Operation detection device

Abstract

To provide an operation detection device configured to suppress the variance of coordinates.SOLUTION: An operation detection device includes: a detection unit 3 which detects a physical quantity that changes upon approach or touch of a detection object to or on an operation surface 20 to output detection information S1 capable of calculating coordinates of an XY coordinate system set on the operation surface 20 that the detection object has approached or touched; and a control unit 4 which calculates first coordinates where the detection object has been detected, to be defined as reference coordinates 50 when the physical quantity based on the detection information S1 satisfies a predetermined condition, and does not perform coordinate update as long as coordinates calculated after the reference coordinates 50 are included in a first region 5 centered at the reference coordinates 50, and sets a second region 6 smaller than the first region 5 and performs the coordinate update when the coordinates calculated after the reference coordinates 50 are outside the first region 5, and does not perform the coordinate update as long as coordinates calculated after the updated coordinates are included in the second region 6.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an operation detection device. [Background technology]

[0002] As a conventional technique, an information input device is known that includes a plurality of electrode wires arranged in the X-axis and Y-axis directions and a first detection means that detects a voltage drop caused by an operator's finger approaching the electrode wires (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

[0003] This information input device detects the XY coordinates of the touch position of the fingertip and outputs the coordinate data to a computer or the like. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 7-129321 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] In such conventional information input devices, the voltage drop caused by a finger approaching depends on the size and shape of the finger. Therefore, if the sensitivity is increased for fingers with a small voltage drop, the sensitivity may be too high for fingers with a large voltage drop, and the device may detect the finger even when the finger is floating, which may result in the coordinates of the detected operation being distorted and reduced operability.

[0006] SUMMARY OF THE PRESENT EMBODIMENT An object of the present invention is to provide an operation detection device capable of suppressing deviation of coordinates. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] One aspect of the present invention provides an operation detection device including: a detection unit that detects a physical quantity that changes when a detection target approaches or touches an operation surface, and outputs detection information that includes at least information on the physical quantity and is capable of calculating coordinates in a coordinate system set on the operation surface to which the detection target approaches or touches; and a control unit that, if the physical quantity based on the detection information satisfies a predetermined condition, calculates the first coordinate at which the detection target was detected and sets it as a reference coordinate, and does not update the coordinate as long as coordinates calculated after the reference coordinate are included in a first area centered on the reference coordinate, and, if coordinates calculated after the reference coordinate are outside the first area, sets a second area narrower than the first area and updates the coordinate, and does not update the coordinate as long as coordinates calculated after the updated coordinate are included in the second area. Effect of the Invention

[0008] According to the present invention, it is possible to suppress deviation of coordinates. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] FIG. 1(a) is a diagram showing an example of an arrangement of operation detection operations according to the first embodiment, and FIG. 1(b) is an example of a block diagram of an operation detection device. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2(a) is a diagram for explaining an example of a first area and a second area set by a control unit of an operation detection device according to a first embodiment, and FIG. 2(b) is a diagram showing an example of the first area on an operation surface. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3(a) is a diagram showing an example of a detection area detected by an approach of an operating finger to an operating surface in the first embodiment, and FIG. 3(b) is a diagram showing an example of a detection area detected by a contact of an operating finger with the operating surface. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the operation of the operation detection device according to the first embodiment. [Diagram 5] FIG. 5(a) is a diagram showing an example of an operation detection device according to the second embodiment, and FIG. 5(b) is an example of a block diagram of the operation detection device. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0010] (Summary of the embodiment) An operation detection device according to an embodiment is roughly configured to include: a detection unit that detects a physical quantity that changes when a detection target approaches or touches an operation surface, and outputs detection information that includes at least information on the physical quantity and is capable of calculating coordinates in a coordinate system set on the operation surface to which the detection target approaches or touches; and a control unit that, if the physical quantity based on the detection information satisfies a predetermined condition, calculates the initial coordinate at which the detection target was detected and sets it as a reference coordinate, and does not update the coordinate as long as coordinates calculated after the reference coordinate are included in a first area centered on the reference coordinate, and, if coordinates calculated after the reference coordinate are outside the first area, sets a second area narrower than the first area and updates the coordinate, and does not update the coordinate as long as coordinates calculated after the updated coordinate are included in the second area.

