Detection device

Abstract

To provide a detection device capable of efficiently realizing different functions in a plurality of regions on a single touch device.SOLUTION: A detection device includes a detection region AA having a plurality of electrodes, and a detection unit that detects an object to be detected approaching the detection region AA based on a detection value of each of the plurality of electrodes. The detection region AA is divided into a plurality of functional regions PAA1, PAA2, PAA3, and PAA4 . In the detection unit, a detection mode of each detection target is different for each of the plurality of functional regions PAA1, PAA2, PAA3, and PAA4.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a detection device. [Background technology]

[0002] In recent years, detection devices capable of detecting external nearby objects, known as touch panels, have been used as UIs (User Interfaces) for controllers of household electrical appliances (hereinafter also simply referred to as "home appliances") and displays of electronic devices. Patent Document 1 discloses a configuration in which naturally occurring wood, natural fiber, natural leather, natural stone, or synthetic fiber, synthetic leather, artificial stone, etc., created to imitate the appearance and feel of nature, is arranged on the front surface of a touch sensor. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] International Publication No. 2019 / 082399 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In configurations where so-called capacitive touch panels are used as the UI for home appliance controllers or electronic devices, processing is required according to the assigned function. Specifically, for example, the thresholds and downstream processing required for detecting operations (gestures) based on the movement of a detectable object, such as an operator's finger, differ from those required for detecting touch operations on operation buttons printed on the surface of a home appliance controller or electronic device. Having different components for each function is not only cost-inefficient, but also requires the host to individually receive detection results from the multiple components, potentially reducing processing efficiency. Furthermore, time-sharing operations are required to suppress interference between the detection operations of each component, which shortens the detection operation time for each function and potentially reduces detection sensitivity.

[0005] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION An object of the present invention is to provide a detection apparatus that can efficiently realize different functions in multiple regions on a single touch device. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] A detection device according to one embodiment of the present invention comprises a detection area having a plurality of electrodes and a detection unit that detects a detectable substance approaching the detection area based on detection values ​​for each of the plurality of electrodes, the detection area being divided into a plurality of functional areas, and the detection unit having a different detection pattern for the detectable substance for each of the plurality of functional areas. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0007] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a plan view showing a schematic configuration of a detection device according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing a schematic cross-sectional configuration of a sensor unit of the detection device according to the embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a functional region in a detection region. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of a detection unit of the detection device according to the embodiment. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of a connection configuration between a sensor unit and a detection unit of the detection device according to the embodiment. [Figure 6A] FIG. 6A is a schematic diagram showing the positional relationship between the position of a detection object in the space above the first functional area and each electrode. [Figure 6B] FIG. 6B is a schematic diagram showing the spatial coordinates of a detectable substance in the space above the first functional area. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing an example of a specific operation and processing of the processing circuit in the detection device according to the embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0008] Modes (embodiments) for carrying out the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. Note that the present invention is not limited to the contents described in the following embodiments. Furthermore, the components described below include those that can be easily imagined by a person skilled in the art and those that are substantially identical. Furthermore, the components described below can be appropriately combined. Furthermore, the disclosure is merely an example, and appropriate modifications that a person skilled in the art can easily conceive while maintaining the gist of the invention are naturally included within the scope of the present invention. Furthermore, for clarity of explanation, the drawings may show the width, thickness, shape, etc. of each part schematically compared to the actual embodiment. However, these are merely examples and are not intended to limit the interpretation of the present invention. Furthermore, in this specification and each figure, elements similar to those described above with reference to the previous figures may be designated by the same reference numerals, and detailed descriptions may be omitted as appropriate.

[0009] 1 is a plan view showing a schematic configuration of a detection device according to an embodiment. The detection device 1 according to the present disclosure is used, for example, as a controller for a household electrical appliance (hereinafter also simply referred to as a "home appliance") or a UI (User Interface) for an electronic device. As shown in FIG. 1, the detection device 1 includes a sensor unit 10 and a detection unit 20.

