Detection device

The detection device addresses the challenge of integrating touch and proximity detection by using a common electrode matrix and drive circuits, enhancing proximity detection accuracy and sensitivity while reducing the display area required for sensors.

JP7621034B2Active Publication Date: 2025-01-24PANASONIC AUTOMOTIVE SYST CO LTD
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Patent Information

Application Number
JP2023508442
Authority / Receiving Office
JP · JP
Patent Type
Patents
Current Assignee / Owner
Priority Date
2021-03-23
Filing Date
2021-09-29
Publication Date
2025-01-24
Estimated Expiration
2041-09-29

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

Existing display devices face challenges in efficiently performing both touch detection and proximity detection due to the placement of electrodes dedicated to melee detection outside the display area, which can affect the design and functionality of the display.

Method used

A detection device with a common electrode matrix shared for image display and touch detection, utilizing a drive circuit to supply drive signals and a detection circuit to detect proximity, and optionally incorporating a rotating dial or multiple display devices for enhanced proximity detection without additional sensor electrodes.

Benefits of technology

Enhances the accuracy and sensitivity of proximity detection while minimizing the area around the display surface, allowing for wider detection areas and improved design flexibility.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

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Abstract

A detection device (control device 24), wherein a drive circuit (second drive circuit 74) supplies a drive signal to a common electrode in a first group among a plurality of common electrodes of a display device 22 which are commonly used for image display and touch detection and are positioned in a matrix. A detection circuit 76 detects the proximity of an object to the display device 22 on the basis of a detection signal RX received from a common electrode among the plurality of common electrodes which belongs to a second group which differs from the first group.
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Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a detection device having touch detection and proximity detection capabilities. [Background technology]

[0002] A display device is known that includes a proximity sensor and a display panel for detecting touch and proximity of a detection target (see, for example, Patent Document 1). In this display device, an electrode for touch detection is arranged in the display area of ​​the display panel, and an electrode for proximity detection is arranged outside the display area. When performing proximity detection, a signal is input to the electrode for touch detection, and the presence or absence of the proximity of the detection target is determined based on the signal output from the electrode for proximity detection. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2019-101532 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] Further improvements are needed in the technology for performing touch and proximity detection. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] In order to solve the above problems, a detection device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure includes a drive circuit that supplies drive signals to a first group of common electrodes among a plurality of common electrodes of a display device that are arranged in a matrix and used both for image display and touch detection, and a detection circuit that detects the proximity of an object to the display device based on a detection signal received from a second group of common electrodes different from the first group among the plurality of common electrodes.

[0006] Another aspect of the present disclosure is also a detection device. The device includes a drive circuit that supplies drive signals to a first group of common electrodes of a display device that is arranged in a matrix and is used for both image display and touch detection, and a detection circuit that detects the proximity of an object to the display device based on a detection signal. A rotatable dial is disposed on a display surface of the display device, overlapping a second group of common electrodes different from the first group of the multiple common electrodes. A conductor is disposed on the dial at a position facing the display surface of the display device. The detection circuit receives the detection signal from the conductor.

[0007] Yet another embodiment of the present disclosure is also a detection device, which includes a drive circuit that supplies drive signals to at least some of a plurality of first common electrodes of a first display device that are arranged in a matrix and shared for image display and touch detection, and a detection circuit that detects the proximity of an object to at least one of the first display device and the second display device based on a detection signal received from at least some of a plurality of second common electrodes of a second display device that is arranged adjacent to the first display device and that is arranged in a matrix and shared for image display and touch detection. Effect of the Invention

[0008] The above aspect allows further improvement to be achieved. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a display system according to a first embodiment. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a schematic circuit configuration of the display device of FIG. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 is a top view showing the arrangement of the common electrode in FIG. 2. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a vertical cross-sectional view of the display device of FIG. [Diagram 5] 1. FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an operation of the display device of FIG. 1 in a touch detection period in a first mode. [Figure 6]2 is a diagram showing the timing of a unit frame period in a first mode and the waveform of a first drive signal in the display device of FIG. 1. [Figure 7] 1. FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating the operation of the display device in FIG. [Figure 8] 1. FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating another operation of the second mode of the display device of FIG. [Figure 9] 1. FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating still another operation of the second mode of the display device of FIG. [Figure 10] 4 is a flowchart showing a mode switching process of the display system of FIG. 1. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating the operation of a second mode of the display device according to the second embodiment. [Figure 12] FIG. 13 is a block diagram of a display system according to a third embodiment. [Figure 13] 13 is a diagram illustrating the operation of the two display devices in the second mode of FIG. 12. FIG. [Figure 14] 13 is a diagram illustrating another operation of the two display devices in the second mode of FIG. 12. FIG. [Figure 15] 13A to 13C are diagrams illustrating the operation of a second mode of the display device of the modified example. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0010] (Findings on which this disclosure is based) Before describing the embodiment in detail, the knowledge on which the invention is based will be described. As described above, in order to perform proximity detection on a touch display using a mutual capacitance method, a technology is known in which signals are applied to a plurality of electrodes for touch detection arranged in the display area of ​​an image to generate an electric field in the space in front of the display. Then, a change in the electric field due to the proximity of a user's hand or the like to the display is detected by reading a received signal from an electrode arranged outside the display area. However, the present inventor has discovered a problem that since electrodes dedicated to proximity detection are arranged outside the display area, the area outside the display area becomes wider, which may affect the design of the display. In order to solve this problem, the display system according to the present disclosure is configured as follows.

[0011] Hereinafter, the same or equivalent components, parts, and steps shown in each drawing will be denoted by the same reference numerals, and duplicated explanations will be omitted as appropriate. In addition, the dimensions of the parts in each drawing will be enlarged or reduced as appropriate for ease of understanding.

[0012] (First embodiment) 1 is a block diagram of a display system 1 according to a first embodiment. The display system 1 will be described as an example of an in-vehicle display system 1 mounted on a vehicle such as an automobile, but the use is not particularly limited, and the display system 1 may be used in a portable device or the like.

[0013] The display system 1 includes a host 10 and a touch display 20. The host 10 executes various functions such as radio, car navigation, and Bluetooth (registered trademark) communication, and controls the touch display 20. The host 10 includes a control device 12.

[0014] The control device 12 is, for example, a CPU, and is also called a host CPU. The control device 12 has a selection unit 90 that selects an operation mode of the display system 1. The selection unit 90 selects a first mode in which an image is displayed and touch is detected, or a second mode in which an image is not displayed and proximity is detected. The first mode can also be called a touch detection mode, and the second mode can also be called a proximity detection mode.

[0015] The selection unit 90 selects the second mode, for example, until the proximity of an object is detected in a standby state in which no image is displayed on the touch display 20, and selects the first mode when the proximity is detected in the second mode. The selection unit 90 may select the second mode when a condition for transitioning to the standby state is satisfied in the first mode. The condition for the selection unit 90 to select the first mode or the second mode can be appropriately determined depending on the application of the display system 1. The first mode and the second mode will be described in detail later.

