JP2009059228A - Operation device - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a space-saving operation device which provides a user of a clear operation feeling, and facilitates layout change. <P>SOLUTION: A push switch 5 is installed on the surface 2a of a liquid crystal panel 2 by using an adhesive or a double-face adhesive tape. The push switch 5 outputs electromagnetic waves according to operations by a user. An operation detecting part 7, which is provided on the back surface of the liquid crystal panel 2, detects the electromagnetic waves from the push switch 5 to detect the operations by the user to the push switch 5. The operation detecting part 7 supplies the push switch 5 with electric power by the electromagnetic waves. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2009,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention provides an operation device suitable for operating an operation unit while visually observing an image or menu displayed on a display unit.

  In recent years, electrical devices have become multifunctional, and it is important for electrical devices to have an operation device with good operability so that a user can easily use many functions. For example, an operation device for operating an electric device such as a car navigation device, an audio device, or an air conditioner mounted on a vehicle has a limited arrangement space in the vehicle. Therefore, it is required that the vehicle driver can operate more easily. When many functions are operated with a small number of operation units, it is effective to display various menus on a display unit such as a liquid crystal panel and accept menu selections by the user at the operation unit. In this case, the operation can be received using a touch panel, and the operation can be received using a mechanical switch provided separately from the display unit.

  In the configuration that accepts operations using the touch panel, the touch panel can be provided integrally with the display unit, which saves space, and the layout can be changed easily by simply changing the menu displayed on the display unit. There is an advantage. However, in this configuration, the operation feeling when the touch panel is operated is poor, the user needs to perform the operation by visually observing the display unit, the appearance is not high-quality, and the user directly touches the display unit. Since it touches, there are drawbacks such as the display section becoming dirty and the visibility being lowered.

  On the other hand, in the configuration in which the operation is received using a mechanical switch, a certain operational feeling can be given to the user, so that a user who is used to the operation can perform the operation without looking at the switch. There is an advantage that there is a sense of quality. However, this configuration requires a space for disposing the switch separately from the display unit, and has a drawback that the layout of the switch cannot be changed.

In Patent Document 1, an opening is provided on the display screen, and an operation part of the operation switch is provided so as to protrude from the opening, thereby providing a mechanical operation with excellent cognition without giving a burden on vision. User interface devices that can give a feeling have been proposed. In this user interface device, drive control of the operation part is performed based on a preset operation pattern corresponding to the display image on the display screen, and the display direction of the displayed selection item (from the origin position to the top, bottom, left, and right). The operation part is driven so as to be movable only in four directions.
JP 2004-192634 A

  The user interface device described in Patent Document 1 has a configuration in which an operation part protrudes from an opening portion of a display screen, and thus has a space saving and a reliable operation feeling. However, it is not easy to form an opening on the display screen, and it is not easy to control the display screen on which the opening is formed. In addition, since it is not easy to change the layout of the operation part, this user interface device has a drawback that it is not versatile.

  The present invention has been made in view of such circumstances, and an object of the present invention is to provide an electromagnetic wave output from the operation unit in response to an operation by disposing the operation unit on the display surface of the display unit. Therefore, it is an object of the present invention to provide an operation device that can save space, provide a reliable operational feeling to the user, and easily change the layout.

  Another object of the present invention is that the operation unit is attached to the display surface, and detection means for detecting operation by detecting electromagnetic waves is provided on the opposite surface of the display unit. An object of the present invention is to provide an operating device that can detect an operation by reliably detecting an electromagnetic wave that is output, and can realize space saving more reliably.

  Another object of the present invention is that the detection means for detecting an operation by detecting electromagnetic waves is disposed on the display surface so as to be translucent, and the operation portion is attached to the detection means. It is an object of the present invention to provide an operating device that can detect an electromagnetic wave output from an operation unit more reliably without disturbing the display of the display unit and can detect the operation, and can realize space saving more reliably. .