[0011] The operation detection device sets a first area, which is larger than a second area set thereafter, centered on the coordinates where the detection target is first detected, and does not update the coordinates as long as they are included in this first area. Therefore, unintended deviation of the coordinates by the user can be suppressed compared to a case where this configuration is not adopted.

[0012] [First embodiment] (Overview of operation detection device 1) FIG. 1(a) is a diagram showing an example of an arrangement of operation detection operations, and FIG. 1(b) is an example of a block diagram of an operation detection device. FIG. 2(a) is a diagram for explaining an example of a first area and a second area set by a control unit of the operation detection device, and FIG. 2(b) is a diagram showing an example of a first area on an operation surface. FIG. 3(a) is a diagram showing an example of a detection area detected by an approach of an operation finger to the operation surface, and FIG. 3(b) is a diagram showing an example of a detection area detected by a contact of an operation finger with the operation surface. The detection areas shown in FIG. 3(a) and FIG. 3(b) are areas where an operation finger is detected when the operation surface is viewed from above.

[0013] In the drawings relating to the embodiments described below, the ratios and shapes of figures may differ from the actual ratios and shapes. In Fig. 1(b), arrows indicate the flow of main signals and information.

[0014] 1(a), for example, the operation detection device 1 of the present embodiment is mounted on a vehicle 8, and operates an in-vehicle device of the vehicle 8. For example, the operation detection device 1 is capable of operating a cursor 810 or menu items displayed on a main display 81 of a center console 80 or a sub-display 83 of an instrument panel 82 by the in-vehicle device. The operation detection device 1 is configured to accept touch operations, tracing operations, tap operations, and the like on an operation surface 20.

[0015] 1(a), the operation detection device 1 of this embodiment is disposed on a steering wheel 84. The steering wheel 84 is connected to a steering shaft and includes a base 840 on which an alarm and the like are disposed, a left spoke 841 and a right spoke 842 located on the left and right sides of the base 840, and a ring portion 843 supported by the left spoke 841 and the right spoke 842.

[0016] The operation detection devices 1 are arranged on the left spoke 841 and the right spoke 842. In this embodiment, the operation detection device 1 arranged on the left spoke 841 will be mainly described, but the operation detection device 1 arranged on the right spoke 842 has the same basic configuration.

[0017] As shown in FIG. 1(a) to FIG. 2(b), the operation detection device 1 detects a physical quantity that changes when a detection target approaches or touches an operation surface 20, and generates detection information S that includes at least information on the physical quantity and is capable of calculating coordinates in an XY coordinate system set on the operation surface 20 to which the detection target approaches or touches. 1 A detection unit 3 that outputs detection information S 1and a control unit 4 that, when the physical quantity based on the above satisfies a predetermined condition, calculates the first coordinate at which the detection target is detected and defines it as a reference coordinate 50, and does not update the coordinate as long as coordinates calculated after the reference coordinate 50 are included in a first region 5 centered on the reference coordinate 50, and, when coordinates calculated after the reference coordinate 50 are outside the first region 5, sets a second region 6 narrower than the first region 5 and updates the coordinate, and does not update the coordinate as long as coordinates calculated after the updated coordinate are included in the second region 6.

[0018] The detection unit 3 of this embodiment detects a capacitance C as a physical quantity, as shown in Fig. 1(b). The control unit 4 calculates a reference coordinate 50 based on a detection region 33 as a region satisfying a predetermined condition in which the amount of change in the capacitance C is equal to or greater than a predetermined electrostatic threshold value 40, as shown in Figs. 3(a) and 3(b).

