JP7572145B2 - Input Devices - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to an input device.

Conventionally, input devices that emit light from a light guide plate to form an image in space are known (see, for example, Patent Document 1). The light guide plate includes an exit surface from which light is emitted. The light guide plate guides light from a light source, causes it to exit from the exit surface, and causes it to converge at a fixed point in space. An image is projected in space by a collection of light that converges at multiple fixed points in this way.

JP 2014-67071 A

In the above input device, the light guide plate is transparent. Therefore, the position of the light guide plate is unclear to the user, and the user has difficulty in recognizing the difference in position between the light guide plate and the image. As a result, the user may see that the light output surface of the light guide plate is glowing, rather than that the image is being displayed in space. In such a case, it is difficult for the user to grasp the position of the image, which causes the problem of difficulty in obtaining a three-dimensional effect from the image.

The objective of the present invention is to provide an input device that makes it easy to obtain a three-dimensional effect on an image.

An input device according to one embodiment includes a light source, a light guide plate, a sensor, and a second image. The light guide plate guides light from the light source to form a first image in space. The sensor detects an object in a space including the imaging position of the first image, or in a space a predetermined distance away from the imaging position of the first image. The second image is displayed on a surface different from the surface on which the first image is displayed. In the input device according to this embodiment, the user can easily grasp the position of the first image by comparing it with the second image. This allows the user to easily obtain a three-dimensional sense of the first image.

The second image may be displayed on the front or back surface of the light guide plate. In this case, the second image serves as a reference surface indicating the position of the light guide plate. This makes the position of the light guide plate clear to the user, making it easier for the user to recognize the difference in position between the light guide plate and the image. In addition, the second image can be easily displayed on a surface different from that of the first image.

The second image may be printed on the light guide plate. In this case, the second image serves as a reference surface that indicates the position of the light guide plate. This makes the position of the light guide plate clear to the user, and makes it easier for the user to recognize the difference in position between the light guide plate and the image. In addition, the second image can be easily displayed on a surface different from the first image.

The input device may further include a display sheet separate from the light guide plate. The second image may be printed on the display sheet. In this case, the second image can be easily displayed on a surface different from that of the first image.

The input device may further include a display panel separate from the light guide plate. The second image may be printed on the display panel. In this case, the second image can be easily displayed on a surface different from that of the first image.

The display panel may include at least a half mirror in part. In this case, it is possible to make it difficult for the user to see the devices arranged behind the display panel and the light guide plate.

The input device may further include a second light source. The light guide plate may guide light from the second light source to form a second image on the light guide plate. In this case, by controlling the second light source, it is possible to switch between displaying and not displaying the second image.

The input device may further include a second light source and a second light guide plate that guides light from the second light source to form a second image. In this case, the second image can be switched between being displayed and not displayed by controlling the second light source.

The device may further include a display disposed on the rear side of the light guide plate and displaying the second image. In this case, the display can be controlled to switch between displaying and not displaying the second image. Alternatively, the second image can be switched between multiple types of images.

The second image may have the same or a similar shape as the first image. In this case, the three-dimensional effect of the image can be improved.

The second image may include text. In this case, it becomes easier for the user to understand the position of the first image by comparing it with the position of the text.

The second image may be displayed on a surface parallel to the light guide plate. In this case, it becomes easier for the user to grasp the position of the first image by comparing it with the second image.

The second image may be displayed on a plane parallel to the plane on which the first image is displayed. In this case, the user can easily grasp the position of the first image by comparing it with the second image.

The second image may be displayed on a plane perpendicular to the plane on which the first image is displayed. By comparing it with the second image, the user can easily grasp the position of the first image.

The present invention provides an input device that makes it easy to obtain a three-dimensional effect from an image.

1 is a perspective view of an input device according to an embodiment; FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a configuration of an input device. FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of a light guide plate showing an example of a prism. FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing an example of a prism shape. FIG. 2 is a side view showing the configuration and arrangement of sensors. FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a second image. FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of a first image that is changed in response to an input operation by a user. FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a second image according to the first modified example. FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a second image according to a second modified example. FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a second image according to a third modified example. FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a second image according to a fourth modified example. FIG. 13 is a diagram showing another example of a display method for the second image. FIG. 13 is a diagram showing another example of a display method for the second image. FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a second image according to a fifth modified example. FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a second image according to the sixth modified example. FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a second image according to the seventh modified example. FIG. 23 is a diagram showing a second image according to an eighth modified example. FIG. 13 is a diagram showing another example of the detection space of the sensor. FIG. 13 is a diagram showing another example of the detection space of the sensor.

