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] This application is a divisional application of application No. 202111558923.5, filed on December 20, 2021, entitled "Detection Equipment and Display Unit".

[0002] Cross-references to related applications

[0003] 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

[0004] This application generally relates to testing equipment and display units. Background Technology

[0005] 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.

[0006] 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.

[0007] 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

[0008] To achieve the above objectives, the testing equipment according to the first aspect of this disclosure includes:

[0009] A plurality of first electrodes extending in a first direction;

[0010] A plurality of second electrodes extending in a second direction intersecting the first direction; and

[0011] 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, selects at least one of the first electrodes and the second electrodes that were not selected as first detection electrodes as a first driving electrode, and detects a target in a non-contact state based on a signal representing capacitance acquired from the first detection electrode by applying a voltage to the first driving electrode.

[0012] The display unit according to the second aspect of this disclosure includes:

[0013] The aforementioned testing equipment; and

[0014] Display devices.

[0015] It should be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory, and do not limit this disclosure.

[0016] According to this disclosure, the frame can be narrowed, and the sensitivity for detecting targets in a non-contact state can be increased. Attached Figure Description

[0017] A more complete understanding of this application can be obtained by considering the following detailed description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0018] Figure 1 This is a diagram showing the detection device according to Embodiment 1;

[0019] Figure 2 This is a plan view showing the sensor according to Embodiment 1;

[0020] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram showing the display unit according to Embodiment 1;

[0021] Figure 4 This is a block diagram illustrating the configuration of the controller according to Embodiment 1;

[0022] Figure 5 This is a diagram showing the first detection area, the first driving electrode, and the first detection electrode according to Embodiment 1;

[0023] Figure 6 This is a diagram showing the second driving electrode and the second detection electrode according to Embodiment 1;

[0024] Figure 7 This is a diagram showing the signal representing the capacitance of the first detection electrode according to Embodiment 1;

[0025] Figure 8 This is a diagram illustrating the hardware configuration of the controller according to Embodiment 1;

[0026] Figure 9This is a flowchart illustrating the detection process according to Example 1;

[0027] Figure 10 This is a flowchart illustrating the detection process in the non-contact mode according to Embodiment 1;

[0028] Figure 11 This is a schematic diagram showing the voltage applied to the first driving electrode and the second driving electrode according to Embodiment 1;

[0029] Figure 12 This is a flowchart illustrating the detection process under the contact mode according to Embodiment 1;

[0030] Figure 13 This is a diagram showing the first detection area, the first driving electrode, and the first detection electrode according to Embodiment 2;

[0031] Figure 14 This is a diagram showing the first detection area, the first driving electrode, and the first detection electrode according to Embodiment 2;

[0032] Figure 15 This is a flowchart illustrating the detection process in the non-contact mode according to Embodiment 2;

[0033] Figure 16 This is a plan view showing the second detection area according to Embodiment 3;

[0034] Figure 17 This is a plan view showing the third to sixth detection areas according to Embodiment 3;

[0035] Figure 18 This is a flowchart illustrating the detection process in the non-contact mode according to Embodiment 3;

[0036] Figure 19 This is a plan view showing the seventh and eighth detection areas according to Embodiment 4;

[0037] Figure 20 This is a flowchart illustrating the detection process according to Example 4;

[0038] Figure 21 This is a schematic diagram showing the display unit according to Embodiment 5;

[0039] Figure 22 This is a plan view showing the sensor according to Embodiment 5;

[0040] Figure 23 This is a plan view showing the floating image and the ninth detection area according to Embodiment 6;

[0041] Figure 24 This is a schematic diagram showing the power lines according to Embodiment 6;

[0042] Figure 25 This is a diagram showing the signals representing the capacitances of the first and third detection electrodes according to Embodiment 6;

[0043] Figure 26 This is a diagram showing the signals representing the capacitances of the first and third detection electrodes according to Embodiment 6; and

[0044] Figure 27 This is a flowchart illustrating the detection process in non-contact mode according to Embodiment 6. Detailed Implementation

[0045] In the following description, a detection device according to various embodiments is described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0046] Example 1

[0047] Reference Figures 1 to 12 The detection device 10 according to this embodiment is described. The detection device 10 detects a target in a non-contact state (e.g., a user's gesture). Additionally, the detection device 10 also functions as a touch panel by detecting the location of contact between the target (e.g., a user's finger). First, the overall configuration of the detection device 10 is described.

[0048] like Figure 1 As shown, the detection device 10 includes a sensor 20 and a controller 50. Figure 2 As shown, the sensor 20 includes a light-transmitting substrate 22, a plurality of first electrodes 24, a plurality of second electrodes 28, etc. The plurality of first electrodes 24 and the plurality of second electrodes 28 are formed on the light-transmitting substrate 22. A controller 50 controls the voltage applied to the first electrodes 24 and the second electrodes 28. Additionally, the controller 50 detects a target based on signals representing the capacitance of the first electrodes 24 and the second electrodes 28. In this embodiment, for ease of understanding, a description is given in which... Figure 2 In the diagram, the rightward direction (rightward direction on the paper) of the detection device 10 is called the "+X direction", the upward direction (upward direction on the paper) is called the "+Y direction", and the direction perpendicular to the +X and +Y directions (front direction on the paper) is called the "+Z direction".

