Panel mount control system

Abstract

To provide a panel mount control system that enables more complex motion detection and more complex control.SOLUTION: A panel mount control system includes a pressure sensor and a control device that receives a sensor signal from the pressure sensor and outputs a control signal. The pressure sensor is attached to a main surface of a panel supported by a plurality of supports, the sensor signal corresponds to the magnitude of pressure on the main surface of the panel, and the control device outputs a control signal that differs depending on the magnitude of the pressure.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] One embodiment of the present invention relates to a panel mounted control system. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent document 1 describes a detection device comprising a panel, a first support portion provided on one main surface of the panel, a sensor portion provided on one main surface of the panel, and an operation surface provided on the other main surface of the panel, wherein at least a portion of the sensor portion is positioned in an area on the main surface of the panel where the first support portion is not present when viewed in a plan view from a direction perpendicular to the main surface.

[0003] The detection device of Patent Document 1 can detect a press on any location on the panel. The detection device of Patent Document 1 transmits a control signal corresponding to the pressing operation on the panel 100 to, for example, a light switch. This allows a user of the detection device to perform operations such as turning the lights on and off by simply pressing the panel. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Patent No. 6809646 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] It is an object of one embodiment of the present invention to provide a panel mounted control system capable of more complex motion sensing and more complex control. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] A panel mounting control system according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a pressure sensor and a control device that receives a sensor signal from the pressure sensor and outputs a control signal. The pressure sensor is attached to a main surface of a panel supported by a plurality of supports, the sensor signal corresponds to a magnitude of pressure on the main surface of the panel, and the control device outputs a control signal that differs depending on the magnitude of the pressure.

[0007] The control device may also calculate a first interval, which is the time difference from a first point in time when a press is detected to a second point in time when the press is next detected, and a second interval, which is the time difference from the second point in time to a third point in time when the press is next detected, and output a different control signal depending on the ratio between the first interval and the second interval. Effect of the Invention

[0008] A panel mounted control system according to an embodiment of the present invention allows for more complex motion detection and more complex control. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a panel mounting control system 1 according to a first embodiment. [Diagram 2] FIG. 1 is an external perspective view of a panel mounting control system 1 according to a first embodiment. [Diagram 3] 2 is a cross-sectional view showing the structure of the piezoelectric film sensor 11. FIG. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a time waveform of a sensor signal. [Diagram 5] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a time waveform of a sensor signal. [Figure 6] FIG. 11 is an external perspective view of a panel mounting control system 1 according to a second embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a time waveform of a sensor signal. [Figure 8] FIG. 11 is an external perspective view of a panel mounting control system 1 according to a second modified example. [Figure 9]FIG. 11 is an external perspective view of a panel mounting control system 1 according to a second modified example. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0010] (First embodiment) 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a panel mounting control system 1 according to a first embodiment. The panel mounting control system 1 includes a piezoelectric film sensor 11, an amplifier circuit 12, an A / D converter 13, a control IC 14, a communication I / F 15, and a power supply 16.

[0011] 2 is a perspective view of the exterior of the panel mounting control system 1 according to the first embodiment. The panel mounting control system 1 has a sensor unit 50 and a control device 70. The control device 70 receives a sensor signal from the piezoelectric film sensor 11 as an input and outputs a control signal.

[0012] The sensor unit 50 is attached to the panel 100. The sensor unit 50 includes a piezoelectric film sensor 11, an amplifier circuit 12, and an A / D converter 13. The piezoelectric film sensor 11 is an example of a pressure sensor of the present invention. The pressure sensor may be another sensor such as an acceleration sensor, a resistive film pressure sensor, a capacitance pressure sensor, or a strain gauge.

[0013] The control device 70 includes a control IC 14 and a communication I / F 15. A power source 16 supplies power to the sensor unit 50 and the control device 70. However, the various configurations are not limited to those shown in this embodiment. For example, the control device 70 may include an amplifier circuit 12, an A / D converter 13, a control IC 14, and a communication I / F 15. The sensor unit 50 and the control device 70 may be formed in a single housing.

[0014] The piezoelectric film sensor 11 outputs a sensor signal corresponding to the deformation of the panel 100. The amplifier circuit 12 amplifies the sensor signal output by the piezoelectric film sensor 11. The A / D converter 13 digitally converts the sensor signal amplified by the amplifier circuit 12 into time-series data.

[0015] The panel 100 is a flat panel used as a building material for a house, such as a wall panel, a flooring material, a window, a door, a mirror, or a desk top. The panel 100 is supported by a plurality of supports 300. The supports 300 are, for example, pillars, beams, or window frames of building materials for a house.