The input device 1 according to the embodiment will be described below with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the input device 1. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the input device 1. The input device 1 includes a light guide plate 2, a light source 3, a sensor 4, a controller 5, and a signal output device 6.

The light guide plate 2 guides light from the light source 3 to form an image I1 in space. As a result, the light guide plate 2 projects the first image I1, which is viewed by the user, into a space without a screen. The light guide plate 2 is made of a light-transmitting material. The light guide plate 2 is made of a transparent resin, such as polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA), polycarbonate, or cycloolefin polymer, or a material such as glass.

The light guide plate 2 includes an exit surface 21, a back surface 22, and end surfaces 23-26. The exit surface 21 emits light from the light source 3. The back surface 22 is located on the opposite side of the exit surface 21. Light from the light source 3 is incident on the end surface 23. The light from the light source 3 may be incident on the other end surfaces 24-26. The light source 3 is, for example, an LED (Light Emitting Diode). However, the light source 3 is not limited to an LED, and may be another light source such as an OLED (Organic Light Emitting Diode). In FIG. 1, the light guide plate 2 is disposed so that the exit surface 21 is parallel to the vertical direction. However, the light guide plate 2 may be disposed so that the exit surface 21 forms a predetermined angle with respect to the vertical direction, not including 0 degrees.

The light guide plate 2 includes a plurality of light guide sections. The plurality of light guide sections are provided corresponding to a plurality of fixed points included in the first image I1, respectively. For example, the plurality of light guide sections include a first light guide section 27, a second light guide section 28, and a third light guide section 29. The first light guide section 27 corresponds to a first fixed point A1 included in the first image I1. The second light guide section 28 corresponds to a second fixed point A2 included in the first image I1. The third light guide section 29 corresponds to a third fixed point A3 included in the first image I1.

Each light guide section includes a plurality of prisms. FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the light guide plate 2 showing an example of the prism 200. FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing an example of the shape of the prism 200. The prism 200 is provided on the back surface 22 of the light guide plate 2. The prism 200 is formed by a dimple recessed from the back surface 22 of the light guide plate 2. As shown in FIG. 4A, the prism 200 has, for example, a triangular pyramid shape. Alternatively, the prism 200 may have a triangular prism shape as shown in FIG. 4B. Alternatively, the prism 200 may have a curved shape as shown in FIG. 4C. The plurality of prisms 200 are arranged to reflect light from the light source 3 toward the exit surface 21 of the light guide plate 2, and the light is converged at a fixed point corresponding to each light guide section.

For example, light incident on the first light guiding section 27 is reflected by the multiple prisms 200 included in the first light guiding section 27 so as to converge on the first fixed point A1. As a result, the wavefront of the light from the first light guiding section 27 becomes the wavefront of light emanating from the first fixed point A1. Similarly, light incident on the second light guiding section 28 is reflected by the multiple prisms 200 included in the second light guiding section 28 so as to converge on the second fixed point A2. Light incident on the third light guiding section 29 is reflected by the multiple prisms 200 included in the third light guiding section 29 so as to converge on the third fixed point A3.

In this way, the light from the light source 3 is reflected by the multiple light guides and converges at multiple fixed points corresponding to each of the multiple light guides. This forms a wavefront of light that appears as if the light is emanating from multiple fixed points. The first image I1 that is recognized by the user is formed in space by the collection of light that converges at these multiple fixed points.

As shown in FIG. 1, the first image I1 is a three-dimensional image showing the shape of an input member operated by an operator. In this embodiment, the first image I1 shows the shape of a push-button switch. The first image I1 includes a base portion I11 and a button portion I12. The base portion I11 shows a shape that protrudes toward the exit surface 21 of the light guide plate 2. The button portion I12 is disposed on the base portion I11 and shows a shape that protrudes from the base portion I11.

The base portion I11 includes a support surface I13. The support surface I13 is inclined with respect to the emission surface 21. The button portion I12 includes a pressing surface I14. The pressing surface I14 is inclined with respect to the emission surface 21. However, the support surface I13 and the pressing surface I14 may be parallel to the emission surface 21. Alternatively, the support surface I13 and the pressing surface I14 may be perpendicular to the emission surface 21. As will be described later, the first image I1 is not limited to a push button type switch, and may be another type of switch. Alternatively, the first image I1 is not limited to a switch, and may be another input member.

