Operation device, intercom device, and control method

Abstract

To determine a key input operation of an operator with high accuracy.SOLUTION: An interphone slave (a lobby interphone) 1 includes: an input part 13 that is provided with a measurement sensor 130 for measuring a distance from a detection object corresponding to each of a plurality of keys; and a control part 14 that determines an input operation of the key on the basis of a measurement value of each measurement sensor 130. The control part 14 sets a key reception completion state that receives a key input when detecting a depression operation of making the detection object approach to a key in an input standby mode, and sets the input standby mode when a pulling operation of removing the detection object from the key by a predetermined amount or more in the key reception completion state.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an operating device, an intercom device, and a control method. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent Document 1 describes an intercom system. This intercom system is composed of an intercom handset (lobby intercom) with a camera that is installed at the exterior entrance of a dwelling unit or the common entrance (lobby) of an apartment building, and an intercom master unit (indoor monitor) that is installed inside the dwelling unit and that communicates with the handset.

[0003] The intercom handset (lobby intercom) is provided with various operation buttons such as a numeric keypad that a visitor operates when specifying the room number to call. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2007-202047 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] Conventional intercom slaves have the problem that the surface of the operation button is easily soiled because the operator directly presses the operation button. Also, when an infected person presses the operation button, the virus from the infected person adheres to the surface of the operation button, and there is a problem that the virus adhered to the surface of the operation button may infect subsequent operators.

[0006] To solve this problem, it is conceivable to adopt non-contact input by equipping the intercom device with non-contact buttons, etc. However, with an intercom device, the operator must continuously input multiple keys, so it is necessary to accurately determine when to input and when to end each key.

[0007] The present disclosure has been made in view of the above circumstances, and an object of the present disclosure is to provide an operating device, an intercom device, and a control method that can accurately determine a key input operation by an operator. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] An operating device according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes an input unit having a sensor that detects the proximity of a detection object, and a control unit that determines a key input operation based on the detection of the sensor, wherein the control unit accepts a key input when a push operation is performed to bring the detection object closer to the key, determines whether or not a pull operation is performed to move the detection object away from the key by a predetermined amount or more after the push operation, and does not accept a new key input if it cannot be determined that a pull operation has been performed after the push operation.

[0009] An intercom device according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes the operating device described above.

[0010] A control method according to one aspect of the present disclosure is a control method for an operating device, the operating device comprising an input unit having a sensor that detects the proximity of a detection object, and a control unit that determines the input operation of the key based on the detection of the sensor, wherein the control unit accepts a key input when a push operation is performed to bring the detection object closer to the key, determines whether or not a pull operation is performed to move the detection object away from the key by a predetermined amount or more after the push operation, and does not accept a new key input if it cannot be determined that a pull operation has been performed after the push operation. [Effects of the Invention]

[0011] According to the present disclosure, the key input operation of the operator can be determined with high accuracy. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0012] [Figure 1] 1 is a diagram illustrating an intercom system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 2] 1 is a front view of an intercom handset according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; [Figure 3] 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of an intercom slave according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 4] 1 is a diagram showing the placement position of a distance measurement sensor of an intercom slave according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; [Figure 5] 1 is a flow chart showing an overall flow of processing of an intercom slave according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 6] 10A to 10C are diagrams illustrating transitions in the state of a control unit during an input operation reception process of an intercom handset according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 7] 10 is a flowchart showing a processing flow in a first input waiting state of the intercom slave according to the embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. [Figure 8] 10 is a flow diagram showing a processing flow in a key acceptance completion state of the intercom handset according to the embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. [Figure 9] 10 is a flowchart showing a processing flow in a second input waiting state of the intercom slave according to the embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. [Figure 10] 10A and 10B are diagrams illustrating the relationship between thresholds used to determine the push operation, pull operation, and reset operation of an intercom handset according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 11] 10A and 10B are diagrams illustrating the relationship between thresholds used to determine the push operation, pull operation, and reset operation of an intercom handset according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0013] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the drawings as appropriate. However, more detailed explanations than necessary may be omitted. For example, detailed explanations of well-known matters or redundant explanations of substantially identical configurations may be omitted. This is to avoid unnecessary redundancy in the following explanation and to facilitate understanding by those skilled in the art.

[0014] The accompanying drawings and the following description are provided to enable those skilled in the art to fully understand the present disclosure, and are not intended to limit the subject matter described in the claims.

[0015] (Embodiment) (1) System Overview First, an overview of an intercom system 10 according to this embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 1. The intercom system 10 is an intercom system for use in a collective housing complex such as an apartment building. The intercom system 10 according to this embodiment may be applied to a detached house in addition to a collective housing complex. Alternatively, the intercom system 10 may be applied to a non-residential facility such as an office, a store, a school, or a nursing home.

[0016] As shown in Fig. 1, intercom system 10 is made up of one intercom slave unit (hereinafter simply referred to as "slave unit") 1, multiple intercom master units (hereinafter simply referred to as "master units") 2, and entrance slave units 3 corresponding to each master unit. In general, in intercom system 10, slave unit 1 and each master unit 2 are connected directly or indirectly by a signal line. The signal line is made up of, for example, a twisted pair cable (two-wire cable).

[0017] 1 shows an example of an intercom system in which each base unit 2 is connected to the previous base unit 1 and the subsequent base unit 2 via daisy chain wiring. In this case, each base unit 2 also serves as a relay device between the handset (lobby intercom) 1 and the other base units 2. Note that in the present disclosure, there are no restrictions on the method of connecting the handset 1 and the base unit 2. For example, the handset 1 and each base unit 2 may be connected via a control device.