[0049] like Figure 3As shown, the detection device 10 and the display device 100 constitute a display unit 200. The display unit 200 is installed in smartphones, laptops, information displays, etc. The display device 100 includes a display panel 110 and a display controller 120. The display panel 110 displays two-dimensional text, images, etc. The display panel 110 is implemented as a liquid crystal display panel, an organic electroluminescence (EL) display panel, etc. The display controller 120 controls the display of the display panel 110. The display controller 120 and the controller 50 of the detection device 10 are connected to each other.

[0050] The sensor 20 of the detection device 10 is disposed on the display surface side of the display panel 110 via an adhesive layer (not shown). In this case, the first electrode 24 and the second electrode 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 disposed on the sensor 20 via an adhesive layer (not shown). The detection device 10 detects a target positioned in a non-contact state within the detection space of the sensor 20. Furthermore, the detection device 10 detects the position where the target contacts the sensor 20 (protective cover 202). As a result, the detection device 10 functions as an interface for receiving user commands to display on the display device 100. Note that in one example, the thickness L of the detection space is 150 mm.

[0051] Next, the specific configuration of the testing device 10 will be described.

[0052] like Figure 2 As shown, the sensor 20 of the detection device 10 includes a light-transmitting substrate 22, a plurality of first electrodes 24, an insulating layer 26, and a plurality of second electrodes 28.

[0053] In one example, the light-transmitting substrate 22 of the sensor 20 is implemented as a glass substrate. The light-transmitting substrate 22 includes a first main surface 22a.

[0054] Each of the first electrodes 24 of the sensor 20 is disposed on the first main surface 22a of the light-transmitting substrate 22. The first electrodes 24 extend in a first direction (X direction in this 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 by lines (so-called "diamond pattern"). Each of the first electrodes 24 is electrically connected to the controller 50 via wiring not shown.

[0055] An insulating layer 26 is disposed on the first electrode 24 of the sensor 20, and insulates the first electrode 24 and the second electrode 28 from each other. In one example, the insulating layer 26 is implemented as a silicon oxide thin film.

[0056] Each of the second electrodes 28 of the sensor 20 is disposed on the insulating layer 26. The second electrodes 28 extend in a second direction (Y direction in this embodiment) intersecting the first direction. Like the first electrode 24, the second electrodes 28 have a pattern in which the corners of a plurality of rectangles are connected in a linear manner. Each of the second electrodes 28 is electrically connected to the controller 50 via wiring (not shown).

[0057] In one example, the first electrode 24 and the second electrode 28 are formed of indium tin oxide (ITO). When viewed from above, the first electrode 24 and the second electrode 28 intersect at the junction where they meet at the corners of a rectangle. The first electrode 24 and the second electrode 28 form a capacitance with a target (e.g., a user's finger, hand, pen, etc.). Note that the first electrode 24 and the second electrode 28 can be implemented as a metal mesh electrode.

[0058] The controller 50 of the detection device 10 detects a non-contact target in the detection space positioned on the sensor 20 based on signals representing the capacitance of the first electrode 24 and the second electrode 28. Additionally, the detection device 10 detects the contact position of the target based on signals representing the capacitance of the first electrode 24 and the second electrode 28. In this embodiment, the two detection modes (i.e., detecting a non-contact target (hereinafter referred to as "non-contact mode") and detecting the contact position of the target (hereinafter referred to as "contact mode")) are switched in a time-division manner.

[0059] First, describe the functional configuration of controller 50. For example... Figure 4 As shown, the controller 50 includes an input / output device 51, a setter 52, a selector 54, and a switcher 56. Additionally, the controller 50 includes a contactless driver 62, a contactless receiver 64, a contactless detector 66, a contact driver 72, a contact receiver 74, a contact detector 76, and a storage device 78.

[0060] The input / output device 51 of the controller 50 inputs signals to and outputs signals from the setter 52 and display controller 120 of the display device 100, inputs signals to and outputs signals from the non-contact detector 66, and inputs signals to and outputs signals from the controller of the electronic device mounted on the detection equipment 10.

[0061] The setter 52 of the controller 50 sequentially switches between non-contact mode and contact mode in a time-division manner, and sets the detection mode to either non-contact mode or contact mode. Additionally, when the non-contact mode is set to the detection mode, as... Figure 5As shown, the setter 52 sets a predetermined first detection area S1 for detecting a target in a non-contact state onto the sensor 20. The first detection area S1 can be optionally set according to the 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 non-contact mode, a target in a non-contact state is detected in the detection space located on the first detection area S1. Note that, for ease of understanding, from... Figure 5 The light-transmitting substrate 22, insulating layer 26, etc. are omitted. Additionally, in the following text, the first electrode 24 is labeled with reference numerals x0 to x4 starting from the +Y side, and the second electrode 28 is labeled with reference numerals y0 to y6 starting from the -X side.

[0062] Back Figure 4 The selector 54 of the controller 50 selects the first driving electrode 32 and the first detection electrode 34, as well as the second driving electrode 42 and the second detection electrode 44, from the first electrode 24 and the second electrode 28, based on the detection mode set by the setter 52 and the first detection area S1. The first driving electrode 32 and the first detection electrode 34 are used in non-contact mode. The second driving electrode 42 and the second detection electrode 44 are used in contact mode. Voltage is applied to the first driving electrode 32 and the second driving electrode 42 from the controller 50, and the controller 50 receives signals representing the capacitance of the first detection electrode 34 and the second detection electrode 44.

