JP2021039736A - Touch panel device, press force calculation method, and press force calculation program - Google Patents

Abstract

To detect a press force of a touch operation with high accuracy.SOLUTION: A touch panel device (4) includes: a touch panel; an elastic member supporting the touch panel; a plurality of press force sensors; a coordinate detection unit (101) for acquiring touch coordinates; a press force detection unit (102) which acquires a plurality of detection values corresponding to sensor signals when a press force is applied on an operation surface; a multi-touch determination unit (404) which determines whether a touch operation is a single-touch operation or a multi-touch operation; and a press force calculation unit (405) which selects a press force calculation method in accordance with the touch operation, and calculates a press force by use of the selected press force calculation method and the detection values. The press force calculation unit uses a calculation method, as a press force calculation method for a single-touch operation, based on a sensor value of a press force sensor located in a position where the touch panel is warped up and a sensor value of a press force sensor located in a position where the touch panel sinks.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 17

Description

The present invention relates to a touch panel device, a pressing force calculation method, and a pressing force calculation program.

A touch panel device capable of detecting the touch coordinates indicating the position of the touch operation performed on the operation surface of the touch panel and the pressing force applied to the operation surface by the touch operation has been proposed. See, for example, Patent Document 1. This touch panel device stores in advance data indicating a correspondence relationship between touch coordinates, pressing force, and a plurality of voltages (also referred to as "voltage patterns") generated in a plurality of electrodes of the detection unit. This touch panel device obtains a pressing force using data stored in advance when a touch operation is performed on the operation surface of the touch panel.

JP-A-2016-006683 (eg, paragraph 0057)

However, since the number of data to be stored in advance is limited, the touch panel device cannot detect the pressing force applied to the operation surface by the touch operation with high accuracy.

The present invention has been made to solve the above problems, and provides a touch panel device capable of detecting a pressing force of a touch operation with high accuracy, a pressing force calculation method, and a pressing force calculation program. With the goal.

The touch panel device according to one aspect of the present invention includes a touch panel having an operation surface on which a touch operation is performed, an elastic member supporting the touch panel, and a plurality of sensors signals corresponding to a pressing force applied to the operation surface. Pressing force sensor, a coordinate detection unit that acquires touch coordinates indicating the position of the touch operation, and pressing that acquires a plurality of detected values corresponding to the sensor signal when a pressing force is applied to the operation surface. A force detection unit, a multi-touch determination unit that determines whether the touch operation is a single-touch operation or a multi-touch operation, and a press when the single-touch operation stored in the calculation method storage unit is performed. From the force calculation method and the pressing force calculation method when the multi-touch operation is performed, the pressing force calculation method is selected according to the touch operation, and the selected pressing force calculation method and the plurality of detected values are combined. It has a pressing force calculation unit that calculates the pressing force using the above, and the pressing force calculation unit is a position where the touch panel warps as a pressing force calculation method when the single touch operation is performed. It is characterized by using a calculation method based on the sensor value of the pressing force sensor and the sensor value of the pressing force sensor at the position where the touch panel sinks.

According to the present invention, the pressing force of a touch operation can be detected with high accuracy.

It is a figure which shows an example of the hardware composition of the touch panel apparatus which concerns on Embodiment 1 of this invention. It is a schematic plan view which shows the touch panel apparatus in Embodiment 1. FIG. (A) and (B) are schematic cross-sectional views of the touch panel device according to the first embodiment cut along the line III-III of FIG. It is a functional block diagram which shows schematic structure of the touch panel apparatus which concerns on Embodiment 1. FIG. It is schematic cross-sectional view which shows the state of the touch panel, the elastic member, and the pressing force sensor when the pressing force is applied to the operation surface of the touch panel in Embodiment 1. FIG. It is a figure which shows the result of the simulation of the shape of the protective glass when the pressing force is applied to the central part of the protective glass of a touch panel. It is a figure which shows the result of the simulation of the shape of the protective glass when a pressing force is applied to one corner of the protective glass of a touch panel. FIG. 5 is a plan view showing an example of a plurality of coordinates used in a simulation for generating a pressing force calculation method for the touch panel device according to the first embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the process for generating the pressing force calculation method about the touch panel apparatus which concerns on Embodiment 1. FIG. It is a flowchart which shows the calculation process of the pressing force performed by the control device of the touch panel apparatus which concerns on Embodiment 1. FIG. It is a functional block diagram which shows schematic structure of the touch panel apparatus which concerns on Embodiment 2 of this invention. (A) to (D) are diagrams showing the driving process of the pressing force sensor in the touch panel device according to the second embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the calculation process of the pressing force performed by the control device of the touch panel apparatus which concerns on Embodiment 2. FIG. It is a functional block diagram which shows schematic structure of the touch panel apparatus which concerns on Embodiment 3 of this invention. (A) and (B) are diagrams showing the calculation process of the pressing force in the touch panel device according to the third embodiment. FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing a pressing force calculation process performed by the control device of the touch panel device according to the third embodiment. It is a functional block diagram which shows schematic structure of the touch panel apparatus which concerns on Embodiment 4 of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the calculation process of the pressing force performed by the control device of the touch panel device which concerns on Embodiment 4. FIG. It is a functional block diagram which shows schematic structure of the touch panel apparatus which concerns on the modification of Embodiment 4. It is a flowchart which shows the calculation process of the pressing force performed by the control device of the touch panel device of FIG. It is a functional block diagram which shows schematic structure of the touch panel apparatus which concerns on Embodiment 5 of this invention. It is a schematic cross-sectional view which shows the touch panel in Embodiment 5. FIG. 5 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a state of the protective glass when a pressing force is applied to the operation surface of the touch panel according to the fifth embodiment. FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing a pressing force calculation process performed by the control device of the touch panel device according to the fifth embodiment. It is a functional block diagram which shows schematic structure of the touch panel apparatus which concerns on Embodiment 6 of this invention. It is the schematic sectional drawing which shows the touch panel apparatus which concerns on Embodiment 6. It is a schematic plan view which shows the touch panel apparatus which concerns on Embodiment 6. FIG. 5 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a state when the touch panel device according to the sixth embodiment is compression-mounted. FIG. 8 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a state when a pressing force is applied to the operation surface of the touch panel device of FIG. 28. FIG. 5 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a state when the touch panel device according to the sixth embodiment is side-mounted. FIG. 3 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a state when a pressing force is applied to the operation surface of the touch panel device of FIG. 30.

Hereinafter, the touch panel device, the pressing force calculation method, and the pressing force calculation program according to the embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. The following embodiments are merely examples, and various modifications can be made within the scope of the present invention.

<< 1 >> Embodiment 1.
<< 1-1 >> Configuration FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of a hardware configuration of the touch panel device 1 according to the first embodiment. The touch panel device 1 can detect the touch coordinates indicating the position of the touch operation performed on the operation surface of the touch panel and the pressing force applied to the operation surface by the touch operation. The touch panel device 1 determines the content of the touch operation based on the acquired touch coordinates and the detected pressing force.

As shown in FIG. 1, the touch panel device 1 includes a touch sensor 20, a plurality of pressing force sensors 30_1 to 30_n, a liquid crystal panel 40 as a display, and a control device 100. n is a positive integer. The hardware configuration of the touch panel device according to the second to sixth embodiments, which will be described later, is the same as that of FIG. 1 except for the positions and the number of the pressing force sensors 30_1 to 30_n.

A protective glass (22 in FIG. 3A, which will be described later) is attached to the surface of the touch sensor 20 by an adhesive (21 in FIG. 3A, which will be described later). The touch sensor 20, the adhesive 21, and the protective glass 22 constitute a touch panel (23 in FIG. 3A, which will be described later). The touch panel 23 has an operation surface (24 in FIG. 3A, which will be described later) on which a touch operation is performed by the user. The operation surface 24 is the surface of the protective glass 22.

The liquid crystal panel 40 is a liquid crystal display arranged so as to overlap the touch sensor 20. The liquid crystal panel 40 is controlled by the control device 100 to display an operation screen or the like. The operation screen is a user interface (UI) screen including an object that is an operation component such as an icon.

The touch sensor 20 is, for example, a capacitance type touch sensor in which the capacitance of the contact portion of the conductor on the operation surface 24 changes. The touch sensor 20 outputs touch information T0, which is position information corresponding to the touch operation, to the control device 100. The conductor is a user's finger, an operation assisting tool such as a touch pen held by the user's hand, and the like. However, the touch sensor 20 may be a touch sensor other than the capacitance type.

When a pressing force is applied to the operation surface 24 of the touch panel 23 by the user, the pressing force sensors 30_1 to 30_n are sensor signals D0_1 to an electric signal corresponding to the pressing force applied to the operation surface 24 of the touch panel 23. Output D0_n to the control device 100. When indicating any one pressing force sensor, it is also referred to as "pressing force sensor 30_j". Further, when indicating any one sensor signal, it is also described as "sensor signal D0_j". j is an integer of 1 or more and n or less.

The control device 100 has a processor 51 as an information processing unit and a memory 52 as a storage unit for storing information. The control device 100 is, for example, a computer. A program is installed in the memory 52. The program is installed, for example, via a network or from a storage medium that stores information. The program may include a pressing force calculation program for carrying out the pressing force calculation method described later. The processor 51 controls the overall operation of the touch panel device 1 by executing the program stored in the memory 52. The whole or a part of the control device 100 may be composed of a control circuit composed of a semiconductor integrated circuit. The memory 52 may include various storage devices such as a semiconductor storage device, a hard disk device, and a device for recording information on a retrievable recording medium.