[0019] The detection target is the user's operating finger 9, but is not limited to this, and can be anything that generates a change in capacitance C between the detection electrode of the detection unit 3 upon approaching or contacting the operation surface 20, and can also be a part of the user's body other than the operating finger 9 or a dedicated tool such as a stylus pen.

[0020] (Configuration of detection unit 3) As an example, the detection unit 3 is disposed on the back surface 21 side of the operation panel 2 as shown in Fig. 3(a) and Fig. 3(b). As an example, the operation panel 2 is formed in a plate shape using a resin material. As an example, the operation surface 20 is rectangular.

[0021] The detection unit 3 of the present embodiment is, for example, a mutual capacitance type touch sensor. As shown in Fig. 1(b), the detection unit 3 includes a plurality of X-axis detection electrodes 31 arranged so as to intersect with the X-axis, and a plurality of Y-axis detection electrodes 32 arranged so as to intersect with the Y-axis.

[0022] The X-axis detection electrode 31 and the Y-axis detection electrode 32 are formed, for example, using a highly conductive metal material such as copper. The X-axis detection electrode 31 and the Y-axis detection electrode 32 are configured by electrically connecting a plurality of rectangular detection electrodes in a row.

[0023] The detection unit 3 is configured to sequentially drive the Y-axis detection electrodes 32 and read out the capacitance C from the X-axis detection electrodes 31. The detection unit 3 reads out the capacitance C for all combinations of the X-axis detection electrodes 31 and the Y-axis detection electrodes 32, and outputs detection information S, which is information including the capacitance C. 1 to the control unit 4. The X-axis detection electrodes 31 are detection electrodes on the readout side, and are therefore arranged in an upper layer than the Y-axis detection electrodes 32, that is, closer to the operation surface 20.

[0024] 1(b), for example, is obtained by the intersection, i.e., combination, of the fourth Y-axis detection electrode 32 from the top on the drive side and the second X-axis detection electrode 31 from the left on the readout side. When the operating finger 9 approaches or touches the operation surface 20 above the X-axis detection electrode 31 and the Y-axis detection electrode 32 so as to be detected, capacitive coupling occurs between the X-axis detection electrode 31 and the operating finger 9, and the detected capacitance C decreases.

[0025] When the operation finger 9 approaches or touches the operation surface 20, the detection unit 3 detects a decrease in capacitance C at the intersection of the detection electrodes that detects the operation finger 9. As an example, the detection unit 3 calculates the absolute value of the difference from the capacitance C when no touch operation is performed, that is, the absolute value of the amount of change, as the detection information S 1 The detection unit 3 of this embodiment is configured so that the amount of change increases with the approach or contact of the operating finger 9, and the amount of change in the capacitance C at all the intersections is output as detection information S 1 to the control unit 4 periodically.

[0026] (Configuration of control unit 4) The control unit 4 is a microcomputer including a CPU (Central Processing Unit) that performs calculations and processing on acquired data according to stored programs, a RAM (Random Access Memory) that is a semiconductor memory, and a ROM (Read Only Memory). The ROM stores, for example, programs for the operation of the control unit 4. The RAM is used, for example, as a storage area for temporarily storing calculation results. The control unit 4 also has a means for generating a clock signal therein and operates based on this clock signal.

[0027] The control unit 4 has an electrostatic threshold value 40. The control unit 4 receives the detection information S 1 Based on this, the control unit 4 compares the amount of change in capacitance C corresponding to each intersection of the X-axis detection electrodes 31 and the Y-axis detection electrodes 32 with the electrostatic threshold value 40. The control unit 4 determines an area formed by intersections where the amount of change is equal to or greater than the electrostatic threshold value 40 in the same period as a detection area 33, and calculates the coordinates of the detected operating finger 9 by a method such as weighted averaging. Note that, depending on the shape of the operating finger 9, the amount of change in capacitance C may be equal to or greater than the electrostatic threshold value 40 even when the operating finger 9 is away from the operating surface 20, so in FIG. 3(b) the detection unit 3 sets the detection area 33 to be slightly larger than the area where the operating finger 9 is in contact.

