JP7672364B2 - Input Devices - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to an input device.

Patent Document 1 discloses a gesture input device that performs operations on vehicle equipment based on the movement of a specific part of the operator's body. In this gesture input device, the display image on the display unit of the vehicle equipment is switched and an operation input is performed based on the operator's body movement detected by a motion detection unit.

JP 2015-184841 A

However, with the above-mentioned gesture input device, there is a risk that it may be difficult for the user to recognize what actions are required to input.

One aspect of the present invention aims to realize an input device that allows the user to easily recognize the input actions required to perform input.

In order to solve the above problem, an input device according to one aspect of the present invention is an input device including a sensor that detects an object at a detection point in space in a non-contact manner, and an input detection unit that detects an input by a user in response to the detection of the object by the sensor, and further includes a display device that displays an image indicating the detection point in space, and is characterized in that the sensor detects the object in an area that is a predetermined distance away in the opposite direction to the direction in which the input action is performed from the position where the image is formed in the direction in which the input action is performed.

An input device according to one aspect of the present invention is an inexpensive device that can detect input only when the user intends it.

1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a main part of an input device according to an embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a stereoscopic image display unit. FIG. 2A is a diagram showing an example of a position detection sensor, and FIG. 2B is a diagram showing the configuration of one limited reflection sensor. FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating the configuration of another example of a position detection sensor. FIG. 1 illustrates a first specific example of an input device. FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a modified example of the first specific example of the input device. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing the positional relationship between a first detection point and a second detection point. FIG. 13A is a diagram showing a second specific example of the input device, and FIG. 13B is a diagram showing an example of displaying a stereoscopic image different from the stereoscopic image in FIG. 13A in the second specific example. FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of an image indicating the direction of an input action by a user. 8A and 8B are diagrams for explaining examples of installation positions of position detection sensors in the input device shown in FIGS. 7A and 7B, where FIG. 8A is a perspective view, FIG. 8B is a side view, and FIG. 8C is a top view. 8A and 8B are diagrams for explaining another example of the installation position of the position detection sensor in the input device shown in FIG. 7A and FIG. 7B, where FIG. 8A is an oblique view, FIG. 8B is a side view, and FIG. 8C is a top view. FIG. 13A is a diagram showing a modified example of the second specific example of the input device, and FIG. 13B is a diagram showing another modified example of the second specific example of the input device. 11A and 11B are diagrams for explaining examples of installation positions of position detection sensors in the input device shown in FIG. 11A and FIG. 11B, where FIG. 11A is a perspective view, FIG. 11B is a side view, and FIG. 11C is a top view. 11A and 11B are diagrams for explaining another example of the installation position of the position detection sensor in the input device shown in FIG. 11A and FIG. 11B, where FIG. 11A is an oblique view, FIG. 11B is a side view, and FIG. 11C is a top view. FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating a third specific example of an input device. FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating an example of a position detection sensor in a third specific example. FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a distance measuring sensor as another example of the position detection sensor in the third specific example. FIG. 13 is a diagram showing yet another example of the position detection sensor in the third specific example. 13A to 13C are diagrams showing a state in which the input device is applied to an input section of an elevator. FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a state in which the above-mentioned input device is applied to an input section of a warm water toilet seat washer. FIG. 13 is a perspective view of an input device as a modified example of the input device according to the embodiment. 3 is a cross-sectional view showing a configuration of a stereoscopic image display unit included in the input device. FIG. FIG. 2 is a plan view showing a configuration of the stereoscopic image display unit. 4 is a perspective view showing a configuration of an optical path changing section included in the stereoscopic image display section. FIG. FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing an arrangement of the optical path changing units. 4 is a perspective view showing a method of forming a stereoscopic image by the stereoscopic image display unit. FIG. FIG. 13 is a perspective view of an input device as another modified example of the input device according to the embodiment. 3 is a cross-sectional view showing a configuration of a stereoscopic image display unit included in the input device. FIG. 13A and 13B are diagrams showing a display example of a display method using an optical element. 4 is a diagram showing a range in which a position detection sensor included in the input device detects an object. FIG. 1A and 1B are perspective views showing an example of a gaming machine to which the input device is applied.

Below, an embodiment of one aspect of the present invention (hereinafter also referred to as "this embodiment") will be described with reference to the drawings.

§1 Application Example An embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail below. Note that, for convenience of explanation, in the following description, the +X direction in Fig. 2 may be referred to as the forward direction, the -X direction as the backward direction, the +Y direction as the upward direction, the -Y direction as the downward direction, the +z direction as the rightward direction, and the -z direction as the leftward direction.

Fig. 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the main parts of an input device 1 according to this embodiment. As shown in Fig. 1, the input device 1 includes a stereoscopic image display unit 10, a position detection sensor 20, a control unit 30, a storage unit 40, and a speaker 50 (audio output unit).

The stereoscopic image display unit 10 displays an image showing the detection points (first and second detection points described below) detected by the position detection sensor 20. This makes it easier for the user to recognize the input action for making an input.

Figure 2 is a perspective view of the stereoscopic image display unit 10. The stereoscopic image display unit 10 forms a stereoscopic image in a space without a screen, which is viewed by the user. Figure 2 shows the stereoscopic image display unit 10 displaying a stereoscopic image I, more specifically, a button-shaped stereoscopic image I with the word "ON" displayed on it. As shown in Figure 2, the stereoscopic image display unit 10 includes a light guide plate 11 and a light source 12.

The light guide plate 11 guides the light incident from the light source 12 and emits it from the emission surface 11a, forming the image in space. The light guide plate 11 has a rectangular parallelepiped shape and is molded from a resin material that is transparent and has a relatively high refractive index. The material forming the light guide plate 11 may be, for example, polycarbonate resin, polymethyl methacrylate resin, glass, etc. The light guide plate 11 has an emission surface 11a that emits light, a back surface 11b opposite the emission surface 11a, and end surfaces 11c, 11d, 11e, and 11f that are the four end surfaces. The end surface 11c is an entrance surface where the light projected from the light source 12 enters the light guide plate 11. The end surface 11d is the surface opposite the end surface 11c. The end surface 11e is the surface opposite the end surface 11f. The light guide plate 11 guides light from the light source 12 in a plane parallel to the light output surface 11a, spreading the light over the surface. The light source 12 is, for example, an LED (light emitting diode) light source.

On the back surface 11b of the light guide plate 11, a plurality of light path changing sections 13 including light path changing section 13a, light path changing section 13b, and light path changing section 13c are formed. The light path changing sections 13 are formed substantially continuously in the Z-axis direction. In other words, the plurality of light path changing sections 13 are formed along predetermined lines in a plane parallel to the exit surface 11a. Light projected from the light source 12 and guided by the light guide plate 11 is incident on each position of the light path changing section 13 in the Z-axis direction. The light path changing section 13 substantially converges the light incident on each position of the light path changing section 13 to a fixed point corresponding to each light path changing section 13. FIG. 2 particularly shows optical path changing unit 13a, optical path changing unit 13b, and optical path changing unit 13c as part of optical path changing unit 13, and shows how multiple beams of light emitted from optical path changing unit 13a, optical path changing unit 13b, and optical path changing unit 13c converge in optical path changing unit 13a, optical path changing unit 13b, and optical path changing unit 13c, respectively.

Specifically, the light path changing unit 13a corresponds to a fixed point PA of the stereoscopic image I. Light from each position of the light path changing unit 13a converges to the fixed point PA. Therefore, the wavefront of light from the light path changing unit 13a becomes a wavefront of light that emanates from the fixed point PA. The light path changing unit 13b corresponds to a fixed point PB on the stereoscopic image I. Light from each position of the light path changing unit 13b converges to the fixed point PB. In this way, light from each position of any light path changing unit 13 substantially converges to a fixed point corresponding to each light path changing unit 13. This allows any light path changing unit 13 to provide a wavefront of light that emanates from the corresponding fixed point. The fixed points corresponding to each light path changing unit 13 are different from each other, and a stereoscopic image I recognized by the user is formed in space (more specifically, in the space on the exit surface 11a side from the light guide plate 11) by a collection of multiple fixed points corresponding to each light path changing unit 13.

As shown in FIG. 2, the optical path changing section 13a, the optical path changing section 13b, and the optical path changing section 13c are formed along the lines La, Lb, and Lc, respectively. Here, the lines La, Lb, and Lc are straight lines that are approximately parallel to the Z-axis direction. Any optical path changing section 13 is formed substantially continuously along a straight line that is parallel to the Z-axis direction.

