JP2015095210A - Operation input device - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an operation input device capable of accurately detecting gesture operation of an operation body existing in an operation space without increase of an installation area.SOLUTION: An operation input device 101 comprises: plural light-emitting elements 11 for emitting infrared ray IR to an operation space JA; a light reception element 13 on which the infrared ray IR is reflected by an operation body FG existing in the operation space JA and which receives the reflected reflection light RF; and a detection control part for detecting gesture operation of the operation body FG based on the reflection light RF received by the light reception element 13. The operation input device further comprises a substrate 19 on which the light-emitting elements 11 and the light reception element 13 are disposed. At least two of the plural light-emitting elements 11 are disposed at positions having almost equal interval from the light reception element 13. Respective infrared ray intensity distributions of the infrared rays IR emitted from the at least two light-emitting elements 11 and reached to the operation space JA are partially overlapped, and peak parts of the respective infrared ray intensity distributions exist in a direction separating from the light reception element 13.

Description

  The present invention relates to an input device used for various electronic devices, and more particularly, to an operation input device capable of performing input by a gesture operation.

  In recent years, as various electronic devices are used in various scenes, as input operations to various electronic devices, in addition to conventional operations such as pressing operations and rotating operations, sliding on a touch panel typified by a smartphone. A flicking operation is generally used. Furthermore, input operations using gestures and voices that allow more free input have become a reality.

  Patent Document 1 (Conventional Example 1) proposes an operation input device 800 capable of detecting a user's movement using a camera and performing a gesture operation. FIG. 17 is a diagram for explaining an operation input device 800 in Conventional Example 1. FIG. 17 (a) is a block diagram of the operation input device 800, and FIG. 17 (b) is applied to a vehicle. FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 17A, the operation input device 800 of Conventional Example 1 includes a visible light camera 820 and an infrared camera 830 as imaging means, and a hand region from a video signal obtained from the visible light camera 820. From the hand region detecting means 822A for detecting the hand, hand operation determining means 823A and 823B for determining the operation from the hand region obtained from the hand region detecting means 822A, and the image signal obtained from the infrared camera 830. The hand region detecting means 832B for detecting the hand region, the hand operation determining means 833C and 833D for determining the operation from the hand region obtained from the hand region detecting means 832B by different methods, and a plurality of hands by the visible light camera 820 A plurality of operation determination means (823A, 823B) and a plurality of manual operation determination means (833C, 833D) using the infrared camera 830 Manual operation determination selection means 844 that selects one determination result from the fixed results, and selection menu expression means 855 that informs the user of the menu selected based on the operation selected by the manual operation determination selection means 844. ing.

  For example, as shown in FIG. 17B, when the operation input device 800 is applied to a vehicle, the visible light camera 820 and the infrared camera 830 are mounted on the dashboard DB, and the visible light camera 820 and the infrared light are attached. The camera 830 captures an image of a hand that has entered the imaging range PA, and displays a menu intended by the user on the video superimposed display device 855A (selected menu expression means 855) on the windshield.

  As described above, the operation input device 800 can perform a gesture operation by a method using a camera. In particular, since the operation input device 800 includes the infrared camera 830, a gesture operation can be performed with high accuracy even when the surroundings are dark at night or the like. It can be recognized and the accuracy of input operations can be improved. However, the operation input device 800 has a problem that it is a complicated and expensive system due to the use of a camera and the necessity of analyzing a projected image.

  Therefore, Patent Document 2 (conventional example 2) proposes a human computer interface apparatus 900 that can detect a user's movement using infrared rays and perform a gesture operation without using a camera. FIG. 18 is a diagram for explaining a human computer interface device 900 according to the conventional example 2. FIG. 18A is a diagram showing a housing 902 including an array of transducers 911 and a user's hand HD. (B) is a diagram showing the configuration of the transducer 911. Note that only four transducers 911 (911a, 911b, 911c, and 911d) shown in FIG. 18B are shown.

  In the human computer interface device 900 of Conventional Example 2, a plurality of transducers 911 (see FIG. 18B) including an emitter 951 and a detector 952 are arranged in a housing 902 as shown in FIG. Provided. As shown in FIG. 18B, the transducer 911 is configured by combining one emitter 951 and one detector 952, from the emitter 951 to a detection space (an operation space in which the hand HD is operated). A collimated IR beam (infrared light adjusted to collimated light) 999 is emitted, and reflected light reflected by the IR beam 999 being applied to the hand HD is detected by the detector 952. Then, detection is performed for each combination of the transducers 911 (for example, the emitter 951a and the detector 952a), and the determination of each transducer 911 (911a, 911b, 911c, 911d) is combined to which position the hand HD exists. You can detect what to do.

JP 2009-104297 A Special table 2007-503653 gazette

  However, in the configuration of the conventional example 2, the respective transducers 911 must be arranged at a certain distance so that the transducers 911 do not interfere with each other. For this reason, there existed a subject that size became large and the installation position received restrictions. Further, although it is possible to grasp a rough gesture motion of a detection target such as a hand HD, there is a problem that it is difficult to detect a gesture motion in a narrow operation space of a small detection target such as a finger.

  On the other hand, in order to detect a gesture operation in a narrow operation space, it is conceivable to somehow devise the detector 952 so that the reflected light from the adjacent side does not enter, thereby reducing the distance between the adjacent transducers 911. However, since collimated light is used, there is a space where the IR beam 999 does not exist between the adjacent transducers 911, and there is a problem that a space that cannot be detected inevitably exists and detection accuracy cannot be obtained.

  SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention solves the above-described problems, and an object thereof is to provide an operation input device that can accurately detect a gesture operation of an operation body existing in an operation space without increasing an installation area.

  In order to solve this problem, the operation input device of the present invention is configured such that the infrared light is reflected by a plurality of light emitting elements that emit infrared light to the operation space and the operation body existing in the operation space, and the reflected reflected light An operation input device comprising: a light receiving element that receives light; and a detection control unit that detects a gesture operation of the operation body based on the reflected light received by the light receiving element, wherein the plurality of light emitting elements And at least two of the plurality of light emitting elements are disposed at a substantially equidistant position with respect to the light receiving element, and the at least two light emitting elements are provided. The infrared intensity distributions that have been emitted from the infrared rays and reached the operation space partially overlap each other, and the peak portion of each infrared intensity distribution exists in a direction away from the light receiving element. It is characterized in that.

  According to this, the operation input device of the present invention can secure a wide operation space without increasing the installation area, and can further increase the difference in reflected light intensity of the reflected light caused by at least two light emitting elements. Can do. Thus, the position of the operating body in the operation space can be accurately detected by detecting and analyzing the difference. Therefore, it is possible to provide an operation input device that can accurately detect the gesture motion of the operation body existing in the operation space.