[0018] Handset 1 is, for example, a shared terminal (lobby intercom) installed in a common area of ​​an apartment building, such as a lobby. Handset 1 communicates (for example, makes calls and transmits video signals) with base unit 2 across, for example, multiple buildings. Handset 1 according to this embodiment is not limited to a lobby intercom, and may also be applied to entrance handset 3 in intercom system 10. Alternatively, when intercom system 10 is applied to a detached house, the lobby intercom according to this embodiment may be installed on a gatepost or the like.

[0019] The base unit 2 is a residential terminal that is mainly used by residents to receive calls from visitors and respond to them, and is installed in each dwelling unit of an apartment building, for example. Each base unit 2 communicates with the handset 1 (for example, making calls and receiving video signals, etc.).

[0020] The front door slave unit 3 is installed, for example, at the exterior entrance of each dwelling unit in an apartment building. Each front door slave unit 3 corresponds one-to-one with one of the plurality of base units 2. Each front door slave unit 3 communicates with the corresponding base unit 2 (for example, making calls and transmitting video signals, etc.).

[0021] (2) Configuration of the slave unit Next, the configuration of the handset 1 will be described using Figures 2 to 4. In the following, when the handset 1 is attached to a construction surface (for example, a wall surface) in a common area such as a lobby, the direction perpendicular (orthogonal) to the horizontal plane will be referred to as the "up-down direction," and the downward (vertical direction) when looking at the handset 1 from the front will be referred to as the "downward direction." Furthermore, the direction perpendicular to the up-down direction and parallel to the construction surface will be referred to as the "left-right direction," and the right side when looking at the handset 1 from the front will be referred to as the "rightward direction," and the left side when looking at the handset 1 from the front will be referred to as the "leftward direction." Furthermore, the direction perpendicular to both the up-down direction and the left-right direction, i.e., the direction perpendicular to the construction surface, will be referred to as the "front-rear direction," and the back side of the construction surface (behind the wall) will be referred to as the "rearward direction." However, these directions are not intended to limit the direction in which the handset 1 can be used.

[0022] 2 to 4, the handset 1 (lobby intercom) has an imaging unit 11, a transmission unit 12, an input unit 13, a control unit 14, a video processing unit 15, a memory unit 16, a proximity sensor 17, a display unit 18, a call unit 19 (including a speaker and a microphone), and a light-emitting unit 20. The handset 1 also has a housing X1 that houses or holds the above-mentioned components.

[0023] The housing X1 is formed into a flat rectangular box shape overall. As shown in Fig. 2, the front side of the housing X1 has a main body cover X10 that is rectangular in front view and a decorative cover X11 that is a rectangular frame and surrounds the periphery of the main body cover X10. The imaging unit 11 is arranged so as to be exposed at the center of the upper part of the front surface of the main body cover X10. The display unit 18 is arranged directly below the imaging unit 11 on the front surface of the main body cover X10. The input unit 13 is arranged below the display unit 18 on the front surface of the main body cover X10.

[0024] In the key area of ​​the decorative cover X11 where the input unit 13 (distance measurement sensor 130) is arranged, numbers, letters, and symbols (hereinafter, sometimes referred to as "symbols, etc.") representing each key are drawn. Specifically, below the display screen 180 of the display unit 18, multiple (four in FIG. 2) rectangular symbols N1 representing function keys for executing each function are drawn, and below them, ten numbers N2 representing the numeric keypad (0) through 9, a symbol N3 representing the asterisk key, a character N4 representing the delete key (delete), and a character N5 representing the call key (call). Note that FIG. 2 shows an example in which the symbols N2 through N4 are drawn in a 4-row by 3-column matrix, with the character N5 representing the call key at the bottom, but the present disclosure does not particularly limit the relative positions of the keys (symbols, etc. representing each key).

[0025] The main body cover X10 has a plurality of window holes X12 on its front surface on both sides of the imaging unit 11. The window holes X12 are through-holes for introducing the sound emitted by the person (operator) talking to the person on the base unit 2 side into the microphone of the call unit 19. The main body cover X10 has a plurality of acoustic holes X13 in the lower right corner on its front surface. The acoustic holes X13 are through-holes for guiding the received sound from the speaker of the call unit 19 to the outside.

[0026] The imaging unit 11 is a camera having an imaging element for capturing an image of a subject (for example, an operator). The imaging area (field of view) of the imaging unit 11 is set in front of the slave unit 1 so that at least the face of the operator can be captured when the operator operates the slave unit 1.

[0027] The imaging element is, for example, a two-dimensional image sensor such as a CCD (Charge Coupled Device) image sensor or a CMOS (Complementary Metal-Oxide Semiconductor) image sensor. The imaging unit 11 forms an image of light from a subject on the imaging surface (light-receiving surface) of the imaging element using an optical system such as a lens, and converts the light from the subject into an electrical signal by the imaging element. The imaging unit 11 then outputs the output signal of the imaging element to the video processing unit 15 as a video signal.

[0028] The transmission unit 12 is a communication interface for communicating with the base unit 2, and is configured to be able to communicate bidirectionally with the base unit 2. The transmission unit 12 transmits communication signals containing audio signals, video signals, control signals, etc. to the base unit 2. The transmission unit 12 also receives communication signals containing audio signals, control signals, etc. from the base unit 2. The audio signals contained in the received communication signals are output to the call unit 19 via the control unit 14.

