Input device and medical device

Abstract

To obtain an input device capable of easily selecting an image intended by a user in a non-contact manner.SOLUTION: An input device 10 comprises a display device 100 which displays an operation screen G, a sensor 400 which detects non-contact operation to the operation screen G by an indicator; and a frame body 300 which has a first opening part 320 and a second opening part 321 at a position facing the operation screen G. The indicator can be inserted into the first opening part 320 and the second opening part 321. The operation screen G includes a first image 140 and a second image 141 which each can operate. The first opening part 320 is overlapped with at least a part of the first image 140 in a front view of the operation screen. The second opening part 321 is overlapped with at least the part of the second image 141 in the front view of the operation screen.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an input device and a medical device.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, non-contact input devices such as non-contact touch panels have been known. For example, Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2009-543246 (Patent Document 1) discloses a digitizer that separately processes hovering and touch events as such an input device.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] On the operation screen of a non-contact input device, usually, a plurality of selectable images are displayed. In such a non-contact input device, it is difficult for the user to intuitively determine the position where an image is selected. Further, in a non-contact input device, since the user does not directly touch the operation screen, misselection (misoperation) of an image is more likely to occur than in a contact input device.

[0005] The present disclosure has been made in view of the above problems, and an object thereof is to provide an input device that allows a user to easily select an intended image in a non-contact manner, and a medical device including the input device.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] According to an aspect of the present disclosure, an input device includes a display device that displays an operation screen, a sensor that detects a non-contact operation on the operation screen by an indicator, and a frame body that has a first opening and a second opening at positions facing the operation screen. The first opening and the second opening are capable of inserting the indicator. The operation screen includes a first image and a second image that are each operable. The first opening and the first image at least partially overlap in a front view of the operation screen. The second opening and the second image at least partially overlap in a front view of the operation screen.

Effect of the Invention

[0007] According to the above disclosure, an image intended by a user can be easily selected in a non-contact manner.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0008]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0009] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings. In the following description, the same members are denoted by the same reference numerals. Their names and functions are also the same. Therefore, detailed descriptions thereof will not be repeated. Further, in the embodiments described below, when referring to the number, amount, etc., unless otherwise specified, the scope of the present invention is not necessarily limited to the number, amount, etc.

[0010] FIG. 1 is a front view of a medical device 1. As shown in FIG. 1, the medical device 1 includes an input device 10 and a main body device 20. In this example, a dialysis device is shown as the medical device 1.

[0011] The input device 10 is a non-contact input device. The input device 10 displays an operation screen. The input device 10 is installed on the upper part of the main body device 20. The input device 10 is communicably connected to the main body device 20.

[0012] The main body device 20 performs artificial dialysis. The main body device 20 operates based on an instruction input by the input device 10. Note that the medical device in which the input device 10 is used is not limited to a dialysis device. Also, the device in which the input device 10 is used is not limited to a medical device and may be other devices.

[0013] Figure 2 is a perspective view of the input device 10. As shown in Figure 2, the input device 10 includes a main body portion 1000 and an outer frame (frame body) 300. The main body portion 1000 includes a display panel (display device) 100, an inner frame 200, and a line sensor 400.

[0014] The display panel 100 is typically a display. The display panel 100 may be a touch screen in which a touch panel is combined with the display (that is, a display with a touch panel).

[0015] The outer frame 300 includes an opening 310 and openings 320 to 331. In this example, the opening 310 is larger than the openings 320 to 331. The openings 320 to 331 are provided in a matrix. The openings 320 to 331 can accommodate indicators such as a finger and a stylus pen. In the example of Figure 2, a state where a finger is inserted into the opening 324 is shown.

[0016] Figure 3 is an exploded perspective view of the input device 10. As also shown in Figure 3, the input device 10 includes a display panel 100, an inner frame 200, an outer frame 300, and a line sensor 400.

[0017] The display panel 100 has a bezel 110 and a display area 120. The display area 120 is parallel to the XZ plane. The bezel 110 has a front surface portion 111 parallel to the display area 120 and side surface portions 112 perpendicular to the display area 120.