  In the operation input device of the present invention, a light guide that guides the infrared light to the operation space is disposed on a light emitting portion side of the plurality of light emitting elements, and the infrared light is incident on the plurality of light guides. The incident portion to be emitted has a planar shape, the emission portion from which the infrared rays are emitted has a concave shape, and the plurality of light guides separate each of the peak portions of the infrared intensity distribution from the light receiving element. It is characterized by being present in the direction.

  According to this, it is not necessary to change the optical path by inclining each light emitting element disposed on the base body by some method. Thus, the optical path can be easily changed with a simple configuration, and the operation input device can be easily manufactured.

  In the operation input device of the present invention, the base includes a flat base and a convex base extending from the base toward the operation space, and the plurality of light emitting elements Is disposed at the base portion, and the light receiving element is disposed at the pedestal portion.

  According to this, the light receiving element is disposed at a position closer to the reflected light reflected by the operating body, and more reflected light can be received. Furthermore, the direct reception of the emitted light (infrared rays) from the light emitting element is reduced, and the adverse effects of the emitted light (infrared rays) can be reduced. By these things, the position of the operation body in the operation space can be accurately detected, and the gesture operation of the operation body existing in the operation space can be detected with higher accuracy.

  The operation input device of the present invention is a light guide sheet member in which the plurality of light guides are integrally formed.

  According to this, when disposing a plurality of light guides facing a plurality of light emitting elements, it is possible to easily dispose a plurality of light guides simply by disposing the light guide sheet member. it can. This makes it possible to manufacture the operation input device more easily.

  In the operation input device of the present invention, a transparent capacitance detection electrode is formed on one surface on the incident portion side of the light guide sheet member, and the operation body on the other surface on the emission portion side. And a capacitance detection circuit that detects a change in the capacitance value of the capacitance detection electrode when approaching or touching.

  According to this, the operating body can be detected when the operating body approaches or comes into contact with the other surface, which is on the emission part side. As a result, not only the gesture operation only but also the capacitance detection electrode and the capacitance detection circuit can be used for input, and various input operations can be performed.

  In the operation input device of the present invention, the base includes a planar flat portion facing the operation space, and a plurality of inclined portions inclined in a direction away from the operation space with the flat portion interposed therebetween. The light receiving element is disposed on the flat portion, and the light emitting elements are disposed on the plurality of inclined portions, respectively.

  According to this, the peak portion of the infrared intensity distribution can exist in the direction away from the light receiving element only by disposing the light emitting element on the inclined portion of the substrate. Thereby, the operation input device can be easily manufactured.

  In the operation input device of the present invention, the base is configured such that the position where the light receiving element is disposed is closer to the operation space than the position where the light emitting element is disposed. It is characterized by.

  According to this, the light receiving element is disposed at a position closer to the reflected light reflected by the operating body, and more reflected light can be received. Furthermore, the direct reception of the emitted light (infrared rays) from the light emitting element is reduced, and the adverse effects of the emitted light (infrared rays) can be reduced. By these things, the position of the operation body in the operation space can be accurately detected, and the gesture operation of the operation body existing in the operation space can be detected with higher accuracy.

  A transparent insulating sheet member is provided between the base and the operation space, and a transparent capacitance detection electrode is formed on one surface of the insulating sheet member on the base side. And a capacitance detection circuit that detects a change in capacitance value of the capacitance detection electrode when the operating body approaches or contacts the other surface of the insulating sheet member on the operation space side. It is characterized by.

  According to this, the operating body can be detected when the operating body approaches or comes into contact with the other surface of the insulating sheet member on the operating space side. As a result, not only the gesture operation only but also the capacitance detection electrode and the capacitance detection circuit can be used for input, and various input operations can be performed.

  The operation input device of the present invention can secure a wide operation space without increasing the installation area, and can further increase the difference in reflected light intensity of the respective reflected light caused by at least two light emitting elements. Thus, by detecting and analyzing the difference, the position of the operating body in the operation space can be accurately detected, and the gesture operation of the operating body existing in the operation space can be detected with high accuracy.

It is a perspective view explaining the operation input device of a 1st embodiment of the present invention. 2A and 2B are diagrams illustrating the operation input device according to the first embodiment of the present invention, in which FIG. 2A is a top view seen from the Z1 side shown in FIG. 1, and FIG. It is the side view seen from the Y2 side shown. It is an exploded perspective view explaining the operation input device of a 1st embodiment of the present invention. It is a schematic diagram explaining the operation input device of 1st Embodiment of this invention, Comprising: It is a cross-sectional block diagram in the IV-IV line | wire shown to Fig.2 (a). It is a figure explaining the operation input device of 1st Embodiment of this invention, Comprising: It is the schematic diagram which showed the infrared intensity distribution in operation space. It is a figure explaining the effect of the operation input device concerning a 1st embodiment of the present invention, and is a model figure used for simulation. FIG. 7A is a graph for explaining the effect of the operation input device according to the first embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 7A is a graph showing the distance in the width direction in the operation space and the reflected light intensity from the operation body. FIG. 7B is a graph showing the coordinates converted from the detection result of FIG. 7A and the distance in the width direction. It is a perspective view explaining the operation input device of a 2nd embodiment of the present invention. 9A and 9B are diagrams illustrating an operation input device according to a second embodiment of the present invention, in which FIG. 9A is a top view seen from the Z1 side shown in FIG. 8, and FIG. It is the side view seen from the Y2 side shown. It is a disassembled perspective view explaining the operation input device of 2nd Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure explaining the operation input device of 2nd Embodiment of this invention, Comprising: It is the side view which looked at the part of the base | substrate shown in FIG. 10 from the X1-Y2 direction. It is a schematic diagram explaining the operation input apparatus of 2nd Embodiment of this invention, Comprising: It is a cross-sectional block diagram in the XI-XI line shown to Fig.9 (a). It is a figure explaining the operation input device of 2nd Embodiment of this invention, Comprising: It is the schematic diagram which showed the infrared intensity distribution in operation space. It is a perspective view explaining the modification 1 of the operation input device concerning a 1st embodiment of the present invention. FIGS. 15A and 15B are diagrams illustrating a modification of the operation input device according to the first embodiment of the present invention, in which FIG. 15A is a cross-sectional configuration diagram of Modification 2, and FIG. FIG. 15C is a cross-sectional configuration diagram of Modification 4. It is a figure explaining the modification of the operation input device concerning 2nd Embodiment of this invention, Comprising: Fig.16 (a) is a side block diagram of the modification 5, FIG.16 (b) is the modification 6 in FIG. FIG. 16C is a side configuration diagram of Modification Example 7, and FIG. 16D is a side configuration diagram of Modification Example 8. It is a figure explaining the operation input apparatus in the prior art example 1, Comprising: Fig.17 (a) is a block diagram of an operation input apparatus, FIG.17 (b) shows the example of an apparatus structure at the time of applying to a vehicle. FIG. FIGS. 18A and 18B are diagrams illustrating a human computer interface device according to a conventional example 2, in which FIG. 18A illustrates a housing including an array of transducers and a user's hand, and FIG. 18B illustrates a configuration of the transducer. FIG.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