[0010] The sensor unit 10 has a sensor substrate 11 and a plurality of electrodes 12 provided in a detection area AA of the sensor substrate 11. The detection unit 20 is configured to acquire a detection value corresponding to the electrostatic capacitance generated in the plurality of electrodes 12 provided in the detection area AA and detect a detection target object approaching the detection area AA. Specifically, the detection unit 20 has a control substrate 21, a detection circuit 22, a processing circuit 23, a power supply circuit 24, and an interface circuit 25.

[0011] The detection area AA of the sensor substrate 11 is an area where a plurality of electrodes 12 are provided. The sensor substrate 11 is, for example, a rigid substrate or a flexible printed circuit (FPC) having flexibility. A shield electrode 14 is provided on the surface of the sensor substrate 11 opposite to the surface where the plurality of electrodes 12 are provided.

[0012] The control board 21 is electrically connected to the sensor board 11 via a wiring board 31. The wiring board 31 is, for example, a flexible printed circuit board. Each electrode 12 of the sensor unit 10 is connected to a detection circuit 22 of the detection unit 20 via the wiring board 31.

[0013] The control board 21 is provided with a detection circuit 22, a processing circuit 23, a power supply circuit 24, and an interface circuit 25. The control board 21 is, for example, a rigid board.

[0014] The detection circuit 22 generates a detection value of each electrode 12 based on the detection signal of each electrode 12 output from the sensor substrate 11. The detection circuit 22 is, for example, an analog front end (AFE) IC.

[0015] The processing circuit 23 detects a detection object (for example, an operator's finger) present in the detection area AA or in the space above the detection area AA based on the detection values ​​of the electrodes 12 output from the detection circuit 22. The processing circuit 23 may be, for example, a PLD (Programmable Logic Device) such as an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array), or may be, for example, an MCU (Micro Control Unit).

[0016] The power supply circuit 24 is a circuit that supplies power to the detection circuit 22 and the processing circuit 23 .

[0017] The interface circuit 25 is, for example, a USB controller IC, and is a circuit that controls communication between the processing circuit 23 and a host controller of a host device (not shown).

[0018] 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a schematic configuration of a sensor section of a detection device according to an embodiment. The sensor section 10 includes a sensor substrate 11, an electrode 12, a shield electrode 14, and an electrode protection layer 15.

[0019] The sensor unit 10 has an electrode protection layer 15 provided on one surface of a sensor substrate 11 on which a plurality of electrodes 12 are provided, with an adhesive layer OC interposed between the sensor substrate 11 and the electrode protection layer 15. A shield electrode 14 is provided on the other surface of the sensor substrate 11. In the sensor unit 10, the sensor substrate 11, the electrodes 12, and the electrode protection layer 15 are stacked in this order from the shield electrode 14, forming a detection area AA.

[0020] In the present disclosure, for example, a controller for a home appliance or an operation panel sheet 16 for an electronic device is provided on the surface layer of the electrode protection layer 15. In other words, the detection area AA of the sensor unit 10 is covered by the operation panel sheet 16.

[0021] The operation panel sheet 16 is a member made of a non-conductive material. Specifically, examples of the operation panel sheet 16 include naturally occurring wood, natural fibers, natural leather, or synthetic fibers and synthetic leather that are created to imitate the appearance and feel of nature.

[0022] In the present disclosure, the detection area AA is divided into a plurality of functional areas each having a different detection mode for the detectable substance. Specific examples of the division modes of the functional areas in the detection area AA and the detection mode for the detectable substance in each functional area will be described below.

[0023] Fig. 3 is a schematic diagram showing an example of functional areas in a detection area. In the example shown in Fig. 3, the X direction and the Y direction are perpendicular to each other in the detection area AA. In the present disclosure, the direction perpendicular to the XY plane is defined as the Z direction. In the example shown in Fig. 3, the detection area AA is divided into a first functional area PAA1, a second functional area PAA2, a third functional area PAA3, and a fourth functional area PAA4.

[0024] 3 shows an example in which marks SP1, SP2, SP3, and SP4 that enable identification of a first functional area PAA1, a second functional area PAA2, a third functional area PAA3, and a fourth functional area PAA4 are provided on the surface of the operation panel sheet 16. The marks SP1, SP2, SP3, and SP4 may be, for example, silkscreen printed or laser marked.