[0029] The input unit 13 is an input interface that accepts inputs made by non-contact operations by an operator. The input unit 13 has a plurality of distance measuring sensors 130 that can measure the distance to the operator's fingertip (detection target). The distance measuring sensors 130 may be of any known type, such as an infrared type, optical type, ultrasonic type, or electrostatic type.

[0030] As shown in FIG. 4, the distance measurement sensors 130 are arranged on the back side of the decorative cover X11 in positions near the respective symbols, etc. (on the lower side in FIG. 4). That is, each distance measurement sensor 130 corresponds to a key represented by a symbol, etc., in the vicinity of its arrangement position. The measurement value of each distance measurement sensor 130 is output to the control unit 14. As a result, each distance measurement sensor 130 functions as a non-contact button that accepts non-contact input by the operator for the corresponding key.

[0031] The control unit 14 is configured, for example, by a microcomputer mainly composed of a CPU (Central Processing Unit) and memory, and controls the imaging unit 11, transmission unit 12, video processing unit 15, display unit 18, and light emitting unit 20. The CPU executes a program stored in the memory, causing the microcomputer to function as the control unit 14. The program executed by the CPU may be pre-recorded in the memory of the microcomputer, may be provided by being recorded on a recording medium such as a memory card, or may be provided via a telecommunications line such as the Internet.

[0032] The control unit 14 controls the imaging unit 11 to capture an image. The control unit 14 also controls the display unit 18 to display various information on the display screen 180 of the display unit 18. For example, when the proximity sensor 17 detects a person such as a visitor, the control unit 14 activates the imaging unit 11 to start capturing an image of the person. The control unit 14 also causes the imaging unit 11 to capture an image of the operator and display the image on the display screen 180 when at least the operator performs a call operation. The control unit 14 also sends the image captured by the imaging unit 11 to the base unit 2 while the base unit 2, which is the call destination, is being called or while communication is taking place between the handset 1 and the base unit 2.

[0033] Control unit 14 controls transmission unit 12 to cause transmission unit 12 to transmit a communication signal to base unit 2 and to cause transmission unit 12 to receive a communication signal from base unit 2. Control unit 14 also controls image processing unit 15 to cause image processing unit 15 to process the image included in the image signal from imaging unit 11. Control unit 14 also controls light-emitting unit 20 in response to key input operations to turn on / off an LED (Light Emitting Diode) 200 of light-emitting unit 20.

[0034] The control unit 14 judges the key input operation of the operator based on the measurement values ​​of each distance measuring sensor 130 of the input unit 13, and controls each unit and performs various signal processing according to the judgment result. For example, when a room number (apartment number) is input using the numeric keypad from the input unit 13 and then the call key is pressed, the control unit 14 generates command data for calling the base unit 2 of the apartment corresponding to that room number. The command data is output via the transmission unit 12 to the base unit 2 of the apartment corresponding to that room number.

[0035] Details of how the control unit 14 determines whether a key input operation has been performed based on the measurement value of the distance measurement sensor 130 will be described later.

[0036] The video processing unit 15 receives the video signal output from the imaging unit 11 and processes the video contained in the video signal by signal processing under the control of the control unit 14. The video processing unit 15 is realized by a device such as a DSP (Digital Signal Processor) or an FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array). The video processed by the video processing unit 15 is transmitted from the transmission unit 12 to the parent device 2.

[0037] The storage unit 16 is configured with a readable and writable memory. The storage unit 16 is, for example, a flash memory. The storage unit 16 stores images captured by the imaging unit 11. Note that, although FIG. 3 shows an example in which the storage unit 16 is provided outside the control unit 14, the present embodiment is not limited to this, and the storage unit 16 may be provided inside the control unit 14. In other words, the storage unit 16 may be an internal memory of the control unit 14.

[0038] The proximity sensor 17 is, for example, a pyroelectric infrared sensor, and detects a person or the like by detecting a change in infrared light that occurs when the person or the like moves. Note that the proximity sensor 17 does not necessarily have to be provided in the slave 1.

[0039] The display unit 18 has a display screen 180 made up of, for example, a liquid crystal display. The display screen 180 is formed in a rectangular shape that is long in the left-right direction. The display unit 18 outputs various information (displays images) under the control of the control unit 14.

[0040] The call unit 19 includes a speaker and a microphone, and realizes a call between the handset 1 and the base unit 2. The speaker converts an audio signal input from the control unit 14 into audio and outputs it. The microphone collects surrounding sounds, converts them into audio signals, and outputs them to the control unit 14.

[0041] The light-emitting unit 20 has a plurality of LEDs 200. As shown in FIG. 2, the LEDs 200 are arranged on the surface of the decorative cover X11 in positions near the respective symbols, etc. (on the left side in FIG. 2). Each LED 200 is turned on / off under the control of the control unit 14. Specifically, each LED 200 is turned on when a key input corresponding to a nearby symbol, etc. is accepted, and is turned off when the key input is completed.

[0042] (3) Details of key input operation judgment Next, the determination of the key input operation based on the measurement value of the distance measurement sensor 130 in the control unit 14 of the slave device 1 will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

[0043] (3.1) Overall flow First, the overall flow of the processing performed by the slave unit 1 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

[0044] First, when the start conditions such as power-on are satisfied (ST101, YES), the slave unit 1 performs initialization processing (ST102), which puts the slave unit 1 into a state (initial state) in which it can accept key input operations from the operator.