The position detection sensor 20 detects objects at multiple detection points in space in a non-contact manner. In this embodiment, the detection points include a first detection point for detecting a user's input action for input, and a second detection point for preventing erroneous detection of the input action. Note that in this specification, a "detection point" includes not only a point, but also a certain area. Furthermore, when the position detection sensor 20 detects an object at a detection point, it outputs data indicating the detected position and time to the control unit 30 and the memory unit 40.

Figure 3 (a) is a diagram showing an example of a position detection sensor 20. In the example shown in Figure 3 (a), the position detection sensor 20 has a configuration in which multiple limited reflection sensors 21 are combined. Each limited reflection sensor 21 detects an object at one detection point.

Figure 3 (b) is a diagram showing the configuration of one limited reflection sensor 21. The limited reflection sensor 21 is a sensor that detects an object at detection point P1. As shown in Figure 3 (a), the limited reflection sensor 21 includes a light emitting unit 21a, a light projecting lens 21b, a light receiving lens 21c, and a light receiving unit 21d. The light projecting lens 21b focuses the light emitted by the light emitting unit 21a onto the detection point P1. If an object is present at the detection point, the light reflected by the object is received by the light receiving unit 21d via the light receiving lens 21c. The limited reflection sensor 21 detects the position of the object according to the position at which the light is received by the light receiving unit 21d.

Figure 4 is a diagram showing the configuration of the position detection sensor 22 as another example of the position detection sensor 20. In the example shown in Figure 4, the position detection sensor 22 detects objects at the detection points P2, P3, and P4. Specifically, the position detection sensor 22 includes a light emitting unit 22a, a light projection lens 22b, a light branching unit 22c, and a number of light receiving units 22d. The light projecting lens 22b focuses the light emitted by the light emitting unit 22a onto the light branching unit 22c. The light branching unit 22c branches the light in the direction of a number of detection points. When an object is present at each of the detection points P2, P3, and P4, the light reflected by the object is received by the light receiving unit 22d corresponding to the detection point. The number of detection points may be two or four or more. In that case, the position detection sensor 22 only needs to include a number of light receiving units 22d equal to the number of detection points.

Such a position detection sensor 20 can be installed on the rear surface of the light guide plate 11 of the stereoscopic image display unit 10. This allows the input device 1 to be a compact unit.

The control unit 30 controls the operation of the input device 1. The control unit 30 includes an input detection unit 31 and an alarm unit 32.

The input detection unit 31 detects an input by a user according to multiple detection results by the position detection sensor 20. Specifically, the input detection unit 31 detects the input when the position detection sensor 20 detects the object at multiple detection points in a predetermined order.

The notification unit 32 notifies the user of the detection result of the input detection unit 31. Specifically, the notification unit 32 notifies the user both when the input detection unit 31 detects an input by the user and when it does not detect it. However, the notification unit 32 may notify the user only when the input detection unit 31 detects an input by the user or when it does not detect it. The notification unit 32 may notify the user using, for example, the stereoscopic image display unit 10 or the speaker 50.

The memory unit 40 stores data necessary for the control of the input device 1 by the control unit 30. The memory unit 40 stores, for example, the time when the position detection sensor 20 detects an object and the position of the detection point. Note that the input device 1 does not necessarily need to include the memory unit 40, and may be communicably connected to a storage device provided outside the input device 1.

The speaker 50 is a device for outputting sound. The speaker 50 is used for notifying the user by the notification unit 32 described above. However, if the notification unit 32 notifies the user only by the stereoscopic image display unit 10, the input device 1 does not need to include the speaker 50.

§2 Configuration Examples The configuration of the present invention will be described below with reference to specific examples.

(First concrete example)
Fig. 5 is a diagram showing a first specific example of the input device 1. Fig. 5 shows a stereoscopic image displayed by the stereoscopic image display unit 10 and detection points by the position detection sensor 20. In the example shown in Fig. 5, the stereoscopic image display unit 10 displays a stereoscopic image IA of one button. The detection points by the position detection sensor 20 include a first detection point PA11 located at the center of the stereoscopic image IA, and three second detection points PA21, PA22, and PA23 located around the first detection point PA11.

In the example shown in FIG. 5, the stereoscopic image IA is displayed three-dimensionally according to the position of the first detection point PA11. This allows the user to easily recognize the position of the first detection point PA11, which is the detection point for input.

When the position detection sensor 20 detects an object at the first detection point PA11, the input detection unit 31 determines whether or not an object has been detected at any of the second detection points PA21 to PA23 within a predetermined first period from the time the object was detected. The length of the first period may be, for example, 0.1 to 0.2 seconds, or 0.2 to 0.4 seconds.

When the position detection sensor 20 detects an object at any of the second detection points PA21-PA23 within a predetermined first period, the input detection unit 31 detects an input. On the other hand, when the position detection sensor 20 detects an object at the first detection point PA11 within the predetermined first period from the time when the position detection sensor 20 detects an object at any of the second detection points PA21-PA23, the input detection unit 31 does not detect an input. In this case, the second detection points PA21-PA23 can be said to function as detection points for preventing malfunction of the first detection point PA11.

Therefore, the input detection unit 31 detects an input when, for example, the user places a pointer F (object) such as a finger in the center of the stereoscopic image IA and then performs an action of pressing down the stereoscopic image IA. In this case, the input detection unit 31 detects an input by the position detection sensor 20 detecting the pointer F at the first detection point PA11 and then detecting the pointer F at the second detection point PA23. It is considered that the possibility of the user performing such an action unintentionally is small. In addition, even if an insect or the like passes near the input device 1, it is considered that the possibility of passing the first detection point PA11 and the second detection points PA21 to PA23 in the above order is small. Therefore, according to the input device 1, it is possible to detect an input only when the user intends to do so. In addition, since the input device 1 detects an input using the position detection sensor 20, it is possible to reduce costs compared to a gesture input device such as that disclosed in Patent Document 1, for example.

The input detection unit 31 may detect an input when the position detection sensor 20 detects a pointer F at the first detection point PA11 and then detects a pointer F at the second detection point PA21 or PA22. In this case, the input detection unit 31 can respond to operations in any direction. The pointer F may be, for example, a pen in addition to the user's finger.

The input detection unit 31 may also detect that an erroneous input has occurred that is not due to the user's intention when the position detection sensor 20 detects an object at any of the second detection points PA21 to PA23. In this case, the input detection unit 31 can prevent the detection of an erroneous input under the simple condition that the position detection sensor 20 detects an object at any of the second detection points PA21 to PA23.

The number of second detection points may be three as shown in FIG. 5, or may be even more. That is, in the input device according to this embodiment, the number of second detection points may be, for example, three or more. In this case, erroneous detection can be prevented with high accuracy.

On the other hand, in the input device according to this embodiment, the number of second detection points may be, for example, two. Specifically, in the example shown in FIG. 5, the second detection point PA21 may be omitted. In this case, the input device 1 can have a simple configuration.

Figure 6 is a diagram showing a modified example of the first specific example of the input device 1. Figure 6 shows a stereoscopic image displayed by the stereoscopic image display unit 10 and detection points by the position detection sensor 20. In the example shown in Figure 6, the stereoscopic image display unit 10 displays four stereoscopic images IA. The detection points by the position detection sensor 20 include first detection points PA11, PA12, PA13, and PA14 located at the center of each of the four stereoscopic images IA, and second detection points PA21, PA22, PA23, PA24, PA25, PA26, PA27, PA28, and PA29 located around the first detection points PA11 to PA14.

In the example shown in FIG. 6, the second detection point PA23 is located around both the first detection points PA11 and PA12. Therefore, the second detection point PA23 functions as a detection point for preventing malfunctions for both the first detection points PA11 and PA12. In other words, the second detection point PA23 is shared as a detection point for preventing malfunctions for the first detection points PA11 and PA12. Similarly, the second detection points PA25 and PA27 are shared as detection points for preventing malfunctions for the two adjacent first detection points.

