Input device and input display device

Abstract

To provide an input display device having a sterilization function.SOLUTION: An input display device includes: a display device 2 for displaying an image; a sensor device 4 provided on the display device 2 and detecting a touch operation through a user; and a sterilization device 5 provided on the sensor device 4 and including a rectangular transparent member 16, a first line light source 10 arranged to face a first side surface of the transparent member 16 extending in a first direction, and a second line light source 12 arranged to face a second side surface of the transparent member 16 extending in a second direction. The first line light source 10 includes a plurality of first light emitting elements 11, each capable of emitting ultraviolet light, arranged in the first direction. The second line light source 12 includes a plurality of second light emitting elements 13, each capable of emitting ultraviolet light, arranged in the second direction. The sterilization device 5 is configured to emit ultraviolet light to a sterilization target area of the transparent member 16 that corresponds to an operation position of the touch operation detected by the sensor device 4.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an input device and an input display device having a sterilization function. [Background technology]

[0002] Sterilization by ultraviolet light has been researched for a long time. Ultraviolet light is classified into three wavelengths, UV-A (315-400nm), UV-B (280-315nm), and UV-C (200-280nm), in order of wavelength. UV-C in particular has extremely high sterilizing power and is used in various fields, including food and medical care.

[0003] Devices with operation panels (touch panels) include ATMs (automated teller machines) that are touched by an unspecified number of people, ticket vending machines at stations, and for personal use, smartphones, etc. The operation panels of these devices may be contaminated with bacteria, raising concerns about contact infection, which is one route of infection transmission.

[0004] As a countermeasure against contact infection, some devices have an antibacterial film attached to the surface of the operation panel. The Society of International Antibacterial Articles (SIAA) defines antibacterial properties as the number of bacteria adhering to the film surface being 1% or less after 24 hours.

[0005] Although antibacterial films are expected to reduce bacteria, there are concerns that when used on equipment that is frequently used by an unspecified number of people, the time it takes for bacteria to be reduced may be an issue, and there is a risk of an increased risk of infection. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0006] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2014-39876 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0007] The present invention provides an input device and an input display device having a sterilization function. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided an input display device comprising: a display device that displays an image; a sensor device provided on the display device that detects a touch operation by a user; and a sterilization device provided on the sensor device, the sterilization device including: a rectangular transparent member; a first line light source arranged to face a first side surface of the transparent member extending in a first direction; and a second line light source arranged to face a second side surface of the transparent member extending in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction, wherein the first line light source includes a plurality of first light-emitting elements each capable of emitting ultraviolet light and arranged in the first direction; and the second line light source includes a plurality of second light-emitting elements each capable of emitting ultraviolet light and arranged in the second direction, and the sterilization device is configured to emit ultraviolet light to a sterilization target area of ​​the transparent member that corresponds to the operation position of the touch operation detected by the sensor device.

[0009] According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided an input display device according to the first aspect, further comprising a plurality of first lenses provided between the plurality of first light-emitting elements and the transparent member, which convert the ultraviolet light emitted by the plurality of first light-emitting elements into parallel light, and a plurality of second lenses provided between the plurality of second light-emitting elements and the transparent member, which convert the ultraviolet light emitted by the plurality of second light-emitting elements into parallel light.

[0010] According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided an input display device according to the first aspect, further comprising a processing unit that causes the first line light source and the second line light source to emit ultraviolet light toward the area to be sterilized.

[0011] According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided an input display device according to the third aspect, wherein the processing unit controls the first line light source and the second line light source so as to emit ultraviolet light for each of a plurality of unit areas in a matrix defined by a plurality of rows corresponding to the plurality of first light-emitting elements and a plurality of columns corresponding to the plurality of second light-emitting elements.

[0012] According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, there is provided an input display device according to the third aspect, wherein the processing unit changes the duration of ultraviolet light emission between a first area to be sterilized and a second area to be sterilized of the transparent member.

[0013] According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, there is provided an input display device according to the fifth aspect, wherein the processing unit determines the number of touches in each of the first sterilization target area and the second sterilization target area, and sets the light emission time based on the number of touches.

[0014] 6. The input display device according to claim 5.

[0015] According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, there is provided an input display device according to the third aspect, wherein the processing unit changes the radiation intensity of ultraviolet light between a first area to be sterilized and a second area to be sterilized of the transparent member.

[0016] According to an eighth aspect of the present invention, there is provided an input display device according to the seventh aspect, wherein the processing unit determines the number of touches in each of the first sterilization target area and the second sterilization target area, and sets the radiation intensity based on the number of touches.

[0017] According to a ninth aspect of the present invention, there is provided the input display device according to the first aspect, further comprising a determination unit that receives a detection signal from the sensor device and determines the operation position based on the detection signal.

[0018] According to a tenth aspect of the present invention, there is provided the input display device according to the ninth aspect, further comprising a storage unit that stores information about the operation position.

[0019] According to an eleventh aspect of the present invention, there is provided an input display device according to the first aspect, wherein the plurality of first light-emitting elements and the plurality of second light-emitting elements are configured to have a maximum radiation intensity in a wavelength band of 260 nm or more and 270 nm or less.

[0020] According to a twelfth aspect of the present invention, there is provided the input display device according to the first aspect, wherein the transparent member is made of a material that can transmit ultraviolet light in a wavelength band of 200 nm or more and 280 nm or less.