As shown in FIG. 1, the second image I2 is displayed on the light guide plate 2. The second image I2 is displayed on a surface parallel to the exit surface 21 of the light guide plate 2. The second image I2 is displayed at a position different from that of the first image I1. The second image I2 is displayed on the exit surface 21 of the light guide plate 2. However, the second image I2 may also be displayed on the back surface 22 of the light guide plate 2. The second image I2 is printed on the light guide plate 2. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 6, when the light source is turned off, the first image I1 disappears but the second image I2 remains.

The sensor 4 is a proximity sensor that detects an object without contact. The sensor 4 detects an object in a space including the imaging position of the first image I1. FIG. 5 is a side view showing the configuration and arrangement of the sensor 4. As shown in FIG. 5, the sensor 4 is arranged on the back surface 22 side of the light guide plate 2. The sensor 4 is, for example, a photoelectric sensor. The sensor 4 includes a light projecting element 41 and a light receiving element 42. The light projecting element 41 irradiates light toward the exit surface 21 side of the light guide plate 2. The light receiving element 42 receives the light from the light projecting element 41 that is reflected by the object. The sensor 4 outputs a signal indicating the detection result to the controller 5. The light projecting element 41 and the light receiving element 42 may be provided as separate units.

In this embodiment, the sensor 4 is a limited reflection sensor. The limited reflection sensor detects the presence of an object at a predetermined detection position B1. The predetermined detection position B1 includes the imaging position of the first image I1. For example, the predetermined detection position B1 is included in the button portion I12 of the first image I1. In detail, the predetermined detection position B1 is included in the pressing surface I14 of the button portion I12. Therefore, the sensor 4 detects that the user's finger is at the position of the button portion I12. As a result, the sensor 4 detects an input action to the button portion I12 by the user's finger.

Sensor 4 is not limited to a limited reflection sensor, but may be another photoelectric sensor such as a time of flight (TOF) type. Alternatively, sensor 4 is not limited to a photoelectric sensor, but may be one that detects an object via other media such as radio waves, magnetic fields, or heat.

The signal output device 6 outputs a signal according to a command from the controller 5 via a signal line 61. The signal line 61 is connected to an external device. The signal output device 6 includes, for example, an analog output circuit. However, the signal output device 6 may also include a digital output circuit. The signal from the signal output device 6 has a command value. The command value is, for example, a voltage value. However, the command value may also be a current value.

The controller 5 includes a processor 51 such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) and a memory 52 such as a RAM (Random Access Memory) and a ROM (Read Only Memory). The memory 52 stores computer instructions executed by the processor 51 and data for controlling the input device 1. The controller 5 controls the light source 3 and the signal output device 6. The controller 5 receives a detection signal from the sensor 4.

In this embodiment, the controller 5 detects an input action by the user based on the output from the sensor 4. That is, when an object is detected by the sensor 4, the controller 5 detects an input action by the user on the first image I1. The controller 5 outputs a signal from the signal output device 6 in response to the input action by the user on the first image I1.

As shown in FIG. 7, the controller 5 changes the first image I1 in response to an input operation by the user on the first image I1. For example, when no input operation is being performed, the controller 5 displays the first image I1 shown in FIG. 7A. The first image I1 is an image corresponding to no operation. When the user performs an input operation on the first image I1, the controller 5 displays the modified first image I1b shown in FIG. 7B. The modified first image I1b is an image corresponding to the user's input operation on the first image I1. In the modified first image I1b, the button portion I12 protrudes less from the base portion I11 than in the first image I1.

In the input device 1 according to the first embodiment described above, the second image I2 serves as a reference surface indicating the position of the light guide plate 2. This makes the position of the light guide plate 2 clear to the user, and the user can easily recognize the difference in position between the light guide plate 2 and the first image I1. This allows the user to easily obtain a three-dimensional sense of the first image I1. In addition, the second image I2 is displayed on the light guide plate 2 by printing. This makes it easy to form the second image I2.

Although one embodiment of the present invention has been described above, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiment, and various modifications are possible without departing from the spirit of the invention.

The second image I2 is not limited to that of the above-described embodiment, and may be modified. FIG. 8 is a diagram showing the second image I2 according to a first modified example. As shown in FIG. 8, the second image I2 may have a shape that is the same as or similar to the first image I1. In this case, the second image I2 appears as a shadow of the first image I1. This can improve the three-dimensional effect of the image.

