 5 of the second embodiment will be described. For the components common to the touch panel operating device 1 of the first embodiment, the same reference numerals are given, and the description will be omitted as appropriate.

[0046] FIG. 3 shows the main component configuration of the main body 50 of the touch panel operating device 5 of the second embodiment. In FIG. 3, in addition to the plan view of the main body 50, a cross-sectional view taken along line A-A' (lower side) and a cross-sectional view taken along line B-B' (right side) are shown. Also, a partial enlarged view of the portion surrounded by the broken line in the cross-section along A-A' is shown.

[0047] In the first embodiment, the push switches 21 to 25 were arranged on the plate-shaped button panel 13. However, in the second embodiment, through holes are formed at the positions on the button panel 53 where the push switches 521 to 525 are arranged, and each of the push switches 521 to 525 is movable between an upper position (first position) and a lower position (second position) of the button panel 53. An elastic deformation part 526 (for example, silicone rubber) for connecting the lower part of the side surface of each of the push switches 521 to 525 and the inner peripheral surface of the through hole of the button panel 13 is provided. When the elastic deformation part 526 deforms, the user can obtain an operation feeling (the feeling of pressing the push switch) when operating the push switches 521 to 525. Further, when the user releases the hand from the push switches 521 to 525, the shape of the elastic deformation part 526 is restored, and thereby the push switches 521 to 525 return to their original positions.

[0048] Also, in the touch panel operation device 1 of the first embodiment, the pressure sensor 15 was arranged between the touch panel 12 and the button panel 13. However, in the touch panel operation device 5 of the second embodiment, between the touch panel 12 and the button panel 53, an optical sensor 55 having a light source 551 that emits light of a predetermined wavelength and a light receiving part 552 that detects the light emitted from the light source 551 and outputs a predetermined signal is arranged. For example, an LED can be used for the light source 551. Also, for example, a phototransistor can be used for the light receiving part 552. For the light of the predetermined wavelength, light in a wavelength band blocked (reflected, scattered, or absorbed) by the material (such as a transparent resin material) constituting the push switches 21 to 25 is selected. The light source 551 and the light receiving part 552 are arranged such that, in a plan view, the push switches 521 to 525 are located on the optical path from the light source 551 to the light receiving part 552.

[0049] As described above, each of the push switches 521 to 525 can be moved to a position below the button panel 53, more specifically, to a position where the above optical path is blocked. As shown in FIG. 4, when no input operation is performed on any of the push switches 521 to 525, the light emitted from the light source 551 is detected by the light receiving unit 552, and a predetermined signal is output. On the other hand, when the user performs an input operation on any one of the push switches 521 to 525 (the push switch 524 in the example of FIG. 5), the input-operated push switch moves to the lower position (second position) to block the above optical path, thereby blocking the light from the light source 551 to the light receiving unit 552.

[0050] In the touch panel operation device 5 of the second embodiment, the input determination unit 43 receives the output signals from the touch panel 12 and the light receiving unit 552 at a predetermined time interval (for example, 60 times / second) and stores them in the storage unit 41. The input determination unit 43 detects an input operation on the touch area 121 of the touch panel 12 and the dial 31 based on the output signal from the touch panel 12 (a signal indicating a change in capacitance in the elementary areas within the touch area 121 and the elementary areas within the dial area 1222). Further, the input determination unit 43 detects that an input operation has been performed on any one of the push switches 521 to 525 based on the output signal from the light receiving unit 552 (based on the fact that the output of the light detection signal from the light receiving unit 552 has stopped).

[0051] Next, an operation example of the touch panel operation device 5 of the second embodiment will be described. Since the input operations on the touch area 121 and the dial 31 are the same as those of the touch panel operation device 1 of the first embodiment, the description thereof will be omitted.

[0052] When the user performs an input operation on any one of the push switches 521 to 525 (an operation of pressing any one of the push switches 521 to 525), the input-operated push switches 521 to 525 move to the lower position (the second position) to block the optical path. As a result, the light emitted from the light source 551 is blocked by the push switch, and the light detection signal from the light receiving unit 552 stops. When the light detection signal output from the light receiving unit 552 falls below the threshold value stored in the storage unit 41 (typically when the light detection signal becomes zero), the input determination unit 43 further determines whether there is a change in capacitance exceeding the threshold value stored in the storage unit 41 in the element region within the push switch region 1221 of the touch panel 12. When there is a change in capacitance exceeding the threshold value stored in the storage unit 41 in the element region within the push switch region 1221 of the touch panel 12, the input determination unit 43 identifies the element region and identifies the push switches 521 to 525 on which the input operation was performed based on the position of the element region.

