Input device and information processing system

The input device provides non-contact input with tactile feedback using non-contact electrodes and electromagnetic waves, addressing soiling issues and complexity in conventional touch panels, enhancing user experience and reducing costs.

JP2026042543APending Publication Date: 2026-03-11TOSHIBA INFORMATION SYSTEMS (JAPAN) CORPORATION
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Patent Information

Authority / Receiving Office
JP · JP
Patent Type
Applications
Current Assignee / Owner
Filing Date
2024-08-27
Publication Date
2026-03-11

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

Conventional touch panels are prone to soiling and malfunctions due to direct contact, lack tactile feedback in non-contact systems, and have limited versatility and practicality due to complex structures and high manufacturing costs.

Method used

An input device utilizing non-contact electrodes and electromagnetic waves to provide stimulating vibrations, allowing for non-contact input and tactile feedback through electromagnetic wave generation based on detected capacitance changes.

Benefits of technology

Enables non-contact input with tactile feedback, enhancing user experience and versatility while reducing manufacturing complexity and cost.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

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Abstract

Provided is an input device and an information processing system that can input desired information other than the input of operation information for non-contact electrodes and that gives the person who inputs the information a sense of awareness that they have input the information. [Solution] The device comprises a non-contact electrode, an information arrival monitoring means attached to the human body for monitoring the arrival via the non-contact electrode of information transmitted from a human body communication unit (30) that transmits information using the human body as a communication path, an electromagnetic wave generating means for generating electromagnetic waves of a frequency that provides stimulating vibrations, an electromagnetic wave transmitting electrode (25) provided in close proximity to the non-contact electrode for transmitting the generated electromagnetic waves to the opposing human body, an electromagnetic wave transmitting control means for transmitting information from the electromagnetic wave transmitting electrode (25) to the opposing human body when the information arrival monitoring means detects the arrival of information, and a signal path (51) for passing a signal input from the non-contact electrode to an electronic device (50).
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Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an input device and an information processing system. [Background technology]

[0002] In conventional touch panels, the display surface that is pressed by the pointing device is easily soiled, resulting in malfunctions and breakdowns. For example, touch panels installed in public places and used by an unspecified number of users have durability issues, are prone to becoming unsanitary, and are susceptible to contact infection with various pathogens. To solve these problems, non-contact input devices (such as air touch panels) have been proposed in recent years, which allow input operations to be performed without directly touching the image (display surface).

[0003] For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a spatial coordinate specifying device that uses a detection light source and a photodetector and that can detect a virtual touch action performed by a user more accurately than conventional devices. Specifically, the spatial coordinate specifying device includes a detection light source, an optical sensor, and a controller that holds virtual touch surface definition information that represents the position of a virtual touch surface relative to a detection boundary surface, specifies the position of a boundary point where a pointer intersects with the detection boundary surface and the amount of intrusion of the pointer into the detection area from the detection result of the optical sensor, determines the presence or absence of a virtual touch by comparing the distance from the boundary point to the virtual touch surface represented by the virtual touch surface definition information with the amount of intrusion, and specifies the position of a point on the virtual touch surface that corresponds to the boundary point represented by the virtual touch surface definition information as a touch position.

[0004] Patent Document 2 discloses a non-contact input device that allows easy and accurate input. This non-contact input device includes an aerial image display unit that displays an aerial image obtained by forming a real image of an object in the air; a non-contact position detection unit that detects a pointing object using a detection surface corresponding to the image plane of the aerial image and detects the XY position coordinates of the pointing object on the detection surface in a non-contact manner; a non-contact object detection unit that detects the pointing object on a detection surface disposed substantially parallel to and behind the detection surface; and a control unit. The control unit performs pointed position display control that displays the position coordinates of the pointing object detected by the non-contact position detection unit on the aerial image using a pointer P or the like, and input processing of the pointed position corresponding to the aerial image by the pointing object. Furthermore, the control unit performs input processing by determining the time when the pointing object is detected by the non-contact object detection unit as the input time and correcting the pointed position by distance correction, time correction, etc. based on the input time and the position coordinates detected by the non-contact position detection unit.