[First Embodiment]
FIG. 1 is a perspective view illustrating an operation input device 101 according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a diagram for explaining the operation input device 101 according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 (a) is a top view seen from the Z1 side shown in FIG. 1, and FIG. These are the side views seen from the Y2 side shown in FIG. FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view illustrating the operation input device 101 according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram illustrating the operation input device 101 according to the first embodiment of the present invention, and is a cross-sectional configuration diagram taken along line IV-IV shown in FIG. FIG. 5 is a diagram for explaining the operation input device according to the first embodiment of the present invention, and is a schematic diagram showing an infrared intensity distribution in the operation space JA. In FIG. 5, the main components of the operation input device 101 are shown, and the image line of the infrared intensity distribution is superimposed on the schematic diagram with a one-dot chain line. The range of the operation space JA shown in FIGS. 2 and 4 and the optical path of the infrared IR shown in FIGS. 4 and 5 represent one image and are not limited to this.

  The operation input device 101 according to the first embodiment of the present invention has an appearance as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, and as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, four operation IRs are emitted to the operation space JA. The gesture operation of the light emitting element 11, the light guide 12 that guides the infrared IR to the operation space JA, the light receiving element 13 that receives the reflected light RF reflected by the operation body FG existing in the operation space JA, and the gesture operation of the operation body FG. It comprises a detection control unit 15 for detecting, and a base 19 on which a plurality of light emitting elements 11 and light receiving elements 13 are arranged. In addition, the operation input device 101 according to the first embodiment of the present invention includes a transparent capacitance detection electrode 17 and a capacitance detection circuit 57 that detects a change in the capacitance value of the capacitance detection electrode 17. And a case CA that accommodates the above-described components. The operation input device 101 detects a gesture action of the operation tool FG in the operation space JA, detects a proximity position of the operation tool FG, and outputs an input command associated with the gesture action and the proximity position. Thereby, input operation can be performed by gesture operation and proximity or contact of operation object FG.

  First, the light-emitting element 11 of the operation input device 101 uses a light-emitting diode (LED) that is a surface-mount type packaging and has four light-emitting elements as shown in FIGS. Elements 11 (11 a, 11 b, 11 c, 11 d) are arranged at the four corners of the base 19. Further, as shown in FIG. 4, the light emitting element 11 is disposed such that the light emitting portion (light emitting surface) 11 p faces the one surface 12 u of the light guide 12, and the light guide 11 is interposed through the light guide 12. Infrared IR is emitted to the operation space JA.

  Further, the four light emitting elements 11 are arranged at substantially equal distances from the light receiving element 13. That is, four light emitting elements 11 are arranged in four directions around the light receiving element 13 and at equal distances. In the first embodiment of the present invention, the four light emitting elements 11 are preferably arranged equidistantly around the light receiving element 13, but at least two of the plurality of light emitting elements 11 are disposed on the light receiving element 13. It suffices if they are disposed at substantially equidistant positions.

  Next, the light receiving element 13 of the operation input device 101 uses a surface mount type packaging photodiode (PD). As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, one light receiving element 13 is a base 19. It is arranged at the center of. Further, as shown in FIG. 4, the light receiving element 13 is disposed such that the light receiving surface 13 q faces the one surface 12 u of the light guide 12, and is operated by the operation body FG present in the operation space JA. The reflected light RF of the reflected infrared IR is received.

  Next, the detection control unit 15 of the operation input device 101 is connected to the detection circuit unit connected to the light receiving element 13, the detection circuit unit, and the four light emitting elements 11 using an integrated circuit (IC). And a control unit, and is mounted on the base body 19. The detection circuit unit of the detection control unit 15 analyzes the reflected light intensity of the reflected light RF received by the light receiving element 13, and the control unit of the detection control unit 15 controls the detection circuit unit and the four light emitting elements 11. ing. For example, in the first embodiment of the present invention, the control unit of the detection control unit 15 emits light by sequentially shifting the light emission timings of the four light emitting elements 11 (11a, 11b, 11c, and 11d) having different emission positions. I am letting. And the detection circuit part of the detection control part 15 is analyzing the reflected light intensity which shifted | deviated little by little of the reflected light RF reflected by the infrared rays IR being irradiated to the operation body FG. Thus, by analyzing each difference in the reflected light intensity, it is estimated which light emitting element 11 (11a, 11b, 11c, 11d) the position of the operation body FG in the operation space JA is close to, and the operation The position of the body FG can be accurately detected.

  Next, the light guide 12 of the operation input device 101 uses a sheet of synthetic resin such as polycarbonate. As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the light emitting elements 11 (11a, 11b, 11c, 11d) emit light. It is provided on the part 11p side. And each light guide 12 (12a, 12b, 12c, 12d) corresponding to the four light emitting elements 11 (11a, 11b, 11c, 11d) is incident with infrared IR as shown in FIG. In other words, the one surface 12u of the light guide 12 has a planar shape, and the light emitting portion from which the infrared light IR is emitted, that is, the other surface 12t of the light guide 12 has a concave shape. In particular, in the first embodiment of the present invention, the four light guide bodies 12 (12a, 12b, 12c, 12d) are formed integrally with the light guide sheet member S12 using the light guide sheet member S12. And as for the concave shape as the whole of light guide sheet member S12, the external shape is circular shape. For the light guide body 12 and the light guide sheet member S12, it is preferable to select a material having a high transmittance in the wavelength region of the infrared IR to be used.