[0053] As described above, in the touch panel operation device 5 of the second embodiment, the input operation on the push switches 521 to 525 is detected based on both the output signal from the optical sensor 55 (light receiving unit 552) and the change in capacitance in the element region of the touch panel 12. Therefore, even if an unintended change in capacitance occurs in the touch panel 12 for some reason, as long as the output signal from the optical sensor 55 does not exceed the threshold value stored in the storage unit 41, false detection based on the change in capacitance does not occur. Also, in the touch panel operation device 5 of the second embodiment, it is not necessary to set different capacitance threshold values for the touch region 121 and the physical operation region 122 (push switch region 1221 and dial region 1222) of the touch panel 12. However, in the touch panel operation device 5 of the second embodiment, setting different capacitance threshold values for each region is not excluded.

[0054] <Third Embodiment> Next, the touch panel operating device 6 of the third embodiment will be described. For the components common to the touch panel operating device 1 of the first embodiment and the touch panel operating device 5 of the second embodiment, the same reference numerals are given, and the description will be omitted as appropriate.

[0055] FIG. 6 shows the main part configuration of the main body 60 of the touch panel operating device 6 of the third embodiment. In FIG. 6, in addition to the plan view of the main body 60, a cross-sectional view taken along line A-A' (lower side) and a cross-sectional view taken along line B-B' (right side) are shown. Also, a partially enlarged view of the portion surrounded by the broken line in the cross-section taken along line A-A' is shown.

[0056] In the touch panel operating device 6 of the third embodiment, similar to the touch panel operating device 5 of the second embodiment, through holes are formed at the positions where the push switches 621 to 625 are arranged in the button panel 63, and each of the push switches 621 to 625 can move to a position below the button panel 63. A permanent magnet 651 is built into the bottom side surface of each of the push switches 621 to 625, and a permanent magnet 653 is also attached to the inner periphery of the through hole of the button panel 63. When the user operates to press the push switches 621 to 625, the permanent magnet 651 attached to the push switches 621 to 625 and the permanent magnet 653 attached to the button panel 63 are separated, and a magnetic attractive force acts in the direction in which the push switches 621 to 625 return to their original positions. Thereby, the user can obtain an operation feeling (the feeling of pressing the push switch), and when the user releases the hand from the push switches 621 to 625, the push switch returns to its original position.

[0057] In the touch panel operating device 1 of the first embodiment and the touch panel operating device 5 of the second embodiment, the pressure sensor 15 and the optical sensor 55 are arranged at the peripheral portion of the device. However, in the third embodiment, a back member 66 is arranged on the back side of the LCD module 11 (the side opposite to the touch panel 12). A magnetic sensor 652 is accommodated at a position below each of the permanent magnets 651 built in the push switches 621 to 625 of the back member 66 (the position sandwiching the button panel 13, the touch panel 12, and the LCD module 11). Output signals of the respective magnetic sensors 65 are collectively input to the control and processing unit 40. For the magnetic sensor 65, for example, a Hall element can be used.

[0058] In this embodiment, the output signals from the magnetic sensors 652 are collectively input to the control and processing unit 40, but the output signals from the magnetic sensors 652 may be individually input to the control and processing unit 40. By adopting a configuration in which the output signals from the magnetic sensors 652 are collectively input to the control and processing unit 40, it is only necessary to determine the value of one output signal in the input determination unit 43, and the load at the time of determination can be reduced. On the other hand, when the output signals from the magnetic sensors 652 are individually input to the control and processing unit 40, the permanent magnet 651 that causes a change in the output signal from the magnetic sensor 652 can be specified, and based on this, the push switches 621 to 625 operated by the user can be specified.