[0016] The panel 100 has a first main surface 400 and a second main surface 500. The first main surface 400 is an operation surface operated by a user. The piezoelectric film sensor 11 of the sensor unit 50 is attached to the second main surface 500. When the first main surface 400 is the interior of the room, that is, the front side of the wall, and the second main surface 500 is the back side of the wall, the aesthetic appearance of the wall on the interior side of the room is not impaired by attaching the piezoelectric film sensor 11 to the second main surface 500. However, the piezoelectric film sensor 11 may be attached to the first main surface 400. For example, when the sensor unit 50 has a shape like a photo panel, a wall clock, or an art panel such as a painting, the piezoelectric film sensor 11 can be attached to the panel 100 while improving the aesthetic appearance of the room. In addition, when the sensor unit 50 and the control device 70 are formed in an integrated housing, the panel mounting control system 1 can be easily attached even after the building is constructed.

[0017] The panel 100 is not limited to a flat or rectangular shape, and may be curved in the planar direction, or may be circular, elliptical, or polygonal. The panel 100 may have a structure in which a plurality of panels are laminated or plywood is formed.

[0018] A plurality of support parts 300 are arranged on the second main surface 500 of the panel 100. The support parts 300 extend parallel to the second main surface 500. For example, two support parts 300 arranged parallel to each other are arranged on the second main surface 500. In this embodiment, the support parts 300 extend from the lower part to the upper part of the panel 100, but this is not limited to this embodiment. For example, the support parts 300 may be provided so as to surround the panel 100. In addition, the support parts 300 do not have to be parallel to each other, and may be provided so as to have a certain angle with each other.

[0019] The support portion 300 is attached to prevent deformation of the panel 100 or to stabilize the posture of the panel 100. For example, the support portion 300 may be a member such as a batten or window frame attached to a wall, or may be a member such as a desk leg or a door hinge. In addition, the desk may have only one leg. In this case, the support portion 300 is preferably a member having an extension direction such as a rectangular or elliptical shape in a plan view. In this case, the panel 100 is less likely to bend in the extension direction of the support portion 300, and is more likely to bend in a direction approximately perpendicular to the extension direction of the support portion 300. In other words, the panel 100 has a direction in which it is more likely to bend. In addition, the support portion 300 may be arranged in a plurality on the main surface of the panel 100 as shown in FIG. 2, or may be arranged singly. In other words, it is sufficient that one or more support portions 300 are provided for the panel.

[0020] The sensor unit 50 is disposed at a location on the second main surface 500 where the support unit 300 is not disposed. This causes the panel 100 to bend when the user presses the first main surface 400. Here, the pressing operation by the user includes, for example, an operation of pressing the panel 100 with a hand, an operation of hitting the panel 100, an operation of moving the surface of the panel 100 while pressing with a hand, and the like.

[0021] 3 is a cross-sectional view showing the structure of the piezoelectric film sensor 11. The piezoelectric film sensor 11 includes a first electrode 151, a piezoelectric film 152, and a second electrode 153.

[0022] The first electrode 151 is, for example, a signal electrode. The first electrode 151 is fixed to one main surface of the piezoelectric film 152. The first electrode 151 is an electrode attached with an adhesive.

[0023] The second electrode 153 is, for example, a reference electrode. The second electrode 153 is connected to a reference potential (for example, a ground potential). The second electrode 153 is fixed to the other main surface of the piezoelectric film 152. The second electrode 153 is, for example, an electrode attached with an adhesive.

[0024] The first electrode 151 (or the second electrode 153) of the piezoelectric film sensor 11 is attached to the panel 100 via an adhesive 150. The first electrode 151 may be, for example, a conductive adhesive. In this case, the adhesive 150 is not necessary.

[0025] The piezoelectric film 152 is, for example, PVDF or polylactic acid. Polylactic acid is a chiral polymer with a helical main chain structure. Polylactic acid includes PLLA (polylactic acid L) or PDLA (polylactic acid D). When polylactic acid is uniaxially stretched and the molecules are oriented, it becomes piezoelectric. Then, the uniaxially stretched polylactic acid divides pressure by expanding and contracting in a direction intersecting the stretching direction (for example, about 45 degrees ±10 degrees).

