Detection device and display unit

Abstract

Disclosed is a detection device and a display unit, the detection device including a plurality of first electrodes extending in a first direction, a plurality of second electrodes extending in a second direction intersecting the first direction, and a controller. The controller selects two of the first electrodes and two of the second electrodes positioned outermost in a predetermined detection area as first detection electrodes, selects at least one of the first electrodes and the second electrodes not selected as the first detection electrodes as a first drive electrode, and detects a target in a non-contact state from a signal representing a capacitance collected from the first detection electrodes by applying a voltage to the first drive electrode.

Description

[0001] Cross-references to related applications

[0002] This application claims the benefit of Japanese Patent Application No. 2020-215059, filed on December 24, 2020, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0003] This application generally relates to testing equipment and display units. Background Technology

[0004] In related technologies, interfaces exist that are provided on display panels displaying text, images, etc. However, interfaces that receive user commands via user gestures are also needed. For example, unexamined Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2018-515837 describes a display module including transmission electrodes arranged in the display area of ​​the display and receiver electrodes arranged around the periphery of the display area and surrounding the transmission electrodes. In unexamined Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2018-515837, the capacitance between the transmission electrodes and the receiver electrodes is measured to detect gestures performed by a hand or finger in the detection space.

[0005] In the case of the display module in the unexamined Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2018-515837 (translation of PCT application), the receiver electrodes are arranged around the perimeter of the display area, thereby increasing the width of the frame. Additionally, in large displays, the spacing between the receiver electrodes is wide, making it difficult to detect small gestures.

[0006] In view of the above, this disclosure is made, and the purpose of this disclosure is to provide a detection device and display unit with a narrow frame and high sensitivity for detecting targets in a non-contact state. Summary of the Invention

[0007] To achieve the above objectives, the testing equipment according to the first aspect of this disclosure includes:

[0008] A plurality of first electrodes extending in a first direction;

[0009] A plurality of second electrodes extending in a second direction intersecting the first direction; and

[0010] a controller that selects two of the first electrodes and two of the second electrodes positioned outermost in a predetermined detection area as first detection electrodes, selects at least one of the first electrodes and the second electrodes that are not selected as the first detection electrodes as a first drive electrode, and detects the target in the non-contact state from a signal representing a capacitance collected from the first detection electrodes by applying a voltage to the first drive electrode.

[0011] The display unit according to the second aspect of the present disclosure includes:

[0012] the above-described detection apparatus; and

[0013] a display apparatus.

[0014] It should be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory only and are not restrictive of the present disclosure.

[0015] According to the present disclosure, the frame can be narrowed, and the sensitivity for detecting the target in the non-contact state can be increased. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0016] A more complete understanding of the present application can be obtained by considering the following detailed description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0017] Figure 1 is a diagram illustrating a detection apparatus according to Embodiment 1;

[0018] Figure 2 is a plan view illustrating a sensor according to Embodiment 1;

[0019] Figure 3 is a diagram illustrating a display unit according to Embodiment 1;

[0020] Figure 4 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a controller according to Embodiment 1;

[0021] Figure 5 is a diagram illustrating a first detection area, a first drive electrode, and first detection electrodes according to Embodiment 1;

[0022] Figure 6 is a diagram illustrating a second drive electrode and second detection electrodes according to Embodiment 1;

[0023] Figure 7 is a diagram illustrating a signal representing a capacitance of the first detection electrodes according to Embodiment 1;

[0024] Figure 8 is a diagram illustrating a hardware configuration of the controller according to Embodiment 1;

[0025] Figure 9is a flowchart showing a detection process according to Embodiment 1;

[0026] Figure 10 is a flowchart showing a detection process in a non-contact mode according to Embodiment 1;

[0027] Figure 11 is a schematic view showing voltages applied to the first drive electrode and the second drive electrode according to Embodiment 1;

[0028] Figure 12 is a flowchart showing a detection process in a contact mode according to Embodiment 1;

[0029] Figure 13 is a diagram showing a first detection region, a first drive electrode, and a first detection electrode according to Embodiment 2;

[0030] Figure 14 is a diagram showing a first detection region, a first drive electrode, and a first detection electrode according to Embodiment 2;

[0031] Figure 15 is a flowchart showing a detection process in a non-contact mode according to Embodiment 2;

[0032] Figure 16 is a plan view showing a second detection region according to Embodiment 3;

[0033] Figure 17 is a plan view showing a third detection region to a sixth detection region according to Embodiment 3;

[0034] Figure 18 is a flowchart showing a detection process in a non-contact mode according to Embodiment 3;

[0035] Figure 19 is a plan view showing a seventh detection region and an eighth detection region according to Embodiment 4;

[0036] Figure 20 is a flowchart showing a detection process according to Embodiment 4;

[0037] Figure 21 is a schematic view showing a display unit according to Embodiment 5;

[0038] Figure 22 is a plan view showing a sensor according to Embodiment 5;

[0039] Figure 23 is a plan view showing a floating image and a ninth detection region according to Embodiment 6;

[0040] Figure 24 is a schematic view showing a power line according to Embodiment 6;

[0041] Figure 25 is a graph showing signals representing capacitances of the first and third detection electrodes according to Embodiment 6;

[0042] Figure 26 is a graph showing signals representing capacitances of the first and third detection electrodes according to Embodiment 6; and

[0043] Figure 27 is a flowchart showing a detection process in a non-contact mode according to Embodiment 6. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0044] Hereinafter, a detection device according to various embodiments is described while referring to the accompanying drawings.

[0045] Embodiment 1

[0046] Referring to Figures 1 to 12 A detection device 10 according to the present embodiment is described. The detection device 10 detects a target (e.g., a user's gesture) in a non-contact state. Additionally, the detection device 10 also functions as a touch panel by detecting a position at which a target (e.g., a user's finger) contacts. First, an overall configuration of the detection device 10 is described.

[0047] As Figure 1 shown, the detection device 10 includes a sensor 20 and a controller 50. As Figure 2 shown, the sensor 20 includes a light-transmissive substrate 22, a plurality of first electrodes 24, a plurality of second electrodes 28, and the like. The plurality of first electrodes 24 and the plurality of second electrodes 28 are formed on the light-transmissive substrate 22. The controller 50 controls voltages applied to the first electrodes 24 and the second electrodes 28. Additionally, the controller 50 detects a target based on signals representing capacitances of the first electrodes 24 and the second electrodes 28. In the present embodiment, a description is given for the purpose of facilitating understanding, in which, in Figure 2 the right direction of the detection device 10 (the right direction on the paper) is referred to as a "+X direction", the upward direction (the upward direction on the paper) is referred to as a "+Y direction", and a direction perpendicular to the +X direction and the +Y direction (the front direction on the paper) is referred to as a "+Z direction"

[0048] As Figure 3As shown, the detection device 10 and the display device 100 constitute a display unit 200. The display unit 200 is installed in a smartphone, a laptop computer, an information display, or the like. The display device 100 includes a display panel 110 and a display controller 120. The display panel 110 displays two-dimensional text, images, or the like. The display panel 110 is implemented as a liquid crystal display panel, an organic electro-luminescence (EL) display panel, or the like. The display controller 120 controls the display of the display panel 110. The display controller 120 of the detection device 10 and the controller 50 are connected to each other.

[0049] The sensor 20 of the detection device 10 is provided on the display surface side of the display panel 110 via an adhesive layer not shown. In this case, the first electrodes 24 and the second electrodes 28 of the sensor 20 are positioned on the display area of the display panel 110. Additionally, a protective cover 202 made of resin is provided on the sensor 20 via an adhesive layer not shown. The detection device 10 detects a target in a non-contact state positioned in the detection space of the sensor 20. Also, the detection device 10 detects the position at which the target contacts the sensor 20 (the protective cover 202). As a result, the detection device 10 functions as an interface that receives a user command in order to perform the display of the display device 100. Note that, in one example, the thickness L of the detection space is 150 mm.

[0050] Next, the specific configuration of the detection device 10 is described.