  Another object of the present invention is to provide a plurality of operation sections and detection means in a one-to-one correspondence so that one detection means detects only the electromagnetic waves output from one operation section. It is an object of the present invention to provide an operating device that can easily provide a plurality of operation units on a display surface and has higher operability.

  Another object of the present invention is to supply power wirelessly to the operation unit provided on the display surface, so that the operation unit can be operated according to the operation without mounting a battery or the like. It is in providing the operating device which a part can output electromagnetic waves.

  In addition, another object of the present invention is that a part or all of the operation unit is made of a translucent member so that the operation unit is covered even when the operation unit is provided on the display surface. An object of the present invention is to provide an operation device that allows a user to visually recognize an image displayed on a part of a display surface through an operation unit.

  Another object of the present invention is to change the image displayed on a part of the display surface covered by the operation unit when the contact or approach to the operation unit is detected. It is an object of the present invention to provide an operating device capable of giving a user a visual effect in which an operating unit changes according to contact or approach to the unit.

  Another object of the present invention is to provide an operation portion on one end side and the other end side of the convexly curved display surface, respectively, so that the curved display surface is viewed from one end side. An object of the present invention is to provide an operating device capable of operating an operating unit and operating the operating unit from the other end side.

  An operating device according to a first aspect of the present invention is a display unit having a display surface for displaying an image, an operation unit disposed on the display surface and outputting an electromagnetic wave according to an operation, and detecting the electromagnetic wave to detect the electromagnetic wave. And detecting means for detecting an operation on the operation unit.

  In the present invention, a menu or icon or the like is displayed on a display unit such as a liquid crystal panel having a display surface for displaying an image, and a user operation on the operation unit such as a switch or button is accepted to select the menu or icon or the like. An operation or various setting operations are accepted. The operation unit is configured to output an electromagnetic wave according to a user's operation, and detects an operation on the operation unit by detecting the electromagnetic wave output by the operation unit. It is not necessary to connect the processing unit of the operating device and the operating unit with a connection cable or the like, and the processing unit of the operating device can detect an operation on the operating unit wirelessly. Therefore, the degree of freedom of arrangement of the operation unit is increased, and the operation unit can be arranged on the display surface of the display unit. By disposing the operation unit on the display surface, it is not necessary to dispose the operation unit elsewhere, so that space saving can be realized, and there is no need to form an opening or the like in the display unit. It is possible to easily cope with changes. In addition, since an operation unit such as a mechanical switch can be provided on the display surface, a more reliable operation feeling can be given to the user as compared with the case where a touch panel is used.

  The operating device according to a second aspect is characterized in that the operating section is attached to the display surface, and the detecting means is disposed on the opposite surface of the display section.

  In the present invention, the operation unit is attached to the display surface using an adhesive or an adhesive tape. A configuration in which the user can attach the operation unit to an arbitrary place may be possible, or a configuration in which the operation unit can be attached and detached. Moreover, the detection means for detecting the electromagnetic wave output from the operation unit is disposed on the surface opposite to the display surface of the display unit. Thereby, the detection means can reliably detect the electromagnetic wave output from the operation unit, and the detection unit does not hinder the operation of the operation unit and the display of the image on the display surface, and the enlargement of the operation device can be suppressed. .

  The operating device according to a third aspect is characterized in that the detecting means is translucent and disposed on the display surface, and the operating portion is attached to the detecting means. And

  In the present invention, the detection means for detecting the electromagnetic wave output from the operation portion is disposed on the display surface of the display portion so as to be translucent, and the operation portion is attached to the detection means using an adhesive or an adhesive tape. . Since the operation unit is installed on the detection unit, the detection unit can reliably detect the electromagnetic wave output from the operation unit. Further, since the detection means is translucent, it does not hinder display on the display unit.

  According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided an operating device including a plurality of the operating unit and the detecting unit, wherein one detecting unit detects only an electromagnetic wave output from a corresponding one operating unit. .