The control device 100 performs a process corresponding to the touch operation input on the operation surface 24 of the touch panel 23. The control device 100 has a touch operation of touching the operation surface 24 of the touch panel 23 with a pressing force less than a predetermined threshold value and a touch operation of touching the operation surface 24 of the touch panel 23 with a pressing force of more than this threshold value (“push touch operation”). Alternatively, it can be identified as "pushing operation"). Specifically, the control device 100 includes touch information T0 based on a change in capacitance in the touch sensor 20 corresponding to the touch operation input on the operation surface 24 of the touch panel 23, and a press applied to the operation surface 24. Processing is performed based on the sensor signals D0_1 to D0_n output from the pressing force sensors 30_1 to 30_n in response to the force. For example, the control device 100 transmits a control signal corresponding to the touch operation input on the operation surface 24 of the touch panel 23 to another device connected to the touch panel device 1 or another device capable of communicating with the touch panel device 1. .. Other devices are controlled devices, such as production equipment, vehicles, or home appliances.

FIG. 2 is a schematic plan view showing the touch panel device 1 according to the first embodiment. 3A and 3B are schematic cross-sectional views of the touch panel device 1 according to the first embodiment cut along the line III-III of FIG. FIG. 3A shows a state in which a touch operation is not performed, and FIG. 3B shows a state in which a pressing force is applied to the operation surface 24 by the touch operation.

As shown in the figure, the touch panel device 1 includes a substrate 41 integrally formed with the liquid crystal panel 40, an elastic member 33 that supports the touch panel 23 so as to overlap the liquid crystal panel 40, and a pressing force sensor 30_j (j = 1, 1. 2, ..., N). The pressing force sensor 30_j has a sensor electrode portion 31_j as a first electrode arranged on the touch sensor 20 (that is, the touch panel 23 side) and a liquid crystal panel 40 side (that is, the touch panel device 1) facing the sensor electrode portion 31_j. It has a GND electrode portion 32 connected to a frame GND (that is, a ground potential) arranged on the housing side of the above. In FIG. 2, the sensor electrode portion 31_j is provided at the four corners and the center of the four sides of the touch sensor 20. However, the positions, numbers, and shapes of the sensor electrode portions 31_1 to 31_n are not limited to those in the example of FIG.

The elastic member 33 supports the touch panel 23. The elastic member 33 may be composed of a plurality of divided parts. The substrate 41 is fixed to the housing of the touch panel device 1. Further, the planar shape of the touch panel 23 may be a shape other than a quadrangle.

As shown in FIG. 3B, when the conductor is in contact with the operation surface 24 of the touch panel 23, the capacitance of the contact portion of the conductor of the touch sensor 20 changes. The control device 100 detects the capacitance at each position of the touch sensor 20 and acquires the position of the contact point of the conductor, that is, the touch coordinates indicating the two-dimensional coordinates of the touch sensor 20. The control device 100 calculates touch coordinates, which are position coordinates indicating the positions of the contact points of the conductors on the operation surface 24, based on the capacitance at each position of the operation surface 24 of the touch panel 23, that is, each position of the touch sensor 20. To do. The contact point of the conductor is, for example, a place where the capacitance is larger than a predetermined reference capacitance. The touch coordinates indicating the position of the contact point of the conductor are also referred to as "capacitance coordinates".

Further, as shown in FIG. 3B, when the pressing force is applied to the operation surface 24 of the touch panel 23, the elastic member 33 is compressed, and the pressing force applied to the operation surface 24 is the pressing force sensor. Detected by 30_1 to 30_n. The pressing force sensors 30_1 to 30_n detect the capacitance changed by the pressing force and output sensor signals D0_1 to D0_n based on the capacitance. As shown in FIG. 3B, when the elastic member 33 is elastically deformed and thinned by pushing, the capacitance Co detected by the sensor electrode portion 31_j of the pressing force sensor 30_j increases. Further, as shown in FIG. 3A, when the elastic member 33 is restored to the original state and becomes thicker by stopping the application of the pressing force, the static electricity detected by the sensor electrode portion 31_j of the pressing force sensor 30_j is detected. The capacitance Co decreases and returns to the initial value. As shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B, the pressing force sensor 30_j has a difference between the electrode-to-electrode distance d0 in the initial state and the electrode-to-electrode distance d1 when the elastic member 33 is compressed, that is, displacement ( A sensor signal D0_j indicating a value corresponding to d0-d1) is output. The distance between the electrodes is the distance between the sensor electrode portion 31_j and the GND electrode portion 32.

The pressing force sensors 30_1 to 30_n output sensor signals D0_1 to D0_n according to the pressing force applied to the operation surface 24 and the pressing position to which the pressing force is applied. The control device 100 includes sensor signals D0_1 to D0_n output from the pressing force sensors 30_1 to 30_n, touch information T0 output from the touch sensor 20, and a plurality of pressing forces stored in advance for calculating the pressing force. The pressing force is calculated using one of the information indicating the calculation method. The "pressing force calculation method" is also simply referred to as a "calculation method". Further, the control device 100 can also calculate the position coordinates indicating the pressing position on the operation surface 24 of the touch panel 23 based on the sensor signals D0_1 to D0_n.

The pressing force sensors 30_1 to 30_n are not limited to the capacitance type sensors. The pressing force sensors 30_1 to 30_n include a distortion sensor that senses minute distortion of the touch panel 23 when a pressing force is applied to the operation surface 24 of the touch panel 23, a piezoelectric sensor that generates a voltage signal according to the pressing force, and the like. You may.

FIG. 4 is a functional block diagram schematically showing the configuration of the touch panel device 1 according to the first embodiment. In FIG. 4, components that are the same as or correspond to the components shown in FIG. 1 are designated by the same reference numerals as those shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 4, the control device 100 includes a coordinate detection unit 101, a pressing force detecting unit 102, a calculation method generating unit 103 that generates a pressing force calculation method for each of a plurality of regions of the touch panel 23, and a plurality of units. A calculation method storage unit 104 that stores information indicating a pressing force calculation method (hereinafter referred to as "calculation method information") and a plurality of pressing force calculation methods are read from the calculation method storage unit 104, and a plurality of calculation method information can be obtained. It has a pressing force calculation unit 105 that calculates a pressing force using one of them. However, the calculation method storage unit 104 does not necessarily have to be a part of the touch panel device 1. The calculation method storage unit 104 may be an external storage device that is communicably connected to the touch panel device 1.

That is, the control device 100 corresponds to the coordinate detection unit 101 that acquires the touch coordinates T1 indicating the position of the touch operation on the operation surface 24 of the touch panel 23, and the sensor signal when the pressing force is applied to the operation surface 24. Calculation method storage for storing a plurality of pressing force detecting units 102 for acquiring a plurality of detected values D1-1 to D1_n, a plurality of regions on the operation surface 24, and a plurality of predetermined pressing force calculation methods corresponding to the plurality of regions. The pressing force calculation method of the region corresponding to the touch coordinate T1 is selected from the unit 104 and the plurality of pressing force calculation methods, and the pressing force is calculated using the selected pressing force calculation method and the plurality of detected values D1-1 to D1_n. It is provided with a pressing force calculation unit 105.

The coordinate detection unit 101 generates touch coordinates T1 which are coordinate information based on touch information T0 which is a signal output from the touch sensor 20 by a touch operation. Specifically, the coordinate detection unit 101 detects the presence or absence of contact of the conductor with the operation surface 24 of the touch panel 23 by detecting the capacitance at each position of the touch sensor 20. The coordinate detection unit 101 calculates the touch coordinates T1 indicating the coordinates of the contact point of the conductor, which is a region where the detected value of the capacitance is larger than the predetermined threshold value. The coordinate detection unit 101 provides the touch coordinates T1 to the pressing force calculation unit 105 and the like.

The pressing force detecting unit 102 outputs a detection value D1 based on the pressing force applied to the operation surface 24 of the touch panel 23 by a touch operation. Specifically, the pressing force detection unit 102 receives the sensor signals D0_1 to D0_n output from the pressing force sensors 30_1 to 30_n, and outputs the detected values D1-1 to D1_n based on the sensor signals D0_1 to D0_n.

The calculation method generation unit 103 generates a plurality of calculation method information indicating a plurality of pressing force calculation methods by a simulation based on the characteristics of the deflection of the touch panel 23 and the subduction of the elastic member 33. An example of the pressing force calculation method will be described later as the equation (1). Each of the plurality of calculation method information, for example, a set of values of coefficients k ₁ to k _n in the formula (1). Further, the calculation method generation unit 103 determines a plurality of regions corresponding to the plurality of pressing force calculation methods. The plurality of regions are regions obtained by dividing the touch sensor 20. Each of the plurality of regions is stored in the calculation method storage unit 104 in association with a pressing force calculation method capable of calculating a pressing force satisfying a predetermined target accuracy in the region. That is, the calculation method generation unit 103 stores the plurality of regions of the touch sensor 20 and the pressing force calculation method corresponding to each of the plurality of regions in the calculation method storage unit 104.