[0051] As shown, the sensor 20 of the detection device 10 includes a light-transmissive substrate 22, a plurality of first electrodes 24, an insulating layer 26, and a plurality of second electrodes 28. Figure 2 In one example, the light-transmissive substrate 22 of the sensor 20 is implemented as a glass substrate. The light-transmissive substrate 22 includes a first main surface 22a.

[0052] Each of the first electrodes 24 of the sensor 20 is provided on the first main surface 22a of the light-transmissive substrate 22. The first electrodes 24 extend in a first direction (the X direction in the present embodiment). The first electrodes 24 are arranged at equal intervals in the Y direction. The first electrodes 24 have a pattern in which the corners of a plurality of rectangles are connected in a line (so-called "diamond pattern"). Each of the first electrodes 24 is electrically connected to the controller 50 via a wiring not shown.

[0053] The insulating layer 26 of the sensor 20 is provided on the first electrodes 24 and insulates the first electrodes 24 and the second electrodes 28 from each other. In one example, the insulating layer 26 is implemented as a silicon oxide thin film.

[0054]

[0055] ​Each of the second electrodes 28 of the sensor 20 is provided on the insulating layer 26. The second electrodes 28 extend in a second direction (Y direction in this embodiment) that intersects the first direction. Like the first electrodes 24, the second electrodes 28 have a pattern in which a plurality of rectangular corners are connected in a line. Each of the second electrodes 28 is electrically connected to the controller 50 via a wiring not shown.

[0056] In one example, the first electrodes 24 and the second electrodes 28 are formed of indium tin oxide (ITO). When the sensor 20 is viewed from above, the first electrodes 24 and the second electrodes 28 intersect at the connections at which the corners of the rectangles are connected. The first electrodes 24 and the second electrodes 28 form a capacitance with an object (e.g., a user's finger, hand, pen, or the like). Note that the first electrodes 24 and the second electrodes 28 can be implemented as metal mesh electrodes.

[0057] The controller 50 of the detection device 10 detects an object in a non-contact state positioned in the detection space on the sensor 20 in accordance with a signal representing the capacitances of the first electrodes 24 and the second electrodes 28. Additionally, the detection device 10 detects a position contacted by the object in accordance with a signal representing the capacitances of the first electrodes 24 and the second electrodes 28. In this embodiment, the two detection modes (i.e., detecting an object in a non-contact state (hereinafter referred to as "non-contact mode") and detecting a position contacted by the object (hereinafter referred to as "contact mode")) are switched between in a time-division manner.

[0058] First, the functional configuration of the controller 50 will be described. As shown in FIG. 1, the controller 50 includes an input / output device 51, a setter 52, a selector 54, and a switcher 56. In addition, the controller 50 includes a non-contact driver 62, a non-contact receiver 64, a non-contact detector 66, a contact driver 72, a contact receiver 74, a contact detector 76, and a storage 78. Figure 4

[0059] The input / output device 51 of the controller 50 inputs and outputs a signal to and from the setter 52 and the display controller 120 of the display device 100, inputs and outputs a signal to and from the non-contact detector 66, and inputs and outputs a signal to and from a controller of an electronic device on which the detection device 10 is mounted, and the like.

[0060] The setter 52 of the controller 50 sequentially switches between the non-contact mode and the contact mode in a time-division manner, and sets the detection mode to the non-contact mode or the contact mode. Additionally, when the non-contact mode is set to the detection mode, as shown in FIG. 2, the setter 52 sets the non-contact driver 62 to be in an active state and sets the contact driver 72 to be in an inactive state. Figure 5 ​As shown, the setter 52 sets a predetermined first detection area S1 of a target in the non-contact state to the sensor 20. The first detection area S1 can be optionally set according to an image to be displayed on the display panel 110 of the display device 100. For example, the setter 52 receives data representing an image to be displayed on the display panel 110 from the display controller 120 of the display device 100 via the input / output device 51, and sets the first detection area S1 based on the data representing the image. In the non-contact mode, a target in the non-contact state located in a detection space on the first detection area S1 is detected. Note that, for ease of understanding, the light-transmissive substrate 22, the insulating layer 26, and the like are omitted from Figure 5 Additionally, hereinafter, the first electrodes 24 are sequentially labeled with reference numerals x0 to x4 from the +Y side, and the second electrodes 28 are labeled with reference numerals y0 to y6 from the -X side.

[0061] Returning to Figure 4 , the selector 54 of the controller 50 selects the first drive electrodes 32 and the first detection electrodes 34, and the second drive electrodes 42 and the second detection electrodes 44 from among the first electrodes 24 and the second electrodes 28 based on the detection mode and the first detection area S1 set by the setter 52. The first drive electrodes 32 and the first detection electrodes 34 are used for the non-contact mode. The second drive electrodes 42 and the second detection electrodes 44 are used for the contact mode. Voltages are applied to the first drive electrodes 32 and the second drive electrodes 42 from the controller 50, and signals representing the capacitances of the first detection electrodes 34 and the second detection electrodes 44 are received by the controller 50.

[0062] As shown in Figure 5 , when the non-contact mode is set by the setter 52, the selector 54 selects two first electrodes 24(x1), 24(x3) and two second electrodes 28(y1), 28(y5) positioned on the outermost side of the set first detection area S1 as the first detection electrodes 34. Additionally, the selector 54 selects the first drive electrodes 32 from among the first electrodes 24 and the second electrodes 28 that are not selected as the first detection electrodes 34. In the present embodiment, the selector 54 selects all of the remaining first electrodes 24 and the second electrodes 28 as the first drive electrodes 32. Note that the selector 54 can select only the first electrodes 24 and the second electrodes 28 surrounding the first detection electrodes 34 as the first drive electrodes 32. Also, the selector 54 can select the first electrodes 24 or the second electrodes 28 located closer to the outer peripheral side of the sensor 20 than the first detection electrodes 34 as the first drive electrodes 32. A ground potential can be supplied to the first electrodes 24 and the second electrodes 28 that are not selected as the first detection electrodes 34 or the first drive electrodes 32. Additionally, the first electrodes 24 and the second electrodes 28 that are not selected as the first detection electrodes 34 or the first drive electrodes 32 can be set to be floating.

[0063] As Figure 6 shown, when the contact mode is set by the setter 52, the selector 54 selects all the first electrodes 24 as the second drive electrodes 42, and selects all the second electrodes 28 as the second detection electrodes 44.

[0064] Returning to Figure 4 , the switcher 56 of the controller 50 switches the connections between the first electrodes 24 and the second electrodes 28 and the non-contact driver 62, the non-contact receiver 64, the contact driver 72, and the contact receiver 74 based on the selection of the selector 54.

[0065] In the non-contact mode, the switcher 56 connects the first electrodes 24 (xl), 24(x3) and the second electrodes 28 (yl), 28(y5) selected as the first detection electrodes 34 to the non-contact receiver 64, and connects the remaining first electrodes 24 and the second electrodes 28 not selected as the first detection electrodes 34 to the non-contact driver 62. In the contact mode, the switcher 56 connects the second electrodes 28 selected as the second detection electrodes 44 to the contact receiver 74, and connects the first electrodes 24 selected as the second drive electrodes 42 to the contact driver 72.

[0066] The non-contact driver 62, the non-contact receiver 64, and the non-contact detector 66 of the controller 50 operate in the non-contact mode. The non-contact driver 62 applies a voltage to the first drive electrodes 32 connected by the switcher 56. The non-contact receiver 64 receives a signal representing the capacitance of the first detection electrodes 34 with respect to the voltage applied to the first drive electrodes 32. The non-contact detector 66 detects a target in a non-contact state from the signal representing the capacitance received by the non-contact receiver 64.