In this way, in the input device 1, there may be a plurality of first detection points (PA11 to PA14), and at least one of the second detection points PA21 to PA29 may be disposed between the plurality of first detection points. Here, "between the plurality of first detection points" is not limited to the middle of the straight line connecting the plurality of first detection points, but means an area that is approximately equal in distance from the plurality of first detection points. In this case, the second detection point disposed between the plurality of first detection points functions as a detection point for preventing erroneous detection of an input operation for all of the plurality of first detection points. Therefore, the number of detection points can be reduced, and the configuration of the position detection sensor 20 can be simplified.

The notification unit 32 may output different sounds from the speaker 50 when the position detection sensor 20 detects an object at any of the first detection points PA11 to PA14 and when it detects an object at any of the second detection points PA21 to PA29. It is preferable that the sounds output for the first detection points PA11 to PA14 and the second detection points PA21 to PA29 are different from each other. In this case, the user can get a sense of operation by inputting.

In addition, when the position detection sensor 20 detects an object at any of the first detection points PA11-PA14 and the second detection points PA21-PA29, the notification unit 32 may notify the user of this through the stereoscopic image display unit 10. For example, the stereoscopic image display unit 10 may change the color of the stereoscopic image IA depending on whether the position detection sensor 20 detects an object at any of the first detection points PA11-PA14 or any of the second detection points PA21-PA29. In addition, the stereoscopic image display unit 10 may stop displaying the image when the position detection sensor 20 detects an object at any of the second detection points PA21-PA29.

In addition, when the notification unit 32 detects an object at any of the second detection points PA21 to PA29 but does not detect an input, it notifies the user of this. For example, the notification unit 32 may notify the user by changing the color of the stereoscopic image IA or by erasing the display of the stereoscopic image IA. In addition, the notification unit 32 may output a sound that is different from the sound that is output when an object has been detected at any of the first detection points PA11 to PA14 earlier.

Figure 7 is a diagram showing the positional relationship between the first detection point PA11 and the second detection points PA21 and PA22. In the example shown in Figure 7, the second detection points PA21 and PA22 are located farther away from the stereoscopic image display unit 10 than the first detection point PA11. Although not shown in Figure 7, the second detection point PA23 may also be located farther away from the stereoscopic image display unit 10 than the first detection point PA11. In this case, the second detection points PA21 to PA23 are located closer to the user than the first detection point PA11. Therefore, the input detection unit 31 can detect erroneous detection of an input operation by the position detection sensor 20 more quickly.

(Second Specific Example)
Fig. 8A is a diagram showing a second specific example of the input device 1. Fig. 8A shows a stereoscopic image displayed by the stereoscopic image display unit 10 and points detected by the position detection sensor 20. The second specific example differs from the first specific example in the positions of the points detected by the position detection sensor 20.

In the example shown in FIG. 8(a), the detection points detected by the position detection sensor 20 include detection points PB1 (third detection point) and PB2 (fourth detection point) located at the top and bottom of the stereoscopic image IA, as well as detection points PB3 (fifth detection point) and PB4 (sixth detection point) located at the left and right of the stereoscopic image IA. Detection points PB1 and PB2 are different from each other. Detection points PB3 and PB4 are located at both ends of a line segment (second line segment) that intersects with a line segment (first line segment) whose ends are detection points PB1 and PB2.

In the example shown in FIG. 8(a), the input detection unit 31 detects an input when the position detection sensor 20 detects an object at detection point PB1, then detects an object at detection point PB2 within a predetermined second period, and does not detect an object at detection points PB3 and PB4 during the period from the time the object is detected at detection point PB1 to the time the object is detected at detection point PB2. The length of the second period may be, for example, the same as the first period described above. In this case, it can be said that the detection points PB3 and PB4 function as detection points for preventing malfunctions at detection points PB1 and PB2.

When a user performs an input operation on the input device 1 shown in FIG. 8(a), the user simply presses a button on the stereoscopic image IA and passes a pointer F, such as a finger, through detection points PB1 and PB2 in order. If the pointer F does not pass through either detection points PB3 or PB4, the input detection unit 31 of the input device 1 detects an input by the user. More specifically, the user simply passes the pointer F from top to bottom through detection points PB1 and PB2.

On the other hand, for example, if an object simply passes through the space in which the stereoscopic image IA is displayed, the object is likely to be detected at at least one of the detection points PB3 and PB4 between the time it is detected at one of the detection points PB1 and PB2 and the time it is detected at the other. Therefore, even with the example shown in FIG. 8(a), it is possible to detect an input only when the user intends it to.

It is preferable that the distance between each of detection points PB3 and PB4 and the perpendicular bisector of the first line segment is less than half the length of the first line segment. In this case, the possibility that an object will be detected at at least one of detection points PB3 and PB4 during the time between when the object is detected at one of detection points PB1 and PB2 and when the object is detected at the other detection point is further increased.

In addition, some conventional input devices detect an input when an object is continuously detected at the detection point for a predetermined period of time to prevent false detection. In such conventional input devices, the user must wait for a predetermined period of time with a finger or the like placed at the detection point. Compared to such conventional input devices, input device 1 has the advantage of being able to detect an input in a short time.

8B is a diagram showing an example of displaying a stereoscopic image IB different from the stereoscopic image IA in the second specific example. The stereoscopic image IA displayed in the example shown in FIG. 8A was an image of a button whose top surface is inclined relative to the stereoscopic image display unit 10. On the other hand, in the example shown in FIG. 8B, the stereoscopic image display unit 10 displays a stereoscopic image IB. The stereoscopic image IB is an image of a button whose top surface is perpendicular to the stereoscopic image display unit 10. An input device 1 that displays such a stereoscopic image IB can also detect an input based on the detection result by a position detection sensor 20 that detects detection points PB1, PB2, PB3, and PB4 similar to the example shown in FIG. 8A.

Figure 9 is a diagram showing an example of an image indicating the direction of an input action by a user. In addition to the stereoscopic image IA or IB, the input device 1 may display an image indicating the direction of an input action by a user, as shown in Figure 9. By displaying this image, the input device 1 can show the user what action the user should perform to input.

Figure 10 is a diagram for explaining an example of the installation position of the position detection sensor 20 in the input device 1 shown in Figures 8(a) and (b), where (a) is a perspective view, (b) is a side view, and (c) is a top view. In Figures 10(a) to (c), the origin of the coordinate axes is located at the center of the surface of the input device 1. In Figures 10(a) to (c), only the position of the position detection sensor 20 is shown. In Figures 10(b) and (c), the input device 1 is omitted.

As described above, in the input device 1 shown in (a) and (b) of FIG. 8, the input detection unit 31 detects an input when the pointer F passes from top to bottom through detection points PB1 and PB2. In such an input device 1, it is preferable that the position detection sensor 20 is disposed at a position closer to detection point PB2 than to detection point PB1. In other words, it is preferable that the position detection sensor 20 is disposed downstream of the operation of detecting the input.

As shown in FIG. 10(b), if the position detection sensor 20 is disposed downstream of the input detection operation, there is little risk that the indicator F will block the gap between the detection points PB2 to PB4 and the position detection sensor 20 after the indicator F is detected at the detection point PB1 and before it is detected at the detection point PB2. Therefore, the position detection sensor 20 can properly detect the user's finger at the detection points PB1 to PB4.

For comparison, consider the case where the input detection unit 31 detects an input when the position detection sensor 20 detects an object at detection point PB1 after detecting an object at detection point PB2. In this case, the position detection sensor 20 arranged on the lower side of the input device 1 is arranged upstream of the operation of the input detection unit 31 to detect the input. In this case, as shown in FIG. 10(b), after the indicator F is detected at detection point PB2, there is a high risk that the indicator F will block the gap between the detection points PB1, PB3, and PB4 and the position detection sensor 20 until it is detected at detection point PB1. For this reason, there is a risk that the position detection sensor 20 will not be able to properly detect the user's finger.

The position of the position detection sensor 20 in the left-right direction is independent of whether it is upstream or downstream of the input action. Therefore, as shown in (a) and (c) of FIG. 10, the position detection sensor 20 may be placed at any position in the left-right direction.

Figure 11 is a diagram for explaining another example of the installation position of the position detection sensor 20 in the input device 1 shown in Figures 8(a) and (b), where (a) is a perspective view, (b) is a side view, and (c) is a top view. In Figures 11(a) to (c), the origin of the coordinate axes is located at the center of the surface of the input device 1. In Figures 11(a) to (c), only the position of the position detection sensor 20 is shown. In Figures 11(b) and (c), the input device 1 is also omitted.