[0063] like Figure 5 As shown, when the contactless mode is set by the setter 52, the selector 54 selects the two first electrodes 24(x1), 24(x3) and the two second electrodes 28(y1), 28(y5) located on the outermost side of the set first detection area S1 as the first detection electrode 34. Additionally, the selector 54 selects the first driving electrode 32 from the first electrodes 24 and 28 that were never selected as the first detection electrode 34. In this embodiment, the selector 54 selects all remaining first electrodes 24 and second electrodes 28 as the first driving electrode 32. Note that the selector 54 may select only the first electrodes 24 and 28 surrounding the first detection electrode 34 as the first driving electrode 32. Alternatively, the selector 54 may select the first electrode 24 or second electrode 28 located closer to the outer periphery of the sensor 20 than the first detection electrode 34 as the first driving electrode 32. A ground potential may be supplied to the first electrodes 24 and 28 that were not selected as the first detection electrode 34 or the first driving electrode 32. Additionally, the first electrode 24 and the second electrode 28, which are not selected as the first detection electrode 34 or the first drive electrode 32, can be set to float.

[0064] like Figure 6 As shown, when the contact mode is set by the setter 52, the selector 54 selects all the first electrodes 24 as the second driving electrodes 42 and selects all the second electrodes 28 as the second detection electrodes 44.

[0065] Back Figure 4 The switcher 56 of the controller 50 switches the connection between the first electrode 24 and the second electrode 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.

[0066] In contactless mode, the switch 56 connects the first electrodes 24(x1), 24(x3) and the second electrodes 28(y1), 28(y5) selected as the first detection electrodes 34 to the contactless receiver 64, and connects the remaining first electrodes 24 and second electrodes 28 not selected as the first detection electrodes 34 to the contactless driver 62. In contact mode, the switch 56 connects the second electrode 28 selected as the second detection electrode 44 to the contact receiver 74, and connects the first electrode 24 selected as the second drive electrode 42 to the contact driver 72.

[0067] The contactless driver 62, contactless receiver 64, and contactless detector 66 of the controller 50 operate in contactless mode. The contactless driver 62 applies a voltage to the first drive electrode 32 connected by the switch 56. The contactless receiver 64 receives a signal representing the capacitance of the first detection electrode 34 relative to the voltage applied to the first drive electrode 32. The contactless detector 66 detects a target in a contactless state based on the capacitance signal received by the contactless receiver 64.

[0068] The non-contact detector 66 detects the movement of a target in a non-contact state (e.g., a user's gesture) based on the change in signal strength representing capacitance over time. For example, when a user's hand moves from the -X direction to the +X direction through the detection space on the first detection area S1, the non-contact receiver 64 receives a signal representing capacitance from the first detection electrodes 34 (specifically, the first electrodes 24(x1), 24(x3) and the second electrodes 28(y1), 28(y5)), such as... Figure 7As shown. That is, during the period when the user's hand is passing through the first detection area S1, the contactless receiver 64 receives a high-intensity signal from the first electrode 24(x1) and the first electrode 24(x3) extending in the X direction. Additionally, during the short period when the user's hand passes through the second electrode 28(y1) or the second electrode 28(y5), the contactless receiver 64 receives a high-intensity signal from the second electrode 28(y1) and the second electrode 28(y5) extending in the Y direction in sequence. The contactless detector 66 determines that the user has performed a flicking gesture from the -X direction to the +X direction based on the change in signal strength over time, and detects the user's flicking gesture from the -X direction to the +X direction. The contactless detector 66 outputs a signal indicating the detected movement of the target in a contactless state to the controller of the electronic device, equipment, etc. mounted on the detection device 10. In one example, the signal indicating the movement of the target in a contactless state represents a key event, message, etc. set by the user for a flicking gesture in the +X direction. The signal indicating detected movement of a target in a non-contact state can be output once or multiple times for a single detection. Note that the detected gesture can be a flicking gesture from the -Y direction to the +Y direction, a circular gesture indicating that the target in a non-contact state is moving in a circle, etc.

[0069] Back Figure 4 The contact driver 72, contact receiver 74, and contact detector 76 of the controller 50 operate in contact mode. The contact driver 72 applies a voltage to the second drive electrode 42 (first electrode 24) connected by the switch 56. The contact receiver 74 receives a signal representing the capacitance relative to the voltage applied to the second drive electrode 42 from the second detection electrode 44 (second electrode 28). The contact detector 76 detects the position of the target contact based on the capacitance signal received by the contact receiver 74. In one example, the contact detector 76 detects the position of the target contact based on changes in capacitance (mutual capacitance detection method in a projected capacitive touch panel). The contact detector 76 outputs a signal representing the position of the target contact to the controller of the electronic device, equipment, etc., mounted on the detection device 10.

[0070] The memory 78 of the controller 50 stores programs, data, signals representing capacitance received by the non-contact receiver 64, signals representing capacitance received by the contact receiver 74, etc.

[0071] Figure 8The hardware configuration of controller 50 is shown. 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 specific function circuitry 98. The CPU 92 executes a program stored in the ROM 93. The ROM 93 stores programs, data, signals, etc. The RAM 94 stores data. The input / output interface 96 inputs and outputs signals between various components. The specific function circuitry 98 includes drive circuitry, receiving circuitry, switching circuitry, calculation circuitry, etc. The functions of controller 50 are implemented by the CPU 92 executing the program and the specific function circuitry 98.