  In the present invention, a plurality of operation units are provided on the display surface, and the same number of detection units as the operation units are provided, and only one electromagnetic wave output from one operation unit corresponding to one detection unit is detected. When one detection unit is configured to receive a plurality of electromagnetic waves output from a plurality of operation units, the detection unit detecting the electromagnetic waves needs to determine which operation unit outputs the electromagnetic waves. For this purpose, for example, an identification number is assigned to the case operation unit, each operation unit outputs identification information as an electromagnetic wave, and the detection means extracts the identification information from the electromagnetic wave to determine the operated operation unit. It can be. However, such a configuration may increase the complexity of the operation unit in the future, and may increase the cost of the operation unit. Therefore, this possibility can be eliminated by making a plurality of operation units and detection means correspond one-to-one.

  The operating device according to a fifth aspect of the present invention further includes power supply means for supplying power to the operating unit wirelessly.

  In the present invention, power is wirelessly supplied to the operation unit provided on the display surface of the display unit. As a result, it is not necessary to provide each operation unit with a power supply means such as a battery or a battery, so that the operation unit can be reduced in size and cost, and the operation unit reliably outputs an electromagnetic wave in response to a user operation. can do.

  In the operating device according to a sixth aspect of the invention, a part or all of the operating part is translucent.

  In the present invention, part or all of the operation unit provided on the display surface of the display unit is light-transmitting. Thereby, the user can visually recognize the image displayed in the part covered with the operation part among the display surfaces through the operation part. Therefore, even when a large number of large-sized operation units are provided on the display surface, more information can be displayed on the display unit without narrowing the effective range of the display surface.

  The operation device according to a seventh aspect of the present invention further includes means for detecting contact or approach to the operation unit, and when the contact or approach is detected, the display unit is connected to the operation unit on the display surface. The display of the covered part is changed.

  In the present invention, contact or approach to the operation unit provided on the display surface is detected by imaging using a camera, a sensor using electrostatic capacitance, a sensor using infrared rays, or the like. When contact or approach to the operation unit is detected, the image displayed on a part of the display surface covered with the operation unit is changed. Thereby, it is possible to give the user a visual effect in which the color, pattern, or the like of the operation unit changes according to contact or approach to the operation unit.

  The operation device according to an eighth aspect of the invention is characterized in that the display surface is curved in a convex shape, and the operation portion is disposed on one end side and the other end side of the display surface, respectively. .

  In the present invention, the display surface of the display unit is convexly curved, and a plurality of operation units are provided on one end side and the other end side of the display surface, respectively. For example, in the case of an operation device mounted on a vehicle, the display surface of the display unit provided between the driver's seat and the passenger seat is curved, and the operation unit is provided on the driver's seat side and the passenger seat side, respectively. It is possible to distinguish between an operation unit for an operator to operate and an operation unit for a passenger to operate. Further, the display unit may be configured to display different images depending on the viewing angle of the user, and when the display unit is mounted on a vehicle, the display unit displays different images from the driver's seat side and from the passenger seat side. Also good. The configuration in which the operation unit is provided on one end side and the other end side of the display surface is suitable in such a case.

  In the case of the first invention, the operation unit is disposed on the display surface of the display unit, and the display unit is configured to detect the operation by detecting the electromagnetic wave output from the operation unit according to the operation. Since the operating device can be downsized and space-saving, the operating device can be easily disposed in a limited space such as in a vehicle. In addition, since a mechanical switch or the like can be arranged on the display surface and a reliable operation feeling can be given to the user, a user who is used to the operation device can operate the device without looking at the operation unit. It is possible to increase the quality of the operating device.

  According to the second aspect of the invention, the operation unit is attached to the display surface, and the electromagnetic wave output from the operation unit is detected by the electromagnetic wave detection unit from the operation unit provided on the opposite surface of the display unit. Can be reliably detected and erroneous detection can be prevented, so that the reliability of the operating device can be improved.