In (a) to (c) of FIG. 11, the position detection sensor 20 is located near the center in the vertical direction of the input device 1. In other words, the position of the position detection sensor 20 is neither upstream nor downstream in the operation of the input detection unit 31 to detect input. Even when the position detection sensor 20 is located in such a position, the position detection sensor 20 can properly detect the indicator F at the detection points PB1 to PB4.

Figure 12(a) is a diagram showing a modified example of the second specific example of the input device 1. In the example shown in Figure 12(a), the stereoscopic image display unit 10 displays a stereoscopic image IC of a lever instead of a stereoscopic image IA of a button. In addition, the detection points detected by the position detection sensor 20 include detection point PB1 located on the right side of the stereoscopic image IC, detection point PB2 located on the left side, detection point PB3 located above the stereoscopic image IC, and detection point PB4 located below the stereoscopic image IC.

When a user performs an input operation on the input device 1 shown in FIG. 12(a), the user simply tilts the lever of the stereoscopic image IC to pass the indicator F through detection points PB1 and PB2 in sequence.

Also, as shown in FIG. 12(a), another detection point PB5 may be provided at the tip of the lever of the stereoscopic image IC. In an input device 1 having a detection point PB5, the input detection unit 31 may detect an input when an object is detected at detection point PB2 after an object is detected at detection point PB5.

Figure 12(b) is a diagram showing another modified example of the second specific example of the input device 1. In the example shown in Figure 12(b), the stereoscopic image display unit 10 displays a stereoscopic image ID of a dial instead of a stereoscopic image IC of a lever. The positions of detection points PB1, PB2, PB3, PB4, and PB5 are the same as in the example shown in Figure 12(a). Even in an input device 1 that displays such a stereoscopic image ID, the input detection unit 31 can detect an input based on the detection results by the position detection sensor 20 that detects detection points PB1, PB2, PB3, PB4, and PB5 similar to the example shown in Figure 12(a).

In this way, by matching the operation direction indicated by the displayed stereoscopic image with the order of detection points used by the input detection unit 31 to detect input, the user can intuitively perform input operations on the input device 1.

Figure 13 is a diagram for explaining an example of the installation position of the position detection sensor 20 in the input device 1 shown in Figures 12(a) and (b), where (a) is a perspective view, (b) is a side view, and (c) is a top view. In Figures 13(a) to (c), the origin of the coordinate axes is located at the center of the surface of the input device 1. In Figures 13(a) to (c), only the position of the position detection sensor 20 is shown. In Figures 13(b) and (c), the input device 1 is omitted.

As described above with reference to FIG. 10, in the input device 1, the position detection sensor 20 is preferably disposed downstream of the operation of the input detection unit 31 to detect the input. For this reason, in the input device 1 shown in FIGS. 12(a) and (b), it is preferably disposed on the left side of the input device 1, as shown in FIGS. 13(a) to (c). Also, in the input device 1 shown in FIGS. 11(a) and (b), the position detection sensor 20 may be disposed at any position in the vertical direction, as shown in FIGS. 13(a) and (c).

Figure 14 is a diagram for explaining another example of the installation position of the position detection sensor 20 in the input device 1 shown in Figures 12(a) and (b), where (a) is a perspective view, (b) is a side view, and (c) is a top view. In Figures 14(a) to (c), the origin of the coordinate axes is located at the center of the surface of the input device 1. Also, in Figures 14(a) to (c), only the position of the position detection sensor 20 is shown. Also, in Figures 14(b) and (c), the input device 1 is omitted.

In (a) to (c) of FIG. 14, the position detection sensor 20 is located near the center in the left-right direction of the input device 1. As with the examples shown in (a) to (c) of FIG. 11, even when the position detection sensor 20 is located in such a position, the position detection sensor 20 can properly detect the user's finger at detection points PB1 to PB4.

(Third Specific Example)
Fig. 15 is a diagram showing a third specific example of the input device 1. In the example shown in Fig. 15, the stereoscopic image display unit 10 displays a stereoscopic image IA of one button. In addition, in the example shown in Fig. 15, among the detection points by the position detection sensor 20, the first detection point for detecting the input operation of the user is only the detection point PC (first detection point) located at the center of the stereoscopic image IA. In addition, the second detection point is omitted in Fig. 15, but may be provided arbitrarily around the detection point PC.

The input detection unit 31 detects an input when the position detection sensor 20 detects an object at the same detection point PC twice (multiple times) within a predetermined third period. Detecting twice here means that there is a period between two detections during which no object is detected. Note that the input detection unit 31 may also detect an input when the position detection sensor 20 detects an object at the detection point PC three or more times.

The user can input to the input device 1, for example, by pressing the button on the stereoscopic image IA below the detection point PC and then releasing it during the third period. The third period may be, for example, the same as the first period and the second period. That is, the third period may be, for example, 0.1 seconds to 0.2 seconds, or 0.2 seconds to 0.4 seconds.

It is considered unlikely that a user will unintentionally perform an action that would cause an object to be detected multiple times in a short period of time at the same detection point PC. Therefore, the input device 1 shown in FIG. 15 can also detect an input only when the user intends to do so.

In the input device 1 shown in FIG. 15, the notification unit 32 may notify the user when the input detection unit 31 detects an input, as exemplified below. For example, the notification unit 32 may change the color or brightness of the stereoscopic image IA before and after the input detection unit 31 detects the input. In addition, if the input device 1 includes a speaker, a sound indicating that an input has been detected may be output from the speaker. In addition, if the input device 1 includes a device for stimulating the user's tactile sense, such as an ultrasonic generator, the notification unit 32 may remotely stimulate the tactile sense of the fingers.

In addition, when the input detection unit 31 detects an input, the notification unit 32 may display a stereoscopic image different from that before the input was detected. Specifically, for example, when the input detection unit 31 detects an input, the notification unit 32 may display a stereoscopic image of a button in a pressed state. To switch between stereoscopic images in this manner, the stereoscopic image display unit 10 only needs to include (i) a light guide plate 11 and a light source 12 for displaying a stereoscopic image IA, and (ii) a light guide plate 11 and a light source 12 for displaying a stereoscopic image when the input detection unit 31 detects an input, in a state superimposed on each other. The notification unit 32 can switch between stereoscopic images to be displayed by switching on and off the two light sources 12.

The notification unit 32 may display a stereoscopic image before the input detection unit 31 detects an input, and a flat image after the input is detected. In this case, it is easier for the user to recognize that the display has been switched. In this case, the stereoscopic image display unit 10 may be provided with only one light guide plate.

Fig. 16 is a diagram showing a TOF (Time Of Flight) sensor 23 as an example of the position detection sensor 20 in the third specific example. The TOF sensor 23 shown in Fig. 16 calculates the distance from the TOF sensor 23 to the pointer F based on the time it takes for light emitted from the light projecting unit 23a to be reflected by the pointer F and received by the light receiving unit 23b.

Figure 17 is a diagram showing a distance measurement sensor 24 as another example of the position detection sensor 20 in the third specific example. The distance measurement sensor 24 receives light that is irradiated through a light-projecting lens and reflected by the indicator F with a light-receiving element via a light-receiving lens. At this time, the distance measurement sensor 24 calculates the distance between the distance measurement sensor 24 and the indicator F by utilizing the fact that the light-receiving position of the light-receiving element changes depending on the distance to the indicator F.

The position detection sensor 20 in the third specific example may be, for example, a TOF sensor 23 as shown in FIG. 16, or a distance measurement sensor 24 as shown in FIG. 17. In this case, the input detection unit 31 detects an input when the position detection sensor 20 detects an object multiple times within a predetermined distance (the distance from the position detection sensor 20 to the detection point PC).

Figure 18 is a diagram showing yet another example of the position detection sensor 20 in the third specific example. As shown in Figure 18, the position detection sensor 20 may be a combination of a shell LED 25a and a photodiode 25b. The position detection sensor 20 shown in Figure 18 can be said to be a simplified version of the limited reflection sensor 21.

The position detection sensor 20 in the third specific example may be, for example, a combination of a shell LED 25a and a photodiode 25b as shown in FIG. 18. In this case, the input detection unit 31 detects an input when the position detection sensor 20 detects an object multiple times in a predetermined space (a space centered on the detection point PC).

The position detection sensor 20 may also be a sensor having a different configuration capable of detecting the indicator F at the detection point PC. For example, the position detection sensor 20 may be a motion sensor that detects the position of the indicator F and detects the motion of the indicator F.