[0025] 3, the first functional area PAA1 is an area where a plurality of electrodes are arranged in the X and Y directions. The plurality of electrodes 12-1 correspond to the electrodes 12 in FIGS. 1 and 2. FIG. 3 illustrates an example in which the first functional area PAA1 is an area where four electrodes 12-1 are arranged in the X direction and four electrodes 12-1 are arranged in the Y direction. The detection unit 20 detects the position of the detection object in the X, Y, and Z directions in the space above the first functional area PAA1 based on the detection values ​​of the plurality of electrodes 12-1 in the first functional area PAA1.

[0026] 3, the second functional area PAA2 is an area where a plurality of electrodes 12-2 are arranged in the X and Y directions. The plurality of electrodes 12-2 correspond to the electrodes 12 in FIGS. 1 and 2. FIG. 3 illustrates an example in which the second functional area PAA2 is an area where three electrodes 12-2 are arranged in the X direction and three electrodes 12-2 are arranged in the Y direction. The detection unit 20 detects the position of the detection object in the second functional area PAA2 in the X and Y directions based on the detection values ​​of the plurality of electrodes 12-2 in the second functional area PAA2.

[0027] 3, the third functional area PAA3 is an area where a plurality of electrodes 12-3 are arranged in the X direction. The plurality of electrodes 12-3 correspond to the electrodes 12 in FIGS. 1 and 2. FIG. 3 illustrates an example in which the third functional area PAA3 is an area where 12 electrodes 12-3 are arranged in the X direction. The detection unit 20 detects the position of the object to be detected in the third functional area PAA3 in the X direction based on the detection values ​​of the plurality of electrodes 12-3 in the third functional area PAA3.

[0028] 3 illustrates an example in which the third functional area PAA3 is an area where multiple electrodes 12-3 are arranged in the X direction, but the third functional area PAA3 may be an area where multiple electrodes 12-3 are arranged in the Y direction. In this case, the detection unit 20 detects the position of the detection object in the Y direction in the third functional area PAA3 based on the detection values ​​of the multiple electrodes 12-3 in the third functional area PAA3.

[0029] 3, the fourth functional area PAA4 is an area where at least one electrode 12-4 is provided. The electrode 12-4 corresponds to the electrode 12 in FIGS. 1 and 2. FIG. 3 illustrates an example in which the fourth functional area PAA4 is an area where two electrodes 12-4 are provided. The detection unit 20 detects the presence or absence of a detectable substance in the fourth functional area PAA4 based on the detection value of the electrode 12-4 in the fourth functional area PAA4.

[0030] 3 illustrates an example in which the detection area AA is divided into four functional areas: a first functional area PAA1, a second functional area PAA2, a third functional area PAA3, and a fourth functional area PAA4. However, the division of the functional areas in the detection area AA is not limited to this. Specifically, the detection area AA may include, for example, one first functional area PAA1 and one second functional area PAA2, or may include multiple functional areas selected from the first functional area PAA1, the second functional area PAA2, the third functional area PAA3, and the fourth functional area PAA4. In the detection device 1 according to the present disclosure, the detection area AA may include at least one of the first functional area PAA1, the second functional area PAA2, the third functional area PAA3, and the fourth functional area PAA4 as the multiple functional areas.

[0031] Fig. 4 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the detection unit of the detection device according to the embodiment. Fig. 4 illustrates a configuration in which the division mode of the functional areas in the detection area AA is the example shown in Fig. 3. Below, we will explain the mode shown in Fig. 3 in which the detection area AA is divided into four functional areas: a first functional area PAA1, a second functional area PAA2, a third functional area PAA3, and a fourth functional area PAA4.

[0032] 4, the detection unit 20 includes a signal detection unit 42, an A / D conversion unit 43, a signal processing unit 44, an arithmetic processing unit 45, a storage unit 46, a processing selection unit 47, and an output processing unit 48. The signal detection unit 42 and the A / D conversion unit 43 are included in the detection circuit 22. The signal processing unit 44, the arithmetic processing unit 45, the storage unit 46, the processing selection unit 47, and the output processing unit 48 are included in the processing circuit 23.