[0016] The control device 12 supplies image data DD and control data CD including information on the operation mode to the touch display 20, and controls the touch display 20 based on these data. The control device 12 does not supply image data DD in the second mode.

[0017] The touch display 20 includes a display device 22 and a control device 24. The display device 22 is used, for example, as a center display in the vehicle cabin on which a car navigation screen or the like is displayed.

[0018] The display device 22 is an in-cell type IPS (In Plane Switching) liquid crystal display device and is capable of detecting a touch position. The display device 22 has, for example, a well-known configuration described below.

[0019] FIG. 2 shows a schematic circuit configuration of the display device 22 of FIG. 1. FIG. 2 also shows a schematic arrangement of each component. The display device 22 includes a plurality of gate lines G1, G2, extending in the row direction, a plurality of source lines S1, S2, extending in the column direction, a plurality of pixel switching elements 30, a plurality of pixel electrodes 32, and a plurality of common electrodes 34. Each pixel switching element 30 is a thin-film transistor and is provided in correspondence with a pixel near an intersection of a gate line and a source line. In each pixel switching element 30, a gate line is connected to the gate, a source line is connected to the source, and a pixel electrode 32 is connected to the drain. A plurality of pixel switching elements 30 and a plurality of pixel electrodes 32 are arranged for one common electrode 34. The liquid crystal layer is controlled by an electric field between the pixel electrode 32 and the common electrode 34. The common electrode 34 is shared for image display and touch detection. Therefore, the number of electrode layers can be reduced, and the display device 22 can be configured to be thin.

[0020] Fig. 3 is a top view showing the arrangement of the common electrodes 34 in Fig. 2. The multiple common electrodes 34 are arranged in a matrix. Each common electrode 34 is connected to the control device 24 by a signal line 36.

[0021] In the first mode, the display device 22 detects the touch position of an object by a self-capacitance method. When a finger approaches the display surface of the display device 22, capacitance is generated between the common electrode 34 and the finger. When capacitance is generated, the parasitic capacitance in the common electrode 34 increases, and the current when a drive signal is supplied to the common electrode 34 increases. The touch position is detected based on the amount of variation in this current.

[0022] In the second mode, the display device 22 detects the approaching position of an object by a mutual capacitance method. The details of the approach detection will be described later.

[0023] Fig. 4 is a vertical cross-sectional view of the display device 22 in Fig. 1. The display device 22 includes a backlight unit 40, a lower polarizing plate 42, a thin film transistor substrate (hereinafter referred to as a TFT substrate) 44, a liquid crystal layer 52, a color filter substrate 54, an upper polarizing plate 56, a bonding layer 58, and a protective layer 60, which are stacked in this order along the thickness direction.

[0024] In the following description, in the thickness direction of the display device 22, the side on which the protective layer 60 is located with respect to the TFT substrate 44 is referred to as the front side, and the opposite side is referred to as the rear side.

[0025] The display device 22 uses light emitted from the backlight unit 40 to emit image light to the front side, that is, to the viewer side.

[0026] The TFT substrate 44 has a glass substrate 46, a plurality of gate electrodes 48 arranged on the front side of the glass substrate 46, a plurality of source electrodes 50, and a plurality of common electrodes 34. Although not shown, the TFT substrate 44 also has a plurality of gate lines G1, G2,..., a plurality of source lines S1, S2,..., a plurality of pixel electrodes 32, and a plurality of pixel switching elements 30 shown in FIG. 2. A liquid crystal layer 52 arranged on the front side of the TFT substrate 44 is controlled by a lateral electric field generated between the pixel electrodes 32 and the common electrode 34.

[0027] The bonding layer 58 has light-transmitting properties and bonds the upper polarizing plate 56 and the protective layer 60. The bonding layer 58 is, for example, a liquid transparent resin such as OCR (Optically Clear Resin) or a cured transparent adhesive sheet such as OCA (Optically Clear Adhesive).

[0028] The protective layer 60 is a light-transmitting layer for protecting the display device 22, and is made of a glass substrate, a plastic substrate, or the like. The protective layer 60 is also called a cover lens, or the like.

[0029] Returning to Fig. 1, the control device 24 is configured as, for example, an IC, and controls the display device 22 according to control data CD and image data DD from the host 10. The control device 24 can also be called a detection device that performs touch detection and proximity detection. The control device 24 includes a control circuit 70, a first drive circuit 72, a second drive circuit 74, and a detection circuit 76.

[0030] The control circuit 70 is formed of, for example, a microcomputer, and controls the signal generation timing of the first drive circuit 72 and the second drive circuit 74, the touch or proximity detection timing of the detection circuit 76, and the like.

[0031] In the first mode, the control circuit 70 controls the first drive circuit 72, the second drive circuit 74, and the detection circuit 76 so that one frame of a display image is drawn on the display device 22 and touch detection of one screen is performed at least once during a unit frame period (one frame period). The unit frame period can also be called a vertical synchronization period. The details of the unit frame period will be described later.

[0032] In the second mode, the control circuit 70 controls the first drive circuit 72, the second drive circuit 74, and the detection circuit 76 so that the display device 22 stops displaying and proximity detection is performed.

[0033] The first driving circuit 72 generates a reference clock signal under the control of the control circuit 70. In the first mode, the first driving circuit 72 generates a source signal SS synchronized with the generated reference clock signal based on image data DD from the host 10 under the control of the control circuit 70. In the first mode, the first driving circuit 72 generates a gate signal GS synchronized with the generated reference clock signal under the control of the control circuit 70. The first driving circuit 72 sequentially supplies the generated source signal SS to a plurality of source lines of the display device 22, and sequentially supplies the generated gate signal GS to a plurality of gate lines of the display device 22. In the second mode, the first driving circuit 72 stops generating and supplying the source signal SS and the gate signal GS.

[0034] The first drive circuit 72 supplies a reference clock signal to the second drive circuit 74. In the first mode, the second drive circuit 74 generates a reference voltage VCOM, which is a predetermined fixed voltage, and a first drive signal TX1 synchronized with the reference clock signal under the control of the control circuit 70. The first drive signal TX1 can also be called a touch drive signal. The first drive signal TX1 may be a square wave or a sine wave. In the first mode, the second drive circuit 74 supplies the reference voltage VCOM or the first drive signal TX1 to each of the multiple common electrodes 34 of the entire display device 22 via the signal line 36 in FIG. 3.

[0035] In the second mode, the entire common electrodes 34 of the display device 22 are divided into a first group, a second group, and a third group. In the second mode, the second drive circuit 74 generates a second drive signal TX2 synchronized with a reference clock signal under the control of the control circuit 70, and supplies the second drive signal TX2 to each of the common electrodes 34 of the first group via the signal line 36. The waveform, amplitude, and frequency of the second drive signal TX2 can be appropriately determined by experiments or simulations so as to obtain a desired proximity detection performance, and may be the same as or different from the waveform of the first drive signal TX1. Since it is assumed that the display device 22 does not display an image in the second mode, the second drive circuit 74 does not supply the reference voltage VCOM to the common electrodes 34.