  Further, in the case of the third invention, the detecting means for detecting the operation by detecting the electromagnetic wave is disposed on the display surface so as to be translucent, and the operating portion is attached to the detecting means. However, the detection means can more reliably detect the electromagnetic wave output from the operation unit without interfering with the display of the display means, and the erroneous detection can be prevented more reliably, thereby further improving the reliability of the operation device. be able to.

  Further, in the case of the fourth invention, a plurality of operation units and detection means are provided in one-to-one correspondence, and one detection unit detects only the electromagnetic waves of one operation unit, thereby making the operation unit complex. And an increase in cost can be prevented, and each detection means can reliably receive the electromagnetic waves of the corresponding operation unit, so that a highly reliable operation device can be realized at low cost.

  According to the fifth aspect of the present invention, the operation unit is configured to supply power wirelessly to the operation unit provided on the display surface of the display unit, so that the operation unit can respond to a user operation without providing power supply means. Electromagnetic waves can be output reliably. In addition, since it is not necessary to provide power supply means in the operation unit, the operation unit can be reduced in size and cost, and the operation device can be provided at low cost.

  Further, in the case of the sixth invention, an image displayed on a portion of the display surface covered with the operation unit by making part or all of the operation unit provided on the display surface of the display unit translucent. Can be visually recognized through the operation unit, so that more information can be displayed on the display unit without narrowing the effective range of the display surface. Therefore, the convenience of the operating device can be improved.

  According to the seventh aspect of the present invention, when contact or approach to the operation unit is detected, an image displayed on a part of the display surface covered by the operation unit is changed, so that Since the user can be given a visual effect that the color or pattern of the operation unit changes according to contact or approach, the convenience and aesthetics of the operation device can be improved.

  According to the eighth aspect of the invention, the operation unit is arranged on one end side and the other end side of the convexly curved display surface so that the operation unit is operated from both sides with respect to the curved display surface. can do. Thereby, for example, when a display unit having a curved display surface is provided between the driver's seat and the passenger seat of the vehicle, the operating device can be operated from the driver seat side and the passenger seat side. Therefore, the convenience of the operating device can be improved.

(Embodiment 1)
Hereinafter, the present invention will be specifically described with reference to the drawings showing embodiments thereof. FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating a configuration of an operating device according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention, where (a) illustrates a perspective view of the operating device, and (b) illustrates a side view of the operating device. . However, the exterior or casing of the controller device 1 is not shown in FIG. In the figure, reference numeral 1 denotes an operating device composed of a liquid crystal panel 2, a push switch 5, and the like. The liquid crystal panel 2 of the operating device 1 has a flat rectangular parallelepiped shape, and has a wide surface as a display surface 2a. Various images such as menus, icons, characters, or photographs are displayed on the display surface 2a of the liquid crystal panel 2.

  In addition, a push switch 5 is attached to the approximate center of the display surface 2a of the liquid crystal panel 2 with an adhesive or a double-sided adhesive tape. The push switch 5 has a configuration having a disc-shaped base and a disc-shaped operation portion provided so as to protrude from the base, and the base is fixed to the display surface 2 a of the liquid crystal panel 2. It is. The push switch 5 may be configured such that the user can attach and detach the push switch 5 at an arbitrary position on the display surface 2a.

  Further, an operation detection unit 7 that detects an operation on the push switch 5 is disposed on a surface opposite to the display surface 2a of the liquid crystal panel 2 (hereinafter referred to as a back surface of the liquid crystal panel 2). The push switch 5 and the operation detection unit 7 are not directly connected by electrical wiring, and the operation detection unit 7 detects the electromagnetic wave output from the push switch 5 so that the operation detection unit 7 is connected to the push switch 5. The operation is detected. The operation detection unit 7 has an electromagnetic wave detection range over substantially the entire display surface 2 a of the liquid crystal panel 2.

  FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the controller device 1 according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. For example, the operation device 1 receives operations on a car navigation device 91, an audio device 92, an air conditioner (air conditioner) 93, and the like mounted on the vehicle, and notifies each device of the received operation content.

  The push switch 5 is configured to perform radio communication using an electromagnetic wave with the operation detection unit 7 by an RFID (Radio Frequency IDentification) method used for an IC card or an IC tag. Further, the push switch 5 operates by converting the electromagnetic wave transmitted from the operation detection unit 7 into electric power, and detects the user's operation and outputs the electromagnetic wave without providing a power supply source such as a battery or a battery. Etc. are performed.

  The push switch 5 includes a switch mechanism 51, a control unit 52, a transmission / reception unit 53, an antenna 54, and the like. The switch mechanism 51 is a mechanism that switches between electrical conduction and non-conduction in response to a push operation on the operation portion of the push switch 5. The switch mechanism 51 is connected to the control unit 52, and the control unit 52 controls the transmission / reception unit 53 to output an electromagnetic wave when the switch mechanism 51 becomes conductive.

  The transmission / reception unit 53 is connected to the antenna 54, receives power transmitted as an electromagnetic wave from the operation detection unit 7, and applies power to each unit in the push switch 5. For this purpose, the transmission / reception unit 53 may have a rectifier circuit such as a diode and a capacitor. The transmission / reception unit 53 is configured to output an electromagnetic wave according to the control of the control unit 52 when the switch mechanism 51 is conducted. At this time, the transmitting / receiving unit 53 may output various information such as a predetermined identification number superimposed on the electromagnetic wave. In FIG. 2, the control unit 52 and the transmission / reception unit 53 are illustrated as separate functional blocks, but the control unit 52 and the transmission / reception unit 53 may be realized as one IC chip.

  The operation detection unit 7 provided on the back surface of the liquid crystal panel 2 includes an antenna unit 71, a transmission / reception unit 72, a control unit 73, and the like. The antenna unit 71 is provided so as to have substantially the same area as the display surface 2 a so that the substantially entire area of the display surface 2 a of the liquid crystal panel 2 is an electromagnetic wave transmission / reception range, and is connected to the transmission / reception unit 72. The transmission / reception unit 72 transmits power as an electromagnetic wave from the antenna unit 71 according to the control of the control unit 73, detects and receives the electromagnetic wave transmitted from the push switch 5, and gives the reception result to the control unit 73. It is.

  The control unit 73 determines the content of the operation by the user based on the reception result of the electromagnetic wave by the transmission / reception unit 72 and the display content of the liquid crystal panel 2 and performs a process of displaying various menus or icons on the liquid crystal panel 2. At the same time, the operation content is notified to the device according to the user's operation. Further, the control unit 73 controls the operation of the transmission / reception unit 72 so that power transmission to the push switch 5 is performed constantly or at predetermined time intervals.

  The power output from the antenna unit 71 as the electromagnetic wave by the transmission unit 72 according to the control of the control unit 73 of the operation detection unit 7 is received by the transmission / reception unit 53 of the push switch 5 via the antenna 54. The transmission / reception unit 53 of the push switch 5 converts the received electromagnetic wave into electric power by a rectifier circuit or the like and supplies it to each unit. When the operation part of the push switch 5 is operated by the user and the switch mechanism 51 is turned on, the control unit 52 detects this, controls the transmission / reception unit 53, and outputs an electromagnetic wave via the antenna 54. When an electromagnetic wave is output from the push switch 5, the transmission / reception unit 72 detects and receives the electromagnetic wave via the antenna unit 71 of the operation detection unit 7 and notifies the control unit 73 of it. The control unit 73 determines that the push switch 5 has been operated in response to the notification from the transmission / reception unit 72, and gives operation details to devices such as the car navigation device 91, the audio device 92, and the air conditioner 93, or the display panel 2 Change the display contents.