  As shown in FIG. 4, the infrared IR emitted from the four light emitting elements 11 (in FIG. 4, the two light emitting elements 11 a and 11 c) is incident on the planar shape of the light guide 12. The light enters the portion (one surface 12u), is guided through the light guide 12, and exits from the concave emitting portion (the other surface 12t) to reach the operation space JA. At the time of the emission, since the emission part (the other surface 12t) has a concave shape, the optical path of the infrared IR is bent, and the infrared IR is emitted to the operation space JA in a direction away from the light receiving element 13. . For this reason, the peak portions PK of the infrared intensity distributions of the infrared rays IR emitted from the four light emitting elements 11 are present in the direction away from the light receiving element 13 in the operation space JA as shown in FIG. . Further, in the first embodiment of the present invention, as shown in FIG. 5, the respective infrared intensity distributions are partially overlapped in the operation space JA (see the overlapping portion DP shown in FIG. 5). The arrangement of the two light emitting elements 11 (two light emitting elements 11a and 11c are shown in FIG. 5), the thickness of the light guide 12, the concave shape, and the like are appropriately set. Thereby, it is possible to secure a wide operation space JA in which the infrared ray IR is applied to the operation body FG, and to further increase the difference in reflected light intensity of each reflected light RF caused by the four light emitting elements 11 (11a, 11b, 11c, 11d). Can be bigger.

  In the first embodiment of the present invention, the light receiving body 12 having a plane-shaped incident portion (one surface 12 u) and a concave-shaped emitting portion (other surface 12 t) guides infrared IR and receives the light receiving element 13. Since the light is emitted toward the operation space JA in the direction away from the light, the four light emitting elements 11 (11a, 11b, 11c, 11d) disposed on the base body 19 are inclined by some method to change the optical path. There is no need. Thus, the optical path can be easily changed with a simple configuration, and the operation input device 101 can be easily manufactured.

  Furthermore, since the light guide sheet member S12 integrally forms the plurality of light guides 12, the four light guides 12 (12a) are opposed to the four light emitting elements 11 (11a, 11b, 11c, 11d). , 12b, 12c, 12d), it is possible to easily dispose the four light guides 12 (12a, 12b, 12c, 12d) simply by disposing the light guide sheet member S12. it can. As a result, the operation input device 101 can be manufactured more easily.

  Next, as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the capacitance detection electrode 17 of the operation input device 101 is formed on the one surface 12 u on the incident portion side of the light guide sheet member S <b> 12. The first detection electrode 17A and the second detection electrode 17B that detect the capacitance with the operation body FG when the operation body FG approaches or contacts the upper surface on the side 12t), and the first detection electrode 17A and the second detection electrode. In order to ensure insulation from the electrode 17B, the insulating layer 17C is formed between the first detection electrode 17A and the second detection electrode 17B.

  The first detection electrode 17A and the second detection electrode 17B of the capacitance detection electrode 17 use transparent electrodes such as ITO (Indium Tin Oxide), and have a pattern in which the first detection electrodes 17A are arranged in one direction. The second detection electrode 17B is a so-called matrix type capacitance detection electrode 17 having a pattern arranged in another direction orthogonal to one direction. The first detection electrode 17A and the second detection electrode 17B are respectively formed on the front and back of the insulating layer 17C using a sheet of synthetic resin or the like. 3 and 4, detailed illustration is omitted, and the first detection electrode 17A, the second detection electrode 17B, and the insulating layer 17C are simply illustrated as layers. The insulating layer 17C is preferably selected from a material having high transmittance in the wavelength region of the infrared IR to be used.

  When the operating body FG approaches or comes into contact with the upper surface on the emission part (other surface 12t) side, the electrostatic capacitance detection circuit 57 (see FIG. 3) mounted on the base body 19 includes the first detection electrode 17A and A change in the capacitance value of the second detection electrode 17B is detected to determine in which position the operating tool FG exists. As a result, not only the gesture operation only but also the capacitance detection electrode 17 and the capacitance detection circuit 57 can be used for input, and various input operations can be performed.

  In the first embodiment of the present invention, since the capacitance detection electrode 17 is provided on the light guide sheet member S12 having the concave surface 12t, the finger (operation body FG) is placed on the upper surface of the light guide sheet member S12. When an input operation is performed in contact with each other, it is possible to improve the operation feeling by easily recognizing the edge portion of the operation area and easily confirming the operation range.

  Next, the base 19 of the operation input device 101 is a printed wiring board (PWB, Printed Wiring Board) in which a plurality of wirings are formed on one side. As shown in FIG. The element 11, the light receiving element 13, the detection control unit 15, and the capacitance detection circuit 57 are mounted and disposed. The base body 19 is accommodated in the case CA, and the support portion of the case CA is arranged so that the light emitting portion 11p of the light emitting element 11 and the light receiving surface 13q of the light receiving element 13 face the one surface 12u of the light guide body 12. It is mounted on CA5 (see FIG. 3).

  Lastly, the case CA of the operation input device 101 is made by injection molding a synthetic resin such as polybutylene terephthalate (PBT), and has a box shape having a housing space CA7 as shown in FIG. It is formed in the shape of. The case CA accommodates the base 19 on which the four light emitting elements 11, the light receiving element 13, the detection control unit 15, and the capacitance detection circuit 57 are mounted in the accommodation space CA7. The case CA has an opening of the case CA. The light guide sheet member S12 provided with the capacitance detection electrode 17 is placed so as to cover the portion.

  The effects of the operation input device 101 according to the first embodiment of the present invention configured as described above will be described below together with simulation results.

  FIG. 6 is a diagram for explaining the effect of the operation input device according to the first embodiment of the present invention, and is a model diagram MD used for the simulation. In the model diagram MD shown in FIG. 6, a reflector having a width of 100 (mm) is used as the operation body FG, and the two light emitting elements 11 (11A, 11B) are arranged 70 (mm) apart, and the light receiving element 13 is located between them. The peak portion PK of the infrared IR is bent outward (toward the direction away from the light receiving element 13) by the light guide sheet member S12 at an angle of 5 (deg). In the model diagram MD, the radiation angle of the infrared IR is 30 (deg), and the operating body FG 100 (mm) away from the light emitting portion 11p of the light emitting element 11 moves in the horizontal direction (direction connecting the light emitting elements 11). In this case, the intensity of the reflected light received by the light receiving element 13 is simulated. Here, infrared distributions other than the peak portion PK of the infrared IR emitted from the two light emitting elements 11 (11A and 11B) are arranged so as to partially overlap each other (see FIG. 5). FIG. 7 is a diagram for explaining the effect of the operation input device according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 7A shows the lateral distance in the operation space JA and the reflected light intensity from the operation body FG. FIG. 7B is a graph showing the coordinates converted from the detection result of FIG. 7A and the distance in the width direction. The reflected light intensity in FIG. 7A is normalized with the maximum intensity being 1, and the coordinates in FIG. 7B are normalized with the maximum value being 1000. Further, the distance in the horizontal direction is 150 (mm) where the center of the operation body FG coincides with the center of the light receiving element 13 and faces the center, and the center position of the operation body FG when the operation body FG moves in the left-right direction. Is shown. Further, the solid line in FIG. 7A indicates the reflected light intensity A1 when the light emitting element 11A emits light, and the one-dot chain line in FIG. 7A indicates the reflection when the light emitting element 11B emits light. The light intensity B1 is shown. In FIG. 7A, a comparative example (C1, C2) in the case where the light guide sheet member S12 is not disposed and the optical path is not bent is simultaneously shown by a broken line. Moreover, the continuous line in FIG.7 (b) has shown the change Z1 of the coordinate of the model figure MD of this invention, and is a comparative example in case the light guide sheet member S12 is not arrange | positioned and the optical path is not bent by a broken line. CZ is shown.