[0059] In the touch panel operating device 6 of the third embodiment, the input determination unit 43 receives the output signals from the touch panel 12 and the magnetic sensors 652 at a predetermined time interval (for example, 60 times / second) and stores them in the storage unit 41. The input determination unit 43 detects an input operation to the touch area 121 of the touch panel 12 and the dial 31 based on the output signal from the touch panel 12 (a signal indicating a change in capacitance in the element areas within the touch area 121 and the element areas within the dial area 1222). Further, the input determination unit 43 detects that an input operation has been performed on any of the push switches 621 to 625 based on the output signal from the magnetic sensor 652.

[0060] Next, an operation example of the touch panel operation device 6 of the third embodiment will be described. Since the input operations on the touch area 121 and the input operations on the dials 31 are the same as those of the touch panel operation device 1 of the first embodiment and the touch panel operation device 5 of the second embodiment, the description thereof will be omitted.

[0061] When the user performs an input operation on any of the push switches 621 to 625 (an operation of pressing any of the push switches 621 to 625), the input push switches 621 to 625 and the permanent magnet 651 built in the push switch also move downward (see the push switch 621 in the A-A' cross section of FIG. 6). Thus, as the relative position between the permanent magnet 651 and the magnetic sensor 652 changes, the voltage output from the magnetic sensor 652 disposed below the permanent magnet 651 changes. When the change in the signal output from the magnetic sensor 652 exceeds the threshold value stored in the storage unit 41, the input determination unit 43 further determines whether there is a change in capacitance exceeding the threshold value stored in the storage unit 41 in the element region within the push switch region 1221 of the touch panel 12. When there is a change in capacitance exceeding the threshold value stored in the storage unit 41 in the element region within the push switch region 1221 of the touch panel 12, the input determination unit 43 specifies the element region and specifies the push switches 621 to 625 on which the input operation has been performed based on the position of the element region. In the case of a configuration in which the output signals from the magnetic sensors 652 are individually input to the control / processing unit 40, the input determination unit 43 may also specify the push switches 621 to 625 operated by the user by specifying the permanent magnet 651 corresponding to the magnetic sensor 652 in which the change in the output signal has occurred.

[0062] As described above, in the touch panel operating device 6 of the third embodiment, the input operations on the push switches 621 to 625 are detected based on both the output signal from the magnetic sensor 652 and the change in capacitance in the element region of the touch panel 12. Therefore, even if an unintended change in capacitance occurs in the touch panel 12 due to some factor, as long as the change amount of the output signal from the magnetic sensor 652 does not exceed the threshold value stored in the storage unit 41, false detection based on the change in capacitance does not occur. Also, in the touch panel operating device 6 of the third embodiment, it is not necessary to set different capacitance threshold values for the touch region 121 and the physical operation region 122 (push switch region 1221 and dial region 1222) of the touch panel 12. However, in the touch panel operating device 6 of the third embodiment, setting different capacitance threshold values for each region is not excluded.

[0063] Each of the above embodiments is a preferred example of the present invention, and an appropriate configuration can be adopted in accordance with the gist of the present invention.

[0064] In the first to third embodiments, different mechanisms are used to give the user the operating feeling of pressing a push button and to restore the push button to its original position when the user releases their hand from the button. However, as long as the functions in each embodiment are not impaired, these mechanisms can be appropriately combined. For example, a mechanism that utilizes the magnetic attraction of a permanent magnet as in the third embodiment may be applied to the touch panel operating device 1 of the first embodiment or the touch panel operating device 5 of the second embodiment.

[0065] Each of the above embodiments is a touch panel operating device for controlling an audio device mounted on a vehicle. However, in cases such as when controlling industrial equipment in a factory, a touch panel operating device having the same configuration as above can be used in various situations.

[0066] In the above-described embodiment, only one button panel has been described. However, a plurality of button panels with different arrangements of physical operation units such as push buttons and dials may be prepared, and data of screen displays on the LCD module 11 corresponding to each button panel may be stored in the storage unit. In that case, a button panel corresponding to the application may be attached, and the screen of the LCD module may be configured to display a display corresponding to that button panel. The screen display of the LCD module may be selected by the user himself / herself from those stored in the storage unit. For example, a chip storing the type and identification number of the button panel may be attached to the button panel, and a chip reading unit may be provided in the control / processing unit. The screen display of the LCD module corresponding to the button panel may be automatically performed based on the information on the type and identification number of the button panel read by the chip reading unit.