[0045] After ST102, when the start of an input operation is detected, for example, when the proximity sensor 17 detects an operator (visitor) (ST103, YES), the slave 1 executes an input operation reception process (ST104) mainly by the input unit 13 (distance measurement sensor 130) and the control unit 14. Details of the input operation reception process will be described later.

[0046] Thereafter, the processes of ST103 and ST104 are repeated until a termination condition such as power OFF is met (ST105, NO).

[0047] (3.2) Input operation acceptance process Next, the transition of states of the slave unit 1 (control unit 14) in the input operation acceptance process will be described with reference to the state transition diagram in Fig. 6. In the input operation acceptance process, the slave unit 1 is in one of the following states: (1) a first input waiting state 300, which is an initial state and is capable of accepting key input; (2) a key acceptance completion state 400, which accepts one key input, performs control based on the confirmation key, and does not accept a new key input; or (3) a second input waiting state 500, which is after the key acceptance completion state 400 and is capable of accepting key input. Note that, hereinafter, the first input waiting state 300 and the second input waiting state 500 may be collectively referred to as the "input waiting state."

[0048] After ST103 in FIG. 5, the handset 1 enters the first input waiting state 300. If a "push operation" is detected in the first input waiting state 300, the handset 1 transitions to the key acceptance completion state 400. If a "pull operation" is detected in the key acceptance completion state 400, the handset 1 transitions to the second input waiting state 500. If a "push operation" is detected in the second input waiting state 500, the handset 1 transitions to the key acceptance completion state 400. If a "reset operation" is detected in the second input waiting state 500, the handset 1 transitions to the first input waiting state 300. If the end of the input operation is detected in each state, such as when it is detected that the operator (visitor) has left the handset 1, the input operation acceptance process (ST104) ends, and the flow in FIG. 5 proceeds to ST105. Furthermore, when the call key is pressed in the input waiting state and the call operation is completed, the input operation reception process (ST104) ends and the flow of FIG. 5 proceeds to ST105.

[0049] A "push operation" is an operation in which an operator brings a fingertip (detection target) close to a desired key on the front surface of the main body cover X10 to input a single key. The control unit 14 determines whether a push operation has been performed based on a comparison between the measurement value of each distance measuring sensor 130 and a threshold value. The threshold value used as a criterion for determining whether a push operation has been performed may be different between the first input waiting state 300 and the second input waiting state 500.

[0050] As a variation of this embodiment, if a contact sensor is provided on the front surface of the main body cover X10, the "push operation" also includes the operation of touching the button on the contact sensor.

[0051] A "pull operation" is an operation in which an operator moves a fingertip (detection target) away from the front surface of the main body cover X10 by a predetermined distance or more in preparation for the next key input after performing one key input. The control unit 14 determines whether a pull operation has been performed based on a comparison between the measurement value of each distance measuring sensor 130 and a threshold value. The threshold value used as the criterion for determining this pull operation may be different from the threshold value used as the criterion for determining the above-mentioned push operation.

[0052] A "reset operation" is an operation in which, after performing key input, the operator moves their fingertip (detection target) far away from the front surface of the main body cover X10 to return to the state before the operation. This reset operation returns the slave 1 to its initial state. The control unit 14 determines whether or not a reset operation has been performed based on a comparison between the measurement values ​​of each distance measuring sensor 130 and a threshold value. The threshold value used as the criterion for determining this reset operation may be different from the threshold value used as the criterion for determining the above-mentioned push operation and the threshold value used as the criterion for determining the above-mentioned pull operation.

[0053] (3.3) Processing flow for the first input waiting state Next, the flow of processing by the control unit 14 in the first input waiting state 300 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

[0054] After ST103 in FIG. 5, or if a reset operation is performed in the second input waiting state 500, when the slave unit 1 enters the first input waiting state 300, the control unit 14 acquires measurement values ​​from each distance measurement sensor 130 (ST301).

[0055] Next, the control unit 14 determines whether a pressing operation has been performed based on the measurement value of each distance measurement sensor 130 (ST302). Specifically, the control unit 14 compares the measurement value with a first threshold for each distance measurement sensor 130, and determines that a pressing operation has been performed if any measurement value is equal to or less than the first threshold (ST302, YES), and determines that a pressing operation has not been performed if no measurement value is equal to or less than the first threshold (ST302, NO).

[0056] If no pressing operation is performed (ST302, NO) or if the end of the input operation is not detected (ST303, NO), the flow returns to ST301, and the control unit 14 again acquires measurement values ​​from each distance measuring sensor 130 after a predetermined time has elapsed (ST301).

[0057] If a pressing operation is performed (ST302, YES), the control unit 14 accepts the key corresponding to the distance measurement sensor 130 whose measurement value is equal to or less than the first threshold (ST304) and causes the LED 200 corresponding to that key to light up (ST305). Then, the processing of the control unit 14 in the first input waiting state 300 ends, and the handset 1 transitions to the key acceptance completion state 400.

[0058] If the end of the input operation is detected in the first input waiting state 300 (ST303, YES), the flow proceeds to ST105 in FIG.