[0026] The stretching ratio is preferably about 3 to 8 times. When polylactic acid is subjected to heat treatment after stretching, the crystallization of the stretched chain crystals of polylactic acid is promoted, and the piezoelectric constant is improved. When biaxially stretched, the same effect as uniaxial stretching can be obtained by making the stretching ratio of each axis different. For example, when stretching is performed 8 times in the X-axis direction and 2 times in the Y-axis direction perpendicular to the X-axis, the piezoelectric constant can be almost the same as when uniaxial stretching is performed 4 times in the X-axis direction. Since a film that is simply uniaxially stretched is easily torn along the stretching axis direction, the strength can be increased somewhat by performing the biaxial stretching described above. In addition, polylactic acid generates piezoelectricity by molecular orientation treatment by stretching, and does not require poling treatment like polymers such as polylactic acid and piezoelectric ceramics. In other words, it is not expressed by ion polarization like ferroelectrics, but by the helical structure, which is a characteristic structure of the molecule itself. For this reason, polylactic acid does not generate pyroelectricity that occurs in other ferroelectric piezoelectrics. Therefore, the output of the sensor signal does not change depending on the user's body temperature. Furthermore, while the piezoelectric constant of a piezoelectric material such as PVDF varies over time and may even decrease significantly in some cases, the piezoelectric constant of polylactic acid is extremely stable over time. Therefore, the piezoelectric film sensor 11 can detect the amount of pressure with high sensitivity without being affected by the surrounding environment. In addition, since polylactic acid is transparent, it is preferable when the panel 100 is attached to a glass surface such as a window or mirror, as it can reduce the visibility of the piezoelectric film sensor 11.

[0027] The amount of charge generated by the pressure division is uniquely determined by the amount of pressure. In other words, the sensor signal output by the piezoelectric film sensor 11 is a signal corresponding to the magnitude of pressure applied to the main surface of the panel 100. The piezoelectric constant of uniaxially stretched polylactic acid is one of the very high values ​​among polymers. Therefore, by constructing the piezoelectric film sensor 11 from polylactic acid, it is possible to reliably and sensitively detect the amount of pressure applied by the user. The piezoelectric film sensor 11 may be covered with a protective member that is heat-resistant, moisture-resistant, ultraviolet-resistant, and the like.

[0028] The control device 70 of the panel mounting control system 1 of this embodiment outputs a control signal that differs depending on the magnitude of the pressure.

[0029] 4 and 5 are diagrams showing the time waveform of the sensor signal. The vertical axis of the graph represents the voltage of the sensor signal, and the horizontal axis represents time. For convenience of explanation, Figs. 4 and 5 show an analog continuous sensor signal, but the sensor signal acquired by the control device 70 is a discrete value (time series data) converted by the A / D converter 13.

[0030] The control IC 14 of the control device 70 outputs a control signal based on the sensor signal. The sensor signal is a signal that corresponds to the magnitude of pressure applied to the main surface of the panel 100. Therefore, the control IC 14 outputs different control signals depending on the magnitude of pressure.

[0031] 4, the control IC 14 outputs a first control signal when the state in which the voltage value of the sensor signal exceeds a predetermined threshold value Th1 continues for a predetermined time ΔT0 (e.g., 0.5 seconds) or more. The control IC 14 does not need to output a control signal when the state in which the voltage value of the sensor signal exceeds the predetermined threshold value Th1 continues for less than the predetermined time ΔT0 (e.g., 0.5 seconds).

[0032] In the example of Figure 5, the control IC 14 outputs a second control signal when the voltage value of the sensor signal exceeds a predetermined threshold value Th1 and then exceeds a predetermined threshold value Th2 (Th2>Th1) within a predetermined time ΔT0 (e.g., 0.5 seconds).

[0033] The control IC 14 transmits a first control signal or a second control signal to another device via the communication I / F 15. The first control signal or the second control signal is transmitted to, for example, a light switch. The control IC of the light switch turns off the power supply to turn off the light when it receives the first control signal, and turns on the power supply to turn on the light when it receives the second control signal. Alternatively, the control IC of the light switch may turn on / off the power supply of the light to switch between off and on every time it receives the first control signal, and change the illuminance every time it receives the second control signal.

[0034] This allows the user to turn the lights on and off or change the luminance by changing the strength with which they press the panel 100. The user does not need to visually identify the control switches for the lights or other devices, but can control various devices such as lights simply by pressing the wall and changing the strength of the press, providing convenience that was not possible with conventional devices.