Figure 9 is a diagram showing a second image I2 according to a second modified example. As shown in Figure 9, the second image I2 may include text. For example, the second image I2 is an image showing text information related to the first image I1. In this case, the position of the text allows the user to clearly recognize the position of the light guide plate 2.

Figure 10 is a diagram showing a first image I1 and a second image I2 according to a third modified example. As shown in Figure 10, the first image I1 may include images I11 and I12 showing a plurality of input members. The second image I2 may include images I21 and I22 showing a plurality of pieces of text information attached to the images I11 and I12 showing a plurality of input members, respectively. In this case as well, the user can clearly recognize the position of the light guide plate 2 based on the positions of the characters shown in images I21 and I22.

FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a first image I1 and a second image I2 according to a fourth modified example. As shown in FIG. 11, the first image I1 may show the shape of a lever-shaped input member. The second image I2 may be an image showing the operation direction or operation method of the input member shown in the first image I1. For example, in FIG. 11, the second image I2 shows the operation directions of the input member shown in the first image I1, up, down, left, and right. However, the operation direction of the input member may be only up and down. Alternatively, the operation direction of the input member may be only left and right. Alternatively, the operation direction of the input member may be another direction.

In the above embodiment, the second image I2 is displayed by printing on the light guide plate 2. However, the display method of the second image I2 is not limited to printing, and other methods may be used. FIGS. 12 and 13 are diagrams showing other examples of the display method of the second image I2. As shown in FIG. 12A, the input device 1 may include a display sheet 11 separate from the light guide plate 2. The second image I2 may be printed on the display sheet 11. The display sheet 11 may be provided on the exit surface 21 side of the light guide plate 2. Alternatively, the display sheet 11 may be provided on the back surface 22 side of the light guide plate 2.

As shown in FIG. 12B, the input device 1 may include a display panel 12 separate from the light guide panel 2. The second image I2 may be printed on the display panel 12. The display panel 12 may be a half mirror. Alternatively, the display panel 12 may be a translucent panel. Alternatively, a part of the display panel 12 may be a half mirror or a translucent panel. The display panel 12 may be provided on the exit surface 21 side of the light guide panel 2. Alternatively, the display panel 12 may be provided on the back surface 22 side of the light guide panel 2.

As shown in FIG. 12C, the input device 1 may further include a second light source 8 separate from the above-mentioned light source 4, and a second light guide plate 7 separate from the above-mentioned light guide plate 2. The second light guide plate 7 may guide light from the second light source 8 to form a second image I2. The second light guide plate 7 may be provided on the exit surface 21 side of the light guide plate 2. Alternatively, the second light guide plate 7 may be provided on the back surface 22 side of the light guide plate 2.

As shown in FIG. 12D, the input device 1 may include a display 9. The display 9 may be, for example, an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display). Alternatively, the display 9 may be another type of display, such as an organic electroluminescence (EL) display. The display 9 is disposed on the rear surface 22 side of the light guide plate 2. The display 9 displays the second image I2.

As shown in FIG. 13, the input device 1 may further include a second light source 8 in addition to the light source 4 described above. The light guide plate 2 may guide light from the second light source 8 to form a second image I2.

In the input device 1 shown in FIG. 12C, FIG. 12D, or FIG. 13, the controller 5 can change the second image I2. In this case, the controller 5 may change the second image I2 in response to an input action by the user. For example, as in a fifth modified example shown in FIG. 14A and FIG. 14B, images I23 and I24 indicating an operation mode selected by an input action by the user may be selectively displayed as the second image I2.

The second image I2 may be displayed on a surface different from the first image I1, not limited to a surface parallel to the light guide plate 2. For example, FIG. 15A is a front view showing the second image I2 according to the sixth modified example. FIG. 15B is a side view showing the second image I2 according to the sixth modified example. As shown in FIGS. 15A and 15B, the second image I2 may be displayed on a surface parallel to the surface on which the first image I1 is displayed. Alternatively, as in the seventh modified example shown in FIGS. 16A and 16B, the second image I2 may be displayed on a surface perpendicular to the surface on which the first image I1 is displayed. Alternatively, as in the eighth modified example shown in FIGS. 17A and 17B, the second image I2 may include images I21, I22, and I23 displayed on a surface parallel to the surface on which the first images I11, I12, and I13 are displayed, and an image I24 displayed on a surface perpendicular to the surface on which the first images I11, I12, and I13 are displayed.