[0067] In each of the above embodiments, a push switch and a dial are provided on the button panel. However, other components such as a slider may be provided. Also, the center of the dial in the first to third embodiments may be made pushable. In that case, a mechanism for detecting the pushing of the center of the dial may be configured in the same manner as the mechanism for detecting the input operation of the push switch in the above embodiment.

[0068] In the third embodiment, a magnetic sensor 652 is provided below each permanent magnet 651 built in the push switch. However, one magnetic sensor 652 may be provided for a plurality of permanent magnets 651, and the displacement of those plurality of permanent magnets 651 may be detected by the one magnetic sensor 652. However, providing a magnetic sensor 652 for each of the push switches 621 to 625 as in the third embodiment is preferable in that the displacement of the permanent magnets 651 built in the push switches 621 to 625 generated along with the input operation to each of the push switches 621 to 625 can be detected more accurately.

[0069] Further, in the third embodiment, any configuration may be adopted as long as the distance between the permanent magnet 651 and the magnetic sensor 652 changes in accordance with an input operation on the push buttons 621 to 625. For example, a button panel and push buttons similar to those in the first embodiment may be used, and a configuration in which a permanent magnet is incorporated in the operation portion of each push button may also be adopted.

[0070] As the input detection unit according to the present invention, in the first to third embodiments, the pressure sensor 15, the optical sensor 55, and the magnetic sensor 652 are individually used one by one, but a touch panel operation device including a plurality of these may also be used.

[0071] [Aspect] It is apparent to those skilled in the art that the above-described exemplary embodiments are specific examples of the following aspects.

[0072] (Item 1) A touch panel operation device according to an aspect of the present invention includes: a touch panel composed of a plurality of elementary regions and detecting a change in capacitance for each elementary region; a physical operation unit provided in a partial region on the surface of the touch panel and receiving a physical input operation by a user; an input detection unit that detects an input operation on the physical operation unit by a method other than a change in capacitance in the touch panel; a determination unit that determines that an input operation on the physical operation unit provided in the partial region has been performed by specifying an elementary region within the partial region in which a change in capacitance exceeding a predetermined threshold has been detected when an input operation on the physical operation unit is detected by the input detection unit and includes.

[0073] The touch panel operating device according to the first aspect includes an input detection unit that detects an input operation on a physical operation unit provided on the surface of a capacitive touch panel by a method other than a change in the capacitance of the touch panel. In the touch panel operating device according to the present invention, when the input detection unit detects an input operation on the physical operation unit, the determination unit identifies a position (i.e., the position of the elementary region) within the touch panel where a change in capacitance exceeding a predetermined threshold is detected, and determines that an input operation has been performed on the physical operation unit provided at that position (the "partial region"). In the touch panel operating device according to the first aspect, as long as the input detection unit does not detect an input operation on the physical operation unit, even if an unintended change in capacitance occurs in the touch panel due to some factor, false detection based on that change in capacitance does not occur. Further, even when providing a region on the surface of the touch panel where the physical operation unit is arranged and a region where the physical operation unit is not arranged (a region for performing an input operation of directly touching the touch panel), it is not necessary to set different capacitance thresholds for them.

[0074] (Second aspect) The touch panel operating device according to the second aspect is the touch panel operating device according to the first aspect, wherein the physical operation unit has a button panel having a plurality of push switches, the input detection unit has a pressure sensor that detects pressure on the button panel characterized in that.

[0075] In the touch panel operating device according to the second aspect, by detecting the pressure on the button panel with a pressure sensor, it is detected that the user has performed an input operation of pressing any one of the push switches on the button panel, and further, the determination unit can identify the push switch on which the input operation has been performed.

[0076] (Third aspect) The touch panel operating device according to the third aspect is the touch panel operating device according to the second aspect, wherein the push switch has an elastic deformation portion that elastically deforms in a direction in which an input operation is performed on the push switch It is characterized by the following.

[0077] In the touch panel operating device according to the third aspect, when the user performs an input operation on the push switch, the elastic deformation part contracts, so that the user can obtain the operating feeling of pressing the push switch.