[0021] According to a thirteenth aspect of the present invention, there is provided an input device comprising: a sensor device that detects a touch operation by a user; and a sterilization device mounted on the sensor device and including: a rectangular transparent member; a first line light source arranged to face a first side surface of the transparent member extending in a first direction; and a second line light source arranged to face a second side surface of the transparent member extending in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction, wherein the first line light source includes a plurality of first light-emitting elements each capable of emitting ultraviolet light and arranged in the first direction; and the second line light source includes a plurality of second light-emitting elements each capable of emitting ultraviolet light and arranged in the second direction, and the sterilization device is configured to emit ultraviolet light toward a sterilization target area of ​​the transparent member that corresponds to the operation position of the touch operation detected by the sensor device. [Effects of the Invention]

[0022] According to the present invention, an input device and an input display device having a sterilization function can be provided. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0023] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an input display device according to a first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the sterilization device shown in FIG. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a partial plan view illustrating the state of ultraviolet light from the first line light source. [Figure 4]FIG. 4 is a plan view illustrating a unit area of ​​a transparent member in a sterilization device. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a perspective view illustrating another example of the configuration of the sterilization device. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a block diagram of the input display device. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating an example of the absorption characteristics of DNA. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating an example of the spectral characteristics of the bactericidal action. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating an example of the emission spectra of the first light-emitting element and the second light-emitting element. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating the characteristics of a transparent member. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a schematic cross-sectional view illustrating the sterilization operation of the sterilizer. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is a ray tracing diagram of ultraviolet light propagating within a transparent member. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating the amount of ultraviolet light irradiated onto the attached matter in the experiment. [Figure 14] FIG. 14 is a flowchart illustrating the overall operation of the input display device. [Figure 15] FIG. 15 is a flowchart illustrating an operation position input process of the input display device. [Figure 16] FIG. 16 is a flowchart illustrating the sterilization process of the input display device. [Figure 17] FIG. 17 is a diagram illustrating an example of a region to be sterilized. [Figure 18A] FIG. 18A is a diagram illustrating an example of partial sterilization processing by a sterilization processing unit. [Figure 18B] FIG. 18B is a diagram illustrating an example of partial sterilization processing by the sterilization processing unit. [Figure 19A] FIG. 19A is a diagram illustrating an example of the overall sterilization process performed by the sterilization processing unit. [Figure 19B] FIG. 19B is a diagram illustrating an example of the overall sterilization process performed by the sterilization processing unit. [Figure 20]FIG. 20 is a flowchart illustrating a sterilization process for an input display device according to the second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 21] FIG. 21 is a diagram illustrating an example of partial sterilization processing by the sterilization processing unit. [Figure 22] FIG. 22 is a flowchart illustrating a sterilization process for an input display device according to a modified example. [Figure 23] FIG. 23 is a diagram illustrating an example of partial sterilization processing by the sterilization processing unit. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0024] Hereinafter, embodiments will be described with reference to the drawings. However, the drawings are schematic or conceptual, and the dimensions and proportions of each drawing are not necessarily the same as those of the actual drawing. Furthermore, even when the same parts are shown in different drawings, the dimensional relationships and proportions may be different. In particular, the following embodiments are illustrative of devices and methods for embodying the technical concept of the present invention, and the shape, structure, arrangement, etc. of the components do not specify the technical concept of the present invention. In the following description, elements having the same function and configuration are designated by the same reference numerals, and redundant description will be omitted.

[0025] [1] First embodiment [1-1] Configuration of input display device 1 Fig. 1 is a perspective view of an input display device 1 according to a first embodiment of the present invention. In Fig. 1, the X direction is a direction along any one side of the input display device 1, the Y direction is a direction perpendicular to the X direction in a horizontal plane, and the Z direction is a direction perpendicular to the XY plane (also called the normal direction).

[0026] The input display device 1 is a device that has both the function of inputting information and the function of displaying information. The input display device 1 includes a display device 2 and an input device 3. The input device 3 includes a sensor device 4 and a sterilizer device 5.

[0027] The display device 2, sensor device 4, and sterilizer 5 are arranged in this order along the Z direction and parallel to one another. The display device 2, sensor device 4, and sterilizer 5 are fixed in desired positions with fixing members (not shown), for example, so as to leave a desired distance between them. The display device 2, sensor device 4, and sterilizer 5 are housed in a housing (not shown). At this time, the top surface of the sterilizer 5 is exposed from the housing. Note that although the display device 2, sensor device 4, and sterilizer 5 are arranged apart from one another in the drawing, in reality they can be arranged in contact with one another.

[0028] The display device 2 is a device that displays images (including video and moving images). The display device 2 displays a desired image on its own display surface. Various types of display devices can be used as the display device 2. The display device 2 may be configured as a liquid crystal display device, an organic EL (electroluminescence) display device, or a micro LED (Light Emitting Diode) display device.

[0029] The sensor device 4 detects an operation (touch operation) in which a user touches the top surface of the sterilizer 5 with a finger. In other words, the sensor device 4 is configured to be able to detect an object present above it. The sensor device 4 has a sensor unit in the same area as the screen of the display device 2 in a plan view, and this sensor unit is optically transparent. All of the multiple members (including electrodes) that make up the sensor unit are made of transparent materials. The user can view the image on the display device 2 through the sensor device 4. The sensor device 4 is configured, for example, with a capacitance-type touch sensor (also called a touch panel).