[0067] The non-contact detector 66 detects a movement (e.g., a user's gesture) of a target in a non-contact state from a change in signal strength of the signal representing the capacitance over time. For example, when a user's hand passes through a detection space on the first detection region S1 from the -X direction to the +X direction, the non-contact receiver 64 receives a signal representing the capacitance from the first detection electrodes 34 (specifically, the first electrodes 24 (xl), 24(x3) and the second electrodes 28 (yl), 28(y5)), such as Figure 7That is, in a period in which the user's hand is passing through the first detection region S1, the non-contact receiver 64 receives signals having high intensity from the first electrodes 24 (x1) and 24 (x3) extending in the X direction. Additionally, in a short period in which the user's hand passes through the second electrodes 28 (y1) or 28 (y5), the non-contact receiver 64 receives signals having high intensity from the second electrodes 28 (y1) and 28 (y5) extending in the Y direction in the order of the second electrodes 28 (y1) and 28 (y5). The non-contact detector 66 determines that the user has performed a flick gesture from the -X direction to the +X direction based on the change in signal intensity over time, and detects the flick gesture from the -X direction to the +X direction of the user. The non-contact detector 66 outputs a signal representing the detected movement of the target in the non-contact state to a controller of an electronic device, device, or the like on which the detection device 10 is installed. In one example, the signal representing the movement of the target in the non-contact state represents a key event, a message, or the like set by the user for the flick gesture in the +X direction. The signal representing the detected movement of the target in the non-contact state can be output once or multiple times for one detection. Note that the detected gesture can be a flick gesture from the -Y direction to the +Y direction, a circle gesture in which the target in the non-contact state moves in a circle, or the like.

[0068] Returning to Figure 4 , the contact driver 72, the contact receiver 74, and the contact detector 76 of the controller 50 operate in the contact mode. The contact driver 72 applies a voltage to the second drive electrode 42 (the first electrode 24) connected by the switch 56. The contact receiver 74 receives a signal representing a capacitance with respect to the voltage applied to the second drive electrode 42 from the second detection electrode 44 (the second electrode 28). The contact detector 76 detects a position at which the target is in contact according to the signal representing the capacitance received by the contact receiver 74. In one example, the contact detector 76 detects a position at which the target is in contact according to a change in the capacitance (mutual capacitance detection method in a projected capacitance touch panel). The contact detector 76 outputs a signal representing the position at which the target is in contact to a controller of an electronic device, device, or the like on which the detection device 10 is installed.

[0069] The memory 78 of the controller 50 stores programs, data, a signal representing a capacitance received by the non-contact receiver 64, a signal representing a capacitance received by the contact receiver 74, and the like.

[0070] Figure 8The hardware configuration of the controller 50 is shown. The controller 50 includes a central processing unit (CPU) 92, a read only memory (ROM) 93, a random access memory (RAM) 94, an input / output interface 96, and a specific function circuit 98. The CPU 92 executes a program stored in the ROM 93. The ROM 93 stores programs, data, signals, and the like. The RAM 94 stores data. The input / output interface 96 inputs and outputs signals between various components. The specific function circuit 98 includes a drive circuit, a reception circuit, a switching circuit, a calculation circuit, and the like. The functions of the controller 50 are realized by the functions of the CPU 92 executing the program and the specific function circuit 98.

[0071] Next, the detection processing (operation) of the detection device 10 is described while referring to Figures 9 to 12 Here, a description is given of a case in which the display unit 200 including the detection device 10 and the display device 100 is mounted on an electronic device. As shown in Figure 9 In the detection processing of the detection device 10, the detection processing in the non-contact mode is executed (step S100), and then, the detection processing in the contact mode is executed (step S200). When the detection processing in the contact mode is executed (step S200), if an end command is not input into the controller 50 (step S300, No), the detection processing of the detection device 10 returns to the detection processing in the non-contact mode (step S100). When the end command is input into the controller 50 (step S300, Yes), the detection processing of the detection device 10 ends.

[0072] Next, the detection processing in the non-contact mode (step S100) is described while referring to Figure 10 First, the setter 52 of the controller 50 sets the detection mode to the non-contact mode, and further sets the first detection area SI (step S102). In one example, the first detection area SI is set in accordance with data indicating an image to be displayed on the display panel 110. Here, the data is input via the input / output device 51.

[0073] Next, the selector 54 of the controller 50 selects the first drive electrodes 32 and the first detection electrodes 34 from the first electrodes 24 and the second electrodes 28 and based on the set first detection area SI (step S104). Specifically, the selector 54 selects two first electrodes 24 (xl, x3) and two second electrodes 28 (yl, y5) positioned on the outermost side of the set first detection area SI as the first detection electrodes 34. Additionally, the selector 54 selects the remaining first electrodes 24 (xO, x2, x4) and the second electrodes 28 (yO, y2 to y4, y6) as the first drive electrodes 32.

[0074] Next, the switch 56 of the controller 50 connects the selected first drive electrode 32 to the non-contact driver 62 of the controller 50 and connects the selected first detection electrode 34 to the non-contact receiver 64 of the controller 50 (step S106). Then, the non-contact driver 62 applies a voltage to the first drive electrode 32 (step S108), and the non-contact receiver 64 receives a signal indicative of the capacitance of the first detection electrode 34 (step S110). Specifically, as shown in Figure 11 the non-contact driver 62 applies a voltage of a predetermined pulse width to the first electrodes 24 (x0, x2, x4) and the second electrodes 28 (y0, y2 to y4, y6). In one example, the non-contact receiver 64 receives a signal indicative of the capacitance, such as Figure 7 shown. The signal indicative of the capacitance received by the non-contact receiver 64 is stored in the storage 78.

[0075] Returning to Figure 10 , the non-contact detector 66 of the controller 50 determines the movement of the target in the non-contact state (the user’s gesture) from the change in the signal strength of the signal indicative of the capacitance received by the non-contact receiver 64 over time (step S112). This determination is made based on the change in the signal strength of the signal stored in the storage 78 over time, based on a certain algorithm, deep learning, or the like. Additionally, it is preferable that this determination be made from the change in the signal strength of the signal indicative of the capacitance of at least three of the first detection electrodes 34 over time. As a result, detection outside the first detection region S1 can be prevented. When it is determined that the change in the signal strength indicates the movement of the target in the non-contact state, and the movement of the target in the non-contact state is detected (step S112, Yes), the non-contact detector 66 outputs a signal indicative of the detected movement of the target in the non-contact state to the controller of the electronic device on which the display unit 200 (the detection apparatus 10) is installed and via the input / output apparatus 51 (step S114). When the non-contact detector 66 outputs the signal indicative of the movement of the target in the non-contact state, the detection processing in the non-contact mode (step S100) ends. Note that such a configuration is possible in which the non-contact detector 66 first determines the movement of the target in the non-contact state from the change in the signal strength of the signal indicative of the capacitance of one or two of the first detection electrodes 34 over time, and then re-determines the movement of the target in the non-contact state from the change in the signal strength of the signal indicative of the capacitance of at least three of the first detection electrodes 34 over time.

[0076] When it is not determined that the change in the signal strength indicates the movement of the target in the non-contact state, and the movement of the target in the non-contact state is not detected (step S112, No), the detection processing in the non-contact mode (step S100) ends.

[0077] Next, the detection processing in the contact mode (step S200) is described with reference to Figure 12 to FIG. 6. First, the setter 52 of the controller 50 sets the detection mode to the contact mode (step S202). Next, the selector 54 of the controller 50 selects the second drive electrodes 42 and the second detection electrodes 44 from among the first electrodes 24 and the second electrodes 28 (step S204). Specifically, the selector 54 selects all the first electrodes 24 as the second drive electrodes 42, and selects all the second electrodes 28 as the second detection electrodes 44.

[0078] The switcher 56 of the controller 50 connects the selected second drive electrodes 42 to the contact driver 72 of the controller 50, and connects the selected second detection electrodes 44 to the contact receiver 74 of the controller 50 (step S206). Then, the contact driver 72 applies a voltage to the second drive electrodes 42 (step S208), and the contact receiver 74 receives a signal representing the capacitance of the second detection electrodes 44 (step S210). As shown in FIG. 7, the contact driver 72 repeatedly applies a voltage of a predetermined pulse width to the first electrodes 24(x0) to 24(x4) in order. Note that the contact driver 72 can apply a voltage of a predetermined pulse width to each of the first electrodes 24(x0) to 24(x4) one at a time. Figure 11

[0079] The contact detector 76 of the controller 50 detects the position touched by the target from the signal representing the capacitance received by the second detection electrodes 44 by mutual capacitance detection (step S212). When the contact detector 76 detects the position touched by the target (step S212, Yes), the contact detector 76 outputs a signal representing the position touched by the target to the controller of the electronic device on which the display unit 200 (the detection apparatus 10) is installed and via the input / output apparatus 51 (step S214). When the contact detector 76 outputs the signal representing the position touched by the target, the detection processing in the contact mode (step S200) ends.