[0035] The control IC 14 according to the present embodiment may perform a filter process to extract a signal of a specific frequency from the sensor signal, and output the first control signal or the second control signal based on the sensor signal after the filter process. For example, the control IC 14 extracts a signal of a frequency of 1 Hz to 10 Hz. This allows only a voltage value corresponding to the pressing operation of the user to be detected, and does not detect voltage values ​​such as a relatively low-frequency vibration caused by, for example, the action of leaning on the panel 100, earthquake vibration, or a vehicle passing near the installation location of the panel 100, or a high-frequency vibration generated by other electronic devices. This allows the control IC 14 to more reliably detect the operation of the user.

[0036] In the above embodiment, the control IC 14 outputs the first control signal when the state in which the voltage value of the sensor signal exceeds the predetermined threshold value Th1 continues for a predetermined time ΔT0 (e.g., 0.5 seconds) or more, and outputs the second control signal when the voltage value of the sensor signal exceeds the predetermined threshold value Th1 and then exceeds the predetermined threshold value Th2 (Th2>Th1) within the predetermined time ΔT0 (e.g., 0.5 seconds). However, the control IC 14 may further set a plurality of threshold values ​​(e.g., Th3) and further output a plurality of control signals (e.g., a third control signal).

[0037] Furthermore, the panel mounting control system 1 may be configured to be able to change the control signal to be output depending on the magnitude of the pressure. For example, one user may set the system to output a control signal to turn off the power of a device such as a light in response to a weak pressure, and another user may set the system to output a control signal to turn on the power of a device such as a light in response to a weak pressure. The panel mounting control system 1 may receive an instruction to change such a control signal via an information processing device such as a smartphone owned by the user. The user may freely set the control content in response to the pressure using an application program of the information processing device such as a smartphone owned by the user.

[0038] As described above, the panel mounting control system 1 of this embodiment can realize more complicated operations and more complicated controls.

[0039] Second embodiment 6 is an external perspective view showing a manner in which sensor unit 50 is attached to panel 100 in panel mounting control system 1 according to the second embodiment. In the second embodiment, the height direction of panel 100 is referred to as the Y direction, and the width direction of panel 100 is referred to as the X direction.

[0040] The panel mounting control system 1 according to the second embodiment differs from the first embodiment in the mounting position of the sensor unit 50 on the panel 100. The sensor unit 50 is mounted at a low position in the Y direction of the panel 100. In particular, in the example of FIG. 6, the bottom end of the sensor unit 50 coincides with the bottom end of the panel 100.

[0041] By mounting the sensor unit 50 at a low position in the Y direction on the panel 100, the sensitivity is high for low positions in the Y direction on the panel 100 and low for high positions in the Y direction on the panel 100. As a result, the sensitivity to the same pressing force changes depending on the position, so the control IC 14 can determine which position, up or down, on the panel 100 has been pressed, based on the amount of pressing.

[0042] Furthermore, the direction of polarization of the piezoelectric film sensor 11 when the right side of the sensor unit 50 is pressed in the X direction is opposite to the direction of polarization of the piezoelectric film sensor 11 when the left side is pressed. Therefore, the control IC 14 can determine whether the left or right position from the central axis of the panel 100 has been pressed, based on the polarity of the sensor signal.

[0043] Therefore, the control device 70 can detect pressure applied to each of the upper right (HR), lower right (LR), upper left (HL), and lower left (LL) positions of the panel 100, as shown by the dashed lines in FIG.

[0044] The control device 70 acquires time-series data of the pressing position, and outputs a predetermined control signal when it detects a movement toward a specific direction. The movement toward a specific direction is, for example, a movement in which the pressing position slides up and down, or a movement in which the pressing position slides left and right, etc. When the control device 70 detects, for example, a movement in which the pressing position slides up, it transmits a control signal to the control IC of the lighting switch to increase the illuminance. When the control device 70 detects, for example, a movement in which the pressing position slides down, it transmits a control signal to the control IC of the lighting switch to increase the illuminance. Alternatively, when the control device 70 detects a movement in which the pressing position slides up, it may transmit a control signal to the control IC of the lighting switch to turn the power on, and when it detects a movement in which the pressing position slides down, it may transmit a control signal to the control IC of the lighting switch to turn the power off.

[0045] In this manner, controller 70 may send different control signals for an up movement, a down movement, a left movement, a right movement, etc.

[0046] Furthermore, the panel mounting control system 1 may be configured to be able to change the control signal corresponding to each movement. For example, one user may set it so that a control signal for turning off the power of a device such as a light is output in response to an upward movement, and another user may set it so that a control signal for turning on the power of a device such as a light is output in response to an upward movement. The panel mounting control system 1 may receive an instruction to change such a control signal via an information processing device such as a smartphone owned by the user. The user may freely set the control content for each movement using an application program of the information processing device such as a smartphone owned by the user.