[0030] The sterilizer 5 is located at the top of the input display device 1 and is a device that receives touch operations from the user. The sterilizer 5 also functions as the screen (touch surface) of the input display device 1. The top surface of the sterilizer 5 corresponds to the screen of the input display device 1. The sterilizer 5 has the function of sterilizing its own top surface. The specific sterilization action will be described later. The sterilizer 5 is configured so that the area that is the same as the screen of the display device 2 in a planar view is optically transparent. The user can view the image on the display device 2 through the sterilizer 5 and the sensor device 4.

[0031] [1-2] Configuration of sterilization device 5 Figure 2 is a perspective view of the sterilization device 5 shown in Figure 1. The sterilization device 5 comprises a first line light source 10, a second line light source 12, a plurality of first lenses 14, a plurality of second lenses 15, and a transparent member 16.

[0032] Transparent member 16 has a rectangular shape. Transparent member 16 is made of a light-transmitting material. Transparent member 16 has the function of propagating the light emitted from first line light source 10 and second line light source 12. Transparent member 16 is preferably made of a material that efficiently propagates the light emitted from first line light source 10 and second line light source 12.

[0033] The first line light source 10 emits ultraviolet light. The first line light source 10 is disposed to face one side surface of the transparent member 16 in the X direction, and is configured to extend linearly along the Y direction. The first line light source 10 has approximately the same length as the one side surface of the transparent member 16. The first line light source 10 is fixed at a desired position by a fixing member (not shown).

[0034] The first line light source 10 includes a plurality of first light-emitting elements 11. The plurality of first light-emitting elements 11 are arranged at predetermined intervals along the Y direction. The plurality of first light-emitting elements 11 are configured to be able to emit ultraviolet light. The first light-emitting elements 11 are configured, for example, with LEDs (Light Emitting Diodes). The plurality of first light-emitting elements 11 are arranged so that they can irradiate the entire transparent member 16 with ultraviolet light. The number of first light-emitting elements 11 is optimally set depending on the size of the first light-emitting elements 11 themselves and the size of the transparent member 16.

[0035] The plurality of first lenses 14 are provided corresponding to the plurality of first light-emitting elements 11. The plurality of first lenses 14 are disposed between the plurality of first light-emitting elements 11 and the transparent member 16, and are fixed at desired positions by a fixing member (not shown). Each of the plurality of first lenses 14 has a function of converting ultraviolet light emitted from the first light-emitting elements 11 into a parallel state (parallel light or collimated light) in one axial direction (Y direction). The first lens 14 is configured as a collimator lens. The first lens 14 is configured as, for example, a plano-convex lens. Specifically, the first lens 14 may be configured to refract light in one axial direction and have a convex surface having a semi-cylindrical surface (also referred to as a semicircular lens). Furthermore, the first lens 14 may be configured to collect ultraviolet light emitted from the first light-emitting elements 11 in the Y direction and the Z direction. Specifically, the first lens 14 may be configured so that the convex surface has a hemispherical surface.

[0036] Second line light source 12 is disposed to face one side surface of transparent member 16 in the Y direction, and is configured to extend linearly along the X direction. Second line light source 12 has approximately the same length as one side surface of transparent member 16. Second line light source 12 is fixed to a desired position by a fixing member (not shown). Second line light source 12 includes a plurality of second light-emitting elements 13. The function of second line light source 12 is the same as that of first line light source 10.

[0037] The plurality of second lenses 15 are provided corresponding to the plurality of second light-emitting elements 13. The plurality of second lenses 15 are disposed between the plurality of second light-emitting elements 13 and the transparent member 16, and are fixed at desired positions by a fixing member (not shown). The function of the second lens 15 is the same as that of the first lens 14.

[0038] 3 is a partial plan view illustrating the state of ultraviolet light from first line light source 10. The state of ultraviolet light from second line light source 12 is the same as that shown in FIG.

[0039] First light-emitting element 11 included in first line light source 10 emits ultraviolet light in the X direction. The ultraviolet light emitted from first light-emitting element 11 has directivity in the X direction and is emitted radially to a certain extent. First lens 14 converts the ultraviolet light emitted from first light-emitting element 11 into parallel light. The parallel ultraviolet light converted by first lens 14 enters transparent member 16 from its side surface. In other words, first line light source 10 can cause multiple ultraviolet rays, each of which has directivity in the X direction, to enter transparent member 16.

[0040] Figure 4 is a plan view illustrating a unit area of ​​transparent member 16 in sterilization device 5. Gray hatching in Figure 4 represents parallel ultraviolet light. First line light source 10 is assumed to include m first light-emitting elements 11. Second line light source 12 is assumed to include n second light-emitting elements 13. m and n are each a natural number greater than or equal to 2.

[0041] First line light source 10 emits m parallel beams corresponding to m first light emitting elements 11. Transparent member 16 is divided into m row regions Ax1 to Axm by the m parallel beams. Second line light source 12 emits n parallel beams corresponding to n second light emitting elements 13. Transparent member 16 is divided into n column regions Ay1 to Ayn ​​by the n parallel beams. Transparent member 16 is divided into m vertical regions and n horizontal regions.

[0042] Transparent member 16 is divided into (m×n) unit regions (Ax1, Ay1) to (Axm, Ayn) in a matrix by row regions Ax1 to Axm and column regions Ay1 to Ayn. First line light source 10 and second line light source 12 can irradiate ultraviolet light onto the (m×n) unit regions (Ax1, Ay1) to (Axm, Ayn) individually from the X and Y directions.

[0043] It is desirable that the first light-emitting element 11 and the second light-emitting element 13 have directionality. When the first light-emitting element 11 and the second light-emitting element 13 have approximately linear directivity, the multiple first lenses 14 and the multiple second lenses 15 may be omitted. Figure 5 is a perspective view illustrating another example of the configuration of the sterilization device 5.