The pressing force calculation unit 105 calculates the pressing force of the region corresponding to the touch coordinate T1 from a plurality of pressing force calculation methods stored in the calculation method storage unit 104 based on the touch coordinates T1 acquired by the coordinate detection unit 101. Select a method and load it. The pressing force calculation unit 105 calculates the pressing force based on the plurality of detected values D1-1 to D1_n detected by the pressing force detecting unit 102 and the selected pressing force calculation method.

FIG. 5 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a state of the touch panel 23, the elastic member 33, and the pressing force sensor 30_j when a pressing force is applied to the operation surface 24 of the touch panel 23 in the first embodiment. The GND electrode portion 32 is attached to the liquid crystal panel 40. The upper surface of the elastic member 33 arranged inside the pressing force sensor 30_j is adhered to the touch sensor 20, and the lower surface of the elastic member 33 is adhered to the GND electrode portion 32. The elastic member 33 has elasticity, and when the elastic member 33 is compressed and sunk by pushing the protective glass 22, the distance between the sensor electrode portion 31_j of the pressing force sensor 30_j and the GND electrode portion 32 increases. As the pressure becomes shorter, the capacitance Co of the pressing force sensor 30_j increases. Further, when the protective glass 22 is pushed in, the touch panel 23 composed of the protective glass 22, the adhesive 21, and the touch sensor 20 is bent, and the sensor electrode portion is warped near the end of the touch panel 23. The distance between 31_j and the GND electrode portion 32 is slightly increased. Therefore, when the warp rises, the capacitance Co of the pressing force sensor 30_j is slightly reduced as compared with the case where the warp rise does not occur. Further, since the degree of warping differs depending on the position where the pressing force is applied, the magnitude of the influence of the warping on the capacitance Co also differs depending on the position where the pressing force is applied.

FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a result of simulating the shape of the protective glass 22 when a pressing force is applied to the central portion of the protective glass 22 of the touch panel 23. FIG. 6 shows the deflection of the touch panel 23 when a pressing force of 1 [N] is applied to the central portion of the operation surface 24 of the touch panel 23, and the sinking of the touch panel 23 due to the compression of the elastic member 33 supporting the touch panel 23. An example is shown. When a pressing force is applied to the central portion of the operation surface 24 of the touch panel 23, the four corners of the touch panel 23 are warped as shown in FIG. That is, the positions of the four corners of the touch panel 23 in the vertical axis direction are displaced upward from the reference position "0". The vertical axis direction is a direction orthogonal to both the X direction and the Y direction parallel to the side of the touch panel 23.

FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a result of simulating the shape of the protective glass 22 when a pressing force is applied to the corner of the protective glass 22 of the touch panel 23. FIG. 7 shows the deflection of the touch panel 23 when a pressing force of 1 [N] is applied to one corner of the operation surface 24 of the touch panel 23, and the sinking of the touch panel 23 due to the compression of the elastic member 33 supporting the touch panel 23. An example of inclusion is shown. When a pressing force is applied to any one of the four corners of the operation surface 24 of the touch panel 23, as shown in FIG. 7, the effect of the sinking of the elastic member 33 is remarkable at the position where the pressing force is applied. appear. However, the positions of the other three corners of the touch panel 23 in the vertical axis direction are hardly displaced from the reference position "0".

As shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, the displacement state of the touch panel 23 differs greatly depending on the pushing position of the operation surface 24 of the touch panel 23, and the values of the sensor signals D0_1 to D0_n output from the pressing force sensors 30_1 to 30_n also differ. to differ greatly. Therefore, when the pressing force is calculated based on the values of the sensor signals D0_1 to D0_n without considering the pressing position of the operation surface 24 of the touch panel 23, the accuracy of the pressing force becomes low. Therefore, in the touch panel device 1 and the pressing force calculation method according to the first embodiment, the pressing force calculation method is switched according to the position where the pressing force is applied.

<< 1-2 >> Operation First, the generation process of a plurality of pressing force calculation methods will be described. FIG. 8 is a plan view showing an example of a plurality of coordinates 25 used in a simulation for generating a pressing force calculation method for the touch panel device 1 according to the first embodiment. FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing a process for generating a pressing force calculation method for the touch panel device 1 according to the first embodiment. The plurality of coordinates 25 are arranged in the X direction and the Y direction at predetermined intervals. The plurality of coordinates 25 are not limited to those shown in FIG.

In step S10 of FIG. 9, the calculation method generation unit 103 performs the loop processing of steps S10 to S13 for each of the plurality of coordinates 25 predetermined in the touch sensor 20.

In step S11, the calculation method generation unit 103 performs the loop processing of steps S11 to S12 for each of the plurality of pressing forces within the predetermined pressing force range. A plurality of pressing forces within a predetermined pressing force range are determined to have a constant pressing force interval, for example. In step S12, the calculation method generation unit 103 calculates the displacement of each pressing force sensor 30_1 to 30_n by simulation when the touch coordinates determined in step S10 are pushed by the pressing force determined in step S11.

In step S13, the calculation method generation unit 103 generates the pressing force calculation method used for calculating the pressing force f (P) by the calculation based on the displacement of each pressing force sensor 30_1 to 30_n obtained in step S12. .. The pressing force calculation method is defined by the following equation (1), for example, when it has n pressing force sensors 30_1 to 30_n.

In the above formula, n is a positive integer. P = {p ₁ , p ₂ , ..., _pn }. p _{1 to p n} are the values of the detection signals output from the pressing force sensors 30_1 to 30_n, that is, the detected values D1-1 to D1_n. k _{1 to k n} are coefficients indicating the weights used for weighting addition of the detected values p _{1 to p n.} In other words, the set of coefficients _k 1 to k _n of a plurality of down force calculation method is different.

When the loop processing in steps S10 to S13 is completed, the processing proceeds to step S14. In step S14, the calculation method generation unit 103 performs the loop processing of steps S14 to S20 for each of the generated pressing force calculation methods.

In step S15, the calculation method generation unit 103 selects one of the unprocessed calculation methods as a representative calculation method.

Next, the calculation method generation unit 103 performs the loop processing of steps S16 to S19 for the calculation method of the target of the coordinates around the coordinates of the representative calculation method.

In step S17, the calculation method generation unit 103 determines in advance, for example, the difference between the value of f (P) obtained by the representative calculation method and the value of f (P) obtained by the target calculation method. Determine if the target accuracy is met. For example, if the calculation method is defined by equation (1), calculation method generating unit 103, the coefficient k when the sum and the target calculation method of the absolute value of the coefficient k ₁ to k _n where representatives of calculation method ₁ the sum of the absolute values of to k _n, or the magnitude relationship between the coefficients k ₁ to k _n in the case of the coefficient k ₁ to k _n and the target calculation method when representatives of calculation method, or the representatives of the calculation method by using a ratio of the coefficient k ₁ to k _n in the case of the coefficient k ₁ to k _n and the target calculation method, the difference determines whether meet target accuracy. If the difference satisfies the target accuracy, the process proceeds to step S18, and if not, the process proceeds to step S19.

In step S18, the calculation method generation unit 103 sets the calculation method of the target that satisfies the target accuracy as the new representative calculation method.

When the process proceeds to step S19, the calculation method generation unit 103 sets the boundary of the region between the coordinates of the representative calculation method and the coordinates of the target calculation method.

After the loop processing of steps S16 to S19, the processing proceeds to step S20, and the calculation method generation unit 103 stores the representative calculation method selected in step S15 and the boundary (region) information obtained in step S19.

The equation (1) shown as the pressing force calculation method is merely an example, and any other method may be used as long as the calculated pressing force satisfies the target accuracy.

Further, when the displacement characteristics of the pressing force sensor in step S12 change significantly due to an element different from the touch coordinates (for example, a change in pressing force), the calculation method generation unit 103 uniquely calculates the pressing force despite the same touch coordinates. It is also possible to adopt a method in which the method is not determined. In this case, the calculation method generation unit 103 may create a table of the pressing force calculation method corresponding to the values or ranges of the factors that change the displacement characteristics of the pressing force sensor and store them in the calculation method storage unit. .. Further, although the pressing force calculation method is acquired by simulation in FIG. 8, the pressing force calculation method may be acquired based on the actual measurement.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing a pressing force calculation process performed by the control device 100 of the touch panel device 1 according to the first embodiment. In step S100, the coordinate detection unit 101 acquires the touch coordinates indicating the position of the touch point on the operation surface 24 of the touch panel 23. In step S101, the pressing force detecting unit 102 acquires the detected values D1-1 to D1_n based on the sensor signals D0_1 to D0_n output from the pressing force sensors 30_1 to 30_n.

In step S102, the pressing force calculation unit 105 determines the corresponding pressing force calculation method among the plurality of pressing force calculation methods stored in the calculation method storage unit 104 based on the touch coordinates T1 acquired in step S100. Select and load.

In step S103, the pressing force calculation unit 105 calculates the pressing force by using the detection values D1-1 to D1_n acquired in step S101 and the pressing force calculation method read in step S102. When pressing force calculation method is the above-mentioned formula (1), the detection value D1_1~D1_n _is p 1 ~p _n.

<< 1-3 >> Effect As described above, if the touch panel device 1 according to the first embodiment or the pressing force calculation method shown in FIGS. 9 and 10 is used, the pressing force calculation method can be performed according to the touch coordinates T1. Since the optimum one is used, the calculation accuracy of the pressing force can be improved.