[0033] The storage unit 46 stores various parameters, tables, etc. used in the processing of the signal processing unit 44 and the calculation processing unit 45. The storage unit 46 also has a function of storing intermediate data of the processing in the signal processing unit 44 and the calculation processing unit 45.

[0034] In the present disclosure, the storage unit 46 has previously stored therein a correspondence relationship between the plurality of electrodes 12 in the detection area AA and each functional area.

[0035] More specifically, in the example shown in FIG. 3, the memory unit 46 has predefined therein a first functional area PAA1 in which a plurality of electrodes 12-1 are arranged in the X and Y directions, a second functional area PAA2 in which a plurality of electrodes 12-2 are arranged in the X and Y directions, a third functional area PAA3 in which a plurality of electrodes 12-3 are arranged in the X direction, and a fourth area PAA4 including electrode 12-4.

[0036] The signal detection unit 42 generates detection values ​​Rawdata for each electrode 12 based on the detection signals Det of each electrode 12 output from the sensor substrate 11. The A / D conversion unit 43 samples the detection values ​​for each electrode 12 and converts them into digital signals.

[0037] The signal processing unit 44 performs various processes such as baseline processing and linear conversion processing on the detection value Rawdata for each electrode 12 and outputs the result as a detection value S for each electrode 12.

[0038] Here, a description will be given of baseline processing in the signal processing unit 44. Fig. 5 is a diagram showing an example of a connection configuration between the sensor unit and the detection unit of the detection device according to the embodiment.

[0039] 5, the signal detection unit 42 of the detection circuit 22 includes a differential amplifier circuit CA as a main component. The detection device 1 according to the present disclosure is a self-capacitance detection device that detects a detection object F by generating an electric field using a plurality of electrodes 12.

[0040] Electrodes 12-1, 12-2, 12-3, and 12-4 in the first functional area PAA1, the second functional area PAA2, the third functional area PAA3, and the fourth functional area PAA4 are each connected to an inverting input terminal of a differential amplifier circuit CA in the signal detection unit 42. In the following description, the electrodes 12-1, 12-2, 12-3, and 12-4 in each functional area may be collectively referred to as electrode 12.

[0041] A detection drive signal VD is supplied to the non-inverting input terminal of the differential amplifier circuit CA from the power supply circuit 24. The drive signal VD is a rectangular wave signal that alternates between high and low potentials at a predetermined cycle. A negative feedback capacitor Cfb is provided between the inverting input terminal and the output terminal of the differential amplifier circuit CA. When the drive signal VD is supplied to the non-inverting input terminal, the differential amplifier circuit CA functions as an integrating circuit.

[0042] A drive signal VD is supplied to the shield electrode 14 from a power supply circuit 24 .

[0043] The detection value Rawdata acquired during the detection operation is expressed by the following equation (1), where S(Cdet) is the component due to the capacitance Cdet generated between the object to be detected F and the electrode 12, and S(Cp) is the component due to the parasitic capacitance Cp.

[0044] Rawdata=S(Cdet)+S(Cp)...(1)

[0045] The signal processing unit 44 preliminarily sets the detection value acquired when the object to be detected F is not present in the detectable space above the detection area AA as a baseline BL (=S(Cp)), and subtracts the baseline BL from the detection value Rawdata for each electrode 12 acquired during normal detection operation to remove the component (S(Cp)) caused by the parasitic capacitance Cp.

[0046] In the present disclosure, it is assumed that the electrodes 12-1 in the first functional area PAA1, 12-2 in the second functional area PAA2, 12-3 in the third functional area PAA3, and 12-4 in the fourth functional area PAA4 are different in size and have different detection sensitivities, so that various processes such as baseline processing and linear conversion processing in the signal processing unit 44 are executed as different processes for each functional area.