[0059] (3.4) Key acceptance completion state processing flow Next, the flow of processing by the control unit 14 in the key acceptance completed state 400 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

[0060] When a pressing operation is performed in the first input waiting state 300 or the second input waiting state 500 and the handset 1 enters the key acceptance completion state 400, the control unit 14 acquires the measurement value of the distance measuring sensor 130 that accepted the key (ST401).

[0061] Next, the control unit 14 compares the current measurement value of the distance measuring sensor 130 with the previous measurement value (ST402). If the current measurement value is smaller than the previous measurement value (ST402, YES), the current measurement value is stored in memory as the minimum value (ST403). The flow returns to ST401, and the control unit 14 again acquires a measurement value from the distance measuring sensor 130 that accepted the key after a predetermined time has elapsed (ST401).

[0062] If the current measurement value is equal to or greater than the previous measurement value (ST402, NO), the control unit 14 determines whether or not a pull operation has been performed based on the minimum measurement value and the current measurement value (ST404). Specifically, the control unit 14 sets a second threshold value to be the sum of the first distance, which is the minimum measurement value, and the second distance, and compares the current measurement value with the second threshold value. If the current measurement value is equal to or greater than the second threshold value, the control unit 14 determines that a pull operation has been performed (ST404, YES), and if the current measurement value is smaller than the second threshold value, the control unit 14 determines that a pull operation has not been performed (ST404, NO).

[0063] If a pull operation is not being performed (ST404, NO), or if the end of the input operation is not detected (ST405, NO), the flow returns to ST401, and the control unit 14 again acquires a measurement value from the distance measuring sensor 130 that accepted the key after a predetermined time has elapsed (ST401).

[0064] If a pull operation has been performed (ST404, YES), the control unit 14 turns off the LED 200 (ST406). Then, the processing of the control unit 14 in the key acceptance completion state 400 ends, and the handset 1 transitions to the second input waiting state 500. Note that in the key acceptance completion state 400, the control unit 14 does not determine whether a push operation has been performed, and therefore does not accept any new key inputs.

[0065] In the key acceptance completion state 400, if the end of the input operation is detected (ST405, YES), the control unit 14 turns off the LED 200 (ST407), and the flow proceeds to ST105 in FIG.

[0066] (3.5) Processing flow for the second input waiting state Next, the flow of processing by the control unit 14 in the second input waiting state 500 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

[0067] When a pull operation is performed in the key acceptance completion state 400 and the handset 1 enters the second input waiting state 500, the control unit 14 acquires measurement values ​​from each distance measurement sensor 130 (ST501).

[0068] Next, the control unit 14 determines whether a pressing operation has been performed based on the measurement value of each distance measuring sensor 130 (ST502). Specifically, the control unit 14 sets a third threshold value to be the first distance plus a third distance shorter than the second distance, compares the measurement value of each distance measuring sensor 130 with the third threshold value, and determines that a pressing operation has been performed if any measurement value is equal to or less than the third threshold value (ST502, YES). If no measurement value is equal to or less than the third threshold value, the control unit 14 determines that a pressing operation has not been performed (ST502, NO). Note that because the third distance is shorter than the second distance, the third threshold value is smaller than the second threshold value.

[0069] If a pressing operation has not been performed (ST502, NO), the control unit 14 determines whether a reset operation has been performed based on the measurement values ​​of each distance measurement sensor 130 (ST503). Specifically, the control unit 14 sets a fourth threshold value to the first distance plus a fourth distance that is longer than the second distance, compares the measurement value with the fourth threshold value for each distance measurement sensor 130, and determines that a reset operation has been performed if any measurement value is greater than the fourth threshold value (ST503, YES). If no measurement value is greater than the fourth threshold value, the control unit 14 determines that a reset operation has not been performed (ST503, NO). The fourth threshold value is a value greater than the first threshold value and the second threshold value.

[0070] If a reset operation has not been performed (ST503, NO), or if the end of the input operation has not been detected (ST504, NO), the flow returns to ST501, and the control unit 14 again acquires measurement values ​​from each distance measurement sensor 130 after a predetermined time has elapsed (ST501).

[0071] If a pressing operation is performed (ST502, YES), the control unit 14 accepts the key corresponding to the distance measurement sensor 130 whose measurement value is equal to or less than the third threshold (ST505) and causes the LED 200 corresponding to that key to light up (ST506). Then, the processing of the control unit 14 in the second input waiting state 500 ends, and the handset 1 transitions to the key acceptance completion state 400.

[0072] Furthermore, if a reset operation is performed (ST503, YES), the processing of the control unit 14 in the second input waiting state 500 ends, and the handset 1 transitions to the first input waiting state 300.

[0073] If the end of the input operation is detected in the second input waiting state 500 (ST504, YES), the flow proceeds to ST105 in FIG.

[0074] (3.6) Threshold Relationship Next, the relationship between the threshold values ​​used to determine the push operation, pull operation, and reset operation will be described with reference to Fig. 10 and Fig. 11. Fig. 10 shows an example of an operator who moves his finger close to the body cover X10 when performing a push operation, while Fig. 11 shows an example of an operator who moves his finger only to a position slightly away from the body cover X10 when performing a push operation.

[0075] The first threshold TH1 is a threshold used to determine whether a pressing operation has occurred in the first input waiting state 300, and is set in advance.

[0076] The second threshold TH2 is a threshold used to determine a pull operation in the key acceptance completion state 400, and is the distance obtained by adding a predetermined second distance D2 to the first distance D1, which is the minimum distance from the main body cover X10 to the operator's finger measured by the distance measurement sensor 130.