[0028] Regarding the first area 5 and the second area 6 The operation detection device 1 is disposed on a steering wheel 84 as shown in Fig. 1(a). Therefore, when a user performs an operation while holding the ring portion 843, the operation finger 9 tends to touch the operation surface 20 in a lying state as shown in Fig. 3(b). In this case, the detection area 33 detected by the detection unit 3 is proportional to the contact area between the operation surface 20 and the operation finger 9, and is longer and larger in both length and width than when the tip of the operation finger 9 touches the operation surface 20 because the pad of the operation finger 9 touches.

[0029] Since the operation detection device 1 is disposed on the steering wheel 84, it is difficult to stabilize the contact state between the operating finger 9 and the operation surface 20 due to vibrations of the vehicle 8 or vibrations directly transmitted to the steering wheel 84 from the road surface. Furthermore, as shown in Fig. 3(a), if the sensitivity is increased to detect the operating finger 9 regardless of its size, that is, if the electrostatic threshold value 40 is lowered, the operation detection device 1 may detect the operating finger 9 in a state close to the operation surface 20 rather than in contact, that is, in a floating state.

[0030] When detecting the approach of the operating finger 9, since the operating finger 9 is not in contact with the operating surface 20, the distance and position between the operating finger 9 and the operating surface 20 are unstable, and it is difficult to stabilize the shape and the position where the detection area 33 is formed. Since the coordinates where the operating finger 9 is detected are calculated based on the detection area 33, if the shape and the position where the detection area 33 is formed are not stable, the coordinates are also unstable, resulting in coordinate fluctuation. When the operation detection device 1 controls a cursor or the like based on the coordinates of the operating finger 9, the calculated coordinates are not stable, and the cursor or the like moves unintended by the user, resulting in reduced operability.

[0031] 3(a) and 3(b), when the user performs a touch operation on the operation surface 20, the detection area 33 becomes larger as the operation finger 9 approaches the operation surface 20 and is crushed by contact, so that the shape and position become unstable and there is a possibility that the calculated coordinates become blurred. As described above, this coordinate blurring occurs mainly due to the approach, contact, and crushing of the operation finger 9, and therefore occurs at the initial stage of detection of the operation finger 9.

[0032] Therefore, the control unit 4 sets a first region 5 with the coordinates where the operating finger 9 is first detected as the center due to the approach or contact of the operating finger 9. This first region 5 is a region with a shape larger than the second region 6 with the coordinates where the operating finger 9 is first detected as the center. In other words, the operation detection device 1 is configured to set the first region 5 with a hysteresis width enlarged from the second region 6 having the hysteresis width of normal coordinates when the operating finger 9 is first detected. FIG. 2(a) shows the first detected coordinates as coordinates P 1 This figure 2(a) shows the coordinate P1 ~coordinate P 12 The coordinates are calculated for each scanning period in which the X-axis detection electrode 31 and the Y-axis detection electrode 32 are scanned. 1 ~coordinate P 12 is the coordinate for 12 periods.

[0033] As shown in FIG. 2(a) and FIG. 2(b), the first region 5 is a region including the first detected coordinate P 1 is set as the reference coordinate 50. As an example, the first region 5 has a vertical length of 2H 1 , the horizontal length is 2H 2 The first area 5 is set as a rectangular area. As an example, the first area 5 is set to be about 3 to 12 times larger than the second area 6. The first area 5 and the second area 6 have a rectangular shape, but are not limited to this, and may be a sector shape according to the range of movement of the operating finger 9 by gripping the steering wheel 84.

[0034] As shown in Fig. 2(b), the first area 5 is provided corresponding to the operation surface 20. When the coordinates at which the operation finger 9 is detected in the first area 5 shown in Fig. 2(b) move, the control unit 4 determines that the coordinates do not move from the reference coordinates 50 and stops updating the coordinates.