As shown in FIG. 18, the sensor 4 may detect an object in a detection space S1 that is a predetermined distance L1 away from the imaging position of the first image I1. For example, the detection space S1 is a predetermined distance L1 away from the pressing surface I14 of the first image I1. The detection space S1 is away from the imaging position of the first image I1 in the direction in which the first image I1 protrudes from the light guide plate 2. The detection space S1 is away from the imaging position of the first image I1 in the operation direction of the first image I1. The predetermined distance L1 may be, for example, 1 cm or more and 3 cm or less. However, the predetermined distance L1 is not limited to these distances and may be changed.

The controller 5 may detect an input action of the user on the first image I1 based on the output from the sensor 4. The process by the controller 5 when the input action of the user on the first image I1 is detected is the same as the process described above. This makes it possible to change the first image I1 slightly faster in response to the user's input action. As a result, the operability can be improved.

As shown in FIG. 19, the detection space S1 may be located within a range of a predetermined distance L2 from the light guide plate 2. The predetermined distance L2 may be, for example, twice the height L3 of the first image I1. The height L3 of the first image I1 is the size of the first image I1 in the operation direction of the first image I1.

The configuration of the light guide plate 2 may be changed. For example, the multiple light guide sections may focus an image I1 in space by accumulating linear or planar light at a predetermined position.

The image displayed by the light guide plate 2 is not limited to that of the above embodiment, and may be changed. Alternatively, the light guide plate 2 may display a combination of the images of the above embodiment. The controller 5 may change the color or brightness of the image in response to the user's input action. The input device 1 may include a speaker or an audio output device such as a buzzer. The controller 5 may change the tone, scale, voice, melody, etc. in response to the user's input action. The controller 5 may change any combination of image, color, brightness, sound, etc. in response to the user's input action.

The above-mentioned input device 1 can be applied to devices such as warm water washing toilet seats, washstands, faucets, range hoods, dishwashers, refrigerators, microwave ovens, induction cooking heaters, electrolytic water generators, elevators, intercoms, lighting, door opening and closing devices, televisions, stereo systems, air conditioners, washing machines, ticket issuing machines, or ticket vending machines.

By applying the above-mentioned input device 1 to these devices, it is possible to obtain advantages such as making the input device 1 easier to clean since it is smooth, improving the design since a 3D image can be displayed only when necessary, being hygienic since it can be operated without touching the input device 1, and being less likely to break since it has no moving parts. Alternatively, the above-mentioned input device 1 can be applied to devices such as ATMs (automated teller machines) or credit card readers. By applying the above-mentioned input device 1 to these devices, input traces such as finger marks, fingerprints, or body temperature are not left on the input device 1. This can improve security.

The present invention provides an input device that makes it easy to obtain a three-dimensional effect from an image.

2 Light guide plate 3 Light source 7 Second light guide plate 8 Second light source 9 Display 11 Display sheet 12 Display plate I1 First image I2 Second image

Claims (10)

A light source;
a light guide plate including a prism, the light guide plate guiding the light from the light source by the prism to form a first image in space;
a sensor that detects an object in a space including the imaging position of the first image or in a space a predetermined distance away from the imaging position of the first image;
a second image displayed on a surface different from the surface on which the first image is displayed;
Equipped with
the second image is displayed on the light guide plate;
Input device. The second image is printed on the light guide plate.
The input device according to claim 1 . A display plate separate from the light guide plate is further provided,
The second image is printed on the display panel.
The input device according to claim 1 . A light source;
a light guide plate including a prism, the light guide plate guiding the light from the light source by the prism to form a first image in space;
A display plate separate from the light guide plate;
a sensor that detects an object in a space including the imaging position of the first image or in a space a predetermined distance away from the imaging position of the first image;
a second image displayed on a surface different from the surface on which the first image is displayed;
Equipped with
The second image is printed on the display panel.
Input device. The display panel includes a half mirror at least in a portion thereof.
5. The input device according to claim 4 . Further comprising a second light source;
The light guide plate guides the light from the second light source to form the second image on the light guide plate.
The input device according to claim 1 . A second light source;
a second light guide plate that guides light from the second light source to form the second image;
The input device of claim 1 further comprising: Further comprising a display disposed on a rear side of the light guide plate and displaying the second image.
The input device according to claim 1 . The second image has a shape that is the same as or similar to the first image.
9. An input device according to claim 1. The second image includes text.
10. An input device according to claim 1.

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