[0077] The third threshold TH3 is a threshold used to determine whether a pressing operation has occurred in the second input waiting state 500, and is the first distance D1 plus a preset third distance D3. The third distance D3 is shorter than the second distance D2.

[0078] The fourth threshold TH4 is a threshold used to determine whether to perform a reset operation in the second input waiting state 500, and may be set in advance or may be a distance obtained by adding a preset fourth distance (not shown) to the first distance D1. The fourth distance is longer than the second distance D2.

[0079] Here, the first distance D1 varies depending on the operator. The first threshold TH1 does not depend on the first distance D1, but the second threshold TH2 and the third threshold TH3 depend on the first distance D1. Therefore, as is clear from a comparison between Fig. 10 and Fig. 11, the magnitude relationship between the first threshold TH1 and the second threshold TH2 and the third threshold TH3 varies depending on the operator (first distance D1).

[0080] The third threshold value TH3 is a value smaller than the second threshold value TH2 because the third distance D3 is shorter than the second distance D2.

[0081] The fourth threshold TH4 is a value greater than the first threshold TH1 and the second threshold TH2, regardless of whether it depends on the first distance D1.

[0082] (3.7) Specific examples Hereinafter, the determination of the key input operation in the control unit 14 will be described, taking the case where the operator makes a call as an example.

[0083] The operator can enter the room number (apartment number) by pressing the ten numbers N2 from "0" to "9" which represent the numeric keypad, and can make a call to the base unit 2 of the apartment with that room number by pressing the letter "call" N5 which represents the call key.

[0084] For example, if an operator wants to call a resident with room number (apartment number) "1024" on handset 1, the operator can enter room number "1024" by pressing (key inputting) "1," "0," "2," and "4" in that order.

[0085] When the operator brings his / her finger close to "1" and the measurement value of the distance measuring sensor 130 corresponding to "1" becomes smaller than the first threshold value TH1, the control unit 14 determines that a pressing operation has been performed, accepts the key input of "1", lights up the LED 200 near "1", and displays "1" on the display screen 180.

[0086] Here, suppose that the operator moves his / her finger to the vicinity of "0" without performing a drag operation. In this case, the control unit 14 does not accept the key input of "0". At this time, the LED 200 near "0" does not emit light, and "0" is not displayed on the display screen 180. Therefore, the operator can notice that the input operation of "0" was not accepted.

[0087] Then, if the operator brings his / her finger close to "0" after performing a pull operation or a reset operation and the measurement value of the distance measuring sensor 130 corresponding to "0" becomes smaller than the first threshold value TH1, the control unit 14 determines that a push operation has been performed, accepts the key input of "0", lights up the LED 200 near "0", and displays "1" on the display screen 180.

[0088] Similarly, when the operator performs a pull or reset operation followed by a push operation in the order of "2," "4," and "call," the control unit 14 generates command data for the call and causes the transmission unit 12 to transmit the command data to the base unit 2 of the apartment with room number "1024."

[0089] <Effects> As described above, when the slave unit 1 (operation device) of this embodiment detects a push operation in which a detection object, such as the operator's finger, approaches a key in an input waiting state, it accepts the key input and enters a key acceptance completed state. When the slave unit 1 detects a pull operation in which the detection object is moved away from the key by a predetermined distance or more in the key acceptance completed state, it enters an input waiting state. The slave unit 1 does not accept new key inputs in the key acceptance completed state. Furthermore, the slave unit 1 uses different detection conditions for push operations between the first input waiting state, which is the initial state before the first detection of a push operation, and the second input waiting state, which is the state after the detection of a pull operation. This allows the slave unit 1 to accurately determine the operator's key input operation.

[0090] In addition, by setting the second threshold value, which is the criterion for determining whether or not a pull operation is being performed, based on the first distance, which is the minimum value of the measurement values ​​of the distance measurement sensor 130, the slave unit 1 can accurately determine whether or not a pull operation is being performed, regardless of the operator.

[0091] In the above-described embodiment, a distance measurement sensor is used and the control unit 14 makes a judgment based on the measurement value (distance) of the distance measurement sensor, but the present disclosure is not limited to this. For example, an infrared sensor may be used and the control unit 14 may make a judgment based on the intensity of infrared light.

[0092] Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, the first distance is described as the smallest value among the measurement values ​​measured in the key acceptance completed state, but the present disclosure is not limited to this, and the first distance may be a value based on the measurement value in the key acceptance completed state.

[0093] In addition, in the above-described embodiment, the sub-unit 1 does not accept new key inputs when the key acceptance is complete. However, if the input unit 13 further includes a touch panel and a contact sensor that detects contact of a detection object with the touch panel, the sub-unit 1 may accept key inputs when it detects contact when the key acceptance is complete.

[0094] In the above-described embodiment, an example of intercom system 10 for an apartment building has been described, but the present disclosure is not limited to this and can also be applied to, for example, an intercom system for a detached house consisting of a door slave unit and an indoor master unit. The present disclosure can also be applied to a system consisting of general information and communication devices. The present disclosure can also be applied to a door slave unit for a detached house having one call button, or to a single-key device such as door slave unit 3 of intercom system 10 shown in FIG. 1.

[0095] Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, an example was described in which the control unit 14 of the handset 1 determines whether a pull operation has occurred after a push operation, and if it cannot determine that a pull operation has occurred, does not accept new key input, and accepts new key input if a push operation has occurred after a pull operation. However, the present disclosure is not limited to this, and the control unit 14 may also accept key input if both a push operation and a pull operation have occurred.