[0072] Next, in reference Figures 9 to 12 The detection processing (operation) of the detection device 10 is described simultaneously. Here, a description is given of a case where the display unit 200, including the detection device 10 and the display device 100, is mounted on an electronic device. (See attached image.) Figure 9 As shown, in the detection process of the detection device 10, detection processing in non-contact mode is performed (step S100), and then detection processing in contact mode is performed (step S200). When the detection processing in contact mode ends (step S200) and no end command is input to the controller 50 (step S300, No), the detection process of the detection device 10 returns to the detection processing in non-contact mode (step S100). When the end command is input to the controller 50 (step S300, Yes), the detection process of the detection device 10 ends.

[0073] Next, in reference Figure 10 Simultaneously, the detection processing in non-contact mode is described (step S100). First, the setter 52 of the controller 50 sets the detection mode to non-contact mode and further sets the first detection area S1 (step S102). In one example, the first detection area S1 is set according to data representing the image to be displayed on the display panel 110. Here, the data is input via the input / output device 51.

[0074] Next, the selector 54 of the controller 50 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 set first detection area S1 (step S104). Specifically, the selector 54 selects the two first electrodes 24 (x1, x3) and the two second electrodes 28 (y1, y5) located on the outermost side of the set first detection area S1 as the first detection electrode 34. Additionally, the selector 54 selects the remaining first electrodes 24 (x0, x2, x4) and second electrodes 28 (y0, y2 to y4, y6) as the first driving electrode 32.

[0075] Next, the switch 56 of the controller 50 connects the selected first drive electrode 32 to the contactless driver 62 of the controller 50 and connects the selected first detection electrode 34 to the contactless receiver 64 of the controller 50 (step S106). Then, the contactless driver 62 applies a voltage to the first drive electrode 32 (step S108), and the contactless receiver 64 receives a signal representing the capacitance of the first detection electrode 34 (step S110). Specifically, as... Figure 11 As shown, the contactless driver 62 applies a voltage of a predetermined pulse width to the first electrode 24 (x0, x2, x4) and the second electrode 28 (y0, y2 to y4, y6). In one example, the contactless receiver 64 receives a signal representing capacitance, such as... Figure 7 As shown. The signal representing the capacitance received by the contactless receiver 64 is stored in the storage device 78.

[0076] Back Figure 10 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 S112). This determination is performed based on the change in signal strength of the signal stored in the memory 78 over time, using a specific algorithm, deep learning, etc. Additionally, it is preferable to perform this determination based on the change in signal strength of the signal representing the capacitance of at least three of the first detection electrodes 34 over time. As a result, detection outside the first detection area S1 can be prevented. When it is determined that the change in signal strength over time indicates the movement of the target in a non-contact state, and the movement of the target in a non-contact state is detected (step S112, 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 S114). 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. 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 based on the change in signal strength of the signal representing 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 based on the change in signal strength of the signal representing the capacitance of at least three of the first detection electrodes 34 over time.

[0077] 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 S112, No), the detection process in non-contact mode (step S100) ends.

[0078] Next, in reference Figure 12 Simultaneously, the detection process in contact mode is described (step S200). First, the setter 52 of the controller 50 sets the detection mode to contact mode (step S202). Next, the selector 54 of the controller 50 selects the second driving electrode 42 and the second detection electrode 44 from the first electrode 24 and the second electrode 28 (step S204). Specifically, the selector 54 selects all the first electrodes 24 as the second driving electrode 42 and selects all the second electrodes 28 as the second detection electrode 44.

[0079] The switch 56 of the controller 50 connects the selected second drive electrode 42 to the contact driver 72 of the controller 50 and connects the selected second detection electrode 44 to the contact receiver 74 of the controller 50 (step S206). Then, the contact driver 72 applies a voltage to the second drive electrode 42 (step S208), and the contact receiver 74 receives a signal representing the capacitance of the second detection electrode 44 (step S210). Figure 11 As shown, the contact driver 72 sequentially and repeatedly applies a voltage of a predetermined pulse width to the first electrodes 24(x0) to 24(x4). 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.

[0080] The contact detector 76 of the controller 50 detects the position of the target in contact based on the capacitance signal received by the second detection electrode 44 through mutual capacitance detection (step S212). When the contact detector 76 detects the position of the target in contact (step S212, yes), the contact detector 76 outputs a signal indicating the position of the target in contact to the controller of the electronic device mounted on the display unit 200 (detection device 10) and via the input / output device 51 (step S214). When the contact detector 76 outputs the signal indicating the position of the target in contact, the detection process in contact mode (step S200) ends.

[0081] When the contact detector 76 does not detect the position where the target is in contact (step S212, No), the detection process in the contact mode (step S200) ends.

[0082] As described above, the movement of a target in a non-contact state can be detected by the first electrode 24 and the second electrode 28 of the sensor 20 positioned on the display area of ​​the display panel 110. This allows for a narrower frame for the detection device 10. Furthermore, a first detection area S1 for detecting the movement of a target in a non-contact state can be optionally provided, thereby enabling high-sensitivity detection of the movement of a target in a non-contact state regardless of the size of the display panel 110. Moreover, the detection device 10 can also function as a touch panel.

[0083] Example 2

[0084] In the non-contact mode detection of Embodiment 1, the detection device 10 immediately applies a voltage to the first driving electrode 32 and immediately receives a signal from each of the four first detection electrodes 34. It is possible to configure the detection device 10 to drive the first driving electrode 32 and the first detection electrodes 34 in a time-division manner during non-contact mode detection.

[0085] In this embodiment, the configuration of the controller 50 in non-contact mode and the detection processing in non-contact mode differ from those in Embodiment 1. Other configurations and processing of the detection device 10 are the same as those of the detection device 10 in Embodiment 1.