  As shown in FIG. 5, the operation input device 101 according to the first embodiment of the present invention moves from four light emitting elements 11 (in FIG. 5, two light emitting elements 11a and 11c) to the operation space JA. Each of the reached infrared intensity distributions partially overlaps (overlap portion DP), and a peak portion PK of each infrared intensity distribution exists in a direction away from the light receiving element 13. For this reason, it is possible to secure a wide operation space JA capable of detecting the operation by the operating body FG without increasing the installation area, and to reflect each reflected light RF caused by the four light emitting elements 11 (11a, 11b, 11c, 11d). The difference in the intensity of reflected light becomes larger. Thus, the position of the operating tool FG in the operation space JA can be accurately detected by detecting and analyzing the difference. Therefore, it is possible to provide the operation input device 101 that can accurately detect the gesture motion of the operation tool FG existing in the operation space JA.

  For example, as shown to Fig.7 (a), in the comparative example (C1, C2) when the light guide sheet member S12 is not disposed and the optical path is not bent, the lateral distance is 50 to 250 (mm). The reflected light RF is received only when the operating tool FG moves between the two, whereas in the model diagram MD of the present invention, even when the operating tool FG moves between 0 to 300 (mm). , Receiving reflected light intensity of 0.1 or more. That is, in the model diagram MD of the present invention, it can be said that a wide operation space JA for detecting the movement of the operation tool FG can be secured. Further, as shown in FIG. 7A, the peak positions of the reflected light intensity distribution A1 and the reflected light intensity distribution B1 are present at positions left and right away from the position of 150 (mm) at the center of the light receiving element 13. doing. That is, it can be said that the difference in reflected light intensity of the reflected light RF caused by the two light emitting elements 11 (11A, 11B) is larger.

  Then, by analyzing each difference in the reflected light intensities, as shown in FIG. 7B, in the model diagram MD of the present invention, the lateral movement with respect to the movement of the operating body FG in the operating space JA is performed. Coordinates from 0 to 1000 can be assigned when the distance is between 110 and 190 (mm). On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 7B, in Comparative Example CZ in which the light guide sheet member S12 is not disposed and the optical path is not bent, only coordinates from 300 to 700 can be assigned, and 140 to At a lateral distance of 160 (mm), the coordinates hardly change. In this way, the operation input device 101 according to the first embodiment of the present invention can accurately detect the position of the operation tool FG.

  Further, the light guide 12 having the planar incident portion (one surface 12u) and the concave emitting portion (the other surface 12t) guides the infrared IR to be directed away from the light receiving element 13 toward the operation space JA. Therefore, there is no need to change the optical path by tilting the four light emitting elements 11 (11a, 11b, 11c, and 11d) disposed on the base body 19 by some method. Thus, the optical path can be easily changed with a simple configuration, and the operation input device 101 can be easily manufactured.

  In addition, since the light guide sheet member S12 integrally forms the plurality of light guides 12, the four light guides 12 (12a) are opposed to the four light emitting elements 11 (11a, 11b, 11c, 11d). , 12b, 12c, 12d), it is possible to easily dispose the four light guides 12 (12a, 12b, 12c, 12d) simply by disposing the light guide sheet member S12. it can. As a result, the operation input device 101 can be manufactured more easily.

  In addition, a transparent capacitance detection electrode 17 is formed on the lower surface of the light guide sheet member S12 on the incident portion (one surface 12u) side, and an electrostatic capacitance for detecting a change in the capacitance value of the capacitance detection electrode 17 is detected. Since the capacitance detection circuit 57 is provided, the operation body FG can be detected when the operation body FG approaches or comes into contact with the upper surface on the emission part (other surface 12t) side. As a result, not only the gesture operation only, but also the capacitance detection electrode 17 and the capacitance detection circuit 57 can perform the input, so that various input operations can be performed.

  Further, since the capacitance detection electrode 17 is provided on the light guide sheet member S12 having the concave surface 12t on the other side, the finger (operation body FG) is brought into contact with the other surface 12t on the light emitting portion side of the light guide sheet member S12. When the input operation is performed, it is possible to improve the operation feeling by easily recognizing the edge portion of the operation region and confirming the operation range.

[Second Embodiment]
Next, the operation input device 102 according to the second embodiment of the present invention will be described. The operation input device 102 of the second embodiment is mainly different from the first embodiment in that the light guide sheet member S12 is not used. In addition, about the same structure as 1st Embodiment, the same code | symbol is attached | subjected and detailed description is abbreviate | omitted.

  FIG. 8 is a perspective view illustrating the operation input device 102 according to the second embodiment of this invention. FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating the operation input device 102 according to the second embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 9A is a top view seen from the Z1 side shown in FIG. 8, and FIG. These are side views seen from the Y2 side shown in FIG. FIG. 10 is an exploded perspective view illustrating the operation input device 102 according to the second embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 11 is a diagram for explaining the operation input device according to the second embodiment of the present invention, and is a side view of the portion of the base 29 shown in FIG. 10 as viewed from the X1-Y2 direction. FIG. 12 is a schematic diagram illustrating the operation input device 102 according to the second embodiment of the present invention, and is a cross-sectional configuration diagram taken along the line XI-XI shown in FIG. FIG. 13 is a diagram for explaining the operation input device according to the second embodiment of the present invention, and is a schematic diagram showing an infrared intensity distribution in the operation space JA. In FIG. 13, the main components of the operation input device 102 are shown, and the image line of the infrared intensity distribution is superimposed on the schematic diagram with a one-dot chain line. The range of the operation space JA shown in FIGS. 9 and 12 and the optical path of the infrared IR shown in FIGS. 12 and 13 represent one image, and are not limited to this.