Further, since the pressing force calculation method satisfying the target accuracy and the area of the touch sensor 20 are associated with each other and stored in advance, the arithmetic processing for calculating the pressing force based on the touch coordinates T1 and the detected values D1-1-1 to D1_n is performed. The amount can be reduced. Therefore, the pressing force can be calculated efficiently.

<< 2 >> Embodiment 2.
In the second embodiment, among the plurality of pressing force sensors 30_1 to 30_n, the pressing force sensor at the position where the touch panel 23 warps and the pressing force sensor at the position where the touch panel 23 sinks are driven in parallel. That is, in the second embodiment, the pressing force sensor at the position where the warp rises and the pressing force sensor at the position where the sinking occurs are driven at the same time. The pressing force detection unit 102 detects, for example, the total capacitance of the pressing force sensor at the position where the warp rises and the pressing force sensor at the position where the sinking occurs, so that the detection accuracy of the capacitance is improved. , The number of capacitance detections is reduced.

FIG. 11 is a functional block diagram schematically showing the configuration of the touch panel device 2 according to the second embodiment. In FIG. 11, components that are the same as or correspond to the components shown in FIG. 4 are designated by the same reference numerals as those shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 11, the control device 200 of the touch panel device 2 is composed of the coordinate detection unit 101, the pressing force detection unit 102, the drive pattern storage unit 201 for storing the parallel drive pattern, and the drive pattern storage unit 201. It has a drive pattern determining unit 202 that reads a plurality of parallel type drive patterns and switches the drive pattern to be used, a sensor drive unit 203 that drives the pressing force sensor, and a pressing force calculation unit 205. However, the drive pattern storage unit 201 does not necessarily have to be a part of the touch panel device 2. The drive pattern storage unit 201 may be an external storage device that is communicably connected to the touch panel device 2.

That is, the control device 200 includes a drive pattern storage unit 201 that corresponds to a plurality of regions on the operation surface 24 and a plurality of drive patterns of the plurality of pressing force sensors 30_1 to 30_n, and a plurality of pressings. A drive pattern determination unit 202 that selects a drive pattern in a region corresponding to the touch coordinate T1 from a force calculation method, and a sensor drive unit 203 that drives a pressing force sensor that follows the selected drive pattern among a plurality of pressing force sensors. It also has a pressing force calculation unit 205 that calculates a pressing force using a detection value corresponding to a sensor signal output from the pressing force sensor according to the selected drive pattern.

The drive pattern storage unit 201 stores the drive pattern of the pressing force sensors 30_1 to 30_n in consideration of warpage and sinking at the positions of the pressing force sensors 30_1 to 30_n corresponding to the touch coordinates T1. The stored drive pattern indicates a combination of pressing force sensors that are simultaneously driven, that is, driven in parallel, among the pressing force sensors 30_1 to 30_n, corresponding to the touch coordinates T1.

The drive pattern determination unit 202 selects one of the plurality of parallel drive patterns stored in the drive pattern storage unit 201 based on the touch coordinates T1 acquired by the coordinate detection unit 101. , Read. The drive pattern determination unit 202 passes the read parallel drive pattern to the sensor drive unit 203. The sensor drive unit 203 drives the pressing force sensor designated by the parallel driving pattern among the pressing force sensors 30_1 to 30_n according to the received parallel driving pattern.

The pressing force calculation unit 205 receives the detection value of the pressing force sensor driven in parallel. The pressing force calculation unit 205 calculates the pressing force using the detection value of the pressing force sensor driven in parallel.

12 (A) to 12 (D) are views showing the driving process of the pressing force sensors 30_1 to 30_n in the touch panel device 2 according to the second embodiment. 12 (A) and 12 (C) show that when a pressing force is applied to the central portion of the operation surface 24 of the touch panel 23, FIGS. 12 (B) and 12 (D) are pressed onto the corners of the operation surface 24 of the touch panel 23. It shows the case where force is applied. Further, FIGS. 12 (A) and 12 (B) show parallel drive of the pressing force sensor when the touch panel 23 is submerged, and FIGS. 12 (C) and 12 (D) show warpage of the touch panel 23. The parallel drive of the pressing force sensor is shown.

The sensor driving unit 203 drives some pressing force sensors 30_1 to 30_n in parallel according to the parallel driving pattern corresponding to the touch coordinate T1. FIG. 12A shows an example in which the pressing force sensors 2a, 2b, 2c, and 2d at the position where the sinking occurs (that is, the sensor value is a positive number) are driven in parallel. FIG. 12B shows an example in which the pressing force sensors 2e, 2g, and 2h at the position where the sinking occurs (that is, the sensor value is a positive number) are driven in parallel. FIG. 12C shows an example in which the pressing force sensors 2e, 2f, 2g, and 2h at the position where the warp rise occurs (that is, the sensor value is a negative number) are driven in parallel. FIG. 12D shows an example in which the pressing force sensors 2a, 2b, 2c, 2d, and 2f at the position where the warp rise occurs (that is, the sensor value is a negative number) are driven in parallel. The pressing force calculation unit 205 calculates the pressing force using the value of the pressing force sensor obtained by the parallel drive. The pressing force is calculated, for example, by subtracting the pressing force detected in FIG. 12 (C) from the pressing force detected in FIG. 12 (A), or from the pressing force detected in FIG. 12 (B). It is performed by subtracting the pressing force detected in (D).

FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing a pressing force calculation process performed by the control device 200 of the touch panel device 2 according to the second embodiment. In step S200, the coordinate detection unit 101 acquires the touch coordinates T1 indicating the position of the touch point on the operation surface 24 of the touch panel 23.

In step S201, the drive pattern determination unit 202 selects and reads the corresponding drive pattern from the plurality of drive patterns stored in the drive pattern storage unit 201 based on the touch coordinates T1 acquired in step S200.

In step S202, the sensor drive unit 203 drives a plurality of pressing force sensors 30_1 to 30_n in parallel using the drive pattern read in step S201. In order to measure the pressing force in an accurate detection range, the number of pressing force sensors driven in parallel may be limited and selected.

In step S203, the pressing force calculation unit 205 calculates the pressing force based on the value detected by the parallel drive of the pressing force sensor in step S202.

When the positive / negative of the sensor signal output from the pressing force sensor changes due to an element different from the touch coordinate T1 (for example, a change in the pressing force), the pressing force calculation unit 205 uniquely creates a drive pattern despite the same touch coordinates. Do not decide. In that case, the pressing force calculation unit 205 may create and store a table of the values or ranges of factors that change the positive / negative of the pressing force sensor and the drive patterns corresponding to them.

As described above, if the touch panel device 2 or the pressing force calculation method according to the second embodiment is used, the driving pattern of the pressing force sensor is switched according to the touch coordinates T1 and the pressing force sensors are driven in parallel. , The accuracy of the pressing force sensor can be improved. In addition, the number of times the pressing force sensor is detected can be reduced to reduce the detection load. Further, since the optimum pressing force calculation method is used, the pressing force calculation accuracy can be improved.

<< 3 >> Embodiment 3.
In the third embodiment, among the plurality of pressing force sensors 30_1 to 30_n, the pressing force sensor at the position where the touch panel 23 warps is used as a reference electrode, and the pressing force sensor at the position where the touch panel 23 sinks is used as a detection electrode. An example of reducing the influence of disturbance noise by driving the differential drive will be described.

FIG. 14 is a functional block diagram schematically showing the configuration of the touch panel device 3 according to the third embodiment. In FIG. 14, components that are the same as or correspond to the components shown in FIG. 4 are designated by the same reference numerals as those shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 14, the control device 300 of the touch panel device 3 includes a coordinate detection unit 101, a pressing force detection unit 102, a drive pattern storage unit 301 for storing a differential drive pattern, and a drive pattern storage unit 301. It has a drive pattern determining unit 302 that reads a differential drive pattern from the above and switches the drive pattern to be used, a sensor drive unit 303 that drives the pressing force sensor, and a pressing force calculation unit 305. However, the drive pattern storage unit 301 does not necessarily have to be a part of the touch panel device 3. The drive pattern storage unit 301 may be an external storage device that is communicably connected to the touch panel device 3.

The drive pattern storage unit 301 stores the differential drive pattern of the pressing force sensors 30_1 to 30_n in consideration of warpage and sinking at the positions of the pressing force sensors 30_1 to 30_n corresponding to the touch coordinates T1. The stored differential drive pattern indicates the driving order of the pressing force sensors 30_1 to 30_n corresponding to the touch coordinate T1.

The drive pattern determination unit 302 selects and reads one drive pattern from the plurality of drive patterns stored in the drive pattern storage unit 301 based on the touch coordinates T1 acquired by the coordinate detection unit 101. The drive pattern determination unit 302 passes the read drive pattern to the sensor drive unit 303. The sensor drive unit 303 drives the pressing force sensors 30_1 to 30_n according to the drive pattern.

The pressing force calculation unit 305 receives the detection value of the differentially driven pressing force sensor. The pressing force calculation unit 305 calculates the pressing force using the detection value of the differentially driven pressing force sensor.