[0047] In the example shown in Figure 3, the signal processing unit 44 includes a first signal processing unit 44-1 that performs signal processing corresponding to the first functional area PAA1, a second signal processing unit 44-2 that performs signal processing corresponding to the second functional area PAA2, a third signal processing unit 44-3 that performs signal processing corresponding to the third functional area PAA3, and a fourth signal processing unit 44-4 that performs signal processing corresponding to the fourth functional area PAA4.

[0048] The first signal processing unit 44-1 performs various processes such as baseline processing and linear conversion processing on the detection value Rawdata1 for each electrode 12-1, and outputs the result as a detection value S1 for each electrode 12-1.

[0049] The second signal processing unit 44-2 performs various processes such as baseline processing and linear conversion processing on the detection value Rawdata2 for each electrode 12-2, and outputs the result as a detection value S2 for each electrode 12-2.

[0050] The third signal processing unit 44-3 performs various processes such as baseline processing and linear conversion processing on the detection value Rawdata3 for each electrode 12-3, and outputs the result as a detection value S3 for each electrode 12-3.

[0051] The fourth signal processing unit 44-4 performs various processes such as baseline processing and linear conversion processing on the detection value Rawdata4 for each electrode 12-4, and outputs the result as a detection value S4 for each electrode 12-4.

[0052] 3, the arithmetic processing unit 45 includes a first arithmetic processing unit 45-1 that executes arithmetic processing corresponding to the first functional area PAA1, a second arithmetic processing unit 45-2 that executes arithmetic processing corresponding to the second functional area PAA2, a third arithmetic processing unit 45-3 that executes arithmetic processing corresponding to the third functional area PAA3, and a fourth arithmetic processing unit 45-4 that executes arithmetic processing corresponding to the fourth functional area PAA4.

[0053] The first calculation processing unit 45-1 acquires spatial coordinates R1 (=(Rx, Ry, Rz)) including the X-direction position Rx, the Y-direction position Ry, and the Z-direction position Rz of the object to be detected in the space above the first functional area PAA1 based on the detection values ​​S1 of the multiple electrodes 12-1 in the first functional area PAA1.

[0054] The second calculation processing unit 45-2 acquires a plane coordinate R2 (=(Rx, Ry)) including the X-direction position Rx and the Y-direction position Ry of the object to be detected in the second functional area PAA2 based on the detection value S2 of the multiple electrodes 12-2 in the second functional area PAA2.

[0055] The third arithmetic processing unit 45-3 acquires the position R3 (=Rx) of the detection object in the X direction in the third functional area PAA3 based on the detection values ​​S3 of the plurality of electrodes 12-3 in the third functional area PAA3.

[0056] The fourth calculation processing unit 45-4 acquires the presence or absence R4 (=1 or 0) of the detectable substance in the fourth functional area PAA4 based on the detection value S4 of the electrode 12-4 in the fourth functional area PAA4. More specifically, the fourth calculation processing unit 45-4 performs a threshold determination on the detection value S4 of the electrode 12-4 in the fourth functional area PAA4, and acquires the result of the threshold determination (specifically, for example, "1" if the detection value S4 is equal to or greater than the threshold, and "0" if the detection value S4 is less than the threshold) as the processing result R4.

[0057] Here, a specific example of the detection operation in the detection device 1 will be described. Here, a specific example of the detection operation in the first functional area PAA1 will be described. FIG. 6A is a schematic diagram showing the position of the detectable substance in the space above the first functional area and the positional relationship between each electrode. FIG. 6B is a schematic diagram showing the spatial coordinates of the detectable substance in the space above the first functional area. FIGS. 6A and 6B show an example of operation when a detectable substance F exists in the space above the first functional area PAA1.

[0058] A capacitance corresponding to the distance D between each electrode 12-1 and the object to be detected F present in the space above the first functional area PAA1 is generated in each electrode 12-1 in the first functional area PAA1, and a detection value Rawdata1 corresponding to the capacitance is acquired by the detection circuit 22. The detection value Rawdata1 acquired by the detection circuit 22 is subjected to various processes such as baseline processing and linear conversion processing by the first signal processing unit 44-1, thereby generating a detection value S1 for each electrode 12-1.