[0096] Furthermore, the notation "... section" in the above-described embodiments may be replaced with other notations such as "... circuitry," "... assembly," "... device," "... unit," or "... module."

[0097] <Summary of the embodiment> An operating device (handset 1) according to an embodiment of the present disclosure includes an input unit (13) having a sensor that detects the proximity of a detection object, and a control unit (14) that determines key input operations based on the detection of the sensor, and the control unit (14) accepts key input when a push operation is performed to bring the detection object closer to the key, determines whether or not a pull operation is performed to move the detection object away from the key by a predetermined amount or more after the push operation, and does not accept new key inputs if it cannot determine that a pull operation has been performed after the push operation. This allows the operating device (handset 1) to accurately determine the key input operations of the operator.

[0098] In the above-described operating device (child unit 1), when the pushing operation is performed after the pulling operation, the control unit (14) accepts a new key input.

[0099] In the above-described operating device (child unit 1), the condition for determining whether or not the pushing operation has been performed in the initial state is different from the condition for determining whether or not the pushing operation has been performed after the pulling operation has been performed.

[0100] In the above-mentioned operating device (sub-unit 1), the control unit (14) determines that the pushing operation has occurred when the distance to the detected object becomes equal to or less than a first threshold in the initial state, determines that the pulling operation has occurred when the distance to the detected object becomes equal to or greater than a second threshold after the pushing operation has occurred, and determines that the pushing operation has occurred when the distance to the detected object becomes equal to or less than a third threshold that is smaller than the second threshold after the pulling operation has occurred.

[0101] In the above-mentioned operating device (child unit 1), the second threshold is a value obtained by adding the first distance to the second distance, and the third threshold is a value obtained by adding the first distance to a third distance that is shorter than the second distance.

[0102] In the above-described operating device (child device 1), the first distance is the smallest value among the distances to the detection object.

[0103] In the above-mentioned operating device (sub-unit 1), the control unit (14) determines that the initial state has been returned to when, after the pull operation, the distance to the detected object becomes equal to or greater than a fourth threshold value that is greater than the first threshold value and the second threshold value.

[0104] In the above-mentioned operating device (child unit 1), the second threshold is a value obtained by adding the first distance to the second distance, and the fourth threshold is a value obtained by adding the first distance to a fourth distance that is longer than the second distance.

[0105] In the above-described operating device (child device 1), the first distance is the smallest value among the distances to the detection object.

[0106] In the above-mentioned operating device (sub-unit 1), the input unit (13) further includes a touch panel and a contact sensor that detects contact of the detection object with the touch panel, and the control unit (14) accepts key input when it detects the contact, even if it cannot be determined that the pull operation has occurred after the push operation.

[0107] An operating device (handset 1) according to an embodiment of the present disclosure includes an input unit (13) having a sensor that detects the proximity of a detection object, and a control unit (14) that determines key input operations based on the detection of the sensor, and the control unit (14) accepts key input when there is both a push operation that brings the detection object closer to the key and a pull operation that moves the detection object away from the key by a predetermined amount or more. This allows the operating device (handset 1) to accurately determine the key input operation of the operator.

[0108] An intercom device (handset 1) according to an embodiment of the present disclosure includes any one of the above operating devices.

[0109] A control method according to one embodiment of the present disclosure is a control method for an operating device (sub-unit 1), the operating device (sub-unit 1) comprising an input unit (13) having a sensor that detects the proximity of a detection object, and a control unit (14) that determines the input operation of the key based on the detection of the sensor, the control unit (14) accepts a key input when a push operation is performed to bring the detection object closer to the key, determines whether or not a pull operation is performed to move the detection object away from the key by a predetermined amount or more after the push operation, and does not accept a new key input if it cannot be determined that a pull operation has been performed after the push operation.

[0110] A control method according to one embodiment of the present disclosure is a control method for an operating device (sub-unit 1), the operating device (sub-unit 1) having an input unit (13) equipped with a sensor that detects the proximity of a detection object, and a control unit (14) that determines the input operation of the key based on the detection of the sensor, and the control unit (14) accepts key input when there is both a push operation that brings the detection object closer to the key and a pull operation that moves the detection object away from the key by more than a predetermined amount.

[0111] A program according to an embodiment of the present disclosure executes the above control method in a computer system.

[0112] The present disclosure can be realized by software, hardware, or software in cooperation with hardware.

[0113] Each functional block used in the description of the above embodiments may be partially or entirely realized as an LSI, which is an integrated circuit, and each process described in the above embodiments may be partially or entirely controlled by a single LSI or a combination of LSIs. The LSI may be composed of individual chips, or may be composed of a single chip that includes some or all of the functional blocks. The LSI may have data input and output. Depending on the degree of integration, the LSI may be called an IC, system LSI, super LSI, or ultra LSI.

[0114] The integrated circuit method is not limited to LSI, but may be realized by a dedicated circuit, a general-purpose processor, or a dedicated processor. Also, a field programmable gate array (FPGA) that can be programmed after LSI manufacturing, or a reconfigurable processor that can reconfigure the connections and settings of circuit cells within the LSI, may be used. The present disclosure may be realized as digital processing or analog processing.

[0115] Furthermore, if an integrated circuit technology that can replace LSI emerges due to advances in semiconductor technology or other derivative technologies, it is natural that such technology may be used to integrate functional blocks. The application of biotechnology, etc. is also a possibility.

