Contactless sensor and system

Abstract

To provide a contactless sensor that accurately calculates the position or action of an object and is yet compact and multifunctional.SOLUTION: A contactless sensor 101 according to the present disclosure is characterized by comprising: a transmit antenna 91 for transmitting a modulated signal; a plurality of receive antennas 92 for receiving the signal transmitted from the transmit antenna 91 and reflected by an object P; and a microcomputer 82 which calculates the position of the object P on the basis of the phase difference and frequency of the signals received by the plurality of receive antennas 92, and which, when it is determined that the object P is located in a measurement start area defined as one among one or a plurality of areas opposed to the plurality of receive antennas 92 and determined based on the positions of the plurality of receive antennas 92, determines which of the one or plurality of areas, other than the measurement start area, the object is located in.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 29

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a non-contact sensor and to controlling an apparatus in a non-contact manner. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, non-contact switches using infrared rays, light, etc. have been widely known. Also, Patent Document 1 discloses a non-contact switch using radio waves. The non-contact switch of Patent Document 1 turns ON when a user brings a hand or finger close to the sensor surface, and turns OFF when the user brings the hand or finger close again. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2022-131450 A [Patent Document 2] Patent No. 6455844 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In recent years, smart home appliances and tablets equipped with panels have become increasingly multifunctional. The non-contact switch of Patent Document 1 can be turned on and off, but cannot accommodate such multifunctionality. In addition, it is possible to accommodate multifunctionality by adopting a multi-patch antenna as in Patent Document 2, but there are problems with this, such as the difficulty of miniaturizing the device and the increased cost.

[0005] Therefore, it is conceivable to adopt the FMCW method in order to incorporate some sort of identification operation based on the distance information from the non-contact switch to the target (a finger, a palm, etc.). However, even if such a method is adopted, there is a problem that the target cannot be measured accurately because objects other than the measurement target are mixed in the detection area.

[0006] In order to solve the above problems, an object of the present disclosure is to provide a small, multifunctional non-contact sensor that can accurately calculate the position and movement of an object. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] In order to achieve the above object, the non-contact sensor according to the present disclosure employs a method of using multiple receiving antennas to calculate the position of an object based on the phase difference and frequency of signals received by the multiple receiving antennas.

[0008] Specifically, the non-contact sensor of the present disclosure includes a transmitter that transmits a modulated signal; a receiving unit that receives the signal transmitted from the transmitting unit and reflected by an object with a plurality of receivers; and a calculation processing unit that calculates the position of the object based on the phase difference and frequency of the signals received by the multiple receivers, and when it is determined that the object is located in a measurement start area that faces the multiple receivers and is defined as one of one or more areas defined based on the positions of the multiple receivers, determines in which of the one or more areas other than the measurement start area the object is located.

[0009] Such a non-contact sensor can accurately calculate the position of an object based on the phase difference and frequency of the signals, while providing a variety of functions depending on the combination of area selections, and by setting a measurement start area, it is possible to prevent unintended malfunctions by the user.

[0010] It is preferable that the calculation processing unit determines a movement of the object when it is determined that the object is located in the measurement start area.

[0011] With this configuration, it is possible to provide various functions according to combinations of movements of the object.

[0012] Specifically, the present disclosure relates to a non-contact sensor as described above, The system includes a device connected to the non-contact sensor and activated depending on a determination result of which of the one or more areas the object is located in or a determination result of the motion of the object.

[0013] With this configuration, various functions of the device can be controlled according to a combination of area selection and object movement.

[0014] the calculation processing unit, after determining that the object is located in the measurement start area, when determining that the object is located in a predetermined area among the one or more areas other than the measurement start area or when determining that the object has moved in a predetermined moving direction, outputs a drive signal corresponding to the determination result to the device; It is preferable that the device is driven in response to the drive signal.

[0015] According to such a configuration, the device can be driven in response to a predetermined operation by the user.

[0016] When the calculation processing unit determines that the object is located in the measurement start area again or in the predetermined area after driving the device, the calculation processing unit outputs a drive stop signal to the device; It is preferable that the device stops driving in response to the drive stop signal.

[0017] This configuration makes it possible to meet the needs of users who wish to stop operation of a device while it is in operation.

[0018] the calculation processing unit, after determining that the object is located in the measurement start area, when determining that a plurality of areas have been selected by the object so as to correspond to a combination of a plurality of areas set in advance or when determining a plurality of movements of the object, outputs a lock signal to the device to lock a specific function of the device; Preferably, the device locks the particular function in response to the lock signal.

[0019] According to this configuration, the functions of the device can be locked in accordance with a combination of area selections or complex movements of an object, thereby preventing the functions of the device from being unintentionally locked.

[0020] When the specific function of the device is locked, the calculation processing unit, after determining that the object is located in the measurement start area, outputs an unlock signal to the device to unlock the specific function of the device that has been locked, when determining that a plurality of areas have been selected by the object so as to correspond to a combination of a plurality of areas that have been preset, or when determining a plurality of movements of the object; Preferably, the device unlocks the particular function in response to the unlock signal.

[0021] According to such a configuration, the functions of the device can be unlocked according to a combination of area selections or complex movements of an object, thereby making it possible to prevent the functions of the device from being unintentionally unlocked.

[0022] the calculation processing unit, after determining that the object is located in the measurement start area, stores the one or more areas in which the object is located until it is determined again that the object is located in the measurement start area, and outputs to the device a combination of one or more control signals corresponding to the one or more areas stored; It is preferable that the device is driven in response to a combination of the control signals.

[0023] According to this configuration, various functions of the device connected to the non-contact sensor can be controlled by utilizing the code corresponding to the area selection.

[0024] It is preferable that the device further comprises a display unit for displaying a display corresponding to the combination of control signals.

[0025] According to this configuration, it is possible to provide the user with the operation procedure required to operate a specific function.

[0026] A plurality of patterns are prepared for the arrangement of the one or more areas, the calculation processing unit stores the arrangement, and switches the arrangement in response to an area selection by the object or a movement of the object; It is preferable that the display section performs area display according to the arrangement.

[0027] According to such a configuration, it is possible to suitably switch the area division pattern in response to a user operation, and to provide the user with information as to which area to select before and after the switching.

[0028] The above disclosures can be combined to the greatest extent possible. Effect of the Invention

[0029] In addition, the non-contact sensor disclosed herein can accurately calculate the position of an object based on the phase difference and frequency of the signals, while providing various functions depending on the combination of area selections, and by setting a measurement start area, it is possible to prevent unintended malfunctions by the user. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0030] [Figure 1] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a non-contact sensor. [Diagram 2] FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a phase difference of a beat signal. [Diagram 3] FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating reflection point processing. [Figure 4] FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating angle measurement by a non-contact sensor. [Diagram 5] 1 is a diagram illustrating radiation characteristics of a receiving antenna. [Figure 6]13A and 13B are diagrams illustrating a configuration of an antenna unit according to a modified example. [Figure 7] FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a detectable distance range of a non-contact sensor. [Figure 8] FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a non-contact sensor. [Figure 9] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating signal processing. [Figure 10] FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating setting of a distance range. [Figure 11] FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating area selection for each distance range. [Figure 12] FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating a calibration process. [Figure 13] FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating a calibration process. [Figure 14] FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating a calibration process. [Figure 15] FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating a calibration process. [Figure 16] FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating area settings. [Figure 17] FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating some examples of area settings. [Figure 18] FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating a determination of a swipe motion. [Figure 19] FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating a determination of a swipe motion. [Figure 20] 1A to 1C are diagrams illustrating some examples of swipe actions. [Figure 21] 1A to 1C are diagrams illustrating some examples of flick actions. [Figure 22] FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating area selection based on the number of determinations during a second predetermined time period. [Figure 23] FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating area selection based on area stay time. [Figure 24] FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating area selection using a separation detection distance. [Diagram 25] FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating area selection based on entering and leaving an area. [Figure 26] FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating some examples of motion determination. [Figure 27] FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating some examples of motion determination. [Figure 28] FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating a determination of a complex motion. [Figure 29] FIG. 13 is a diagram for explaining input of an operation code. [Diagram 30] FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an operation instruction given by a display. [Diagram 31] FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating hierarchical area switching. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0031] Hereinafter, the embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. Note that the present disclosure is not limited to the embodiments shown below. These implementation examples are merely illustrative, and the present disclosure can be implemented in various forms with various modifications and improvements based on the knowledge of those skilled in the art. Note that components with the same reference numerals in this specification and drawings are assumed to indicate the same components.

[0032] (Embodiment 1) A non-contact sensor 101 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference to FIGS.