  The operation input device 102 according to the second embodiment of the present invention has an appearance as shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, and as shown in FIGS. 10 and 12, four operation IRs are emitted to the operation space JA. A light-emitting element 21; a light-receiving element 23 that receives reflected light RF reflected by the operating body FG present in the operation space JA; a detection control unit 25 that detects a gesture operation of the operating body FG; And a base 29 on which the light receiving element 23 is disposed. In addition, the operation input device 102 according to the second embodiment of the present invention includes a translucent insulating sheet member 26 and a transparent capacitance formed on one surface 26p on the base 29 side of the insulating sheet member 26. A detection electrode 27; a capacitance detection circuit 77 that detects a change in the capacitance value of the capacitance detection electrode 27; a case CA that houses the above-described components on which the capacitance detection electrode 27 is formed; It has. The operation input device 102 detects a gesture action of the operation tool FG in the operation space JA, detects a proximity position of the operation tool FG, and outputs an input command associated with the gesture action and the proximity position. Thereby, input operation can be performed by gesture operation and proximity or contact of operation object FG.

  First, as in the first embodiment, the light emitting element 21 of the operation input device 102 is a surface mount type light emitting diode (LED, Light Emitting Diode) using surface mounting type packaging. FIG. 10 and FIG. 4, four light emitting elements 21 (21 a, 21 b, 21 c, 21 d) are mounted on a wiring board 28 of a printed wiring board (PWB, Printed Wiring Board) and disposed at four corners of the base 19. In addition, as shown in FIG. 12, the light emitting element 21 has its light emitting portion (light emitting surface) 21p disposed in a direction away from the operation space JA, and an insulating sheet on which the capacitance detection electrode 27 is formed. The infrared ray IR is emitted to the operation space JA through the member 26.

  Further, the four light emitting elements 21 are arranged at substantially equal distances from the light receiving element 23, respectively. That is, four light emitting elements 21 are arranged in four directions around the light receiving element 23 and at equal distances. In the second embodiment of the present invention, the four light emitting elements 21 are preferably arranged equidistantly around the light receiving element 23, but at least two of the plurality of light emitting elements 21 are disposed on the light receiving element 23. It suffices if they are disposed at substantially equidistant positions.

  Next, as in the first embodiment, the light receiving element 23 of the operation input device 102 uses a surface mount type packaging photodiode (PD, Photodiode). As shown in FIGS. One light receiving element 23 is mounted on a wiring board 38 of a printed wiring board and disposed in the center of the base 29. Further, as shown in FIG. 12, the light receiving element 23 is disposed such that the light receiving surface 23q faces the capacitance detection electrode 27, and is reflected by the operating body FG existing in the operation space JA. Infrared IR reflected light RF is received.

  Next, similarly to the first embodiment, the detection control unit 25 of the operation input device 102 uses an integrated circuit (IC), a detection circuit unit connected to the light receiving element 23, a detection circuit unit, and 4 And a control unit connected to one light emitting element 21, and is mounted on the wiring board 38. The detection circuit unit of the detection control unit 25 analyzes the reflected light intensity of the reflected light RF received by the light receiving element 23, and the control unit of the detection control unit 25 controls the detection circuit unit and the four light emitting elements 21. ing. For example, in the second embodiment of the present invention, the control unit of the detection control unit 25 emits light by sequentially shifting the light emission timings of the four light emitting elements 21 (21a, 21b, 21c, 21d) at different emission positions. I am letting. Then, the detection circuit unit of the detection control unit 25 analyzes the reflected light intensity that is shifted little by little in the reflected light RF that is reflected when the operating tool FG is irradiated with the infrared IR. Thus, by analyzing each difference in the reflected light intensity, it is estimated which light emitting element 21 (21a, 21b, 21c, 21d) the position of the operation body FG in the operation space JA is close to, and the operation The position of the body FG can be accurately detected.

  Next, the base 29 of the operation input device 102 is manufactured by injection molding a synthetic resin such as polybutylene terephthalate (PBT), and has a rectangular block shape as shown in FIGS. . Further, as shown in FIGS. 11 and 12, the base 29 is inclined in a direction away from the operation space JA with the flat portion 29f having a planar shape provided so as to face the operation space JA and the flat portion 29f interposed therebetween. And four inclined portions 29s. The light receiving element 23 is disposed on the flat portion 29f, and the four light emitting elements 21 (21a, 21b, 21c, 21d) are disposed on the plurality of inclined portions 29s, respectively.

  And as shown in FIG. 12, the infrared rays IR emitted from the four light emitting elements 21 (in FIG. 12, two light emitting elements 21a and 21c) are transmitted through the insulating sheet member 26, The light is emitted from the other surface 26q of the insulating sheet member 26 and reaches the operation space JA. At the time of emission, the light emitting portions 21p of the four light emitting elements 21 arranged on the inclined portion 29s are arranged in the direction away from the operation space JA, so that the infrared rays are directed in the direction away from the light receiving element 23. IR is emitted to the operation space JA. For this reason, the peak portions PK of the infrared intensity distributions of the infrared rays IR emitted from the four light emitting elements 21 are present in the direction away from the light receiving element 23 in the operation space JA as shown in FIG. . In the second embodiment of the present invention, as shown in FIG. 13, the infrared intensity distributions are partially overlapped in the operation space JA (see the overlapping portion DP shown in FIG. 13). The inclination angle and the like of the two inclined portions 29s are appropriately set. As a result, a wide operation space JA in which the infrared ray IR is applied to the operating body FG can be secured, and each reflection caused by the four light emitting elements 21 (two light emitting elements 21a and 21c are shown in FIG. 13). The difference in the reflected light intensity of the light RF can be further increased.

  In the second embodiment of the present invention, as shown in FIGS. 11 and 12, a plurality of inclined portions 29s that are inclined in a direction away from the operation space JA with the flat portion 29f provided with the light receiving element 23 interposed therebetween. The light emitting elements 21 are respectively disposed on the plurality of inclined portions 29s. For this reason, as shown in FIG. 13, the peak portion PK of the infrared intensity distribution can exist in the direction away from the light receiving element 23 only by disposing the light emitting element 21 on the inclined portion 29 s of the base 29. Thus, the operation input device 102 can be easily manufactured.

  Furthermore, in the second embodiment of the present invention, as shown in FIGS. 11 and 12, the position of the flat portion 29f where the light receiving element 23 is disposed is more than the position of the inclined portion 29s where the light emitting element 21 is disposed. The base body 29 is configured to be close to the operation space JA. As a result, the light receiving element 23 is disposed at a position closer to the reflected light RF reflected by the operating body FG, and more reflected light RF can be received. Furthermore, the direct reception of the emitted light (infrared IR) from the light emitting element 21 is reduced, and the adverse effects of the emitted light (infrared IR) can be reduced.