[0080] When the contact detector 76 does not detect the position touched by the target (step S212, No), the detection processing in the contact mode (step S200) ends.

[0081] ​As described above, the movement of the target in the non-contact state can be detected by the first electrode 24 and the second electrode 28 of the sensor 20 positioned on the display region of the display panel 110. Thereby, the frame of the detection device 10 can be narrowed. In addition, the first detection region S1 in which the movement of the target in the non-contact state is detected can be optionally provided, and thereby, the movement of the target in the non-contact state can be detected with high sensitivity regardless of the size of the display panel 110. Also, the detection device 10 can function as a touch panel as well.

[0082] Embodiment 2

[0083] In the detection in the non-contact mode of Embodiment 1, the detection device 10 applies a voltage to the first drive electrode 32 at once, and receives a signal from each of the four first detection electrodes 34 at once. Such a configuration is possible in which, in the detection in the non-contact mode, the detection device 10 can drive the first drive electrode 32 and the first detection electrodes 34 in a time-division manner.

[0084] In the present embodiment, the configuration of the controller 50 in the non-contact mode and the detection processing in the non-contact mode are different from those of Embodiment 1. The other configurations and processing of the detection device 10 are the same as those of the detection device 10 of Embodiment 1.

[0085] In the non-contact mode, the controller 50 of the present embodiment drives the first drive electrode 32 and the first detection electrodes 34 in a time-division manner. Specifically, the controller 50 of the present embodiment receives a signal indicating a capacitance from two of the first detection electrodes 34, then receives a signal indicating a capacitance from the other two of the first detection electrodes 34, and detects a target in a non-contact state from the signals indicating the capacitances of the four first detection electrodes 34.

[0086] Like the controller 50 of Embodiment 1, the controller 50 of the present embodiment includes the input / output device 51, the setter 52, the selector 54, the switcher 56, the non-contact driver 62, the non-contact receiver 64, the non-contact detector 66, the contact driver 72, the contact receiver 74, the contact detector 76, and the storage 78. The configurations of the input / output device 51, the contact driver 72, the contact receiver 74, the contact detector 76, and the storage 78 are the same as those in Embodiment 1.

[0087] Like the setter 52 of Embodiment 1, the setter 52 of the present embodiment sets the detection mode to the non-contact mode. When the non-contact mode is set as the detection mode, the setter 52 of the present embodiment sets a predetermined first detection region S1 in which a target in the non-contact mode is detected to the sensor 20.

[0088] As in Embodiment 1, the selector 54 of the present embodiment selects the first drive electrodes 32 and the first detection electrodes 34, and the second drive electrodes 42 and the second detection electrodes 44 from among the first electrodes 24 and the second electrodes 28 and based on the detection mode and the first detection area S1 set by the setter 52. When the contact mode is set by the setter 52, the selector 54 of the present embodiment selects all of the first electrodes 24 as the second drive electrodes 42 and selects all of the second electrodes 28 as the second detection electrodes 44, as in Embodiment 1.

[0089] As shown in FIG. 6, when the non-contact mode is set by the setter 52, the selector 54 of the present embodiment selects two of the first electrodes 24 (x1), 24(x3) positioned on the outermost side of the first detection area S1 as the first detection electrodes 34. Additionally, the selector 54 of the present embodiment selects the second electrodes 28 (y2 to y4) intersecting the first electrodes 24 (x1), 24(x3) selected as the first detection electrodes 34 as the first drive electrodes 32. Figure 13

[0090] Additionally, after the non-contact receiver 64 receives a signal representing the capacitances of the first electrodes 24 (x1), 24(x3) selected as the first detection electrodes 34, as shown in FIG. 7, the selector 54 of the present embodiment selects two of the second electrodes 28 (y1), 28(y5) positioned on the outermost side of the first detection area S1 as the first detection electrodes 34. The selector 54 of the present embodiment selects the first electrodes 24 (x1 to x3) intersecting the second electrodes 28 (y1), 28(y5) selected as the first detection electrodes 34 in the first detection area S1 as the first drive electrodes 32. Figure 14

[0091] According to the selection of the selector 54, the switch 56 of the present embodiment connects the first electrodes 24 (x1), 24(x3) selected as the first detection electrodes 34 to the non-contact receiver 64 and connects the second electrodes 28 (y2 to y4) selected as the first drive electrodes 32 to the non-contact driver 62. Additionally, according to the selection of the selector 54, the switch 56 of the present embodiment connects the second electrodes 28 (y1), 28(y5) selected as the first detection electrodes 34 to the non-contact receiver 64 and connects the first electrodes 24 (x1 to x3) selected as the first drive electrodes 32 to the non-contact driver 62.

[0092] ​​As with the non-contact driver 62 of Embodiment 1, the non-contact driver 62 of this embodiment applies a voltage to the first drive electrode 32 connected through the switch 56. Additionally, as with the non-contact receiver 64 of Embodiment 1, the non-contact receiver 64 of this embodiment receives a signal indicative of the capacitance of the first detection electrode 34 with respect to the voltage applied to the first drive electrode 32.

[0093] In this embodiment, the non-contact driver 62 applies a voltage to the second electrode 28 (y2 to y4) selected as the first drive electrode 32, and the non-contact receiver 64 receives a signal indicative of the capacitance from the first electrode 24 (xl, x3) selected as the first detection electrode 34. Additionally, the non-contact driver 62 applies a voltage to the first electrode 24 (xl to x3) selected as the first drive electrode 32, and the non-contact receiver 64 receives a signal indicative of the capacitance from the second electrode 28 (yl, y5) selected as the first detection electrode 34.

[0094] The non-contact detector 66 of this embodiment detects the movement of the target in the non-contact state from the change in the signal strength of the signal indicative of the capacitance of the first detection electrode 34 (the first electrode 24 (xl), 24 (x3)) first received by the non-contact receiver 64 and the change in the signal strength of the signal indicative of the capacitance of the first detection electrode 34 (the second electrode 28 (yl), 28 (y5)) second received by the non-contact receiver 64 over time. The non-contact detector 66 of this embodiment outputs a signal indicative of the detected movement of the target in the non-contact state to the controller of the electronic device, device, or the like on which the detection apparatus 10 is installed.

[0095] In this embodiment, the movement of the target in the non-contact state is detected from the signals indicative of the capacitance of the first detection electrode 34 selected and driven sequentially. Thereby, it is possible to prevent the detection of the target in the non-contact state outside the first detection region S1. Note that the determination of the movement of the target in the non-contact state is the same as in Embodiment 1.

[0096] Next, in reference to Figure 15The determination processing in the non-contact mode of the present embodiment (step S100) will be described at the same time. Here, a description is given of a case in which the display unit 200 including the detection device 10 and the display device 100 is mounted on an electronic device. First, the setter 52 sets the detection mode to the non-contact mode, and further sets the first detection area S1 (step S122). Next, based on the set first detection area S1, the selector 54 selects the first detection electrodes 34 from among the first electrodes 24, and selects the first drive electrodes 32 from among the second electrodes 28 (step S124). Specifically, the selector 54 selects two first electrodes 24 (xl, x3) positioned on the outermost side of the set first detection area S1 from among the first electrodes 24 as the first detection electrodes 34. Additionally, the selector 54 selects the second electrodes 28 (y2 to y4) intersecting the first electrodes 24 (xl, x3) selected as the first detection electrodes 34 in the first detection area S1 from among the second electrodes 28 as the first drive electrodes 32.

[0097] Next, the switcher 56 connects the selected first drive electrodes 32 to the non-contact driver 62, and connects the selected first detection electrodes 34 to the non-contact receiver 64 (step S126). Then, the non-contact driver 62 applies a voltage to the first drive electrodes 32 (step S128), and the non-contact receiver 64 receives a signal representing the capacitance of the first detection electrodes 34 (step S130).