15 (A) and 15 (B) are diagrams showing an example of differential driving of the pressing force sensors 30_1 to 30_n. FIG. 15 (A) shows an example in which a pressing force is applied to the central portion of the operation surface 24 of the touch panel 23, and FIG. 15 (B) shows an example in which a pressing force is applied to the corner portion of the operation surface 24 of the touch panel 23. is there. The sensor drive unit 303 drives the pressing force sensor according to the differential drive pattern corresponding to the touch position. The sensor electrode of the pressing force sensor at the position where the touch panel 23 warps (that is, the sensor value is a negative number) is used as a reference electrode, and the pressing force sensor at the position where the sinking occurs (that is, the sensor value is a positive number). The sensor electrode is used as a detection electrode, and the pressing force is calculated based on the difference between the capacitance of the capacitor including the reference electrode and the capacitance of the capacitor including the detection electrode.

FIG. 16 is a flowchart showing a pressing force calculation process performed by the control device 300 of the touch panel device 3 according to the third embodiment. In step S300, the coordinate detection unit 101 acquires the touch coordinates T1 indicating the position of the touch point on the operation surface 24 of the touch panel 23.

In step S301, the drive pattern determination unit 302 selects a corresponding differential drive pattern from a plurality of differential drive patterns stored in the drive pattern storage unit 301 based on the touch coordinates T1 acquired in step S300. Select and load.

In step S302, the sensor drive unit 303 differentially drives the push force sensor based on the drive pattern in the push force sensors 30_1 to 30_n using the differential drive pattern read in step S301. In order to measure the pressing force in an accurate detection range, the number of differentially driven pressing force sensors may be limited and selected.

In step S303, the pressing force calculation unit 305 calculates the pressing force based on the value detected by the differential drive of the pressing force sensor in step S302.

When the positive / negative of the pressing force sensor changes due to an element different from the touch coordinate T1 (for example, a change in the pressing force), the pressing force calculation unit 305 uniquely creates a differential drive pattern even though the touch coordinates are the same. It may not be decided. In that case, the pressing force calculation unit 305 may create and store a table of the values or ranges of factors that change the positive / negative of the pressing force sensor and the differential drive patterns corresponding to them.

As described above, if the touch panel device 3 or the pressing force calculation method according to the third embodiment is used, the differential drive pattern of the pressing force sensor is switched according to the touch coordinates, and the pressing force sensor is differentially driven. By doing so, the influence of disturbance noise can be canceled.

Further, by detecting the difference between the warp and the sink, a large displacement can be efficiently sensed.

Further, by combining with the parallel drive described in the second embodiment, it is possible to detect the entire pressing force of the operation surface 24 of the touch panel 23 by detecting the pressing force sensor once.

In the second embodiment and the third embodiment, even if the parallel drive pattern or the differential pattern is combined so as to improve the detection accuracy of the pressing force sensor, the pressing force can be efficiently detected according to the finger position. Good.

<< 4 >> Embodiment 4.
In the fourth embodiment, there are a single touch operation in which one finger touches the operation surface 24 of the touch panel 23 and a multi-touch operation in which a plurality of fingers touch the operation surface 24 of the touch panel 23. The pressing force calculation method is switched between the case of performing the operation and the case of performing the operation. In the fourth embodiment, an example of reducing the decrease in the pressing force calculation accuracy during the multi-touch operation will be described.

FIG. 17 is a functional block diagram schematically showing the configuration of the touch panel device 4 according to the fourth embodiment. In FIG. 17, components that are the same as or correspond to the components shown in FIG. 4 are designated by the same reference numerals as those shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 17, the control device 400 of the touch panel device 4 includes a coordinate detection unit 101, a pressing force detection unit 102, a multi-touch determination unit 404, a calculation method storage unit 406, and a pressing force calculation unit 405. have.

That is, the control device 400 has a pressing force detecting unit 102 that acquires a plurality of detected values corresponding to the sensor signals when a pressing force is applied to the operation surface 24, and whether the touch operation is a single touch operation or multi-touch. A calculation method storage unit 406 that stores a multi-touch determination unit 404 that determines whether the operation is performed, a pressing force calculation method when a single-touch operation is performed, and a pressing force calculation method when a multi-touch operation is performed. A pressing force calculation unit 405 that selects a pressing force calculation method from the calculation method storage unit according to the touch operation and calculates the pressing force using the selected pressing force calculation method and a plurality of detected values is provided. ing. However, the calculation method storage unit 406 does not necessarily have to be a part of the touch panel device 4. The calculation method storage unit 406 may be an external storage device that is communicably connected to the touch panel device 4.

The multi-touch determination unit 404 determines whether the touch operation performed on the operation surface 24 is a single-touch operation or a multi-touch operation. The pressing force calculation unit 405 selects one of the pressing force calculation methods stored in the calculation method storage unit 406 based on the determination result of the multi-touch determination unit 404 and the touch coordinates T1 detected by the coordinate detection unit 101. Select and load. The calculation method storage unit 406 stores the pressing force absolute value calculation method 406a and the pressing force calculation method 406b in consideration of the positive and negative of the sensor value. In the pressing force calculation method 406b, the sensor value of the pressing force sensor at the position where the touch panel 23 warps (that is, the sensor value is a negative number) and the sensor value at the position where the sinking occurs (that is, the sensor value is a positive number). ) This is a calculation method that takes into account the sensor value of the pressing force sensor.

The pressing force absolute value calculation method 406a is a pressing force calculation method that does not consider whether the sensor value, which is the value of the sensor signals D0_1 to D0_n output from the pressing force sensor 30_1 to 30_n, is a positive number or a negative number. The pressing force absolute value calculation method 406a is the sum of the absolute values of the changes in the detection values of the pressing force sensors from the detection values output from the pressing force detection unit 102 when there is no touch operation or when the previous touch operation is performed. Is a pressing force. The sensor value output from the pressing force detection unit 102 when there is no touch operation or the state during the previous touch operation is p0 _{1 to p0 n} , and the detection value output from the pressing force detection unit 102 during the current touch operation is p1. ₁ to P1 _n, the amount of change in the absolute value _{| p0 1 -p1 1 |, |} p0 2 -p1 2 |, ..., | p0 n -p1 n | when the, pressing force _f 0 (P) is It is represented by the following equation (2).

FIG. 18 is a flowchart showing a pressing force calculation process performed by the control device 400 of the touch panel device 4. In step S400, the pressing force detecting unit 102 acquires the detected values D1-1 to D1_n (= p1 _{1 to p1 n} ) of all the pressing force sensors 30_1 to 30_n.

In step S401, the multi-touch determination unit 404 determines whether the touch operation is a single-touch operation or a multi-touch operation. In the case of a single touch operation, the process proceeds to step S402 and step S403, and in the case of a multi-touch operation, the process proceeds to step S404.

In step S402, the coordinate detection unit 101 acquires the touch coordinates T1. In the next step S403, the pressing force calculation unit 405 calculates a calculation method based on the touch coordinates acquired in step S402 from the pressing force calculation method 406b in consideration of the sensor value stored in the calculation method storage unit 406. Read.

When the process proceeds from step S401 to S404, the pressing force calculation unit 405 reads the pressing force absolute value calculation method 406a stored in the calculation method storage unit 406.

In step S405, the pressing force calculation unit 405 calculates the pressing force using the detection values D1-1 to D1_n detected in step S400 and the calculation method read in step S403 or step S404.

FIG. 19 is a functional block diagram schematically showing the configuration of the touch panel device 4a according to the modified example of the fourth embodiment. In FIG. 19, components that are the same as or correspond to the components shown in FIG. 17 are designated by the same reference numerals as those shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 19, the control device 400a of the touch panel device 4a includes a coordinate detection unit 101, a pressing force detection unit 102, a multi-touch determination unit 404, a calculation method storage unit 406, and a priority determination unit 407. It has a pressing force calculation unit 405a. For example, when the multi-touch operation is performed, the priority determination unit 407 uses the touch coordinates stored in the calculation method storage unit 406 as the touch coordinates used for selecting the pressing force calculation method or generating the pressing force calculation method. It is determined which touch coordinate among the plurality of touch points is used, that is, which touch point is prioritized.

The multi-touch determination unit 404 determines whether the touch operation is a single-touch operation or a multi-touch operation. The pressing force calculation unit 405a determines the priority of the pressing force calculation method applied to each pressing force sensor based on the determination result of the multi-touch determination unit 404 and the touch coordinates T1 output from the coordinate detection unit 101. The pressing force calculation unit 405a generates a pressing force calculation method applied to each pressing force sensor based on the priority of the pressing force calculation method determined by the priority determination unit 407.

FIG. 20 is a flowchart showing a pressing force calculation process performed by the control device 400a of the touch panel device 4a. In step S420, the pressing force detecting unit 102 acquires the detected values D1-1 to D1_n (= p1 _{1 to p1 n} ) of all the pressing force sensors 30_1 to 30_n. In step S421, the coordinate detection unit 101 acquires the touch coordinates T1.

In the loop processing of steps S422 to S423, the pressing force calculation unit 405a executes step S423 at each touch coordinate. In step S423, the pressing force calculation unit 405a reads the pressing force calculation method corresponding to the touch coordinate T1 from the calculation method storage unit 406.

In step S424, the multi-touch determination unit 404 determines whether the touch operation is a single-touch operation or a multi-touch operation. When the touch operation is a multi-touch operation, the loop processing of steps S425 to S426 and the processing of step S427 are performed. In the loop processing of steps S425 to S426, the priority determination unit 407 determines the priority of the pressing force calculation method read in step S423. The priority determination unit 407 determines the priority based on, for example, the distance between each touch coordinate and the pressing force sensor 30_j. For example, the priority determination unit 407 raises the priority of the touch point where the distance between the touch coordinates and the pressing force sensor 30_j is short, for example.