[0035] That is, the control unit 4 detects the first coordinate P 1 is calculated and determined as the reference coordinate 50, and as long as the coordinates calculated after the reference coordinate 50 are included in the first area 5 centered on the reference coordinate 50, the coordinates are not updated.

[0036] As an example, in the case of FIG. 2(a), the coordinates are coordinate P 1 From the coordinate P 2 , coordinate P 2 From the coordinate P 3 , coordinate P 3 From the coordinate P 4 The coordinate P calculated after this reference coordinate 50 is 2 ~coordinate P 4is included in the first region 5. Therefore, the control unit 4 1 , coordinate P 2 , coordinate P 3 , coordinate P 4 The operation finger 9 does not move in the direction of the coordinate P 1 The control information S 2 Output.

[0037] The control unit 4 is configured such that, if the coordinates calculated after the reference coordinates 50 are outside the first area 5, the control unit 4 sets a second area 6 narrower than the first area 5 and updates the coordinates, and does not update the coordinates as long as the coordinates calculated after the updated coordinates are included in the second area 6.

[0038] In FIG. 2(a), as an example, the coordinate P 5 are calculated after the reference coordinate 50 and are outside the first region 5. 5 A second area 6 narrower than the first area 5 is set with the coordinates detected outside the first area 5 as its center. The second area 6 is an area smaller than the first area 5 with the coordinates detected outside the first area 5 as its center. In other words, the operation detection device 1 is configured to set the first area 5 with an expanded hysteresis width of the coordinates when the operating finger 9 is detected for the first time.

[0039] The second region 6 has coordinates P 5 The vertical length is 2h 1 , the horizontal length is 2h 2 The vertical length of the first region 5 is set to 2H 1 is the vertical length 2h of the second region 6 1 The horizontal length of the first region 5 is longer than 2H 2 is the vertical length 2h of the second region 6 2 Longer than.

[0040] Coordinate P 5 The coordinate P calculated in the next period 6 is the coordinate P 5 Therefore, the control unit 4 determines the coordinate P 6Set a second region 6 centered on it. The control unit 4 coordinates P 7 Since the coordinates are included in the second region 6 centered on the coordinates P 6 the control unit 4 does not update the coordinates from the coordinates P 6 to the coordinates P 7 . Similarly, the control unit 4 coordinates P 8 Since the coordinates P included in the second region 6 centered on it 9 the coordinates P 10 The control unit 4 does not update the coordinates of the coordinates P included in the second region 6 centered on it 11 .

[0041] By setting the first region 5 centered on the initial coordinates, the control unit 4 suppresses unnecessary coordinate movement, and by setting the second region 6 smaller than the first region 5, it is possible to suppress a decrease in responsiveness when the operation finger 9 is moved and operated small.

[0042] Here, the control unit 4 is configured to cancel the setting of the first region 5 when the elapsed time from the setting of the reference coordinates 50 becomes equal to or greater than a predetermined time T. The predetermined time T is, for example, 0 < T < 2 s, and preferably 0 < T < 1 s. When the predetermined time T has elapsed since the setting of the first region 5, the control unit 4 switches from the first region 5 to the second region 6.

[0043] Further, after switching from the first region 5 to the second region 6, the control unit 4 does not generate the control information S 2 using the reference coordinates 50 and the first coordinates that have gone outside the first region 5, and controls the control information S 2 is generated using the first coordinates and the next coordinates that have gone outside the second region 6.

[0044] In the case of Fig. 2(a), since the first coordinates that have gone outside the first region 5 are the coordinates P 5 the control unit 4 uses the reference coordinates 50 (coordinates P 1 ) and coordinates P 5 Control information S reflecting coordinate changes such as speed and movement distance using 2After switching to the second area 6, the control unit 4 does not generate the coordinate P 5 and coordinate P 6 , coordinate P 6 and coordinate P 8 , coordinate P 8 and coordinate P 10 , coordinate P 10 and coordinate P 12 Control information S reflecting the change in coordinates using 2 The control unit 4 does not use the reference coordinates 50 when switching from the first area 5 to the second area 6, thereby making it possible to suppress the discomfort felt by the user due to a large shift in coordinates, etc.