[0098] In the present embodiment, when a signal representing the capacitance is received from the first electrodes 24 after the signal representing the capacitance of the first detection electrodes 34 is received (step S132, Yes), the selector 54 selects the first detection electrodes 34 from among the second electrodes 28 and selects the first drive electrodes 32 from among the first electrodes 24 (step S134), and returns to step S126. The selector 54 selects two second electrodes 28 (yl, y5) positioned on the outermost side of the first detection area S1 from among the second electrodes 28 as the first detection electrodes 34. Additionally, the selector 54 selects the first electrodes 24 (xl to x3) intersecting the second electrodes 28 (yl, y5) selected as the first detection electrodes 34 in the first detection area S1 from among the first electrodes 24 as the first drive electrodes 32.

[0099] When the signal indicating the capacitance of the second electrode 28 is received after the signal indicating the capacitance of the first detection electrode 34 is received (Step S132, No), the non-contact detector 66 determines the movement of the target in the non-contact state from the change in the signal strength of the signals indicating the capacitances of the first electrodes 24(x1), 24(x3) and the second electrodes 28(y1), 28(y5) with time (Step S136). This determination is the same as in Step S112 of Embodiment 1. When it is determined that the change in the signal strength with time indicates the movement of the target in the non-contact state, and the movement of the target in the non-contact state is detected (Step S136, Yes), the non-contact detector 66 outputs a signal indicating the detected movement of the target in the non-contact state to the controller of the electronic device on which the display unit 200 (the detection apparatus 10) is installed and via the input / output device 51 (Step S138). When the non-contact detector 66 outputs the signal indicating the movement of the target in the non-contact state, the detection processing in the non-contact mode (Step S100) of the present embodiment ends.

[0100] When it is not determined that the change in the signal strength with time indicates the movement of the target in the non-contact state, and the movement of the target in the non-contact state is not detected (Step S136, No), the detection processing in the non-contact mode (Step S100) of the present embodiment ends.

[0101] As described above, in the present embodiment, the movement of the target in the non-contact state is detected from the signals indicating the capacitances of the four first detection electrodes 34 driven two at a time sequentially. Thereby, it is possible to prevent the detection of the target in the non-contact state outside the first detection region S1. Additionally, as in Embodiment 1, in the present embodiment, the frame of the detection apparatus 10 can also be narrowed, and the movement of the target in the non-contact state can be detected with high sensitivity.

[0102] Embodiment 3

[0103] The detection apparatus 10 of Embodiments 1 and 2 detects the target in the non-contact state in the first detection region S1. It is possible in a configuration in which the detection apparatus 10 sequentially changes the detection region and detects the target in the non-contact state in each detection region.

[0104] In the present embodiment, the configuration of the controller 50 in the non-contact mode and the detection processing in the non-contact mode are different from those of Embodiment 1. The controller 50 of the present embodiment sequentially changes the predetermined detection region in which the target in the non-contact state is detected, and detects the target in the non-contact state in each region. The other configurations and processing of the detection apparatus 10 are the same as those of the detection apparatus 10 of Embodiment 1.

[0105] As with the controller 50 of Embodiment 1, the controller 50 of the present embodiment includes the input / output device 51 to the storage device 78. The configuration of the input / output device 51, the contact driver 72, the contact receiver 74, the contact detector 76, and the storage device 78 is the same as in Embodiment 1.

[0106] As with the setter 52 of Embodiment 1, the setter 52 of the present embodiment sets the detection mode to the non-contact mode. When the non-contact mode is set as the detection mode, the setter 52 of the present embodiment sets predetermined second to sixth detection areas S2 to S6 in which the target in the non-contact state is detected. In the present embodiment, as shown in Figure 16 , the second detection area S2 is the largest area in which the target in the non-contact state can be detected by the detection apparatus 10. Additionally, as shown in Figure 17 , each of the third to sixth detection areas S3 to S6 is an area obtained by quadrant-dividing the second detection area S2. When the target in the non-contact state is detected in the second detection area S2, the setter 52 of the present embodiment sequentially changes the detection area in which the target in the non-contact state is detected to the third to sixth detection areas S3 to S6.

[0107] As with the selector 54 of Embodiment 1, the selector 54 of the present embodiment selects two of the first electrodes 24 and two of the second electrodes 28 positioned on the outermost side of each of the set second to sixth detection areas S2 to S6 as the first detection electrodes 34. Additionally, the selector 54 of the present embodiment selects the first drive electrode 32 from among the first electrodes 24 and the second electrodes 28 that are not selected as the first detection electrodes 34. For example, when the setter 52 sets the second detection area S2, as shown in Figure 16 , the selector 54 of the present embodiment selects two first electrodes 24(x0), 24(x4) and two second electrodes 28(y0), 28(y6) as the first detection electrodes 34, and selects the first electrodes 24(x1 to x3) and the second electrodes 28(y1 to y5) as the first drive electrode 32.

[0108] As with the switcher 56 of Embodiment 1, the switcher 56 of the present embodiment connects the first electrodes 24 and the second electrodes 28 selected as the first drive electrodes 32 to the non-contact driver 62. Additionally, the switcher 56 of the present embodiment connects the first electrodes 24 and the second electrodes 28 selected as the first detection electrodes 34 to the non-contact receiver 64.

[0109] As with the non-contact driver 62 of Embodiment 1, the non-contact driver 62 of the present embodiment applies a voltage to the first drive electrode 32 connected through the switch 56. Additionally, as with the non-contact receiver 64 of Embodiment 1, the non-contact receiver 64 of the present embodiment receives a signal indicative of the capacitance of the first detection electrode 34 with respect to the voltage applied to the first drive electrode 32.

[0110] The non-contact detector 66 of the present embodiment detects a target in a non-contact state in accordance with a change in signal strength of the signal indicative of the capacitance of the first detection electrode 34 with respect to the voltage applied to the first drive electrode 32 over time, which is received by the non-contact receiver 64. In the present embodiment, when the detection region of a target in a non-contact state is the second detection region S2, the non-contact detector 66 of the present embodiment detects the presence / absence of a target in a non-contact state. Additionally, when the detection region of a target in a non-contact state is the third to sixth detection regions S3 to S6, the non-contact detector 66 of the present embodiment detects the movement of a target in a non-contact state.

[0111] Next, the determination processing in the non-contact mode (step S100) of the present embodiment is described while referring to Figure 18 Here, a description is given of a case in which the display unit 200 including the detection device 10 and the display device 100 is mounted on an electronic device. First, the controller 50 detects the presence / absence of a target in a non-contact state in the second detection region S2 (step S140).

[0112] In step S140, the setter 52 sets the detection mode to the non-contact mode, and further sets the second detection region S2. Additionally, the setter 52 sets the number of detections to 1 (step S142). In the present embodiment, the setter 52 counts the number of detections in the second detection region S2, and when the number of detections is a predetermined number N (where N is a non-negative number greater than 1) or more (step S144, No), ends the detection processing in the non-contact mode (step S100).

[0113] When the number of detections is less than the predetermined count N (step S144, Yes), the presence / absence of the target in the non-contact state is detected (step S146). Specifically, the selector 54 selects the first detection electrodes 34 (the first electrodes 24 (x0, x4) and the second electrodes 28 (y0, y6)) and the first drive electrodes 32 (the first electrodes 24 (xl to x3) and the second electrodes 28 (yl to y5)). The switcher 56 connects the first drive electrodes 32 to the non-contact driver 62 and connects the first detection electrodes 34 to the non-contact receiver 64. The non-contact driver 62 applies a voltage to the first drive electrodes 32, and the non-contact receiver 64 receives a signal representing the capacitance of the first detection electrodes 34. The non-contact detector 66 determines and detects the presence / absence of the target in the non-contact state from a change in signal strength of the signal representing the capacitance received from the non-contact receiver 64 over time. When there is no target in the non-contact state (step S148, No), the controller 50 returns to the determination of the number of detections (step S144).