§3 Operation Example FIGS. 19A to 19C are diagrams showing a state in which the input device of the present invention is applied to an input unit of an elevator. As shown in FIG. 19A, the input device of the present invention can be applied to, for example, an input unit 200 of an elevator. Specifically, the input unit 200 displays three-dimensional images I1 to I12. The three-dimensional images I1 to I12 are three-dimensional images formed by imaging a display (three-dimensional images I1 to I10) that accepts a user's input specifying the destination (floor) of the elevator, or a display (three-dimensional images I11 and I12) that accepts an instruction to open or close the elevator door. When the input unit 200 accepts a user's input for any one of the three-dimensional images I, it changes the imaging state of the three-dimensional image I (for example, changes the color of the three-dimensional image I) and outputs an instruction corresponding to the input to the control unit of the elevator. The display of the three-dimensional image I by the input unit 200 may be performed only when a person approaches the input unit 200. The input unit 200 may also be disposed inside the wall of the elevator.

In the input unit 200 of the elevator, for example, when there are many people in the elevator, a part of the user's body may be located at the imaging position of the stereoscopic image I, and the input unit 200 may receive an input that is not intended by the user. Therefore, the input unit 200 may receive a user's input only when a rotation operation is received for the stereoscopic image I by, for example, a motion sensor. Since a rotation operation is not usually performed unless the user intends it, it is possible to prevent the input unit 200 from receiving an input that is not intended by the user. In addition, as shown in (c) of FIG. 19, the stereoscopic image I may be configured to be displayed in a recess provided on the inner wall of the elevator. In this way, input to the stereoscopic image I is performed only when the indicator F is inserted into the recess, so it is possible to prevent the input unit 200 from receiving an input that is not intended by the user.

Figure 20 is a diagram showing the input device of the present invention applied to the input section of a warm water toilet seat washer. As shown in Figure 20, the input device of the present invention can be applied to, for example, the input section 300 (operation panel section) of a warm water toilet seat washer. Specifically, the input section 300 displays three-dimensional images I1 to I4. The three-dimensional images I1 to I4 are three-dimensional images formed by displaying an instruction to start/stop the cleaning function of the warm water toilet seat washer. When the input section 300 receives a user's input for any one of the three-dimensional images I, it changes the imaging state of the three-dimensional image I (for example, changes the color of the three-dimensional image I) and outputs an instruction corresponding to the input to the control section of the warm water toilet seat washer. Many users do not like to directly touch the operation panel of the warm water toilet seat washer for hygienic reasons. In contrast, with the input section 300, the user can operate it without directly touching (physically touching) the input section 300. Therefore, the user can operate it without worrying about hygiene. The input device of the present invention can also be applied to other devices where direct contact is undesirable from a hygienic standpoint. For example, the input device of the present invention is suitable for use in serial number issuing machines installed in hospitals and the operating parts of moving doors that are touched by an unspecified number of people. It is also suitable for serial number issuing machines installed in hospitals that have multiple options such as surgery and internal medicine, as it can display a stereoscopic image I corresponding to each option. The input device of the present invention is also suitable for use in cash registers or food ticket vending machines installed in restaurants.

In addition, the input device 1 can be applied to, for example, the input section of an ATM (Automated Teller Machine), the input section of a credit card reader, the input section for unlocking a safe, and the input section of a door that is unlocked by a PIN. In conventional PIN input devices, input is performed by physically touching the input section with a finger. In such cases, fingerprints and temperature history are left on the input section. As a result, there is a risk that the PIN will be known by others. In contrast, when the input device 1 is used as an input section, fingerprints and temperature history are not left behind, so it is possible to prevent the PIN from being known by others. As another example, the input device 1 can be applied to ticket vending machines installed in train stations, etc.

Furthermore, the input device 1 can also be applied to a light switch for a bathroom vanity, a faucet operation switch, a range hood operation switch, a dishwasher operation switch, a refrigerator operation switch, a microwave oven operation switch, an induction cooking heater operation switch, an electrolytic water generating device operation switch, an intercom operation switch, a hallway light switch, or a compact stereo system operation switch. Applying the input device 1 to these switches provides the following advantages: (i) the switch is easy to clean since it is smooth, (ii) design is improved since a 3D image can be displayed only when necessary, (iii) it is hygienic since there is no need to touch the switch, and (iv) it is less likely to break since there are no moving parts.

§4 Modifications Although the embodiment of the present invention has been described above in detail, the above description is merely an example of the present invention in every respect. It goes without saying that various improvements and modifications can be made without departing from the scope of the present invention. For example, the following modifications are possible. In the following, the same reference numerals are used for components similar to those in the above embodiment, and the description of the same points as those in the above embodiment is omitted as appropriate. The following modifications can be combined as appropriate.

<4.1>
An input device 1A as a modified example of the input device 1 will be described with reference to FIGS.

Figure 21 is a perspective view of the input device 1A. Figure 22 is a cross-sectional view showing the configuration of the stereoscopic image display unit 10A provided in the input device 1A. Figure 23 is a plan view showing the configuration of the stereoscopic image display unit 10A. Figure 24 is a perspective view showing the configuration of the optical path changing unit 16 provided in the stereoscopic image display unit 10A.

As shown in FIG. 21, input device 1A has a stereoscopic image display unit 10A instead of the stereoscopic image display unit 10 in embodiment 1. Note that input device 1 in embodiment 1 and input device 1A in this modification have the same configuration except for the fact that stereoscopic image I is formed by stereoscopic image display unit 10A, so only the method of forming stereoscopic image I by stereoscopic image display unit 10A will be described here. Configuration other than stereoscopic image display unit 10A is also omitted from the illustration in FIGS. 21 to 26.

As shown in Figures 21 and 22, the stereoscopic image display unit 10A includes a light source 12 and a light guide plate 15 (first light guide plate).

The light guide plate 15 is a member that guides the light (incident light) that is incident from the light source 12. The light guide plate 15 is molded from a transparent resin material with a relatively high refractive index. For example, polycarbonate resin, polymethyl methacrylate resin, etc. can be used as the material for forming the light guide plate 15. In this modified example, the light guide plate 15 is molded from polymethyl methacrylate resin. As shown in FIG. 22, the light guide plate 15 has an exit surface 15a (light exit surface), a back surface 15b, and an entrance surface 15c.

The exit surface 15a is a surface that emits light that has been guided inside the light guide plate 15 and has had its optical path changed by the optical path changing unit 16, which will be described later. The exit surface 15a constitutes the front surface of the light guide plate 15. The back surface 15b is a surface that is parallel to the exit surface 15a, and is the surface on which the optical path changing unit 16, which will be described later, is disposed. The entrance surface 15c is a surface through which the light emitted from the light source 12 enters the interior of the light guide plate 15.

Light emitted from the light source 12 and entering the light guide plate 15 from the entrance surface 15c is totally reflected at the exit surface 15a or the back surface 15b, and is guided within the light guide plate 15.

As shown in FIG. 22, the light path changing section 16 is formed on the back surface 15b inside the light guide plate 15, and is a member for changing the light path of the light guided inside the light guide plate 15 and emitting it from the emission surface 15a. A plurality of light path changing sections 16 are provided on the back surface 15b of the light guide plate 15.

As shown in FIG. 23, the light path changing section 16 is provided in a direction parallel to the incident surface 15c. As shown in FIG. 24, the light path changing section 16 is in a triangular pyramid shape and has a reflecting surface 16a that reflects (total reflection) the incident light. The light path changing section 16 may be, for example, a recess formed on the back surface 15b of the light guide plate 15. Note that the light path changing section 16 is not limited to a triangular pyramid shape. As shown in FIG. 23, a plurality of light path changing section groups 17a, 17b, 17c, etc., each consisting of a plurality of light path changing sections 16, are formed on the back surface 15b of the light guide plate 15.

Figure 25 is a perspective view showing the arrangement of the light path changing units 16. As shown in Figure 25, in each of the light path changing unit groups 17a, 17b, 17c, etc., the reflecting surfaces 16a of the multiple light path changing units 16 are arranged on the back surface 15b of the light guide plate 15 so that the angles with respect to the direction of light incidence are different from one another. As a result, each of the light path changing unit groups 17a, 17b, 17c, etc. changes the light path of the incident light and outputs it in various directions from the exit surface 15a.