  Next, the insulating sheet member 26 of the operation input device 102 uses a sheet of synthetic resin such as polycarbonate. As shown in FIGS. 11 and 12, the light emitting elements 21 (21a, 21b, 21c, 21d) emit light. It is provided on the part 21p side and is placed on the case CA so as to cover the opening of the case CA. The insulating sheet member 26 is preferably selected from a material having a high transmittance in the wavelength region of the infrared IR to be used.

  Next, as shown in FIGS. 10 and 12, the capacitance detection electrode 27 of the operation input device 102 is formed on one surface 26 p on the base 29 side of the insulating sheet member 26. A first detection electrode 27A, a second detection electrode 27B, and a first detection electrode 27A that detect the capacitance with the operation body FG when the operation body FG approaches or contacts the other surface 26q on the operation space JA side; In order to ensure insulation from the second detection electrode 27B, the insulating layer 27C is formed between the first detection electrode 27A and the second detection electrode 27B.

  The first detection electrode 27A and the second detection electrode 27B of the capacitance detection electrode 27 use transparent electrodes such as a conductive polymer, and the first detection electrode 27A has a pattern arranged in one direction. The second detection electrode 27 </ b> B is a so-called matrix-type capacitance detection electrode 27 having a pattern arranged in another direction orthogonal to one direction. An insulating layer 27C using a synthetic resin or the like is formed at a portion where the first detection electrode 27A and the second detection electrode 27B intersect. In FIG. 10, the detailed illustration is omitted, and the first detection electrode 27A, the second detection electrode 27B, and the insulating layer 27C are simply shown as layers.

  When the operating body FG approaches or comes into contact with the other surface 26q of the insulating sheet member 26, the capacitance detection circuit 77 (see FIG. 10) mounted on the wiring board 38 includes the first detection electrode 27A and the first detection electrode 27A. 2 A change in the capacitance value of the detection electrode 27B is detected to determine in which position the operation tool FG exists. As a result, not only the gesture operation only but also the capacitance detection electrode 27 and the capacitance detection circuit 77 can be used for input, and various input operations can be performed.

  Finally, the case CA of the operation input device 102 is manufactured by injection molding a synthetic resin such as polybutylene terephthalate (PET), and a box having an accommodation space CA7 as shown in FIG. It is formed in a shape. The case CA accommodates the base 29 on which the four light emitting elements 21, the light receiving element 23, the detection control unit 25, and the capacitance detection circuit 77 are mounted in the accommodating space CA7. The case CA has an opening of the case CA. An insulating sheet member 26 provided with a capacitance detection electrode 27 is placed so as to cover the portion.

  The effects of the operation input device 102 according to the first embodiment of the present invention configured as described above will be described below.

  As described above, the operation input device 102 according to the second embodiment of the present invention partially overlaps each of the infrared intensity distributions that reach the operation space JA from the four light emitting elements 21 (21a, 21b, 21c, and 21d). Part DP) and the peak part PK of each infrared intensity distribution is present in the direction away from the light receiving element 23, so that it is possible to secure a wide operation space JA capable of detecting the operation by the operating body FG without increasing the installation area. At the same time, the difference in the reflected light intensity of each reflected light RF caused by the four light emitting elements 21 (21a, 21b, 21c, 21d) becomes larger. Thus, the position of the operating tool FG in the operation space JA can be accurately detected by detecting and analyzing the difference. Therefore, it is possible to provide the operation input device 101 that can accurately detect the gesture motion of the operation tool FG existing in the operation space JA.

  Moreover, it has a plurality of inclined portions 29s that are inclined away from the operation space JA across the flat portion 29f on which the light receiving element 23 is disposed, and the light emitting elements 21 are respectively disposed on the plurality of inclined portions 29s. Therefore, the peak portion PK of the infrared intensity distribution can exist in the direction away from the light receiving element 23 only by disposing the light emitting element 21 on the inclined portion 29 s of the base 29. Thereby, the operation input device can be easily manufactured.

  In addition, the base 29 is configured such that the position of the flat portion 29f where the light receiving element 23 is disposed is closer to the operation space JA than the position of the inclined portion 29s where the light emitting element 21 is disposed. As a result, the light receiving element 23 is disposed at a position closer to the reflected light RF reflected by the operating body FG, and more reflected light RF can be received. Furthermore, the direct reception of the emitted light (infrared IR) from the light emitting element 21 is reduced, and the adverse effects of the emitted light (infrared IR) can be reduced. As a result, the position of the operating tool FG in the operation space JA can be accurately detected, and the gesture operation of the operating tool FG existing in the operating space JA can be detected with higher accuracy.

  In addition, a transparent capacitance detection electrode 27 is formed on one surface 26 p of the insulating sheet member 26 on the base 29 side, and a capacitance detection circuit that detects a change in the capacitance value of the capacitance detection electrode 27. 77, the operating body FG can be detected when the operating body FG approaches or comes into contact with the other surface 26q of the insulating sheet member 26 on the operating space JA side. As a result, not only the gesture operation only, but also the capacitance detection electrode 27 and the capacitance detection circuit 77 can perform the input, so that various input operations can be performed.

  In addition, this invention is not limited to the said embodiment, For example, it can deform | transform and implement as follows, These embodiments also belong to the technical scope of this invention.

  FIG. 14 is a perspective view for explaining an operation input device C111 of Modification 1 of the operation input device 101 according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 15 is a diagram for explaining a modification of the operation input device 101 according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 15A is a sectional configuration diagram of the operation input device C121 according to the second modification. 15B is a cross-sectional configuration diagram of the operation input device C131 of the third modification example, and FIG. 15C is a cross-sectional configuration diagram of the operation input device C141 of the fourth modification example. FIG. 16 is a view for explaining a modification of the operation input device 101 according to the second embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 16 (a) is a side view of the base C59 of the modification 5, FIG. FIG. 16B is a side configuration diagram of the base body C69 of Modification Example 6, FIG. 16C is a side configuration diagram of the wiring board C78 of Modification Example 7, and FIG. It is a side block diagram of the base | substrate C89.

<Modification 1>
In the first embodiment, the concave shape as a whole of the light guide sheet member S12 is configured to be a circular shape. However, it is only necessary that the other surface 12t of each light guide 12 has a concave shape. . For example, as shown in FIG. 14, you may comprise so that the concave shape as the whole of the light guide sheet member CS12 may become a rectangular shape.