[0044] First line light source 10 includes a plurality of first light-emitting elements 11. First light-emitting elements 11 are arranged to face the side surfaces of transparent member 16, and emit ultraviolet light toward the side surfaces of transparent member 16. Second line light source 12 includes a plurality of second light-emitting elements 13. Second light-emitting elements 13 are arranged to face the side surfaces of transparent member 16, and emit ultraviolet light toward the side surfaces of transparent member 16.

[0045] The first light-emitting element 11 emits ultraviolet light with directivity in the X direction. The second light-emitting element 13 emits ultraviolet light with directivity in the Y direction. The sterilization device 5 in FIG. 5 may be applied to the input display device 1 in FIG.

[0046] [1-3] Block configuration of input display device 1 6 is a block diagram of the input display device 1. The input display device 1 includes a processing unit 20, a display device 2, a sensor unit 30, a sterilization unit 32, and a power supply circuit 34. The processing unit 20 is connected to the display device 2, the sensor unit 30, and the sterilization unit 32 via a bus.

[0047] The sensor unit 30 includes a sensor controller 31 and a sensor device 4. The sensor controller 31 performs interface processing between the sensor device 4 and the processing unit 20. The sensor controller 31 also supplies a control signal to the sensor device 4 to control the operation of the sensor device 4.

[0048] The sterilization unit 32 includes a light-emitting element controller 33 and a sterilizer 5. The light-emitting element controller 33 performs interface processing between the sterilizer 5 and the processing unit 20. The light-emitting element controller 33 also supplies control signals to the multiple light-emitting elements included in the sterilizer 5, and controls the operation of the multiple light-emitting elements.

[0049] The processing unit 20 includes one or more processors such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) or an MPU (Micro Processing Unit). The processing unit 20 realizes various functions by executing programs stored in the storage unit 21. The processing unit 20 includes the storage unit 21, a display processing unit 22, an operation position determination unit 23, an image processing unit 24, and a sterilization processing unit 25.

[0050] The storage unit 21 includes non-volatile storage devices such as a ROM (Read Only Memory), an HDD (Hard Disk Drive), and an SSD (Solid State Drive), and volatile storage devices such as a RAM (Random Access Memory) and a register. The storage unit 21 stores programs executed by the processor of the processing unit 20. The storage unit 21 stores various data necessary for controlling the processing unit 20. The storage unit 21 stores data of images (image data) to be displayed by the display device 2.

[0051] The display processing unit 22 controls the operation of the display device 2. The display processing unit 22 receives image data from the image processing unit 24. The display processing unit 22 transmits the image data to the display device 2 and causes the display device 2 to display an image.

[0052] The operation position determination unit 23 receives a detection signal from the sensor unit 30. Based on the detection signal from the sensor device 4, the operation position determination unit 23 determines the operation position touched by the user.

[0053] The image processing unit 24 determines image data to be displayed on the display device 2. The image processing unit 24 selects image data stored in the storage unit 21.

[0054] Sterilization processing unit 25 controls the operation of sterilizer 5. Sterilization processing unit 25 controls the operation of first line light source 10 and second line light source 12, and also controls the operation of multiple first light-emitting elements 11 and multiple second light-emitting elements 13. Sterilization processing unit 25 can control multiple first light-emitting elements 11 and multiple second light-emitting elements 13 individually.

[0055] The power supply circuit 34 receives power from an external source and generates a plurality of voltages. The power supply circuit 34 supplies an optimum voltage to each circuit of the input display device 1.

[0056] [1-4] Operation The operation of the input display device 1 configured as above will be described.

[0057] [1-4-1] Characteristics of Sterilizer 5 First, the characteristics of the sterilizer 5 will be described.

[0058] FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating an example of the absorption characteristics of DNA. In FIG. 7, the horizontal axis represents wavelength (nm) and the vertical axis represents absorption coefficient. The absorption coefficient is expressed as a relative ratio (%). FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating an example of the spectral characteristics of the bactericidal action. In FIG. 8, the horizontal axis represents wavelength (nm) and the vertical axis represents bactericidal effect. The bactericidal effect is expressed as a relative ratio (%).

[0059] Bacteria have DNA within their cells. Bacteria include common bacteria, Escherichia coli, and Staphylococcus aureus. As shown in Figure 7, the absorption characteristics of DNA have a maximum absorption band around a wavelength of 260 nm.

[0060] As shown in Figure 8, the bactericidal effect is maximized by ultraviolet light with a wavelength of around 260 nm. Therefore, by irradiating bacteria with ultraviolet light with a wavelength of around 260 nm, the bacterial DNA can be destroyed, and the bacteria can be killed or inactivated.

[0061] Ultraviolet rays are classified into UV-A (315 to 400 nm), UV-B (280 to 315 nm), and UV-C (200 to 280 nm) in order of wavelength. First line light source 10 and second line light source 12 of the present embodiment are configured to be able to emit UV-C ultraviolet light.

[0062] Fig. 9 is a diagram illustrating an example of the emission spectra of the first light-emitting element 11 and the second light-emitting element 13. The horizontal axis of Fig. 9 represents wavelength (nm), and the vertical axis represents relative radiant intensity.

[0063] First light-emitting element 11 and second light-emitting element 13 have an emission spectrum in which the radiation intensity is maximized in the wavelength band of 260 nm or more and 270 nm or less. Therefore, the ultraviolet light emitted by first line light source 10 and second line light source 12 can kill or inactivate bacteria.