[0059] The first calculation processing unit 45-1 calculates spatial coordinates R1 (Rx, Ry, Rz) indicating the position of the detectable substance F in the space above the first functional area PAA1 shown in Fig. 6B based on the detection value S1 of each electrode 12-1 generated by the first signal processing unit 44-1. The spatial coordinates R1 (Rx, Ry, Rz) include data Rx indicating the position in the X direction above the first functional area PAA1, data Ry indicating the position in the Y direction above the first functional area PAA1, and data Rz indicating the position in the Z direction perpendicular to the XY plane.

[0060] A specific example of the operation of the processing circuit 23 in the detection device 1 according to the embodiment will be described below. Fig. 7 is a flowchart showing an example of the specific operation and processing of the processing circuit in the detection device according to the embodiment.

[0061] When the detection value Rawdata is acquired (step S100), the processing selection unit 47 divides it into detection value Rawdata1 for each electrode 12-1 in the first functional area PAA1, detection value Rawdata2 for each electrode 12-2 in the second functional area PAA2, detection value Rawdata3 for each electrode 12-3 in the third functional area PAA3, and detection value Rawdata4 for electrode 12-4 in the fourth functional area PAA4.

[0062] The signal processing unit 44 performs various processes such as baseline processing and linear conversion processing on the detection value Rawdata1 for each electrode 12-1 in the first functional area PAA1, the detection value Rawdata2 for each electrode 12-2 in the second functional area PAA2, the detection value Rawdata3 for each electrode 12-3 in the third functional area PAA3, and the detection value Rawdata4 for each electrode 12-4 in the fourth functional area PAA4, to generate a detection value S1 for each electrode 12-1, a detection value S2 for each electrode 12-2, a detection value S3 for each electrode 12-3, and a detection value S4 for each electrode 12-4, and performs comparison calculations with threshold values ​​for each of these.

[0063] Specifically, the first signal processing unit 44-1 determines whether the detection value S1 for each electrode 12-1 is equal to or less than a threshold value Sth1 (step S111). The second signal processing unit 44-2 determines whether the detection value S2 for each electrode 12-2 is equal to or less than a threshold value Sth2 (step S121). The third signal processing unit 44-3 determines whether the detection value S3 for each electrode 12-3 is equal to or less than a threshold value Sth3 (step S131). The fourth signal processing unit 44-4 determines whether the detection value S4 for each electrode 12-4 is equal to or less than a threshold value Sth4 (step S141).

[0064] The threshold value Sth1 is a threshold value for determining whether or not a detectable substance exists in the detectable space on the first functional area PAA1. When the detection value S1 for each electrode 12-1 is equal to or smaller than the threshold value Sth1 (step S111; No), the first signal processing unit 44-1 determines that a detectable substance does not exist in the detectable space on the first functional area PAA1. When the detection value S1 for each electrode 12-1 is greater than the threshold value Sth1 (step S111; Yes), the first signal processing unit 44-1 determines that a detectable substance exists in the detectable space on the first functional area PAA1.

[0065] The threshold value Sth2 is a threshold value for determining whether or not a detectable substance exists in the detectable space on the second functional area PAA2. If the detection value S2 for each electrode 12-2 is equal to or less than the threshold value Sth2 (step S121; No), the second signal processing unit 44-2 determines that a detectable substance does not exist in the detectable space on the second functional area PAA2. If the detection value S2 for each electrode 12-2 is greater than the threshold value Sth2 (step S121; Yes), the second signal processing unit 44-2 determines that a detectable substance exists in the detectable space on the second functional area PAA2.

[0066] The threshold value Sth3 is a threshold value for determining whether or not a detectable substance exists in the detectable space on the third functional area PAA3. When the detection value S3 for each electrode 12-3 is equal to or less than the threshold value Sth3 (step S131; No), the third signal processing unit 44-3 determines that a detectable substance does not exist in the detectable space on the third functional area PAA3. When the detection value S3 for each electrode 12-3 is greater than the threshold value Sth3 (step S131; Yes), the third signal processing unit 44-3 determines that a detectable substance exists in the detectable space on the third functional area PAA3.