[0114] When there is a target in the non-contact state (step S148, Yes), the controller 50 sequentially detects the movement of the target in the non-contact state in the third to sixth detection regions S3 to S6, and when the movement of the target in the non-contact state is detected, outputs a signal representing the detected movement of the target in the non-contact state to the controller of the electronic device on which the display unit 200 (the detection apparatus 10) is installed (steps S152 to S159). The detection of the target in the non-contact state in each of the third to sixth detection regions S3 to S6 and the output of the signal are the same as the detection of the target in the non-contact state (steps S102 to S112) and the output of the signal (step S114) of Embodiment 1. When the determination of the movement of the target in the non-contact state in the sixth detection region (step S158, No) or the output of the signal representing the movement of the target (step S159) ends, the detection processing in the non-contact mode (step S100) of the present embodiment ends.

[0115] As described above, in the present embodiment, the target in the non-contact state is detected in the second detection region S2 that is the largest region that can be detected, and then the target in the non-contact state is detected in each of the third to sixth detection regions S3 to S6 obtained by dividing the second detection region S2. Thereby, the movement of the target in the non-contact state can be detected with much higher sensitivity. Additionally, the target in the non-contact state is sequentially detected in each of the third to sixth detection regions S3 to S6. Thereby, multiple targets in the non-contact state (for example, gestures of multiple users) can be detected. Additionally, as in Embodiment 1, in the present embodiment, the frame of the detection apparatus 10 can also be narrowed.

[0116] Example 4

[0117] In Example 3, the detection device 10 sequentially changes the detection region and detects the target in the non-contact state in each detection region. Such a configuration is possible in which the detection device 10 can change the detection region based on the detected movement of the target in the non-contact state, and detect the target in the non-contact state in the changed detection region.

[0118] In the present embodiment, the configuration of the controller 50 and the detection processing in the non-contact mode are different from those of Example 1. After detecting the movement of the target in the non-contact state in the predetermined detection region, the controller 50 of the present embodiment changes the predetermined detection region based on the detected movement of the target in the non-contact state, and detects the target in the non-contact state in the changed predetermined detection region. The other configurations of the detection device 10 are the same as those of the detection device 10 of Example 1.

[0119] As with the controller 50 of Example 1, the controller 50 of the present embodiment includes the input / output device 51 to the storage 78. The configurations of the input / output device 51, the contact driver 72, the contact receiver 74, the contact detector 76, and the storage 78 are the same as those in Example 1.

[0120] As with the setter 52 of Example 1, the setter 52 of the present embodiment sequentially switches between the non-contact mode and the contact mode in a time-division manner, and sets the detection mode to the non-contact mode or the contact mode. When the non-contact mode is set as the detection mode, the setter 52 of the present embodiment sets a predetermined seventh detection region S7 in which the target in the non-contact state is detected. Additionally, the setter 52 of the present embodiment sets a predetermined eighth detection region S8 based on the movement of the target in the non-contact state detected in the seventh detection region S7. For example, when the non-contact detector 66 detects a flick gesture of the user from the -X direction to the +X direction in the seventh detection region S7, as shown in FIG. 8, the setter 52 of the present embodiment sets the eighth detection region S8 positioned closer to the +X direction side than the seventh detection region S7. Figure 19

[0121] The configurations of the selector 54, the switcher 56, the non-contact driver 62, and the non-contact receiver 64 of the present embodiment are the same as those in Example 1. As in Example 1, the non-contact detector 66 of the present embodiment detects the movement of the target in the non-contact state from the change in the signal strength of the signal representing the capacitance over time received by the non-contact receiver 64. Additionally, the non-contact detector 66 of the present embodiment outputs a signal representing the detected movement of the target in the non-contact state to the setter 52 and the controller of the electronic device, device, or the like on which the detection device 10 is installed. ​

[0122] Next, the detection processing of this embodiment is described while referring to Figure 20 The description is given of a case in which the display unit 200 in which the detection device 10 and the display device 100 are installed is mounted on an electronic apparatus.

[0123] In the detection processing of this embodiment, first, detection of a target in a non-contact state in the seventh detection area S7 is performed (step S162), and then detection processing in a contact mode is performed (step S200). The detection of a target in a non-contact state in the seventh detection area S7 is the same as the detection of a target in a non-contact state of Embodiment 1 (steps S102 to S112).

[0124] When no movement of a target in a non-contact state is detected in the detection of a target in a non-contact state in the seventh detection area S7 (step S162, No), and no end command is input to the controller 50 after the detection processing in a contact mode (step S200) (step S300, No), the detection processing returns to the detection of a target in a non-contact state in the seventh detection area S7 (step S162). When no movement of a target in a non-contact state is detected in the detection of a target in a non-contact state in the seventh detection area S7 (step S162, No), and an end command is input to the controller 50 after the detection processing in a contact mode (step S200) (step S300, Yes), the detection processing ends.

[0125] When movement of a target in a non-contact state is detected in the detection of a target in a non-contact state in the seventh detection area S7 (step S162, Yes), after the detection processing in a contact mode (step S200), a target in a non-contact state is detected in the eighth detection area S8 (step S164). In this case, the setter 52 sets the eighth detection area S8 based on the movement of a target in a non-contact state detected in the seventh detection area S7. The other processing is the same as the detection of a target in a non-contact state of Embodiment 1 (steps S102 to S112).

[0126] When movement of a target in a non-contact state is detected in the detection of a target in a non-contact state in the eighth detection area S8 (step S164, Yes), the non-contact detector 66 determines that the movement of a target in a non-contact state is movement from the seventh detection area S7 and through the eighth detection area S8 (for example, a larger flick gesture from the seventh detection area S7 and through the eighth detection area S8). Then, the non-contact detector 66 outputs a signal indicating the detected movement of a target in a non-contact state to the controller of the electronic apparatus on which the display unit 200 (detection device 10) is installed and via the input / output device 51 (step S166).

[0127] However, when no movement of the non-contact target is detected in the eighth detection area S8 (step S164, no), the non-contact detector 66 determines the movement of the non-contact target as movement in the seventh detection area S7 (e.g., a flicking gesture in the seventh detection area S7). Then, the non-contact detector 66 outputs a signal indicating the detected movement of the non-contact target to the controller of the electronic device mounted on the display unit 200 (detection device 10) and via the input / output device 51 (step S168).

[0128] After outputting a signal indicating detected movement of a target in a non-contact state (steps S166, S168), detection processing in contact mode is performed (step S200). If no end command is input to the controller 50 after the detection processing in contact mode (step S200) (step S300, No), the detection processing returns to detecting a target in a non-contact state in the seventh detection area S7 (step S162). If an end command is input to the controller 50 after the detection processing in contact mode (step S200) (step S300, Yes), the detection processing ends.

[0129] As described above, in this embodiment, based on the movement of a target in a non-contact state detected in the seventh detection area S7, the detection area changes from the seventh detection area S7 to the eighth detection area S8, and the target in a non-contact state in the changed eighth detection area S8 is detected. Therefore, large movements of targets in a non-contact state can be detected with high sensitivity. Additionally, similar to Embodiment 1, in this embodiment, the frame of the detection device 10 can also be narrowed.

[0130] Example 5

[0131] In Embodiment 1, the display unit 200 includes a detection device 10 and a display device 100 for displaying two-dimensional text, images, etc. It is possible to configure the display device 100 as a display device for displaying stereoscopic images (three-dimensional images).

[0132] The display device 100 in this embodiment displays a stereoscopic image as a floating image formed in space. For example... Figure 21 As shown, the display device 100 of this embodiment includes an autostereoscopic display 312, a spatial image forming element 314, and a display controller 120. The display controller 120 of this embodiment controls the display of the autostereoscopic display 312.

[0133] The autostereoscopic display 312 is a display that projects different images to the left eye and the right eye of a user (observer) based on a first input image and a second input image for two viewpoints. The autostereoscopic display 312 is implemented as a known lenticular lens type stereoscopic image display, a known parallax barrier type stereoscopic image display, or the like.