In step S427, the pressing force calculation unit 405a generates a pressing force calculation method based on the pressing force calculation method read in step S423 and the high-priority touch coordinates obtained in step S426. That is, in the generated pressing force calculation method, the pressing force calculation method corresponding to the closest touch coordinate among the plurality of touch points is applied to each pressing force sensor 30_j. Further, the pressing force calculation method may be a method of changing the degree of application by multiplying the calculation formula of the corresponding pressing force calculation method by a coefficient corresponding to the distance from the pressing force sensor 30_j to each touch coordinate.

In step S428, the pressing force calculation unit 405a was detected in step S420 by using the calculation method read in step S423 in the case of a single touch operation and the calculation method generated in step S427 in the case of a multi-touch operation. The pressing force is calculated based on the value of the pressing force sensor.

As described above, if the touch panel device 4 or 4a is used, the calculation method is switched between the case of single-touch operation and the case of multi-touch operation, thereby suppressing a decrease in the calculation accuracy of the pressing force during multi-touch operation. be able to.

<< 5 >> Embodiment 5.
The touch panel device 5 according to the fifth embodiment includes an additional pressing force sensor 60_j inside the pressing force sensor 30_j, calculates the deflection angle of the touch panel 23, and calculates the pressing force more accurately.

FIG. 21 is a functional block diagram schematically showing the configuration of the touch panel device 5 according to the fifth embodiment. In FIG. 21, components that are the same as or correspond to the components shown in FIG. 4 are designated by the same reference numerals as those shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 21, the control device 500 of the touch panel device 5 includes a coordinate detection unit 101, a pressing force detection unit 502, a displacement amount estimation unit 506, and a pressing force calculation unit 505. The pressing force detection unit 502 has a subduction detection unit 503 that detects the degree of subduction (also referred to as “subduction amount”) based on the detection value of the pressing force, and a warp based on the detection value of the pressing force. It is provided with a warp rise detection unit 504 that detects the degree of rise (also referred to as “warp amount”).

That is, the control device 500 calculates the deflection angle of the touch panel 23 (that is, the deflection angle of the protective glass 22) based on the plurality of detected values output from the pressing force detection unit 502, and is based on the deflection angle and the touch coordinates. It is provided with a displacement amount estimation unit 506 that calculates the displacement amount of the touch panel 23, and a pressing force calculation unit 505 that calculates the pressing force based on the displacement amount and the rigidity of the touch panel 23.

FIG. 22 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the configurations of the touch panel 23, the elastic member 33, and the pressing force sensors 30_j and 60_j. FIG. 23 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the shape of the protective glass 22 when a pressing force is applied to the operation surface 24 of the touch panel 23. In FIGS. 22 and 23, the same or corresponding components as those shown in FIG. 3 (A) are designated by the same reference numerals as those shown in FIG. 3 (A).

As shown in FIG. 22, the touch panel device 5 includes a pressing force sensor 60_j having a sensor electrode 61_j provided on the lower surface of the touch sensor 20 so as to face the GND electrode portion 32. The pressing force sensor 60_j is arranged inside the pressing force sensor 30_j. When the capacitance of the outer pressing force sensor 30_j is expressed as Co and the capacitance of the inner pressing force sensor 60_j is expressed as Ci, the warp detection unit 504 flexes based on, for example, the capacitance Co-Ci. The amount of warpage at time can be calculated. Further, the subduction detection unit 503 can calculate the subduction amount of the elastic member 33 based on (Co + Ci) / 2.

As shown in FIG. 23, the deflection angle is calculated based on the amount of warp and sink calculated based on the pressing force sensors 30_j and 60_j, and the touch position and the deflection angle detected by the touch sensor 20 are obtained. Based on this, the amount of displacement at the touch position, that is, the amount of push-down is estimated. It is possible to calculate the pressing force based on the estimated displacement amount of the touch position and the rigidity of the touch panel. In FIG. 23, two pressing force sensors 30_j and 60_j are set as one set, but the number and arrangement of the pressing force sensors are not limited to those in the example of FIG. 23.

FIG. 24 is a flowchart showing a pressing force calculation process performed by the control device 500 of the touch panel device 5 according to the fifth embodiment. In step S500, the coordinate detection unit 101 acquires the touch coordinates T1. In step S501, the pressing force detecting unit 502 acquires the detected values D1-1 to D1_n of all the pressing force sensors 30_1 to 30_n and the detected values D2_1 to D2_n of all the pressing force sensors 60_1 to 60_n.

Next, the loop processing of steps S502 to S504 is executed. In step S502, the displacement amount estimation unit 506 performs the processes of steps S503 and S504 with the capacitance Co of the pressing force sensor 30_j and the capacitance Ci of the pressing force sensor 60_j as a set. In step S503, it is estimated whether the set of pressing force sensors 30_j and 60_j, that is, the pressing force sensors 30_j and 60_j are warped or sunk based on the touch coordinates T1 acquired in step S500. In step S504, the displacement amount estimation unit 506 calculates the warp rise in the case of warpage rise, and the sinking detection unit 503 in the case of sinking, based on the estimation result in step S503. Calculate the subduction. In step S506, the displacement amount estimation unit 506 calculates the deflection angle based on the warp amount and the sinking amount calculated in step S504, and estimates the displacement amount of the touch coordinates.

In step S506, the pressing force calculation unit 505 calculates the pressing force based on the displacement amount at the touch coordinate T1 estimated in step S505 and the rigidity of the touch panel 23.

As described above, if the touch panel device 5 or the pressing force calculation method according to the fifth embodiment is used, the pressing force sensors 60_1 to 60_n are arranged in addition to the pressing force sensors 30_1 to 30_n, and the pressing force sensors 60_1 to 60_n are arranged based on the deflection of the touch panel 23. By obtaining the displacement amount at the touch coordinate T1 and calculating the pressing force based on the rigidity of the touch panel 23, an accurate pressing force can be obtained.

The pressing force sensors 60_1 to 60_n for detecting the capacitance Ci may be arranged inside the elastic member 33.

<< 6 >> Embodiment 6.
The touch panel device 6 according to the sixth embodiment switches the pressing force calculation method according to the state of the touch panel device 6. The state of the touch panel device 6 is, for example, whether the touch panel device 6 is a side mount type device or a compression mount type device.

FIG. 25 is a functional block diagram schematically showing the configuration of the touch panel device 6 according to the sixth embodiment. In FIG. 25, components that are the same as or correspond to the components shown in FIG. 4 are designated by the same reference numerals as those shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 25, the control device 600 of the touch panel device 6 includes a coordinate detection unit 101, a pressing force detection unit 102, an installation state estimation unit 603 that estimates the installation state of the touch panel device 6, and a pressing force calculation in advance. It has a calculation method storage unit 604 for storing the method and a pressing force calculation unit 605 for calculating the pressing force. However, the calculation method storage unit 604 does not necessarily have to be a part of the touch panel device 6. The calculation method storage unit 604 may be an external storage device that is communicably connected to the touch panel device 6.

That is, the control device 600 acquires the coordinate detection unit 101 that acquires the touch coordinates T1 indicating the position of the touch operation, and a plurality of detection values corresponding to the sensor signals when the pressing force is applied to the operation surface 24. A pressing force detection unit 102, an installation state estimation unit 603 that estimates the state of the frame unit on which the touch panel 23 is installed based on a plurality of detected values D1_j, and a touch panel 23 estimated by the installation state estimation unit 603 are installed. It is provided with a pressing force calculation unit 605 that calculates a pressing force using a pressing force calculation method based on the state of the frame unit and the touch coordinates T1.

FIG. 26 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the touch panel device 6 according to the sixth embodiment. FIG. 6 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing an example of the arrangement of the pressing force sensors 30_j, 70_j, 80_j in the touch panel device 6. j is an integer of 1 or more and n or less. In the touch panel device 6, the pressing force sensor 80_j is arranged above the touch sensor 20, and the pressing force sensors 30_j and 70_j are arranged below the touch sensor 20.

The pressing force sensor 80_j is composed of a GND electrode portion 32a provided at the lower part of the protective glass 22 and a sensor electrode portion 81_j provided at the upper part of the touch sensor 20. The GND electrode portion 32a and the sensor electrode portion 81_j are arranged so as to face each other with a gap corresponding to the thickness of the adhesive 21. The pressing force sensor 80_j has a capacitance Cu having a value corresponding to the distance between the sensor electrode portion 81_j and the GND electrode portion 32a, the area of the sensor electrode portion 81_j, and the relative permittivity between the electrodes.

The pressing force sensor 30_j is composed of a GND electrode portion 32 provided on the upper part of the liquid crystal panel 40 and a sensor electrode portion 31_j provided on the lower part of the touch sensor 20. The sensor electrode portion 31_j is arranged outside the elastic member 33. The GND electrode portion 32 and the sensor electrode portion 31_j are arranged at intervals that change according to the thickness and warpage of the elastic member 33. The pressing force sensor 30_j has a capacitance Co of a value corresponding to the distance between the sensor electrode portion 31_j and the GND electrode portion 32, the area of the sensor electrode portion 31_j, and the relative permittivity between the electrodes.