[0064] The transparent member 16 is made of a material that transmits ultraviolet rays emitted from the first light-emitting element 11 and the second light-emitting element 13. The transparent member 16 is made of a material that transmits UV-C ultraviolet rays, that is, ultraviolet rays in the wavelength band of 200 nm or more and 280 nm or less. The transparent member 16 is made of, for example, synthetic quartz. Synthetic quartz is quartz that is chemically synthesized using silicon tetrachloride as a raw material.

[0065] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating the characteristics of the transparent member 16. The horizontal axis of FIG. 10 represents wavelength (nm), and the vertical axis represents transmittance (%). FIG. 10 shows the characteristics of synthetic quartz, borosilicate glass, and soda glass. By making the transparent member 16 out of, for example, synthetic quartz, the transparent member 16 can transmit UV-C ultraviolet rays.

[0066] [1-4-2] Operation of sterilizer 5 Next, the operation of the sterilizer 5 will be described.

[0067] Figure 11 is a schematic cross-sectional view illustrating the sterilization operation of the sterilization device 5. Lenses are not shown in Figure 11. The operation of the second line light source is the same as in Figure 11.

[0068] The first light-emitting element 11 of the first line light source 10 emits ultraviolet light. The ultraviolet light is incident on the side surface of the transparent member 16 and passes through the transparent member 16. Because the ultraviolet light is incident on the top and bottom surfaces of the transparent member 16 at an angle greater than the critical angle, the ultraviolet light propagates through the transparent member 16 in one direction (the X direction) while repeatedly being totally reflected by the top and bottom surfaces of the transparent member 16. That is, the ultraviolet light propagates through the transparent member 16 in the X direction due to total internal reflection.

[0069] If there is an attachment 17 on the upper surface of the transparent member 16, ultraviolet light leaks out at the interface between the transparent member 16 and the attachment 17, and the ultraviolet light leaking out from the transparent member 16 is absorbed by or passes through the attachment 17. The attachment 17 is sterilized by the germicidal effect of the ultraviolet light. If the attachment 17 contains bacteria, the bacteria can be killed.

[0070] 12 is a ray tracing diagram of ultraviolet light propagating within transparent member 16. Assume that the wavelength of the ultraviolet light is 250 nm, the refractive index of transparent member 16 is 1.523080, and the refractive index of attachment 17 is 1.333044 (assuming water). From FIG. 12, it can be seen that ultraviolet light leaks out at the interface between transparent member 16 and attachment 17, and is absorbed by attachment 17 or passes through attachment 17.

[0071] Next, an object 17 was attached to the transparent member 16, and an experiment was conducted to see how ultraviolet light was irradiated. In this experiment, a UV light intensity distribution measurement film manufactured by Fujifilm Corporation was used. This measurement film has a white layer on the bottom surface of the support and a photosensitive layer on the top surface of the support. The color intensity of the photosensitive layer corresponds to the amount of UV light received, so the light intensity distribution on the light-receiving surface can be confirmed. In this experiment, the measurement film was placed on the top surface of the transparent member 16 and the observation was carried out. The object 17 was a fingerprint.

[0072] Fig. 13 is a diagram illustrating the amount of ultraviolet light irradiated onto the attachment 17 in the experiment. Fig. 13 shows a comparison between the case where there is no attachment and the case where there is attachment. From Fig. 13, it can be seen that the attachment 17 is irradiated with ultraviolet light.

[0073] [1-4-3] Sterilization operation of input display device 1 Next, a description will be given of the sterilization operation of the input display device 1. Fig. 14 is a flowchart illustrating the overall operation of the input display device 1.

[0074] The input display device 1 displays an image on its screen (step S100). That is, the display processing unit 22 transmits image data to the display device 2 and causes the display device 2 to display the image. The user visually recognizes the image displayed on the screen of the input display device 1. Specifically, the user visually recognizes the image displayed on the screen of the display device 2 through the transparent member 16 of the sterilization device 5. The screen of the input display device 1 corresponds to the upper surface of the transparent member 16 of the sterilization device 5.

[0075] Next, the processing unit 20 determines whether or not a user is present around the input display device 1 (step S101). For example, the input display device 1 includes a human presence sensor (not shown), and the processing unit 20 determines whether or not a user is present around the input display device 1 based on the detection result of the human presence sensor. The input display device 1 may also receive a detection signal indicating the presence of a user around the input display device 1 from an external device. The processing unit 20 determines whether or not a user is present around the input display device 1 based on the detection signal received from the external device.

[0076] If a user is present around the input display device 1 (step S101=Yes), the input display device 1 performs an operation position input process (step S102). The user touches the screen of the input display device 1 with his or her finger to operate the image displayed by the input display device 1. The operation position input process is a process of determining the position of the user's touch operation and storing the position of the touch operation (operation position). The touch operation is an operation in which the user touches the screen of the input display device 1 with his or her finger.

[0077] If there is no user around the input display device 1 (step S101=No), the input display device 1 performs a sterilization process (step S103). The sterilization process is a process of sterilizing the screen of the input display device 1, i.e., the upper surface of the transparent member 16 of the sterilizer 5, with ultraviolet light.

[0078] Next, the operation position input process of step S101 will be described with reference to a flowchart of FIG.

[0079] The sensor device 4 detects an object present above the screen of the input display device 1 and also detects the user's finger. The sensor device 4 can detect the position of the finger on the XY plane. Then, the sensor device 4 detects a touch operation by the user (step S200). The sensor device 4 transmits a detection signal as a detection result of the touch operation to the processing unit 20.