[0005] The devices described in Patent Documents 1 and 2 both display (project) an image (aerial image) in the air and perform input operations by detecting the position of a finger or other object touching the surface of the image using infrared or other means. To display (project) an image (aerial image) in the air, a specialized device called an optical imaging device or aerial image forming device is required, resulting in a complex structure. Furthermore, to perform input operations, a user must approach the image displayed in the air within reach of their finger or other object, which limits the distance between the user and the image and limits its applications. Furthermore, known optical imaging devices (aerial image forming devices) include, for example, a device formed by overlapping first and second light control panels, each having multiple strip-shaped light-reflecting surfaces (mirror surfaces) arranged parallel to each other, so that the light-reflecting surfaces are perpendicular to each other in a planar view. However, because of the microstructure consisting of multiple light-reflecting surfaces, manufacturing costs are high and it is difficult to increase the size of the device, which limits the size of the image and its applications, resulting in a lack of versatility. Furthermore, even if the optical imaging device were to be enlarged, the image displayed in the air would also be large, meaning that the user would have to move to a position where their finger or other device can reach it in order to perform input operations, which would make it less practical and functional.

[0006] Patent Document 3 discloses an input support device, an input support method, and a program that can provide appropriate feedback to a user when performing a non-contact operation without using a controller. In the invention of Patent Document 3, spatial coordinates of a predetermined part of the user are continuously acquired via a detection unit, and display control is performed to move a marker to a corresponding position on the display screen of a display unit based on the updated spatial coordinates, and the initial shape of the marker is a plurality of shapes obtained by dividing an arbitrary shape, and display control is performed such that the greater the distance of the spatial coordinates with respect to a predetermined plane in a coordinate system of spatial coordinates, the farther the plurality of shapes are from the corresponding position on the display screen, and the smaller the distance, the closer the plurality of shapes are to each other.

[0007] In Patent Document 3, a virtual touch panel (virtual input surface) is set in a space several centimeters to several meters in front of the display screen, the coordinates of a predetermined part of the user's body (finger, hand, or palm) on the touch panel are detected, a marker is displayed at the corresponding position on the display screen, and the size or shape of the marker is changed depending on the distance from the predetermined part to the touch panel. This makes it easier for the user to recognize the distance to the touch panel and the position being touched, and enables smooth input operations, but since it is necessary to constantly obtain the spatial coordinates (three-dimensional coordinates) of the predetermined part, the configuration of the detection means (sensor) becomes complicated and the processing becomes cumbersome.

[0008] Furthermore, if the virtual touch panel is simply set up in a space several meters in front of the display screen, and the size of the display screen and the size of the touch panel remain the same, the user must look directly at the target position on the display screen (the position where the icon, button, etc. that the user wants to touch is displayed) and touch the input position on the touch panel that overlaps with the target position, which requires the user to rely on a marker to find the input position, and input takes time.In particular, when the display screen is large, the user must move their body until their finger or hand reaches the input position on the touch panel that corresponds to the target position on the display screen, which significantly reduces operability.

[0009] While the COVID-19 pandemic has led to the trend toward contactless input devices, the lack of a sense of touch has become a problem. While attempts have been made to use sound or color instead of tactile feedback to indicate operation, nothing has been found that can beat tactile feedback. Additionally, mechanisms other than panels, such as infrared sensors or time-of-flight sensors, are also needed.

[0010] Patent Literature 4 also discloses a method for generating haptic sensations using a capacitive touch panel. Specifically, this document discloses a touch interface device and method for generating multi-point haptics using simultaneous detection and actuation. In one example, one or more electrodes connected to the front surface of a substrate are arranged in a pattern, and haptic effects are generated by applying one or more voltages to the electrodes. The electrodes are connected to an electronic controller configured to measure the location of one or more touch points by applying one or more voltages to the electrodes. Another electronic controller generates haptic effects by applying positive and / or negative voltages to the electrodes and measures the location of one or more touch points by applying positive and / or negative voltages to the electrodes. Also disclosed is a method for generating haptic effects on the substrate and simultaneously measuring the location of a finger relative to the substrate using a single set of electrodes on a touch interface substrate. The device functions as a touch panel and does not support data communication.