The pressing force sensor 70_j is composed of a GND electrode portion 32 provided on the upper part of the liquid crystal panel 40 and a sensor electrode portion 71_j provided on the lower part of the touch sensor 20. The sensor electrode portion 71_j is arranged inside the elastic member 33. The GND electrode portion 32 and the sensor electrode portion 71_j are arranged at intervals that change according to the thickness and sinking of the elastic member 33. The pressing force sensor 70_j has a capacitance Ci having a value corresponding to the distance between the sensor electrode portion 71_j and the GND electrode portion 32, the area of the sensor electrode portion 71_j, and the relative permittivity between the electrodes.

FIG. 27 is a schematic plan view showing the touch panel device 6. The elastic member 33 supports the touch panel 23 on the GND electrode portion 32. The GND electrode portion 32 is arranged so as to cover, for example, the pressing force sensors 30_1 to 30_n and 70_1 to 70_n. If the touch sensor 20 arranged on the liquid crystal panel 40 is covered with the GND electrode portion 32, the detection sensitivity of the touch sensor 20 with respect to the touch operation is affected. Therefore, it is desirable to provide the GND electrode portion 32 on the outside of the touch sensor 20 and to provide the touch sensor 20 in a region that does not overlap with the GND electrode portion 32.

Further, it is desirable that the pressing force sensors 30_j, 70_j, 80_j are arranged at a plurality of locations as shown in FIG. 27. The sensor electrode portions 31_j, 71_j, 81_j of the pressing force sensors 30_j, 70_j, 80_j may be provided with electrodes for touch position detection in the touch sensor 20 in the touch sensor 20 as well. The sensor electrode portions 31_j, 71_j, 81_j of the pressing force sensor may be formed by a process of generating a pattern such as ITO (indium tin oxide) which is a transparent electrode or fine wiring of metal.

FIG. 28 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a state when the touch panel device 6 according to the sixth embodiment is compression-mounted. FIG. 29 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a state when a pressing force is applied to the operation surface 24 of the touch panel device 6 of FIG. 28. Compression mounts are the installation method used to achieve a flat display design. In this case, the touch panel 23 is installed so that a part of the protective glass 22 extends to the outside of the GND electrode portion 32 of the touch panel device and is supported by the support 34 constituting the frame portion.

When the pushing operation is performed on the operation surface 24 of the touch panel 23, the touch panel 23 and the pressing force sensors 30_j, 70_j, 80_j are deformed as shown in FIG. 29. At this time, the protective glass 22 is supported by the support 34, and the protective glass 22 is deformed so as to bend due to the pressing force. As a result, the protective glass 22 is greatly bent, and the capacitance Cu of the pressing force sensor 80_j changes most. Since the reaction force from the bottom side of the touch panel 23 cannot be obtained, the deformation of the member overlapping on the lower side tends to be smaller than that of the flexible material such as the adhesive 21 and the elastic member 33. Therefore, the change in the capacitance Co of the pressing force sensor 30_j generated by the deflection and the change in the capacitance Ci of the pressing force sensor 70_j are smaller than the change in the capacitance Ci of the pressing force sensor 80_j generated by the deflection. .. Then, the elastic member 33 hardly sinks, and the elastic member 33 acts as a fulcrum and receives a warp due to the deflection of the pressing force sensor 30_j or a sinking due to the deflection of the pressing force sensor 70_j, and is static. The amount of change in the electric capacity (Co + Ci) becomes very small.

As described above, the installation state estimation unit 603 is a touch panel when the changes in capacitance Cu, Co, and Ci due to the pushing of the operation surface 24 ΔCu, ΔCo, and ΔCi satisfy ΔCu> ΔCo and ΔCu> ΔCi. It is determined that the device 6 is installed with a compression mount.

FIG. 30 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a state when the touch panel device 6 according to the sixth embodiment is side-mounted. FIG. 31 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a state when a pressing force is applied to the operation surface 24 of the touch panel device 6 of FIG. In the side mount, the touch panel device is installed so that the side surfaces of the GND electrode portion 32 constituting the outer frame of the liquid crystal panel 40 are sandwiched between the frame portions from both sides, or the frame portion supports the touch panel 23. To. When the pushing operation is performed on the operation surface 24 of the touch panel 23, the touch panel 23 and the pressing force sensors 30_j, 70_j, 80_j are deformed as shown in FIG. At this time, the GND electrode portion 32 serves as a support and a reaction force against the pressing is generated. Along with this, the elastic member 33 is deformed, and the touch sensor 20 and the protective glass 22 bend at the same time with the elastic member 33 as a fulcrum. At this time, since there is no significant difference between the amount of deflection of the touch sensor 20 and the amount of deflection of the protective glass 22, the capacitance Cu of the pressing force sensor 80_j hardly changes. That is, ΔCu≈0. On the other hand, since the elastic member 33 sinks and the touch sensor 20 bends, the capacitance Ci of the pressing force sensor 70_j becomes large due to the occurrence of both the sinking and the bending.

As described above, the installation state estimation unit 603 is a touch panel when the changes in capacitance Cu, Co, and Ci due to the pushing of the operation surface 24 ΔCu, ΔCo, and ΔCi satisfy ΔCu> ΔCo and ΔCu≈0. It is determined that the device 6 is installed by the side mount.

In a compression-mounted touch panel device, deflection is the main component of deformation, and in a side-mounted touch panel device, a combination of deflection and sinking appears in the deformation. Therefore, at the time of side mounting, the pressing force calculation unit 605 can calculate the pressing force by the method of the first embodiment or can calculate the pressing force by the method of the fifth embodiment. On the other hand, at the time of compression mounting, the pressing force calculation unit 605 has a smaller pressing force detection value as it approaches the end portion and a higher pressing force detection value as it approaches the center portion due to the relationship between the fulcrum of deflection and the action point. .. Therefore, by making the coefficients k ₁ , k ₂ , ..., K _n of the equation (1) different according to the touch position, it is possible to calculate the pressing force with high accuracy.

In the sixth embodiment, an example in which the three pressing force sensors 30_j, 70_j, and 80_j are arranged at a plurality of locations has been described, but the pressing force sensor 80_j required for determining the compression mount or the pressing required for determining the side mount is described. Either one of the force sensors 30_j and 70_j may be arranged.

Further, a highly sensitive pressing force sensor such as a strain gauge may be arranged at the center or the side surface of the liquid crystal panel 40 to sense the deflection. Further, a piezoelectric element or the like may be installed under the elastic member 33 to sense the pressing force applied to the elastic member 33.

Further, the pressing force sensor for sensing the deflection at the time of compression mounting and the pressing force sensor for sensing the deformation of the elastic member 33 at the time of side mounting are arranged at positions where it is easy to detect, and the control device 600 compares the sensitivity values. The pressing force calculation method may be switched based on the result.

<< 7 >> Modification example.
The determination process of the pressing force calculation method shown in FIGS. 8 and 9 can also be applied to the second to sixth embodiments.

Further, it is possible to appropriately combine the configurations of the touch panel devices 1 to 6 of the above-described first to sixth embodiments.

<< 8 >> Appendix.
The contents of the invention described in each of the above embodiments are described as "Appendix". "Invention 1" is described in the claims of the present application. "Invention 2" is described in "Appendix 1 to 3" below, "Invention 3" is described in "Appendix 4 to 7", and "Invention 4" is described in "Appendix 8 to 10". "Invention 5" is described in "Appendix 11 to 13".

"Appendix 1" (corresponds to claim 4 at the time of filing)
A touch panel with an operation surface on which touch operations are performed,
An elastic member that supports the touch panel and
A plurality of pressing force sensors that output sensor signals according to the pressing force applied to the operation surface, and
A coordinate detection unit that acquires touch coordinates indicating the position of the touch operation, and
When a pressing force is applied to the operation surface, a pressing force detecting unit that acquires a plurality of detected values corresponding to the sensor signal, and a pressing force detecting unit.
The plurality of drive patterns are read from the drive pattern storage unit that stores the plurality of regions on the operation surface and the plurality of drive patterns of the plurality of pressing force sensors corresponding to the plurality of regions, and the plurality of drive patterns are read. A drive pattern determination unit that selects a drive pattern in a region corresponding to the touch coordinates from
Among the plurality of pressing force sensors, a sensor drive unit that drives the pressing force sensor according to the selected drive pattern, and a sensor drive unit.
A touch panel device comprising a pressing force calculation unit that calculates the pressing force using a detection value corresponding to the sensor signal output from the pressing force sensor according to the selected drive pattern.

"Appendix 2" (corresponds to claim 5 at the time of filing)
The sensor drive unit, as the pressing force sensor according to the selected drive pattern, drives the pressing force sensor at a position where the sinking occurs by applying the pressing force in parallel, or warps by applying the pressing force. The touch panel device according to "Appendix 1", wherein the position pressing force sensors are driven in parallel.

"Appendix 3" (corresponds to claim 6 at the time of filing)
The sensor drive unit is, as the pressing force sensor according to the selected drive pattern, a pressing force sensor at a position where sinking occurs due to the application of the pressing force and a pressing force sensor at a position where warpage occurs due to the application of the pressing force. The touch panel device according to "Appendix 1 or 2", wherein the touch panel device is driven.