[0047] As described above, the panel mounting control system 1 according to the second embodiment can also realize more complicated operations and more complicated controls. Furthermore, if the panel mounting control system 1 according to the second embodiment outputs a control signal to increase the illuminance of a device such as a light for an upward movement, and outputs a control signal to increase the illuminance of a device such as a light for a downward movement, the direction of the user's movement and the control content of the device (up, down, etc.) will match, allowing the user to experience a more intuitive operation.

[0048] Third embodiment The control device 70 of the panel mounting control system 1 of the third embodiment calculates a first interval (Δt1), which is the time difference from a first point in time (t1) when a press is detected to a second point in time (t2) when the next press is detected, and a second interval (Δt2), which is the time difference from the second point in time (t2) to a third point in time (t3) when the next press is detected, and outputs a different control signal depending on the ratio between the first interval (Δt1) and the second interval (Δt2).

[0049] The hardware configuration of panel mounting control system 1 according to the third embodiment is the same as that shown in the block diagram of FIG. 1, and the mounting manner of sensor unit 50 on panel 100 is the same as that shown in the external perspective view of FIG.

[0050] 7 is a diagram showing the time waveform of the sensor signal. In the example of FIG. 7, when the voltage value of the sensor signal exceeds a predetermined threshold value Th1, the control IC 14 counts the time elapsed from the first time point (t1) by setting the time when the voltage value of the sensor signal exceeds the threshold value Th1 as the first time point (t1). Then, when the voltage value of the sensor signal exceeds the predetermined threshold value Th1 again, the control IC 14 sets the time when the voltage value of the sensor signal exceeds the threshold value Th1 as the second time point (t2) and calculates the first interval Δt1. Furthermore, when the voltage value of the sensor signal next exceeds the predetermined threshold value Th1 after the second time point (t2), the control IC 14 sets the time when the voltage value of the sensor signal exceeds the threshold value Th1 as the third time point (t3) and calculates the second interval Δt2.

[0051] Then, the control IC 14 obtains a ratio between the first interval (Δt1) and the second interval (Δt2). For example, when the first interval (Δt1) is longer than the second interval (Δt2), the control IC 14 transmits a first control signal to the other device, and when the first interval (Δt1) is shorter than the second interval (Δt2), the control IC 14 transmits a second control signal to the other device.

[0052] This allows the user to change the control over the device by changing the interval of the pressing pattern on the panel 100. With the panel-mounted control system 1 according to the third embodiment, a different control signal is transmitted depending on the timing at which each of a plurality of pressing operations was started, rather than on the strength of the pressing. Therefore, whether the user is strong or weak, the same control can be achieved by performing pressing operations at the same timing.

[0053] The control IC 14 may further detect multiple time points (e.g., t4) to obtain multiple intervals (e.g., a third interval Δt3), and may further output multiple control signals (e.g., a third control signal). In addition, the control signal to be transmitted may be changed not only based on the magnitude relationship between the first interval (Δt1) and the second interval (Δt2), but also based on the ratio. Specifically, when Δt1 is 10 times or more than Δt2, the first control signal may be transmitted to another device.

[0054] Furthermore, the panel mounting control system 1 according to the second embodiment may be configured to be able to change the control signal to be output according to the pressing pattern. For example, a user may set the control signal to be output to turn off the power of a device such as a light when the first interval (Δt1) is longer than the second interval (Δt2), and another user may set the control signal to be output to turn on the power of a device such as a light when the first interval (Δt1) is longer than the second interval (Δt2). The panel mounting control system 1 may receive an instruction to change such a control signal via an information processing device such as a smartphone owned by the user. The user may freely set the control content for the pressing pattern using an application program of the information processing device such as a smartphone owned by the user.

[0055] (Variation 1) The panel mounting control system 1 according to the first modification is the same as the external perspective view shown in Fig. 6. The panel mounting control system 1 according to the first modification outputs different control signals according to a plurality of pressing positions using one piezoelectric film sensor 11. For example, the control device 70 is set to output a control signal for turning on the power of a first lighting device in response to pressing of the upper right (HR), to output a control signal for turning off the power of the first lighting device in response to pressing of the lower right (LR), to output a control signal for turning on the power of a second lighting device in response to pressing of the upper left (HL), and to output a control signal for turning off the power of the second lighting device in response to pressing of the lower left (LL).