[0086] In non-contact mode, the controller 50 of this embodiment drives the first driving electrode 32 and the first detection electrode 34 in a time-division manner. Specifically, the controller 50 of this embodiment receives signals representing capacitance from two of the first detection electrodes 34, and then receives signals representing capacitance from the other two of the first detection electrodes 34, and detects a target in a non-contact state based on the signals representing the capacitance of the four first detection electrodes 34.

[0087] Similar to the controller 50 in Embodiment 1, the controller 50 in this embodiment includes an input / output device 51, a setter 52, a selector 54, a switcher 56, a contactless driver 62, a contactless receiver 64, a contactless detector 66, a contact driver 72, a contact receiver 74, a contact detector 76, and a 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.

[0088] Similar to the setter 52 in Embodiment 1, the setter 52 in this embodiment sets the detection mode to a non-contact mode. When the non-contact mode is set to the detection mode, the setter 52 in this embodiment sets a predetermined first detection area S1 for detecting a target in the non-contact mode to the sensor 20.

[0089] Similar to Embodiment 1, in this embodiment, the selector 54 selects the first driving electrode 32 and the first detection electrode 34, as well as the second driving electrode 42 and the second detection electrode 44, from the first electrode 24 and the second electrode 28, based on the detection mode set by the setter 52 and the first detection area S1. When the contact mode is set by the setter 52, as in Embodiment 1, the selector 54 in this embodiment selects all the first electrodes 24 as the second driving electrode 42 and selects all the second electrodes 28 as the second detection electrode 44.

[0090] like Figure 13 As shown, when the contactless mode is set by the setter 52, the selector 54 in this embodiment selects two first electrodes 24(x1) and 24(x3) located on the outermost side of the first detection area S1 from the first electrodes 24 as the first detection electrodes 34. Additionally, the selector 54 in this embodiment selects a second electrode 28 (y2 to y4) that intersects with the first electrodes 24(x1) and 24(x3) selected as the first detection electrodes 34 as the first driving electrode 32.

[0091] Furthermore, after the contactless receiver 64 receives a signal representing the capacitance of the first electrodes 24(x1), 24(x3) selected as the first detection electrode 34, as... Figure 14 As shown, in this embodiment, the selector 54 selects two second electrodes 28(y1) and 28(y5) located on the outermost side of the first detection region S1 from the second electrodes 28 as the first detection electrodes 34. In this embodiment, the selector 54 selects the first electrodes 24(x1 to x3) in the first detection region S1 that intersect with the second electrodes 28(y1) and 28(y5) selected as the first detection electrodes 34 as the first driving electrodes 32.

[0092] According to the selection of selector 54, in this embodiment, the switch 56 will connect the first electrodes 24(x1) and 24(x3) selected as the first detection electrodes 34 to the contactless receiver 64, and connect the second electrodes 28(y2 to y4) selected as the first drive electrodes 32 to the contactless driver 62. Additionally, according to the selection of selector 54, in this embodiment, the switch 56 will connect the second electrodes 28(y1) and 28(y5) selected as the first detection electrodes 34 to the contactless receiver 64, and connect the first electrodes 24(x1 to x3) selected as the first drive electrodes 32 to the contactless driver 62.

[0093] Similar to the contactless driver 62 of Embodiment 1, the contactless driver 62 of this embodiment applies a voltage to the first drive electrode 32 connected via the switch 56. Additionally, similar to the contactless receiver 64 of Embodiment 1, the contactless receiver 64 of this embodiment receives a signal representing the capacitance of the first detection electrode 34 relative to the voltage applied to the first drive electrode 32.

[0094] In this embodiment, the contactless driver 62 applies a voltage to the second electrode 28 (y2 to y4) selected as the first driving electrode 32, and the contactless receiver 64 receives a signal representing capacitance from the first electrode 24 (x1), 24 (x3) selected as the first detection electrode 34. Additionally, the contactless driver 62 applies a voltage to the first electrode 24 (x1 to x3) selected as the first driving electrode 32, and the contactless receiver 64 receives a signal representing capacitance from the second electrode 28 (y1), 28 (y5) selected as the first detection electrode 34.

[0095] The non-contact detector 66 of this embodiment detects the movement of a target in a non-contact state based on the change in signal strength over time of a signal representing the capacitance of the first detection electrode 34 (first electrodes 24(x1), 24(x3)) first received by the non-contact receiver 64, and the change in signal strength over time of a signal representing the capacitance of the first detection electrode 34 (second electrodes 28(y1), 28(y5)) second received by the non-contact receiver 64. The non-contact detector 66 of this embodiment outputs a signal representing the detected movement of the target in a non-contact state to a controller of an electronic device, equipment, etc., mounted on the detection device 10.

[0096] In this embodiment, movement of a target in a non-contact state is detected based on a signal representing the capacitance of the first detection electrode 34, which is sequentially selected and driven. This prevents the detection of targets in a non-contact state outside the first detection area S1. Note that the determination of movement of a target in a non-contact state is the same as in Embodiment 1.

[0097] Next, in reference Figure 15Simultaneously, the determination process in the non-contact mode of this embodiment is described (step S100). Here, a description is given of the case where the display unit 200, including the detection device 10 and the display device 100, is mounted on the 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 electrode 34 from the first electrodes 24 and the first driving electrode 32 from the second electrodes 28 (step S124). Specifically, the selector 54 selects the two first electrodes 24 (x1, x3) located on the outermost side of the set first detection area S1 as the first detection electrodes 34. Additionally, the selector 54 selects the second electrodes 28 (y2 to y4) that intersect with the first electrodes 24 (x1, x3) selected as the first detection electrodes 34 in the first detection area S1 as the first driving electrodes 32.