[0011] Patent Document 5 discloses a floating image display device that includes a display device, an optical element that projects an image displayed on one side of the display device into a floating image on the other side of the display device, a detection device that detects the position of an object near the floating image projected by the optical element, and a drive device that changes the angle of the optical element. In this floating image display device, the drive device moves the optical element in accordance with the position of the object detected by the detection device, thereby enabling the floating image to move three-dimensionally. With this configuration, for example, the floating image moves in accordance with the depth position of the user's finger. Therefore, when the user places their finger on the floating image, they feel as if they are performing an input operation by touching the floating image, making it easier to perform input operations. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0012] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2015-60296 [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2019-109637 [Patent Document 3] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2014-229938 [Patent Document 4] Patent No. 6568094 specification [Patent Document 5] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2022-129473 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0013] The present invention has been made in consideration of the above-mentioned problems, and aims to provide an input device and an information processing system that can input desired information in addition to inputting electrode operation information when performing non-contact input, and that can give the person who inputs the information a sense of awareness that they have inputted information. [Means for solving the problem]

[0014] The input device of the present invention is characterized by comprising: a non-contact electrode; an information arrival monitoring means attached to a human body and monitoring the arrival via the non-contact electrode of information transmitted from a human body communication unit that transmits information using the human body as a communication path; an electromagnetic wave generating means that generates electromagnetic waves of a frequency that provides stimulating vibrations; an electromagnetic wave sending electrode that is provided in close proximity to the non-contact electrode and sends the electromagnetic waves generated from the electromagnetic wave generating means to the opposing human body; an electromagnetic wave sending control means that, when the information arrival monitoring means detects the arrival of information, controls the electromagnetic wave generating means to send the electromagnetic waves from the electromagnetic wave sending electrode to the opposing human body; and a signal path that, when the information arrives from the non-contact electrode, passes a signal input from the non-contact electrode to an electronic device.

[0015] The information processing system of the present invention is an information processing system consisting of an input device and an electronic device that receives input information obtained by the input device and processes information, wherein the input device is characterized by comprising: a non-contact electrode; an information arrival monitoring means that is attached to the human body and monitors the arrival via the non-contact electrode of information transmitted from a human body communication unit that transmits information using the human body as a communication path; an electromagnetic wave generating means that generates electromagnetic waves of a frequency that provides stimulating vibrations; an electromagnetic wave transmitting electrode that is provided in close proximity to the non-contact electrode and transmits the electromagnetic waves generated from the electromagnetic wave generating means to the opposing human body; an electromagnetic wave transmitting control means that, when the information arrival monitoring means detects the arrival of information, controls the electromagnetic wave generating means to transmit the electromagnetic waves from the electromagnetic wave transmitting electrode to the opposing human body; and a signal path that, when the information arrives from the non-contact electrode, passes a signal input from the non-contact electrode to the electronic device. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0016] [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic configuration diagram of a first example of an information processing system according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing an X electrode portion of the input device according to the embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a Y electrode portion of the input device according to the embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] 1 is a perspective view showing a non-contact electrode portion in which an X electrode portion of an input device according to an embodiment of the present invention and a Y electrode portion of an input device according to an embodiment of the present invention are overlapped. [Figure 5] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing an electromagnetic wave transmitting electrode portion of the input device according to the embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6] 6 is a perspective view showing an electrode section formed by overlapping the electromagnetic wave transmitting electrode section shown in FIG. 5 with the non-contact electrode section shown in FIG. 4. [Figure 7] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a first example of a cross-sectional view of an electrode portion in the input device according to the embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 8]FIG. 3 is a front view showing an example of a mark printed on a protection sheet in the input device according to the embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 9] 5 is a flowchart showing the operation of the input device according to the first example of the embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a second example of a cross-sectional view of the electrode portion in the input device according to the embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 11] FIG. 10 is a front view showing a second example of a mark displayed on a protection sheet in the input device according to the embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 12] FIG. 10 is a schematic configuration diagram of a second example of an information processing system according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 13] 10 is a flowchart showing the operation of an input device according to a second example of an embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0017] An input device and an information processing system according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. In each drawing, the same components are assigned the same reference numerals and duplicated explanations will be omitted. Fig. 1 is a schematic diagram of an information processing system according to an embodiment of the present invention, which is composed of an input device 10 and an electronic device 50.