[0056] Panel mounting control system 1 according to the first modification may be configured to be able to change the control signal corresponding to each pressing position. Panel mounting control system 1 may receive an instruction to change such a control signal via an information processing device such as a smartphone owned by a user. The user may freely set the control content for each pressing position using an application program of the information processing device such as a smartphone owned by the user.

[0057] (Variation 2) 8 and 9 are external perspective views showing a manner in which sensor unit 50 is attached to panel 100 in panel mounting control system 1 according to Modification 2. In Modification 2, the height direction of panel 100 is referred to as the Y direction, and the width direction of panel 100 is referred to as the X direction. In panel mounting control system 1 according to Modification 2, the pressure sensor includes a first pressure sensor and a second pressure sensor. The second pressure sensor is disposed at a position on panel 100 different from that of the first pressure sensor. Control device 70 identifies the pressed position from the sensor signals of the first pressure sensor and the second pressure sensor.

[0058] In addition, in the panel mounting control system 1 according to the second modification, the control device 70 outputs different control signals according to a plurality of pressing positions. For example, the control device 70 is set to output a control signal for turning on the power of the first lighting device in response to pressing of the upper right (HR), to output a control signal for turning off the power of the first lighting device in response to pressing of the lower right (LR), to output a control signal for turning on the power of the second lighting device in response to pressing of the upper left (HL), and to output a control signal for turning off the power of the second lighting device in response to pressing of the lower left (LL). Alternatively, the panel mounting control system 1 according to the second modification may be combined with the second embodiment to obtain time series data of the pressing positions, and output a predetermined control signal when a movement toward a specific direction is detected.

[0059] In the example of FIG. 8, the panel mounting control system 1 includes four sensor units 50A, 50B, 50C, and 50D. The sensor unit 50A is mounted at the center of the panel 100 in the X direction and at a low position in the Y direction. The lower end of the sensor unit 50A coincides with the lower end of the panel 100. The sensor unit 50B is mounted at the center of the panel 100 in the X direction and at a high position in the Y direction. The upper end of the sensor unit 50A coincides with the upper end of the panel 100. The sensor unit 50C is mounted at the left end of the panel 100 in the X direction and at the center position in the Y direction. The left end of the sensor unit 50A coincides with the left end of the panel 100. The sensor unit 50D is mounted at the right end of the panel 100 in the X direction and at the center position in the Y direction. The right end of the sensor unit 50A coincides with the right end of the panel 100.

[0060] In the example of FIG. 9, the sensor unit 50A is attached to the left end of the panel 100 in the X direction and at a low position in the Y direction. The left end of the sensor unit 50A coincides with the left end of the panel 100. The sensor unit 50B is attached to the right end of the panel 100 in the X direction and at a low position in the Y direction. The right end of the sensor unit 50A coincides with the right end of the panel 100. The sensor unit 50C is attached to the left end of the panel 100 in the X direction and at a high position in the Y direction. The left end of the sensor unit 50A coincides with the left end of the panel 100. The sensor unit 50D is attached to the right end of the panel 100 in the X direction and at a high position in the Y direction. The right end of the sensor unit 50A coincides with the right end of the panel 100.

[0061] In the examples of FIGS. 8 and 9, the number of sensor units is increased compared to the example shown in FIG. 6, and therefore the detection accuracy of the pressed position is improved.

[0062] For example, in the example of Fig. 8, when a user presses the upper right (HR) position, the voltage values ​​of the sensor signals of sensor units 50B and 50D become relatively high, and the voltage values ​​of the sensor signals of sensor units 50A and 50C become relatively low. As described above, in a sensor unit installed at the center position of panel 100 in the X direction, the direction of polarization of piezoelectric film sensor 11 when the right side of the sensor unit is pressed is opposite to the direction of polarization of piezoelectric film sensor 11 when the left side is pressed. In addition, in a sensor unit installed at the center position of panel 100 in the Y direction, the direction of polarization of piezoelectric film sensor 11 when the upper side of the sensor unit is pressed is opposite to the direction of polarization of piezoelectric film sensor 11 when the lower side is pressed.

[0063] Therefore, the control IC 14 can determine which position on the panel 100 has been pressed, based on the absolute value and polarity of the voltages of the sensor signals from the four piezoelectric film sensors 11.

[0064] In the example of FIG. 9, for example, when the user presses the upper right (HR) position, the voltage value of the sensor signal from sensor unit 50D becomes relatively high, and the voltage values ​​of the sensor signals from the other sensor units 50A, 50B, 50C become relatively low.