  The operation device 1 according to the first embodiment having the above configuration is configured such that the push switch 5 that is not directly connected to the operation detection unit 7 by electrical wiring is attached to the display surface 2a of the display panel 2. The push switch 5 can be provided on the display surface 2a without processing the opening of the display panel 2 or the like. Therefore, since it is not necessary to arrange the push switch 5 in another place, the operation device 1 can be reduced in size and space. Further, since the push switch 5 can give the user a mechanical feeling as compared with a touch panel or the like, a user who is accustomed to the operation of the operation device 1 can perform the operation without visually observing the push switch 5. It is possible to enhance the sense of quality of the operating device 1. Further, since the position where the push switch 5 is attached to the liquid crystal panel 2 can be easily changed, the layout of the operation device 1 can be easily made by changing the image displayed on the liquid crystal panel 2 and the attachment position of the push switch 5. Can be changed.

  Further, the operation detection unit 7 provided on the back surface of the liquid crystal panel 2 transmits electric power as an electromagnetic wave, and the transmission / reception unit 53 of the push switch 5 converts the electromagnetic wave into electric power and supplies the electric power to each unit. Since the switch 5 does not need to be provided with power supply means such as a battery or a battery, the push switch 5 can be reduced in size and cost. Further, when the push switch 5 outputs an electromagnetic wave when operated by the user, the operation detection unit 7 detects the electromagnetic wave, and the control unit 73 notifies the various devices of the operation content directly. Therefore, the operation detection unit 7 can reliably detect an operation on the push switch 5 that is not electrically connected by electrical wiring. Further, by providing the antenna unit 71 of the operation detection unit 7 on the back surface of the liquid crystal panel 2 over the entire display surface 2a, the electromagnetic wave output from the push switch 5 can be reliably detected, and the push can be performed. The switch 5 can be attached at any place within the range of the display surface 2a.

  In the present embodiment, the operation device 1 is configured to include the push switch 5 as an operation unit. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and other types such as a rotary switch, a lever switching switch, or a cross key are used. It is good also as a structure provided with the operation part of a structure. For example, when the operation device 1 includes a rotary switch, information such as the rotation direction and the rotation amount of the rotation operation by the user is superimposed on the electromagnetic wave, and the switch outputs, and the transmission / reception unit 72 of the operation detection unit 7 receives the information. What is necessary is just to set it as the structure which extracts such information from the electromagnetic wave which performed and gives to the control part 73. FIG. Further, the shape and design of the push switch 5 and the liquid crystal panel 2, and the position where the push switch 5 is attached to the liquid crystal panel 2 are not limited to those shown in FIG.

  Moreover, although the antenna part 71 of the operation detection part 7 was set as the structure provided over the whole display surface 2a of the liquid crystal panel 2, and the electromagnetic wave detection range by the transmission / reception part 72 was made into the whole display surface 2a, it does not restrict to this. When the installation position of the push switch 5 is fixed or the range to be attached / detached is limited, a configuration in which a narrower range is set as the detection range may be used. In addition, the operation device 1 is configured to receive operations on the car navigation device 91, the audio device 92, and the air conditioner 93 mounted on the vehicle, but is not limited thereto, and receives operations on other devices mounted on the vehicle. The structure may be sufficient and the structure which receives operation with respect to the other apparatus which is not mounted in a vehicle may be sufficient.

(Modification 1)
FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram illustrating the configuration of the operating device 1a according to the first modification of the first embodiment of the present invention, where (a) illustrates a perspective view of the operating device 1a, and (b) illustrates the operating device 1a. A side view is illustrated. The operating device 1 according to the first embodiment shown in FIG. 1 is configured to include only one push switch 5, but the present invention is not limited to this, and the push device is pushed like the operating device 1a of the modified example 1 shown in FIG. A configuration including a plurality of switches 5 (three in FIG. 3) may be used. In this case, different identification information may be attached to each push switch 5 in advance and stored in the control unit 52 or the transmission / reception unit 53, and the transmission / reception unit 53 may superimpose the identification information on the electromagnetic wave and output it. The transmission / reception unit 72 of the operation detection unit 7 extracts the identification information from the detected and received electromagnetic wave and gives it to the control unit 73 so that the control unit 73 can determine which push switch 5 has been operated. .