[0098] Next, the switch 56 connects the selected first drive electrode 32 to the contactless driver 62 and the selected first detection electrode 34 to the contactless receiver 64 (step S126). Then, the contactless driver 62 applies a voltage to the first drive electrode 32 (step S128), and the contactless receiver 64 receives a signal representing the capacitance of the first detection electrode 34 (step S130).

[0099] In this embodiment, when a signal representing the capacitance of the first detection electrode 34 is received from the first electrode 24 after receiving a signal representing the capacitance of the first detection electrode 34 (step S132, Yes), the selector 54 selects the first detection electrode 34 from the second electrodes 28 and selects the first driving electrode 32 from the first electrodes 24 (step S134), and returns to step S126. The selector 54 selects two second electrodes 28 (y1, y5) located on the outermost side of the first detection region S1 from the second electrodes 28 as the first detection electrodes 34. Additionally, the selector 54 selects first electrodes 24 (x1 to x3) in the first detection region S1 that intersect with the second electrodes 28 (y1, y5) selected as the first detection electrodes 34 as the first driving electrodes 32.

[0100] When a signal representing the capacitance of the first detection electrode 34 is received from the second electrode 28 after receiving a signal representing the capacitance of the first detection electrode 34 (step S132, No), the non-contact detector 66 determines the movement of the target in a non-contact state based on the change in signal strength over time of the signals representing the capacitance of the first electrodes 24(x1), 24(x3) and the second electrodes 28(y1), 28(y5) (step S136). This determination is the same as in step S112 of Embodiment 1. When it is determined that the change in signal strength over time represents the movement of the target in a non-contact state, and the movement of the target in a non-contact state is detected (step S136, Yes), the non-contact detector 66 outputs a signal representing 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 S138). When the non-contact detector 66 outputs a signal representing the movement of the target in a non-contact state, the detection processing in the non-contact mode of this embodiment (step S100) ends.

[0101] 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 S136, No), the detection processing in the non-contact mode of this embodiment (step S100) ends.

[0102] As described above, in this embodiment, the movement of a target in a non-contact state is detected based on signals representing the capacitances of the four first detection electrodes 34, which are driven sequentially in pairs each time. This prevents the detection of targets in a non-contact state outside the first detection area S1. Additionally, similar to Embodiment 1, in this embodiment, the frame of the detection device 10 can also be narrowed, and the movement of targets in a non-contact state can be detected with high sensitivity.

[0103] Example 3

[0104] The detection device 10 of Examples 1 and 2 detects a target in a non-contact state in a first detection area S1. It is possible to configure the detection device 10 to sequentially change detection areas and detect a target in a non-contact state in each detection area.

[0105] In this embodiment, the configuration of the controller 50 in non-contact mode and the detection processing in non-contact mode differ from those in Embodiment 1. In this embodiment, the controller 50 sequentially changes the predetermined detection area for detecting targets in a non-contact state, and detects targets in a non-contact state in each area. Other configurations and processing of the detection device 10 are the same as those of the detection device 10 in Embodiment 1.

[0106] 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.

[0107] Similar to the setter 52 in Embodiment 1, the setter 52 in this embodiment sets the detection mode to a non-contact mode. When the non-contact mode is set to the detection mode, the setter 52 in this embodiment sets predetermined second to sixth detection areas S2 to S6 for detecting a target in a non-contact state. In this embodiment, as... Figure 16 As shown, the second detection area S2 is the largest area in which the detection device 10 can detect a target in a non-contact state. Additionally, as... Figure 17 As shown, each of the third detection areas S3 to the sixth detection areas S6 is obtained by quadrant segmentation of the second detection area S2. When a target in a non-contact state is detected in the second detection area S2, the setter 52 of this embodiment sequentially changes the detection area for the non-contact target to the third to sixth detection areas S3 to S6.

[0108] Similar to the selector 54 in Embodiment 1, the selector 54 in this 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 regions S2 to S6 as the first detection electrodes 34. Additionally, the selector 54 in this embodiment selects the first driving electrode 32 from the first electrodes 24 and second electrodes 28 that have never been selected as the first detection electrodes 34. For example, when the setter 52 sets the second detection region S2, as... Figure 16 As shown, in this embodiment, the selector 54 selects two first electrodes 24(x0), 24(x4) and two second electrodes 28(y0), 28(y6) as the first detection electrode 34, and selects the first electrode 24(x1 to x3) and the second electrode 28(y1 to y5) as the first driving electrode 32.

[0109] Similar to the switch 56 in Embodiment 1, the switch 56 in this embodiment will be selected so that the first electrode 24 and the second electrode 28 of the first driving electrode 32 are connected to the non-contact driver 62. Additionally, the switch 56 in this embodiment will be selected so that the first electrode 24 and the second electrode 28 of the first detection electrode 34 are connected to the non-contact receiver 64.

[0110] Similar to the contactless driver 62 of Embodiment 1, the contactless driver 62 of this embodiment applies a voltage to the first drive electrode 32 connected via the switch 56. Additionally, similar to the contactless receiver 64 of Embodiment 1, the contactless receiver 64 of this embodiment receives a signal representing the capacitance of the first detection electrode 34 relative to the voltage applied to the first drive electrode 32.