[0018] The display panel 100 displays a predetermined operation screen G in the display area 120. The operation screen G includes an inoperable image 130 and ten operable images (object images) 140 to 149. In this example, the image 130 represents the value of the set flow rate as an example of display data. The images 140 to 149 each indicate one of the numbers from 0 to 9. Specifically, a processor (not shown) of the input device 10 causes the display panel 100 to display the operation screen G.

[0019] As described above, the outer frame 300 includes an opening 310 and openings 320 to 331. The outer frame 300 further includes an inner surface 350. The opening 310 and the openings 320 to 331 are parallel to the XZ plane. The opening 310 and the openings 320 to 331 are provided at positions facing the operation screen G.

[0020] In this example, the inner frame 200 is attached to the bezel 110 of the display panel 100. Specifically, the inner frame 200 is attached to the front surface portion 111 of the bezel 110. The method of attaching the inner frame 200 is not particularly limited. The inner frame 200 may be attached to the bezel 110 with an adhesive or the like.

[0021] The inner frame 200 includes four inner surfaces 211 to 214 and four outer surfaces 221 to 224. The inner surface 211 is the bottom surface. The inner surface 211 is a surface parallel to the XY plane and in the negative Z-axis direction. The inner surface 212 is the top surface. The inner surface 212 is a surface parallel to the XY plane and in the positive Z-axis direction. The inner surface 212 faces the inner surface 211. The inner surfaces 213 and 214 are side surfaces. The inner surfaces 213 and 214 are surfaces parallel to the YZ plane. The inner surface 213 faces the inner surface 214.

[0022] The inner frame 200 is housed inside the outer frame 300. Specifically, the outer frame 300 is fitted into the inner frame 200 such that the outer surfaces 221 - 224 of the inner frame 200 are in contact with the inner surface 350 of the outer frame 300.

[0023] In this example, the line sensor 400 is an infrared spatial position sensor. The line sensor 400 is provided on the operation screen G side with respect to the openings 310, 320 - 331 when viewed from the front (positive Y-axis direction) of the operation screen G. The line sensor 400 is installed on the inner surface 211 of the inner frame 200. The line sensor 400 is installed at the end on the negative Y-axis side of the inner surface 211. In the line sensor 400, a plurality of sensors are arranged side by side along the X-axis direction.

[0024] As shown by arrow A, the line sensor 400 irradiates a plurality of infrared rays from the inner surface 211 in the direction of the inner surface 212 (positive Z-axis direction). The line sensor 400 receives the reflected light of the infrared rays. When the infrared rays are reflected by an indicator such as a finger, the input device 10 can determine the position of the indicator in the XZ plane. Thereby, the input device 10 can determine which of the images 140 - 149, for example, has been selected by the indicator. For example, in the example of FIG. 2, when the input device 10 detects a selection operation of image 144 by a finger with the line sensor 400, it accepts the input of the number "4".

[0025] Note that the line sensor 400 may be a ToF (Time of Flight) type distance image sensor.

[0026] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing the input device 10 when the operation screen G is viewed from the front. As shown in FIG. 4, in the front view of the operation screen G, a part (central part) of the image 130 and the opening 310 overlap. In the front view of the operation screen G, the entire (whole) image 140 representing the number 0 and a part (central part) of the opening 320 overlap. In the front view of the operation screen G, the entire image 141 representing the number 1 and a part (central part) of the opening 321 overlap. Similarly, in the front view of the operation screen G, the entire each of the images 142 to 149 and a part (central part) of the corresponding openings 322 to 329 overlap.

[0027] The sizes (the lengths of the vertical and horizontal directions of the opening) of the openings 320 to 329 are defined by the sizes (the lengths of the vertical (Z direction) and horizontal (X direction)) of the images 140 to 149. From the viewpoint of operability, it is preferable that the sizes of the openings 320 to 329 are substantially the same as the sizes of the corresponding images 140 to 149. However, it is not limited thereto, and the sizes of the openings 320 to 329 may be smaller or larger than the sizes of the corresponding images 140 to 149. Also, the size of the opening 310 is defined by the size of the image 130.

[0028] The overlapping manner of the opening and the image is not limited to the above-described aspect. At least, it is sufficient that the opening and the image overlap as follows. It is sufficient that at least a part of the opening 320 and the image 140 overlap in the front view of the operation screen G. It is sufficient that at least a part of the opening 321 and the image 141 overlap in the front view of the operation screen G. Similarly, it is sufficient that at least a part of the openings 322 to 329 and the images 142 to 149 corresponding to the respective openings 322 to 329 overlap in the front view of the operation screen G. It is sufficient that at least a part of the opening 310 and the image 130 representing the set flow rate value overlap in the front view of the operation screen G.

[0029] (parentheses) (1) As described above, the input device 10 includes a display panel 100 that displays the operation screen G, a line sensor 400 that detects a non-contact operation on the operation screen G by an indicator such as a finger, and an outer frame 300 having openings 310, 320 to 329 at positions facing the operation screen G. Each of the openings 310, 320 to 329 can insert an indicator such as a finger. The operation screen G includes images 140 to 149 that are each operable.

[0030] The openings 310, 320 to 329 and the image 130 and the images 140 to 140 at least partially overlap each other when the operation screen G is viewed from the front. For example, the opening 320 and the image 140 at least partially overlap each other when the operation screen G is viewed from the front. The opening 321 and the image 141 at least partially overlap each other when the operation screen G is viewed from the front.

[0031] According to such a configuration, the user of the input device 10 can non-contact select the image corresponding to the opening Part 3 20 to 329 by inserting the indicator into the opening Part 3 20 to 329.

[0032] Therefore, according to the input device 10, the user can intuitively determine the position where the object is selected (the detection area of the line sensor 400). Further, due to the presence of the openings 310, 320 to 329, compared with a configuration without the outer frame 300, misselection (misoperation) of the image is less likely to occur. Therefore, according to the input device 10, the user can easily select the intended image in a non-contact manner.

[0033] Also, in the input device 10, in order to avoid misoperation (misselection) by the user with respect to the images 140 to 149, it is not necessary to increase the distance between the images 140 to 149. As a result, compared with a contact-type input device, it is not necessary to reduce the number of images that can be included in the operation screen G.

[0034] In the medical device 1, the size of the display panel 100 is restricted. Therefore, by providing the input device 10 in the medical device 1, the area of the display panel can be effectively utilized. In particular, in a device such as the medical device 1 shown in FIG. 1 that can be moved by casters or the like, the size of the display panel 100 is restricted. Therefore, the input device 10 is preferably used for such a mobile medical device 1.

[0035] (2) The line sensor 400 is provided on the operation screen G side with respect to the openings 310, 320 to 329 in a front view of the operation screen G. According to such a configuration, the input device 10 receives an input when an indicator is inserted into the openings 320 to 329.

[0036] (3) The operation screen G further includes an inoperable image 130. The outer frame 300 further has an opening 310 at a position facing the operation screen G. The opening 310 and the image 130 overlap at least partially in a front view of the operation screen G. According to such a configuration, the user can visually recognize the image 130 through the opening 310.

[0037] (4) The opening 310 is larger than the openings 320 to 331. According to such a configuration, the user can visually recognize more information through the opening 310 than through each of the openings 320 to 331.

[0038] (5) The images 140 to 149 each represent one of the numbers 0 to 9. When any one of the images is operated, the input device 10 receives an input of the number associated with the image. For example, when the image 141 is operated, the input device 10 receives an input of "1", and when the image 142 is operated, the input device 10 receives an input of "2". According to such a configuration, the user can easily input the intended number in a non-contact manner.

[0039] To further describe the advantages of the input device 10, it is as follows. For example, when a plurality of predetermined numbers are operated in a predetermined order (for example, the operation of "1" → "2" → "3"), it is assumed that the medical device 1 or the input device 10 is configured such that a specific action (for example, turning off the power of the medical device 1 or the input device 10) occurs.

[0040] In a conventional configuration without the outer frame 300, when the finger moves parallel to the operation screen (when the finger crosses over the image of the number), it may occur that each number cannot be correctly detected. On the other hand, according to the input device 10 of the present embodiment, the operation inputs of each number can be accurately distinguished and judged. Therefore, according to the input device 10, it is possible to cause the input device 10 or the medical device 1 to execute the operation intended by the user.

[0041] <Modification Example> (1) The bezel 110 and the inner frame 200 may be integrally formed.

[0042] (2) The display panel 100 may be inserted into the inner frame 200. Specifically, the input device 10 may be configured such that the side surface portion 112 of the bezel 110 of the display panel 100 contacts the inner side surfaces 211 to 214 at the end portions on the positive Y-axis side of the inner side surfaces 211 to 214 of the inner frame 200.

[0043] (3) In the above, as described above, the outer frame 300 is externally fitted to the inner frame 200. However, it is not limited thereto, and the input device 10 may be configured such that the outer frame 300 is internally fitted to the inner frame 200.

[0044] (4) In the above description, the case where the display panel 100 displays an operation screen G including images 130 such as numbers and images 140 to 149 has been described as an example, but it is not limited thereto. The display panel 100 can display various operation screens. Further, in the input device 10, an outer frame having an aperture pattern corresponding to the arrangement of the images included in the operation screen is configured to be detachable from the main body 1000. In this way, by making the outer frame detachable from the main body 1000, an input device 10 with excellent versatility can be obtained.

[0045] (5) In the above description, a configuration has been described in which a display as the display panel 100 and a line sensor 400 are used to detect a selection operation of an image by an indicator. However, it is not limited thereto. By using the display panel 100 as a capacitive touch screen, the line sensor 400 becomes unnecessary. That is, by adopting a method in which the display panel 100 incorporates a capacitive sensor, the line sensor 400 becomes unnecessary. In this case, a non-contact operation on the operation screen G by an indicator such as a finger is detected by the capacitive sensor.

[0046] (6) The input device 10 may have a display device (aerial display) that displays an aerial image at the position of the display panel 100 instead of the display panel 100. Specifically, the input device 10 may include a display device including a display panel (typically, a liquid crystal display) and an image projection plate that projects an image displayed on the display panel into the air.

[0047] In this case, the image projected into the air (aerial image) corresponds to the operation screen. Since the operation screen is an aerial image, there is no physical contact with the operation screen. Also, in this configuration, it is not necessary to contact the display panel.

[0048] (7) The inner frame 200 is not necessarily required. In this case, the outer frame 300 may be attached to the display panel 100, and the line sensor 400 may be installed in the outer frame 300.

[0049] (8) In the above, the numeric keypad (operation keys 0, 1 to 9) has been described as an example of an operable image. However, the operable image is not limited to the numeric keypad. Any selectable image is not particularly limited. For example, the image may be an up key, a down key, or the like.

[0050] The embodiments disclosed this time should be considered to be illustrative in all respects and not restrictive. The scope of the present disclosure is indicated by the claims, and it is intended that all modifications within the meaning and scope equivalent to the claims be included.

Explanation of Reference Numerals

[0051] 1 Medical device, 10 Input device, 20 Main body device, 100 Display panel, 110 Bezel, 111 Front portion, 112 Side portion, 120 Display area, 130 Image, 140 to 149 Images, 200 Inner frame, 211 to 214, 350 Inner surfaces, 221 to 224 Outer surfaces, 300 Outer frame, 310, 320 to 331 Openings, 400 Line sensor, 1000 Main body portion, A Arrow, G Operation screen.

Claims

1. A display device that displays a first operation screen, a sensor that detects a non-contact operation on the first operation screen by an indicator, a first frame body having a plurality of first openings and a second opening at a position facing the first operation screen, each of the plurality of first openings is insertable with the indicator, the first operation screen includes a plurality of first images that are each operable and a second image that is inoperable, each of the plurality of first openings at least partially overlaps with different ones of the first images in a front view of the first operation screen, at least a part of the second opening and the second image overlap in a front view of the first operation screen, the size of the opening of each of the plurality of first openings is defined by the size of the first image, an input device, wherein the size of the opening of the second opening is defined by the size of the second image.

2. further comprising a main body portion having the display device and the sensor, the first frame body is detachably attached to the main body portion, the display device is capable of displaying a second operation screen different from the first operation screen, the input device according to claim 1, wherein a second frame body having an opening pattern corresponding to the arrangement of the images included in the second operation screen is configured to be attachable to the main body portion instead of the first frame body.

3. the input device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the sensor is provided on the first operation screen side with respect to the plurality of first openings and the second opening in a front view of the first operation screen.

4. the input device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the second opening is larger than each of the plurality of first openings.

5. Each of the plurality of first images represents a different number, and when the different numbers are selected in a predetermined order, the input device is powered off. The input device according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

6. A medical device comprising the input device according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

Images