Next, the method of forming a stereoscopic image I by the stereoscopic image display unit 10A will be described with reference to FIG. 26. Here, a case will be described in which a stereoscopic image I is formed as a planar image by light whose optical path has been changed by the optical path changing unit 16 on a stereoscopic image forming plane P, which is a plane perpendicular to the exit surface 15a of the light guide plate 15.

Figure 26 is a perspective view showing a method for forming a stereoscopic image I by the stereoscopic image display unit 10A. Note that, here, the method for forming a ring mark with a diagonal line as the stereoscopic image I on the stereoscopic image forming plane P will be described.

As shown in FIG. 26, in the stereoscopic image display unit 10A, for example, the light whose optical path has been changed by each optical path change unit 16 of the optical path change unit group 17a intersects with the stereoscopic image imaging plane P at lines La1 and La2. This causes a line image LI, which is a part of the stereoscopic image I, to be formed on the stereoscopic image imaging plane P. The line image LI is a line image parallel to the YZ plane. In this way, the line image LI of the lines La1 and La2 is formed by the light from the multiple optical path change units 16 belonging to the optical path change unit group 17a. Note that the light that forms the images of the lines La1 and La2 needs to be provided by at least two optical path change units 16 in the optical path change unit group 17a.

Similarly, the light whose path has been changed by each light path changing unit 16 of the light path changing unit group 17b intersects with the stereoscopic image forming plane P at lines Lb1, Lb2, and Lb3. This causes a line image LI, which is part of the stereoscopic image I, to be formed on the stereoscopic image forming plane P.

In addition, the light whose optical path has been changed by each optical path change unit 16 of the optical path change unit group 17c intersects with the stereoscopic image formation plane P at lines Lc1 and Lc2. This causes a line image LI, which is part of the stereoscopic image I, to be formed on the stereoscopic image formation plane P.

The positions in the X-axis direction of the line images LI formed by each of the light path change unit groups 17a, 17b, 17c... are different from each other. In the stereoscopic image display unit 10A, by reducing the distance between the light path change unit groups 17a, 17b, 17c..., it is possible to reduce the distance in the X-axis direction of the line images LI formed by each of the light path change unit groups 17a, 17b, 17c.... As a result, in the stereoscopic image display unit 10A, a stereoscopic image I, which is essentially a planar image, is formed on the stereoscopic image imaging plane P by accumulating multiple line images LI formed by light whose optical paths have been changed by each of the light path change units 16 of the light path change unit groups 17a, 17b, 17c....

The stereoscopic image forming plane P may be a plane perpendicular to the X-axis, a plane perpendicular to the Y-axis, or a plane perpendicular to the Z-axis. The stereoscopic image forming plane P may also be a plane that is not perpendicular to the X-axis, Y-axis, or Z-axis. Furthermore, the stereoscopic image forming plane P may not be a flat surface, but a curved surface. In other words, the stereoscopic image display unit 10A can form a stereoscopic image I on any surface (flat surface or curved surface) in space by using the optical path changing unit 16. Also, a three-dimensional image can be formed by combining multiple surface images.

<4.2>
An input device 1B as another modified example of the input device 1 will be described with reference to FIGS. 27 and 28. FIG.

Figure 27 is a perspective view of input device 1B. Figure 28 is a cross-sectional view showing the configuration of stereoscopic image display unit 10B provided in input device 1B.

As shown in FIG. 27, input device 1B has a stereoscopic image display unit 10B instead of stereoscopic image display unit 10. Note that input device 1 and input device 1B in this modified example have the same configuration except for the stereoscopic image I being formed by stereoscopic image display unit 10B, so only the method of forming stereoscopic image I by stereoscopic image display unit 10B will be described here. In FIG. 27 and FIG. 28, configuration other than stereoscopic image display unit 10B is not shown.

As shown in Figs. 27 and 28, the stereoscopic image display unit 10B includes an image display device 81, an imaging lens 82, a collimating lens 83, a light guide plate 84 (first light guide plate), and a mask 85. The image display device 81, the imaging lens 82, the collimating lens 83, and the light guide plate 84 are arranged in this order along the Y-axis direction. The light guide plate 84 and the mask 85 are arranged in this order along the X-axis direction.

The image display device 81 displays a two-dimensional image projected in the air by the stereoscopic image display unit 10B in the display area in response to a video signal received from a control device (not shown). The image display device 81 is, for example, a general liquid crystal display that can output image light by displaying an image in the display area. In the illustrated example, the display area of the image display device 81 and the incident surface 84a of the light guide plate 84 facing the display area are both arranged parallel to the XZ plane. In addition, the back surface 84b of the light guide plate 84 on which the prism 141 described later is arranged, and the exit surface 84c (light exit surface) that emits light to the mask 85 facing the back surface 84b are both arranged parallel to the YZ plane. Furthermore, the surface of the mask 85 on which the slit 151 described later is provided is also arranged parallel to the YZ plane. In addition, the display area of the image display device 81 and the incident surface 84a of the light guide plate 84 may be arranged opposite to each other, or the display area of the image display device 81 may be arranged at an angle with respect to the incident surface 84a.

The imaging lens 82 is disposed between the image display device 81 and the incident surface 84a. The imaging lens 82 converges the image light output from the display area of the image display device 81 in the YZ plane parallel to the longitudinal direction of the incident surface 84a, and then emits the converged light to the collimator lens 83. The imaging lens 82 may be any type of lens that can converge the image light. For example, the imaging lens 82 may be a bulk lens, a Fresnel lens, or a diffractive lens. The imaging lens 82 may also be a combination of multiple lenses arranged along the Z-axis direction.

The collimating lens 83 is disposed between the image display device 81 and the incident surface 84a. The collimating lens 83 converts the image light converged by the imaging lens 82 into parallel light in the XY plane perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the incident surface 84a. The collimating lens 83 outputs the parallelized image light to the incident surface 84a of the light guide plate 84. The collimating lens 83 may be a bulk lens and a Fresnel lens, as with the imaging lens 82. The imaging lens 82 and the collimating lens 83 may be arranged in the reverse order. The functions of the imaging lens 82 and the collimating lens 83 may be realized by one lens or by a combination of multiple lenses. In other words, as long as the image light output from the display area by the image display device 81 can be converged in the YZ plane and parallelized in the XY plane, any combination of the imaging lens 82 and the collimating lens 83 may be used.

The light guide plate 84 is made of a transparent material, receives the image light collimated by the collimating lens 83 on the incident surface 84a, and emits it from the exit surface 84c. In the illustrated example, the light guide plate 84 has a rectangular parallelepiped outer shape formed in a flat plate shape, and the surface that faces the collimating lens 83 and is parallel to the XZ plane is the incident surface 84a. The surface that is parallel to the YZ plane and exists on the negative side of the X axis is the back surface 84b, and the surface that is parallel to the YZ plane and faces the back surface 84b is the exit surface 84c. The light guide plate 84 has a plurality of prisms (exit structure, light path changing section) 141.

The multiple prisms 141 reflect the image light incident from the incident surface 84a of the light guide plate 84. The prisms 141 are provided on the back surface 84b of the light guide plate 84, protruding from the back surface 84b toward the exit surface 84c. The multiple prisms 141 are, for example, approximately triangular grooves having a predetermined width (e.g., 10 μm) in the Y-axis direction, arranged at a predetermined interval (e.g., 1 mm) in the Y-axis direction when the propagation direction of the image light is the Y-axis direction. The prism 141 has a reflection surface 141a, which is the surface closer to the incident surface 84a in the light guide direction (+Y-axis direction) of the image light among the optical surfaces of the prism 141. In the illustrated example, the multiple prisms 141 are provided on the back surface 84b parallel to the Z axis. As a result, the image light incident from the incident surface 84a propagating in the Y-axis direction is reflected by the reflecting surfaces 141a of the multiple prisms 141 arranged parallel to the Z-axis perpendicular to the Y-axis. Each of the multiple prisms 141 emits the image light emitted from different positions in the display area of the image display device 81 in the X-axis direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the incident surface 84a from the exit surface 84c, which is one surface of the light guide plate 84, toward a predetermined viewpoint 100. Details of the reflecting surface 141a will be described later.

The mask 85 is made of a material that is opaque to visible light and has a number of slits 151. The mask 85 can transmit only the light emitted from the exit surface 84c of the light guide plate 84 that travels toward the image point 101 on the plane 102 using the number of slits 151.