[0033] [Non-contact sensor configuration] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating the configuration of a non-contact sensor 101 according to the first embodiment. The non-contact sensor 101 detects the position of an object (such as a hand or a finger) located at a predetermined distance and a predetermined angle from the non-contact sensor 101. The non-contact sensor 101 is a radio wave sensor of the FMCW (Frequency Modulated Continuous Wave) system. In the following description, a human fingertip is described as the object, but the object is not limited to a human fingertip. An object brought close to the non-contact sensor 101 may be a part of the body other than a fingertip or a vehicle (for example, a bicycle, a car, a wheelchair, a walker for nursing care, etc.). In addition, an object held by a user in his / her hand, for example, a smartphone, a book, a magazine, etc., may be the detection object. The non-contact sensor 101 is electrically connected to various devices 70 and functions as a switch for starting or stopping the function operation of the device 70 according to the position or movement of the object. The non-contact sensor 101 may be electrically connected to devices 70 having various functions, such as smart home appliances and tablets equipped with panels, and may function as a switch for starting or stopping the function operation of the device 70.

[0034] In this embodiment, the non-contact sensor 101 is disposed so that the left-right direction of the figure coincides with the horizontal direction and the up-down direction of the figure coincides with the vertical (perpendicular) direction. The non-contact sensor 101 can take various postures, not limited to the case where the left-right direction of the figure coincides with the horizontal direction and the up-down direction of the figure coincides with the vertical direction. For example, the non-contact sensor 101 may be disposed so that the up-down direction of the figure coincides with the horizontal direction and the left-right direction of the figure coincides with the vertical direction. In addition, in the following description, for convenience of explanation, a two-dimensional coordinate system (graph) is set and appropriately referenced, with the center of the antenna unit 81 in the horizontal and vertical directions as the origin, the horizontal direction as the X-axis, and the vertical direction as the Y-axis. In addition, the Z-axis perpendicular to the X-axis and Y-axis may be mentioned.

[0035] The non-contact sensor 101 includes an antenna unit 81 and a microcomputer 82. The antenna unit 81 is located at the top of the non-contact sensor 101. The antenna unit 81 includes a substrate 90, a transmitting antenna 91, and three receiving antennas 92-1, 92-2, and 92-3. In the following description, when the receiving antennas 92-1, 92-2, and 92-3 are not particularly distinguished from each other, they may be simply referred to as receiving antennas 92. The transmitting antenna 91 functions as a "transmitting unit." The receiving antenna 92 ​​functions as a "receiving unit" and "multiple receivers."

[0036] Here, the origin of a two-dimensional coordinate system with the horizontal direction as the X-axis and the vertical direction as the Y-axis is set to be located at the center of the substrate 90 in the horizontal and vertical directions. The transmitting antenna 91 is provided at the upper right of the substrate 90. In other words, the transmitting antenna 91 is located in the first quadrant of the two-dimensional coordinate system. The transmitting antenna 91 transmits a transmission wave that is linearly FM modulated and whose frequency increases linearly over time based on chirp control from the microcomputer 82. The transmission wave transmitted from the transmitting antenna 91 hits an object located at a predetermined distance and a predetermined angle and is reflected.

[0037] The receiving antennas 92-1, 92-2, and 92-3 are arranged on the substrate 90 so as to be orthogonal to the receiving antenna 92-3 as a reference. Specifically, the receiving antenna 92-3 is located at a position substantially symmetrical to the transmitting antenna 91 with respect to the origin of the two-dimensional coordinate system. The receiving antenna 92-1 is located at a position substantially symmetrical to the receiving antenna 92-3 with respect to the Y axis. The receiving antenna 92-2 is located at a position substantially symmetrical to the receiving antenna 92-3 with respect to the X axis. In other words, the receiving antenna 92-1 is located in the fourth quadrant of the two-dimensional coordinate system, the receiving antenna 92-2 is located in the second quadrant of the two-dimensional coordinate system, and the receiving antenna 92-3 is located in the third quadrant of the two-dimensional coordinate system. Each of the receiving antennas 92-1, 92-2, and 92-3 receives a reflected wave from an object. Each of the receiving antennas 92-1, 92-2, and 92-3 transmits a signal related to the received reflected wave. A signal related to the reflected wave is phase-detected with the transmitted wave from the transmitting antenna 91, and then sent as a beat signal to the microcomputer 82. Here, the beat signal frequency becomes a frequency signal according to the distance to the target object, depending on the sweep frequency width and sweep time.

[0038] Specifically, the non-contact sensor 101 includes a transmitting antenna 91 for transmitting a modulated signal; receiving antennas 92-1, 92-2, and 92-3 for receiving the signal transmitted from the transmitting antenna 91 and reflected by an object P; a microcomputer 82 that calculates the position of the object P based on the phase difference and frequency of the signals received by the receiving antennas 92-1, 92-2, and 92-3, and calculates in which of a plurality of detection regions that are different distances from the receiving antennas 92-1, 92-2, and 92-3 the object P is located; It is equipped with:

[0039] The microcomputer 82 includes a chirp control unit 82a that controls the chirp of the transmission wave transmitted by the transmitting antenna 91, a signal processing unit 82b that processes beat signals, a storage unit 82c having a ROM for storing processing programs, control data, various thresholds, etc., and a RAM for temporarily storing data, and a timer 82d that measures time. The microcomputer 82 functions as an "arithmetic processing unit."

[0040] [Measurement of object position] 2 is a diagram for explaining the phase difference between the beat signal from the receiving antenna 92-1 and the beat signal from the receiving antenna 92-3. In this embodiment, the reflected wave from the object P is simultaneously received by the multiple receiving antennas 92, so that the position of the object P relative to the antenna unit 81 can be measured. In other words, since the multiple receiving antennas 92 are arranged slightly apart on the XY coordinate system, the positional relationship and distance between the object P and each receiving antenna 92 ​​differ for each receiving antenna. For this reason, the reflected wave from the object P arrives with a waveform that is slightly different for each receiving antenna.

[0041] 3 is a diagram for explaining the reflection point processing. The signal processing unit 82b has a filter unit 82b1. The filter unit 82b1 calculates the position of the object P from the median value or moving average of the positions of the object P within a predetermined time. Specifically, the filter unit 82b1 calculates the angle (direction) of the object P with respect to the antenna unit 81 based on the phase difference of the reflected waves received by each receiving antenna 92. At the same time, the filter unit 82b1 calculates the distance from the antenna unit 81 to the object P based on a beat signal corresponding to the distance to the object P.

[0042] 4 is a diagram for explaining measurement of the distance and angle (direction) of an object P, such as a human fingertip, with respect to the antenna unit 81. In this embodiment, the position of the object P with respect to the antenna unit 81 can be measured based on a general MIMO (Multi Input Multi Output) method.

[0043] This will be explained in detail below. 4, the receiving antennas 92-1 and 92-3 are arranged at a distance d apart in the XY coordinates. The relationship between the distance d and the wavelength λ of the transmitted wave and the reflected wave is expressed as follows.

number

[0044] Furthermore, the difference between the distance between the object P and the receiving antenna 92-1 and the distance between the object P and the receiving antenna 92-3 is L. The following relationship holds between the distance L and θ shown in FIG.

number

number

number

[0045] As a result, the filter unit 82b1 can calculate the angle (direction) of the object P along the direction in which the receiving antennas 92-1 and 92-3 are arranged side by side (X-axis direction) from the relative positioning of the receiving antennas 92-1 and 92-3 in two-dimensional coordinates. Furthermore, the filter unit 82b1 can calculate the angle (direction) of the object P along the direction in which the receiving antennas 92-2 and 92-3 are arranged side by side (Y-axis direction) from the relative positioning of the receiving antennas 92-2 and 92-3. At the same time, the filter unit 82b1 can calculate the distance from the antenna unit 81 to the object P based on a beat signal corresponding to the distance to the object P, thereby calculating the spatial position of the object. In this way, by arranging three or more receiving antennas 92, the position of the object in front of the non-contact sensor 101 can be detected. In addition, it is also possible to calculate the angle (direction) of the object P along the direction in which the receiving antennas 92-1 and 92-2 are arranged side by side (a direction different from the X-axis direction and the Y-axis direction), which can be used to improve the accuracy of detecting the object's position.

[0046] In this way, according to the non-contact sensor 101 of this embodiment, the position of the object P can be calculated by providing a single non-contact sensor 101 with multiple receiving antennas 92-1, 92-2, and 92-3. The non-contact sensor 101 can provide various outputs according to multiple positions of the object P. This makes it possible to realize a small, multi-functional non-contact switch. In addition, since the non-contact sensor 101 is non-contact, it has excellent environmental resistance.

[0047] In addition, since the non-contact sensor 101 is very small, it can be used to control the on / off of lifestyle devices in a smart home by embedding it in a wall, for example. Furthermore, by configuring a toilet switch in a public toilet or the like that is touched by an unspecified number of people as an embedded type, a user can turn the switch on and off by simply placing a hand or finger over it.

[0048] In addition, in this embodiment, the transmitting antenna 91 and the receiving antenna 92 ​​are planar patch antennas, but the types of the transmitting antenna 91 and the receiving antenna 92 ​​are not limited to this. The transmitting antennas 91 and the receiving antennas 92 may each be more in number and arranged in a different manner than in the present invention.

[0049] As described above, the position of the object P can be calculated by a general MIMO, but the resolution is limited by the characteristics of the receiving antenna 92 ​​itself. In particular, when measuring a fingertip at a relatively short distance or a very short distance, various resolutions become an issue. The resolution of the receiving antenna 92 ​​includes distance resolution, distance separation resolution, angle resolution, angle separation resolution, time resolution, and level resolution. Here, the angle separation resolution is described. The angle separation resolution is an index of sensitivity as to whether the directions of multiple objects can be measured separately. In other words, the angle separation resolution refers to the ability to resolve multiple objects in the detection area by angle, assuming that they are separate objects.

[0050] 5 is a diagram illustrating the directivity of one of the receiving antennas 92. The receiving antenna 92 ​​can detect an object P located within a field of view (Fov). When the object P is located within the Fov, the filter unit 82b1 can calculate the angle (direction) of the object P with respect to the antenna unit 81 based on the phase difference between the reflected waves received by each receiving antenna 92, and can also calculate the distance from the antenna unit 81 to the object P based on a beat signal corresponding to the distance to the object P.

[0051] When the distance d between the receiving antennas 92 is a half wavelength, the angular separation resolution of the receiving antennas 92 is expressed by the following formula.

number

[0052] The receiving antenna 92 ​​may or may not have directionality. If the receiving antenna 92 ​​has directionality, it can preferably detect an object located in a specific direction according to the directivity. If the receiving antenna 92 ​​is omnidirectional, it can prevent blind spots from occurring and preferably detect an object regardless of the direction in which it is located.

[0053] (Modification of the first embodiment) FIG. 6 is a diagram for explaining an example of the configuration of the antenna unit 81 according to a modified example of the first embodiment. As described above, in the first embodiment, one transmitting antenna 91 and three receiving antennas 92-1, 92-2, and 92-3 are arranged on the substrate 90 so as to be orthogonal to each other, but the scope of the present disclosure is not limited to this. As shown in FIG. 6, by arranging a larger number of transmitting antennas 91 and a larger number of receiving antennas 92 on the substrate 90, the angular separation resolution and the angular resolution can be increased. As described above, since a single target such as a human fingertip is assumed as the object P of the non-contact sensor 101, the main issue is the angular resolution. Here, the angular resolution is an index of sensitivity as to how accurately the direction of a single (single target) object P can be measured.

[0054] In this modification, four transmitting antennas 91-1, 91-2, 91-3, and 91-4 are provided along the X-axis, and four receiving antennas 92-1, 92-2, 92-3, and 92-4 are provided along the Y-axis. The row of transmitting antennas 91 and the row of receiving antennas 92 are orthogonal to each other.

[0055] In this modification, the microcomputer 82 alternately transmits to each transmitting antenna 91 a switching signal for alternately driving each transmitting antenna 91. Each transmitting antenna 91 alternately transmits a transmission wave in response to the switching signal. At this time, the microcomputer 82 can calculate the position of the object P from the positional relationship between each transmitting antenna 91 and each receiving antenna 92. In this modification, four antennas are used for each of transmission and reception, so that the position of the object P can be calculated using finer angular resolution than in the first embodiment.

[0056] (Embodiment 2) A non-contact sensor 101 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference to FIGS. 7 to 15. FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating a detectable distance range of the non-contact sensor 101. In this embodiment, the distance range in which the antenna unit 81 can detect an object P is divided, and the divided distance range can be set as a distance range that functions as a switch of the device 70 connected to the non-contact sensor 101. FIG. 7 shows a state in which ranges R1 and R2 are divided from an arbitrarily settable distance range. R1 and R2 are examples of a "detection region." Specifically, in this embodiment, the distance range in which the antenna unit 81 can detect an object is divided into a plurality of detection regions in the Z-axis direction.

[0057] When the non-contact sensor 101 is used as a switch sensor, it is necessary to determine a distance range in which the antenna unit 81 recognizes the fingertip as the target P. In addition, as described above, the non-contact sensor 101 is premised on being a single target from the viewpoint of the angle separation resolution. For this reason, the distance range in which the antenna unit 81 recognizes the fingertip must be determined to be a range in which only the target fingertip is present when the switch is operated and nothing is present when the operation is not performed. In a typical non-contact switch, the switch is activated by bringing the fingertip close to the antenna. Therefore, in this embodiment, the non-contact sensor 101 is configured to calculate the position of the target P when the target P enters a range R1 of 3 cm to 23 cm close to the non-contact sensor 101. The distance 3 cm is an example of the "minimum distance", and the distance 23 cm is an example of the "maximum distance". In addition, the minimum distance of 3 cm in the range R1 is set to be more than half the distance corresponding to the limit of the distance resolution of the non-contact sensor 101.

[0058] On the other hand, the question arises as to whether the range R1 can actually be set by dividing the distance range of the minimum detection distance d-min and the maximum detection distance d-max of the non-contact sensor 101. Here, the minimum detection distance d-min refers to the minimum distance between the non-contact sensor 1010 and the object P at which the non-contact sensor 101 can detect the object P, and the maximum detection distance d-max refers to the maximum distance between the non-contact sensor 101 and the object P at which the non-contact sensor 101 can detect the object P. In the following description, the distance range of the minimum detection distance d-min and the maximum detection distance d-max is called the "detection range." Specifically, when setting the distance range that functions as a switch, the distance resolution and distance separation resolution of the antenna unit 81 become an issue. The distance resolution is an index indicating the step size (distance range) by which the minimum detection distance d-min to the maximum detection distance d-max (detection range) of the antenna unit 81 can be divided. Moreover, distance separation resolution is the ability to distinguish between an object P (for example, a fingertip) and an object located in the vicinity of the object P (for example, the palm or back of the hand, an arm, a torso, etc.).

[0059] The configuration and processing of the non-contact sensor 101 for setting the distance range in which it functions as a switch will be described in detail below. [Electrical configuration] FIG. 8 is a block diagram for explaining the electrical configuration of the non-contact sensor 101. FIG. 9 is a diagram for explaining signal processing. As described above, the non-contact sensor 101 employs the FMCW method capable of measuring the distance to the object P. The non-contact sensor 101 further includes a PLL (Phase Locked Loop) modulator 83 and a mixer 84 as electrical components. The PLL modulator 83 modulates the radio wave so that the frequency increases linearly (linearly) with time based on a control signal from the chirp control unit 82a of the microcomputer 82 (PLL modulation). The radio wave modulated by the PLL modulator 83 is sent to the transmitting antenna 91 as a chirp signal. The transmitting antenna 91 transmits the PLL-modulated radio wave as a transmission wave. The transmission wave is reflected by the object P. Here, in this embodiment, one sweep (chirp) is performed for each measurement. However, the scope of the present disclosure is not limited to this. Multiple sweeps may be performed for each measurement. It should be noted that the "sweep" referred to here may be any of an up sweep, a down sweep, and an up-down sweep.

[0060] The mixer 84 generates a beat signal (IF (Intermediate Frequency)) signal by phase detection of a part of the transmitted wave and a reflected wave from the object P received by the receiving antenna 92, and sends it to the microcomputer 82. The beat signal is generated as a frequency signal according to the distance to the object P based on the sweep bandwidth and sweep time.

[0061] [Minimum and maximum detection distances] Generally, in the case of an FMCW type radio wave sensor, the minimum detection distance d-min at which an object P can be detected is determined by the sweep bandwidth BW (Band Width) from the PLL modulator 83. Specifically, the minimum detection distance is expressed by the following formula.

number

[0062] Here, in a typical non-contact switch, the minimum detection distance dmin is preferably small, since the switch is activated by bringing a fingertip close to the antenna. In this embodiment, the 60 GHz ISM band (Industrial Scientific and Medical Band) is used to achieve short-distance measurement. However, the scope of the present disclosure is not limited to this. The 78 GHz ISM band or the 140 GHz ISM band may also be used. The reason for adopting millimeter waves in this way is that a wide bandwidth can be obtained.

[0063] In this embodiment, since IQ (In Phase / Quadrature Phase) modulation is performed as shown in FIG. 8, dmin is a value obtained by dividing the speed of light c by twice the BW. However, the scope of the present disclosure is not limited to this, and IQ modulation does not have to be performed. In this case, dmin is a value obtained by dividing the speed of light c by the BW.

[0064] On the other hand, the maximum detection distance d-max is determined by the smaller of the IF (Intermediate Frequency) bandwidth of the output of the mixer 84 (a beat signal corresponding to the distance from the antenna unit 81 to the object P) or the Nyquist frequency. In general, the distance determined by the IF bandwidth or the Nyquist frequency is a considerably large distance. Here, in the case of a non-contact switch, the higher the distance frequency (the frequency per unit distance, for example, the frequency per meter or the frequency per centimeter), the better. In this embodiment, the distance frequency is increased by shortening the chirp (linear frequency change) time and increasing the slope of the frequency change (widening the sweep bandwidth). In this way, it is required to shorten the chirp time while adopting a wider sweep bandwidth. In this embodiment, this is achieved by adopting a millimeter wave band that can handle a wide bandwidth.

[0065] In this embodiment, the minimum detection distance d-min is set to 3 cm, and the maximum detection distance d-max is set to 1.8 m.

[0066] As described above, in this embodiment, by adopting the FMCW method, the circuit configuration can be simplified and it is possible to achieve high distance resolution with relatively little signal processing. Note that in this embodiment, the FMCW method is adopted and the microcomputer 82 calculates the distance between the antenna unit 81 and the object P, but the scope of the present disclosure is not limited to this. The FSK (Frequency Shift Keying) method may be adopted and the microcomputer 82 may calculate the distance between the antenna unit 81 and the object P.

[0067] In the above, it is assumed that the object P is one (single) human finger (single target), but the scope of the present disclosure is not limited to this. For example, one antenna unit 81 may detect the distance to multiple objects. In this case, the beat signal is generated as a signal in which multiple frequencies are synthesized. The distance to each object is calculated by performing FFT (Fast Fourier Transform) signal processing on these multiple frequencies.

[0068] [Distance range setting] As described above, the maximum detection distance (Nyquist distance) d-max, which is generally determined by the IF bandwidth and the Nyquist frequency, is a considerably large distance (1.8 m in this embodiment). For this reason, when the switch is operated, there are also reflecting objects (e.g., the palm or back of the hand, the arm, the torso, the head, etc.) other than the object P within the maximum detection distance d-max. The receiving antenna 92 ​​also receives reflected waves from such reflecting objects. Furthermore, reflections at short distances have various distance paths due to the influence of not only the reflection distance but also the multipath of the radio waves.

[0069] The influence of such reflected waves from reflecting objects and multipath waves affects the distance resolution and distance separation resolution of the non-contact sensor 101. In this embodiment, a range limiting filter process as shown in FIG. 9 is applied to deal with this. FIG. 9 is a diagram for explaining signal processing. The signal processing unit 82b of the microcomputer 82 has an FFT processing unit 82b2 and a calibration processing unit 82b3. The FFT processing unit 82b2 sets the distance range in which the measurement of the object P is performed by Zoom FFT processing. This will be described in detail below.

[0070] The FFT processing unit 82b2 sets the distance range in which the measurement is actually performed by performing decimation. Specifically, the FFT (Fast Fourier Transform) processing unit 82b2 divides the detection range to set the distance range in which the measurement is actually performed to a range in which only the target fingertip is present when the switch is operated and nothing is present when the switch is not operated. In addition, the FFT processing unit 82b2 employs a steep LPF (Low Pass Filter) to prevent detection of signals other than single paths such as return reflection signals. In this embodiment, since measurements are not possible below the minimum detection distance d-min, the measurement range is determined by superimposing the offset distances of each antenna.

[0071] In this embodiment, the FFT processing unit 82b2 divides the detection distance range into eight. In addition, in this embodiment, the non-contact sensor 101 is configured to calculate the position of the object P when the object P enters a range R1 (FIG. 7) of 3 cm to 23 cm close to the non-contact sensor 101. In other words, the microcomputer 82 selects one of the eight divided detection areas and calculates the position of the object P in the selected detection area. By determining a narrow distance range as the range to be measured in this way, it is possible to preferably detect only the finger at the time of operating the switch. Note that the range of the present disclosure is not limited to this. It is possible to divide the range more finely or more roughly depending on the use of the switch. In this embodiment, the FFT processing unit 82b2 sets the distance range to be measured in advance by signal processing in this way, so there is no need to provide a software configuration for limiting the range other than the processing.

[0072] FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining the setting of the distance range. FIG. 11 is a diagram for explaining the selection of an area for each distance range. In this embodiment, by utilizing the property of radio waves that spread as the distance from the antenna increases, different switch operations can be associated with each divided distance range. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 10, a small movement operation with a fingertip can be associated with a range R1 located relatively close to the non-contact sensor 101, and a dynamic movement operation such as that expressed with the palm or the entire arm can be associated with a range R2 located relatively far from the non-contact sensor 101. More specifically, as shown in FIG. 11, a plurality of relatively wide areas A1, A2, A3, and A4 can be set in the range R2, and the switch can be configured to function according to the operations in the plurality of areas and combinations of these operations.

[0073] [Calibration process] When the non-contact sensor 101 is used as a non-contact switch, the distance separation resolution of the non-contact sensor 101 is affected by reflected waves from objects disposed around the non-contact sensor 101 depending on the location of the non-contact sensor 101. In particular, when the non-contact sensor 101 is embedded or disposed behind a panel or display, reflections from various objects such as a case or a wall that houses the non-contact sensor 101 are expected. In this embodiment, a calibration process is performed to eliminate the influence of reflected waves from various objects due to the location of the non-contact sensor 101. The calibration process is executed by a calibration processing unit 82b3 of the signal processing unit 82b. The calibration process when the non-contact sensor 101 is incorporated in a predetermined case will be described in detail below.

[0074] 12 and 13 are diagrams for explaining the effect of the calibration process. If the calibration process is not performed, as shown in FIG. 12, the non-contact sensor 101 detects the effect of the reflected wave from the case located at a very short distance (0 cm to 3 cm) from the antenna unit 81 as the received power. In contrast, according to this embodiment, the calibration process is performed, so the effect of the reflected wave from the case can be removed. Meanwhile, in this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 13, the position of the object P can be suitably calculated without removing the effect of the reflected wave from the object P located at a short distance (3 cm to 23 cm) from the antenna unit 81 when the switch is operated.

[0075] The calibration process by the calibration processor 82b3 is executed when an object (such as a person) enters the detection range of the non-contact sensor 101. FIG. 14 and FIG. 15 are diagrams for explaining the calibration process when a person enters the detection range. As shown by the arrows in FIG. 14 and FIG. 15, the scenes change in the order of (A), (B), (C), and (D). The horizontal axis of the FFT graph in FIG. 15 is FFT BIN (distance BIN), and the vertical axis is received signal strength. The detection range is divided into a plurality of ranges corresponding to the FFT BIN. (1) in the figure corresponds to the distance range that functions as a switch, and (2) corresponds to the detection range. Scene (A) shows that there is no intrusion and that the detection range does not change. As described above, a calibration process is executed in advance for the influence of reflected waves from objects that do not change position, such as objects installed in the background or cases. As shown in scene (B), when a person enters the detection range, the non-contact sensor 101 recognizes the intrusion of the person. The non-contact sensor 101 performs a calibration process using the signal at that time (the FMCW measurement beat signal, the result of converting the time amplitude signal into a frequency by FFT, etc.) as a reference, and removes the signal at that time. In this way, by removing the received signal at the time when a person enters, it is possible to prevent the switch from malfunctioning due to mere intrusion of a person. In other words, the microcomputer 82 performs a calibration process to remove signals from the object P in the detection area other than the detection area that functions as a switch.

[0076] Next, as shown in scene (C), when a person approaches the non-contact sensor 101, the non-contact sensor 101 detects a signal corresponding to the position and movement of the person. Furthermore, as shown in scene (D), when a person holds a fingertip (target object P) over the non-contact sensor 101 as if to operate a switch, the non-contact sensor 101 detects a signal corresponding to the movement of the fingertip. These positions and movements of the person are decomposed according to the divided distance ranges and processed. Specifically, the distance between the non-contact sensor 101 and the torso, the distance between the non-contact sensor 101 and the back of the hand, and the distance between the non-contact sensor 101 and the fingertip are all different. In other words, the distance ranges in which the torso, the back of the hand, and the fingertip are located are all different. The non-contact sensor 101 then functions according to the position and movement of the person decomposed for each distance range.

[0077] However, in this embodiment, the non-contact sensor 101 detects the position and movement of a person only when the person enters the range R1 closest to the non-contact sensor 101. As described above, this can be achieved by the FFT processor 82b2 setting the distance range to be measured in advance through signal processing. Note that the calibration process is not limited to this and is performed within the entire detection range.

[0078] [Other resolutions] Among the various resolutions of the antenna section 81, the level resolution, which has not been explained so far, will be explained below.

[0079] Moreover, the level resolution is an index of sensitivity of the received signal power from the object P. The level resolution generally corresponds to the dynamic range of the sensor. The dynamic range is the ratio between the noise level when there is no signal and the level (voltage power value) when there is a signal, and the larger this value is, the more erroneous operation due to noise and the like is reduced. In this embodiment, the non-contact sensor 101 is designed so that the noise level when there is no signal is minute, as shown in FIG. 15. Therefore, in the non-contact sensor 101, erroneous operation due to noise and the like is reduced.

[0080] (Embodiment 3) [Area Settings] A non-contact sensor 101 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference to Fig. 16 and Fig. 17. Fig. 16 is a diagram illustrating area setting of the non-contact sensor 101. In this embodiment, in each distance range, the area where the antenna unit 81 can detect the object P is divided into areas according to the direction (angle) from the antenna unit 81. Each area may be a two-dimensional planar area or a three-dimensional spatial area. According to the spread of the transmission wave from the transmission antenna 91, the area located closer to the sensor surface has a smaller area (volume), and the area located farther from the sensor surface has a larger area (volume). In other words, the area (volume) of the detection area facing the receiving antenna 92 ​​increases as the distance from the receiving antenna 92 ​​increases. However, these detection areas are set in an appropriate range that can reach the movement of the hand to be detected. As a result, various functions can be given to each detection area by utilizing the spread of the radio wave, such as calculating the position and movement of a small object such as a fingertip in a detection area located close to the receiving antenna 92, and calculating the position and movement of a large object such as an arm or a palm in a detection area located far from the receiving antenna 92. FIG. 16 shows the state of area setting in an arbitrary one distance range. Area A1 is located at the negative position of the X-axis, area A2 is located at the positive position of the Y-axis, area A3 is located at the positive position of the X-axis, and area A4 is located at the negative position of the Y-axis. However, the method of dividing the areas is not limited to one, and various methods are possible. The types of areas that can be divided are stored in advance as area division data in the storage unit 82c of the microcomputer 82. The multiple area division data can be switched depending on the situation. The filter unit 82b1 of the signal processing unit 82b is configured to switch the processing it performs depending on the current area division data.

[0081] The microcomputer 82 compares the position of the object P calculated by the filter unit 82b1 with the area division data to determine in which area the object P is located. The microcomputer 82 executes control such as switching on and off the device 70 connected to the non-contact sensor 101 in response to determining that the object P is located in a specific area. By enabling area selection in this manner, various outputs can be performed depending on the area in which the object P is located. The area division data does not need to be stored in the storage unit 82c of the microcomputer 82, and may be stored in the storage unit of the device 70 connected to the non-contact sensor 101.

[0082] 16, when the object P is located in area A1, the microcomputer 82 determines that the object P is located in area A1. Based on the calculation result, the microcomputer 82 turns on a specific function of the device 70 connected to the non-contact sensor 101. On the other hand, when the object P is located in area A2, the microcomputer 82 determines that the object P is located in area A2. Based on the determination result, the microcomputer 82 turns off a specific function of the device 70 connected to the non-contact sensor 101.

[0083] Fig. 17 is a diagram showing some examples of area setting. As described above, the scope of the present disclosure is not limited to the area division method shown in Fig. 16, and areas can be set based on various area division methods. These area division methods are stored in the storage unit 82c of the microcomputer 82 as area division data.

[0084] 17A, only a single area A1 can be set. Even in this case, the switch can be activated not only by a single action of bringing a hand or finger close once, but also by performing the same action multiple times, thereby making it possible to correspond to various functions of the device 70 connected to the non-contact sensor 101. It is also possible to execute a specific function according to the distance between the antenna unit 81 and the target P.

[0085] As shown in FIG. 17B, two areas A1 and A2 can be set symmetrically on the Y axis. Areas A1 and A2 are elliptical with their major axis in the Y axis direction. Area A1 is located so as to straddle the second and third quadrants of the two-dimensional coordinate system, and area A2 is located so as to straddle the first and fourth quadrants of the two-dimensional coordinate system. In this way, by setting areas A1 and A2 so that each area occupies a wide range, the position of the object P can be suitably determined. Similarly, as shown in FIG. 17C, areas A1 and A2 can be set so as to form an ellipse with its major axis in the X axis direction.

[0086] 17D, it is possible to set area A0 at the origin of the two-dimensional coordinate system, area A1 in the second quadrant, area A2 in the first quadrant, area A3 in the fourth quadrant, and area A4 in the third quadrant. This allows a specific number to be assigned to each area, and a code corresponding to the order in which the user selects the areas to be output.

[0087] FIG. 17E shows an example in which area A0 is set as the origin in addition to areas A1 to A4 in FIG.

[0088] Such functions and operations assigned to the virtual positioning area buttons can be freely configured according to the usage scene, as they are configured by programming. In addition, in recent years, in the display of vending machines and in large-scale advertising displays, the non-contact sensor 101 can also be used as an action switch for the display.

[0089] (Embodiment 4) The non-contact sensor 101 according to the embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference to FIGS. 18 to 20. FIGS. 18 and 19 are diagrams for explaining the determination of a swipe motion. The microcomputer 82 determines the moving direction and the moving amount of the object P based on the change in the position of the object P. For example, the microcomputer 82 can determine the swipe motion of the object P. Here, the "swipe motion" is assumed to be an action of moving the fingertip (object P) in a predetermined direction at a constant speed to transition the operation screen. FIG. 18 shows a state in which the object P is swiped from the negative side to the positive side of the X-axis (arrow A). At an arbitrary point on the moving path of the object P, the filter unit 82b1 calculates the position of the object P. In response to the change in the information related to the calculated position of the object P, the microcomputer 82 executes the determination of the moving direction of the object P and the calculation of the moving amount. According to this, various functions of the device 70 connected to the non-contact sensor 101 can be controlled in accordance with the moving direction and the moving amount of the object P.

[0090] Here, when the non-contact sensor 101 judges an action such as a swipe or a flick, the time resolution becomes an issue. The time resolution is an index of the sensitivity of how accurately the action can be identified when the function of the non-contact switch is operated by an action such as a swipe or a flick. Specifically, the time resolution is an index of how much information can be acquired within a predetermined short time at any point on the movement path of the object P that transitions on the XY coordinate system (sensor surface). The improvement of the time resolution can be achieved by shortening the time of the chirp signal from the PLL modulator 83 and shortening its processing time (computation time). For example, the calculation cycle (repetition time for obtaining a measurement result) can be shortened by taking measures such as reducing the calculation load to shorten the processing time, specifically by reducing the order of the FFT or reducing the number of data acquired from one chirp. The higher the time resolution, the better the state judgment at the time of a swipe or a flick. In this embodiment, too, the time until the calculation result is finally output from the filter unit 82b1 is shortened by reducing the order of the FFT in the FFT processing unit 82b2.

[0091] The moving direction of the object P determined by the non-contact sensor 101 is not limited to a straight line. Fig. 19 shows a state in which the object P is moved so as to draw an arc with the non-contact sensor 101 as the center (arrow B). Even in this case, the microcomputer determines the moving direction of the object P and calculates the amount of movement in response to a change in the information about the position of the object P calculated by the filter unit 82b1. This makes it possible to control various functions of the device 70 connected to the non-contact sensor 101 in response to the moving direction and amount of movement of the object P.

[0092] The scope of the present disclosure is not limited to the case where the microcomputer 82 determines the moving direction of the object P as shown in Fig. 18 and Fig. 19, and the microcomputer 82 can determine various moving directions of the object P or calculate the moving amount of the object P. Fig. 20 is a diagram explaining some examples of swipe actions. That is, the microcomputer 82 can identify and determine the action of the object P according to the moving direction of the object P.

[0093] As shown in FIG. 20A, the microcomputer 82 executes determination of the moving direction of the object P parallel to the X-axis and calculation of the moving amount. In this case, the microcomputer 82 can determine both the moving direction and the moving amount of the object P located on the negative side of the X-axis toward the positive side of the X-axis, and the moving direction and the moving amount of the object P located on the positive side of the X-axis toward the negative side of the X-axis. Similarly, as shown in FIG. 20B, the microcomputer 82 executes determination of the moving direction of the object P parallel to the Y-axis and calculation of the moving amount. In this case, the microcomputer 82 can determine both the moving direction and the moving amount of the object P located on the negative side of the Y-axis toward the positive side of the Y-axis, and the moving direction and the moving amount of the object P located on the positive side of the Y-axis toward the negative side of the Y-axis.

[0094] As shown in FIG. 20C, the microcomputer 82 executes determination of the moving direction of the object P between the second and fourth quadrants of the coordinate axis and calculation of the moving amount. In this case, the microcomputer 82 can execute both of the determination of the moving direction and the moving amount of the object P located in the second quadrant toward the fourth quadrant, and the determination of the moving direction of the object P located in the fourth quadrant toward the second quadrant and calculation of the moving amount. Similarly, as shown in FIG. 20D, the microcomputer 82 executes determination of the moving direction of the object P between the first and third quadrants of the coordinate axis and calculation of the moving amount. In this case, the microcomputer 82 can execute both of the determination of the moving direction and the moving amount of the object P located in the first quadrant toward the third quadrant, and the determination of the moving direction of the object P located in the third quadrant toward the first quadrant and calculation of the moving amount.

[0095] 20E, the microcomputer 82 determines the moving direction and calculates the amount of movement of the object P that describes an arc centered on the non-contact sensor 101. In this case, the microcomputer 82 can determine both the moving direction and amount of movement of the object P in a clockwise direction about the non-contact sensor 101, and the moving direction and amount of movement of the object P in a counterclockwise direction about the non-contact sensor 101.

[0096] In this embodiment, too, the filter unit 82b1 calculates in which area the object P is located. That is, the calculation of the position of the object P and the determination of the moving direction and the calculation of the moving amount of the object P are performed independently of each other.

[0097] (Embodiment 5) A non-contact sensor 101 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference to FIG. 21. FIG. 21 is a diagram illustrating the determination of a flick motion. The microcomputer 82 can also determine motions of the object P other than a swipe motion. For example, the microcomputer 82 can determine a flick motion in which the object P moves at high speed in any direction after being positioned at a specific position. Here, the "flick motion" is assumed to be a motion in which a fingertip (object P) is moved at high speed as if flicking the operation screen.

[0098] FIG. 21A shows a state where the object P performs a flick action in the area A2 or A4. In this case, the filter unit 82b1 first calculates that the object P is located at a specific position in the area A2 or A4. Next, the microcomputer 82 executes determination of the moving direction of the object P and calculation of the moving amount according to a change in the information about the position of the object P calculated by the filter unit 82b1. Here, in this embodiment, in order to distinguish between a swipe action and a flick action, the microcomputer 82 determines that the action of the object P is a flick action when the moving amount of the object P within a first predetermined time exceeds a predetermined threshold. The first predetermined time is measured by a timer 82d provided in the microcomputer 82.

[0099] The flick motion of the object P determined by the microcomputer 82 is not limited to this. As shown in Fig. 21B, the microcomputer 82 can also determine a flick motion in area A1 or A3. The microcomputer 82 may also determine a combination of flick motions. Fig. 21C shows an example in which a flick motion is performed in the order of a specific position in area A1, a specific position in area A2, and a specific position in area A4.

[0100] (Embodiment 6) The non-contact sensor 101 according to the embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference to FIG. 22. In addition to the above, there are various methods for determining which area is selected. FIG. 22 is a diagram for explaining area selection based on the number of determinations during the second predetermined time t2. The non-contact sensor 101 performs multiple measurements during the second predetermined time t2. In this embodiment, one sweep is performed for each measurement, so that the area in which the object P is located is determined multiple times during the second predetermined time t2 by receiving the reflected wave from the object P corresponding to each sweep with the receiving antenna 92. The second predetermined time t2 is measured by a timer 82d provided in the microcomputer 82. That is, the microcomputer 82 determines in which area the object P is located according to the detection rate of the signal from the object P within the predetermined time.

[0101] Specifically, in this embodiment, six measurements are performed during the second predetermined time t2. When the microcomputer 82 determines that the object P is located in a specific area four times out of the six determinations, the microcomputer 82 determines that the specific area is selected. For example, assume that the object P is located in area A2 or its vicinity as shown in FIG. 22A, and a measurement result as shown in FIG. 22B is obtained. In this case, the microcomputer 82 determines that the object P is located in area A2 four times out of the six measurements during the second predetermined time t2, and therefore the microcomputer 82 determines that area A2 is selected. This makes it possible to suppress malfunctions based on unintended area selection by the user. The number of measurements during the second predetermined time t2 is not limited to six, and can be set arbitrarily.

[0102] (Modification of the sixth embodiment) The method of determining which area has been selected is not limited to the method based on the number of determinations made within the second predetermined time t2. Fig. 23 is a diagram illustrating area selection based on the area stay time according to a modification of the sixth embodiment. In this modification, when it is determined that the third predetermined time t3 has elapsed since the object P entered any one of the areas A1 to A4, the microcomputer 82 determines that the object P is located in one of the areas.

[0103] Specifically, data on the third predetermined time t3 is stored in the memory unit 82c of the microcomputer 82. A timer 82d of the microcomputer 82 measures the stay time of the object P in a specific area after the object P enters the specific area. The microcomputer 82 compares the stay time of the object P in the specific area measured by the timer 82d with the third predetermined time t3 stored in the memory unit 82c. If the stay time of the object P is longer than the third predetermined time t3, the microcomputer 82 determines that the object P is located in the specific area.

[0104] Assume that an object P moves as shown in FIG. 23A. First, the object P enters area A4 and stays there for a certain period of time (arrow (i)). Thereafter, the object P leaves area A4 and enters area A2 (arrow (ii)). As shown in FIG. 23B, the object P stays in area A4 for more than a third predetermined time t3 during the process from (i) to (ii) (see S4). For this reason, the microcomputer 82 determines that the object P is located in area A2.

[0105] Next, the object P leaves the area A2 (arrow (iii)). As shown in FIG. 23B, the object P leaves the area A2 without exceeding the third predetermined time t3 during the process from (ii) to (iii) (see S2). For this reason, the microcomputer 82 does not determine that the object P is located in the area A2.

[0106] Finally, the object P re-enters the area A2 (arrow (iv)). After that, the object P leaves the area A2 (arrow (v)). As shown in FIG. 23B, the object P stays in the area A2 for more than the third predetermined time t3 during the process from (iv) to (v) (see S2). Therefore, the microcomputer 82 determines that the object P is located in the area A2. Based on the determination result, the microcomputer 82 performs on / off control of the function of the device 70 connected to the non-contact sensor 101. In this way, by calculating that the object P is located in an area when the object P remains in the area for the third predetermined time t3, the user can be careful in selecting an area, and erroneous operation based on an unintended area selection by the user can be suppressed.

[0107] After determining that the object P is located in a specific area, the microcomputer 82 may wait for a predetermined time t0 before determining which area the object is located in. This can prevent malfunctions due to an unintended area selection by the user.

[0108] In this modification, the third predetermined time t3 is a common value for each area. However, the scope of the present disclosure is not limited to this. The third predetermined time t3 may be determined for each area. For example, by setting the third predetermined time t3 long for an area for controlling a function that requires careful selection, it is possible to prevent the function of the device 70 connected to the non-contact sensor 101 from malfunctioning due to an incorrect selection by the user.

[0109] (Embodiment 7) The non-contact sensor 101 according to the embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference to FIG. 24. The method of determining which area is selected is not limited to the above-mentioned method based on the number of determinations or the duration of stay. FIG. 24 is a diagram illustrating the selection of an area using the separation detection distance. In this embodiment, when a specific area is selected, another area cannot be selected unless the object P retreats to the separation detection distance Rs. Here, the separation detection distance Rs refers to a distance sufficiently farther from the non-contact sensor 101 than each area. In other words, once the microcomputer 82 determines which area the object P is located in, it waits to determine which area the object P is located in until it is determined that the object P has left the separation detection distance Rs.

[0110] Assume that the object P moves as shown in FIG. 24. Also, assume that the object P is initially located in area A2. First, the microcomputer 82 determines that area A2 has been selected using a predetermined method. Next, the microcomputer 82 determines that the object P has retreated to the separation detection distance Rs based on the change in the position of the object P (arrow (i)). Furthermore, the microcomputer 82 determines that the object P has entered area A4 based on the change in the position of the object P (arrow (ii)), and determines that area A4 has been selected using a predetermined method. This method makes it possible to suppress malfunctions based on an area selection unintentional by the user.

[0111] (Modification of the seventh embodiment) However, it may be possible to determine which area is selected based on the intrusion and departure of the object P into a specific area without using the departure detection distance Rs. FIG. 25 is a diagram for explaining area selection based on intrusion and departure into an area. It is assumed that the object P moves as shown in the figure. It is also assumed that the object P is initially located in the area A2. First, the object P leaves the area A2 and enters the area A4 (arrow (i)). At this time, the microcomputer 82 determines that the object P has left the area A2 and entered the area A4 based on the change in the position of the object P. Next, the object P leaves the area A4 and enters the area A2 (arrow (ii)). At this time, the microcomputer 82 determines that the object P has left the area A4 and entered the area A2 based on the change in the position of the object P. At the same time, the microcomputer 82 determines that the area A4 has been selected based on the series of events in which the object P entered and left the area A4.

[0112] The object P again leaves the area A2 and enters the area A4 (arrow (iii)). Similarly, the microcomputer 82 determines that the area A2 has been selected based on the series of events in which the object P entered and left the area A2. Thereafter, the object P leaves the area A4 and enters the area A2 (arrow (iv)). Similarly, the microcomputer 82 determines that the area A4 has been selected based on the series of events in which the object P entered and left the area A4. Based on these determination results, the microcomputer 82 performs on / off control of the function of the device 70 connected to the non-contact sensor 101. In this way, by determining that the area has been selected based on the object P's entry into and departure from the area, the user can be careful in selecting an area, and erroneous operation based on an area selection that is not intended by the user can be suppressed.

[0113] Note that the microcomputer 82 may determine that the object P is located in a specific area when the object P enters the specific area and then leaves the specific area within a predetermined time. This can prevent the function of the device 70 connected to the non-contact sensor 101 from malfunctioning when the object P remains in the specific area regardless of the user's intention.

[0114] (Embodiment 8) A non-contact sensor 101 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference to FIGS. In the above, the microcomputer 82 has determined the movement of the object P as a "swipe action" based on the change in the position of the object P. The filter unit 82b1 can also determine the combination of the selection of a specific area and the movement of the object P in an arbitrary direction as a "swipe action". Also, in the above, the microcomputer 82 has determined the combination of the object P being located at a specific position and the movement of the object P at high speed in an arbitrary direction as a "flick action". The microcomputer 82 can also determine the combination of the selection of a specific area and the movement of the object P at high speed in an arbitrary direction as a "flick action".

[0115] FIG. 26 is a diagram illustrating some examples of motion determination. First, the microcomputer 82 determines that the area A1 is selected by a predetermined method. Next, the microcomputer 82 determines a swipe motion or a flick motion based on a change in the position of the object P. In this case, the microcomputer 82 can determine various motions of the object P as separate motions. For example, the microcomputer 82 can determine a linear motion of the object P and a motion that draws an arc as separate motions. FIG. 26A shows a case where the object P moves linearly. Also, FIG. 26B shows a case where the object P moves so as to draw an arc around the origin of the two-dimensional coordinate system.

[0116] FIG. 27 is a diagram for explaining some examples of motion determination. The microcomputer 82 can determine the motion of the object P regardless of which area or position the motion of the object P starts from. In other words, after determining which area the object P is located in, the microcomputer 82 can identify and determine the motion of the object P according to the moving direction of the object P. FIG. 27A shows a case where the object P moves with the area A1 set on the negative side of the X axis as the starting point, and a case where the object P moves with the area A2 set on the positive side of the X axis as the starting point. FIG. 27B shows a case where the object P moves with the area A1 set on the positive side of the Y axis as the starting point, and a case where the object P moves with the area A2 set on the negative side of the Y axis as the starting point. FIG. 27C shows a case where the object P moves with the area A1 set in the second quadrant of the two-dimensional coordinates as the starting point, and a case where the object P moves with the area A2 set in the fourth quadrant of the two-dimensional coordinates as the starting point.

[0117] FIG. 28 is a diagram for explaining the determination of a complex motion. The microcomputer 82 is not limited to determining a single motion starting from each area, but can determine a combination of a plurality of motions. As shown in FIG. 28A, the microcomputer 82 can determine a combination of a motion starting from the area A2 and a motion starting from the area A1. As shown in FIG. 28B, the microcomputer 82 can determine a combination of a motion starting from the area A2, a motion starting from the area A3, and a motion starting from the area A1. As shown in FIG. 28C, the filter unit 82b1 can determine a motion of the object P starting from the area A4 and drawing an arc with the non-contact sensor 101 as the center.

[0118] (Embodiment 9) The non-contact sensor 101 according to the embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference to Fig. 29. Fig. 29 is a diagram illustrating input of an operation code. In this embodiment, a unique number is assigned to each area. In this embodiment, area A1 is assigned "1", area A2 is assigned "2", area A3 is assigned "3", and area A4 is assigned "4". The unique number assigned to each area is an example of a "control signal". The combination of the unique numbers functions as a code for operating the function of the device 70 connected to the non-contact sensor 101. The unique number and code are stored as data in the storage unit 82c of the microcomputer 82. The user selects the area in the order corresponding to the code to operate the desired function. In addition, information indicating the start or end of code setting can be assigned to a specific area. In this embodiment, information indicating the start and end of code setting is assigned to area A0. The information indicating the start and end of code setting is stored in the storage unit 82c. Area A0 is an example of a "measurement start area".

[0119] Specifically, the non-contact sensor 101 includes a transmitting antenna 91 for transmitting a modulated signal; receiving antennas 92-1, 92-2, and 92-3 for receiving the signal transmitted from the transmitting antenna 91 and reflected by an object P; and a microcomputer 82 which calculates the position of the object P based on the phase difference and frequency of the signals received by the receiving antennas 92-1, 92-2, and 92-3, and which, when it is determined that the object P is located in a measurement start area which faces the receiving antennas 92-1, 92-2, and 92-3 and is defined as one of one or more areas defined based on the positions of the receiving antennas 92-1, 92-2, and 92-3, determines in which of the one or more areas other than the measurement start area the object is located.

[0120] Furthermore, the microcomputer 82 may determine the movement of the object P after determining that the object P is located in the measurement start area.

[0121] The system of the present disclosure includes the above-mentioned non-contact sensor 101, The device 70 is connected to the non-contact sensor 101 and is driven according to the determination result of which area the object P is located in or the determination result of the movement of the object P.

[0122] Furthermore, after determining that the object P is located in the measurement start area, if the microcomputer 82 determines that the object P is located in a predetermined area other than the measurement area or determines that the object P has moved in a predetermined movement direction, it outputs a drive signal corresponding to the determination result to the device 70. Then, the device 70 is driven in response to the drive signal.

[0123] Furthermore, after the microcomputer 82 has determined that the object P is located in the measurement start area, it stores one or more areas in which the object P is located until it is again determined that the object P is located in the measurement start area, and outputs a combination of one or more control signals corresponding to the stored one or more areas to the device 70. The device 70 is driven in response to the control signals.

[0124] Here, it is assumed that the user selects an area in the order shown in the figure. First, the microcomputer 82 determines that the object is located in area A0. In this state, the microcomputer 82 refers to the storage area of ​​the storage unit 82c and determines that code setting has started. Next, in response to the user moving the object P from area A0 to area A1 (arrow (i)), the microcomputer 82 determines that the object P is located in area A1. In this state, the microcomputer 82 temporarily stores the unique number "1" assigned to area A1 in the storage unit 82c. Next, in response to the user moving the object P from area A1 to area A2 (arrow (ii)), the microcomputer 82 determines that the object P is located in area A2. In this state, the microcomputer 82 temporarily stores the unique number "2" assigned to area A2 in the storage unit 82c. Next, in response to the user moving the object P from area A2 to area A3 (arrow (iii)), the microcomputer 82 determines that the object P is located in area A3. In this state, the microcomputer 82 temporarily stores the unique number "3" assigned to area A3 in the storage unit 82c. Next, in response to the user moving the object P from area A3 to area A2 (arrow (iv)), the microcomputer 82 determines that the object P is located in area A2. In this state, the microcomputer 82 temporarily stores the unique number "2" assigned to area A2 in the storage unit 82c. Finally, in response to the user moving the object P from area A2 to area A0 (arrow (v)), the microcomputer 82 determines that the object P is located in area A0. In this state, the microcomputer 82 refers to the storage area of ​​the storage unit 82c and determines that the code setting is completed.

[0125] The microcomputer 82 refers to the storage area of ​​the storage unit 82c, determines that the code "1232" has been input as a result of the user's area selection, and outputs a signal corresponding to the code to the device 70 connected to the non-contact sensor 101. In the device 70, the operation of the function corresponding to the code "1232" is turned on. In this way, by associating the combination of area selections with the functions of the device 70 connected to the non-contact sensor 101, it is possible to support control of the device 70 having many functions. The code can also be used as a password for locking / unlocking, etc.

[0126] Furthermore, after driving the device 70, if the microcomputer 82 determines that the object P is located in the measurement start area or in a predetermined area, the microcomputer 82 may output a drive stop signal to the device 70. The device 70 stops driving in response to the drive stop signal.

[0127] It should be noted that the scope of the present disclosure is not limited to the output of a code based on a combination of area selections. A code may be output based on a combination of actions of the target object P.

[0128] Furthermore, the non-contact sensor 101 may be configured to stop the function of the device 70 when a specific area (e.g., area A0) is selected while a specific code is being output and the device 70 connected to the non-contact sensor 101 is operating. Specifically, when the device 70 connected to the non-contact sensor 101 is an automatic door, the operation of the automatic door in the middle of opening or closing can be stopped by outputting a stop signal to the device 70 when a specific area is selected. This allows the automatic door to be stopped with the door slightly open for ventilation, for example.