[0045] As a modified example, when switching from the first area 5 to the second area 6, the control unit 4 may generate control information S for controlling the operation target using the last coordinate among the coordinates detected within the first area 5 and the first coordinate of the second area 6. 2 may be generated.

[0046] In the case of Fig. 2(a), coordinate P 4 Since the coordinates P are the last coordinates of the first region 5, the control unit 4 4 and coordinate P 5 Control information S reflecting changes in coordinates such as speed and distance traveled 2 It is also good to specify the generation.

[0047] In another modified example, when switching from the first area 5 to the second area 6, the control unit 4 generates control information S for controlling the operation target using the coordinates of the first area 5 that are closest to the coordinates of the center of the second area 6 and the coordinates of the center. 2 may be generated.

[0048] An example of the operation from setting the first area 5 to switching to the second area 6 of the operation detection device 1 according to this embodiment will be described below with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

[0049] (operation) The control unit 4 of the operation detection device 1 receives the detection information S periodically outputted from the detection unit 3. 1Based on the result of the above, the control unit 4 monitors whether the operating finger 9 is detected. When "Yes" in step 1 is established, that is, when the amount of change in the capacitance C becomes equal to or exceeds the electrostatic threshold value 40 and the operating finger 9 is detected (Step 1: Yes), the control unit 4 calculates the coordinates where the operating finger 9 is detected, and sets the coordinates as the reference coordinates 50 and sets the first area 5 centered on the reference coordinates 50 (Step 2). The control unit 4 then generates control information S 2 If the control unit 4 detects no more the operating finger 9 while the first area 5 is set, the control unit 4 releases the first area 5 and monitors whether the operating finger 9 is detected again.

[0050] The control unit 4 receives the detection information S periodically outputted from the detection unit 3. 1 The control unit 4 calculates the coordinates where the operating finger 9 is detected based on the above, and monitors whether the coordinates are outside the first area 5. If the new coordinates are included in the first area 5, the control unit 4 does not update the coordinates. If the newly calculated coordinates are outside the first area 5 (Step 3: Yes), the control unit 4 sets a second area 6 centered on the coordinates that are now outside the first area 5, and switches from the first area 5 to the second area 6 (Step 4). The control unit 4 then generates control information S 2 Then, the switching operation from the first area 5 to the second area 6 is completed.

[0051] After step 4, if the newly calculated coordinates are included in the second region 6, the control unit 4 does not update the coordinates, and if the newly calculated coordinates are outside the second region 6, the control unit 4 updates the coordinates and sets a new second region 6 centered on the coordinates. If the operating finger 9 is no longer detected, the control unit 4 releases the second region 6 and monitors whether a new operating finger 9 is detected.

[0052] Here, in step 3, if the newly calculated coordinates are included in the first region 5 (Step 3: No) and the elapsed time since the first region 5 was set is equal to or longer than a predetermined time T (Step 5: Yes), the control unit 4 switches from the first region 5 to the second region 6.

[0053] Furthermore, in step 5, if the elapsed time has not reached the predetermined time T (Step 5: No), the control unit 4 advances the process to step 3.

[0054] (Effects of the First Embodiment) The operation detection device 1 according to this embodiment can suppress the shaking of coordinates. Specifically, the operation detection device 1 sets a first area 5 larger than the second area 6 at the beginning of detection where coordinates are likely to be shaken, and does not update the coordinates as long as newly calculated coordinates are included in the first area 5. This makes it possible to suppress the shaking of coordinates unintended by the user, compared to the case where an area of ​​the same size is set from the beginning.