[0080] When the sensor device 4 detects a touch operation (step S200=Yes), the operation position determination unit 23 determines the operation position based on the detection signal of the sensor device 4 (step S201). The operation position is position information within the screen of the input display device 1.

[0081] Next, the operation position determination unit 23 stores the information on the operation position in the storage unit 21 (step S202).

[0082] Next, the image processing unit 24 determines whether the operation position is within the target range of the image (step S203). If the operation position is within the target range of the image (step S203 = Yes), the image processing unit 24 updates the image (step S204). Specifically, the image processing unit 24 reads image data corresponding to the target range from the storage unit 21. Then, the display processing unit 22 transmits the image data selected by the image processing unit 24 to the display device 2, and causes the display device 2 to display the image.

[0083] If the operation position is not within the target range of the image (step S203=No), the processing unit 20 returns to step S200. In this way, the input display device 1 can display an image on the screen of the input display device 1 and also display a new image based on the user's touch operation. Furthermore, the processing unit 20 can store information about the operation position in the storage unit 21.

[0084] Next, a description will be given of the sterilization process in step S103. The sterilization process is performed while there is no user around the input display device 1. FIG.

[0085] Sterilization processing unit 25 reads out information about the operation position from storage unit 21 (step S300). Next, sterilization processing unit 25 determines the area to be sterilized in transparent member 16 based on the information about the operation position (step S301).

[0086] Fig. 17 is a diagram illustrating an example of a region to be sterilized. Lenses are not shown in Fig. 17. Lenses are also not shown in the diagrams explaining the following operations. In Fig. 17, the operation position, which is the position of the user's touch operation, is shown as a fingerprint.

[0087] Sterilization treatment unit 25 determines a first sterilization target area AR1 and a second sterilization target area AR2. The sterilization target areas are defined with one unit area in Figure 4 as the smallest unit. The first sterilization target area AR1 is defined by four unit areas. The second sterilization target area AR2 is defined by one unit area.

[0088] Next, sterilization processing unit 25 determines whether the total area of ​​the multiple sterilization target regions is equal to or less than a threshold value (step S302). The threshold value can be set arbitrarily. For example, the threshold value is set to 1 / 5 of the area of ​​transparent member 16. Alternatively, sterilization processing unit 25 may determine the distribution of the multiple sterilization target regions, and determine whether the multiple sterilization target regions are distributed partially or entirely. If the multiple sterilization target regions are distributed partially, partial sterilization processing, which will be described later, may be performed, and if the multiple sterilization target regions are distributed entirely, full sterilization processing, which will be described later, may be performed.

[0089] If the total area of ​​the multiple sterilization target areas is equal to or smaller than the threshold (step S302=Yes), sterilization processing unit 25 performs partial sterilization processing. Sterilization processing unit 25 causes sterilization device 5 to emit ultraviolet light toward the multiple sterilization target areas. Sterilization device 5 emits ultraviolet light toward the multiple sterilization target areas (step S303).

[0090] 18A and 18B are diagrams illustrating an example of partial sterilization processing by sterilization processing unit 25. As shown in Fig. 18A, two operation positions OP are determined by operation position determination unit 23. The operation positions OP are indicated by fingerprints.

[0091] 18B, sterilization processing unit 25 controls first line light source 10 and second line light source 12 to emit ultraviolet light toward first sterilization target area AR1 and second sterilization target area AR2 that correspond to the multiple operation positions. Specifically, sterilization processing unit 25 causes first light-emitting elements 11-2, 11-3, and 11-6 of first line light source 10 to emit ultraviolet light, and causes second light-emitting elements 13-6, 13-7, and 13-11 of second line light source 12 to emit ultraviolet light. The subnumbers of first light-emitting elements 11 refer to the numbers of first light-emitting elements 11 from the top of the figure. The subnumbers of second light-emitting elements 13 refer to the numbers of second light-emitting elements 13 from the left of the figure.

[0092] First light-emitting elements 11-2 and 11-3 and second light-emitting elements 13-6 and 13-7 irradiate first sterilization target area AR1 with ultraviolet light. First light-emitting element 11-6 and second light-emitting element 13-11 irradiate second sterilization target area AR2 with ultraviolet light. This sterilizes first sterilization target area AR1 and second sterilization target area AR2 of transparent member 16.

[0093] On the other hand, if the total area of ​​the multiple sterilization target regions is greater than the threshold value (step S302 = No), sterilization processing unit 25 performs full sterilization processing. Sterilization processing unit 25 causes sterilization device 5 to emit ultraviolet light toward the entire region of transparent component 16. Sterilization device 5 emits ultraviolet light toward the entire region of transparent component 16 (step S304).

[0094] 19A and 19B are diagrams illustrating an example of the overall sterilization process by sterilization processing unit 25. As shown in Fig. 19A, five operation positions OP have been determined by operation position determination unit 23, and the five operation positions OP are distributed over the entire transparent member 16. The operation positions OP are indicated by fingerprints.

[0095] 19B, sterilization processing unit 25 controls first line light source 10 and second line light source 12 so as to emit ultraviolet light toward the entire area of ​​transparent member 16. Specifically, sterilization processing unit 25 causes all first light-emitting elements 11 of first line light source 10 to emit ultraviolet light, and causes all light-emitting elements 13 of second line light source 12 to emit ultraviolet light.