(Modification 2)
FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram illustrating a configuration of the operating device 1b according to the second modification of the first embodiment of the present invention, where (a) illustrates a perspective view of the operating device 1b, and (b) illustrates the operating device 1b. A side view is illustrated. Similar to the operation device 1a according to the first modification, the operation device 1b according to the second modification includes a plurality of push switches 5. However, the operating device 1b according to the modified example 2 is different from the operating device 1a according to the modified example 1 in that a plurality of operation detecting units 7b that detect electromagnetic waves output from the push switch 5 are provided.

  The operation device 1b according to the modification 2 includes the same number of operation detection units 7b as the plurality of push switches 5 attached to the display surface 2a of the display panel 2. The push switches 5 and the operation detection units 7b are associated one to one, and are provided at opposite positions with the display panel 2 in between. In addition, the detection range, the intensity of the electromagnetic wave, and the like are adjusted so that the electromagnetic wave output by one push switch 5 can be detected (received) only by the associated one operation detection unit 7b.

  FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing a configuration of an operating device 1b according to the second modification of the first embodiment of the present invention. In FIG. 5, the detailed configuration of the push switch 5 is the same as that in FIG. The operation detection units 7b associated one-to-one with the plurality of push switches 5 have an antenna unit 71 and a transmission / reception unit 72, respectively, and when detecting an electromagnetic wave output from the corresponding push switch 5, the control unit Notification to 73b is performed. The control unit 73b determines which push switch 5 has been operated in accordance with which operation detection unit 7b has received the notification, and the operation contents to devices such as the car navigation device 91, the audio device 92, and the air conditioner 93. Or changing the display of the liquid crystal panel 2.

  As described above, the operating device 1b according to the modified example 2 has a configuration in which the plurality of push switches 5 and the operation detecting unit 7b are provided in a one-to-one correspondence, so that the operating device 1a according to the modified example 1 is provided. Since it is not necessary to attach identification information to each push switch 5, it is possible to contribute to downsizing and cost reduction of the push switch 5.

(Embodiment 2)
FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram illustrating a configuration of the operation device 201 according to the second embodiment of the present invention, where (a) illustrates a perspective view of the operation device 201 and (b) illustrates a side view of the operation device 201. It is shown. FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the operating device 201 according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention. The operation device 201 includes an operation detection unit 207 that covers the display surface 2 a of the liquid crystal panel 2, and the push switch 5 is attached to the operation detection unit 207 with an adhesive or a double-sided adhesive tape. For this reason, the operation detection unit 207 is made of a translucent member so that the user can visually recognize an image such as a menu or an icon displayed on the liquid crystal panel 2 through the operation detection unit 207. . The operation detecting unit 207 having translucency can be realized, for example, by forming a circuit by forming a transparent electrode made of ITO (Indium Tin Oxide) on a transparent glass substrate.

  However, only the antenna unit 271 of the operation detection unit 207 may be provided so as to cover the display surface 2a of the liquid crystal panel 2, and the transmission / reception unit 272 and the control unit 273 are provided on the side surface side or the back surface side of the liquid crystal panel 2. It may be. That is, the structure which comprises only the antenna part 271 with a translucent member may be sufficient.

  The operation device 201 according to the second embodiment having the above-described configuration is implemented by providing the operation detection unit 207 on the display surface 2a of the liquid crystal panel 2 and mounting the push switch 5 on the operation detection unit 207. Since the liquid crystal panel 2 or the like is not present between the push switch 5 and the operation detection unit 7 as in the operation device 1 according to the first embodiment, the operation detection unit 207 can reliably detect the electromagnetic wave output from the push switch 5. It is possible to reduce malfunctions of the operation device 201. Further, by configuring the operation detection unit 207 (the antenna unit 271 thereof) with a member having translucency, the operation detection unit 207 does not hinder display on the liquid crystal panel 2.