[0018] The input device 10 has an electrode section 20 in which, as non-contact electrodes, for example, a plurality of linear X electrodes 11 and a plurality of linear Y electrodes 12 are wired at a distance from each other and orthogonal to each other. Therefore, by detecting a change in the capacitance of the input device, it is possible to estimate which of the intersections of the X electrodes 11 and the Y electrodes 12 the finger is closest to. Therefore, in this embodiment, as will be described later, a change in current corresponding to this change in capacitance is detected by an information arrival monitoring circuit / XY coordinate detection circuit 15.

[0019] 2, the X electrodes 11 are formed of ITO (transparent conductive film) in a pattern of multiple lines (strips) in the X direction, and this ITO (transparent conductive film) is formed on a rectangular spacer film 18. As shown in Fig. 3, the Y electrodes 12 are formed of ITO (transparent conductive film) in a pattern of multiple lines (strips) in the Y direction, and this ITO (transparent conductive film) is formed on a rectangular spacer film 19.

[0020] 4 is formed by overlapping the X electrode 11 made of ITO (transparent conductive film) formed on the spacer film 18 and the Y electrode 12 made of ITO (transparent conductive film) formed on the spacer film 19 together with the spacer film 18 and the spacer film 19. That is, the X electrode 11 made of ITO (transparent conductive film) and the Y electrode 12 made of ITO (transparent conductive film) form non-contact electrodes using a capacitance method by the spacer film 18. When, for example, a finger is brought close to a desired intersection of the X electrode 11 and the Y electrode 12, a change in capacitance occurs, and a change in current corresponding to the change in capacitance is detected by the information arrival monitoring circuit / XY coordinate detection circuit 15.

[0021] 5, an electromagnetic wave transmitting electrode 25 configured in a linear (strip-like) pattern that connects the intersections of the X electrodes 11 and the Y electrodes 12 with straight lines is formed on a rectangular spacer film 26. By covering the non-contact electrode shown in FIG. 4 with the electromagnetic wave transmitting electrode 25 together with the spacer film 26, the electrode unit 20 shown in FIGS. 6 and 1 can be created.

[0022] 6 and 1, a protective sheet 27 made of transparent resin or the like is placed on the top surface of the electromagnetic wave sending electrode 25, and an insulating base 28 is provided on the bottom surface of the electrode unit 20, resulting in a cross-sectional view shown in Fig. 7. In Fig. 7, the electromagnetic wave sending electrode 25 and the protective sheet 27 are bonded together with an adhesive 29, and the electrode unit 20 and the insulating base 28 are bonded together with the adhesive 29.

[0023] 1, a current flows from drive circuit 14 to Y electrode 12 via driver 21, and a current flows from the X electrode to information arrival monitor circuit / XY coordinate detection circuit 15 via receiver 22. More specifically, under the control of control circuit 13, drive circuit 14 sequentially selects one of multiple drivers 21 and passes a current through it (scanning), causing a change in the current flowing from one receiver 22 via one Y electrode 12 where a capacitance change has occurred. A notification of the scanning is sent to information arrival monitor circuit / XY coordinate detection circuit 15. Therefore, for example, when a current is passed through an X electrode 11 at a position where a capacitance change has occurred due to a finger being brought close, the current flowing through one receiver 22 will be different from the others due to the capacitance change, and the Y electrode 12 connected to the receiver 22 through which the different current flows can be identified. The information arrival monitor circuit / XY coordinate detection circuit 15 then determines the X coordinate value corresponding to the X electrode 11 through which the current has flowed and the Y coordinate value corresponding to the Y electrode 12 connected to the receiver 22 from which the current was obtained.