[0065] Therefore, the control IC 14 can determine which position on the panel 100 has been pressed, based on the absolute values ​​of the voltages of the sensor signals from the four piezoelectric film sensors 11.

[0066] In panel mounting control system 1 according to Modification 2, the detection accuracy of the pressed position is improved by using a plurality of sensor units, so that it is possible to detect differences in the pressed position even on panel 100 having a very large area.

[0067] (Variation 3) The panel mounting control system 1 according to the third modification outputs a different control signal depending on the number of presses within a given period of time.

[0068] For example, the control device 70 outputs a first control signal when one pressing operation is detected within one second, and outputs a second control signal when two pressing operations are detected within one second.

[0069] In addition, the configuration of Modification 3 can be combined with the above-mentioned first embodiment, second embodiment, third embodiment, Modification 1, and Modification 22. For example, the control device 70 may output different control signals depending on the combination of the pressed position and the number of times pressed.

[0070] As a result, the panel mounting control system 1 according to the third modification can realize detection of more complicated operations and more complicated control.

[0071] (Variation 4) The control device 70 according to the fourth modification inputs a sensor signal to a machine-learned model that has been machine-learned using learning data indicating a combination of a user's operation pattern in a sensor signal and a control signal, and outputs a corresponding control signal.

[0072] Modification 4 can be combined with any of the above-mentioned first embodiment, second embodiment, third embodiment, modification 1, modification 2, and modification 3.

[0073] In the panel mounting control system 1 according to the fourth modification, it is possible to learn the control content corresponding to the pressing action pattern of the user without the user having to manually register the pressing action and the control content.

[0074] (More examples) The panel 100 may be a floor material as described above. The panel 100 may also be a top plate in an under-floor storage space. The top plate in an under-floor storage space is thinner than other floor material parts and has a larger amount of deformation, so it is suitable for mounting the panel-mounted control system of the present invention.

[0075] (Application example) When the panel 100 is a floor material, the panel mounting control system 1 can detect deformation of the panel 100 simply by a resident of a certain house walking on the floor. In response to deformation of the panel 100, the panel mounting control system 1 may notify an application program of an information processing device such as a smartphone owned by a user who lives in a house different from the resident of the certain house. In this case, the user can, for example, confirm the safety of a resident (a person to be confirmed such as an elderly person) who lives far away.

[0076] In this case, the safety of the person can be confirmed not based on visual information from a camera or the like, but simply on information that the floor material has been deformed, so the person being confirmed does not feel psychological pressure as if they are being monitored.

[0077] Also, panel mounting control system 1 may be installed in multiple locations. In this case, panel mounting control system 1 may notify the user of the location in the residence where the flooring has been deformed. The user who receives the notification can learn the behavioral pattern of the person to be identified.

[0078] Furthermore, the panel mounting control system 1 may issue an emergency call if it does not detect any deformation of the floor material for a predetermined time (e.g., 24 hours) or more. Alternatively, the panel mounting control system 1 may issue an emergency call if the floor material is deformed a predetermined number of times (e.g., five times) within a short period of time (e.g., one second). In this case, the panel mounting control system 1 can make a notification by distinguishing between normal behavior such as walking or lying down and behavior in an emergency.

[0079] The device to be controlled may be, for example, an audio switch. In this case, the control signal may be a signal to turn the audio on / off or a signal to change the volume. The device to be controlled may be, for example, an air conditioner switch. In this case, the control signal may be a signal to turn the air conditioner on / off or a signal to change the temperature.

[0080] The panel mounted control system 1 may be attached to, for example, a bathroom mirror. In this case, the panel mounted control system 1 may transmit a control signal to turn the shower on / off in response to pressing the mirror. It may also transmit a control signal to adjust the temperature or flow rate of the shower in response to pressing the mirror. This allows the user to control the shower without having to visually find the shower switch, and therefore allows the user to control the shower even with their eyes closed, for example when washing their hair with shampoo.

[0081] Also, the panel-mounted control system 1 may be mounted on the wall of a certain room (first room) and output a control signal to devices installed in another adjacent room (second room) in response to a pressing operation on the wall of the first room. In this case, the user can turn on / off the lighting, audio, and air conditioner in the room on the other side of the wall. The second room does not have to be adjacent.

[0082] Also, panel mounted control system 1 may transmit a control signal only in response to a pressing operation performed on a high position on the wall surface. In this case, panel mounted control system 1 can prevent a small child, pet, etc. from pressing the wall surface and causing the state of the device to change unexpectedly. Also, panel mounted control system 1 may lock the operation of the device when a specific pressing operation is performed on the wall surface (for example, a strong pressing operation performed on a high position). In this case as well, panel mounted control system 1 can prevent a small child, pet, etc. from pressing the wall surface and causing the state of the device to change unexpectedly.