[0096] The entire area of ​​the transparent member 16 is irradiated with ultraviolet light by all of the first light-emitting elements 11 and all of the second light-emitting elements 13. As a result, the entire area of ​​the transparent member 16 is sterilized.

[0097] [1-5] Effects of the first embodiment According to the first embodiment, the input display device 1 can realize a function of displaying an image and a function of allowing a user to input data by touch operation. The input display device 1 can also sterilize its screen using ultraviolet light. This can prevent contact infection caused by the input display device 1 when the input display device 1 is used in a device that is touched by an unspecified number of people.

[0098] Furthermore, it is possible to selectively sterilize an area of ​​the transparent member 16 of the sterilizer 5 that has been touched by the user. It is also possible to selectively sterilize a portion of the transparent member 16 of the sterilizer 5 that has been contaminated with bacteria.

[0099] Furthermore, if the area of ​​transparent member 16 of sterilizer 5 that the user touches is distributed over the entire transparent member 16, ultraviolet light can be emitted to the entire area of ​​transparent member 16. This makes it possible to sterilize the entire screen of the input display device 1 according to the degree of contamination.

[0100] Furthermore, the number of light-emitting elements to be turned on can be optimally set according to the area of ​​the transparent member 16 that is contaminated with bacteria, thereby reducing the power consumption of the input display device 1.

[0101] Furthermore, during the sterilization process, it is possible to prevent ultraviolet rays from leaking out of the input display device 1. This makes it possible to realize an input display device 1 that is highly safe.

[0102] [2] Second embodiment In the second embodiment, the light emitting time of the light emitting element or the radiation intensity of the light emitting element is changed according to the degree of contamination.

[0103] [2-1] Sterilization of input display device 1 20 is a flowchart illustrating the sterilization process of the input display device 1 according to the second embodiment of the present invention. The operations in steps S300 to S302 are the same as those in the first embodiment.

[0104] If the total area of ​​the multiple sterilization target areas is equal to or smaller than the threshold (step S302=Yes), sterilization processing unit 25 determines the number of touches for each sterilization target area (step S400). The number of touches is the number of times the user touches the screen of input display device 1. Sterilization processing unit 25 determines the number of touches based on the information on the operation position stored in memory unit 21.

[0105] Next, sterilization processing unit 25 sets the light emission time for each light-emitting element (step S401). Specifically, sterilization processing unit 25 relatively shortens the light emission time of the light-emitting element when the number of touches of the sterilization target area is equal to or less than a threshold, and relatively lengthens the light emission time of the light-emitting element when the number of touches of the sterilization target area is greater than the threshold.

[0106] Next, sterilization processing unit 25 causes sterilization device 5 to emit ultraviolet light toward the multiple sterilization target areas. Sterilization device 5 emits ultraviolet light toward the multiple sterilization target areas (step S303).

[0107] Referring again to Figure 18B described above, an example of partial sterilization processing by sterilization processing unit 25 will be described. As shown in Figure 18B, first sterilization target area AR1 is touched more frequently than second sterilization target area AR2. Sterilization processing unit 25 sets the light emission times of first light-emitting elements 11-2, 11-3 and second light-emitting elements 13-6, 13-7 to be relatively long, and sets the light emission times of first light-emitting element 11-6 and second light-emitting element 13-11 to be relatively short. First light-emitting elements 11-2, 11-3, 11-6 and second light-emitting elements 13-6, 13-7, 13-11 start emitting light at the same time.

[0108] Figure 21 is a diagram illustrating an example of partial sterilization processing by sterilization processing unit 25. After a predetermined time has elapsed from the state of Figure 18B, first light-emitting element 11-6 and second light-emitting element 13-11 stop emitting light. First light-emitting elements 11-2 and 11-3 and second light-emitting elements 13-6 and 13-7 continue to emit light for a predetermined time. For example, the relatively long light-emitting time may be set to twice the relatively short light-emitting time. This makes it possible to increase the sterilization effect in first sterilization target area AR1 compared to second sterilization target area AR2.

[0109] In the total sterilization process in step S304, the light emitting times of all the light emitting elements may also be changed depending on the degree of contamination.

[0110] [2-2] Modified example As a modified example, the radiation intensity of the light-emitting elements may be changed. Fig. 22 is a flowchart illustrating the sterilization process of the input display device 1 according to the modified example. The operations up to step S400 are the same as those in Fig. 20.

[0111] Next, sterilization processor 25 sets the radiation intensity for each light-emitting element (step S402). Specifically, sterilization processor 25 relatively lowers the radiation intensity of the light-emitting element when the number of touches of the sterilization target area is equal to or less than a threshold, and relatively raises the radiation intensity of the light-emitting element when the number of touches of the sterilization target area is greater than the threshold. The radiation intensity of the light-emitting element can be controlled by the current supplied to the light-emitting element.

[0112] Next, sterilization processing unit 25 causes sterilization device 5 to emit ultraviolet light toward the multiple sterilization target areas. Sterilization device 5 emits ultraviolet light toward the multiple sterilization target areas (step S303).

[0113] FIG. 23 is a diagram illustrating an example of partial sterilization processing by sterilization processing unit 25. As shown in FIG. 23, first sterilization target area AR1 is touched more frequently than second sterilization target area AR2. Sterilization processing unit 25 sets the radiation intensity of first light-emitting elements 11-2, 11-3 and second light-emitting elements 13-6, 13-7 relatively high, and sets the radiation intensity of first light-emitting element 11-6 and second light-emitting element 13-11 relatively low. For example, the relatively high radiation intensity may be set to twice the relatively low radiation intensity. This makes it possible to increase the sterilization effect in first sterilization target area AR1 compared to second sterilization target area AR2.