"Appendix 4" (corresponds to claim 7 at the time of filing)
A touch panel with an operation surface on which touch operations are performed,
An elastic member that supports the touch panel and
A plurality of pressing force sensors that output sensor signals according to the pressing force applied to the operation surface, and
A coordinate detection unit that acquires touch coordinates indicating the position of the touch operation, and
When a pressing force is applied to the operation surface, a pressing force detecting unit that acquires a plurality of detected values corresponding to the sensor signal, and a pressing force detecting unit.
A multi-touch determination unit that determines whether the touch operation is a single-touch operation or a multi-touch operation,
Calculation method From the pressing force calculation method when the single touch operation is performed and the pressing force calculation method when the multi-touch operation is performed, which is stored in the storage unit, the pressing force is calculated according to the touch operation. A touch panel device characterized by having a pressing force calculation unit that selects a method and calculates the pressing force using the selected pressing force calculation method and the plurality of detected values.

"Appendix 5" (corresponds to claim 8 at the time of filing)
As a pressing force calculation method when the single touch operation is performed, the pressing force calculation unit uses a pressing force sensor value at a position where the touch panel warps and a pressing force at a position where the touch panel sinks. The touch panel device according to "Appendix 4", wherein a calculation method based on a sensor value of the sensor is used.

"Appendix 6" (corresponds to claim 9 at the time of filing)
The pressing force calculation unit can be used as a pressing force calculation method when the multi-touch operation is performed.
Use a calculation method based on the sum of the absolute values of the changes in the detection value of the pressing force sensor from the detection value output from the pressing force detection unit in the state without the touch operation or at the time of the previous touch operation. The touch panel device according to "Appendix 4 or 5".

"Appendix 7" (corresponds to claim 10 at the time of filing)
When the multi-touch operation is performed, a priority determination unit that determines the priority of the pressing force calculation method stored in the calculation method storage unit according to the distance between the touch coordinates and the pressing force sensor is further added. Have and
The touch panel device according to "Appendix 4", wherein the pressing force calculation unit determines the pressing force calculation method using the priority.

"Appendix 8" (corresponds to claim 11 at the time of filing)
A touch panel with an operation surface on which touch operations are performed,
An elastic member that supports the touch panel and
A plurality of pressing force sensors that output sensor signals according to the pressing force applied to the operation surface, and
A coordinate detection unit that acquires touch coordinates indicating the position of the touch operation, and
When a pressing force is applied to the operation surface, a pressing force detecting unit that acquires a plurality of detected values corresponding to the sensor signal, and a pressing force detecting unit.
A displacement amount estimation unit that calculates the deflection angle of the touch panel based on the plurality of detected values and calculates the displacement amount of the touch panel based on the deflection angle and the touch coordinates.
A pressing force calculation unit that calculates the pressing force based on the displacement amount and the rigidity of the touch panel,
A touch panel device characterized by having.

"Appendix 9" (corresponds to claim 12 at the time of filing)
The touch panel device according to "Appendix 8", wherein the plurality of pressing force sensors include a pressing force sensor that detects warping or sinking of the touch panel on the outside of the elastic member.

"Appendix 10" (corresponding to claim 13 at the time of filing)
The touch panel device according to "Appendix 8 or 9", wherein the plurality of pressing force sensors include a pressing force sensor that detects the sinking of the touch panel inside the elastic member.

"Appendix 11" (corresponding to claim 14 at the time of filing)
A touch panel with an operation surface on which touch operations are performed,
An elastic member that supports the touch panel and
A plurality of pressing force sensors that output sensor signals according to the pressing force applied to the operation surface, and
A coordinate detection unit that acquires touch coordinates indicating the position of the touch operation, and
When a pressing force is applied to the operation surface, a pressing force detecting unit that acquires a plurality of detected values corresponding to the sensor signal, and a pressing force detecting unit.
An installation state estimation unit that estimates the state of the frame unit on which the touch panel is installed based on the plurality of detected values, and an installation state estimation unit.
A pressing force calculation unit that calculates a pressing force using a pressing force calculation method based on the state of the frame unit on which the touch panel is installed and the touch coordinates estimated by the installation state estimation unit.
A touch panel device characterized by having.

"Appendix 12" (corresponding to claim 15 at the time of filing)
The plurality of pressing force sensors
A pressing force sensor that detects warping or sinking of the touch panel on the outside of the elastic member, and
A pressing force sensor that detects the sinking of the touch panel inside the elastic member, and
The touch panel device according to "Appendix 11", which comprises.

"Appendix 13" (corresponding to claim 16 at the time of filing)
The plurality of pressing force sensors are characterized by including a pressing force sensor that detects a distance between a protective glass constituting the surface of the touch panel and a touch sensor attached to the protective glass via an adhesive. The touch panel device according to "Appendix 11 or 12".

1,2,3,4,4a,5,6 Touch panel device, 20 touch sensor, 21 adhesive, 22 protective glass, 23 touch panel, 24 operation surface, 30_1 to 30_n, 30_j pressing force sensor, 32, 32a GND electrode , 33 Elastic member, 40 LCD panel, 41 board, 51 processor, 52 memory, 60_1 to 60_n, 60_j pressing force sensor, 70_1 to 70_n, 70_j pressing force sensor, 80_1 to 80_n, 80_j pressing force sensor, 100, 200, 300 , 400, 400a, 500, 600 control device, 101 coordinate detection unit, 102 pressing force detection unit, 103 calculation method generation unit, 104 calculation method storage unit, 105 pressing force calculation unit, 201, 301 drive pattern storage unit, 202, 302 Drive pattern determination unit, 203,303 Sensor drive unit, 205,305,405a, 505,605 Pressing force calculation unit, 404 Multi-touch determination unit, 406,604 Calculation method storage unit, 407 Priority determination unit, 502 Pressing force Detection unit, 506 displacement amount estimation unit, 603 installation state estimation unit.

Claims (5)

A touch panel with an operation surface on which touch operations are performed,
An elastic member that supports the touch panel and
A plurality of pressing force sensors that output sensor signals according to the pressing force applied to the operation surface, and
A coordinate detection unit that acquires touch coordinates indicating the position of the touch operation, and
When a pressing force is applied to the operation surface, a pressing force detecting unit that acquires a plurality of detected values corresponding to the sensor signal, and a pressing force detecting unit.
A multi-touch determination unit that determines whether the touch operation is a single-touch operation or a multi-touch operation,
Calculation method From the pressing force calculation method when the single touch operation is performed and the pressing force calculation method when the multi-touch operation is performed, which is stored in the storage unit, the pressing force is calculated according to the touch operation. It has a pressing force calculation unit that selects a method and calculates the pressing force using the selected pressing force calculation method and the plurality of detected values.
As a pressing force calculation method when the single touch operation is performed, the pressing force calculation unit uses a pressing force sensor value at a position where the touch panel warps and a pressing force at a position where the touch panel sinks. A touch panel device characterized by using a calculation method based on the sensor value of the sensor. The pressing force calculation unit is a pressing force calculation method when the multi-touch operation is performed, and is obtained from a detection value output from the pressing force detection unit when there is no touch operation or when the previous touch operation is performed. The touch panel device according to claim 1, wherein a calculation method based on the sum of the absolute values of the changes in the detected values of the pressing force sensor is used. When the multi-touch operation is performed, a priority determination unit that determines the priority of the pressing force calculation method stored in the calculation method storage unit according to the distance between the touch coordinates and the pressing force sensor is further added. Have and
The touch panel device according to claim 1, wherein the pressing force calculation unit determines the pressing force calculation method using the priority. A touch panel device having a touch panel having an operation surface on which a touch operation is performed, an elastic member supporting the touch panel, and a plurality of pressing force sensors that output sensor signals according to the pressing force applied to the operation surface. It is a pressing force calculation method to be executed.
The step of acquiring the touch coordinates indicating the position of the touch operation and
A step of acquiring a plurality of detected values corresponding to the sensor signal when the pressing force is applied to the operation surface, and
A step of determining whether the touch operation is a single touch operation or a multi-touch operation, and
Calculation method From the pressing force calculation method when the single touch operation is performed and the pressing force calculation method when the multi-touch operation is performed, which is stored in the storage unit, the pressing force is calculated according to the touch operation. It has a step of selecting a method and calculating the pressing force using the selected pressing force calculation method and the plurality of detected values.
In the step of calculating the pressing force, as a pressing force calculation method when the single touch operation is performed, the sensor value of the pressing force sensor at the position where the touch panel warps and the position where the touch panel sinks. A pressing force calculation method characterized by using a calculation method based on the sensor value of the pressing force sensor. A touch panel device having a touch panel having an operation surface on which a touch operation is performed, an elastic member supporting the touch panel, and a plurality of pressing force sensors that output sensor signals according to the pressing force applied to the operation surface. It is a pressing force calculation program executed by the control device of
In the control device
The step of acquiring the touch coordinates indicating the position of the touch operation and
A step of acquiring a plurality of detected values corresponding to the sensor signal when the pressing force is applied to the operation surface, and
A step of determining whether the touch operation is a single touch operation or a multi-touch operation, and
Calculation method From the pressing force calculation method when the single touch operation is performed and the pressing force calculation method when the multi-touch operation is performed, which is stored in the storage unit, the pressing force is calculated according to the touch operation. A method is selected, and the step of calculating the pressing force using the selected pressing force calculation method and the plurality of detected values is executed.
In the step of calculating the pressing force, as a pressing force calculation method when the single touch operation is performed, the sensor value of the pressing force sensor at the position where the touch panel warps and the position where the touch panel sinks. A pressing force calculation program characterized by using a calculation method based on the sensor value of the pressing force sensor.

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