[0111] The non-contact detector 66 of this embodiment detects a target in a non-contact state based on the change in signal strength over time of a signal representing the capacitance of the first detection electrode 34 received by the non-contact receiver 64. In this embodiment, when the detection area for detecting a target in a non-contact state is the second detection area S2, the non-contact detector 66 detects the presence / absence of the target in a non-contact state. Additionally, when the detection area for detecting a target in a non-contact state is the third to sixth detection areas S3 to S6, the non-contact detector 66 detects movement of the target in a non-contact state.

[0112] Next, in reference Figure 18 Simultaneously, the determination process in the non-contact mode of this embodiment is described (step S100). Here, a description is given of the case where the display unit 200, including the detection device 10 and the display device 100, is mounted on the electronic device. First, the controller 50 detects the presence / absence of the target in the non-contact state in the second detection area S2 (step S140).

[0113] In step S140, the setter 52 sets the detection mode to non-contact mode and further sets the second detection area S2. Additionally, the setter 52 sets the detection quantity to 1 (step S142). In this embodiment, the setter 52 counts the number of detections in the second detection area S2, and when the number of detections is a predetermined quantity N (where N is a non-negative number greater than 1) or larger (step S144, no), the detection process in non-contact mode ends (step S100).

[0114] When the number of detected targets is less than a predetermined count N (step S144, Yes), the presence / absence of a target in a non-contact state is detected (step S146). Specifically, selector 54 selects a first detection electrode 34 (first electrode 24 (x0, x4) and second electrode 28 (y0, y6)) and a first drive electrode 32 (first electrode 24 (x1 to x3) and second electrode 28 (y1 to y5)). Switch 56 connects the first drive electrode 32 to the non-contact driver 62 and the first detection electrode 34 to the non-contact receiver 64. The non-contact driver 62 applies a voltage to the first drive electrode 32, and the non-contact receiver 64 receives a signal representing the capacitance of the first detection electrode 34. The non-contact detector 66 determines and detects the presence / absence of a target in a non-contact state based on the change in signal strength of the capacitance signal received from the non-contact receiver 64 over time. When there is no target in a non-contact state (step S148, No), controller 50 returns to determining the number of detections (step S144).

[0115] When a target in a non-contact state is present (step S148, Yes), the controller 50 sequentially detects the movement of the target in the third to sixth detection areas S3 to S6, and when the movement of the target in a non-contact state is detected, 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) (steps S152 to S159). Detecting a target in a non-contact state and outputting a signal in each of the third to sixth detection areas S3 to S6 is the same as detecting a target in a non-contact state (steps S102 to S112) and outputting a signal (step S114) in Embodiment 1. When the determination of the movement of the target in a non-contact state in the sixth detection area (step S158, No) or the output of a signal indicating the movement of the target (step S159) ends, the detection process in the non-contact mode of this embodiment ends (step S100).

[0116] As described above, in this embodiment, a target in a non-contact state is detected in a second detection area S2, which is the largest detectable area, and then the target in a non-contact state is detected in each of the third to sixth detection areas S3 to S6 obtained by dividing the second detection area S2. Thus, movement of a target in a non-contact state can be detected with much higher sensitivity. Additionally, targets in a non-contact state are detected sequentially in each of the third to sixth detection areas S3 to S6. Thus, multiple targets in a non-contact state (e.g., gestures of multiple users) can be detected. Additionally, as in Embodiment 1, the frame of the detection device 10 can also be narrowed in this embodiment.

[0117] Example 4

[0118] In embodiment 3, the detection device 10 sequentially changes the detection area and detects a target in a non-contact state in each detection area. This configuration allows the detection device 10 to change the detection area based on detected movement of a target in a non-contact state, and to detect the target in a non-contact state within the changed detection area.

[0119] In this embodiment, the configuration of the controller 50 and the detection processing in non-contact mode differ from that in Embodiment 1. After detecting movement of a target in a non-contact state within a predetermined detection area, the controller 50 in this embodiment changes the predetermined detection area based on the detected movement of the target in a non-contact state, and detects the target in a non-contact state within the changed predetermined detection area. The other configurations of the detection device 10 are the same as those of the detection device 10 in Embodiment 1.

[0120] 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.

[0121] Similar to the setter 52 in Embodiment 1, the setter 52 in this embodiment sequentially switches between a non-contact mode and a contact mode in a time-division manner, and sets the detection mode to either a non-contact mode or a contact mode. When the non-contact mode is set to the detection mode, the setter 52 in this embodiment sets a predetermined seventh detection area S7 for detecting a target in a non-contact state. Additionally, the setter 52 in this embodiment sets a predetermined eighth detection area S8 based on the movement of the target in a non-contact state detected in the seventh detection area S7. For example, when the non-contact detector 66 detects a flicking gesture from the user in the -X direction to the +X direction in the seventh detection area S7, such as... Figure 19 As shown, in this embodiment, the setter 52 is positioned as an eighth detection region S8, which is closer to the +X direction side than the seventh detection region S7.

[0122] The configuration of the selector 54, switch 56, non-contact driver 62, and non-contact receiver 64 in this embodiment is the same as in Embodiment 1. Similar to Embodiment 1, the non-contact detector 66 in this embodiment detects the movement of a target in a non-contact state based on the change in signal strength of a capacitance signal received by the non-contact receiver 64 over time. Additionally, the non-contact detector 66 in this embodiment outputs a signal indicating the detected movement of the target in a non-contact state to the controller of the electronic device, equipment, etc., mounted on the setter 52 and the detection device 10.