[0129] Here, it is preferable that the operation such as opening and closing of the automatic door is started by selecting any one area or performing a single swipe action on the screen after selecting the area A0 to which information indicating the start or end of code setting is assigned. On the other hand, for example, in a public restroom, it is preferable that only the inner sensor has the lock / unlock function, and when lock is selected with the inner sensor, opening and closing actions from the outer sensor are not accepted. It is preferable that such locking is started when the user selects multiple areas after selecting the area A0 to which information indicating the start or end of code setting is assigned, or when right rotation, left rotation, L-shaped movement, or multiple motions are calculated. In this case, it is preferable that the non-contact sensor 101 is configured so that the lock cannot be released by any combination other than the combination of area selections set in advance or the combination of multiple actions of the object P. This makes it possible to prevent the door from opening and closing when an opening and closing operation is performed in the middle of changing diapers or clothes in a nursing room or a changing room.

[0130] Specifically, after determining that the object P is located in the measurement start area, if the microcomputer 82 determines that multiple areas have been selected by the object P so as to correspond to a combination of multiple areas set in advance, or if the microcomputer 82 determines multiple actions of the object P, it outputs a lock signal to the device 70 to lock a specific function of the device 70. The device 70 locks the specific function in response to the lock signal.

[0131] Furthermore, when a specific function of the device 70 is locked, the microcomputer 82 outputs an unlock signal to the device 70 to unlock the specific function of the locked device 70, when it determines that the object P is located in the measurement start area, and then determines that multiple areas have been selected by the object P so as to correspond to a combination of multiple areas set in advance, or when it determines multiple movements of the object P. The device 70 unlocks the specific function in response to the unlock signal.

[0132] (Embodiment 10) A non-contact sensor 101 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference to FIGS. The non-contact sensor 101 can be combined with an operation instruction (area selection instruction) by a display panel, voice, etc. This makes it possible to instruct the user on the operation required to activate a specific function.

[0133] FIG. 30 is a diagram for explaining an operation instruction by a display. The non-contact sensor 101 is connected to a display 85. The display 85 displays an area corresponding to the area division data selected inside the microcomputer 82. The display 85 functions as a "display unit." The color of each area of ​​the display 85 changes according to an operation for operating a function of the device 70 connected to the non-contact sensor 101. That is, the display 85 displays a display corresponding to a combination of control signals. FIG. 30A shows an example in which area selection is required in the order of area A0, A1. As shown in FIG. 30B, the user positions the object P in area A0, and then moves it so that it is positioned in area A1.

[0134] When a predetermined operation is completed, the display on the display 85 transitions. In this embodiment, a confirmation button 86 is displayed to confirm the selected content. When the user presses the confirmation button 86, a function of the device 70 connected to the non-contact sensor 101 is activated. Note that the method of feedback of the selected content to the user is not limited to this. The results of the area selection and the movement direction calculation may be notified by an LED display, a sound, ultrasonic vibration, or the like. According to such a method, it is possible to provide the user with information on which area to select in order to turn on a predetermined function.

[0135] In addition, when a function is operated by a combination of multiple area selections and actions of the object P, it is preferable to set an area and action for canceling the previous area selection or action. In other words, it is preferable to set an action for canceling the previous action. This allows reliable operation without having to redo all operations, improving user convenience.

[0136] Furthermore, the display content of the display 85 may be changed in response to area switching within the microcomputer 82. Figure 31 is a diagram for explaining hierarchical area switching.

[0137] Specifically, multiple patterns of area division data are prepared, The microcomputer 82 stores the area division data, and switches the area division data in response to the area selection by the object P or the movement of the object P. The display 85 displays an area according to the current area division data.

[0138] When the user presses the confirmation button 86 in Fig. 30C once, the display on the display 85 switches as shown in Fig. 31A. Specifically, the microcomputer 82 switches the area division data stored in the storage unit 82c. As shown in Fig. 31B, the user positions the object P in area A0, and then moves it to be positioned in area A2. Then, the user swipes or flicks the object P in a direction along the X-axis.

[0139] When a predetermined operation is completed, a confirmation button 86 is displayed on the display 85. When the user presses the confirmation button 86, a function of the device 70 connected to the non-contact sensor 101 is activated. According to the above method, it is possible to suitably switch areas in response to a user's operation, and to provide the user with information on which area to select before and after the switch.

[0140] Here, as in this embodiment, it is preferable that the number of areas displayed on the display is at most about 4 to 5. This is because if the number of areas displayed at one time is large, the user's operation becomes difficult and the device 70 may malfunction. Similarly, when transitioning the screen based on the movement of the object P or when operating a simple function, it is preferable to operate the function by a combination of simple actions such as a single swipe action. In this embodiment, the storage unit 82c of the microcomputer 82 stores area division data related to a combination of the arrangement of 4 to 5 areas and stores data related to a combination of simple actions of the object P. In addition, the storage unit 82c of the microcomputer 82 may store multiple patterns of function allocation of the device 70 to area selection and the action of the object P. This makes it possible to provide the user with the currently set operation pattern, and to switch and display another operation pattern according to the user's operation, thereby enabling the user to select more complex operations while improving operability.

[0141] The device of the present invention can also be realized by a computer and a program, and the program can be recorded on a recording medium or provided via a network. The program of the present disclosure is a program for causing a computer to realize each function of the device according to the present disclosure, and is a program for causing a computer to execute each procedure of the method executed by the device according to the present disclosure. [Explanation of symbols]

[0142] 70:Equipment 81: Antenna section 82: Microcomputer 82a: Chirp control section 82b: Signal processing section 82c: Storage section 82d: Timer 82b1: Filter section 82b2: FFT processing section 82b3: Calibration processing section 83: Modulator 84: Mixer 85: Display 86: Confirm button 90: Circuit board 91, 91-1, 91-2, 91-3, 91-4: Transmitting antennas 92, 92-1, 92-2, 92-3, 92-4: Receiving antennas 101: Non-contact sensor

Claims

1. A transmitter for transmitting the modulated signal; a receiving unit that receives the signal transmitted from the transmitting unit and reflected by an object with a plurality of receivers; a calculation processing unit that calculates a position of the object based on a phase difference and a frequency of the signals received by the multiple receivers, and when it is determined that the object is located in a measurement start area that faces the multiple receivers and is defined as one of one or more areas that are defined based on the positions of the multiple receivers, determines in which of the one or more areas other than the measurement start area the object is located. Non-contact sensor.

2. When it is determined that the object is located in the measurement start area, the calculation processing unit determines a motion of the object. The non-contact sensor according to claim 1 .

3. A non-contact sensor according to claim 1 or 2; a device connected to the non-contact sensor and driven according to a determination result of which of the one or more areas the target object is located or a determination result of a motion of the target object; A system including:

4. the calculation processing unit, after determining that the object is located in the measurement start area, when determining that the object is located in a predetermined area of ​​the one or more areas other than the measurement start area or when determining that the object has moved in a predetermined moving direction, outputs a drive signal corresponding to the determination result to the device; The device is driven in response to the drive signal. The system of claim 3.

5. When the calculation processing unit determines that the object is located in the measurement start area again or in the predetermined area after driving the device, the calculation processing unit outputs a drive stop signal to the device; The device stops driving in response to the drive stop signal. The system of claim 4.

6. the calculation processing unit, after determining that the object is located in the measurement start area, when determining that a plurality of areas have been selected by the object so as to correspond to a combination of a plurality of areas set in advance or when determining a plurality of movements of the object, outputs a lock signal to the device to lock a specific function of the device; The device locks the specific function in response to the lock signal. The system of claim 3.

7. When the specific function of the device is locked, the calculation processing unit, after determining that the object is located in the measurement start area, outputs an unlock signal to the device to unlock the specific function of the device that has been locked, when determining that a plurality of areas have been selected by the object so as to correspond to a combination of a plurality of areas that have been preset, or when determining a plurality of movements of the object; The device unlocks the specific function in response to the unlock signal. The system of claim 6.

8. the calculation processing unit, after determining that the object is located in the measurement start area, stores the one or more areas in which the object is located until it is determined again that the object is located in the measurement start area, and outputs to the device a combination of one or more control signals corresponding to the one or more stored areas; The device is driven in response to a combination of the control signals. The system of claim 3.

9. Further comprising a display unit that displays a display corresponding to the combination of the control signals. The system of claim 8.

10. A plurality of patterns are prepared for the arrangement of the one or more areas, the calculation processing unit stores the arrangement, and switches the arrangement in response to an area selection by the object or a movement of the object; The display unit performs area display according to the arrangement. The system of claim 9.

Images