[0036] In the first mode, the detection circuit 76 detects a touch of an object on the display device 22. In the first mode, the detection circuit 76, under the control of the control circuit 70, detects a touch of an object at a position corresponding to each common electrode 34 based on a detection signal RX received from the common electrode 34 when the first drive signal TX1 is supplied to the common electrode 34. The detection circuit 76 outputs information on the detected touch position to the control circuit 70.

[0037] In the second mode, the detection circuit 76 detects the proximity of an object to the display device 22. In the second mode, the detection circuit 76, under the control of the control circuit 70, detects the proximity of an object to a position corresponding to the common electrodes 34 of the second group based on a detection signal RX received from the common electrodes 34 of the second group when the second drive signal TX2 is supplied to each common electrode 34 of the first group. The detection circuit 76 outputs information on the detected proximity position to the control circuit 70. Note that the detection circuit 76 does not have to detect the proximity position, and may instead determine whether or not an object is approaching, and output information indicating that proximity has been detected to the control circuit 70.

[0038] In the first mode, the control circuit 70 derives coordinate data TD of the touch position based on the touch position information from the detection circuit 76, and outputs the coordinate data TD to the control device 12 of the host 10. In the second mode, the control circuit 70 derives coordinate data TD of the proximity position based on the proximity position information from the detection circuit 76, and outputs the coordinate data TD to the control device 12 of the host 10. The control device 12 executes various processes according to the coordinate data TD.

[0039] The configuration of the control device 12 and the control circuit 70 can be realized by a combination of hardware and software resources, or by hardware resources alone. Analog elements, microcomputers, DSPs, ROMs, RAMs, FPGAs, and other LSIs can be used as hardware resources. Programs such as firmware can be used as software resources.

[0040] The first mode and the second mode will be described in detail below. [First mode] In the first mode, the control circuit 70 alternates between partial image display in one of a plurality of display areas within the screen and partial touch detection in one of a plurality of touch detection areas within the screen, thereby controlling the image display and touch detection in a time-division manner.

[0041] Fig. 5 is a diagram for explaining the operation of the display device 22 in Fig. 1 during the touch detection period in the first mode. The display device 22 includes touch detection areas R1, R2, R3, and R4 in which a plurality of common electrodes 34 in the screen are divided into a plurality of groups. In Fig. 5, one common electrode 34 is shown, and the other common electrodes 34 are omitted from the illustration.

[0042] The touch detection areas R1, R2, R3, and R4 are arranged in order from left to right in the horizontal direction as seen by an observer. A plurality of common electrodes 34 for the entire display device 22 are arranged in each of the touch detection areas R1 to R4. The number of touch detection areas of the display device 22 is not limited to "4".

[0043] Fig. 6 shows the timing of a unit frame period Fa in the first mode and the waveform of a first drive signal TX1 in the display device 22 of Fig. 1. The example shown in Fig. 6 is an example in which one image is displayed in a unit frame period Fa, and touch detection of one screen is performed twice. In this embodiment, since the display device 22 is assumed to display images driven at 60 Hz, the unit frame period Fa is set to approximately 16.7 (= 1 / 60) ms. Touch detection of one screen is performed twice in the unit frame period Fa, and is therefore performed at a cycle of approximately 8.3 (= 1 / 120) ms.

[0044] A unit frame period Fa is divided into two sub-frame periods Fb. Each sub-frame period Fb includes four display periods Da and four touch detection periods T1a, T2a, T3a, and T4a. The display periods Da and the touch detection periods are arranged alternately. In each sub-frame period Fb, the display period Da, the touch detection period T1a, the display period Da, the touch detection period T2a, the display period Da, the touch detection period T3a, the display period Da, and the touch detection period T4a are arranged in this order. The number of display periods Da and the number of touch detection periods in a unit frame period Fa are not limited to "8", respectively.

[0045] The display device 22 displays 1 / 8 of a frame for each display period Da. One frame is displayed by eight display periods Da of a unit frame period Fa. Specifically, during a display period Da, the first drive circuit 72 supplies a source signal SS to the multiple source lines and a gate signal GS to the corresponding gate line, and the second drive circuit 74 supplies a reference voltage VCOM to the multiple common electrodes 34. The second drive circuit 74 stops supplying the first drive signal TX1 during the display period Da.

[0046] The second drive circuit 74 supplies a first drive signal TX1 to the common electrodes 34 in the touch detection areas R1 to R4 during each touch detection period. The second drive circuit 74 stops supplying the reference voltage VCOM during the touch detection period.

[0047] The detection circuit 76 detects a touch of an object on the touch detection area R1 during the touch detection period T1a, based on the detection signals RX received from the multiple common electrodes 34 in the touch detection area R1. The detection circuit 76 detects a touch of an object on the touch detection area R2 during the touch detection period T2a, based on the detection signals RX received from the multiple common electrodes 34 in the touch detection area R2.

[0048] The detection circuit 76 detects a touch of an object on the touch detection area R3 during the touch detection period T3a, based on the detection signals RX received from the multiple common electrodes 34 in the touch detection area R3. The detection circuit 76 detects a touch of an object on the touch detection area R4 during the touch detection period T4a, based on the detection signals RX received from the multiple common electrodes 34 in the touch detection area R4.

[0049] In this way, the detection circuit 76 detects a touch in a different touch detection area for each of the multiple touch detection periods. Note that the display device 22 may include the same number of touch detection areas as the number of touch detection periods in the unit frame period Fa, in which case touch detection on one screen is performed once by the multiple touch detection periods in the unit frame period Fa.

[0050] [Second mode] In the second mode, the display device 22 does not display an image, and the detection circuitry 76 performs proximity detection instead of touch detection.

[0051] Fig. 7 is a diagram for explaining the operation of the second mode of the display device 22 of Fig. 1. Fig. 7 shows a schematic diagram of a plurality of common electrodes 34 on the entire screen as seen from the observer's side. The plurality of common electrodes 34 are divided into a first group GR1, a second group GR2, and a third group GR3. The number of common electrodes 34 in the first group GR1 is greater than the number of common electrodes 34 in the second group GR2, and greater than the number of common electrodes 34 in the third group GR3.

[0052] In this example, the first group GR1 includes a plurality of common electrodes 34 located in an area larger than the upper half of the screen. In Fig. 7, the common electrodes 34 of the first group GR1 are labeled "TX."

[0053] The second group GR2 includes common electrodes 34 at the edge of the plurality of common electrodes 34 across the entire screen. The second group includes a plurality of common electrodes 34 at the lower edge of the screen. In FIG. 7, the common electrodes 34 in the second group GR2 are labeled "RX."