<Modification 2>
In the first embodiment, the printed wiring board is used as the base 19, but the configuration is not limited to this, and a configuration as shown in FIG. The operation input device C111 shown in FIG. 15A includes a base C19 having a flat base C19k and a convex pedestal C19d extending from the base C19k toward the operation space JA. Has been. A plurality of light emitting elements 11 (two light emitting elements 11a and 11c are shown in FIG. 15A) are mounted on the wiring board C28 and disposed on the base C19k, and the light receiving element 13 is provided. It is mounted on the wiring board C38 and disposed on the pedestal C19d.

  As a result, the light receiving element 13 disposed on the pedestal C19d is disposed closer to the operation space JA than the light emitting element 11 disposed on the base C19k, so that the reflected light RF reflected on the operation body FG is reflected. The light receiving element 13 is disposed at a closer position, and more reflected light RF can be received. Furthermore, the direct reception of the outgoing light (infrared IR) from the light emitting element 11 is reduced, and the adverse effects of the outgoing light (infrared IR) can be reduced. As a result, the position of the operating tool FG in the operation space JA can be accurately detected, and the gesture operation of the operating tool FG existing in the operating space JA can be detected with higher accuracy.

<Modification 3>
In the first embodiment, the light guide sheet member S12 is provided at a position facing the light receiving element 13. However, as shown in FIG. 15B, the light guide sheet member CS12 has an opening CS12h. The opening CS12h may be configured to face the light receiving element 13. Thereby, attenuation of the reflected light RF by the light guide sheet member CS12 can be reduced, and more reflected light RF can be received by the light receiving element 13.

<Modification 4>
In the first embodiment, the four light guides 12 are integrally formed as the light guide sheet member S12. However, as shown in FIG. C12 may be provided, and the optical path of the infrared IR may be bent toward the direction away from the light receiving element 13 and emitted to the operation space JA.

<Modification 5><Modification6>
In the second embodiment, the plurality of light emitting elements 21 and the light receiving elements 23 are arranged at desired positions using the base body 29 and the wiring board (28, 38) having a rectangular block shape. This is not a limitation. For example, as shown in FIG. 16A, after a plurality of light emitting elements 21 (21a, 21c) and a light receiving element 23 are mounted on the base C59 using a rigid flexible printed wiring board as the base C59. The base body C59 may be bent at a desired angle and disposed in a case CA (not shown). For example, as shown in FIG. 16B, a support C69s is provided on the base C69 so that the wiring board 28 and the wiring board 38 are supported by the support C69s, and the light emitting element 21 and the light receiving element 23 are placed at desired positions. It is good also as a structure arrange | positioned.

<Modification 7><Modification8>
In the second embodiment, the plurality of light emitting elements 21 and the light receiving elements 23 are mounted on the wiring boards (28, 38) and arranged at desired positions. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, as shown in FIG. 16C, instead of the wiring boards (28, 38), a wiring board C78 of a flexible printed circuit (FPC) is used, and a plurality of light emitting elements 21 (21a, 21c) and The light receiving element 23 may be mounted on the wiring board C78 and disposed along the upper surface of the base 29. For example, as shown in FIG. 16D, a plurality of light emitting elements are used by using a base C89 in which wiring C89p is laid on the base instead of the wiring boards (28, 38) and the base 29 using a three-dimensional wiring technique. 21 (21a, 21c) and the light receiving element 23 may be directly mounted on the base C89 and disposed.

  The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and can be modified as appropriate without departing from the scope of the object of the present invention.

11, 11a, 11b, 11c, 11d, 11A, 11B Light-emitting element 11p Light-emitting part (light-emitting surface)
21, 21a, 21b, 21c, 21d Light emitting element 21p Light emitting part (light emitting surface)
12, 12a, 12b, 12c, 12d, C12 Light guide 12u One side 12t The other side S12, CS12 Light guide sheet member 13, 23 Light receiving element 15, 25 Detection control unit 26 Insulating sheet member 26p One side 26q The other side 17, 27 Capacitance detection electrode 57, 77 Capacitance detection circuit 19, 29, C19, C59, C69, C89 Base C19d Base part C19k Base part 29f Flat part 29s Inclined part JA Operation space IR Infrared RF Reflected light DP Overlapping part PK Peak Part 101, 102, C111, C121, C131, C141 operation input device

Claims (8)

A plurality of light emitting elements that emit infrared rays into the operation space;
The infrared ray is reflected by the operation body existing in the operation space, and a light receiving element that receives the reflected light, and
Based on the reflected light received by the light receiving element, a detection control unit that detects a gesture operation of the operating body;
An operation input device comprising:
A substrate on which the plurality of light emitting elements and the light receiving element are disposed;
At least two of the plurality of light emitting elements are disposed at substantially equidistant positions with respect to the light receiving element,
The infrared intensity distributions of the infrared rays emitted from the at least two light emitting elements to reach the operation space are partially overlapped, and the peak portions of the infrared intensity distributions are directions away from the light receiving elements. An operation input device characterized in that: On the light emitting part side of the plurality of light emitting elements, light guides for guiding the infrared light to the operation space are respectively disposed.
In the plurality of light guides, the incident part into which the infrared rays are incident has a planar shape, and the emission part from which the infrared rays are emitted has a concave shape,
The operation input device according to claim 1, wherein each of the plurality of light guides has each of the peak portions of the infrared intensity distribution in a direction away from the light receiving element. The base has a flat base and a convex base extending from the base toward the operation space,
The operation input device according to claim 2, wherein the plurality of light emitting elements are disposed on the base portion, and the light receiving elements are disposed on the pedestal portion.   The operation input device according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the plurality of light guides are light guide sheet members integrally formed. A transparent capacitance detection electrode is formed on one surface of the light guide sheet member on the incident portion side,
The electrostatic capacity detection circuit that detects a change in the electrostatic capacity value of the electrostatic capacity detection electrode when the operating body approaches or contacts the other surface that is the emission section side. 4. The operation input device according to 4. The base body has a planar flat portion facing the operation space, and a plurality of inclined portions inclined in a direction away from the operation space with the flat portion interposed therebetween,
The operation input device according to claim 1, wherein the light receiving element is disposed on the flat portion, and the light emitting elements are disposed on the plurality of inclined portions, respectively.   The operation input device according to claim 6, wherein the base is configured such that a position where the light receiving element is disposed is closer to the operation space than a position where the light emitting element is disposed. Between the base and the operation space, having a translucent insulating sheet member,
A transparent capacitance detection electrode is formed on one surface of the insulating sheet member on the base side,
A capacitance detection circuit configured to detect a change in a capacitance value of the capacitance detection electrode when the operation body approaches or contacts the other surface of the insulating sheet member on the operation space side; The operation input device according to claim 6 or 7, wherein the operation input device is characterized in that: