JP2004147026A - Operation panel input device - Google Patents

Operation panel input device Download PDF

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Publication number
JP2004147026A
JP2004147026A JP2002308877A JP2002308877A JP2004147026A JP 2004147026 A JP2004147026 A JP 2004147026A JP 2002308877 A JP2002308877 A JP 2002308877A JP 2002308877 A JP2002308877 A JP 2002308877A JP 2004147026 A JP2004147026 A JP 2004147026A
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Japan
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light
amount
input
optical switch
light receiving
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JP4046591B2 (en
Inventor
Shinji Hashii
橋井　伸治
Masayuki Kawamura
川村　昌之
Jun Nakamura
中村　純
Kenji Otsuka
大塚　健二
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Toto Ltd
SMK Corp
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Toto Ltd
SMK Corp
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Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an operation panel input device which does not erroneously judge an input operation even if external light and inner scattered light temporarily change. <P>SOLUTION: Light received quantity at light emission (Lon(o)) which is temporarily stored in a light reception quantity storage part (21) is compared with reception time light received quantity at light emission (Lon(c)) which is newly detected, so as to detect change of a distance to an operation body. Thus, an input operation state is judged. A change of light quantity of external light and inner scattered light equally affects the light received quantity at light emission (Lon(o)) and the light received quantity (Lon(c)) newly detected, and it is not reflected as a difference of light received quantity. Consequently, only the input operation state can be judged. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2004,JPO

Description

【０００１】
【発明の属する技術分野】
本発明は、主に家電機器へ種々の入力操作を行う為の操作パネル入力装置に関し、更に詳しくは、操作パネルに触れずに入力操作が可能な操作パネル入力装置に関する。
【０００２】
【従来の技術】
【０００３】
給湯器や洗濯機等の家電機器には、これらの機器を操作するための操作スイッチが集中して取り付けられた操作パネルが備えられている。操作者は、この操作スイッチのいずれかを指で押圧することによって、機器に対して所定の動作制御を行う。
【０００４】
しかしながら、操作スイッチを直接指で押圧して操作する構造である為、可動部品を使用せざるを得ず、その耐久性に問題があり、また、操作スイッチの表面を指が触れることによって汚れ、操作パネルの美感を損なうという問題があった。
【０００５】
このようなことから、操作パネルを直接指で触れずに所定の操作を実行することができる非接触式の操作パネル入力装置が知られている（例えば、特許文献１）。
【０００６】
【特許文献１】
特開２０００−１００２８７（第４頁、図２）
【０００７】
図１０は、この従来の操作パネル入力装置１００を示すもので、透明のアクリル板で形成された操作パネル１０１の内方に、家電機器への制御内容に対応させて複数組の光スイッチユニットＵ１（例えば、家電機器の電源をＯＮ制御する）、Ｕ２・・が配置されている。
【０００８】
各組の光スイッチユニットＵは、４５５ＫＨＺの固有周波数の赤外線検出信号を発光する赤外発光素子１０２と、赤外発光素子１０２から発光される赤外線検出信号を受光可能な赤外受光素子１０３とで構成されている。
【０００９】
各光スイッチユニットＵから発光される赤外線検出信号は、図１１に示すように、互いに他の光スイッチユニットＵ１、Ｕ２・・から発光される赤外線検出信号と重複しないようように、所定の走査周期Ｔで繰り返し赤外発光素子１０２から発光される。
【００１０】
図１０に示すように、同一の光スイッチユニットＵで対となる赤外発光素子１０２と赤外受光素子１０３は、隣り合うようにプリント配線基板１０４上に実装され、これらの光スイッチユニットＵと操作パネル１０１の間には、赤外線のみを透過させる赤外フィルタ１０５が配設されている。
【００１１】
従って、各組の赤外発光素子１０２から発光される赤外線検出信号は、その上方の赤外フィルタ１０５と操作パネル１０１を通過して外方に出力され、又、外来光の内、赤外線検出信号を含む赤外線のみが、その近傍の操作パネル１０１と赤外フィルタ１０５を透過して赤外受光素子１０３に到達する。
【００１２】
赤外受光素子１０３の出力側には、４５５ＫＨＺの固有周波数の光電変換信号を通過させるバンドパスフィルタを介して、光スイッチユニットＵへの入力操作を判定するマイコンが備えられている。従って、赤外受光素子１０３が、固有周波数の赤外線検出信号を受光した場合にのみ、その光電変換信号がマイコンへ入力される。これにより、自然光、他のリモコン送信信号などと、赤外発光素子１０２から発光された赤外線検出信号とを、受光手段１０３により識別することができる。
【００１３】
光スイッチユニットＵの近傍に、赤外線検出信号を反射させるような物体が存在しない場合には、所定の走査周期で赤外発光素子１０２から発光される赤外線検出信号を、同一光スイッチユニットＵの対となる赤外受光素子１０３が受光することはなく、マイコンに、光電変換信号が入力されない。この状態では、マイコンは、光スイッチユニットＵに対する入力操作は行われていないものと判定する。
【００１４】
一方、下方に光スイッチユニットＵ１が配置された操作パネル１０１へ、例えば指を近づけて入力操作を行うと、赤外発光素子１０２から発光される赤外線検出信号は、操作パネル１０１の上方に接近する指で反射され、再び、操作パネル１０１と赤外フィルタ１０５を透過して、同じ光スイッチユニットＵ１の赤外受光素子１０３に入力される。マイコンは、赤外受光素子１０３で光電変換された光電変換信号を、同じ光スイッチユニットＵ１の赤外発光素子１０２が赤外線検出信号を発光したタイミングとほぼ同時に入力すると、その光スイッチユニットＵ１に対して入力操作が行われたものと判定し、家電機器に対して例えば電源をＯＮとする制御信号を出力する。
【００１５】
このときに、他の光スイッチユニットＵ２の赤外受光素子１０３においても、指で反射された赤外線検出信号を受光することがあるが、その光スイッチユニットＵ２の赤外発光素子１０２が赤外線検出信号を発光するタイミングと異なるタイミングで、光電変換信号がマイコンに入力されるので、その光スイッチユニットＵ２に対する入力操作とは認識しない。
【００１６】
尚、一般に、操作パネル１０１の内方には、図１２に示すように、各光スイッチユニットＵによる制御内容や操作方法若しくは家電機器の動作状態を表示する為の液晶表示パネル１０６、更にその内方に、拡散シート１０７と導光板１０８がそれぞれ積層されている。導光板１０８は、図示しない光源からの光を液晶表示パネル１０６の背面全体に導光し、液晶表示パネル１０８のバックライトとして作用するもので、また、拡散シート１０７は、操作パネル１０１の外方から光スイッチユニットＵ等が見えないように、光路を拡散するものである。
【００１７】
【発明が解決しようとする課題】
【００１８】
この操作パネル入力装置１００によれば、指が直接操作パネル１０１に触れてその表面を汚すことがなく、また、可動部品を用いないので、耐久性にすぐれたものとすることができる。
【００１９】
しかしながら、光検出信号として固有周波数の赤外線信号を用いるので、赤外フィルタ、変復調回路、バンドパスフィルタを設ける必要があり、構造上複雑になるとともに、外来光に同じ周波数の赤外線を含む場合には、入力操作と誤認識してしまう恐れがあった。
【００２０】
また、赤外発光素子１０２から発光される赤外線検出信号の発光量に比べて、指で反射され赤外受光素子１０３に到達する赤外線検出信号の受光量は、極めて微弱であるので、赤外線検出信号以外の外来光や、操作パネル入力装置１００内での散乱光の影響を受け、赤外受光素子１０３が飽和するなどして、その検出が困難となることがあった。
【００２１】
例えば、マイコンで光電変換信号の入力で、光スイッチユニットＵに対する入力操作と判定する際には、光電変換信号、すなわち赤外受光素子１０３で受光する赤外線検出信号のレベルを、所定の入力しきい値と比較して入力操作と判定するが、外来光の変動や内部の散乱光の変動による影響が無視できないので、赤外線検出信号の入力のみを正確に判定することができなかった。
【００２２】
また、赤外受光素子１０３で受光する受光量は、上述のように一時的な外来光の変化に限らず、赤外線検出信号の光路に介在する操作パネル１０１、液晶表示パネル１０６、拡散シート１０７、導光板１０８などが汚れたり、劣化する等の経年変化によっても変化し、赤外線検出信号の増幅率を固定させ所定のしきい値と比較していると、全く入力操作を判定しなくなったり、逆に常時入力操作と判定してしまうという誤判定の原因となっていた。
【００２３】
更に、従来の操作パネル入力装置１００では、直接操作パネル１０１に触れることなく入力操作そのものを判定できるが、入力操作と入力操作解除のタイミングなど入力操作状態を更に詳細に判別することはできなかった。
【００２４】
本発明は、このような従来の問題点を考慮してなされたものであり、外来光や内部の散乱光が一時的に変化しても正確に入力操作を判定できる操作パネル入力装置を提供することを目的とする。
【００２５】
また、経年変化により赤外線検出信号の到達量が変化しても、正確に入力操作を判定することができる操作パネル入力装置を提供することを目的とする。
【００２６】
更に、入力操作状態を詳細に判別することができる操作パネル入力装置を提供することを目的とする。
【００２７】
【課題を解決するための手段】
【００２８】
請求項１の操作パネル入力装置は、少なくとも一部が光透過部となった操作パネルと、各光スイッチユニットＳＷが、操作パネルの内方に配置され、操作パネルの光透過部から外方へ光検出信号を発光する発光手段と、光透過部の外方で反射された光検出信号を受光可能な受光手段とを、対として有する複数の光スイッチユニットＳＷと、各光スイッチユニットＳＷの発光手段に対し、他の光スイッチユニットＳＷの発光手段から発光される光検出信号と重複しないように、少なくとも入力操作時間より短い走査周期で光検出信号を繰り返し発光させる発光制御手段と、発光手段が光検出信号を発光する走査周期に同期させて、同一の光スイッチユニットＵで対となる受光手段に対し受光量を検出させる受光制御手段と、受光手段が検出した受光量を、各光スイッチユニットＵの受光手段毎に一次記憶する受光量記憶部と、光スイッチユニットＵの発光手段が光検出信号を発光した際の対となる受光手段が検出した受光量から、前記光スイッチユニットＵに対する入力操作状態を判定する入力判定手段とを備えた操作パネル入力装置であって、　受光量記憶部は、発光手段が光検出信号を発光する発光期間に、対となる受光手段が検出した発光時受光量を一次記憶し、入力判定手段は、光スイッチユニットＵの受光手段が新たに検出した発光時受光量と、その受光手段について受光量記憶部で一次記憶された発光時受光量とから、当該光スイッチユニットＵに対する入力操作状態を判定することを特徴とする。
【００２９】
指などの操作体により反射し受光手段に達する光検出信号は、操作体が光スイッチユニットＵに接近するほど増加し、離れると減少するので、発光手段が光検出信号を発光する走査周期に同期して受光手段が受光する発光時受光量は、操作体との距離で増減する。
【００３０】
従って、受光量記憶部で一次記憶される発光時受光量と、新たに検出される発光時受光量とを比較すれば、操作体との距離の変化を検出することができ、入力操作状態を判定できる。
【００３１】
一方、外来光、内部散乱光などの経年変化による光量変化は、受光量記憶部で一次記憶される発光時受光量と新たに検出される発光時受光量のいずれにも等しく影響し、その受光量の差には表れないので、入力操作状態のみを判定することができる。
【００３２】
また、外来光、内部散乱光の一時的な光量変化があっても、入力操作と同様に変化することは希で、同様に受光量記憶部で一次記憶される発光時受光量と新たに検出される発光時受光量の差には表れないので、入力操作状態のみを判定できる。
【００３３】
また、請求項２の操作パネル入力装置は、入力判定手段が、光スイッチユニットＵの受光手段が新たに検出した発光時受光量が、その受光手段について受光量記憶部で一次記憶された発光時受光量と比較して、所定の入力しきい値を越えて増加したときに、当該光スイッチユニットＵに対する入力操作と判定することを特徴とする。
【００３４】
操作体が光スイッチユニットＵに接近すると、操作体で反射し受光手段に到達する光検出信号が増加し、その結果、新たに検出される発光時受光量は、受光量記憶部で一次記憶される発光時受光量に比べて増加するので、所定の入力しきい値と比較することにより、入力操作のタイミングまで、入力操作を正確に判定できる。
【００３５】
また、請求項３の操作パネル入力装置は、発光制御手段が、全ての光スイッチユニットＵの発光手段から光検出信号を発光させない消灯期間を、少なくとも一走査周期内に設定するとともに、受光制御手段は、少なくともいずれかの光スイッチユニットＵの受光手段に対し消灯期間中の消灯時受光量を検出させ、受光手段が検出した消灯時受光量が、所定の消灯しきい値を越えたときに、全ての光スイッチユニットＵについての入力判定手段による入力操作の判定を、一定期間無効とすることを特徴とする。
【００３６】
受光手段が検出する消灯時受光量には、光検出信号が含まれないので、入力操作とは無関係な外来光及び内部散乱光の光量が表れる。従って、消灯時受光量が消灯しきい値を越えて増加したときには、入力操作と無関係な外来光及び内部散乱光による光量の増加とみなすことができ、これらの増加により発光時受光量が増加し入力操作と判定しても、判定を一定期間無効とすることで、機器の誤動作を防止できる。
【００３７】
一時的な光量変化に起因する誤判定を、特に別の入力操作認識手段を併用せずに確実に防止できる。
【００３８】
また、請求項４の操作パネル入力装置は、発光制御手段が、全ての光スイッチユニットＵの発光手段から光検出信号を発光させない消灯期間を、少なくとも一走査周期内に設定するとともに、受光制御手段は、少なくともいずれかの光スイッチユニットＵの受光手段に対し消灯期間中の消灯時受光量を検出させ、受光量記憶部は、消灯期間中に受光手段が検出した消灯時受光量を、発光時受光量とともに一次記憶し、受光手段が新たに検出した消灯時受光量が、その受光手段について受光量記憶部で一次記憶された消灯時受光量と比較して、所定の環境しきい値を越えたときに、全ての光スイッチユニットＵについての入力判定手段による入力操作の判定を、一定期間無効とすることを特徴とする。
【００３９】
消灯時受光量の一時的な変化には、光検出信号による影響や外来光及び内部散乱光の経年変化による光量変化は表れない。従って、新たに検出される消灯時受光量が受光量記憶部で一次記憶される消灯時受光量に比べて、所定の環境しきい値を越えて増加したときには、外来光及び内部散乱光の一時的な増加とみなすことができ、これらの増加により発光時受光量が増加し入力操作と判定しても、判定を一定期間無効とすることで、機器の誤動作を防止できる。
【００４０】
特に別の入力操作認識手段を併用せずに、また、経年変化で外来光及び内部散乱光の光量が変化しても、一時的な光量変化に起因する誤判定を確実に防止できる。
【００４１】
また、請求項５の操作パネル入力装置は、操作パネルに対する接触を検知する接触検知手段が操作パネルに配置され、入力判定手段が入力操作と判定した前後所定の推定操作期間内に、接触検知手段から接触検知信号が入力されることを条件に、当該光スイッチユニットＵに対する入力操作の判定を有効とすることを特徴とする。
【００４２】
操作パネルに対する接触を条件に、入力操作の判定を有効とするので、入力操作と同様の外来光、内部散乱光の一時的な光量変化が発生し、入力操作と判定した場合であっても、入力操作に従った命令が実行されず、機器の誤動作を確実に防止できる。
【００４３】
操作体の接近による入力操作の判定と操作パネルへの接触の時間差は、通常の入力操作から推定される推定操作期間以内であるので、通常の入力操作であれば、入力操作の判定と接触検知信号の出力に時間差が生じても、入力操作の判定が有効とされる。
【００４４】
また、請求項６の操作パネル入力装置は、入力判定手段が、光スイッチユニットＵの受光手段が新たに検出した発光時受光量が、その受光手段について受光量記憶部で一次記憶された発光時受光量と比較して、所定の解除しきい値を越えて減少したときに、当該光スイッチユニットＵに対する入力操作の解除と判定することを特徴とすることを特徴とする。
【００４５】
光スイッチユニットＵに接近していた操作体が離間すると、操作体で反射し受光手段に到達する光検出信号が減少し、その結果、新たに検出される発光時受光量は、受光量記憶部で一次記憶される発光時受光量に比べて減少するので、所定の解除しきい値と比較することにより、入力操作解除のタイミングを含む入力操作状態を正確に判定できる。
【００４６】
従って、通常の入力操作の際のみならず、入力操作解除の際にも、異なる制御内容を光スイッチユニットに対して入力できる。
【００４７】
また、請求項７の操作パネル入力装置は、受光手段が、発光手段が光検出信号を発光する走査周期に同期して受光量を検出する期間内に、複数回受光量を検出し、その平均値を受光手段が検出した受光量とすることを特徴とする。
【００４８】
受光手段は、走査周期毎に一度検出する受光量を、その検出期間内に複数回検出した受光量の平均値から求めるので、検出異常値が発生しても、受光量への影響が少なく、誤判定が減少する。
【００４９】
【発明の実施の形態】
以下、本発明に係る操作パネル入力装置１の一実施の形態を、図１乃至図７で説明する。
【００５０】
図１は、操作パネル入力装置１の斜視図で、家電機器であるユニットバスに付属する給湯器（図示せず）に備えられるものである。本発明に係る操作パネル入力装置は、防水性が求められる洗濯機、風呂の給湯器などに特に適しているが、音響機器、空調機器など他の電気機器を制御する入力装置としてこれらに付属して備えるものでもよい。
【００５１】
操作パネル入力装置１は、外方（図２において上方側）から、操作パネルとなる矩形の透明アクリル板３、液晶表示パネル４、バックライトパネル７、反射板９、プリント配線基板１３が積層して配置されたもので、これらは、積層された状態で互いの対向面が貼り付けられ、合成樹脂製のケース２内に収容されている。
【００５２】
ケース２は、外方に開口する枡形の基台２ａと、枡形周囲に嵌合し、枡形の上方に固定枠２２が突き出た押さえカバー２ｂとからなり、両者のフランジ部に挿通させる取り付けネジ２３により一体化される。
【００５３】
ケース２と透明アクリル板３との間には、接着剤、粘着剤等が塗布され、操作パネル入力装置１内に水滴、埃等が侵入しないようになっている。
【００５４】
透明アクリル板３の周囲に固定枠２２の厚み分の段差を設けることにより、透明アクリル板３とその周囲のケース２の表面は、同一平面上に整列する。
【００５５】
液晶表示パネル４は、給湯器に対して入力操作を行う制御内容と、給湯器の動作に関する所定の表示を、透明アクリル板３を通して表示するもので、図１に示す給湯器では、主電源の入力、給湯動作のスタート、追いだきの選択等の入力操作を示す表示３０ａ、３０ｂ、３０ｃ・・が、矩形枠で表示した操作エリア３０Ａ、３０Ｂ、３０Ｃ・・とともに表示される。また、この表示では、浴槽内への給湯量３１、給湯温度３２が表示されている。
【００５６】
この液晶表示パネル４による表示は、図示しない液晶ドライバーの制御により、表示されるもので、操作エリアと入力操作を示す表示３０の位置と数、及びその他の表示は、給湯器の動作状態に応じて可変するようになっている。
【００５７】
バックライトパネル７は、液晶表示パネル４の表示を内方から照光するもので、その端面に配置されるバックライト光源４０（図３参照）からのバックライト光を、その内部に導光している。バックライトパネル７は、表面（液晶表示パネル４との対向面）に拡散シート７Ａが貼り付けられた透明なアクリル板で形成され、また、背面側には、対向面を白色とした反射板９が配置されるので、バックライト光源から発光されるバックライト光は、バックライトパネル７の内部で、散乱しながら外方に導光される。これにより、透明アクリル板３の外方からは、特定のバックライト光源は確認されず、あたかも液晶表示パネル４による表示の背景全体がバックライト光により照光されたように見える。
【００５８】
本実施例では、バックライトパネル７とバックライト光源４０は、操作エリア３０毎にしきり板３３により区切られ、操作エリア３０の背面を、異なる光源で照光するようになっている。
【００５９】
反射板９は、上述のように表面に白色の塗料を塗布することにより、バックライトパネル７との対向面を白色とし、バックライト光を下方に逃げないようにバックライトパネル７内に反射させている。白色とするので、バックライト光を所定の色彩に着色すれば、液晶表示パネル４の背景は、その色彩に変化したように目視される。反射板９には、後述する発光素子５ａの図３において上方（表面側）に出力側小孔３４が、受光素子６ａの上方に入力側小孔３５が穿設されている。これらの小孔３４、３５は、例えば、内径が１乃至１．５ｍｍ程度の小孔であり、また、バックライトパネル７の表面側の拡散シート７Ａにより光路が散乱されるので、透明アクリル板３の外方からは、目視されない。
【００６０】
反射板９の背面側に取り付けられるプリント配線基板１３には、操作パネル３に表示される操作エリア３０Ａ、３０Ｂ、３０Ｃ・・のそれぞれに対応させて光スイッチユニットＵ１、Ｕ２、Ｕ３、・・が配置されている（図４参照）。各光スイッチユニットＵは、赤外発光素子５ａを有する発光手段５と、赤外発光素子５ａから発光される赤外光検出信号を受光可能な赤外受光素子６ａを有する受光手段６とを、対として構成されている。本実施の形態では、赤外発光素子５ａとして赤外発光ダイオードを、赤外受光素子として、ピンフォトダイオードをそれぞれ用いている。
【００６１】
図３に示すように、同一光スイッチユニットＵの赤外発光素子５ａと赤外受光素子６ａは、プリント配線基板１３に穿設された出力孔３６と入力孔３７内に、それぞれの発光面と受光面を臨ませて、プリント配線基板１３の背面側に実装されている。尚、赤外受光素子６ａの受光面には、赤外光検出信号の赤外線のみを透過させる赤外フィルタ８が形成されている。
【００６２】
出力孔３６と入力孔３７は、その表面側に積層された反射板９の出力側小孔３４と入力側小孔３５の内径よりやや大きい内径で、それぞれ出力側小孔３４と入力側小孔３５に同一軸線上に連通するもので、これにより、各光スイッチユニットＵの赤外発光素子５ａから発光される赤外光検出信号は、出力孔３６と出力側小孔３４を通過して、透明アクリル板３から外方に放射され、又、透明アクリル板３の外方から受ける光は、入力側小孔３５と入力孔３７を通過し、更に赤外フィルタ８を通過することにより、赤外光検出信号を含む赤外線が赤外受光素子６ａに入力される。
【００６３】
図４は、本実施の形態に係る操作パネル入力装置１の各回路構成を示すブロック図であり、以下、このブロック図に沿って操作パネル入力装置１をその作用とともに説明する。
【００６４】
各光スイッチユニットＵ１、Ｕ２、Ｕ３の赤外発光素子５ａは、それぞれマイコン１０によって接続制御されるＬＥＤマルチプレクサ１６に接続し、発光制御手段として作用するマイコン１０により制御される発光タイミングで赤外光検出信号を発光する。すなわち、図５に示すように、各スイッチユニットＵ１、Ｕ２、Ｕ３の赤外発光素子５ａは、前後に０．５ｍｓｅｃの消灯期間ｔｏｆｆをおいて０．５ｍｓｅｃの発光期間ｔｏｎ、他の赤外発光素子５ａと重複しないタイミングで赤外光検出信号を発光するもので、前後の消灯期間ｔｏｆｆには、いずれの赤外発光素子５ａからも赤外光検出信号を発光しない。
【００６５】
発光制御は、全ての赤外発光素子５ａについて発光制御した後再び繰り返され、その一走査周期Ｔは、入力操作に要する時間に比べて短い時間に設定される。操作者が入力操作に要する時間は、個人差があるが経験的に５０ｍｓｅｃから２００ｍｓｅｃと推定し、ここでは５０ｍｓｅｃより短い１５ｍｓｅｃとしている。
【００６６】
一方、各光スイッチユニットＵ１、Ｕ２、Ｕ３の赤外発光素子５ａのそれぞれについて対となる赤外受光素子６ａは、マイコン１０によって接続制御されるＰｄマルチプレクサ１７に接続し、受光制御手段としても作用するマイコン１０で制御される後述の受光タイミングで受光する。
【００６７】
Ｐｄマルチプレクサ１７の出力は、増幅回路１８を介してマイコン１０のＡ／Ｄコンバータ１９に接続されている。従って、赤外受光素子６ａがマイコン１０で制御される受光タイミングで検出する受光量は、増幅回路１８で増幅された後、Ａ／Ｄコンバータ１９でＡ／Ｄ変換された後、マイコン１０に入力される。
【００６８】
この受光タイミングは、発光素子５ａを発光制御する走査周期Ｔに同期するもので、それぞれ対となる赤外受光素子６ａ毎にその受光タイミングが設定される。ここでは、図５に示す各スイッチユニットＵ１、Ｕ２、Ｕ３の赤外発光素子５ａを発光させている発光期間ｔｏｎ毎に、受光量を検出している。
【００６９】
図６は、この各発光期間ｔｏｎにおいて、受光量を検出する詳細を示すもので、各発光期間ｔｏｎのそれぞれで４回割込処理を行って（図中１２から１５の割込時間）、Ａ／Ｄコンバータ１９へその時の受光量を読み込んでいる。
【００７０】
マイコン１０では、発光期間ｔｏｎにＡ／Ｄコンバータ１９から読み込んだ４回の受光量を平均して、新たに検出された発光時受光量Ｌｏｎ（ｃ）とする。このように、複数回検出した受光量を平均することにより、１回の検出に誤差が生じても、マイコン１０へ出力される受光量への影響が減じられる。発光時受光量Ｌｏｎ（ｃ）は、マイコン１０において後述の発光時受光量Ｌｏｎ（ｏ）と比較されるとともに、スイッチユニットＵ毎に、マイコン１０に接続される４段からなるシフトレジスタ２１の最下段に記憶される。
【００７１】
同様の処理は、各スイッチユニットＵ１、Ｕ２、Ｕ３について走査周期Ｔ毎に繰り返され、新たに検出された発光時受光量Ｌｏｎ（ｃ）がシフトレジスタ２１の最下段に記憶されるとともに、各段に記憶された受光量は、順次上位段に移される。その結果、特定のスイッチユニットＵについて、シフトレジスタ２１の最上位段に記憶された発光時受光量Ｌｏｎ（ｏ）は、同一スイッチユニットＵについての新たな受光量検出時の４Ｔ時間前、つまり６０ｍｓｅｃ前に検出した受光量を表すものとなる。
【００７２】
図７は、特定のスイッチユニットＵに対して、操作体である指１１を接近させた後離間させる入力操作状態について、各走査周期Ｔ毎のマイコン１０に入力される発光時受光量Ｌｏｎを実線で結び、発光時受光量Ｌｏｎの変化を表したグラフである。
【００７３】
同図のＴ１乃至Ｔ２時は、入力操作前の待機状態であり、指１１がスイッチユニットＵから離間しているので、赤外受光素子６ａは、外来光と内部で散乱する赤外光検出信号を受光し、発光時受光量Ｌｏｎが１Ｖとなっている。
【００７４】
この待機状態からの入力操作で指１１を接近させると、指１１で反射される赤外光検出信号が徐々に増加して発光時受光量Ｌｏｎが増加し、最もスイッチユニットＵへ接近させたＴ７時で約１．５Ｖのピークに達する。
【００７５】
その後、指１１を離間させていくと、反射される赤外光検出信号が徐々に減少して発光時受光量Ｌｏｎも減少し、Ｔ１２時で待機状態約の１Ｖに戻る。
【００７６】
本実施の形態では、指１１の接離に応じてこのように変化する発光時受光量Ｌｏｎから入力操作状態を検出するもので、マイコン１０で、新たに検出した発光時受光量Ｌｏｎ（ｃ）を、シフトレジスタ２１の最上位段に記憶された発光時受光量Ｌｏｎ（ｏ）と比較して、所定の入力しきい値、ここでは０．３ｖを越えて増加したときに、入力操作と判定する。
【００７７】
例えば、図７において、Ｔ５時の発光時受光量Ｌｏｎ（ｃ）は１．２５Ｖ、４Ｔ時間前の発光時受光量Ｌｏｎ（ｏ）は１Ｖであるので、その差は入力しきい値を越えず、続くＴ６時に、発光時受光量Ｌｏｎ（ｃ）が１．４Ｖ、４Ｔ時間前のＴ２時発光時受光量Ｌｏｎ（ｏ）が１Ｖであるので、入力しきい値０．３Ｖを越え、入力操作と判定される。
【００７８】
また、マイコン１０で、新たに検出した発光時受光量Ｌｏｎ（ｃ）を、シフトレジスタ２１の最上位段に記憶された発光時受光量Ｌｏｎ（ｏ）と比較して、所定の解除しきい値、ここでは０．３ｖ以上減少したときに、入力操作の解除と判定する。
【００７９】
例えば、図７において、Ｔ１０時の発光時受光量Ｌｏｎ（ｃ）は１．３Ｖ、４Ｔ時間前の発光時受光量Ｌｏｎ（ｏ）は１．４Ｖであるので、解除しきい値は越えず、続くＴ１１時に、発光時受光量Ｌｏｎ（ｃ）が１．１Ｖ、４Ｔ時間前のＴ７時発光時受光量Ｌｏｎ（ｏ）が１．５Ｖであるので、解除しきい値０．３Ｖを越え、入力操作の解除と判定される。
【００８０】
マイコン１０では、上記入力操作及び入力操作の解除の判定を、各スイッチユニットＵ１、Ｕ２、Ｕ３毎に、新たに検出した発光時受光量Ｌｏｎ（ｃ）とシフトレジスタ２１から読み出した発光時受光量Ｌｏｎ（ｏ）と比較して行う。
【００８１】
マイコン１０において、特定のスイッチユニットＵに対する入力操作と判定すると、そのスイッチユニットＵについて対応づけられた命令を給湯器に対して実行する。例えば、主電源の入力の入力操作を示す表示３０ａを表示した操作エリア３０Ａの下方に配置されたスイッチユニットＵ１に対して入力操作と判定すると、給湯器の電源がＯＮとなる。
【００８２】
また、本実施の形態では、入力操作の解除のタイミングを含む各スイッチユニットＵ毎の入力操作状態を判定できるので、入力操作の解除の判定で別の命令を出力したり、入力操作と入力操作の解除を判定した時間間隔で、入力操作の判定を確定させるなどその判定結果を種々の用途に利用できる。
【００８３】
この第１実施の形態では、経年変化や外来光が徐々に変化する影響を受けて、赤外受光素子６ａが受光する発光時受光量Ｌｏｎのレベルが徐々に変化する場合であっても、入力操作若しくは入力操作の解除の判定において比較する発光時受光量Ｌｏｎ（ｃ）と発光時受光量Ｌｏｎ（ｏ）のいずれもその影響を受けるので、その差には表れず、これらの変化があっても正確に入力操作状態を判定できる。
【００８４】
しかしながら、この第１の実施の形態では、室内のカーテンが開けられたり、照明が点灯される、虫などが接近するなどの種々の原因で、赤外受光素子６ａに到達する外来光や内部散乱光が一時的に変化することがあり、これらの変化が希に入力操作による光量変化と同様に増加する場合には、入力操作と誤判定する恐れがある。
【００８５】
図８は、このような原因で、特定のスイッチユニットＵに対して入力操作を行わない場合であっても、入力操作と同様に発光時受光量Ｌｏｎが増加する変化を表したグラフである。図８では、外来光や内部散乱光が急激に増加することにより、指１１を接近させないにもかかわらず、Ｔ６時に、４Ｔ時間前の１Ｖから発光時受光量Ｌｏｎ（ｃ）が１．４Ｖに達し、入力しきい値０．３Ｖを越え、入力操作と誤判定される。
【００８６】
以下に説明する第２の実施の形態は、このように誤判定するような状態を検出し、一定期間入力操作の判定を無効とし、家電機器などの被制御機器の誤動作を防止するものである。
【００８７】
この第２実施の形態では、受光制御手段とし作用するマイコン１０が、第１実施の形態で、図５に示す各スイッチユニットＵ１、Ｕ２、Ｕ３の赤外発光素子５ａを発光させている期間ｔｏｎ毎に加えて、更に、その直前の消灯期間ｔｏｆｆにおいても受光量を検出するものである。
【００８８】
消灯期間ｔｏｆｆにおいて受光量を検出する詳細は、発光期間ｔｏｎにおける検出と同様で、図６に示すように、各消灯期間ｔｏｆｆのそれぞれで４回割込処理を行って（消灯期間ｔｏｆｆでは、図中４から７の割込時間）、Ａ／Ｄコンバータ１９へその時の受光量を読み込む。
【００８９】
マイコン１０では、消灯期間ｔｏｆｆにＡ／Ｄコンバータ１９から読み込んだ４回の受光量を平均して、新たに検出された消灯時受光量Ｌｏｆｆ（ｃ）とする。消灯時受光量Ｌｏｆｆ（ｃ）を検出するにあたっても、同様に複数回検出した受光量を平均し、１回の検出誤差による検出値への影響を減じている。消灯時受光量Ｌｏｆｆ（ｃ）は、発光時受光量Ｌｏｎ（ｃ）と同様に、スイッチユニットＵ毎にシフトレジスタ２１の最下段に記憶され、新たに検出された消灯時受光量Ｌｏｆｆ（ｃ）がシフトレジスタ２１の最下段に記憶される毎に順次上位段に移される。
【００９０】
マイコン１０では、各スイッチユニットＵについて、新たに検出された消灯時受光量Ｌｏｆｆ（ｃ）と、シフトレジスタ２１の最上位段に記憶された消灯時受光量Ｌｏｆｆ（ｏ）、つまり４Ｔ時間（６０ｍｓｅｃ）前に検出した消灯時受光量Ｌｏｆｆ（ｏ）とを比較し、外来光と内部散乱光の異常増加を検出する。
【００９１】
すなわち、新たに検出された消灯時受光量Ｌｏｆｆ（ｃ）が、その４Ｔ時間前に検出した消灯時受光量Ｌｏｆｆ（ｏ）に比べて、所定の環境しきい値、ここでは０．３ｖを越えて増加したときには、外来光と内部散乱光の異常増加と判定し、所定期間（例えば数秒）全てのスイッチユニットＵについての入力操作の判定を無効とする。従って、特定のスイッチユニットＵが発光時受光量Ｌｏｎの増加から入力操作と判定しても、その判定が無効とされ、家電機器などで意図しない命令が実行されることがない。
【００９２】
これを消灯時受光量Ｌｏｆｆの変化を破線で結び表示した図８を用いて説明すると、Ｔ１時の発光時受光量Ｌｏｎ（ｃ）が外来光と赤外線検出信号を含む内部散乱光を受光して１Ｖであるのに対し、Ｔ１時（正確には、その０．５ｍｓｅｃ前）の消灯時受光量Ｌｏｆｆ（ｃ）は、赤外線検出信号による内部散乱光を含まないので、やや低い０．８Ｖとなっている。
【００９３】
カーテンなどがひかれて入力操作と同じ程度に外来光や内部散乱光（以下、単に外来光と記述して説明する）が増加すると、発光時受光量Ｌｏｎ（ｃ）とともに消灯時受光量Ｌｏｆｆ（ｃ）も増加する。これによりＴ６時に、発光時受光量Ｌｏｎ（ｃ）が４Ｔ時間前の発光時受光量Ｌｏｎ（ｏ）と比較して入力しきい値０．３Ｖを越えて増加し、入力操作と判定されるが、Ｔ６時の消灯時受光量Ｌｏｆｆ（ｃ）も、外来光などの増加により４Ｔ時間前の消灯時受光量Ｌｏｆｆ（ｏ）から環境しきい値０．３Ｖを越えて増加するので、前記入力操作の判定は無効とされる。
【００９４】
一方で、入力操作の状態を示す図７において、消灯時受光量Ｌｏｆｆの変化を破線で結び表示するように、外来光の異常増加がなければ、入力操作を行う指１１で外来光が遮られるので、消灯時受光量Ｌｏｆｆはむしろ減少し、その増加が環境しきい値を越えることはないので、入力操作の判定は有効に保たれる。
【００９５】
尚、同図に示すように、指１１を離間させる際に、消灯時受光量Ｌｏｆｆが一時的に増加するが、その増加分は環境しきい値を越えるものではなく、更に、発光時受光量Ｌｏｎが減少している間には、消灯時受光量Ｌｏｆｆの変化を環境しきい値と比較しないという方法を採用してもよい。
【００９６】
尚、入力しきい値と環境しきい値は、必ずしも同じ値である必要はなく、また、外来光の異常増加があっても、同時にそれぞれのしきい値を越えるものではないので、入力しきい値を越えた前後例えば２Ｔ時間（３０ｍｓｅｃ）以内に環境しきい値を越えた場合であっても、入力操作の判定を無効とすることが望ましい。
【００９７】
また、外来光の異常増加は、全てのスイッチユニットＵに対して等しく影響するので、必ずしも全てのスイッチユニットＵについて消灯時受光量Ｌｏｆｆを検出する必要はない。
【００９８】
また、上記第２の実施の形態では、消灯時受光量Ｌｏｆｆ（ｃ）をスイッチユニットＵ毎にシフトレジスタ２１に一次記憶するものであるが、走査周期Ｔ毎に検出される消灯時受光量Ｌｏｆｆ（ｃ）を、固定値である消灯しきい値と比較し、消灯しきい値を越えた場合に、外来光の異常増加と判定し、所定期間全てのスイッチユニットＵの入力操作の判定を無効としてもよい。消灯しきい値は、例えば、外来光の異常と予測される１．２Ｖ等の絶対値で定めても、入力操作を行わない待機状態での消灯時受光量Ｌｏｆｆに対して例えば＋０．３Ｖのように定めてもよい。
【００９９】
図９は、第１の実施の形態の一部を改良し、外来光の異常増加があっても入力操作を正確に判定する第３の実施の形態に係る操作パネル入力装置５０示すブロック図であり、図４と比較して明らかなように、操作パネルとなる透明アクリル板３の直交するＸ、Ｙ方向の周縁に沿って圧電基板１２Ａ、１２Ｂを固着したものである。
【０１００】
本実施の形態では、圧電基板１２Ａ、１２Ｂによる圧電効果を利用（機械的歪みから発生する電圧信号を利用）して、操作パネル３に対する接触検知手段とするもので、透明アクリル板３に操作体である指１１を触れると、透明アクリル板３に発生する歪みが周縁に固着された圧電基板１２Ａ、１２Ｂに伝達され、圧電基板１２Ａ、１２Ｂが撓むことにより電圧信号が発生するので、この電圧信号を接触検知信号とするものである。
【０１０１】
圧電基板１２Ａ、１２Ｂは、透明アクリル板３の周縁に取り付けられるので、液晶表示パネル４の表示領域を狭めることがなく、外部からは見えない周縁に取り付けることができる。しかしながら、圧電基板１２Ａ、１２Ｂの取付位置は、透明アクリル板３への接触を検出できれば、いずれの位置に固着するものであってもよい。
【０１０２】
また、圧電基板１２Ａ、１２Ｂを固着した本実施の形態では、透明アクリル板３への接触による歪みを圧電基板１２Ａ、１２Ｂに伝達する必要があるので、透明アクリル板３の変形が拘束されないように、ケース２との間に、合成ゴムからなる緩衝板、粘着剤などを介在させる必要がある。
【０１０３】
圧電基板１２Ａ、１２Ｂの出力は、増幅回路１４を介してマイコン１０のＡ／Ｄコンバータ１９に接続し、これにより操作パネル３を指１１等の操作体で触れると、マイコン１０へ増幅された接触検知信号が入力される。
【０１０４】
マイコン１０は、この接触検知信号の入力を入力操作の判定条件とするが、他の構成は、第１の実施の形態と同一であるので、同一番号を付してその説明を省略する。
【０１０５】
図６に示すように、マイコン１０は、各スイッチユニットＵの発光期間ｔｏｎのそれぞれで、１１で示す割込時間に、Ａ／Ｄコンバータ１９から接触検知信号を読み込む。従って、各スイッチユニットＵの各走査周期Ｔ毎に接触検知信号の有無、すなわち操作パネル３への接触が検出される。
【０１０６】
本実施の形態では、第１の実施の形態と同じ方法で特定のスイッチユニットＵに対する入力操作を判定した前後推定操作期間（例えば、２００ｍｓｅｃ）以内に接触検知信号が入力されることを条件に、その入力操作の判定を有効とし、対応する命令を家電機器へ実行させる。
【０１０７】
この操作パネル入力装置５０では、操作者は、特定のスイッチユニットＵへ指１１等の操作体を接近させた後、操作パネル３に触れ、入力操作を行うが、この入力操作で通常要する時間から推定操作期間（例えば、２００ｍｓｅｃ）を設定するので、指１１の接近による入力操作の判定と接触検知信号の入力に時間差があっても、通常の入力操作である限り入力操作の判定は有効とされる。
【０１０８】
また、単に外来光の異常増加があっただけでは、接触検知信号が入力されないので、異常増加によって入力操作と判定しても、有効なものとは扱われない。
【０１０９】
以上の実施の形態では、光検出信号として赤外光を用い、受光素子６ａの受光面を、赤外光検出信号の赤外線のみを透過させる赤外フィルタ８で覆い、赤外光以外の外来光や内部散乱光が受光素子６ａで受光されることを防止しているが、受光量を比較して入力操作状態が判定できれば、必ずしも、特定波長の光検出信号を用いる必要はない。
【０１１０】
また、操作エリアが３０が比較的広い面積の操作エリア３０である場合には、一つの操作エリア３０に対応して設けられる光スイッチユニットＵに、同時に赤外光検出信号を発光する複数の発光手段５と、その発光タイミングで受光する複数の受光手段６とを対として有するものであってもよく、このように対となる発光手段５と受光手段６とを多数を分散して配置することによって、操作エリア３０が広範囲であっても、操作体で反射される光検出信号を、いずれかの受光手段６が確実に受光できる。
【０１１１】
また、一走査周期Ｔ、発光時受光量Ｌｏｎ（ｃ）と発光時受光量Ｌｏｎ（ｏ）の時間差、消灯時受光量Ｌｏｆｆ（ｃ）と消灯時受光量Ｌｏｆｆ（ｏ）の時間差は、各しきい値は、入力操作状態を最も効果的に判定できるように任意に定められるものであり、上述の例に限るものではない。
【０１１２】
更に、指１１で入力操作を行う例で説明したが、指以外の専用入力ペン等を操作体と入力操作を行うものであってもよい。
【０１１３】
【発明の効果】
以上説明したように、本発明によれば、外来光や内部の散乱光が一時的に若しくは長期的に変化しても、これらの変化の影響を受けずに、入力操作を判定できる。
【０１１４】
また、入力操作状態を受光手段の受光量の変化から詳細に判別することができる。
【０１１５】
これに加えて請求項２の発明によれば、入力操作のタイミングまで、入力操作を正確に判定できる。
【０１１６】
また、請求項３の発明によれば、消灯時受光量が消灯しきい値を越えて増加したときには、入力操作と無関係な外来光及び内部散乱光による光量の増加とみなすことができ、これらの増加により発光時受光量が増加し入力操作と判定しても、判定を一定期間無効とすることで、機器の誤動作を防止できる。
【０１１７】
また、請求項４の発明によれば、消灯時受光量の変化を所定の環境しきい値と比較することによって、外来光及び内部散乱光の経年変化による影響を除き一時的な増加のみを正確に判定でき、これらの一次的増加によって入力操作と判定しても、判定を一定期間無効とすることで、機器の誤動作を防止できる。
【０１１８】
また、請求項５の発明によれば、操作パネルに対する接触を条件に、入力操作の判定を有効とするので、外来光、内部散乱光の一時的な光量変化が発生し、入力操作と判定した場合であっても、入力操作に従った命令が実行されず、機器の誤動作を確実に防止できる。
【０１１９】
また、請求項６の発明によれば、入力操作解除のタイミングを含む入力操作状態を正確に判定できる。従って、通常の入力操作の際のみならず、入力操作解除の際にも、異なる制御内容を光スイッチユニットに対して入力できる。
【０１２０】
また、請求項７の発明によれば、検出期間内に複数回検出した受光量の平均値から求めるので、検出異常値が発生しても、受光量への影響が少なく、誤判定が減少する。
【図面の簡単な説明】
【図１】本発明に係る操作パネル入力装置１の斜視図である。
【図２】操作パネル入力装置１の縦断面図である。
【図３】図２の要部拡大縦断面図である。
【図４】操作パネル入力装置１の構成を示すブロック図である。
【図５】操作パネル入力装置１の各光スイッチユニットＵから発光される赤外光検出信号を示すタイミングチャートである。
【図６】発光期間ｔｏｎと消灯期間ｔｏｆｆ内に、受光量と接触検知信号を読み込むタイミングを示すタイミングチャートである。
【図７】特定のスイッチユニットＵに対して、指１１を接近させた後離間させる入力操作状態において、発光時受光量Ｌｏｎと消灯時受光量Ｌｏｆｆの変化を表したグラフである。
【図８】特定のスイッチユニットＵに対して、待機状態において、発光時受光量Ｌｏｎと消灯時受光量Ｌｏｆｆの変化を表したグラフである。
【図９】他の実施の形態に係る操作パネル入力装置５０の構成を示すブロック図である。
【図１０】従来の操作パネル入力装置１００を示す縦断面図である。
【図１１】従来の操作パネル入力装置１００の光スイッチユニットＵから発光される赤外線検出信号のタイミングチャートである。
【図１２】従来の操作パネル入力装置１００の操作パネル１０１内方を拡大して示す拡大縦断面図である。
【符号の説明】
１、５０　　　　操作パネル入力装置
３　　　　　　　操作パネル（透明アクリル板）
５　　　　　　　発光手段
６　　　　　　　受光手段
１０　　　　　　マイコン（発光制御手段、受光制御手段、入力判定手段）
１２Ａ、１２Ｂ　接触検知手段（圧電基板）
２１　　　　　　受光量記憶部（シフトレジスタ）
Ｕ　　　　　　　光スイッチユニット
Ｔ　　　　　　　走査周期
Ｌｏｎ　　　　　発光時受光量
Ｌｏｎ（ｃ）　　新たに検出した発光時受光量
Ｌｏｎ（ｏ）　　一次記憶された発光時受光量
ｔｏｎ　　　　　発光期間
ｔｏｆｆ　　　　消灯期間
Ｌｏｆｆ　　　　消灯時受光量
Ｌｏｆｆ（ｃ）　新たに検出した消灯時受光量
Ｌｏｆｆ（ｏ）　一次記憶された消灯時受光量[0001]
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention generally relates to an operation panel input device for performing various input operations on home electric appliances, and more particularly, to an operation panel input device capable of performing an input operation without touching an operation panel.
[0002]
[Prior art]
[0003]
2. Description of the Related Art Home appliances such as a water heater and a washing machine are provided with an operation panel on which operation switches for operating these devices are collectively mounted. The operator performs a predetermined operation control on the device by pressing one of the operation switches with a finger.
[0004]
However, since the operation switch is operated by directly pressing the operation switch with a finger, a movable part must be used, and there is a problem in its durability. There is a problem that the aesthetics of the operation panel are impaired.
[0005]
For this reason, a non-contact operation panel input device capable of executing a predetermined operation without directly touching the operation panel with a finger is known (for example, Patent Document 1).
[0006]
[Patent Document 1]
JP 2000-100287 (page 4, FIG. 2)
[0007]
FIG. 10 shows this conventional operation panel input device 100, in which a plurality of sets of optical switch units U are provided inside an operation panel 101 formed of a transparent acrylic plate in accordance with the control content of home electric appliances. 1 (For example, turning on the power of home appliances), U 2 ・ ・ Is arranged.
[0008]
Each set of optical switch units U is 455K HZ An infrared light emitting element 102 that emits an infrared detection signal having a natural frequency of, and an infrared light receiving element 103 that can receive an infrared detection signal emitted from the infrared light emitting element 102.
[0009]
As shown in FIG. 11, the infrared detection signals emitted from each optical switch unit U are mutually different from each other. 1 , U 2 The light is emitted from the infrared light emitting element 102 repeatedly at a predetermined scanning cycle T so as not to overlap with the infrared detection signal emitted from the light emitting element 102.
[0010]
As shown in FIG. 10, the infrared light emitting element 102 and the infrared light receiving element 103 which form a pair in the same optical switch unit U are mounted on the printed wiring board 104 so as to be adjacent to each other. An infrared filter 105 that transmits only infrared light is provided between the operation panels 101.
[0011]
Accordingly, an infrared detection signal emitted from each set of infrared light emitting elements 102 is output to the outside through the infrared filter 105 and the operation panel 101 located above the infrared light detection element 102. Only the infrared ray containing the light passes through the operation panel 101 and the infrared filter 105 in the vicinity and reaches the infrared light receiving element 103.
[0012]
455K on the output side of the infrared light receiving element 103 HZ And a microcomputer that determines an input operation to the optical switch unit U through a band-pass filter that allows a photoelectric conversion signal having a natural frequency of? Therefore, only when the infrared light receiving element 103 receives the infrared detection signal of the natural frequency, the photoelectric conversion signal is input to the microcomputer. Thereby, the light receiving unit 103 can identify natural light, another remote control transmission signal, and the like, and an infrared detection signal emitted from the infrared light emitting element 102.
[0013]
When there is no object that reflects the infrared detection signal near the optical switch unit U, the infrared detection signal emitted from the infrared light emitting element 102 in a predetermined scanning cycle is transmitted to the pair of the same optical switch unit U. Is not received, and no photoelectric conversion signal is input to the microcomputer. In this state, the microcomputer determines that the input operation on the optical switch unit U has not been performed.
[0014]
On the other hand, the optical switch unit U 1 When an input operation is performed by, for example, bringing a finger close to the operation panel 101 on which is disposed, the infrared detection signal emitted from the infrared light emitting element 102 is reflected by the finger approaching above the operation panel 101, and the operation is performed again. The same optical switch unit U transmitted through the panel 101 and the infrared filter 105 1 Are input to the infrared light receiving element 103. The microcomputer converts the photoelectric conversion signal photoelectrically converted by the infrared light receiving element 103 into the same optical switch unit U. 1 Of the optical switch unit U when the infrared light emitting element 102 of FIG. 1 It is determined that an input operation has been performed with respect to, and for example, a control signal for turning on the power is output to the home electric appliance.
[0015]
At this time, the other optical switch units U 2 Of the infrared light receiving element 103 may receive the infrared detection signal reflected by the finger. 2 The photoelectric conversion signal is input to the microcomputer at a timing different from the timing at which the infrared light emitting element 102 emits the infrared detection signal. 2 Is not recognized as an input operation for.
[0016]
In general, inside the operation panel 101, as shown in FIG. 12, a liquid crystal display panel 106 for displaying the control contents and operation method of each optical switch unit U or the operation state of the home electric appliance, and furthermore, On the other hand, a diffusion sheet 107 and a light guide plate 108 are respectively laminated. The light guide plate 108 guides light from a light source (not shown) to the entire back surface of the liquid crystal display panel 106 and functions as a backlight of the liquid crystal display panel 108. The optical path is diffused so that the optical switch unit U and the like cannot be seen from the front.
[0017]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
[0018]
According to the operation panel input device 100, the finger does not directly touch the operation panel 101 to stain the surface thereof, and since no moving parts are used, the durability can be improved.
[0019]
However, since an infrared signal of a natural frequency is used as a light detection signal, it is necessary to provide an infrared filter, a modulation / demodulation circuit, and a bandpass filter, and the structure becomes complicated, and when external light includes infrared light of the same frequency. However, there is a risk that the input operation may be erroneously recognized.
[0020]
Also, the amount of the infrared detection signal reflected by the finger and reaching the infrared light receiving element 103 is extremely weak compared to the amount of the infrared detection signal emitted from the infrared light emitting element 102. Due to the influence of extraneous light other than the above and scattered light in the operation panel input device 100, the infrared light receiving element 103 may be saturated and the detection may be difficult.
[0021]
For example, when the microcomputer determines that an input operation to the optical switch unit U is performed by inputting a photoelectric conversion signal, the microcomputer converts the level of the photoelectric conversion signal, that is, the level of the infrared detection signal received by the infrared light receiving element 103 into a predetermined input threshold. Although the input operation is determined as compared with the value, the influence of the fluctuation of the extraneous light and the fluctuation of the internal scattered light cannot be ignored, and therefore, only the input of the infrared detection signal cannot be accurately determined.
[0022]
In addition, the amount of light received by the infrared light receiving element 103 is not limited to the temporary change in extraneous light as described above, and the operation panel 101, the liquid crystal display panel 106, the diffusion sheet 107, The light guide plate 108 also changes due to aging such as contamination or deterioration. If the amplification factor of the infrared detection signal is fixed and compared with a predetermined threshold value, the input operation cannot be determined at all, or This causes an erroneous determination that the input operation is always determined as an input operation.
[0023]
Further, in the conventional operation panel input device 100, although the input operation itself can be determined without directly touching the operation panel 101, the input operation state such as the timing of the input operation and the input operation release cannot be determined in more detail. .
[0024]
The present invention has been made in consideration of such conventional problems, and provides an operation panel input device that can accurately determine an input operation even when external light or internal scattered light temporarily changes. The purpose is to:
[0025]
It is another object of the present invention to provide an operation panel input device that can accurately determine an input operation even if the arrival amount of an infrared detection signal changes due to aging.
[0026]
Still another object of the present invention is to provide an operation panel input device capable of determining an input operation state in detail.
[0027]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
[0028]
According to the operation panel input device of the first aspect, the operation panel, at least a part of which is a light transmission unit, and each of the optical switch units SW are disposed inside the operation panel, and are outward from the light transmission unit of the operation panel. A plurality of optical switch units SW each having a pair of light emitting means for emitting a light detection signal and light receiving means capable of receiving the light detection signal reflected outside the light transmitting portion; The light emission control means for repeatedly emitting the light detection signal at least in a scanning cycle shorter than the input operation time so that the light detection signal does not overlap with the light detection signal emitted from the light emission means of the other optical switch unit SW; The light receiving control means for detecting the amount of light received by the light receiving means forming a pair in the same optical switch unit U in synchronization with the scanning cycle for emitting the light detection signal, and the light receiving means detects The received light amount storage unit for temporarily storing the light amount for each light receiving unit of each optical switch unit U, and the received light amount detected by the pair of light receiving units when the light emitting unit of the optical switch unit U emits the light detection signal, An operation panel input device comprising: an input determination unit configured to determine an input operation state of the optical switch unit, wherein a light reception amount storage unit stores a pair of light reception during a light emission period in which the light emission unit emits a light detection signal. The light receiving amount at the time of light emission detected by the means is temporarily stored, and the input determining means is the light receiving amount at the time of light emission newly detected by the light receiving means of the optical switch unit U and the light emission temporarily stored in the light receiving amount storage unit for the light receiving means. The input operation state for the optical switch unit U is determined from the amount of received light.
[0029]
The light detection signal reflected by the operating body such as a finger and reaching the light receiving means increases as the operating body approaches the optical switch unit U and decreases as the operating body moves away, so that the light detection signal is synchronized with the scanning cycle in which the light emitting means emits the light detection signal. The amount of light received during light emission received by the light receiving means increases or decreases depending on the distance to the operating body.
[0030]
Therefore, by comparing the light reception amount at the time of light emission temporarily stored in the light reception amount storage unit with the light reception amount at the time of light emission newly detected, a change in the distance to the operating tool can be detected, and the input operation state is changed Can be determined.
[0031]
On the other hand, a change in light amount due to aging such as extraneous light and internal scattered light equally affects both the light reception amount during light emission temporarily stored in the light reception amount storage unit and the light reception amount during light emission newly detected. Since the difference does not appear in the amount, only the input operation state can be determined.
[0032]
Also, even if there is a temporary change in the amount of extraneous light or internal scattered light, it rarely changes in the same way as an input operation. It does not appear in the difference in the received light amount during light emission, so that only the input operation state can be determined.
[0033]
Further, in the operation panel input device according to the second aspect, the input determination means may be configured such that the light-receiving amount of light newly detected by the light-receiving unit of the optical switch unit U is a light-emitting amount temporarily stored in the light-receiving amount storage unit for the light-receiving unit. When the input amount exceeds a predetermined input threshold value as compared with the received light amount, the input operation to the optical switch unit U is determined.
[0034]
When the operating tool approaches the optical switch unit U, the number of light detection signals reflected by the operating tool and reaching the light receiving means increases, and as a result, the newly detected light-receiving amount during light emission is temporarily stored in the light-receiving amount storage unit. The input operation amount is increased as compared with the received light amount at the time of light emission, so that the input operation can be accurately determined until the timing of the input operation by comparing with a predetermined input threshold value.
[0035]
According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the operation panel input device, the light emission control means sets a light-off period during which no light detection signal is emitted from the light emission means of all the optical switch units U within at least one scanning cycle, and the light reception control means. Makes the light receiving means of at least one of the optical switch units U detect the light receiving amount at the time of the light-off period during the light-off period, and when the light receiving amount at the time of the light turning off detected by the light receiving means exceeds a predetermined light-off threshold value, The determination of the input operation by the input determination means for all the optical switch units U is invalidated for a certain period.
[0036]
Since the light receiving amount detected by the light receiving means does not include the light detection signal, the amount of extraneous light and internal scattered light irrelevant to the input operation appears. Therefore, when the light reception amount at the time of turning off increases beyond the light-off threshold, it can be regarded as an increase in the light amount due to extraneous light and internal scattered light irrelevant to the input operation. Even if it is determined that the input operation has been performed, malfunction of the device can be prevented by invalidating the determination for a certain period.
[0037]
An erroneous determination due to a temporary change in light amount can be reliably prevented without using, in particular, another input operation recognizing means.
[0038]
According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the operation panel input device, the light emission control means sets a light-off period during which no light detection signal is emitted from the light emission means of all the optical switch units U within at least one scanning cycle, and the light reception control means. Causes the light receiving means of at least one of the optical switch units U to detect the light receiving amount at the time of light-off during the light-off period, and the light receiving amount storage unit stores the light receiving amount at the time of light-off during the light-off period, Primary storage with the received light amount, the light-receiving amount at turn-off newly detected by the light-receiving means exceeds a predetermined environmental threshold value, comparing with the light-receiving amount at light-off at the light-receiving means primary storage in the light receiving amount storage unit. In this case, the determination of the input operation by the input determination unit for all the optical switch units U is invalidated for a certain period.
[0039]
The temporary change of the light receiving amount at the time of turning off does not show the influence of the light detection signal or the change of the light amount due to the aging of the external light and the internal scattered light. Therefore, when the newly detected off-light reception amount increases beyond a predetermined environmental threshold compared with the off-light reception amount temporarily stored in the received light amount storage unit, the external light and the internal scattered light are temporarily stopped. Even if it is determined that the input operation has been performed due to an increase in the amount of light received during light emission due to the increase, malfunction of the device can be prevented by invalidating the determination for a certain period.
[0040]
In particular, even if the input light recognizing means is not used, and even if the light amounts of the external light and the internal scattered light change over time, an erroneous determination caused by a temporary light amount change can be reliably prevented.
[0041]
According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, there is provided the operation panel input device, wherein the contact detection means for detecting the contact with the operation panel is arranged on the operation panel, and the contact detection means is provided within a predetermined estimated operation period before and after the input determination means determines the input operation. The determination of an input operation on the optical switch unit U is made valid on condition that a contact detection signal is input from the optical switch unit U.
[0042]
Under the condition of contact with the operation panel, since the determination of the input operation is valid, the same external light as the input operation, a temporary light amount change of the internal scattered light occurs, and even if the input operation is determined, The command according to the input operation is not executed, and the malfunction of the device can be reliably prevented.
[0043]
The time difference between the determination of the input operation due to the approach of the operating tool and the contact with the operation panel is within the estimated operation period estimated from the normal input operation. Even if a time difference occurs in the output of the signal, the determination of the input operation is valid.
[0044]
According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, in the operation panel input device, the input determining means may determine whether the light receiving amount at the time of light emission newly detected by the light receiving unit of the optical switch unit U is temporarily stored in the light receiving amount storage unit for the light receiving unit. When compared with the amount of received light and decreases below a predetermined release threshold value, it is determined that the input operation to the optical switch unit U is released.
[0045]
When the operating body approaching the optical switch unit U separates, the light detection signal reflected by the operating body and reaching the light receiving means decreases, and as a result, the newly detected light receiving amount at the time of light emission is stored in the light receiving amount storage unit. Thus, the input operation state including the timing of input operation release can be accurately determined by comparing with the predetermined release threshold value, since the light reception amount at the time of light emission is temporarily stored.
[0046]
Therefore, different control contents can be input to the optical switch unit not only at the time of normal input operation but also at the time of input operation cancellation.
[0047]
Further, in the operation panel input device according to the present invention, the light receiving unit detects the light receiving amount a plurality of times during a period in which the light receiving unit detects the light receiving amount in synchronization with a scanning cycle in which the light emitting unit emits the light detection signal. The value is the amount of received light detected by the light receiving means.
[0048]
The light receiving means obtains the amount of light detected once in each scanning cycle from the average value of the amounts of light detected multiple times during the detection period. False positives are reduced.
[0049]
BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
Hereinafter, an embodiment of an operation panel input device 1 according to the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS.
[0050]
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an operation panel input device 1 provided in a water heater (not shown) attached to a unit bus which is a home electric appliance. The operation panel input device according to the present invention is particularly suitable for a washing machine, a bath water heater and the like that require waterproofness, but is attached to these devices as an input device for controlling other electric devices such as audio equipment and air conditioning equipment. May be provided.
[0051]
The operation panel input device 1 includes a rectangular transparent acrylic plate 3, a liquid crystal display panel 4, a backlight panel 7, a reflection plate 9, and a printed wiring board 13 which are formed from the outside (upper side in FIG. 2). These parts are attached to each other in a stacked state, and are housed in a synthetic resin case 2.
[0052]
The case 2 is composed of a square base 2a that opens outward and a holding cover 2b that fits around the square and has a fixed frame 22 protruding above the square, and mounting screws 23 that are inserted through the flange portions of both. Are integrated.
[0053]
An adhesive, an adhesive, or the like is applied between the case 2 and the transparent acrylic plate 3 so that water droplets, dust, and the like do not enter the operation panel input device 1.
[0054]
By providing a step corresponding to the thickness of the fixing frame 22 around the transparent acrylic plate 3, the surface of the transparent acrylic plate 3 and the surface of the surrounding case 2 are aligned on the same plane.
[0055]
The liquid crystal display panel 4 displays, through the transparent acrylic plate 3, a control content for performing an input operation on the water heater and a predetermined display regarding the operation of the water heater. In the water heater shown in FIG. Displays 30a, 30b, 30c,... Indicating input operations such as input, start of hot water supply operation, selection of refilling, etc. are displayed together with operation areas 30A, 30B, 30C,. Also, in this display, the hot water supply amount 31 and the hot water supply temperature 32 into the bathtub are displayed.
[0056]
The display on the liquid crystal display panel 4 is displayed under the control of a liquid crystal driver (not shown). The position and number of the display 30 indicating the operation area and the input operation, and other displays are determined according to the operation state of the water heater. Variable.
[0057]
The backlight panel 7 illuminates the display of the liquid crystal display panel 4 from inside, and guides backlight light from a backlight light source 40 (see FIG. 3) disposed on an end face thereof to the inside. I have. The backlight panel 7 is formed of a transparent acrylic plate having a diffusion sheet 7A attached to the surface (the surface facing the liquid crystal display panel 4), and the back surface has a reflecting plate 9 having a white facing surface. Is disposed, the backlight emitted from the backlight light source is scattered inside the backlight panel 7 and guided outward. As a result, from the outside of the transparent acrylic plate 3, a specific backlight light source is not confirmed, and it looks as if the entire display background of the liquid crystal display panel 4 is illuminated by the backlight light.
[0058]
In the present embodiment, the backlight panel 7 and the backlight light source 40 are separated by a dividing plate 33 for each operation area 30 so that the back surface of the operation area 30 is illuminated by different light sources.
[0059]
As described above, the surface of the reflection plate 9 is coated with white paint to make the surface facing the backlight panel 7 white, and reflects the backlight light into the backlight panel 7 so as not to escape downward. ing. Since the color of the backlight is white, if the backlight light is colored in a predetermined color, the background of the liquid crystal display panel 4 is visually recognized as having changed to the color. The reflecting plate 9 has an output side small hole 34 formed above (surface side) a light emitting element 5a described later in FIG. 3, and an input side small hole 35 formed above the light receiving element 6a. These small holes 34 and 35 are, for example, small holes having an inner diameter of about 1 to 1.5 mm. Further, since the light path is scattered by the diffusion sheet 7A on the front side of the backlight panel 7, the transparent acrylic plate 3 It is not visible from outside.
[0060]
The optical switch unit U is provided on the printed wiring board 13 attached to the rear side of the reflection plate 9 so as to correspond to each of the operation areas 30A, 30B, 30C,. 1 , U 2 , U 3 Are arranged (see FIG. 4). Each optical switch unit U includes a light emitting unit 5 having an infrared light emitting element 5a and a light receiving unit 6 having an infrared light receiving element 6a capable of receiving an infrared light detection signal emitted from the infrared light emitting element 5a. It is configured as a pair. In the present embodiment, an infrared light emitting diode is used as the infrared light emitting element 5a, and a pin photodiode is used as the infrared light receiving element.
[0061]
As shown in FIG. 3, the infrared light emitting element 5a and the infrared light receiving element 6a of the same optical switch unit U have respective light emitting surfaces in output holes 36 and input holes 37 formed in the printed wiring board 13. It is mounted on the back side of the printed wiring board 13 with its light receiving surface facing. Note that an infrared filter 8 that transmits only infrared light of the infrared light detection signal is formed on the light receiving surface of the infrared light receiving element 6a.
[0062]
The output hole 36 and the input hole 37 have an inner diameter slightly larger than the inner diameter of the output side small hole 34 and the input side small hole 35 of the reflector 9 laminated on the surface side thereof. 35, the infrared light detection signal emitted from the infrared light emitting element 5a of each optical switch unit U passes through the output hole 36 and the output side small hole 34. The light radiated outward from the transparent acrylic plate 3 and received from the outside of the transparent acrylic plate 3 passes through the input side small holes 35 and the input holes 37, and further passes through the infrared filter 8, thereby becoming red. The infrared light including the external light detection signal is input to the infrared light receiving element 6a.
[0063]
FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing each circuit configuration of the operation panel input device 1 according to the present embodiment. Hereinafter, the operation panel input device 1 and its operation will be described with reference to this block diagram.
[0064]
Each optical switch unit U 1 , U 2 , U 3 Each of the infrared light emitting elements 5a is connected to an LED multiplexer 16 that is connected and controlled by the microcomputer 10, and emits an infrared light detection signal at a light emission timing controlled by the microcomputer 10 acting as light emission control means. That is, as shown in FIG. 1 , U 2 , U 3 The infrared light emitting element 5a emits an infrared light detection signal at a timing that does not overlap with the other infrared light emitting elements 5a during a light emitting period ton of 0.5 msec with an extinguishing period toff of 0.5 msec before and after. During the turn-off period toff before and after, no infrared light detection signal is emitted from any of the infrared light emitting elements 5a.
[0065]
The light emission control is repeated again after the light emission control is performed for all the infrared light emitting elements 5a, and the one scanning cycle T is set to a time shorter than the time required for the input operation. Although the time required for the input operation by the operator varies from person to person, it is empirically estimated that the time is from 50 msec to 200 msec. Here, the time is set to 15 msec which is shorter than 50 msec.
[0066]
On the other hand, each optical switch unit U 1 , U 2 , U 3 A pair of infrared light receiving elements 6a for each of the infrared light emitting elements 5a is connected to a Pd multiplexer 17 which is connected and controlled by the microcomputer 10, and is controlled by the microcomputer 10 which also functions as a light receiving control. To receive light.
[0067]
The output of the Pd multiplexer 17 is connected to an A / D converter 19 of the microcomputer 10 via an amplifier circuit 18. Therefore, the amount of received light detected by the infrared light receiving element 6a at the light receiving timing controlled by the microcomputer 10 is amplified by the amplifier circuit 18, A / D converted by the A / D converter 19, and then input to the microcomputer 10. Is done.
[0068]
This light receiving timing is synchronized with the scanning cycle T for controlling the light emission of the light emitting element 5a, and the light receiving timing is set for each pair of infrared light receiving elements 6a. Here, each switch unit U shown in FIG. 1 , U 2 , U 3 The amount of received light is detected for each light emitting period ton in which the infrared light emitting element 5a emits light.
[0069]
FIG. 6 shows details of detecting the amount of received light in each light emitting period ton. The interrupt processing is performed four times in each light emitting period ton (interruption time from 12 to 15 in the figure). The received light amount at that time is read into the / D converter 19.
[0070]
The microcomputer 10 averages the four light reception amounts read from the A / D converter 19 during the light emission period ton to obtain a newly detected light reception amount during light emission Lon (c). As described above, by averaging the light reception amounts detected a plurality of times, even if an error occurs in one detection, the influence on the light reception amount output to the microcomputer 10 is reduced. The amount of light received during light emission Lon (c) is compared with the amount of received light during light emission Lon (o), which will be described later, in the microcomputer 10, and the shift register 21 having four stages connected to the microcomputer 10 for each switch unit U. It is stored in the lower row.
[0071]
Similar processing is performed for each switch unit U. 1 , U 2 , U 3 Is repeated every scanning cycle T, the newly detected light-receiving amount Lon (c) during light emission is stored in the lowermost stage of the shift register 21, and the light-receiving amount stored in each stage is sequentially shifted to the upper stage. It is. As a result, for the specific switch unit U, the received light amount during light emission Lon (o) stored in the uppermost stage of the shift register 21 is 4T time before the detection of a new received light amount for the same switch unit U, that is, 60 msec. It represents the amount of light received previously detected.
[0072]
FIG. 7 shows a light-receiving amount Lon during light emission input to the microcomputer 10 for each scanning cycle T, with respect to an input operation state in which the finger 11, which is the operating body, approaches and separates from the specific switch unit U. 5 is a graph showing a change in the light reception amount Lon during light emission.
[0073]
In the period from T1 to T2 in the drawing, the input device is in a standby state before the input operation, and since the finger 11 is separated from the switch unit U, the infrared light receiving element 6a receives the external light and the infrared light detection signal scattered inside. And the amount of light received during light emission Lon is 1V.
[0074]
When the finger 11 is approached by the input operation from the standby state, the infrared light detection signal reflected by the finger 11 is gradually increased, the light receiving amount Lon during light emission is increased, and T7 which is the closest to the switch unit U is detected. In some cases, a peak of about 1.5 V is reached.
[0075]
Thereafter, when the finger 11 is separated, the reflected infrared light detection signal gradually decreases, the light reception amount Lon during light emission also decreases, and returns to the standby state of about 1 V at T12.
[0076]
In the present embodiment, the input operation state is detected from the light-receiving amount Lon during light emission which changes in accordance with the contact and separation of the finger 11, and the microcomputer 10 newly detects the light-receiving amount during light emission Lon (c). Is compared with the light-receiving amount during light emission Lon (o) stored in the uppermost stage of the shift register 21, and when it exceeds a predetermined input threshold value, here 0.3 V, it is determined that the input operation is performed. I do.
[0077]
For example, in FIG. 7, the light-receiving amount Lon (c) during light emission at T5 is 1.25 V, and the light-receiving amount Lon (o) during light emission before 4T time is 1 V, so that the difference does not exceed the input threshold value. At time T6, the received light amount Lon (c) during light emission is 1.4V, and the received light amount Lon (o) during light emission at T2 before 4T time is 1V. Is determined.
[0078]
Further, the microcomputer 10 compares the newly detected light-receiving amount Lon (c) during light emission with the light-receiving amount during light emission Lon (o) stored in the uppermost stage of the shift register 21 to obtain a predetermined release threshold value. Here, it is determined that the input operation is canceled when the input voltage is reduced by 0.3 V or more.
[0079]
For example, in FIG. 7, the amount of light received during light emission Lon (c) at T10 is 1.3V, and the amount of light received during light emission Lon (o) before 4T time is 1.4V. At the following T11, the received light amount Lon (c) during light emission is 1.1V, and the received light amount Lon (o) during light emission at T7 before 4T time is 1.5V. It is determined that the operation has been canceled.
[0080]
The microcomputer 10 determines whether or not the input operation and the cancellation of the input operation are performed by each switch unit U. 1 , U 2 , U 3 Each time, the newly detected light-receiving amount Lon (c) during light emission is compared with the light-receiving amount Lon (o) during light emission read from the shift register 21.
[0081]
When the microcomputer 10 determines that the input operation is for a specific switch unit U, the microcomputer 10 executes the instruction associated with the switch unit U for the water heater. For example, the switch unit U arranged below the operation area 30A displaying the display 30a indicating the input operation of the input of the main power supply 1 Is determined to be an input operation, the power of the water heater is turned on.
[0082]
Further, in the present embodiment, since the input operation state of each switch unit U including the timing of releasing the input operation can be determined, another command is output in determining the release of the input operation, or the input operation and the input operation The determination result of the input operation is determined at the time interval at which the release of the input operation is determined, and the determination result can be used for various purposes.
[0083]
In the first embodiment, even when the level of the light receiving amount Lon received by the infrared light receiving element 6a gradually changes due to the influence of aging and the gradual change of extraneous light, the input is Both the light-receiving amount during light emission Lon (c) and the light-receiving amount during light emission Lon (o), which are compared in the determination of the cancellation of the operation or the input operation, are affected by the influences. Can accurately determine the input operation state.
[0084]
However, in the first embodiment, extraneous light or internal scattered light that reaches the infrared light receiving element 6a due to various causes such as opening of a curtain in a room, lighting of an illumination, approach of an insect, or the like. The light may temporarily change, and if these changes rarely increase in the same manner as the light amount change due to the input operation, there is a possibility that the light may be erroneously determined to be the input operation.
[0085]
FIG. 8 is a graph showing a change in which the amount of light received during light emission Lon increases similarly to the input operation even when the input operation is not performed on the specific switch unit U due to such a cause. In FIG. 8, at T6, the amount of light received during light emission Lon (c) is increased from 1V 4T before to 1.4V at T6 due to the sudden increase in extraneous light and internal scattered light. Reaches an input threshold of 0.3 V and is erroneously determined to be an input operation.
[0086]
The second embodiment described below detects such an erroneous determination state, invalidates the input operation determination for a certain period, and prevents a malfunction of a controlled device such as a home appliance. .
[0087]
In the second embodiment, the microcomputer 10 acting as the light receiving control means is different from the first embodiment in that each switch unit U shown in FIG. 1 , U 2 , U 3 In addition, the amount of received light is detected in the light-off period toff immediately before, in addition to each light-emitting period ton of the infrared light emitting element 5a.
[0088]
The details of detecting the amount of received light in the light-off period toff are the same as the detection in the light-emitting period ton. As shown in FIG. 6, the interrupt processing is performed four times in each light-off period toff. Then, the received light amount at that time is read into the A / D converter 19.
[0089]
The microcomputer 10 averages the four light reception amounts read from the A / D converter 19 during the light-off period toff to obtain a newly detected light-off amount at off-time Loff (c). Similarly, when detecting the light receiving amount Loff (c) at the time of turning off, the light receiving amounts detected a plurality of times are averaged to reduce the influence of one detection error on the detection value. The off-time light receiving amount Loff (c) is stored in the lowest stage of the shift register 21 for each switch unit U, similarly to the on-light receiving amount Lon (c), and the newly detected off-time light receiving amount Loff (c) Are stored in the lower stage of the shift register 21 and are sequentially shifted to the upper stage.
[0090]
In the microcomputer 10, for each of the switch units U, the newly detected off-light reception amount Loff (c) and the off-light reception amount Loff (o) stored in the uppermost stage of the shift register 21, that is, 4T time (60 msec) 3) Compare the previously detected off-light reception amount Loff (o) and detect an abnormal increase in extraneous light and internal scattered light.
[0091]
That is, the newly detected off-light reception amount Loff (c) exceeds a predetermined environmental threshold, here 0.3v, compared to the off-light reception amount Loff (o) detected 4T time before. When the number of the switch units U increases, the external light and the internal scattered light are determined to be abnormally increased, and the determination of the input operation for all the switch units U for a predetermined period (for example, several seconds) is invalidated. Therefore, even if the specific switch unit U determines that the input operation is performed based on the increase in the light receiving amount Lon during light emission, the determination is invalidated, and an unintended command is not executed in the home electric appliance or the like.
[0092]
This will be described with reference to FIG. 8 in which the change in the light receiving amount Loff at the time of turning off is connected by a broken line, and the light receiving amount Lon (c) at the time of light emission at T1 receives the external light and the internal scattered light including the infrared detection signal. In contrast to 1 V, the off-time received light amount Loff (c) at T1 (accurately, 0.5 msec before) does not include the internal scattered light due to the infrared detection signal, and is slightly lower at 0.8 V. ing.
[0093]
When a curtain or the like is drawn and extraneous light or internal scattered light (hereinafter simply described as extraneous light) increases to the same extent as the input operation, the off-state light reception amount Loff (c) together with the on-light reception amount Lon (c). ) Also increases. As a result, at T6, the received light amount during light emission Lon (c) increases beyond the input threshold value of 0.3 V as compared with the received light amount during light emission Lon (o) four T hours earlier, and it is determined that the input operation has been performed. , T6, the off-state received light amount Loff (c) also exceeds the environmental threshold value 0.3 V from the off-state received light amount Loff (o) 4T hours earlier due to an increase in extraneous light or the like. Is invalid.
[0094]
On the other hand, in FIG. 7 showing the state of the input operation, the external light is blocked by the finger 11 performing the input operation, unless there is an abnormal increase in the external light, such that the change in the light receiving amount Loff at the time of turning off is indicated by a broken line. Therefore, the light reception amount Loff at the time of turning off is rather reduced, and the increase does not exceed the environmental threshold value, so that the input operation determination is kept valid.
[0095]
As shown in the figure, when the finger 11 is separated, the light reception amount Loff at the time of turning off temporarily increases, but the increase does not exceed the environmental threshold value. While Lon is decreasing, a method of not comparing the change in the light receiving amount Loff at the time of turning off with the environmental threshold may be adopted.
[0096]
It should be noted that the input threshold and the environmental threshold do not necessarily have to be the same value, and that even if there is an abnormal increase in extraneous light, they do not simultaneously exceed the respective thresholds. It is desirable to invalidate the determination of the input operation even when the environmental threshold value is exceeded within, for example, 2T time (30 msec) before and after the value is exceeded.
[0097]
Further, since an abnormal increase in extraneous light affects all switch units U equally, it is not always necessary to detect the off-state received light amount Loff for all switch units U.
[0098]
In the second embodiment, the off-light reception amount Loff (c) is temporarily stored in the shift register 21 for each switch unit U. However, the off-light reception amount Loff detected in each scanning cycle T is used. (C) is compared with a light-off threshold value which is a fixed value, and when the light-out threshold value is exceeded, it is determined that extraneous light is abnormally increased, and the determination of input operations of all switch units U for a predetermined period is invalidated. It may be. For example, even if the light-off threshold value is set to an absolute value such as 1.2 V which is predicted to be an abnormality of extraneous light, for example, +0.3 V with respect to the light-off amount Loff in the standby state where no input operation is performed. May be determined as follows.
[0099]
FIG. 9 is a block diagram showing an operation panel input device 50 according to a third embodiment in which a part of the first embodiment is improved, and an input operation is accurately determined even when there is an abnormal increase in extraneous light. As is apparent from comparison with FIG. 4, the piezoelectric substrates 12A and 12B are fixed along the peripheral edges in the X and Y directions orthogonal to the transparent acrylic plate 3 serving as the operation panel.
[0100]
In the present embodiment, the piezoelectric effect of the piezoelectric substrates 12A and 12B is utilized (using a voltage signal generated from mechanical strain) to serve as contact detection means for the operation panel 3. When the finger 11 is touched, the distortion generated in the transparent acrylic plate 3 is transmitted to the piezoelectric substrates 12A and 12B fixed to the peripheral edge, and the piezoelectric substrates 12A and 12B bend to generate a voltage signal. The signal is a contact detection signal.
[0101]
Since the piezoelectric substrates 12A and 12B are attached to the periphery of the transparent acrylic plate 3, they can be attached to the periphery that is not visible from the outside without reducing the display area of the liquid crystal display panel 4. However, the attachment positions of the piezoelectric substrates 12A and 12B may be fixed at any positions as long as the contact with the transparent acrylic plate 3 can be detected.
[0102]
Further, in the present embodiment in which the piezoelectric substrates 12A and 12B are fixed, it is necessary to transmit the distortion due to the contact with the transparent acrylic plate 3 to the piezoelectric substrates 12A and 12B, so that the deformation of the transparent acrylic plate 3 is not restricted. It is necessary to interpose a buffer plate made of synthetic rubber, an adhesive, etc. between the case 2 and the case 2.
[0103]
The outputs of the piezoelectric substrates 12A and 12B are connected to the A / D converter 19 of the microcomputer 10 via the amplifier circuit 14, and when the operation panel 3 is touched by an operation body such as the finger 11, the amplified contact to the microcomputer 10 is obtained. A detection signal is input.
[0104]
The microcomputer 10 uses the input of the contact detection signal as a condition for determining the input operation. However, the other configuration is the same as that of the first embodiment.
[0105]
As shown in FIG. 6, the microcomputer 10 reads the contact detection signal from the A / D converter 19 at the interruption time indicated by 11 in each light emission period ton of each switch unit U. Therefore, the presence or absence of a contact detection signal, that is, the contact with the operation panel 3 is detected at each scanning cycle T of each switch unit U.
[0106]
In the present embodiment, on the condition that the contact detection signal is input within the pre- and post-estimated operation period (for example, 200 msec) in which the input operation to the specific switch unit U is determined by the same method as the first embodiment. The determination of the input operation is made valid, and the corresponding command is executed by the home electric appliance.
[0107]
In the operation panel input device 50, an operator performs an input operation by touching the operation panel 3 after bringing an operation body such as the finger 11 to a specific switch unit U. Since the estimated operation period (for example, 200 msec) is set, even if there is a time difference between the determination of the input operation due to the approach of the finger 11 and the input of the contact detection signal, the determination of the input operation is valid as long as it is a normal input operation. You.
[0108]
Further, simply detecting an extraordinary increase in extraneous light does not input a contact detection signal. Therefore, even if an input operation is determined due to an extraordinary increase, the input operation is not treated as valid.
[0109]
In the above embodiment, infrared light is used as the light detection signal, and the light receiving surface of the light receiving element 6a is covered with the infrared filter 8 that transmits only the infrared light of the infrared light detection signal. And the internal scattered light is prevented from being received by the light receiving element 6a. However, if the input operation state can be determined by comparing the amount of received light, it is not always necessary to use a light detection signal of a specific wavelength.
[0110]
In the case where the operation area 30 is a relatively large operation area 30, a plurality of light emitting units which emit infrared light detection signals simultaneously are provided to the optical switch unit U provided corresponding to one operation area 30. The light emitting means 5 and a plurality of light receiving means 6 for receiving light at the light emission timing may be provided as a pair. In this way, a large number of the light emitting means 5 and the light receiving means 6 forming a pair are dispersedly arranged. Accordingly, even if the operation area 30 is wide, any one of the light receiving means 6 can surely receive the light detection signal reflected by the operation body.
[0111]
In addition, one scanning cycle T, the time difference between the light receiving amount during light emission Lon (c) and the light receiving amount during light emission Lon (o), and the time difference between the light receiving amount during light off Loff (c) and the light receiving amount during light off Loff (o) are each The threshold value is arbitrarily determined so that the input operation state can be most effectively determined, and is not limited to the above example.
[0112]
Furthermore, although an example in which an input operation is performed with the finger 11 has been described, a dedicated input pen or the like other than the finger may be used to perform an input operation with the operating tool.
[0113]
【The invention's effect】
As described above, according to the present invention, even if external light or internal scattered light changes temporarily or for a long time, an input operation can be determined without being affected by these changes.
[0114]
Further, the input operation state can be determined in detail from the change in the amount of light received by the light receiving means.
[0115]
In addition, according to the invention of claim 2, the input operation can be accurately determined up to the timing of the input operation.
[0116]
According to the invention of claim 3, when the light receiving amount at the time of turning off increases beyond the light-off threshold, it can be regarded as an increase in the light amount due to extraneous light and internal scattered light unrelated to the input operation. Even if the amount of light received during light emission increases due to the increase and the input operation is determined, the malfunction of the device can be prevented by invalidating the determination for a certain period.
[0117]
Further, according to the invention of claim 4, by comparing the change in the amount of received light at the time of turning off with a predetermined environmental threshold value, it is possible to accurately correct only a temporary increase except for the influence of aging of the extraneous light and the internal scattered light. Even if it is determined that the input operation is performed due to the primary increase, the malfunction can be prevented by invalidating the determination for a certain period.
[0118]
According to the invention of claim 5, since the determination of the input operation is made effective on the condition of the contact with the operation panel, a temporary change in the amount of external light or internal scattered light occurs, and the input operation is determined. Even in such a case, the command according to the input operation is not executed, and the malfunction of the device can be reliably prevented.
[0119]
According to the invention of claim 6, the input operation state including the timing of canceling the input operation can be accurately determined. Therefore, different control contents can be input to the optical switch unit not only at the time of normal input operation but also at the time of input operation cancellation.
[0120]
According to the seventh aspect of the present invention, since the light reception amount is obtained from the average value of the light reception amounts detected a plurality of times during the detection period, even if a detection abnormal value occurs, the influence on the light reception amount is small, and erroneous determination is reduced. .
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an operation panel input device 1 according to the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a vertical sectional view of the operation panel input device 1.
FIG. 3 is an enlarged vertical sectional view of a main part of FIG. 2;
FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing a configuration of the operation panel input device 1.
FIG. 5 is a timing chart showing an infrared light detection signal emitted from each optical switch unit U of the operation panel input device 1.
FIG. 6 is a timing chart showing a timing of reading a light reception amount and a contact detection signal during a light emission period ton and a light-off period toff.
FIG. 7 is a graph showing a change in a light receiving amount at light emission Lon and a light receiving amount at off time Loff in an input operation state in which a finger 11 approaches and then separates from a specific switch unit U;
FIG. 8 is a graph showing a change in a received light amount during emission Lon and a received light amount during off light Loff in a standby state for a specific switch unit U;
FIG. 9 is a block diagram showing a configuration of an operation panel input device 50 according to another embodiment.
FIG. 10 is a longitudinal sectional view showing a conventional operation panel input device 100.
FIG. 11 is a timing chart of an infrared detection signal emitted from the optical switch unit U of the conventional operation panel input device 100.
FIG. 12 is an enlarged longitudinal sectional view showing an inside of an operation panel 101 of a conventional operation panel input device 100 in an enlarged manner.