The multiple slits 151 transmit only light emitted from the exit surface 84c of the light guide plate 84 that travels toward the image point 101 on the plane 102. In the illustrated example, the multiple slits 151 are arranged parallel to the Z axis. Each slit 151 corresponds to one of the multiple prisms 141.

With the above configuration, the stereoscopic image display unit 10B forms and projects the image displayed on the image display device 81 onto a virtual plane 102 outside the stereoscopic image display unit 10B. Specifically, first, the image light emitted from the display area of the image display device 81 passes through the imaging lens 82 and the collimating lens 83, and then enters the entrance surface 84a, which is the end surface of the light guide plate 84. Next, the image light that enters the light guide plate 84 propagates inside the light guide plate 84 and reaches the prism 141 provided on the back surface 84b of the light guide plate 84. The image light that reaches the prism 141 is reflected by the reflecting surface 141a of the prism 141 in the positive direction of the X axis, and is emitted from the exit surface 84c of the light guide plate 84, which is arranged so as to be parallel to the YZ plane. Of the image light emitted from the exit surface 84c, the image light that passes through the slits 151 of the mask 85 is imaged at the image forming point 101 on the plane 102. That is, the image light emitted from each point in the display area of the image display device 81 can be projected onto the image forming point 101 on the plane 102 after being converged in the YZ plane and collimated in the XY plane. By performing the above processing on all points in the display area, the stereoscopic image display unit 10B can project the image output to the display area of the image display device 81 onto the plane 102. As a result, when the user looks at the virtual plane 102 from the viewpoint 100, the user can visually recognize the image projected in the air. Note that the plane 102 is a virtual plane on which the projected image is imaged, but a screen or the like may be placed to improve visibility.

<4.3>
In the input device 1, the stereoscopic image display unit 10 may separately form images for a plurality of viewpoints. For example, the stereoscopic image display unit 10 may include a right-eye display pattern for forming an image for the right eye, and a left-eye display pattern for forming an image for the left eye. In this case, the stereoscopic image display unit 10 can form an image with a three-dimensional effect. Note that the stereoscopic image display unit 10 may separately form images for three or more viewpoints.

<4.4>
The input devices 1, 1A, and 1B were equipped with stereoscopic image display units 10, 10A, and 10B, respectively. The stereoscopic image display units 10, 10A, and 10B changed the optical path of light guided inside light guide plates 11, 15, and 84, respectively, by an optical path changing unit, and emitted the light from an exit surface, thereby forming a stereoscopic image or a reference image.

However, the input device according to the present invention may display an image indicating the detection points in space in a manner different from that of the stereoscopic image display units 10, 10A, and 10B. For example, the stereoscopic image or reference image may be formed by emitting light from an optical element using light emitted from an object that is the source image of the stereoscopic image or reference image.

Examples of display devices that use light emitted from an object that serves as the source image to emit light from an optical element and form a stereoscopic image or a reference image include (1) a display device that uses a two-sided reflector array structure in which multiple mutually orthogonal mirror elements are arranged on the surface of an optical coupling element, as disclosed in Patent Document 2, and (2) a display device known as a Pepper's Ghost that uses a half mirror. In these display devices, the two-sided reflector array structure or the optical element such as the half mirror (hereinafter referred to as optical element 400) is transparent, allowing the observer to view the rear side of the display device through the optical element 400.

Figures 29(a) and (b) are diagrams showing display examples of a display method using the optical element 400. A display example when the optical element 400 is used will be described with reference to Figure 29.

In the example shown in FIG. 29(a), display N1 and display N2 (flat image display units) that display the original image that is the basis of stereoscopic image I5 are arranged on one side of optical element 400. Display N1 and display N2 are arranged parallel to each other. Light emitted from display N1 and display N2 enters optical element 400, has its optical path changed by optical element 400, and is emitted from optical element 400. Then, the light emitted from optical element 400 forms planar images I5a and I5b as stereoscopic image I5 on the opposite side of optical element 400 from the one side. That is, optical element 400 forms the light incident from display N1 and display N2 in space as stereoscopic image I5.

As described above, in the example shown in FIG. 29(a), planar images I5a and I5b are formed (i.e., a stereoscopic image I5 is formed). That is, the stereoscopic image I5 has two surfaces (planar images I5a and I5b) located on different planes. As a result, even when a transparent optical element 400 is used, this display example allows the observer to feel that the planar images I5a and I5b are formed on different planes. That is, this display example allows the observer to visually recognize a stereoscopic image I5 with a three-dimensional feel. In addition, at this time, since the second detection points (for example, the second detection points PA21 to PA23 shown in FIG. 5, etc.) are present around the stereoscopic image I5, the position detection sensor 20 can appropriately detect erroneous input using the second detection points.

In the example shown in FIG. 29B, the display N1 and the display N3 are arranged on one side of the optical element 400, emitting light that is the original image of the stereoscopic image I6. The display N3 is equipped with a transparent light guide plate that emits light that is the original image. The display N1 and the display N3 are arranged perpendicular to each other. The light emitted from the display N1 and the display N2 enters the optical element 400, and the light path is changed by the optical element 400 and emitted from the optical element 400. Then, the light emitted from the optical element 400 forms the surface image I6a and the surface image I6b as the stereoscopic image I6 on the opposite side of the optical element 400 from the one side. Since the display N3 is equipped with a transparent light guide plate, as shown in FIG. 29B, even if the display N3 is located closer to the optical element 400 than the display N1, the light emitted from the display N1 can pass through the display N3 and form the surface image I6a.

As described above, in the example shown in FIG. 29(b), planar images I6a and I6b are formed (i.e., stereoscopic image I6 is formed). That is, stereoscopic image I6 has two mutually perpendicular planes (planar images I6a and I6b). As a result, this display example allows the viewer to feel that planar images I6a and I6b are formed on different planes, even when a transparent optical element 400 is used. That is, this display example allows the viewer to visually recognize stereoscopic image I6 with a sense of three-dimensionality.

In display example 8, display N3 is provided with a transparent light guide plate that emits light, but this is not limited to the above. For example, instead of display N3, a member having light emitters (e.g., light-emitting diodes arranged in a matrix or light-emitting wires) attached to a transparent flat plate (e.g., a glass plate) may be used.

<4.5>
Furthermore, as long as the user can recognize the detection point, the input device according to the present invention does not necessarily need to display an image indicating the detection point in space, and may display it on a flat surface such as a liquid crystal display.

<4.6>
30 is a diagram showing an example of a range A1 in which the position detection sensor 20 detects an object. As shown in FIG. 30, the position detection sensor 20 in this embodiment may detect an object that is present in a range A1 on the front AF side of the stereoscopic image I and a predetermined distance in front of the stereoscopic image I in a direction perpendicular to the emission surface 11a of the light guide plate 11. In other words, the position detection sensor 20 may detect the finger F in an area that is a predetermined distance away from the position where the stereoscopic image I is formed in the direction in which the user's input operation is performed, in the opposite direction to the direction in which the input operation is performed.

Conventionally, a position detection sensor would detect a user's input by detecting that the user's finger was positioned at the position where a stereoscopic image was formed. This caused a problem in that it took a long time for the user to realize that the input device had detected their input action, making the user unsure whether the input device was accurately detecting the user's input.

In contrast, in the input device 1 described above, the position detection sensor 20 is configured to detect an object that is present in a range A1 a predetermined distance in front of the stereoscopic image I in a direction perpendicular to the exit surface 11a of the light guide plate 11. This makes it possible to notify the user that the input device 1 has accepted the user's input earlier than in the past. This allows the user to feel good about using the input device 1.

<4.7>
Next, an application example in which the input device 1 is applied to a gaming machine M will be described.

Figures 31(a) and (b) are perspective views showing an example of a gaming machine to which the input device 1 is applied. Note that the input device 1 is not shown in Figures 31(a) and (b).

As shown in FIG. 31(a), a stereoscopic image I may be formed by the input device 1 as at least one of a number of switches operated by a user on an operation panel operated by a user on the gaming machine M1.

Also, as shown in FIG. 31(b), the input device 1 may image a three-dimensional image I as a switch to be operated by the user, which is superimposed on a screen on which a performance image for the user is displayed in the gaming machine M2. In this case, the input device 1 may display the three-dimensional image I only when it is necessary for the performance.