[0134] The spatial image forming element 314 forms a stereoscopic image (the first input image and the second input image) projected by the autostereoscopic display 312 in space to form a floating image. In one example, the spatial image forming element 314 is a flat plate-like image forming element in which a plurality of light reflecting elements (not shown in the drawing) having two reflecting surfaces are arranged. The light reflecting elements allow light from an object to pass through by reflecting the light from the object by a first reflecting surface and a second reflecting surface orthogonal to each other. The first reflecting surface and the second reflecting surface constitute a pair. The second reflecting surface is arranged in an alternate arrangement with the first reflecting surface and intersects the first reflecting surface. A known real mirror image forming optical system (for example, Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2012-163702, Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2013-80227) can be used as the spatial image forming element 314.

[0135] In the present embodiment, as shown in Figure 21 and Figure 22 , the sensors 20 of the detection device 10 are provided on the surface 314a of the spatial image forming element 314 on the user side. Specifically, as shown in Figure 22 , the first electrodes 24 of the sensors 20 are each provided on the surface 314a of the spatial image forming element 314. The insulating layer 26 of the sensors 20 is provided on the first electrodes 24 and insulates the first electrodes 24 and the second electrodes 28 from each other. Each of the second electrodes 28 of the sensors 20 is provided on the insulating layer 26. Additionally, a protective layer (not shown) is provided on the second electrodes 28 of the sensors 20.

[0136] In the present embodiment, the controller 50 of the detection device 10 sets a detection region in accordance with the image forming position of the floating image displayed by the display device 100 of the present embodiment and detects an object in a non-contact state in the set detection region. The configuration of the controller 50 and the detection of an object in a non-contact state are the same as in Embodiment 1 or Embodiment 2.

[0137] As described above, the detection device 10 functions as an interface that receives a user command for the floating image (stereoscopic image) displayed by the display device 100. Additionally, the detection device 10 sets a detection region in accordance with the image forming position of the floating image and thereby can detect a user command for the floating image with high sensitivity. Additionally, as in Embodiment 1, in the present embodiment, the frame of the detection device 10 can also be narrowed.

[0138] Example 6

[0139] In the display unit 200 of Embodiment 5, a configuration is possible in which the detection device 10 selects a third detection electrode from either the first or second electrode positioned outside the detection area based on the depth of the floating image displayed by the display device 100, and determines the position of the target in a non-contact state in the depth direction of the floating image. In this case, the phrase "depth direction of the floating image" refers to the direction perpendicular to the detection area (surface 314a of the spatial image forming element 314) (+Z direction). The configuration of the display device 100 and sensor 20 of the detection device 10 in this embodiment is the same as in Embodiment 5, and thus, the controller 50 of the detection device 10 is described.

[0140] Similar to the controller 50 in Embodiment 1, the controller 50 in this embodiment includes an input / output device 51 to the storage device 78. The configuration of the input / output device 51, contact driver 72, contact receiver 74, contact detector 76, and storage device 78 is the same as in Embodiment 1. Additionally, the configuration of the controller 50 in contact mode and the detection processing in contact mode are the same as in Embodiment 1.

[0141] When the non-contact mode is set to the detection mode, such as Figure 23 As shown, in this embodiment, the setter 52 sets a ninth detection area S9 on the sensor 20 according to the image formation position of the floating image Ob. Furthermore, when the depth of the floating image Ob is relatively deep (i.e., when the height of the floating image Ob in the +Z direction is relatively large), the setter 52 in this embodiment sets a third detection electrode 340 outside the ninth detection area S9 according to the depth of the floating image Ob.

[0142] Similar to the selector 54 in Embodiment 1, the selector 54 in this embodiment selects the first driving electrode 32 and the first detection electrode 34 from the first electrode 24 and the second electrode 28 based on the detection mode set by the setter 52 and the ninth detection area S9. Figure 23 As shown, in this embodiment, two of the first electrodes 24 (x0, x3) and two of the second electrodes 28 (y3, y5) located on the outermost side of the ninth detection region S9 are selected as the first detection electrode 34. Additionally, the first electrode 24 (x1, x2) and the second electrode 28 (y4) are selected as the first driving electrode 32. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the selector 54 selects a third detection electrode 340 from the first electrodes 24 and the second electrodes 28 located outside the ninth detection region S9 based on the depth of the floating image Ob. In this embodiment, the second electrode 28 (y2) located outside the ninth detection region S9 is selected as the third detection electrode 340.

[0143] In this embodiment, the switch 56 is selected to connect the first electrode 24 (x1, x2) and the second electrode 28 (y4) of the first driving electrode 32 to the contactless driver 62. Additionally, in this embodiment, the switch 56 is selected to connect the first electrode 24 (x0, x3) and the second electrode 28 (y3, y5) of the first detection electrode 34 to the contactless receiver 64. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the switch 56 is selected to connect the second electrode 28 (y2) of the third detection electrode 340 to the contactless receiver 64.

[0144] In this embodiment, the contactless driver 62 applies a voltage to the first driving electrode 32. Additionally, in this embodiment, the contactless receiver 64 receives a signal representing the capacitance of a first detection electrode 34 relative to the voltage applied to the first driving electrode 32 and a signal representing the capacitance of a third detection electrode 340 relative to the voltage applied to the first driving electrode 32.

[0145] The non-contact detector 66 of this embodiment determines and detects the position of the target in the non-contact state in the depth direction of the floating image Ob and the movement of the target in the non-contact state based on the change in signal strength of the signal representing the capacitance of the first detection electrode 34 over time and the change in signal strength of the signal representing the capacitance of the third detection electrode 340 over time.

[0146] For example, when the user's hand passes through a deeper portion A of the floating image Ob from the -Y direction to the +Y direction, such as Figure 24 As shown, the user's hand passes through the electric field line between the first driving electrode 32 and the third detection electrode 340 (second electrode 28(y2)), but not through the electric field line between the first driving electrode 32 and the first detection electrode 34 (second electrode 28(y3)). Therefore, data such as... Figure 25 The signal shown represents capacitance. Specifically, during the period when the user's hand passes through the deeper portion A from the -Y direction to the +Y direction, a high-intensity signal is acquired from the second electrode 28 (y2) and the second electrode 28 (y5) extending in the Y direction. Additionally, high-intensity signals are acquired sequentially from the first electrode 24 (x3) and the first electrode 24 (x0) extending in the X direction. The user's hand does not cross the electric field line between the first drive electrode 32 and the first detection electrode 34 (the second electrode 28 (y3)), and therefore, no high-intensity signal is acquired from the second electrode 28 (y3). The non-contact detector 66 determines and detects that the user performed a flicking gesture from the -Y direction to the +Y direction in the deeper portion A based on the changes in these signal intensities over time.

[0147] However, when the user's hand passes through a shallower portion B of the floating image Ob from the -Y direction to the +Y direction, the user's hand passes through the electric field lines between the first driving electrode 32 and the first detection electrode 34 (second electrode 28(y3)) and between the first driving electrode 32 and the third detection electrode 340 (second electrode 28(y2)). Therefore, as Figure 26 As shown, during the period when the user's hand passes through the shallower portion B from the -Y direction to the +Y direction, high-intensity signals are acquired from the second electrodes 28(y2), 28(y3), and 28(y5). Additionally, high-intensity signals are sequentially acquired from the first electrodes 24(x3) and 24(x0). The non-contact detector 66 determines and detects that the user is performing a flicking gesture from the -Y direction to the +Y direction in the shallower portion B based on the intensity changes of these signals. Note that a false detection is defined as a case where a high-intensity signal is acquired from the second electrode 28(y3) but not from the second electrode 28(y2).

[0148] Next, in reference Figure 27 Simultaneously, the determination process in the contactless mode of this embodiment is described (step S100). A description is given of the case where the display unit 200 is mounted on an electronic device. First, the setter 52 sets the detection mode to the contactless mode. Additionally, the setter 52 sets a ninth detection area S9 according to the image formation position of the floating image Ob, and sets a third detection electrode 340 outside the ninth detection area S9 according to the depth of the floating image Ob (step S182). Next, the selector 54 selects a first driving electrode 32 and a first detection electrode 34 from the first electrode 24 and the second electrode 28 based on the set ninth detection area S9. Further, the selector 54 selects the third detection electrode 340 from the first electrode 24 and the second electrode 28 positioned outside the ninth detection area S9 (step S184).