[0078] (Article 4) The touch panel operating device according to the fourth aspect is the touch panel operating device according to any one of the first to third aspects, wherein the physical operation part has a plurality of push switches configured to move between a first position which is an initial position and a second position closer to the surface of the touch panel than the first position, the input detection part has a light source and a light receiving part that receives light emitted from the light source, and has an optical sensor configured such that the plurality of push switches at the second position are located on the optical path from the light source to the light receiving part. It is characterized by the following.

[0079] In the touch panel operating device according to the fourth aspect, by detecting with the optical sensor that the light emitted from the light source is blocked by the push switch at the second position, it is detected that the user has performed an input operation of pressing any one of the push switches, and further, the determination part can specify the push switch on which the input operation has been performed.

[0080] (Article 5) The touch panel operating device according to the fifth aspect is the touch panel operating device according to any one of the first to fourth aspects, wherein the input detection part has a permanent magnet built in a plurality of push switches and a magnetic sensor (for example, a Hall element) that outputs a voltage corresponding to the displacement of the permanent magnet. It is characterized by the following.

[0081] In the touch panel operating device according to the fifth aspect, by detecting that the voltage output from the magnetic sensor changes as the displacement of the permanent magnet built in the push switch changes, it is detected that the user has performed an input operation of pressing the push switch, and further, the determination unit can identify the push switch on which the input operation has been performed.

[0082] (Article 6) The touch panel operating device according to the sixth aspect is the touch panel operating device according to the fifth aspect, wherein each of the plurality of push switches is provided with a magnetic sensor (for example, a Hall element) that outputs a voltage corresponding to the displacement of the permanent magnet built in the push switch.

[0083] In the touch panel operating device according to the sixth aspect, by providing a magnetic sensor for each push switch, it is possible to more accurately detect the displacement of the permanent magnet built in the push switch that occurs with an input operation to each push switch.

Explanation of Signs

[0084] 1, 5, 6... Touch panel operating device 10, 50, 60... Main body part 11... LCD module 12... Touch panel 121... Touch area 122... Physical operation area 1221... Push switch area 1222... Dial area 13, 53, 63... Button panel 14... Spacer member 15... Pressure sensor 21~25, 521~525, 621~625... Push switch 26, 526... Elastic deformation part 27... Operation part 31... Dial 311... Fixed part 312... Rotating part 313... Conductive chip 40... Control / processing unit 41…Memory unit 42…Display control unit 43…Input determination unit 44…Machine control execution unit 45…Control / processing program 55…Optical sensor 551…Light source 552…Light receiving unit 65…Magnetic sensor 651…Permanent magnet 652…Hall element 653…Permanent magnet 66…Rear member

Claims

1. A touch panel composed of a plurality of elementary regions, which detects changes in capacitance for each elementary region, A physical operation unit provided in a partial region on the surface of the touch panel, which receives a physical input operation by a user, An input detection unit that detects an input operation on the physical operation unit by a method other than a change in capacitance in the touch panel, When an input operation on the physical operation unit is detected by the input detection unit, by specifying the elementary regions within the partial region where a change in capacitance exceeding a predetermined threshold is detected, a determination unit that determines that an input operation has been performed on the physical operation unit provided in the partial region A touch panel operation device characterized by comprising the above.

2. The physical operation unit has a button panel having a plurality of push switches, The input detection unit has a pressure sensor that detects pressure on the button panel The touch panel operation device according to claim 1, characterized by the above.

3. The push switch has an elastic deformation part that elastically deforms in the direction in which an input operation is performed on the push switch The touch panel operation device according to claim 2, characterized by the above.

4. The physical operation unit has a plurality of push switches configured to move between a first position that is an initial position and a second position closer to the surface of the touch panel than the first position, The input detection unit has a light source and a light receiving unit that receives light emitted from the light source, and has an optical sensor configured such that the plurality of push switches in the second position are located on the optical path from the light source to the light receiving unit The touch panel operation device according to claim 1, characterized by the above.

5. The input detection unit has a permanent magnet built into a plurality of push switches and a magnetic sensor that outputs a voltage corresponding to the displacement of the permanent magnet The touch panel operation device according to claim 1, characterized by the above.

6. A magnetic sensor that outputs a voltage corresponding to the displacement of a permanent magnet built into each of the plurality of push switches is provided in each of the plurality of push switches The touch panel operation device according to claim 5, characterized by the above.

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