[0055] By setting a first area 5 centered on the initial coordinates, the operation detection device 1 can suppress unnecessary movement of the coordinates caused by the unstable state at the beginning of the operation, and by setting a second area 6 smaller than the first area 5, it is possible to suppress a decrease in responsiveness when operating with small movements of the operating finger 9, etc., thereby improving operability compared to a case in which this configuration is not adopted.

[0056] When a user performs a touch operation on the operation surface 20, the detection area 33 becomes larger as the operating finger 9 approaches the operation surface 20 and is crushed upon contact, making the shape and position unstable and making it easy for the calculated coordinates to be blurred. The operation detection device 1 sets the first area 5 larger than the second area 6 at the beginning where the coordinates are likely to be blurred, and therefore can effectively suppress the blurring of the coordinates at the initial detection stage compared to when this configuration is not adopted.

[0057] [Second embodiment] The second embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that a load detection unit and an electrostatic detection unit are provided as detection units.

[0058] Fig. 5(a) is a diagram showing an example of an operation detection device, and Fig. 5(b) is an example of a block diagram of the operation detection device. In the following embodiments, parts having the same functions and configurations as those in the first embodiment are given the same reference numerals as those in the first embodiment, and the description thereof will be omitted.

[0059] 5(a) and 5(b), the detection unit 3 of this embodiment has a load detection unit 3a as a first detection unit that detects a load F applied to the operation surface 20 as a physical quantity, and an electrostatic detection unit 3b as a second detection unit that detects the coordinates at which the detection target contacts the operation surface 20. When the load F satisfies a predetermined condition that is equal to or greater than a predetermined load threshold value 41, the control unit 4 sets the coordinates detected by the electrostatic detection unit 3b as the reference coordinates 50.

[0060] The load detection unit 3a is disposed in the center of the rear surface 21 of the operation panel 2, as shown in FIG. 5(a). Note that the number and arrangement of the load detection units 3a are not limited to this. The load detection unit 3a is, for example, a sensor using a strain gauge. As shown in FIG. 5(b), the load detection unit 3a detects load information S, which is information on the measured load F. 1a is output to the control unit 4.

[0061] The electrostatic detection unit 3b is a mutual capacitance type touch sensor having a plurality of X-axis detection electrodes 31 arranged so as to intersect with the X-axis and a plurality of Y-axis detection electrodes 32 arranged so as to intersect with the Y-axis, similar to the detection unit 3 of the first embodiment. The electrostatic detection unit 3b detects the amount of change in the electrostatic capacitance C due to the approach or contact of the operating finger 9, and outputs detection information S 1b and outputs it to the control unit 4.

[0062] In this embodiment, when the change in capacitance C detected by the electrostatic detection unit 3b becomes equal to or greater than the electrostatic threshold value 40 and the load F detected by the load detection unit 3a becomes equal to or greater than the load threshold value 41, the control unit 4 determines that the operating finger 9 has touched the operating surface 20 and calculates the coordinates.

[0063] The control unit 4 sets the coordinates where the contact is detected as a reference coordinate 50, and sets a first region 5 centered on this reference coordinate 50. Then, when the newly acquired change in capacitance C is equal to or greater than electrostatic threshold value 40 and the load F is equal to or greater than load threshold value 41, the control unit 4 calculates new coordinates and stops updating the coordinates until the new coordinates are outside the first region 5. When the new coordinates are outside the first region 5, the control unit 4 switches from the first region 5 to the second region 6.

[0064] As a modified example, the control unit 4 may be configured to set the first area 5 according to the initial coordinates when the electrostatic detection unit 3b detects the operating finger 9 for the first time, and then, when the load F becomes equal to or greater than the load threshold value 41, determine that the operating finger 9 has been crushed and stabilized, and switch from the first area 5 to the second area 6.

[0065] (Advantages of the second embodiment) The operation detection device 1 of this embodiment determines the contact of the operating finger 9 based on the detection results of the load detection unit 3a and the electrostatic detection unit 3b, so compared to a case where a load detection unit is not provided, the operation detection device 1 does not detect the operating finger 9 in a floating state, and coordinate fluctuation is further suppressed.