[0149] Next, the switch 56 connects the selected first drive electrode 32 to the contactless driver 62, and connects the selected first detection electrode 34 and third detection electrode 340 to the contactless receiver 64 of the controller 50 (step S186). Then, the contactless driver 62 applies a voltage to the first drive electrode 32 (step S188), and the contactless receiver 64 receives a signal representing the capacitance of the first detection electrode 34 and the third detection electrode 340 (step S190). The capacitance signal received by the contactless receiver 64 is stored in the storage device 78.

[0150] The non-contact detector 66 of the controller 50 determines the movement (user's gesture) of the target in a non-contact state based on the change in signal strength of the signal representing capacitance received by the non-contact receiver 64 over time (step S192). This determination is the same as in step S112 of Embodiment 1. When it is determined that the change in signal strength over time indicates the movement of the target in a non-contact state (step S192, Yes), the non-contact detector 66 outputs a signal indicating the detected movement of the target in a non-contact state to the controller of the electronic device mounted on the display unit 200 (detection device 10) and via the input / output device 51 (step S194). When the non-contact detector 66 outputs a signal indicating the movement of the target in a non-contact state, the detection process in non-contact mode (step S100) ends.

[0151] When there is no determination that the change in signal strength over time indicates the movement of a target in a non-contact state, and no movement of a target in a non-contact state is detected (step S192, No), the detection process in non-contact mode (step S100) ends.

[0152] As described above, in this embodiment, the third detection electrode 340 is selected from the first electrode 24 and the second electrode 28, which are positioned outside the ninth detection area S9. This allows the position of the non-contact target in the depth direction of the floating image to be determined, and the movement of the non-contact target to be detected. Additionally, similar to Embodiment 1, in this embodiment, the frame of the detection device 10 can also be narrowed, and the movement of the non-contact target can be detected with high sensitivity.

[0153] Modify Example

[0154] Embodiments have been described, but various modifications may be made to this disclosure without departing from the spirit and scope thereof.

[0155] For example, in embodiment 1, the detection device 10 detects contact made by the target by mutual capacitance detection, but it is possible to configure the detection device 10 to detect contact made by the target by self-capacitance detection or a combination of self-capacitance detection and mutual capacitance detection.

[0156] The detection device 10 in Examples 1 to 6 also functions as a touch panel. However, it is possible to configure the detection device 10 not to function as a touch panel.

[0157] In the embodiment of detecting a target in a non-contact state, it is preferable that the first electrode 24 and the second electrode 28, which are not selected as any one of the first driving electrode 32, the first detection electrode 34 and the third detection electrode 340, are supplied with a ground potential or are set to float.

[0158] In embodiment 4, the eighth detection area S8 is set in the direction of the flicking gesture detected in the seventh detection area S7 (on the +X side). However, it is possible to configure the eighth detection area S8 in a configuration where it is set on the opposite side of the flicking gesture direction (on the -X side). For example, when a non-contact target is detected in the eighth detection area S8 set on the opposite side of the flicking gesture direction, the flicking gesture detected in the seventh detection area S7 can be determined as a false detection.

[0159] Such a configuration is possible, in which the movement of a target in a non-contact state detected in the seventh detection area S7 and the movement of a target in a non-contact state detected in the eighth detection area S8 are separately output to the controller of the electronic device mounted on the detection device 10. Alternatively, such a configuration is possible, in which a single movement of a target in a non-contact state is determined based on the movement of the target in a non-contact state detected in the seventh detection area S7 and the movement of the target in a non-contact state detected in the eighth detection area S8, and the detected single movement of the target in a non-contact state is output to the controller of the electronic device mounted on the detection device 10.

[0160] In Embodiment 4, it is possible to set a next detection area based on the movement of a target in a non-contact state detected in the eighth detection area S8, and to detect the movement of a target in a non-contact state in the set detection area.

[0161] In Embodiment 2, a configuration is possible in which, after receiving a signal representing the capacitance of the first electrode 24 in step S132, and before switching to the process of selecting the first detection electrode 34 from the second electrode 28 and the first driving electrode 32 from the first electrode 24 in step S134, a detection process in contact mode is performed (step S200).

[0162] In Embodiment 3, a configuration is possible in which, for example, after performing detection in the third detection area S3 (step S152) and outputting a signal indicating movement of the target in a non-contact state (step S153), detection processing in contact mode is performed (step S200). Additionally, a configuration is possible in which detection processing in contact mode is performed (step S200) after outputting signals indicating movement of the target in a non-contact state in each of the fourth to sixth detection areas S4 to S6 (steps S155, S157, S159).

[0163] Moreover, in the detection process described in the embodiments, such as Figure 9 As shown, the detection process in non-contact mode (step S100) is performed once, and then the detection process in contact mode (step S200) is performed once. Alternatively, it is possible to configure in which the detection process in non-contact mode (step S100) and the detection process in contact mode (step S200) are each performed multiple times.

[0164] Such a configuration is possible, in which, for example, controller 50 includes dedicated hardware such as application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), etc. In this case, each of the processes can be executed by a separate piece of hardware. Additionally, various processes can be grouped and executed by single pieces of hardware. Moreover, a portion of the process can be executed by dedicated hardware, and another portion of the process can be executed by software or firmware.

[0165] For illustrative purposes, some exemplary embodiments have been described above. Although specific embodiments have been presented in the foregoing discussion, those skilled in the art will recognize that changes in form and detail may be made without departing from the broader spirit and scope of the invention. Therefore, the specification and drawings are to be viewed in an illustrative rather than restrictive sense. Consequently, this detailed description should not be construed in a restrictive sense, and the scope of the invention is defined only by the included claims and the full scope of their equivalents.

Claims

1. A testing device, comprising: A plurality of first electrodes extending in a first direction; A plurality of second electrodes, the plurality of second electrodes extending in a second direction intersecting the first direction; as well as The controller selects two of the first electrodes and two of the second electrodes located on the outermost side of a predetermined detection area as first detection electrodes. It also selects only the first and second electrodes surrounding the first detection electrodes, or the first and second electrodes located closer to the outer periphery of the detection device than the first detection electrodes, from among the first and second electrodes not selected as first detection electrodes, as first driving electrodes. The controller detects a target in a non-contact state based on a capacitance signal acquired from the first detection electrodes by applying a voltage to the first driving electrodes. The controller immediately applies voltage to the first driving electrode and immediately receives signals from the corresponding four first detection electrodes. The controller detects the movement of a non-contact target in a plane viewed from above based on the changes in the intensity of four signals, which are received signals, over time.

2. A testing device, comprising: A plurality of first electrodes extending in a first direction; A plurality of second electrodes, the plurality of second electrodes extending in a second direction intersecting the first direction; as well as Controller The controller mentioned above: Two of the first electrodes located on the outermost side of the predetermined detection area are selected as first detection electrodes. A first driving electrode is selected from the second electrodes intersecting with the selected first detection electrodes within the predetermined detection area. Signals are acquired from the two selected first detection electrodes by applying a voltage to the selected first driving electrode, and then... Two of the second electrodes located on the outermost side of the predetermined detection region are selected as first detection electrodes. A first driving electrode is selected from the first electrodes intersecting with the selected first detection electrodes within the predetermined detection region. A voltage is applied to the selected first driving electrode, and signals are acquired from the two selected second electrodes. The movement of a non-contact target in a plane viewed from above is detected by measuring the changes in the intensity of four signals, which are received signals, over time.

3. The detection device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the controller sequentially changes the predetermined detection area and detects a target in the non-contact state in each of the changed predetermined detection areas.

4. The detection device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the controller changes the predetermined detection area based on detected movement of the target in the non-contact state, and detects the target in the non-contact state in the changed predetermined detection area.

5. The detection device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the controller selects one of the plurality of first electrodes and the plurality of second electrodes as a second driving electrode, selects the other of the plurality of first electrodes and the plurality of second electrodes as a second detection electrode, and detects the position of the target contact based on a signal representing capacitance acquired from the second detection electrode by applying a voltage to the second driving electrode.

6. A display unit, comprising: The testing equipment according to claim 1 or 2; as well as Display devices.

Images