[0067] The threshold value Sth4 is a threshold value for determining whether or not a detectable substance exists in the detectable space on the fourth functional area PAA4. When the detection value S4 for each electrode 12-4 is equal to or less than the threshold value Sth4 (step S141; No), the fourth signal processing unit 44-4 determines that a detectable substance does not exist in the detectable space on the fourth functional area PAA4. When the detection value S4 for each electrode 12-4 is greater than the threshold value Sth4 (step S141; Yes), the fourth signal processing unit 44-4 determines that a detectable substance exists in the detectable space on the fourth functional area PAA4.

[0068] If the detection value S1 for each electrode 12-1 is less than or equal to the threshold value Sth1 (step S111; No), and the detection value S2 for each electrode 12-2 is less than or equal to the threshold value Sth2 (step S121; No), and the detection value S3 for each electrode 12-3 is less than or equal to the threshold value Sth3 (step S131; No), and the detection value S4 for each electrode 12-4 is less than or equal to the threshold value Sth4 (step S141; No), return to step S100 and repeat the processing from step S100 onwards.

[0069] If the detection value S1 for each electrode 12-1 is greater than the threshold value Sth1 (step S111; Yes), in other words, if it is determined that the detectable object F is present in a detectable space on the first functional area PAA1, the first calculation processing unit 45-1 acquires spatial coordinates R1 (=(Rx, Ry, Rz)) including the X-direction position Rx, the Y-direction position Ry, and the Z-direction position Rz of the detectable object in the space on the first functional area PAA1 based on the detection value S1 for each electrode 12-1 generated by the first signal processing unit 44-1 (step S112).

[0070] If the detection value S2 for each electrode 12-2 is greater than the threshold value Sth2 (step S121; Yes), in other words, if it is determined that the detectable object F is present in a detectable space on the second functional area PAA2, the second calculation processing unit 45-2 acquires a plane coordinate R2 (=(Rx, Ry)) including the X-direction position Rx and the Y-direction position Ry of the detectable object in the second functional area PAA2 based on the detection value S2 for each electrode 12-2 generated by the second signal processing unit 44-2 (step S122).

[0071] If the detection value S3 for each electrode 12-3 is greater than the threshold value Sth3 (step S131; Yes), in other words, if it is determined that the detectable object F is present in a detectable space on the third functional area PAA3, the third calculation processing unit 45-3 acquires the X-direction position R3 (=Rx) of the detectable object in the third functional area PAA3 based on the detection value S3 for each electrode 12-3 generated by the third signal processing unit 44-3 (step S132).

[0072] If the detection value S4 for each electrode 12-4 is greater than the threshold value Sth4 (step S141; Yes), in other words, if it is determined that the detectable object F is present in a detectable space on the fourth functional area PAA4, the fourth calculation processing unit 45-4 obtains the presence or absence R4 (=1 or 0) of the detectable object in the fourth functional area PAA4 based on the detection value S4 for each electrode 12-4 generated by the fourth signal processing unit 44-4 (step S143).

[0073] The output processing unit 48 outputs the processing results (R1, R2, R3, R4) of the arithmetic processing unit 45 as one processing result R (=R1, R2, R3, R4) (step S150).

[0074] The processing result R output from the processing circuit 23 is output to an external host device (not shown) from the interface circuit 25. A specific example of processing on the host device side will be described below.

[0075] The host device detects an operation (for example, a gesture) according to the movement of the detection object in the space above the first functional area PAA1, for example, by a change in the spatial coordinates R1 (=(Rx, Ry, Rz)).

[0076] In addition, the host device detects operations (e.g., swipe operations, flick operations, or combined operations such as drag-and-drop operations, pinch-in, pinch-out, etc.) corresponding to the movement of the object to be detected in the second functional area PAA2, for example, by changes in the plane coordinate R2 (=(Rx, Ry)).

[0077] The host device also detects an operation (such as a level control operation in a home appliance or electronic device) corresponding to the movement of the detection object in the third functional area PAA3, for example, by a change in the position Rx in the X direction or the position Ry in the Y direction.

[0078] Furthermore, the host device detects, for example, an operation (for example, a toggle operation such as switching on / off a home appliance or electronic device) according to the presence or absence of a detection object in the third functional area PAA3.