[0066] Although some embodiments and modifications of the present invention have been described above, these embodiments and modifications are merely examples and do not limit the invention according to the claims. These novel embodiments and modifications can be implemented in various other forms, and various omissions, substitutions, modifications, etc. can be made without departing from the gist of the present invention. In addition, not all combinations of features described in these embodiments and modifications are necessarily essential to the means for solving the problems of the invention. Furthermore, these embodiments and modifications are included in the scope and gist of the invention, and are included in the scope of the invention and its equivalents described in the claims. [Explanation of symbols]

[0067] REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 1... operation detection device, 3... detection section, 3a... load detection section, 3b... electrostatic detection section, 4... control section, 5... first area, 6... second area, 20... operation surface, 33... detection area, 40... electrostatic threshold, 41... load threshold, 50... reference coordinate

Claims

1. a detection unit that detects a physical quantity that changes due to the approach or contact of a detection object with respect to an operation surface, and outputs detection information that includes at least information on the physical quantity and enables calculation of coordinates in a coordinate system set on the operation surface to which the detection object has approached or contacted; a control unit that, when the physical quantity based on the detection information satisfies a predetermined condition, calculates a first coordinate at which the detection target is detected and defines it as a reference coordinate, does not update the coordinate as long as coordinates calculated after the reference coordinate are included in a first region centered on the reference coordinate, updates the coordinate when the coordinates calculated after the reference coordinate are outside the first region, and sets a second region narrower than the first region centered on the first coordinate that is outside the first region, does not update the coordinate as long as coordinates calculated after the updated coordinate are included in the second region, updates the coordinate when the coordinates calculated after the updated coordinate are not included in the second region, and sets a new second region centered on the first coordinate that is outside the second region, and repeats setting the new second region and updating the coordinate as long as calculated coordinates are outside the new second region; An operation detection device comprising:

2. the control unit, after switching from the first area to the second area, does not generate control information for controlling an operation target using the reference coordinates and a first coordinate that is outside the first area, but generates the control information using the first coordinates and a coordinate that is next outside the second area. The operation detection device according to claim 1 .

3. A detection unit that detects a physical quantity that changes when a detection target approaches or touches an operation surface, and outputs detection information that includes at least information on the physical quantity and is capable of calculating coordinates in a coordinate system set on the operation surface to which the detection target approaches or touches; a control unit which, when the physical quantity based on the detection information satisfies a predetermined condition, calculates a first coordinate at which the detection target is detected and sets it as a reference coordinate, does not update the coordinate as long as coordinates calculated after the reference coordinate are included in a first region centered on the reference coordinate, when the coordinates calculated after the reference coordinate are outside the first region, updates the coordinate and sets a second region narrower than the first region centered on the first coordinate that is outside the first region, does not update the coordinate as long as coordinates calculated after the updated coordinate are included in the second region, when the coordinates calculated after the updated coordinate are not included in the second region, updates the coordinate and sets a new second region centered on the first coordinate that is outside the second region, and repeats the setting of the new second region and the updating of the coordinate as long as calculated coordinates are outside the new second region, and when a time elapsed since the setting of the reference coordinate becomes equal to or greater than a predetermined time, cancels the setting of the first region and sets a new second region. An operation detection device comprising:

4. The detection unit detects a capacitance as the physical quantity, the control unit calculates the reference coordinates based on a region in which the predetermined condition is satisfied, in which the amount of change in the capacitance is equal to or greater than a predetermined electrostatic threshold value. The operation detection device according to claim 1 .

5. the detection unit includes a first detection unit that detects a load applied to the operation surface as the physical quantity, and a second detection unit that detects a coordinate at which the detection target comes into contact with the operation surface, the control unit determines the coordinates detected by the second detection unit as the reference coordinates when the predetermined condition is satisfied, that is, when the load is equal to or greater than a predetermined load threshold value. The operation detection device according to claim 1 .

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