[0114] In the total sterilization process in step S304, the radiation intensity of all the light-emitting elements may also be changed depending on the degree of contamination.

[0115] [2-3] Effects of the second embodiment According to the second embodiment, the contamination level of an area contaminated with bacteria can be determined in a pseudo manner by determining the number of touches, and the sterilization effect of an area with a high degree of contamination can be improved.

[0116] In the above embodiments, the input display device 1 has been described as having a function of inputting information and a function of displaying information. The above embodiments may be realized as an input device 3 excluding the image display function. The input device 3 is composed of a sensor device 4, a sterilizer 5, and a processing unit 20 that controls these.

[0117] In each of the above embodiments, the sensor device 4 does not have to be placed between the display device 2 and the sterilization device 5, but may be placed, for example, to the side of the sterilization device 5. In this modification, the sensor device 4 may be configured as a TOF sensor.

[0118] The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications can be made in the implementation stage without departing from the spirit of the invention. Furthermore, the embodiments may be implemented in appropriate combinations, in which case the combined effects can be obtained. Furthermore, the above-described embodiments include various inventions, and various inventions can be extracted by combining selected elements from the disclosed elements. For example, if the problem can be solved and the desired effect can be obtained even if some elements are deleted from all elements shown in the embodiments, the configuration from which these elements are deleted can be extracted as an invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0119] 1...input display device, 2...display device, 3...input device, 4...sensor device, 5...sterilization device, 10...first line light source, 11...first light-emitting element, 12...second line light source, 13...second light-emitting element, 14...first lens, 15...second lens, 16...transparent member, 17...adherence, 20...processing unit, 21...memory unit, 22...display processing unit, 23...operation position determination unit, 24...image processing unit, 25...sterilization processing unit, 30...sensor unit, 31...sensor controller, 32...sterilization unit, 33...light-emitting element controller, 34...power supply circuit.

Claims

1. a display device for displaying an image; a sensor device provided on the display device and configured to detect a touch operation by a user; a sterilization device provided on the sensor device, the sterilization device including: a rectangular transparent member; a first line light source arranged to face a first side surface of the transparent member extending in a first direction; and a second line light source arranged to face a second side surface of the transparent member extending in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction; Equipped with the first line light source includes a plurality of first light-emitting elements each capable of emitting ultraviolet light and arranged in the first direction; the second line light source includes a plurality of second light-emitting elements each capable of emitting ultraviolet light and arranged in the second direction; The sterilization device is configured to emit ultraviolet light to a sterilization target area of ​​the transparent member that corresponds to an operation position of a touch operation detected by the sensor device. Input display device.

2. a plurality of first lenses provided between the plurality of first light-emitting elements and the transparent member, the first lenses converting ultraviolet light emitted by the plurality of first light-emitting elements into parallel light; a plurality of second lenses provided between the plurality of second light-emitting elements and the transparent member, the second lenses converting ultraviolet light emitted by the plurality of second light-emitting elements into parallel light; Further comprising The input display device according to claim 1 .

3. The apparatus further includes a processing unit that causes the first line light source and the second line light source to emit ultraviolet light toward the area to be sterilized. The input display device according to claim 1 .

4. The processing unit controls the first line light source and the second line light source so as to emit ultraviolet light for each of a plurality of unit areas in a matrix defined by a plurality of rows corresponding to the plurality of first light-emitting elements and a plurality of columns corresponding to the plurality of second light-emitting elements. The input display device according to claim 3 .

5. The processing unit changes the duration of ultraviolet light emission between a first sterilization target area and a second sterilization target area of ​​the transparent member. The input display device according to claim 3 .

6. The processing unit determines the number of touches in each of the first sterilization target area and the second sterilization target area, and sets the light emission time based on the number of touches. The input display device according to claim 5 .

7. The processing unit changes the radiation intensity of ultraviolet light between a first sterilization target area and a second sterilization target area of ​​the transparent member. The input display device according to claim 3 .

8. The processing unit determines the number of touches in each of the first sterilization target area and the second sterilization target area, and sets the radiation intensity based on the number of touches. The input display device according to claim 7 .

9. The device further includes a determination unit that receives a detection signal from the sensor device and determines the operation position based on the detection signal. The input display device according to claim 1 .

10. The device further includes a storage unit for storing information about the operation position. The input display device according to claim 9 .

11. The plurality of first light-emitting elements and the plurality of second light-emitting elements are configured to have a maximum radiation intensity in a wavelength band of 260 nm or more and 270 nm or less. The input display device according to claim 1 .

12. The transparent member is made of a material that can transmit ultraviolet light in a wavelength range of 200 nm to 280 nm. The input display device according to claim 1 .

13. a sensor device that detects a touch operation by a user; a sterilization device provided on the sensor device, the sterilization device including: a rectangular transparent member; a first line light source arranged to face a first side surface of the transparent member extending in a first direction; and a second line light source arranged to face a second side surface of the transparent member extending in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction; Equipped with the first line light source includes a plurality of first light-emitting elements each capable of emitting ultraviolet light and arranged in the first direction; the second line light source includes a plurality of second light-emitting elements each capable of emitting ultraviolet light and arranged in the second direction; The sterilization device is configured to emit ultraviolet light to a sterilization target area of ​​the transparent member that corresponds to an operation position of a touch operation detected by the sensor device. Input device.

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