[0116] Although various embodiments have been described above with reference to the drawings, it goes without saying that the present disclosure is not limited to such examples. It is clear that a person skilled in the art can conceive of various modifications or alterations within the scope of the claims, and it is understood that these also naturally fall within the technical scope of the present disclosure. Furthermore, the components of the above-described embodiments may be combined in any manner without departing from the spirit of the disclosure.

[0117] Although specific examples of the present disclosure have been described in detail above, these are merely examples and do not limit the scope of the claims. The technology described in the claims includes various modifications and alterations of the specific examples exemplified above. [Industrial Applicability]

[0118] The present disclosure is suitable for use in an intercom system. [Explanation of symbols]

[0119] 10. Intercom System 1 intercom handset (lobby intercom) 11 Imaging unit 12 Transmission section 13 Input section 130 Distance Sensor 14 Control Unit 15 Video Processing Section 16 Memory section 17 Proximity Sensor 18 Display 180 display screen 19 Telephone section 20 Light-emitting part 200 LED 2 Intercom base unit (indoor monitor) 3 Entrance door unit

Claims

1. an input unit including a sensor that detects the proximity of a detection target; a control unit that determines a key input operation based on detection by the sensor; Equipped with The control unit Accepting a key input when a pressing operation is performed to bring the detection object closer to the key; determining whether or not a pull operation has been performed after the pressing operation, which moves the object to be detected away from the key by a predetermined distance or more; If it is not possible to determine that the pull operation has occurred after the push operation, a new key input is not accepted; If the push operation is performed after the pull operation, a new key input is accepted; a condition for determining whether or not the pushing operation has been performed in the initial state is different from a condition for determining whether or not the pushing operation has been performed after the pulling operation has been performed; Operating device.

2. The control unit In the initial state, when the distance to the detection object becomes equal to or less than a first threshold, it is determined that the pressing operation has occurred; After the pushing operation has been performed, if the distance to the detection object becomes equal to or greater than a second threshold, it is determined that the pulling operation has been performed. After the pulling operation has been performed, if the distance to the detection object becomes equal to or less than a third threshold value that is smaller than the second threshold value, it is determined that the pushing operation has been performed. The operating device according to claim 1 .

3. the second threshold is a value obtained by adding the second distance to the first distance, the third threshold is a value obtained by adding a third distance, which is shorter than the second distance, to the first distance; The operating device according to claim 2 .

4. The first distance is the minimum value among the distances to the detection object. The operating device according to claim 3 .

5. The control unit After the pull operation, if the distance to the detection object becomes equal to or greater than a fourth threshold value that is greater than the first threshold value and the second threshold value, it is determined that the state has returned to the initial state. The operating device according to claim 2 .

6. the second threshold is a value obtained by adding the second distance to the first distance, the fourth threshold is a value obtained by adding the first distance to a fourth distance that is longer than the second distance; The operating device according to claim 5 .

7. The first distance is the minimum value among the distances to the detection object. The operating device according to claim 6.

8. An input unit having a sensor that detects the proximity of a detection target; a control unit that determines a key input operation based on detection by the sensor; Equipped with the input unit further includes a touch panel and a contact sensor that detects contact of the object with the touch panel; The control unit Accepting a key input when a pressing operation is performed to bring the detection object closer to the key; determining whether or not a pull operation has been performed after the pressing operation, which moves the object to be detected away from the key by a predetermined distance or more; When it is not possible to determine that the pull operation has occurred after the push operation, a new key input is accepted if the contact is detected, and a new key input is not accepted if the contact cannot be detected. Operating device.

9. an input unit including a sensor that detects the proximity of a detection target; a control unit that determines a key input operation based on detection by the sensor; Equipped with The control unit Accepting a key input when there is both a push operation that brings the detection object closer to the key and a pull operation that moves the detection object away from the key by a predetermined distance or more; a condition for determining whether or not the pushing operation has been performed in the initial state is different from a condition for determining whether or not the pushing operation has been performed after the pulling operation has been performed; Operating device.

10. An intercom device equipped with an operating device described in any one of claims 1 to 9.

11. A control method for an operating device, comprising: The operating device is an input unit including a sensor that detects the proximity of a detection target; a control unit that determines a key input operation based on detection by the sensor; Equipped with The control unit Accepting a key input when a pressing operation is performed to bring the detection object closer to the key; determining whether or not a pull operation has been performed after the pressing operation, which moves the object to be detected away from the key by a predetermined distance or more; If it is not possible to determine that the pull operation has occurred after the push operation, a new key input is not accepted; If the push operation is performed after the pull operation, a new key input is accepted; a condition for determining whether or not the pushing operation has been performed in the initial state is different from a condition for determining whether or not the pushing operation has been performed after the pulling operation has been performed; Control method.

12. A control method for an operating device, comprising: The operating device is an input unit including a sensor that detects the proximity of a detection target; a control unit that determines a key input operation based on detection by the sensor; Equipped with The control unit Accepting a key input when there is both a push operation that brings the detection object closer to the key and a pull operation that moves the detection object away from the key by a predetermined distance or more; a condition for determining whether or not the pushing operation has been performed in the initial state is different from a condition for determining whether or not the pushing operation has been performed after the pulling operation has been performed; Control method.

13. In a computer system, A program for executing the control method according to claim 11 or 12.

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