[Software implementation example]
The control block of the input device 1 (particularly the input detection unit 31 and the notification unit 32) may be realized by a logic circuit (hardware) formed on an integrated circuit (IC chip) or the like, or may be realized by software.

In the latter case, the input device 1 includes a computer that executes the instructions of a program, which is software that realizes each function. The computer includes, for example, one or more processors, and a computer-readable recording medium that stores the program. The object of the present invention is achieved by the processor reading the program from the recording medium and executing it in the computer. The processor can be, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit). The recording medium can be a "non-transient tangible medium," such as a ROM (Read Only Memory), tape, disk, card, semiconductor memory, programmable logic circuit, etc. The input device 1 may also include a RAM (Random Access Memory) that expands the program. The program may be supplied to the computer via any transmission medium (such as a communication network or broadcast waves) that can transmit the program. One aspect of the present invention can also be realized in the form of a data signal embedded in a carrier wave, in which the program is embodied by electronic transmission.

Alternative Expressions of the Invention
The present invention can also be expressed as follows.

An input device according to one aspect of the present invention includes a sensor that detects objects in a non-contact manner at a plurality of detection points in a space, and an input detection unit that detects an input by a user in response to the detection of the object by the sensor, the detection points including a first detection point for detecting an input action of the user for the input and a second detection point for preventing erroneous detection of the input action, and further includes a display device that displays an image indicating the detection points in space.

According to the above configuration, the input detection unit in the input device detects the input with high accuracy based on the detection results from the first detection point and the second detection point. At this time, by displaying an image indicating the detection point in space using the display device, it is possible to realize an input device that allows the user to easily recognize the input action for performing the input.

In addition, in an input device according to one aspect of the present invention, the second detection points may be two points.

According to the above configuration, by setting the second detection points to two points, the input detection unit can prevent erroneous detection based on the detection results at the second detection points.

In addition, in an input device according to one aspect of the present invention, the second detection points may be three or more.

According to the above configuration, by setting the number of second detection points to three or more, the input detection unit can prevent erroneous detection with higher accuracy based on the detection results at the second detection points.

In addition, in an input device according to one aspect of the present invention, the input detection unit may detect that an erroneous input has occurred that is not due to the user's intention when the sensor detects an object at the second detection point.

With the above configuration, the input detection unit can prevent detection of erroneous input under the simple condition that the sensor detects an object at the second detection point.

In addition, in an input device according to one aspect of the present invention, the first detection points may be multiple, and at least one of the second detection points may be disposed between the multiple first detection points.

According to the above configuration, the second detection points arranged between the multiple first detection points function as detection points for preventing erroneous detection of input operations for all of the multiple first detection points. Therefore, the number of detection points can be reduced.

In addition, in an input device according to one aspect of the present invention, the second detection point may be located farther away from the display device than the first detection point.

According to the above configuration, the second detection point is located closer to the user than the first detection point, so the input detection unit can detect erroneous detection of an input action more quickly.

In an input device according to one aspect of the present invention, the detection points include (i) a third detection point and a fourth detection point that are located at different positions as the first detection point, and (ii) a fifth detection point and a sixth detection point that are located at both ends of a second line segment that intersects with a first line segment having both ends at the third detection point and the fourth detection point, and the input detection unit detects the input when the sensor detects the object at the third detection point, detects the object at the fourth detection point within a predetermined third period, and does not detect the object at the fifth detection point and the sixth detection point during the period from the time the object is detected at the third detection point to the time the object is detected at the fourth detection point.

According to the above configuration, if the sensor detects an object at the third detection point and the fourth detection point in this order due to an unintended action by the user, it is highly likely that after detecting the object at the third detection point, the sensor will detect an object at one or both of the fifth and sixth detection points before detecting the object at the fourth detection point. Therefore, it is possible to realize an input device that can detect input only when intended by the user.

In addition, in an input device according to one aspect of the present invention, the sensor may be disposed at a position closer to the fourth detection point than to the third detection point.

With the above configuration, after an object is detected at the third detection point, there is little risk that the object will block the path between the fourth to sixth detection points and the sensor before it is detected at the fourth detection point. This allows the sensor to properly detect objects at the third to sixth detection points.

In addition, in an input device according to one aspect of the present invention, the input detection unit may detect the input when the sensor detects the object at the same first detection point multiple times within a predetermined third period.

According to the above configuration, the input detection unit detects an input based on an event that is unlikely to occur unless intended by the user, that is, the sensor detects an object at the detection point multiple times within a predetermined third period. Therefore, it is possible to realize an input device that can detect an input only when intended by the user.

In addition, in an input device according to one aspect of the present invention, the display device may cause the color of the image to differ between when the sensor detects the object at the first detection point and when the sensor detects the object at the second detection point.

The above configuration allows the user to easily recognize whether the sensor has detected an object at the first detection point or the second detection point.

In addition, in the input device according to one aspect of the present invention, the display device may stop displaying the image when the sensor detects the object at the second detection point.

With the above configuration, when the sensor detects an object at the second detection point, the user can easily recognize this.

In addition, the input device according to one aspect of the present invention may further include an audio output unit that outputs audio when the sensor detects the object at the first detection point or the second detection point, and the audio output unit may output different audio when the sensor detects the object at the first detection point and when the sensor detects the object at the second detection point.

With the above configuration, the user can easily recognize by voice whether the sensor has detected an object at the first detection point or the second detection point.

In addition, in an input device according to one aspect of the present invention, the display device may include a light source and a light guide plate that guides light incident from the light source and causes it to exit from a light exit surface, thereby forming the image in space.

With the above configuration, the display device can form an image showing the detection point in space using the light source and the light guide plate.

In addition, in an input device according to one aspect of the present invention, the display device includes a planar image display unit that displays an original image that is the basis of the image, and an optical element that focuses the light incident from the planar image display unit as the image in space, and the second detection points may be present around the image.

According to the above configuration, the display device can form an image showing the detection point in space using the planar image display unit and the optical element. Furthermore, since the second detection point exists around the formed image, the sensor can properly detect erroneous input using the second detection point.

In addition, in an input device according to one aspect of the present invention, the image may be displayed three-dimensionally in accordance with the position of the first detection point.

The above configuration allows the user to easily recognize the position of the first detection point, which is the detection point for input.

In an input device according to one aspect of the present invention, the input detection unit may detect the input when the sensor detects that the object is located in an area that is a predetermined distance away in a direction opposite to the direction in which the input action is performed from a position where the image is formed in the direction in which the input action is performed.

According to the above configuration, the user's input is detected before the object reaches the position where the image is formed. Therefore, the user can be notified that the input device has accepted the user's input earlier than in the past. This allows the user to feel good about operating the input device.

The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications are possible within the scope of the claims. The technical scope of the present invention also includes embodiments obtained by appropriately combining the technical means disclosed in different embodiments.

1, 1A, 1B Input device 10, 10A, 10B Stereoscopic image display unit 12 Light source 11, 15, 84 Light guide plate 11a, 15a, 84c Emission surface 20 Position detection sensor (sensor)
31 Input detection unit 32 Notification unit

Claims (3)

a sensor that detects an object at a detection point in space in a non-contact manner;
an input detection unit that detects an input by a user in response to detection of the object by the sensor,
a display device that displays in space an image for the user to recognize an input action for performing the input ;
the sensor detects an object in an area that is a predetermined first distance away from a position where the image is formed in a direction in which the user's input action for the input is performed, in a direction opposite to the direction in which the input action is performed;
the input detection unit detects that an input by the user to the image has been received at a point in time when the sensor detects the object;
the sensor is disposed at a position that is a predetermined second distance away in a direction in which the input motion is performed from a position at which the image is formed in the direction in which the input motion is performed ,
The sensor comprises a light-emitting unit and a light-receiving unit, and at least one of the direction from the light-emitting unit to the detection point and the direction from the detection point to the light-receiving unit coincides with the direction in which the input action is performed . a sensor that detects an object at a detection point in space in a non-contact manner;
an input detection unit that detects an input by a user in response to detection of the object by the sensor,
a display device that displays in space an image for the user to recognize an input action for performing the input ;
the sensor detects an object in an area that is a predetermined first distance away from a position where the image is formed in a direction in which the user's input action for the input is performed, in a direction opposite to the direction in which the input action is performed;
The input device, characterized in that the input detection unit detects the input when the sensor detects the object at the same detection point a plurality of times within a predetermined third period. The input device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the image is displayed three-dimensionally according to the position of the detection point.

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