[0054] The common electrodes 34 of the second group GR2 are divided into four first subgroups GR21 arranged in the horizontal direction. The number of the first subgroups GR21 is not limited to "4." Each of the first subgroups GR21 includes two common electrodes 34 adjacent to each other in the horizontal direction.

[0055] The common electrodes 34 of the third group GR3 are common electrodes 34 other than those of the first group GR1 and the second group GR2. The common electrodes 34 of the third group GR3 are located between the common electrodes 34 of the first group GR1 and the common electrodes 34 of the second group GR2. In other words, the common electrodes 34 of the first group GR1 and the common electrodes 34 of the second group GR2 are not adjacent to each other. In addition, the common electrodes 34 of the third group GR3 are located between the two first subgroups GR21. In other words, the common electrodes 34 of the two first subgroups GR21 are not adjacent to each other.

[0056] In the second mode, the second drive circuit 74 supplies a second drive signal TX2 to each of the common electrodes 34 in the first group GR1 among the multiple common electrodes 34. In the second mode, the second drive circuit 74 does not supply the second drive signal TX2 to the common electrodes 34 in the second group GR2 and the third group GR3.

[0057] When the second drive signal TX2 is supplied, an electric field is generated between the common electrode 34 of the first group GR1 and the common electrode 34 of the second group GR2. In Fig. 7, the electric field is roughly indicated by arrows. Since the total area of ​​the common electrodes 34 of the first group GR1 is larger than the total area of ​​the common electrodes 34 of the second group GR2, an electric field can be generated in a relatively wide area, and an electric field can be generated at a position away in the normal direction of the display surface of the display device 22, that is, in the space on the front side of the display device 22. Therefore, an object close to the display surface affects the electric field even if it is not in contact with the display surface.

[0058] In the second mode, the detection circuit 76 detects the proximity of an object to the display device 22 based on the detection signal RX received from the common electrodes 34 of the second group GR2 among the multiple common electrodes 34. When the presence of an object close to the display surface affects the electric field, the detection signal RX changes compared to when the object is not present. The detection circuit 76 detects the proximity of the object by detecting the change. In the first mode, a touch can be detected even when the object does not touch the display surface but approaches the display surface to the extent that a detectable parasitic capacitance is increased, but in the second mode, the proximity can be detected at a distance longer than the distance between the display surface and the object that can be detected in the first mode. A known technique can be used to detect the proximity using the detection signal RX.

[0059] The detection circuit 76 does not distinguish between detection signals received from the common electrodes 34 of one first subgroup GR21. On the other hand, the detection circuit 76 can distinguish between detection signals received from the common electrodes 34 of two different first subgroups GR21. Therefore, in the second mode, the detection circuit 76 may detect a first subgroup GR21 to which an object is close, from among the multiple first subgroups GR21. This allows the detection circuit 76 to specify not only whether an object is close, but also the approximate position to which the object is close. The position to which the object is close can be determined based on the positions of the multiple common electrodes 34 of the detected first subgroup GR21, and may be, for example, the center of gravity of their position coordinates. When the approximate position to which the object is close is specified, the control device 12 may determine the display content in the first mode according to the specified position.

[0060] In the second mode, the detection circuit 76 does not use the detection signal RX of the common electrode 34 of the third group GR3 to detect the proximity of an object. In the second mode, the common electrode 34 of the third group GR3 does not need to be electrically connected to the detection circuit 76.

[0061] Next, another example of how to divide the first group GR1, the second group GR2, and the third group GR3 will be described. Fig. 8 is a diagram for explaining another operation of the second mode of the display device 22 of Fig. 1. The first group GR1 includes a plurality of common electrodes 34 located in an area wider than the left half of the screen.

[0062] The second group GR2 includes a plurality of common electrodes 34 on the right edge of the screen. The plurality of common electrodes 34 of the second group GR2 are divided into four first subgroups GR21.

[0063] 8, when an object approaches from the right side of the screen where the multiple common electrodes 34 of the second group GR2 are located, the proximity is more easily detected with high sensitivity than when the object approaches from the left side of the screen. Therefore, for example, when the display device 22 is used as a center display in the cabin of a right-hand drive vehicle, it is easier to detect the approach of the driver's hand.

[0064] Depending on the direction in which proximity detection with high sensitivity is required, the second group GR2 may include multiple common electrodes 34 on the left or bottom edge of the screen instead of on the right edge of the screen.

[0065] Fig. 9 is a diagram illustrating yet another operation of the second mode of the display device 22 of Fig. 1. The second group GR2 includes a plurality of common electrodes 34 at the upper, lower, right and left edges of the screen. The plurality of common electrodes 34 of the second group GR2 are divided into a first subgroup GR21 at the upper edge of the screen, a first subgroup GR21 at the lower edge of the screen, a first subgroup GR21 at the left edge of the screen, and a first subgroup GR21 at the right edge of the screen.

[0066] In the example of FIG. 9, the proximity of an object can be easily detected no matter whether it is approaching from the upper side, lower side, right side, or left side of the screen.

[0067] The second group GR2 may include multiple common electrodes 34 at two or three of the upper, lower, right and left edges of the screen.

[0068] 9, when the detection circuit 76 detects a first subgroup GR21 to which an object is adjacent, the control circuit 70 may divide the common electrodes 34 including the common electrode 34 of the detected first subgroup GR21 into a plurality of second subgroups. When dividing the common electrodes 34 into a plurality of second subgroups, the control circuit 70 may increase the number of common electrodes 34 in the first group GR1 compared to before dividing the common electrodes 34 into the second subgroups.

[0069] For example, when it is detected that an object has approached the first subgroup GR21 on the right edge of the screen in Fig. 9, the grouping may be changed to that of Fig. 8. That is, the three common electrodes 34 in the first subgroup GR21 on the right edge of the screen in Fig. 9 and the eleven common electrodes 34 around them may be divided into four second subgroups and a third group GR3 as shown in Fig. 8, and the number of common electrodes 34 in the first group GR1 may be increased from the example of Fig. 9. In this case, the first subgroup GR21 in Fig. 8 corresponds to the second subgroup.

[0070] In this case, the detection circuit 76 detects a second subgroup to which an object is proximate from among the multiple second subgroups, based on the detection signal RX received from the common electrode 34 of the multiple second subgroups divided by the control circuit 70.

[0071] This allows the position where the object is approaching to be identified in more detail after detecting whether the object is approaching from the upper, lower, right or left side of the screen. Also, by increasing the number of common electrodes 34 in the first group GR1 compared to before dividing into the second subgroup, the second drive signal TX2 can be supplied to a larger number of common electrodes 34, so that an electric field can be generated in a wider area. This allows the sensitivity of proximity detection to be increased, and the area where proximity detection is possible to be expanded.

