Switch unit and display device provided with same

Abstract

The invention provides a switch unit and a display device provided with the switch unit. In the display device provided with a plurality of buttons, the structure of the switch unit which uses a light projection element and a light receiving element to detect approaching or contact of a finger of a user to the buttons can be simplified. A display selection button (10) is provided with a light projection unit (21), a light guide plate (13), a plurality of light receiving units (22), and a control unit (30). The light guide plate (13) has: an incident surface (13a) on which the light irradiated from the light projecting unit (21) is incident; a plurality of prisms (13d) which reflect the incident light toward the finger side and which are provided at positions corresponding to the button (10c); and an exit surface (13b) which emits the reflected light in the direction in which the finger approaches. The plurality of light receiving units (22) are provided at positions corresponding to the buttons (10c) and receive the light reflected by the finger. The light-receiving unit (22) has a detection sensitivity that increases as the distance from the light-projecting unit (21) increases, so as to supplement the amount of light that decreases in accordance with the distance from the light-projecting unit (21).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a switch unit that is provided in, for example, an automatic vending machine and is operated by a user when selecting a product or the like, and a display device including the switch unit. Background Art

[0002] In recent years, in display devices such as automatic vending machines, a switch unit that can select a product without contact is used as a switch unit operated by a user when selecting and purchasing a product.

[0003] For example, patent document 1 discloses a switch unit comprising: a plurality of information display light sources for displaying various information required by a user; a sensor for detecting the approach or contact of a user's finger; a plurality of lighting light sources for illuminating display items, wherein the plurality of information display light sources and sensors are provided on the user side, and a plurality of lighting light sources are integrated on the other side different from the user side.

[0004] Prior art literature

[0005] Patent Literature

[0006] Patent Document 1: (Japanese) Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2013-137602 (Japanese Patent No. 5875364) Summary of the invention

[0007] Technical problem to be solved by the invention

[0008] However, the above-mentioned conventional switch unit has the following problems.

[0009] That is, in the switch unit disclosed in the above publication, a proximity sensor is used to detect that a user's finger approaches or touches a button.

[0010] Here, a switch unit is also used which uses a light projecting element and a light receiving element instead of a proximity sensor to detect the approach or contact of a user's finger.

[0011] In such a configuration, for example, in an automatic vending machine, it is necessary to arrange a light projecting element and a light receiving element at the position of a button pressed by a user's finger.

[0012] The technical problem of the present invention is to provide a switch unit that can simplify the structure of the switch unit that uses a light projecting element and a light receiving element to detect the approach or contact of a user's finger or the like to a button, and a display device equipped with the switch unit.

[0013] Technical solutions for solving technical problems

[0014] The switch unit of the first invention detects a finger approaching or touching a button operated by a user's finger, and comprises a first light-projecting unit, a first light-guiding plate, a plurality of light-receiving units, and a detecting unit. The first light-projecting unit irradiates light. The first light-guiding plate has an incident surface for light irradiated from the first light-projecting unit to be incident, a plurality of first prisms respectively arranged at positions corresponding to the buttons for reflecting the light incident from the incident surface toward the side where the finger approaches or touches, and an emission surface for emitting the light reflected by the first prisms toward the direction where the finger approaches or touches. The plurality of light-receiving units are arranged at positions corresponding to the buttons to receive light emitted from the emission surface and reflected by the finger approaching or touching the button. The detecting unit detects the approach or contact of the finger based on the amount of light received by the light-receiving unit. The plurality of light-receiving units have a detection sensitivity that increases with the distance from the first light-projecting unit, so as to compensate for the amount of light reduced according to the distance from the first light-projecting unit.

[0015] Here, for example, when a user's finger approaches or touches a position corresponding to a button of a vending machine, etc., light irradiated from the first light-emitting unit and incident on the light guide plate is reflected by the first prism in the direction in which the finger approaches, and the operation of the button is detected by receiving the light reflected by the finger at the light-receiving unit. In addition, a plurality of light-receiving units are provided, each having a detection sensitivity that increases as the distance from the first light-emitting unit increases, so as to compensate for the light amount that decreases as the distance from the first light-emitting unit to the first prism increases.

[0016] Here, the switch unit is provided in a display device such as a vending machine, for example, and is provided at a position corresponding to a button selected / operated when purchasing a commodity.

[0017] A plurality of light receiving units are provided with respect to one first light projecting unit, and receive light reflected by the first prism of the first light guide plate and reflected by the surface of the finger approaching or touching the button when the button is to be operated. Furthermore, in order to supplement the amount of light that decreases as the distance from the first light projecting unit to the first prism (light receiving unit) increases, the light receiving unit disposed at a position with a greater distance has a higher light detection sensitivity.

[0018] The first prism is formed inside the light guide plate, and reflects light incident from the incident surface in a predetermined direction and emits the light from the emission surface.

[0019] It should be noted that the user's finger detected by the switch unit may not be the user's finger. For example, when the user operates the switch unit while holding an object, the object held by the user (such as a smart phone, gloves, stones, twigs, etc.) may be detected instead of the finger.

[0020] Thus, by using a light guide plate including a first prism arranged at a position corresponding to the button, light irradiated from the first light projecting part is emitted from the position corresponding to the button, and a plurality of light receiving parts with different detection sensitivities detect the reflected light generated when a finger approaches or touches the button, thereby detecting the approach or touch of the finger to the button.

[0021] Therefore, by receiving the light irradiated from one first light projecting unit at a plurality of light receiving units via the light guide plate, it is possible to easily detect the approach or contact of a finger or the like to a position corresponding to the button with a simple structure.

[0022] In addition, when multiple light receiving units are arranged relative to the first light projecting unit, the detection sensitivity of the light receiving unit is adjusted in a manner to supplement the amount of light that decreases according to the distance from the first light projecting unit to each light receiving unit, that is, in a manner so that the light receiving unit arranged at a position with a large distance detects the same amount of light as the light receiving unit arranged at a position with a small distance.