[0123] Next, in reference Figure 20 The detection process of this embodiment is described in conjunction with the description of the case where the display unit 200, which includes the detection device 10 and the display device 100, is mounted on an electronic device.

[0124] In the detection process of this embodiment, firstly, a target in a non-contact state is detected in the seventh detection area S7 (step S162), and then a detection process in 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 in Embodiment 1 (steps S102 to S112).

[0125] When no movement of a non-contact target is detected in the detection of a non-contact target in the seventh detection area S7 (step S162, No), and no end command is input to the controller 50 after the detection process in contact mode (step S200) (step S300, No), the detection process returns to detecting a non-contact target in the seventh detection area S7 (step S162). When no movement of a non-contact target is detected in the detection of a non-contact target in the seventh detection area S7 (step S162, No), and an end command is input to the controller 50 after the detection process in contact mode (step S200) (step S300, Yes), the detection process ends.

[0126] When movement of a non-contact target is detected in the seventh detection area S7 (step S162, Yes), after the detection process in contact mode (step S200), a non-contact target 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 the non-contact target detected in the seventh detection area S7. Other processes are the same as those for detecting a non-contact target in Embodiment 1 (steps S102 to S112).

[0127] When movement of a non-contact target is detected in the eighth detection area S8 (step S164, yes), the non-contact detector 66 determines that the movement of the non-contact target is a movement from the seventh detection area S7 through the eighth detection area S8 (e.g., a large flicking gesture from the seventh detection area S7 through the eighth detection area S8). 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 S166).

[0128] 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).

[0129] 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.

[0130] 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.

[0131] Example 5

[0132] 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).

[0133] 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.

[0134] An autostereoscopic display 312 is a display that projects different images to the left and right eyes 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, etc.

[0135] The spatial image forming element 314 forms a stereoscopic image (first input image and 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 image forming element in which a plurality of light reflecting elements (not shown) having two reflective surfaces are arranged. The light reflecting elements allow light from the object to pass through by reflecting light from the target through the first and second reflective surfaces, which are orthogonal to each other. The first and second reflective surfaces form a pair. The second reflective surface is staggered with the first reflective surface and intersects with the first reflective surface. Known real mirror image forming optical systems (e.g., unexamined Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2012-163702, unexamined Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2013-80227) can be used as the spatial image forming element 314.

[0136] In this embodiment, as Figure 21 and Figure 22 As shown, the sensor 20 of the detection device 10 is disposed on the user-side surface 314a of the spatial image forming element 314. Specifically, as Figure 22 As shown, the first electrodes 24 of the sensor 20 are each disposed on the surface 314a of the spatial image forming element 314. An insulating layer 26 of the sensor 20 is disposed 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 sensor 20 is disposed on the insulating layer 26. Additionally, a protective layer (not shown) is disposed on the second electrodes 28 of the sensor 20.

[0137] In this embodiment, the controller 50 of the detection device 10 sets a detection area based on the image formation position of the floating image displayed by the display device 100 of this embodiment, and detects a target in a non-contact state within the set detection area. The configuration of the controller 50 and the detection of the target in a non-contact state are the same as in Embodiment 1 or Embodiment 2.

[0138] As described above, the detection device 10 functions as an interface for receiving user commands for an overlay image (stereoscopic image) displayed by the display device 100. Additionally, the detection device 10 sets a detection area based on the image formation position of the overlay image, thereby enabling high-sensitivity detection of user commands for the overlay image. Furthermore, similar to Embodiment 1, in this embodiment, the frame of the detection device 10 can also be narrowed.

[0139] Example 6

[0140] 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.

[0141] 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.

[0142] 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.

[0143] 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.

[0144] 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.

[0145] 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.

[0146] 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.

[0147] 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.

[0148] 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).

[0149] 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).

[0150] 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.

[0151] 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.

[0152] 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.

[0153] 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.

[0154] Modify Example

[0155] Embodiments have been described, but various modifications may be made to this disclosure without departing from the spirit and scope thereof.

[0156] 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.

[0157] 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.

[0158] 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.

[0159] 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.

[0160] 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.

[0161] 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.

[0162] 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).

[0163] 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).

[0164] 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.

[0165] 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.

[0166] 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 display unit, comprising: Testing equipment, and Display devices, among which The detection equipment includes: 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; and 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, selects at least one of the first and second electrodes that were not selected as first detection electrodes as a first driving electrode, and detects a target in a non-contact state based on a signal representing capacitance acquired from the first detection electrodes by applying a voltage to the first driving electrode. The display device includes: An autostereoscopic display that projects different images onto an observer's left and right eyes aligned in a predetermined direction, based on a first and second input images for two viewpoints; and a spatial image forming element comprising a plurality of light-reflecting elements that reflect light from an object through a first and a second reflective surface orthogonal to each other, and the spatial image forming element forming a floating image in space corresponding to the first and second input images projected by the autostereoscopic display. The detection device has multiple first electrodes and multiple second electrodes disposed on the spatial image forming element.

2. The display unit according to claim 1, wherein the controller changes the predetermined detection area based on the image forming position of the floating image.

3. The display unit according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the controller selects a third detection electrode from the first electrode and the second electrode positioned outside the predetermined detection area according to the depth of the floating image, and determines the position of the target in the non-contact state in the depth direction of the floating image according to the capacitance signal collected from the first detection electrode and the capacitance signal collected from the third detection electrode.

Images