[0079] In the configuration and processing of the detection device 1 according to the above-described embodiment, the detection area AA provided on a single sensor substrate 11 is divided into multiple functional areas with different detection modes for the detectable object, and for each functional area, signal processing such as baseline processing and linear conversion processing of the raw data detected by each electrode 12, as well as various arithmetic processing for the detectable object, are performed, and a single processing result is output. This makes it possible to efficiently achieve different functions in multiple areas on a single touch device.

[0080] Although preferred embodiments of the present disclosure have been described above, the present disclosure is not limited to such embodiments. The contents disclosed in the embodiments are merely examples, and various modifications are possible within the scope of the present disclosure. Appropriate modifications made within the scope of the present disclosure also naturally fall within the technical scope of the present disclosure. [Explanation of symbols]

[0081] 1. Detection device 10 Sensor section 11 Sensor board 12,12-1,12-2,12-3,12-4 electrode 14 Shield electrode 15 Electrode protective layer 16 Operation panel sheet 20 Detector 21 Control board 22 Detection circuit 23 Processing circuit 24 Power circuit 25 Interface Circuit 31 Wiring board 42 Signal detection unit 43 A / D conversion section 44 Signal Processing Section 44-1 First signal processing section 44-2 Second signal processing section 44-3 Third signal processing section 44-4 4th signal processing section 45 Processing unit 45-1 First processing unit 45-2 Second processing unit 45-3 Third processing unit 45-4 Fourth processing unit 46 Memory section 47 Processing selection section 48 Output Processing Section AA detection area F. Object to be detected PAA1 Functional Area 1 PAA2 2nd functional area PAA3 3rd functional area PAA4 4th functional area SP1, SP2, SP3, SP4 marks

Claims

1. a detection region having a plurality of electrodes; a detection unit that detects an object to be detected that is close to the detection area based on the detection values ​​of each of the plurality of electrodes; Equipped with The detection area is divided into a plurality of functional areas, The detection unit The plurality of functional regions each have a different detection mode for the detectable substance. Detection device.

2. The detection area includes a plurality of functional areas, a first functional area for acquiring spatial coordinates including an X-direction position of a detectable object in a space on the functional area, a Y-direction position perpendicular to the X-direction, and a Z-direction position perpendicular to the X-direction and the Y-direction; a second functional area for acquiring plane coordinates including the X-direction position and the Y-direction position of the object to be detected in the functional area; a third functional area for acquiring the position of the object to be detected in the X direction or the Y direction in the functional area; a fourth functional area for detecting the presence or absence of a detectable substance in the functional area; at least one of: The detection device according to claim 1 .

3. the detection area includes at least the first functional area as the plurality of functional areas, the first functional region is a region in which a plurality of electrodes are arranged in the X direction and the Y direction, The detection unit acquiring spatial coordinates of the object to be detected in the space above the first functional area based on detection values ​​of the plurality of electrodes in the first functional area; The detection device according to claim 2 .

4. the detection area includes at least the second functional area as the plurality of functional areas, the second functional region is a region in which a plurality of electrodes are arranged in the X direction and the Y direction, The detection unit acquiring planar coordinates of the object to be detected in the second functional area based on detection values ​​of the plurality of electrodes in the second functional area; The detection device according to claim 2 .

5. the detection area includes at least the third functional area as the plurality of functional areas, the third functional region is a region in which a plurality of electrodes are arranged in the X direction or the Y direction, The detection unit acquiring a position in the X direction or a position in the Y direction of the detection object in the third functional area based on detection values ​​of a plurality of electrodes in the third functional area; The detection device according to claim 2 .

6. the detection area includes at least the fourth functional area as the plurality of functional areas, the fourth functional region is a region in which at least one electrode is provided, The detection unit and determining whether or not a detection target is present in the fourth functional area based on a detection value of an electrode in the fourth functional area. The detection device according to claim 2 .

7. The detection unit outputting the processing results obtained in the multiple functional areas as a single processing result; 7. A detection device according to any one of claims 3 to 6.

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