[0023] As a result, the structure of the switch unit that detects the approach or contact of the user's finger or the like to the button using the light projecting unit and the light receiving unit can be simplified while ensuring the detection accuracy of the reflected light in the plurality of light receiving units.

[0024] A switch unit according to a second aspect of the present invention is the switch unit according to the first aspect of the present invention, wherein the first prisms are arranged so that the density per unit area increases as the distance from the first light projecting unit increases.

[0025] Thus, for example, in a structure in which a plurality of light receiving portions are arranged for a first light projecting portion, when the amount of light reaching the first prism varies due to different distances from the first light projecting portion, the detection sensitivity of each light receiving portion can be changed, and the amount of reflection in the first prism can be changed so that the amount of light received by a finger approaching or touching the button can be made approximately the same.

[0026] As a result, in a configuration in which a plurality of light receiving units are arranged with respect to one first light projecting unit, it is possible to suppress variations in the accuracy of detecting a finger or the like in each light receiving unit.

[0027] A switch unit according to a third aspect of the present invention is the switch unit according to the first or second aspect of the present invention, wherein the first prism is arranged so that an area of ​​a reflection surface that reflects light increases as a distance from the first light projecting unit increases.

[0028] Thus, for example, in a structure in which a plurality of light receiving portions are arranged for a first light projecting portion, when the amount of light reaching the first prism varies due to different distances from the first light projecting portion, the detection sensitivity of each light receiving portion can be changed, and the area of ​​the reflecting surface in the first prism can be changed so that the amount of light received by a finger approaching or touching the button can be made approximately the same.

[0029] As a result, in a configuration in which a plurality of light receiving units are arranged with respect to one first light projecting unit, it is possible to suppress variations in the accuracy of detecting a finger or the like in each light receiving unit.

[0030] The switch unit of the fourth invention is based on the switch unit of the first or second invention, wherein the first light guide plate further has an end surface arranged obliquely relative to the incident surface and the emission surface. Light incident from the first light projecting unit via the incident surface is reflected on the end surface and guided in the surface direction of the first light guide plate, and is reflected in the first prism and emitted from the emission surface.

[0031] Thus, by reflecting the light incident on the light guide plate at the end surface arranged obliquely with respect to the incident surface and the emitting surface, it is not necessary to arrange the first light projecting unit to the side of the light guide plate. Therefore, the degree of freedom in designing the first light projecting unit and the light receiving unit can be increased.

[0032] A switch unit according to a fifth aspect of the present invention is the switch unit according to the fourth aspect of the present invention, further comprising a single substrate on which the first light projecting unit and the light receiving unit are arranged.

[0033] Thus, since the light guide plate has the inclined end surface that reflects the light incident inside toward the first prism, the first light projecting unit and the light receiving unit can be arranged on a common substrate.

[0034] A switch unit according to a sixth aspect of the present invention is the switch unit according to the first or second aspect of the present invention, further comprising a second light guide plate having a plurality of second prisms that reflect light incident from the first light projecting portion to display a predetermined pattern.

[0035] It should be noted that the second light guide plate may also be a plate-shaped component common to the first light guide plate.

[0036] Therefore, in addition to the above-mentioned first light guide plate including the first prism used for detecting fingers, etc., a second light guide plate including a second prism for displaying graphics, etc. is also used, thereby, for example, being able to display advertisements such as "price reduction", "special offer", "recommendation", etc. near the display objects of display devices such as vending machines.

[0037] A switch unit according to a seventh aspect of the present invention is the switch unit according to the sixth aspect of the present invention, further comprising a second light projecting unit that causes light to enter the second light guide plate and reflects the light at the plurality of second prisms.

[0038] Thus, it is possible to display a pattern or the like by using the second light projection unit that irradiates light onto the second light guide plate including the second prism.

[0039] A switch unit according to an eighth aspect of the present invention is the switch unit according to the first or second aspect of the present invention, further comprising a seven-segment display unit for displaying numerals.

[0040] Thus, by using a 7-segment display unit that displays numbers in addition to the first light guide plate including the first prism used for detecting fingers, etc., prices can be displayed near display objects in display devices such as vending machines.

[0041] A switch unit according to a ninth aspect of the present invention is the switch unit according to the eighth aspect of the present invention, further comprising a third light projecting unit that causes the seven-segment display unit to display a desired number.

[0042] Thus, the third light projecting unit that irradiates the 7-segment display unit with light can display numbers such as the price of the display object.

[0043] A switch unit according to a tenth aspect of the present invention is the switch unit according to the first or second aspect of the present invention, further comprising a lens portion that guides the light irradiated from the first light projecting portion to the incident surface of the first light guide plate.

[0044] Thus, the light irradiated from the first light projecting unit is condensed by the lens unit and incident on the incident surface of the first light guide plate, so that the light irradiated from the first light projecting unit can be efficiently guided to the incident surface of the first light guide plate.

[0045] The display device of the eleventh invention comprises: the switch unit of the first or second invention; a display portion configured with display objects selected and operated by the switch unit; and a plurality of buttons provided for each display object configured in the display portion.

[0046] Thus, in a display device in which a plurality of buttons are arranged, the structure of a switch unit that detects the approach or contact of a user's finger or the like to a button using a light projecting element and a light receiving element can be simplified.

[0047] Effects of the Invention

[0048] According to the switch unit of the present invention, the structure of the switch unit that detects the approach or contact of a user's finger or the like to a button using a light projecting element and a light receiving element can be simplified. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0049] Figure 1 This is an overall view showing the structure of an automatic vending machine equipped with display selection buttons according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0050] Figure 2 It means in Figure 1 A front view of the overall structure of a vending machine equipped with a display selection button.

[0051] Figure 3 Yes means Figure 2 An exploded perspective view showing the structure of a selection button.

[0052] Figure 4 It means in Figure 3A stereoscopic diagram of various light sources configured on a substrate included in a display selection button.

[0053] Figure 5 (a) means Figure 2 A side view of the structure surrounding the light projection portion in the display selection button. Figure 5 (b) means Figure 2 A cross-sectional view showing the structure around the LED in the display selection button.

[0054] Figure 6 yes Figure 2 A control block diagram showing the selection buttons.

[0055] Figure 7 Yes Figure 2 A conceptual diagram illustrating the principle of detecting the approach of a finger using a light guide plate, a light projecting portion, and a light receiving portion in a display selection button.

[0056] Figure 8 Yes means Figure 2 The display selection button shows the main view of multiple display patterns.

[0057] Fig. 9 It is to display Figure 8 A conceptual diagram illustrating the situation of the PUSH text in the display pattern.

[0058] Fig.10 It means according to Fig. 9 The display pattern of part C is processed into a processing pattern for graphic display of the light guide plate and a top view of a processing pattern for finger detection.

[0059] Fig.11 (a) The principle of detecting the approach of a finger using a light guide plate, a light projecting portion, and a light receiving portion included in a display selection button according to another embodiment of the present invention is Figure 7 Enlarged top view of part A. Fig.11 (b) Yes Figure 7 An enlarged top view of part B.

[0060] Fig.12 This is a conceptual diagram for explaining the principle of detecting the approach of a finger using a light guide plate, a light projecting unit, and a light receiving unit in a display selection button according to still another embodiment of the present invention.

[0061] Fig.13 (a) Yes Fig.12 Enlarged top view of part A. Fig.13 (b) Yes Fig.12 An enlarged top view of part B.

[0062] Fig.14This is a conceptual diagram for explaining the principle of detecting the approach of a finger using a light guide plate, a light projecting unit, and a light receiving unit in a display selection button according to still another embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0063] If you use Figures 1 to 10 The display selection button (switch unit) 10 according to one embodiment of the present invention and the automatic vending machine (display device) 1 including the display selection button (switch unit) 10 will be described as follows.

[0064] It should be noted that in the present embodiment, unnecessary detailed descriptions are sometimes omitted. For example, detailed descriptions of known matters or repeated descriptions of substantially the same structures are sometimes omitted. This is to avoid the following description being too lengthy and to make it easy for those skilled in the art to understand.

[0065] In addition, the applicant provides the drawings and the following description in order to enable those skilled in the art to fully understand the present invention, and does not intend to limit the subject matter described in the claims.

[0066] (1) Structure of the vending machine 1

[0067] like Figure 1 As shown, the vending machine (display device) 1 of the present embodiment includes a frame portion 1a having a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape, a three-layered commodity display portion (display portion) 3 provided on the front surface of the frame portion 1a, a plurality of display selection buttons (switch units) 10, a currency input port 4, a commodity withdrawal port 5, and a change return port 6.

[0068] The product (display object) 2 is, for example, a sample of drinking water, such as Figure 1 As shown, 12 bottles are arranged on each layer of the product display section 3. Then, the user can select a desired product 2 via the displayed selection button 10 and purchase the product 2.

[0069] like Figure 1 As shown, the commodity display section (display section) 3 is provided in three stages in the upper half of the entire surface of the frame portion 1 a , and commodities (display objects) 2 are displayed.

[0070] like Figure 1 As shown, the display selection button (switch unit) 10 is provided at a position corresponding to each product 2 displayed in the product display section 3, and is operated when the product 2 selected by the user is purchased. In addition, the display selection button 10 determines that the operation is performed by detecting that the fingertip of the user who purchases the product 2 approaches or touches the display selection button 10. In addition, in addition to the function as the above-mentioned switch unit, the display selection button 10 also functions as a display device that displays the price of the product 2, advertisements, etc.

[0071] Here, the user's finger detected by the display selection button 10 may not be the user's finger. For example, when the user operates the switch unit while holding an object, the object held by the user (a smartphone, any object such as a glove, a stone, a twig, etc.) may be detected instead of the finger.

[0072] It should be noted that the detailed structure of the display selection button 10 will be described in detail in the following paragraphs.

[0073] like Figure 1 As shown, the money input port 4 is provided on the right side of the lower front surface of the frame portion 1a, for the purchase fee (notes or change) of the commodity 2 to be input.

[0074] like Figure 1 As shown, the commodity taking-out port 5 is provided at the lower front surface of the frame portion 1 a , and is used to take out the commodity 2 selected by the display selection button 10 .

[0075] like Figure 1 As shown, the change return port 6 is provided on the right side of the lower front surface of the frame portion 1a, and is used to return the change when the commodity 2 is purchased. That is, when the amount of money inserted into the money input port 4 is greater than the amount of the commodity 2 corresponding to the pressed display selection button 10, the difference between the amount of money inserted and the amount of the commodity 2 is returned to the change return port 6.

[0076] Moreover, the vending machine 1 includes, inside the frame portion 1a, a storage compartment (not shown) that accommodates commodities of the same type as the commodities 2 displayed in the commodity display portion 3; a conveying mechanism (not shown) that conveys the commodities from the storage compartment to the commodity removal port 5; and a control circuit (not shown) that controls the entire vending machine 1.

[0077] The control circuit is connected to a sensor that identifies the money inserted from the money input port 4. As long as the amount of the money inserted is greater than the amount of the commodity 2 corresponding to the display selection button 10 pressed by the user in the display selection button 10, the conveying mechanism is controlled to convey the commodity 2 from the storage warehouse to the commodity removal port 5.

[0078] (2) Structure of display selection button 10

[0079] like Figure 2 As shown, the display selection button 10 of the present embodiment includes first and second display areas 10a and 10b for performing various displays corresponding to two products, and a button 10c operated when purchasing the product 2 selected by the user.

[0080] The first display area 10a is an area where any three-digit number, desired graphics, etc. are displayed while switching. Figure 2 As shown, it is arranged on the left half of the display selection button 10.

[0081] Similar to the first display area 10a, the second display area 10b is also an area for displaying arbitrary three-digit numbers, desired graphics, etc. while switching, such as Figure 2 As shown, it is arranged on the right half of the display selection button 10.

[0082] It should be noted that the numbers or graphics displayed in the first display area 10a and the second display area 10b may be the same, may display different numbers or graphics, or may be displayed while switching in sequence.

[0083] Thus, not only the price of the commodity 2 displayed in the automatic vending machine 1 but also a graphic or the like can be displayed, so that the user can be more effectively drawn to the commodity 2 .

[0084] like Figure 2 As shown, the button 10c is provided at the lower part of the first display area 10a and the second display area 10b, and is a part that a user's finger approaches or touches to purchase the product 2. The button 10c is provided with a light receiving unit 22 described later on its back side.

[0085] In the display selection button 10 of the present embodiment, a change in the amount of light received by the light receiving unit 22 is detected, thereby detecting the position where the user's finger approaches or contacts the button 10 c.

[0086] In addition, if Figure 3 As shown, the display selection button 10 includes a cover 11 , a smoked gray plate 12 , a light guide plate (a first light guide plate, a second light guide plate) 13 , a printed sheet (a 7-segment display unit) 14 , a partition case 15 , Fresnel lenses 16 a and 16 b , and a substrate 17 .

[0087] like Figure 3 As shown, the cover 11 is a box-shaped member constituting the front side of the display selection button 10, and the back side is covered by the substrate 17. The cover 11 has openings at positions corresponding to the first display area 10a and the second display area 10b so that the first display area 10a and the second display area 10b are exposed on the front side.

[0088] The smoked gray plate 12 is a light-transmitting plate-shaped member embedded in the positions corresponding to the first display area 10a and the second display area 10b, and is provided to make the 7 segments in the non-display state difficult to be seen from the surface. Figure 3 As shown, the smoke-colored plate 12 is disposed between the cover 11 and the light guide plate 13 .

[0089] The light guide plate (first light guide plate, second light guide plate) 13 is formed of a light-transmitting material such as acrylic resin or glass, and diffuses light irradiated from a light source (light projecting unit 21, etc.) described later inside and emits it in a desired direction. Figure 3As shown, the light guide plate 13 is disposed between the smoked gray plate 12 and the printed sheet 14 .

[0090] In the display selection button 10 of the present embodiment, the light guide plate 13 emits light from a position corresponding to the button 10 c to detect the approach or contact of a finger, and also emits light to display a pattern when viewed from the front side.

[0091] It should be noted that the detailed structure of the light guide plate 13 will be described in detail in the following paragraphs.

[0092] The printed sheet (7-segment display unit) 14 is pre-formed with a 7-segment portion for displaying an arbitrary number, a portion for a ￥ mark, etc., and transmits light irradiated from a light source described later to display a desired number. The printed sheet 14 has an opening at a position corresponding to the light receiving unit 22, such as Figure 3 As shown, it is arranged between the light guide plate 13 and the partition housing 15 .

[0093] The partition housing 15 is a component that prevents light interference by separating the seven sections of the printed sheet 14 one by one using a partition plate, and has an opening at a position corresponding to the light receiving section 22. Figure 3 As shown, the partition housing 15 is disposed between the printed sheet 14 and the substrate 17 .

[0094] The Fresnel lenses (lens portions) 16a and 16b are used to guide light emitted from a light source described later to the incident surface 13a (see Figure 5 (a), etc.) are respectively provided along the left side and the bottom side of the substantially rectangular substrate 17.

[0095] like Figure 3 As shown, the Fresnel lens 16 a has a shape of three semicircular plate lenses connected in the radial direction, and irradiates the light emitted from the light projecting unit 21 and the LED (Light Emitting Diode) 23 to the back side (incident surface 13 a ) of the light guide plate 13 .

[0096] like Figure 3 As shown, the Fresnel lens 16 b is a substantially rectangular plate-shaped lens, and illuminates the light emitted from the LED 24 toward the back surface (incident surface 13 a ) of the light guide plate 13 .

[0097] The substrate 17 is a plate-shaped member constituting the back side of the display selection button 10 , and a plurality of light sources (light projecting unit 21 , LEDs 23 , 24 , 25 ) are provided on the upper surface thereof.

[0098] In detail, Figure 4As shown, the display selection button 10 includes a light projecting unit (first light projecting unit) 21, a light receiving unit 22, LEDs (second light projecting units) 23 and 24, an LED (third light projecting unit) 25, and a control unit (detection unit) 30 on the upper surface of the substrate 17 (see Figure 6 ).

[0099] like Figure 4 As shown, the light projector (first light projector) 21 is arranged along the lower left side of the substrate 17. In order to detect that the finger of the user who purchased the product 2 approaches or touches the button 10c, the light projector 21 irradiates infrared light (wavelength range 625-780nm) to the incident surface 13a of the light guide plate 13 via the Fresnel lens 16a.

[0100] like Figure 4 As shown, the light receiving unit 22 is provided on the upper surface of the substrate 17 at a position substantially at the same height as the light projecting unit 21. The light receiving unit 22 receives infrared light that is irradiated from the light projecting unit 21, diffused inside the light guide plate 13, emitted to the outside from a position corresponding to the button 10c, and reflected by the surface of the user's finger or the like, thereby detecting that the user's finger approaches or contacts the button 10c.

[0101] At this time, the light reflected from the surface of the finger reaches the light receiving unit 22 via the smoked gray plate 12 and the light guide plate 13 having light transmissivity, the printed sheet 14 , and the opening of the partition case 15 .

[0102] In order to detect only the infrared light emitted from the light projecting unit 21 , the light receiving unit 22 sets the detection wavelength of light so as not to detect the visible light emitted from other light sources (LEDs 23 , 24 , 25 ).

[0103] Furthermore, different detection sensitivities are set for the plurality of light receiving units 22 according to the distances from the light projecting unit 21 .

[0104] It should be noted that the principle of detecting the approach of a user's finger and the like using a plurality of light receiving units 22 having different detection sensitivities will be described in detail in the following paragraphs.

[0105] LEDs (second light projecting units) 23 and 24 are provided as light sources for displaying desired patterns on the light guide plate 13. The LEDs 23 and 24 irradiate the incident surface 13a of the light guide plate 13 with visible light (wavelength range 450 to 625 nm) via the Fresnel lenses 16a and 16b.

[0106] In more detail, Figure 4 As shown, two LEDs 23 are provided along the left side of the substrate 17. Figure 5 As shown in (a), the LED 23 makes light incident on the back surface (incident surface 13 a ) of the light guide plate 13 via the Fresnel lens 16 a .

[0107] like Figure 4As shown, along the lower side of the substrate 17, four LEDs 24 (eight in total) are provided in correspondence with the first and second display areas 10a and 10b. Figure 5 As shown in (b), the LED 24 makes light incident on the back surface (incident surface 13 a ) of the light guide plate 13 via the Fresnel lens 16 b .

[0108] The LEDs (third light-emitting units) 25 are provided on the upper surface of the substrate 17 at positions corresponding to the 7-segment numeral portions formed on the printed sheet 14. That is, a total of 21 (7 segments x 3 digits) LEDs 25 are provided for each of the seven segments of the printed sheet 14. The LEDs 25 emit visible light toward the segment portions corresponding to the numerals displayed on the display selection button 10.

[0109] The control unit (detection unit) 30 is connected via Figure 5 (b) The connector 18 shown is connected to the substrate 17. Figure 6 As shown, the control unit 30 is connected to the light projecting unit 21 , the light receiving unit 22 , and the LEDs 23 , 24 , and 25 , and detects the approach or contact of the user's finger to the button 10 c corresponding to the product 2 to be purchased based on the amount of light received by the light receiving unit 22 .

[0110] Furthermore, the control unit 30 can switch the numbers, graphics, etc. displayed on the display selection button 10 by controlling the timing of lighting / extinguishing the light projecting unit 21 and the LEDs 23 , 24 , and 25 .

[0111] Note that, for example, if a threshold is set for detecting the user's finger approaching or contacting the button 10 c , the control unit 30 may determine that the finger approaching or the like has been detected when the amount of received light is equal to or greater than the threshold.

[0112] (3) Light guide plate 13

[0113] The light guide plate 13 diffuses and reflects the light emitted from the light projection unit 21, and emits the light from the position corresponding to the button 10c in the direction where the user's finger approaches. In addition, the light guide plate 13 diffuses and reflects the light emitted from the LEDs 23 and 24, and displays a desired pattern on the surface of the button 10c.

[0114] like Figure 7As shown, the light guide plate 13 includes a light projecting portion (first light projecting portion) 21 described later, an LED (Light Emitting Diode) (second light projecting portion) 23, an incident surface 13a through which light is incident from the LED (second light projecting portion) 24, a plurality of prisms (first prisms) 13d and prisms (second prisms) 13e for reflecting the light incident from the incident surface 13a in a desired direction, an emission surface 13b for emitting light reflected by the prisms 13d and 13e to the outside, and an inclined surface 13c provided at an end portion.

[0115] It should be noted that in Figure 7 In the figure, for the sake of convenience, the Fresnel lens 16a and the like disposed between the light projecting unit 21 and the light guide plate 13 are omitted. Figure 7 In FIG. 1 , the light irradiated from the light projecting unit 21 and reflected by the prism 13 d is indicated by a dotted arrow. Also, the reflected light reflected by the finger and received by the light receiving unit 22 is indicated by a solid arrow.

[0116] like Figure 7 As shown, the incident surface 13 a is a back surface side opposite to the front surface side where the finger approaches, and the light irradiated from the light projecting unit 21 is incident.

[0117] like Figure 7 As shown, the emission surface 13 b is the surface side where the finger approaches, and emits the light irradiated from the light projecting unit 21 and diffused and reflected inside the light guide plate 13 .

[0118] like Figure 7 As shown, the inclined surface (end surface) 13 c is an end surface (side surface) of the light guide plate 13 connecting the incident surface 13 a and the emitting surface 13 b , and reflects light incident from the incident surface 13 a toward the surface direction of the light guide plate 13 .

[0119] Thus, since the light projecting unit 21 can be disposed on the back surface (incident surface 13 a ) side of the light guide plate 13 , the light projecting unit 21 and the light receiving unit 22 can be disposed on the same substrate 17 .

[0120] like Figure 7 As shown, the prism (first prism) 13d is provided at a position (button 10c) where the finger of the user who intends to purchase the product 2 approaches, so that the light reflected by the inclined surface 13c is reflected in the direction where the finger approaches. Furthermore, when the finger approaches (prism 13d (part A) on the left side in the figure), the light reflected by the surface of the finger is returned to the emission surface 13b of the light guide plate 13.

[0121] Thus, when the light receiving unit 22 receives the reflected light, it is possible to easily detect that the user's finger has approached or touched the light.

[0122] That is, the light reflected by the prism 13 d is directly irradiated upward when the finger is not approaching (the prism 13 d (B portion) on the right side in the figure). Therefore, in this case, the light reflected by the finger or the like is not detected by the light receiving unit 22 .

[0123] Thus, when the light receiving unit 22 receives reflected light from the surface of a finger or the like, it can be determined that the finger or the like is approaching, and when the light receiving unit 22 does not receive reflected light, it can be determined that the finger or the like is not approaching.

[0124] As a result, the operation on the button 10 c of the display selection button 10 can be detected in a contactless manner.

[0125] Here, the Figure 7 The positions of the light receiving portion 22 corresponding to the portion A (left side) and the portion B (right side) will be described.

[0126] In the display selection button 10 of the present embodiment, in the light receiving portion 22 arranged at a position corresponding to the portion A which is close to the light projecting portion 21 and the light receiving portion 22 arranged at a position corresponding to the portion B which is farther from the light projecting portion 21 than the portion A, different detection sensitivities are set to compensate for the amount of light that is reduced according to the distance from the light projecting portion 21 in order to detect the amount of reflected light from the finger at approximately the same level.

[0127] Specifically, the light receiving unit 22 arranged at the position corresponding to the B portion farther from the light projecting unit 21 than the A portion is set to have higher detection sensitivity than the light receiving unit 22 arranged at the position corresponding to the A portion closer to the light projecting unit 21 .

[0128] That is, compared with the prism 13d arranged at the A part at a distance L from the light projecting unit 21, the light amount of the light irradiated from the light projecting unit 21 is attenuated in the prism 13d arranged at the B part at a distance 2L which is twice the distance from the light projecting unit 21.

[0129] Therefore, in the case where the same prism 13d is arranged in the A part and the B part having different distances from the projecting unit 21, the amount of light emitted from the B part which is farther from the projecting unit 21 becomes less, and the amount of reflected light emitted from the B part becomes about 1 / 2.

[0130] Therefore, in display selection button 10 of the present embodiment, in order to supplement the light amount reduced according to the distance from light projecting unit 21 , light receiving unit 22 is arranged so that the detection sensitivity increases as the distance from light projecting unit 21 increases.

[0131] Therefore, because the light receiving unit 22 is set to have a detection sensitivity of twice that of the reflected light in the finger emitted through the prism 13d of the B part which is far from the light projecting unit 21, even if the amount of light reflected at the B part is approximately half of that at the A part, it is possible to ensure in the B part a detection accuracy that is substantially the same as that of the reflected light emitted through the prism 13d of the A part.

[0132] It should be noted that all the prisms 13 d in the A portion and the B portion have the same shape.

[0133] like Figure 7 As shown, the prism 13 e (second prism) is disposed at a position that does not reflect the light irradiated from the light projecting unit 21 , and displays a desired pattern by reflecting the light irradiated from the LEDs 23 and 24 .

[0134] For example, Figure 8 As shown, the prism 13 e displays the graphics (bar-shaped portion, downward arrow, PUSH, price reduction, etc.) displayed in the second display area 10 b on the right side of the figure by light emitted from the LEDs 23 and 24 .

[0135] It should be noted that Figure 8 The “¥100” displayed in the first display area 10 a on the left side is a display indicating the price of the commodity 2 , and can be changed to any price by lighting the “¥” mark included in the printed sheet 14 and the LEDs 25 corresponding to the seven segments.

[0136] In addition, in the display selection button 10 of the present embodiment, the display selection button 10 can be switched according to which light source (LED 23, 24, 25) is turned on by the control unit 30. Figure 8 The numbers or graphics displayed in the first display area 10a and the second display area 10b are shown.

[0137] For example, if you use Fig. 9 and Fig.10 Yes Fig. 9 The case where “PUSH” displayed in the first display area 10 a is displayed in the display selection button 10 shown in FIG. 1 is described as follows.

[0138] like Fig.10 As shown, on the light guide plate 13, a processing pattern 13f for graphic display, a processing pattern 13g for graphic display, and a processing pattern 13h for finger detection are alternately formed in each region divided into 16.

[0139] The graphic display processing pattern 13f is formed with Figure 7 The prism 13e shown. Fig.10As shown, the processing pattern 13f for graphic display is formed on the first and third from the left of the top layer, and the first and third from the left of the second layer from the bottom. Fig.10 The LED 24 disposed on the lower side shown in the figure emits visible light and emits the visible light in the direction of the surface on which the selection button 10 is displayed.

[0140] Thus, by lighting up the LED 24 , the character portion of “PUSH” can be displayed in the lighted color of the LED 24 .

[0141] The processing pattern 13g for graphic display is formed with Figure 7 The prism 13e shown. Fig.10 As shown, the processing pattern 13g for graphic display is formed on the second and fourth from the left of the top layer, the first and third from the left of the third layer from the bottom, the second and fourth from the left of the second layer from the bottom, and the first and third from the left of the bottom layer. Fig.10 The LED 23 arranged on the left side shown in the figure emits visible light and emits the visible light in the direction of the surface on which the selection button 10 is displayed.

[0142] Thus, by lighting up the LED 23 , it is possible to display an ellipse around “PUSH” in the lighting color of the LED 23 .

[0143] The finger detection processing pattern 13h is formed with Figure 7 The prism 13d shown. Fig.10 As shown, the finger detection processing pattern 13h is formed on the second and fourth from the left of the third layer from the bottom and the second and fourth from the left of the bottom layer. In addition, the finger detection processing pattern 13h reflects the infrared light irradiated from the light projecting unit 21 and guides the infrared light in the direction where the finger approaches.

[0144] Thus, the infrared light irradiated from the light projecting unit 21 is emitted in the direction where the finger approaches, and the presence or absence of finger operation can be determined based on whether the reflected light is received by the light receiving unit 22 .

[0145] <Main Features>

[0146] like Figure 7As shown, the display selection button 10 of this embodiment is a switch unit that detects a finger approaching or touching a button 10c operated by a user's finger, and includes a light projecting unit 21, a light guide plate 13, a plurality of light receiving units 22, and a control unit 30. The light projecting unit 21 irradiates light. The light guide plate 13 includes an incident surface 13a to which light irradiated from the light projecting unit 21 is incident, a plurality of prisms 13d provided at positions corresponding to the button 10c to reflect the light incident from the incident surface 13a toward the side where the finger approaches or touches, and an emission surface 13b to emit the light reflected by the prisms 13d toward the direction where the finger approaches or touches. The plurality of light receiving units 22 are provided at positions corresponding to the button 10c to receive light emitted from the emission surface 13b and reflected by the finger approaching or touching the button 10c. The control unit 30 detects the approach or contact of the finger based on the amount of light received by the light receiving unit 22. The plurality of light receiving units 22 have a detection sensitivity that increases as the distance from the light projecting unit 21 increases, thereby compensating for the amount of light that decreases according to the distance from the light projecting unit 21 .

[0147] Thus, by using the light guide plate 13 including the prism 13d arranged at the position corresponding to the button 10c, the light irradiated from the light projecting unit 21 is emitted from the position corresponding to the button 10c, and the light receiving unit 22 detects the reflected light generated when a finger or the like approaches or touches the button 10c, thereby detecting the approach or contact of the finger to the button 10c.

[0148] Therefore, by receiving the light emitted from one light projecting unit 21 at the plurality of light receiving units 22 via the light guide plate 13 , it is possible to easily detect the approach or contact of a finger or the like to a position corresponding to the button 10 c with a simple configuration.

[0149] In addition, when a plurality of light receiving units 22 are arranged relative to the light projecting unit 21, the detection sensitivity of the light receiving unit 22 is adjusted in a manner that compensates for the amount of light that decreases according to the distance from the light projecting unit 21 to each light receiving unit 22, that is, in a manner that detects the same amount of light for the light receiving unit 22 arranged at a large distance as for the light receiving unit 22 arranged at a small distance.

[0150] As a result, the structure of the switch unit that detects the approach or contact of the user's finger or the like to the button using the light projecting unit and the light receiving unit can be simplified while ensuring the detection accuracy of the reflected light in the plurality of light receiving units 22 .

[0151] [Other embodiments]

[0152] As mentioned above, one embodiment of the present invention has been described, but the present invention is not limited to the above embodiment, and various modifications can be made without departing from the gist of the invention.

[0153] (A)

[0154] In the above embodiment, an example is described in which a plurality of light receiving units 22 having higher detection sensitivity as the distance from the light projecting unit 21 increases is used to supplement the amount of light that decreases according to the distance from the light projecting unit 21. However, the present invention is not limited thereto.

[0155] For example, in order to supplement the amount of light that decreases according to the distance from the light projecting unit 21, Figure 7 The prisms 13 d in the B portion shown are arranged at a higher density per unit area than the prisms 13 d in the A portion, and are combined with the structure of the above-described embodiment.

[0156] Specifically, if Fig.11 (a) and Fig.11 As shown in (b), the prisms 13 d are arranged so that the density per unit area increases as the distance from the light projecting unit 21 increases.

[0157] Therefore, in addition to the change in the detection sensitivity of the light receiving unit 22, the configuration density of the prism 13d is changed according to the distance from the light projecting unit 21, thereby more effectively supplementing the amount of light attenuated due to the distance from the light receiving unit 22 and performing high-precision finger detection.

[0158] As another example, for example, Fig.12 As shown, it is also possible to have a structure in which the following structure of the light guide plate 113 is combined with the structure of the above-mentioned embodiment: in order to supplement the amount of light that is reduced according to the distance from the light projection unit 21, the prism 13d of part B is configured so that the area of ​​the reflecting surface is approximately twice that of the prism 13d of part A.

[0159] At this time, if Fig.13 (a) and Fig.13 As shown in (b), the prism 113db having a larger reflecting surface than the prism 113da is arranged so that the area of ​​the reflecting surface increases as the distance from the light projecting unit 21 increases.

[0160] In this case, since the area of ​​the reflection surface of the prism 113db in the B portion far from the light projecting unit 21 is about twice that of the A portion, the amount of light reflected in the B portion can also be increased. Therefore, since the amount of reflected light emitted from the B portion is also increased, the approach or contact of the finger can be detected with high accuracy regardless of the distance from the light projecting unit 21.

[0161] It should be noted that Fig.13 (a) and Fig.13 In the prisms 113 da and 113 db shown in (b), all the prisms 113 da arranged in the A portion may have the same shape and size, and all the prisms 113 db arranged in the B portion may have the same shape and size.

[0162] That is, the prism 113da arranged in the A part and the prism 113db arranged in the B part only need to have different reflection areas, and the plurality of prisms 113da and 113db arranged in the same area (A or B) may have the same shape and the same reflection surface size.

[0163] (B)

[0164] In the above embodiment, the light projecting unit 21 and the light receiving unit 22 are arranged on the upper surface of the common substrate 17, and the light projecting unit 21 is incident on the incident surface 13a on the back side of the light guide plate 13 and reflected on the inclined surface 13c, thereby diffusing the light in the surface direction of the light guide plate 13. However, the present invention is not limited to this.

[0165] For example, Fig.14 As shown, a structure may be adopted in which light is incident from a light projecting portion 221 disposed on the end surface side of the light guide plate 213 and the light is diffused in the surface direction of the light guide plate 213 .

[0166] In this case, it is not necessary to form the end surface of the light guide plate at an inclination as in the above-mentioned embodiment.

[0167] (C)

[0168] In the above embodiment, an example of using the common light guide plate 13 as a first light guide plate for detecting the approach or contact of a finger and a second light guide plate for displaying graphics, etc. However, the present invention is not limited to this.

[0169] For example, a configuration may be adopted in which a first light guide plate for detecting the approach or contact of a finger and a second light guide plate for displaying graphics or the like are used as different light guide plates.

[0170] However, as in the above-described embodiment, by detecting the approach or contact of a finger using a single light guide plate 13 and displaying a graphic or the like, the structure of the display selection button 10 can be made thinner.

[0171] (D)

[0172] In the above embodiment, an example is described in which a finger approaching the button 10 c is detected in the display selection button 10 and a desired number, graphic, etc. are displayed. However, the present invention is not limited to this.

[0173] For example, a configuration may be adopted in which only detection of a finger directed toward a button is performed without displaying graphics or the like.

[0174] (E)

[0175] In the above other embodiment (A), an example of the prism 13 d reflecting light is described by changing the density per unit area or the area of ​​the reflecting surface in order to supplement the light amount reduced according to the distance from the light projecting unit 21 . However, the present invention is not limited thereto.

[0176] For example, in order to supplement the amount of light that decreases according to the distance from the light projecting unit, a prism whose reflectance changes according to the distance from the light projecting unit may be used.

[0177] (F)

[0178] In the above embodiment, an example in which the printed sheet 14 including seven segments is used to display the numbers displayed on the display selection button 10 has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to this.

[0179] For example, a liquid crystal display panel or a light guide plate may be used as a means for displaying numbers instead of a printed sheet.

[0180] (G)

[0181] In the above embodiment, an example is described in which the two light receiving units 22 detect the approach or contact of the user's finger with respect to one light projecting unit 21 in the display selection buttons 10 corresponding to two commodities 2. However, the present invention is not limited to this.

[0182] For example, a configuration may be adopted in which three or more light receiving units are arranged with respect to one light projecting unit, and each light receiving unit detects the approach or contact of the user's finger.

[0183] (H)

[0184] In the above embodiment, the automatic vending machine 1 for selling goods 2 such as beverages is described as an example of a display device equipped with the switch unit (display selection button 10) of the present invention. However, the present invention is not limited thereto.

[0185] For example, the switch unit of the present invention may be mounted on other display devices that allow display objects to be taken out by contactless operation of a button.

[0186] <Note>

[0187] A switch unit according to a fourth invention is the switch unit according to any one of the first to third inventions,

[0188] The first light guide plate further includes an end surface arranged obliquely with respect to the incident surface and the emitting surface.

[0189] The light incident from the first light projecting unit via the incident surface is reflected on the end surface and guided in the surface direction of the first light guide plate, and is reflected by the first prism and emitted from the emission surface.

[0190] A switch unit according to a sixth aspect of the present invention is the switch unit according to any one of the first to fifth aspects of the present invention,

[0191] The device further includes a second light guide plate having a plurality of second prisms for reflecting light incident from the first light projecting unit to display a predetermined pattern.

[0192] A switch unit according to an eighth aspect of the present invention is the switch unit according to any one of the first to seventh aspects of the present invention,

[0193] It also has a 7-segment display for displaying numbers.

[0194] A switch unit according to a tenth invention is the switch unit according to any one of the first to ninth inventions,

[0195] A lens portion is further provided to guide the light irradiated from the first light projecting portion to the incident surface of the first light guide plate.

[0196] The display device of the eleventh invention comprises:

[0197] The switch unit according to any one of the first to tenth inventions;

[0198] A display unit, which is provided with display objects that are selected by the switch unit;

[0199] A plurality of buttons are provided for each of the display objects arranged in the display section.

[0200] Industrial Applicability

[0201] The switch unit of the present invention can simplify the structure of the switch unit by using a light-projecting element and a light-receiving element to detect the approach or contact of a user's finger to a button in a display device equipped with multiple buttons. Therefore, it can be widely used in various switch units that operate without contact.

[0202] Description of Reference Numerals

[0203] 1 Vending machine (display device)

[0204] 1a Frame

[0205] 2 Products (Exhibition Objects)

[0206] 3. Product display department (display department)

[0207] 4 Currency input port

[0208] 5. Product removal

[0209] 6. Change return slot

[0210] 10 Display selection button (switch unit)

[0211] 10a First display area

[0212] 10b Second display area

[0213] 10c Button

[0214] 11 Hood

[0215] 12 Smoky Grey Plate

[0216] 13 Light guide plate (first light guide plate, second light guide plate)

[0217] 13a Incident surface

[0218] 13b Ejection surface

[0219] 13c Inclined surface (end surface)

[0220] 13d prism (first prism)

[0221] 13e prism (second prism)

[0222] 13f Processing pattern for graphic display

[0223] 13g Processing pattern for graphic display

[0224] 13h Processing pattern for finger detection

[0225] 14 Printed sheet (7-segment display)

[0226] 15. Partition shell

[0227] 16a, 16b Fresnel lens (lens part)

[0228] 17 substrate

[0229] 18 Connectors

[0230] 21 Light emitting part (first light emitting part)

[0231] 22 Light receiving part

[0232] 23 LED (second light projector)

[0233] 24 LED (second light projector)

[0234] 25 LED (third light projection part)

[0235] 30 Control unit (detection unit)

[0236] 113 light guide plate (first light guide plate, second light guide plate)

[0237] 113da prism (first prism)

[0238] 113db prism (first prism)

[0239] 213 light guide plate (first light guide plate, second light guide plate)

[0240] 221 Light projection part (first light projection part).

Claims

1. A switch unit that detects a finger approaching or touching a button operated by a user's finger, characterized in that: have: a first light-emitting unit that emits light; a first light guide plate having an incident surface for incident light emitted from the first light projecting portion, a plurality of first prisms for reflecting the light incident from the incident surface toward the side where the finger approaches or touches and respectively provided at positions corresponding to the button, and an emission surface for emitting light reflected by the first prisms toward the direction where the finger approaches or touches; a plurality of light receiving parts, which are arranged at positions corresponding to the buttons and receive the light emitted from the emission surface and reflected by the finger approaching or touching the button; a detection unit that detects the approach or contact of the finger based on the amount of light received by the light receiving unit, The plurality of light receiving units have a detection sensitivity that increases as the distance from the first light projecting unit increases, thereby compensating for the amount of light that decreases according to the distance from the first light projecting unit.

2. The switch unit according to claim 1, The first prisms are arranged so that the density per unit area increases as the distance from the first light projecting unit increases.

3. The switch unit according to claim 1, The first prism is configured such that an area of ​​a reflection surface that reflects the light increases as a distance from the first light projecting unit increases.

4. The switch unit according to claim 1 or 2, The first light guide plate further includes an end surface arranged obliquely with respect to the incident surface and the emitting surface. Light incident from the first light projecting unit via the incident surface is reflected on the end surface and guided in the surface direction of the first light guide plate, and is reflected by the first prism to be emitted from the emission surface.

5. The switch unit according to claim 4, A single substrate is further provided on which the first light projecting unit and the light receiving unit are arranged.

6. The switch unit according to claim 1 or 2, The device further includes a second light guide plate having a plurality of second prisms for reflecting light incident from the first light projecting unit to display a predetermined pattern.

7. The switch unit according to claim 6, A second light projecting unit is further provided which causes light to enter the second light guide plate and reflects the light at the plurality of second prisms.

8. The switch unit according to claim 1 or 2, It also has a 7-segment display for displaying numbers.

9. The switch unit according to claim 8, The device further includes a third light projecting unit for emitting light for causing the seven-segment display unit to display a desired number.

10. The switch unit according to claim 1 or 2, A lens portion is further provided to guide the light irradiated from the first light projecting portion to the incident surface of the first light guide plate.

11. A display device, characterized in that: have: The switch unit according to claim 1 or 2; a display section configured with display objects that are selected and operated by the switch unit; The plurality of buttons are provided for each of the display objects arranged in the display section.

Images