[0072] Next, the overall operation of the display system 1 configured as above will be described. Fig. 10 is a flowchart showing the mode switching process of the display system 1 of Fig. 1. The process of Fig. 10 is started, for example, when the display system 1 enters a standby state in which images are not displayed. The selection unit 90 selects the second mode (S10), and if proximity is not detected (N in S12), the process returns to S12. If proximity is detected (Y in S12), the selection unit 90 selects the first mode (S14).

[0073] According to this embodiment, the second drive signal TX2 is supplied to the common electrodes 34 of the first group GR1 among the common electrodes 34 shared for image display and touch detection, and the proximity of an object is detected based on the detection signal RX received from the common electrodes 34 of the second group GR2. That is, in order to perform proximity detection by the mutual capacitance method, the common electrodes 34 arranged in a matrix are divided into a transmitting electrode and a receiving electrode. Therefore, it is not necessary to provide a separate sensor electrode for receiving the detection signal RX around the common electrodes 34. Therefore, the area around the display surface of the display device 22 can be narrowed, and the design of the display device 22 can be improved.

[0074] Furthermore, since the second drive signal TX2 is not supplied to the common electrode 34 of the third group GR3 between the common electrode 34 of the first group GR1 and the common electrode 34 of the second group GR2, the second drive signal TX2 is less likely to affect the detection signal RX. This makes it possible to improve the proximity detection accuracy. Here, assuming that the common electrode 34 of the third group GR3 does not exist, the common electrode 34 of the first group GR1 and the common electrode 34 of the second group GR2 are adjacent to each other, but due to the parasitic capacitance between the adjacent common electrodes 34, the detection signal RX is more likely to be affected by the second drive signal TX2. In this case, the detection accuracy is more likely to decrease than in the embodiment.

[0075] Furthermore, since the second group GR2 includes the common electrodes 34 at the edges of the plurality of common electrodes 34 arranged in a matrix, it is easy to detect the approach of an object from the periphery of the screen of the display device 22.

[0076] (Second embodiment) The second embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that a dial is arranged on the display surface of the display device 22, and the proximity of an object is detected based on a detection signal received from a conductor provided on the dial. The following description will focus on the differences from the first embodiment.

[0077] 11 is a diagram illustrating the operation of the second mode of the display device 22 in the second embodiment. The multiple common electrodes 34 are divided into a first group GR11 and a second group GR12. The second group GR12 includes multiple common electrodes 34 at the lower right and lower left edges of the screen. The number of common electrodes 34 in the first group GR11 is greater than the number of common electrodes 34 in the second group GR12.

[0078] The display system 1 includes rotatable dials 100 disposed in the lower right and lower left areas on the display surface of the display device 22. The number of dials 100 is not limited to two. The dials 100 are, for example, dials for setting the temperature of an air conditioner in a vehicle. The dials 100 overlap with the common electrodes 34 of the second group GR12 among the common electrodes 34, but do not overlap with the common electrodes 34 of the first group GR11.

[0079] The dials 100 are each rotatable around a rotation axis fixed to the display surface of the display device 22 in response to a user's operation. A conductor 102 is disposed at a position on the dial 100 facing the display surface of the display device 22. In response to the rotation of the dial 100, the conductor 102 also rotates around the rotation axis. The operations of the first drive circuit 72, the second drive circuit 74, and the detection circuit 76 in the first mode are similar to those in the first embodiment. In the first mode, the detection circuit 76 also detects the rotation operation position of the dial 100, which is the position of the conductor 102, as a touch position.

[0080] In the second mode, the second drive circuit 74 supplies a second drive signal TX2 to the common electrodes 34 of the first group GR11 among the multiple common electrodes 34, and does not supply the second drive signal TX2 to the multiple common electrodes 34 of the second group GR12. In FIG. 11, the common electrodes 34 of the first group GR11 are indicated by "TX." When the second drive signal TX2 is supplied, an electric field is generated between the common electrodes 34 of the first group GR11 and the conductor 102. An object close to the display surface affects this electric field.

[0081] The conductor 102 is connected to the detection circuit 76 by wiring (not shown). In the second mode, the detection circuit 76 detects the approach of an object to the display device 22 based on a detection signal RX received from the conductor 102. The detection circuit 76 can identify which side of the conductor 102 the object has approached.

[0082] According to this embodiment, in a configuration in which the rotation operation position of the dial 100, which is the position of the conductor 102, is detected as the touch position, the proximity of an object is detected based on the detection signal RX received from the conductor 102, so there is no need to provide a separate sensor electrode for receiving the detection signal RX around the multiple common electrodes 34. Therefore, similar to the first embodiment, the area around the display surface of the display device 22 can be narrowed.

[0083] Furthermore, since the second drive signal TX2 is not supplied to the common electrodes 34 of the second group GR12 that may overlap the conductor 102, the spread of the electric field is less likely to be hindered. Therefore, proximity can be detected over a wider area.

[0084] (Third embodiment) The third embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that the display system 1 includes a plurality of display devices. The following description will focus on the differences from the first embodiment.

[0085] 12 is a block diagram of a display system 1 according to a third embodiment. The display system 1 includes a host 10, a first touch display 20a, and a second touch display 20b. Hereinafter, when there is no need to distinguish between the first touch display 20a and the second touch display 20b, they will be referred to as the touch displays 20.

[0086] The host 10 controls two touch displays 20. For example, the host 10 is disposed on a substrate separate from the first touch display 20a and the second touch display 20b.

[0087] The control device 12 supplies image data DD and control data CD including information on the operation mode to the two touch displays 20, and controls the two touch displays 20 based on this data.

[0088] The first touch display 20a includes a first display device 22a and a first control device 24a. The second touch display 20b includes a second display device 22b and a second control device 24b. The configurations and functions of the first touch display 20a and the second touch display 20b are basically the same as those of the touch display 20 of the first embodiment. Hereinafter, when the first display device 22a and the second display device 22b are not distinguished from each other, they are called the display device 22, and when the first control device 24a and the second control device 24b are not distinguished from each other, they are called the control device 24. The first control device 24a and the second control device 24b can be collectively called a detection device that performs touch detection and proximity detection.

[0089] The two display devices 22 are used, for example, as a center display in the vehicle cabin on which a car navigation screen or the like is displayed, and are arranged adjacent to each other in the horizontal or vertical direction. The two display devices 22 may each display a part of a screen such as a car navigation screen, forming one screen from the two screens, or one may display a first screen such as a car navigation screen, and the other may display a second screen such as a television screen that is different from the first screen.

[0090] The first control device 24a is configured as, for example, an IC, and controls the first display device 22a in accordance with control data CD and image data DD from the host 10. The first control device 24a includes a first control circuit 70a, a third drive circuit 72a, a first drive circuit 74a, and a first detection circuit 76a.

[0091] The first control circuit 70a is formed of, for example, a microcomputer, and controls signal generation by the third drive circuit 72a and the first drive circuit 74a, and the timing of touch or proximity detection by the first detection circuit 76a.