[0083] The description of the present embodiment should be considered as illustrative in all respects and not restrictive. The scope of the present invention is indicated by the claims, not by the above-described embodiments. Furthermore, the scope of the present invention includes the scope equivalent to the claims.

[0084] The present invention has the following structure:

[0085] <1> A pressure sensor; a control device that receives a sensor signal from the pressure sensor and outputs a control signal; The pressure sensor is attached to a main surface of a panel supported by a plurality of support portions, the sensor signal corresponds to a magnitude of a pressing force applied to a main surface of the panel; The control device outputs a control signal that differs depending on the magnitude of the pressing force. Panel mounted control systems.

[0086] <2> The control device acquires time-series data of position information obtained from the sensor signal, and outputs a predetermined control signal when it detects a movement toward a specific direction. <1> 2. A panel mounted control system as described in claim 1.

[0087] <3> the pressure sensor includes a first pressure sensor and a second pressure sensor, the second pressure sensor is disposed at a position on the panel different from that of the first pressure sensor, the control device identifies a pressed position based on sensor signals from the first pressure sensor and the second pressure sensor. <2> 2. A panel mounted control system as described in claim 1.

[0088] <4> A pressure sensor; a control device that receives a sensor signal from the pressure sensor and outputs a control signal; The pressure sensor is attached to a main surface of a panel supported by a plurality of support portions, the sensor signal corresponds to a magnitude of a pressing force applied to a main surface of the panel; The control device calculates a first interval, which is a time difference from a first time point when a pressure is detected to a second time point when the pressure is next detected, and a second interval, which is a time difference from the second time point to a third time point when the pressure is next detected, and outputs a different control signal depending on a ratio between the first interval and the second interval. Panel mounted control systems.

[0089] <5> The combination of the control signals corresponding to the sensor signals is changeable. <1> ~ <4> 13. A panel mounted control system as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 12.

[0090] <6> The control device inputs the sensor signal to a machine-learned model that has been machine-learned using learning data indicating a combination of a user's operation pattern in the sensor signal and the control signal, and outputs the control signal. <5> 2. A panel mounted control system as described in claim 1. [Explanation of symbols]

[0091] 1: panel mounting control system, 11: piezoelectric film sensor, 12: amplifier circuit, 13: A / D converter, 14: control IC, 15: communication I / F, 16: power supply, 50: sensor unit, 70: control device, 100: panel, 150: adhesive, 151: first electrode, 152: piezoelectric film, 153: second electrode, 300: support unit, 400: first main surface, 500: second main surface

Claims

1. A pressure sensor; a control device that receives a sensor signal from the pressure sensor and outputs a control signal; The pressure sensor is attached to a main surface of a panel supported by a plurality of support portions, the sensor signal corresponds to a magnitude of a pressing force applied to a main surface of the panel; The control device outputs a control signal that differs depending on the magnitude of the pressing force. Panel mounted control systems.

2. The control device acquires time-series data of position information obtained from the sensor signal, and outputs a predetermined control signal when it detects a movement toward a specific direction.

10. The panel mounted control system of claim 1.

3. The pressure sensor includes a first pressure sensor and a second pressure sensor, the second pressure sensor is disposed at a position on the panel different from that of the first pressure sensor, the control device identifies a pressed position based on sensor signals from the first pressure sensor and the second pressure sensor.

3. A panel mounted control system as claimed in claim 2.

4. A pressure sensor; a control device that receives a sensor signal from the pressure sensor and outputs a control signal; The pressure sensor is attached to a main surface of a panel supported by a plurality of support portions, the sensor signal corresponds to a magnitude of a pressing force applied to a main surface of the panel; The control device calculates a first interval, which is a time difference from a first time point when a pressure is detected to a second time point when the pressure is next detected, and a second interval, which is a time difference from the second time point to a third time point when the pressure is next detected, and outputs a different control signal depending on a ratio between the first interval and the second interval. Panel mounted control systems.

5. A combination of the user's operation pattern in the sensor signal and the control signal is changeable. A panel mounted control system according to any preceding claim.

6. The control device inputs the sensor signal to a machine-learned model that has been machine-learned using learning data indicating a combination of a user's operation pattern in the sensor signal and the control signal, and outputs the control signal.

6. A panel mounted control system as claimed in claim 5.

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