[0024] In this example, a human body communication unit 30 that transmits information using the human body as a communication path is attached to the human body performing the input, and when a finger, which is part of the human body, is brought close to the electrode unit 20, an information signal transmitted from the human body communication unit 30 flows via the non-contact electrodes to the information arrival monitoring circuit / XY coordinate detection circuit 15. The information signal transmitted from the human body communication unit 30 is passed to the electronic device 50 via a signal path 51. The X coordinate value and the Y coordinate value (XY coordinate value) calculated by the information arrival monitoring circuit / XY coordinate detection circuit 15 are also passed to the electronic device 50 via the signal path 51. In this way, the information arrival monitoring circuit / XY coordinate detection circuit 15 is attached to the human body and functions as an information arrival monitoring means that monitors the arrival, via the non-contact electrodes, of information transmitted from the human body communication unit 30 that transmits information using the human body as a communication path.

[0025] If the electronic device 50 is a flushing system for a flush toilet, toilet operation marks shown in FIG. 8 can be printed on the protective sheet 27 at the intersections of the X electrodes 11 and Y electrodes 12, making it an input device. When a desired mark is operated, a process corresponding to the mark is executed. The information for human body communication is not particularly limited, but can be, for example, personal identification information that authorizes the use of this flushing system.

[0026] As described above, by bringing a finger, which is part of the human body, close to electrode unit 20, an information signal transmitted from human body communication unit 30 is received via the non-contact electrodes. Information arrival monitoring circuit / XY coordinate detection circuit 15 detects the arrival of the information and notifies electromagnetic wave generation circuit 16, which is electromagnetic wave generating means, of the arrival of the information and the input coordinate values. All electromagnetic wave transmitting electrodes 25 are connected to electromagnetic wave generating circuit 16, which generates electromagnetic waves of a frequency that provides stimulation vibrations and transmits the generated radio waves to electromagnetic wave transmitting electrodes 25 that correspond to the coordinate values. In this way, electromagnetic wave generating circuit 16 constitutes electromagnetic wave generating means that generates electromagnetic waves of a frequency that provides stimulation vibrations.

[0027] 9 shows a flowchart of the operation of the input device at this time, and the operation will be described below. Specifically, the information arrival monitor circuit / XY coordinate detection circuit 15 receives input information from the receiver 22 (S11) and detects whether or not human body communication information has arrived (S12). If no information has arrived, the process returns to step S11 to continue processing. On the other hand, if the arrival of human body communication information is detected, electromagnetic waves are generated and transmitted to the person (the finger performing the input) (S13). Following step S13, the human body communication information and coordinate information input from the non-contact electrodes are transmitted to the electronic device (S14), and the process ends. Thus, the information arrival monitor circuit / XY coordinate detection circuit 15 constitutes electromagnetic wave transmission control means that, when the information arrival monitor circuit / XY coordinate detection circuit 15, which serves as the information arrival monitor means, detects the arrival of information, controls the information arrival monitor circuit / XY coordinate detection circuit 15, which serves as the electromagnetic wave generation means, to transmit the information from the electromagnetic wave transmitting electrode 25 to the person.

[0028] FIG. 10 shows an example in which a liquid crystal panel 28B is used instead of the insulating base 28 in the input panel configuration shown in FIG. 7. In this configuration, when an operation menu is displayed on the liquid crystal panel 28B, the operation menu appears on a protective sheet 27 made of transparent resin or the like, as shown in FIG. 11. This example shows a portion of the front display surface of a car, and operation menu icons for listening to music, displaying a map, and starting and stopping the car are displayed. Information is input by bringing a finger close to an icon, and the corresponding processing is performed by the electronic device 50. Electromagnetic waves generated from the electromagnetic wave generating circuit 16 are transmitted from the corresponding electromagnetic wave transmitting electrodes 25, providing stimulating vibrations.

[0029] In this embodiment, if the human body communication information used is a password or other information sent from the human body communication unit 30 of only those who are permitted to drive the vehicle, such as the owner of the vehicle, the electronic device 50 can proceed with processing in a way that prevents driving by unauthorized persons.

[0030] In this embodiment, when communicating information to the human body communication unit 30, the human body communication information processing transmitting unit 54 included in the electronic device 50 communicates information from the non-contact electrodes to the opposing human body. That is, as shown in Fig. 12, the electronic device 50 is provided with an input electrode information processing unit 52, a human body communication information processing receiving unit 53, and a human body communication information processing transmitting unit 54. The input electrode information processing unit 52 performs the primary processing of the electronic device 50. When the electronic device 50 is a flushing system for a flush toilet, the input electrode information processing unit 52 performs processing in response to an operation on a desired mark associated with the intersection of the X electrode 11 and the Y electrode 12 on the protective sheet 27. When the electronic device 50 for an automobile performs processing such as starting and stopping the automobile, the input electrode information processing unit 52 performs processing corresponding to an input from the non-contact electrodes.

[0031] The human body communication information processing receiving unit 53 permits the operation or behavior of the electronic device 50 based on the information sent from the human body communication unit 30, and stores the information sent from the human body communication unit 30 as information for creating new information for transmission. An example of using the information sent from the human body communication unit 30 and storing it as information for creating new information for transmission is when biometric information is collected, averaged, and stored.

[0032] Based on the information received by the human body communication information processing receiving unit 53 or on the information that has been received, stored, processed, etc., the human body communication information processing transmitting unit 54 creates and transmits information when communicating information to the human body communication unit 30. When the human body communication information processing receiving unit 53 collects, averages, and stores biological information, it creates and transmits information on normality, abnormality, etc. and the extent of the abnormality based on this information. At this time, when communicating information to the human body communication unit 30, communication is performed from the non-contact electrode to the opposing human body.

[0033] 13 shows a flowchart of the operation when the above transmission is performed, and the operation will be described below. That is, the information arrival monitor circuit / XY coordinate detection circuit 15 receives input information from the receiver 22 (S11) and detects whether or not human body communication information has arrived (S12). If no information has arrived, the process returns to step S11 to continue processing. However, if the arrival of human body communication information is detected, an electromagnetic wave is generated and sent to the person (the finger performing the input) (S13). Following step S13, the input information indicating that the information has been input from the non-contact electrode and the information received by human body communication are sent to the electronic device (S15).

[0034] Next, it is detected whether there is human body communication information to be transmitted (S16). If the result is YES, the human body communication information to be transmitted is sent to the person (S17). That is, in the above example, the information when communicating information to the human body communication unit 30 is created and transmitted by the human body communication information processing transmitting unit 54 based on the information received by the human body communication information processing receiving unit 53 or based on the information received, stored, processed, etc., and is transmitted from the non-contact electrode.

[0035] As described above, according to this embodiment, when input is made from a non-contact electrode, information from the human body communication is sent to the electronic device, and information other than simple non-touch input is sent. This information can be used to perform the necessary processing in the electronic device, which is convenient, and the user can also be notified by a stimulus that an input has been made.

[0036] In the above embodiment, the non-contact electrodes are configured as a capacitance type using a transparent conductive film, but the non-contact electrodes may also be configured as a capacitance type. [Explanation of symbols]

[0037] 10 Input Devices 11X electrode 12 Y electrode 13 Control circuit 14 Drive circuit 15 Information arrival monitoring circuit / XY coordinate detection circuit 16 Electromagnetic wave generating circuit 18 Spacer film 19 Spacer film 20 Electrode section 21 Driver 22 Receiver 25 Electromagnetic wave sending electrode 26 Spacer film 27 Protective Sheet 28 Foundation 28B LCD panel 29 Adhesive 30 Human Body Communication Department 50 Electronic equipment 51 Signal Path 52 Input electrode information processing unit 53 Human body communication information processing receiver 54 Human body communication information processing and transmission unit

Claims

1. a non-contact electrode; an information arrival monitoring means for monitoring the arrival of information transmitted from a human body communication unit that is attached to the human body and transmits information using the human body as a communication path, via the non-contact electrodes; an electromagnetic wave generating means for generating an electromagnetic wave having a frequency that provides a stimulating vibration; an electromagnetic wave transmitting electrode provided adjacent to the non-contact electrode and configured to transmit the electromagnetic waves generated by the electromagnetic wave generating means to a human body facing the non-contact electrode; an electromagnetic wave transmission control means for controlling the electromagnetic wave generating means to transmit electromagnetic waves from the electromagnetic wave transmitting electrode to the opposing human body when the information arrival monitoring means detects the arrival of information; a signal path that passes a signal input from the non-contact electrode to an electronic device when the information arrives from the non-contact electrode; An input device comprising:

2. 2. The input device according to claim 1, wherein the non-contact electrode is made of a transparent conductive film.

3. 2. The input device according to claim 1, wherein the non-contact electrodes are configured by a capacitance method.

4. The input device according to claim 1, characterized in that a human body communication information processing and transmitting unit provided in the electronic device communicates information from the non-contact electrode to the opposing human body when communicating information to the human body communication unit.

5. 2. The input device according to claim 1, wherein the non-contact electrode is configured to use an input method based on two-dimensional coordinates, with the position where the X electrode and the Y electrode intersect being the estimated input coordinate position.

6. 6. The input device according to claim 5, further comprising an XY coordinate detection circuit that determines estimated XY coordinate information of the input position based on signals from the X electrodes and Y electrodes of the non-contact electrodes, and sends the estimated XY coordinate information determined by this XY coordinate detection circuit to the electronic device.

7. An information processing system including an input device and an electronic device that processes information by receiving input information obtained by the input device, The input device is a non-contact electrode; an information arrival monitoring means that is attached to the human body and monitors the arrival, via the non-contact electrodes, of information transmitted from a human body communication unit that transmits information using the human body as a communication path; an electromagnetic wave generating means for generating an electromagnetic wave having a frequency that provides a stimulating vibration; an electromagnetic wave transmitting electrode provided adjacent to the non-contact electrode and configured to transmit the electromagnetic waves generated by the electromagnetic wave generating means to a human body facing the non-contact electrode; an electromagnetic wave transmission control means for controlling the electromagnetic wave generating means to transmit electromagnetic waves from the electromagnetic wave transmitting electrode to the opposing human body when the information arrival monitoring means detects the arrival of information; a signal path that passes a signal input from the non-contact electrode to an electronic device when the information arrives from the non-contact electrode; An information processing system comprising:

8. 8. The information processing system according to claim 7, wherein in the input device, the non-contact electrodes are made of a transparent conductive film.

9. 9. The information processing system according to claim 8, wherein the non-contact electrodes of the input device are configured by a capacitance method.

10. The information processing system described in claim 7, characterized in that in the input device, a human body communication information processing and transmitting unit provided in the electronic device communicates information from the non-contact electrode to the opposing human body when communicating information to the human body communication unit.

11. 8. The information processing system according to claim 7, wherein the input device is configured using an input method based on two-dimensional coordinates in which an estimated input coordinate position is defined as a position where an X electrode and a Y electrode intersect with the non-contact electrode.

12. The information processing system according to claim 11, characterized in that the input device has an XY coordinate detection circuit that determines XY estimated coordinate information of the input position based on signals from the X electrode and the Y electrode of the non-contact electrode, and the XY estimated coordinate information determined by this XY coordinate detection circuit is sent to the electronic device.

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