[Explanation of symbols]
1,50 operation panel input device
3 Operation panel (transparent acrylic board)
5 Light emitting means
6 Light receiving means
10. Microcomputer (light emission control means, light reception control means, input determination means)
12A, 12B Contact detection means (piezoelectric substrate)
21 Received light amount storage unit (shift register)
U Optical switch unit
T scan cycle
Received light amount during Lon emission
Lon (c) Newly detected light-receiving amount during light emission
Lon (o) Primary stored light-receiving amount during light emission
ton light emission period
toff turn off period
Loff Light receiving amount when the light is off
Loff (c) Newly detected light-receiving amount at turn-off
Loff (o) Primary stored light receiving amount at the time of turning off

Claims (7)

少なくとも一部が光透過部となった操作パネル（３）と、
各光スイッチユニット（Ｕ）が、操作パネル（３）の内方に配置され、操作パネル（３）の光透過部から外方へ光検出信号を発光する発光手段（５）と、光透過部の外方で反射された光検出信号を受光可能な受光手段（６）とを、対として有する複数の光スイッチユニット（Ｕ）と、
各光スイッチユニット（Ｕ）の発光手段（５）に対し、他の光スイッチユニット（Ｕ）の発光手段（５）から発光される光検出信号と重複しないように、少なくとも入力操作時間より短い走査周期（Ｔ）で光検出信号を繰り返し発光させる発光制御手段（１０）と、
発光手段（５）が光検出信号を発光する走査周期（Ｔ）に同期させて、同一の光スイッチユニット（Ｕ）で対となる受光手段（６）に対し受光量を検出させる受光制御手段（１０）と、
受光手段（６）が検出した受光量を、各光スイッチユニット（Ｕ）の受光手段（６）毎に一次記憶する受光量記憶部（２１）と、
光スイッチユニット（Ｕ）の発光手段（５）が光検出信号を発光した際の対となる受光手段（６）が検出した受光量から、前記光スイッチユニット（Ｕ）に対する入力操作状態を判定する入力判定手段（１０）とを備えた操作パネル入力装置であって、
受光量記憶部（２１）は、発光手段（５）が光検出信号を発光する発光期間（ｔｏｎ）に、対となる受光手段（６）が検出した発光時受光量（Ｌｏｎ）を一次記憶し、
入力判定手段（１０）は、光スイッチユニット（Ｕ）の受光手段（６）が新たに検出した発光時受光量（Ｌｏｎ（ｃ））と、その受光手段（６）について受光量記憶部（２１）で一次記憶された発光時受光量（Ｌｏｎ（ｏ））とから、当該光スイッチユニット（Ｕ）に対する入力操作状態を判定することを特徴とする操作パネル入力装置。An operation panel (3) at least a part of which is a light transmitting portion;
Each light switch unit (U) is disposed inside the operation panel (3), and emits a light detection signal from a light transmission portion of the operation panel (3) to the outside, and a light transmission portion. A plurality of light switch units (U) having, as a pair, light receiving means (6) capable of receiving a light detection signal reflected outside the device;
Scanning the light emitting means (5) of each optical switch unit (U) at least shorter than the input operation time so as not to overlap with the light detection signal emitted from the light emitting means (5) of the other optical switch unit (U). Light emission control means (10) for repeatedly emitting a light detection signal at a period (T);
Light receiving control means (5) for detecting the amount of light received by a pair of light receiving means (6) in the same optical switch unit (U) in synchronization with a scanning cycle (T) in which the light emitting means (5) emits a light detection signal. 10),
A light receiving amount storage unit (21) for temporarily storing the light receiving amount detected by the light receiving means (6) for each light receiving means (6) of each optical switch unit (U);
The input operation state for the optical switch unit (U) is determined from the amount of light received by the light receiving unit (6) that is paired when the light emitting unit (5) of the optical switch unit (U) emits a light detection signal. An operation panel input device comprising input determination means (10),
The received light amount storage unit (21) temporarily stores the light receiving amount during light emission (Lon) detected by the light receiving unit (6) that forms a pair during a light emitting period (ton) during which the light emitting unit (5) emits a light detection signal. ,
The input determination means (10) includes a light-receiving amount during light emission (Lon (c)) newly detected by the light-receiving means (6) of the optical switch unit (U), and a light-receiving amount storage unit (21) for the light-receiving means (6). An operation panel input device characterized in that the input operation state for the optical switch unit (U) is determined from the light-receiving amount during light emission (Lon (o)) temporarily stored in (1). 入力判定手段（１０）は、光スイッチユニット（Ｕ）の受光手段（６）が新たに検出した発光時受光量（Ｌｏｎ（ｃ））が、その受光手段（６）について受光量記憶部（２１）で一次記憶された発光時受光量（Ｌｏｎ（ｏ））と比較して、所定の入力しきい値を越えて増加したときに、当該光スイッチユニット（Ｕ）に対する入力操作と判定することを特徴とする請求項１記載の操作パネル入力装置。The input determination means (10) determines whether the light receiving amount during light emission (Lon (c)) newly detected by the light receiving means (6) of the optical switch unit (U) is a light receiving amount storage unit (21). ) Is compared with the light-receiving amount during light emission (Lon (o)) temporarily stored, and when the light-receiving amount increases beyond a predetermined input threshold value, it is determined that an input operation to the optical switch unit (U) is determined. The operation panel input device according to claim 1, wherein: 発光制御手段（１０）は、全ての光スイッチユニット（Ｕ）の発光手段（５）から光検出信号を発光させない消灯期間（ｔｏｆｆ）を、少なくとも一走査周期（Ｔ）内に設定するとともに、受光制御手段（１０）は、少なくともいずれかの光スイッチユニット（Ｕ）の受光手段（６）に対し消灯期間（ｔｏｆｆ）中の消灯時受光量（Ｌｏｆｆ）を検出させ、
受光手段（６）が検出した消灯時受光量（Ｌｏｆｆ）が、所定の消灯しきい値を越えたときに、全ての光スイッチユニット（Ｕ）についての入力判定手段（１０）による入力操作の判定を、一定期間無効とすることを特徴とする請求項２記載の操作パネル入力装置。The light emission control means (10) sets a light-off period (toff) during which no light detection signal is emitted from the light emission means (5) of all the optical switch units (U) within at least one scanning cycle (T), and receives light. The control means (10) causes at least one of the light receiving means (6) of the optical switch units (U) to detect a light-off-time received light amount (Loff) during a light-off period (toff),
When the light receiving amount (Loff) detected by the light receiving means (6) when the light is turned off (Loff) exceeds a predetermined light-off threshold value, determination of an input operation by the input determining means (10) for all the optical switch units (U). 3. The operation panel input device according to claim 2, wherein the setting is invalid for a certain period. 発光制御手段（１０）は、全ての光スイッチユニット（Ｕ）の発光手段（５）から光検出信号を発光させない消灯期間（ｔｏｆｆ）を、少なくとも一走査周期（Ｔ）内に設定するとともに、受光制御手段（１０）は、少なくともいずれかの光スイッチユニット（Ｕ）の受光手段（６）に対し消灯期間（ｔｏｆｆ）中の消灯時受光量（Ｌｏｆｆ）を検出させ、
受光量記憶部（２１）は、消灯期間（ｔｏｆｆ）中に受光手段（６）が検出した消灯時受光量（Ｌｏｆｆ）を、発光時受光量（Ｌｏｎ）とともに一次記憶し、
受光手段（６）が新たに検出した消灯時受光量（Ｌｏｆｆ（ｃ））が、その受光手段（６）について受光量記憶部（２１）で一次記憶された消灯時受光量（Ｌｏｆｆ（ｏ））と比較して、所定の環境しきい値を越えたときに、全ての光スイッチユニット（Ｕ）についての入力判定手段（１０）による入力操作の判定を、一定期間無効とすることを特徴とする請求項２記載の操作パネル入力装置。The light emission control means (10) sets a light-off period (toff) during which no light detection signal is emitted from the light emission means (5) of all the optical switch units (U) within at least one scanning cycle (T), and receives light. The control means (10) causes at least one of the light receiving means (6) of the optical switch units (U) to detect a light-off-time received light amount (Loff) during a light-off period (toff),
The light receiving amount storage unit (21) temporarily stores the light receiving amount (Loff) detected by the light receiving means (6) during the light OFF period (toff) together with the light receiving amount (Lon) during light emission;
The light-receiving amount at turn-off (Loff (c)) newly detected by the light-receiving means (6) is the light-receiving amount at turn-off (Loff (o)) which is temporarily stored in the light-receiving amount storage section (21) for the light-receiving means (6). ), The determination of the input operation by the input determination means (10) for all the optical switch units (U) is invalidated for a certain period when a predetermined environmental threshold value is exceeded. The operation panel input device according to claim 2, wherein 操作パネル（３）に対する接触を検知する接触検知手段（１２Ａ、１２Ｂ）が操作パネル（３）に配置され、
入力判定手段（１０）が入力操作と判定した前後所定の推定操作期間内に、接触検知手段（１２Ａ、１２Ｂ）から接触検知信号が入力されることを条件に、当該光スイッチユニット（Ｕ）に対する入力操作の判定を有効とすることを特徴とする請求項２記載の操作パネル入力装置。Contact detection means (12A, 12B) for detecting contact with the operation panel (3) are arranged on the operation panel (3),
On the condition that a contact detection signal is input from the contact detection means (12A, 12B) within a predetermined estimated operation period before and after the input determination means (10) determines that the input operation has been performed, the optical switch unit (U) is 3. The operation panel input device according to claim 2, wherein the determination of the input operation is made valid. 入力判定手段（１０）は、光スイッチユニット（Ｕ）の受光手段（６）が新たに検出した発光時受光量（Ｌｏｎ（ｃ））が、その受光手段（６）について受光量記憶部（２１）で一次記憶された発光時受光量（Ｌｏｎ（ｏ））と比較して、所定の解除しきい値を越えて減少したときに、当該光スイッチユニット（Ｕ）に対する入力操作の解除と判定することを特徴とすることを特徴とする請求項１記載の操作パネル入力装置。The input determination means (10) determines whether the light receiving amount during light emission (Lon (c)) newly detected by the light receiving means (6) of the optical switch unit (U) is a light receiving amount storage unit (21). ) Is compared with the light-receiving amount during light emission (Lon (o)) temporarily stored, and when the light-receiving amount decreases beyond a predetermined release threshold, it is determined that the input operation to the optical switch unit (U) is released. 2. The operation panel input device according to claim 1, wherein: 受光手段（６）は、発光手段（５）が光検出信号を発光する走査周期（Ｔ）に同期して受光量を検出する期間内に、複数回受光量を検出し、その平均値を受光手段（６）が検出した受光量とすることを特徴とする請求項１乃至６のいずれか１項に記載の操作パネル入力装置。The light receiving means (6) detects the light receiving amount a plurality of times during a period in which the light emitting means (5) detects the light receiving amount in synchronization with the scanning cycle (T) in which the light detection signal is emitted, and receives the average value. The operation panel input device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the received light amount is detected by the means (6).
JP2002308877A 2002-10-23 2002-10-23 Operation panel input device Expired - Fee Related JP4046591B2 (en)

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JP2016189582A (en) * 2015-03-30 2016-11-04 京セラディスプレイ株式会社 Proximity sensor apparatus
JP2019219960A (en) * 2018-06-20 2019-12-26 カシオ計算機株式会社 Electronic device, control method, and program
WO2022137744A1 (en) * 2020-12-22 2022-06-30 株式会社村田製作所 Sensor, helmet, and measurement method

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JP2002297317A (en) * 2001-03-30 2002-10-11 Smk Corp Operation panel input device
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JPS61264915A (en) * 1985-05-20 1986-11-22 Matsushita Electric Ind Co Ltd Input device for equipment
JP2000100287A (en) * 1998-09-21 2000-04-07 Smk Corp Operation panel input switch
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JP2003279407A (en) * 2002-03-22 2003-10-02 Toto Ltd Infrared switch

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* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
JP2016189582A (en) * 2015-03-30 2016-11-04 京セラディスプレイ株式会社 Proximity sensor apparatus
JP2019219960A (en) * 2018-06-20 2019-12-26 カシオ計算機株式会社 Electronic device, control method, and program
JP7159636B2 (en) 2018-06-20 2022-10-25 カシオ計算機株式会社 Electronic device, control method and program
WO2022137744A1 (en) * 2020-12-22 2022-06-30 株式会社村田製作所 Sensor, helmet, and measurement method
JP7327692B2 (en) 2020-12-22 2023-08-16 株式会社村田製作所 Sensors, helmets and measurement methods

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