[0092] The first control circuit 70a controls the third drive circuit 72a, the first drive circuit 74a, and the first detection circuit 76a so that one frame of a display image is drawn on the first display device 22a and touch detection of one screen is performed at least once during the first frame period. The first frame period can also be called a first vertical synchronization period.

[0093] The third drive circuit 72a generates a first reference clock signal under the control of the first control circuit 70a. In the first mode, the third drive circuit 72a operates in the same manner as the first drive circuit 72 of the first embodiment based on the first reference clock signal. In the first mode, the first drive circuit 74a operates in the same manner as the second drive circuit 74 of the first embodiment based on the first reference clock signal, and supplies a first drive signal TX1 to each of the multiple first common electrodes of the first display device 22a.

[0094] In the first mode, the first detection circuit 76a detects the touch of an object at a position corresponding to each first common electrode based on a detection signal RX received from the first common electrode when a first drive signal TX1 is supplied to the first common electrode.

[0095] The third drive circuit 72a outputs a synchronization signal SY to the second control device 24b, for example, at the start timing of each first frame period based on the first reference clock signal. The output timing of the synchronization signal SY is not particularly limited as long as signals can be synchronized between the first control device 24a and the second control device 24b.

[0096] The second control device 24b is configured as, for example, an IC, and controls the second display device 22b in accordance with the control data CD and image data DD from the host 10 and the synchronous signal SY from the first control device 24a. The basic operation of the second control device 24b is the same as that of the first control device 24a. The second control device 24b includes a second control circuit 70b, a fourth drive circuit 72b, a second drive circuit 74b, and a second detection circuit 76b.

[0097] The second control circuit 70b is formed of, for example, a microcomputer, and controls signal generation of the fourth drive circuit 72b and the second drive circuit 74b, touch or proximity detection timing of the second detection circuit 76b, etc., based on the synchronization signal SY. The second control circuit 70b and the above-mentioned first control circuit 70a can be collectively called a control circuit.

[0098] The second control circuit 70b controls the fourth drive circuit 72b, the second drive circuit 74b, and the second detection circuit 76b so that one frame of a display image is drawn on the second display device 22b and touch detection of one screen is performed at least once during the second frame period. The second control circuit 70b controls the second frame period so that the start timing of the second frame period coincides with the start timing of the first frame period based on the synchronization signal SY. The second frame period can also be called a second vertical synchronization period.

[0099] The fourth drive circuit 72b generates a second reference clock signal under the control of the second control circuit 70b. In the first mode, the fourth drive circuit 72b operates in the same manner as the first drive circuit 72 of the first embodiment based on the second reference clock signal. In the first mode, the second drive circuit 74b operates in the same manner as the second drive circuit 74 of the first embodiment based on the second reference clock signal, and supplies a second drive signal TX2 to each of the multiple second common electrodes of the second display device 22b.

[0100] In the first mode, the second detection circuit 76b detects a touch of an object at a position corresponding to each second common electrode based on a detection signal RX received from the second common electrode when a second drive signal TX2 is supplied to the second common electrode.

[0101] Fig. 13 is a diagram for explaining the operation in the second mode of the two display devices 22 in Fig. 12. The first display device 22a and the second display device 22b are disposed adjacent to each other in the horizontal direction as seen by the observer.

[0102] The entire plurality of first common electrodes 34a of the first display device 22a is included in a first group GR1. The plurality of second common electrodes 34b of the second display device 22b are divided into a second group GR2 and a third group GR3. The number of first common electrodes 34a in the first group GR1 is greater than the number of second common electrodes 34b in the second group GR2. Hereinafter, when there is no need to distinguish between the first common electrodes 34a and the second common electrodes 34b, they will be referred to as common electrodes 34.

[0103] The second group GR2 includes the second common electrodes 34b in approximately the left half of the screen of the second display device 22b. In order to increase the detection sensitivity, it is preferable that the second group GR2 includes the second common electrodes 34b on the first display device 22a side. The second group GR2 includes a plurality of second common electrodes 34b in the second group GR2, which are divided into two first subgroups GR21 arranged in the vertical direction. The number of the first subgroups GR21 is not limited to "2", and the second group GR2 does not have to be divided into the first subgroups GR21. The second group GR2 may include approximately the entire second common electrodes 34b on the screen of the second display device 22b.

[0104] The third group GR3 includes the second common electrodes 34b other than those of the second group GR2. The second common electrodes 34b of the third group GR3 are located between the two first subgroups GR21. In other words, the second common electrodes 34b of the two first subgroups GR21 are not adjacent to each other. The first display device 22a and the second display device 22b may be swapped left and right, and the second common electrodes 34b in approximately the right half of the screen of the second display device 22b may be included in the second group GR2.

[0105] In the second mode, the first drive circuit 74a supplies a third drive signal TX3 to at least some of the multiple first common electrodes 34a. In this example, the first drive circuit 74a supplies the third drive signal TX3 to all of the first common electrodes 34a. In the second mode, the second drive circuit 74b does not supply a drive signal to the second common electrode 34b.

[0106] In the second mode, the second detection circuit 76b detects the proximity of an object to at least one of the first display device 22a and the second display device 22b based on the detection signal RX received from at least a part of the plurality of second common electrodes 34b. In this example, the second detection circuit 76b detects the proximity of an object to at least one of the first display device 22a and the second display device 22b based on the detection signal RX received from the second common electrodes 34b of the second group GR2, which are a part of the second common electrodes 34b. In the second mode, the first detection circuit 76a does not perform the proximity detection of an object.

[0107] Next, another example of how to divide the first group GR1, the second group GR2, and the third group GR3 will be described. Fig. 14 is a diagram for explaining another operation in the second mode of the two display devices 22 of Fig. 12. The two display devices 22 are each divided into the same groups. In each of the two display devices 22, the first group GR1 includes a plurality of common electrodes 34 located in an area wider than the upper half of the screen.

[0108] In each of the two display devices 22, the second group GR2 includes a plurality of common electrodes 34 at the lower edge of the screen. The plurality of common electrodes 34 in the second group GR2 are divided into two first subgroups GR21 arranged horizontally. Each of the first subgroups GR21 includes seven common electrodes 34 adjacent to each other in the horizontal direction.

[0109] In each of the two display devices 22, the multiple common electrodes 34 of the third group GR3 are common electrodes 34 other than those of the first group GR1 and the second group GR2. The common electrode 34 of the third group GR3 is located between the common electrode 34 of the first group GR1 and the common electrode 34 of the second group GR2. The common electrode 34 of the third group GR3 is located between the two first subgroups GR21.

[0110] In the second mode, the first drive circuit 74a supplies a third drive signal TX3 to the first common electrode 34a of the first group GR1. In the second mode, the second drive circuit 74b supplies a fourth drive signal TX4 to the second common electrode 34b of the first group GR1.

[0111] In the second mode, the first detection circuit 76a detects the first 1 Common electrode 34 a The second detection circuit 76b, in the second mode, detects the proximity of an object to the second display device 22b based on the detection signal RX received from the second common electrode 34b of the second group GR2. The second detection circuit 76b, in the second mode, detects the proximity of an object to the second display device 22b based on the detection signal RX received from the second common electrode 34b of the second group GR2.

[0112] The grouping of the two display devices 22 may be the same as in the first embodiment.

[0113] According to the present embodiment, there is no need to provide separate sensor electrodes for receiving the detection signals RX around the first common electrodes 34a and the second common electrodes 34b, and therefore the area around the display surfaces of the first display device 22a and the second display device 22b can be narrowed.

[0114] The present disclosure has been described above based on the embodiments. These embodiments are merely examples, and it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various modifications are possible in the combination of each component or each treatment process, and that such modifications are also within the scope of the present disclosure.

[0115] For example, the second embodiment may be combined with the third embodiment, and the new embodiment resulting from the combination will have the combined effects of the respective combined embodiments.

[0116] Furthermore, in the first and second embodiments, the control device 24 is included in the touch display 20, but the control device 24 may be included in the host 10. In the first and second embodiments, the first drive circuit 72 generates the reference clock signal, but the second drive circuit 74 may generate the reference clock signal. The unit frame period may include touch detection periods three or more times the number of touch detection areas of the display device 22. This is also true in the third embodiment. In the third embodiment, three or more display devices 22 may be arranged adjacent to each other. These modified examples can improve the degree of freedom in the configuration of the display system 1.

[0117] If it is not necessary to narrow the area around the display surface of the display device 22, a sensor electrode may be arranged in addition to the multiple common electrodes 34, as shown in Fig. 15. The following mainly describes the differences from the first embodiment.

[0118] 15 is a diagram illustrating the operation of the second mode of the display device 22 of the modified example. Four sensor electrodes 110 are arranged outside the multiple common electrodes 34 on the display surface. The sensor electrodes 110 are aligned in the horizontal direction below the multiple common electrodes 34. No image is displayed at the positions of the sensor electrodes 110.

[0119] In the second mode, the second drive circuit 74 supplies a second drive signal TX2 to each of the multiple common electrodes 34 across the entire screen. This generates an electric field between the multiple common electrodes 34 and the multiple sensor electrodes 110. In the second mode, the detection circuit 76 detects the proximity of an object to the display device 22 based on the detection signal RX received from the sensor electrode 110. This configuration also makes it possible to perform proximity detection in an in-cell touch display having common electrodes 34 arranged in a matrix.

[0120] A detection device according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes: A drive circuit that supplies drive signals to a first group of common electrodes of a display device that is arranged in a matrix and is used for both image display and touch detection; a detection circuit that detects the proximity of an object to the display device based on a detection signal received from a second group of common electrodes different from the first group among the plurality of common electrodes; Equipped with. According to this embodiment, there is no need to provide a separate sensor electrode for receiving detection signals around the plurality of common electrodes, and therefore the area around the display surface of the display device can be narrowed.

[0121] In a detection device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, for example, a third group of common electrodes is disposed between the first group of common electrodes and the second group of common electrodes; The drive circuit may not supply a drive signal to the common electrodes of the second and third groups. In this case, it is possible to suppress the second drive signal from affecting the detection signal, thereby improving the accuracy of proximity detection.

[0122] In a detection device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, for example, The second group of common electrodes is divided into a first group of subgroups, The detection circuit may detect a first subgroup to which an object is proximate from among the plurality of first subgroups. In this case, the approximate location of the object in proximity can be identified.

[0123] In a detection device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, for example, A control circuit is further provided for dividing a plurality of common electrodes including the common electrode of the detected first subgroup into a plurality of second subgroups when a first subgroup to which an object is adjacent is detected by the detection circuit, The detection circuit may detect a second subgroup to which an object is proximate from among the plurality of second subgroups based on a detection signal received from a common electrode of the plurality of second subgroups divided by the control circuit. In this case, when proximity is detected, the position where the object has approached can be identified in more detail.

[0124] In a detection device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, for example, The control circuit may increase the number of common electrodes in the first group when dividing the common electrodes into the second subgroups. In this case, compared to before being divided into the second subgroup, a driving signal can be supplied to more common electrodes in the first group, so that an electric field can be generated in a wider area, thereby increasing the sensitivity of proximity detection and widening the area in which proximity detection is possible.

[0125] In a detection device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, for example, The second group of common electrodes may include common electrodes at edges of the plurality of common electrodes. In this case, it is easy to detect the approach of an object from the directions around the screen of the display device.

[0126] In a detection device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, for example, The number of common electrodes in the first group may be greater than the number of common electrodes in the second group. In this case, by supplying drive signals to more common electrodes, an electric field can be generated in a wider area, thereby increasing the sensitivity of proximity detection and widening the area in which proximity detection is possible.

[0127] A detection device according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes: A drive circuit that supplies drive signals to a first group of common electrodes of a display device that is arranged in a matrix and is used for both image display and touch detection; a detection circuit that detects the proximity of an object to the display device based on a detection signal; Equipped with a rotatable dial is disposed on a display surface of the display device so as to overlap a second group of common electrodes different from the first group among the plurality of common electrodes; a conductor is disposed on the dial at a position facing a display surface of the display device, The detection circuit receives the detection signal from the electrical conductor. According to this embodiment, there is no need to provide a separate sensor electrode for receiving detection signals around the plurality of common electrodes, and therefore the area around the display surface of the display device can be narrowed.

[0128] In a detection device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, for example, The drive circuit may not supply a drive signal to the second group of common electrodes. In this case, the spread of the electric field is less likely to be hindered, and therefore the proximity can be detected over a wider area.

[0129] A detection device according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes: a drive circuit that supplies drive signals to at least some of a plurality of first common electrodes of a first display device that is arranged in a matrix and is used in common for image display and touch detection; a detection circuit that detects the proximity of an object to at least one of the first display device and the second display device based on a detection signal received from at least a part of a plurality of second common electrodes of a second display device arranged adjacent to the first display device, the second common electrodes being arranged in a matrix and shared for image display and touch detection; Equipped with. According to this embodiment, there is no need to provide separate sensor electrodes for receiving detection signals around the first common electrodes and the second common electrodes, which makes it possible to reduce the area around the display surfaces of the first display device and the second display device. [Industrial Applicability]

[0130] The present disclosure can be used in a detection device having a touch detection function and a proximity detection function. [Explanation of symbols]

[0131] 22...display device, 22a...first display device, 22b...second display device, 34...common electrode, 34a...first common electrode, 34b...second common electrode, 70...control circuit, 72...first drive circuit, 74...second drive circuit, 74a...first drive circuit, 74b...second drive circuit, 76...detection circuit, 76a...first detection circuit, 76b...second detection circuit, 100...dial, 102...conductor, GR1...first group, GR2...second group, GR3...third group, GR11...first group, GR12...second group, GR21...first subgroup.

Claims

1. A detection device for detecting proximity of an object to a display device, comprising: the display device includes a common electrode group including a plurality of common electrodes arranged in a matrix and used for both image display and touch detection; the common electrode group includes a first group including a plurality of common electrodes and a second group including a plurality of common electrodes different from the first group, A drive circuit that supplies drive signals to the common electrodes included in the first group; a detection circuit that detects the proximity of an object to the display device based on detection signals received from a plurality of common electrodes included in the second group; Equipped with The drive circuit supplies drive signals to a plurality of common electrodes of the common electrode group in a first mode; The detection circuit detects, in the first mode, a touch of an object on the display device based on detection signals received from a plurality of common electrodes of the common electrode group; The drive circuit supplies drive signals to the common electrodes included in the first group in a second mode; The detection circuit detects, in the second mode, the proximity of an object to the display device based on detection signals received from a plurality of common electrodes included in the second group; the second mode is selected in a standby state in which no image is displayed on the display device, When the detection circuit detects the proximity of an object to the display device in the second mode, the first mode is selected. Detection device.

2. the common electrode group includes a third group including a plurality of common electrodes located between the plurality of common electrodes included in the first group and the plurality of common electrodes included in the second group, the drive circuit does not supply the drive signal to the plurality of common electrodes included in the second group and the plurality of common electrodes included in the third group. The detection device according to claim 1 .

3. the second group includes a plurality of first subgroups; The detection circuit detects a first subgroup to which an object is adjacent from among the plurality of first subgroups.

3. A detection device according to claim 1 or 2.

4. The first subgroup includes at least one common electrode; A control circuit is further provided for dividing a plurality of common electrodes, including the at least one common electrode included in the first subgroup and at least one common electrode not included in the first subgroup, to generate a plurality of second subgroups; the detection circuit detects a second subgroup to which an object is proximate from among the second subgroups based on a detection signal received from at least one common electrode included in the second subgroups; 4. The detection device according to claim 3.

5. When generating the plurality of second subgroups, the control circuit changes the grouping so that the number of common electrodes included in the first group is increased.

5. The detection device according to claim 4.

6. the second group includes a common electrode located at an edge of the common electrode group, 6. A detection device according to claim 1.

7. The number of common electrodes included in the first group is greater than the number of common electrodes included in the second group.

7. A detection device according to claim 1.

8. The plurality of first subgroups are a first sub-group of the common electrodes including a common electrode located at an upper edge of a screen of the display device; a first sub-group of the common electrodes including a common electrode located at a lower edge of the screen; a first sub-group of the common electrodes including a common electrode located at a left edge of the screen; and a first sub-group of the common electrodes including a common electrode located at a right edge of the screen; The detection device according to claim 3 , comprising:

9. In the second mode, the detection circuit determines a position of an object proximate to the display device; A display content of the display device in the first mode is determined according to the identified position.

9. A detection device according to any one of claims 1 to 8.

10. A detection device for detecting proximity of an object to a display device, comprising: the display device includes a common electrode group including a plurality of common electrodes arranged in a matrix and used for both image display and touch detection; the common electrode group includes a first group including a plurality of common electrodes and a second group including a plurality of common electrodes different from the first group, A drive circuit that supplies drive signals to the common electrodes included in the first group; a detection circuit that detects the proximity of an object to the display device based on a detection signal; Equipped with a rotatable dial overlapping at least one common electrode included in the second group is disposed on a display surface of the display device; a conductor is disposed at a position facing the display surface of the dial; the detection circuit receives the detection signal from the electrical conductor; Detection device.

11. the drive circuit does not supply the drive signal to the plurality of common electrodes included in the second group; 11. The detection device of claim 10.

12. The drive circuit supplies drive signals to a plurality of common electrodes of the common electrode group in a first mode; The detection circuit detects, in the first mode, a touch of an object on the display device and a position of the conductor based on detection signals received from a plurality of common electrodes of the common electrode group; The drive circuit supplies drive signals to the common electrodes included in the first group in a second mode; The detection circuit detects the proximity of an object to the display device based on a detection signal received from the conductor in the second mode. Detecting device according to claim 10 or 11.

13. The number of common electrodes included in the first group is greater than the number of common electrodes included in the second group. Detecting device according to any one of claims 10 to 12.

14. A detection device that detects the proximity of an object to at least one of a first display device and a second display device disposed adjacent to the first display device, the first display device includes a plurality of first common electrodes arranged in a matrix and used in common for image display and touch detection; the second display device includes a plurality of second common electrodes arranged in a matrix and used in common for image display and touch detection; A drive circuit that supplies a drive signal to at least a portion of the plurality of first common electrodes; a detection circuit that detects the proximity of an object to at least one of the first display device and the second display device based on a detection signal received from at least a portion of the plurality of second common electrodes; A detection device comprising:

15. The first display device includes a first group including the plurality of first common electrodes; the second display device includes a common electrode group including the plurality of second common electrodes; the common electrode group includes a second group including a plurality of second common electrodes located on the first display device side, and a third group including a plurality of second common electrodes different from the second group, the drive circuit supplies drive signals to a plurality of first common electrodes included in the first group; the detection circuit detects the proximity of an object to at least one of the first display device and the second display device based on detection signals received from a plurality of second common electrodes included in the second group.

15. The detection device of claim 14.

16. The number of first common electrodes included in the first group is greater than the number of second common electrodes included in the second group.

16. The detection device of claim 15.

17. the first display device includes a first common electrode group including the plurality of first common electrodes; the first common electrode group includes a first group including a plurality of first common electrodes and a second group including a plurality of first common electrodes different from the first group; the second display device includes a second common electrode group including the plurality of second common electrodes; the second common electrode group includes a third group including a plurality of second common electrodes and a fourth group including a plurality of second common electrodes different from the third group; the drive circuit supplies drive signals to a plurality of first common electrodes included in the first group and a plurality of second common electrodes included in the third group; the detection circuit detects the proximity of an object to the first display device based on detection signals received from a plurality of first common electrodes included in the second group, and detects the proximity of an object to the second display device based on detection signals received from a plurality of second common electrodes included in the fourth group.

15. The detection device of claim 14.

18. the drive circuit supplies drive signals to the first common electrodes and the second common electrodes in a first mode; The detection circuit, in the first mode, detects a touch of an object on the first display device based on detection signals received from the plurality of first common electrodes, and detects a touch of an object on the second display device based on detection signals received from the plurality of second common electrodes; The drive circuit supplies a drive signal to at least a portion of the plurality of first common electrodes in a second mode; the detection circuit detects, in the second mode, the proximity of an object to at least one of the first display device and the second display device based on a detection signal received from at least a portion of the plurality of second common electrodes; 15. The detection device of claim 14.

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