  In the second embodiment, only the antenna unit 271 of the operation detection unit 207 is configured with a light transmissive member. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the transmission / reception unit 272 or the control unit 273 is also a light transmissive member. And may be provided on the display surface 2a of the liquid crystal panel 2.

  In addition, since the other structure of the operating device 201 which concerns on Embodiment 2 is the same as that of the operating device 1 which concerns on Embodiment 1, the same code | symbol is attached | subjected to a corresponding location and description is abbreviate | omitted.

(Embodiment 3)
FIG. 8 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the operating device 301 according to the third embodiment of the present invention. The operation device 301 according to the third embodiment has substantially the same configuration as the operation device 1 according to the first embodiment, but differs in that a camera 374 is provided. The camera 374 is configured to give an image of the push switch 305 and its periphery to the control unit 373 of the operation detection unit 7. The control unit 373 performs image processing based on an image provided from the camera 374 and detects contact or approach of an object (for example, a user's finger) to the push switch 305. When contact or approach to the push switch 305 is detected, the control unit 373 changes the display on the liquid crystal panel 2.

  Further, the push switch 305 of the operating device 301 according to the third embodiment is configured by a member having translucency. Thus, even when the push switch 305 is attached to the display surface 2 a of the liquid crystal panel 2, the user can visually recognize the display of the portion covered by the push switch 305 through the push switch 305. . Note that the push switch 305 may be entirely configured with a light-transmitting member, or only a part such as only the operation portion or the base portion may be configured with a light-transmitting member.

  FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of display change performed by the operation device 301 according to the third embodiment of the present invention. In a state where no contact or approach to the push switch 305 is detected (see FIG. 9A), the control unit 373 continues to display an image using the entire display surface 2a of the liquid crystal display 2. Thereafter, for example, when the user's finger approaches the push switch 305 and is imaged by the camera 374 and the approach is detected by the image processing of the control unit 373 (see FIG. 9B), the control unit 373 displays the display surface 2a. The display content is changed only in the portion covered with the push switch 305. At this time, the control unit 373 changes the display content so that the display content of the portion covered by the push switch 305 on the display surface 2a and the display content of the other portion have a large difference in luminance or color tone. Is effective. Thereby, a visual effect that the push switch 305 appears on the display surface 2a of the liquid crystal display 2 can be given to the user.

  The operation device 301 according to the third embodiment has a configuration in which the approach or contact of the user's finger or the like to the push switch 305 is detected based on the push switch 305 captured by the camera 374 and the surrounding image. However, the push switch 305 is not limited to this, and uses other sensors such as a sensor that detects contact of the human body by capacitance, a sensor that detects a heat source, or a sensor that detects the approach of an object by infrared rays. The approach or contact may be detected.

  In addition to the approach or contact of an object to the push switch 305, the display may be changed when the menu or icon displayed by the user's operation is changed. For example, by changing the display of the portion covered with the push switch 305 according to the menu to be displayed from, for example, red to blue, the user can be given a visual effect of changing the color of the push switch 305 according to the menu. it can. It is good also as a structure which displays the character or icon explaining the function of the push switch 305 in the part covered with the push switch 305 according to the menu to display.

  In addition to the approach or contact of an object to the push switch 305, the display may be changed under other conditions such as changing the display of the part covered by the push switch 305 between daytime and nighttime. Good. In order to determine whether it is daytime or nighttime, for example, it can be configured to detect ambient brightness using a light sensor, or based on whether or not the vehicle light is on It can be configured.

  In addition, since the other structure of the operating device 301 which concerns on Embodiment 3 is the same as that of the operating device 1 which concerns on Embodiment 1, the same code | symbol is attached | subjected to a corresponding location and description is abbreviate | omitted.

(Embodiment 4)
FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of the operating device 401 according to Embodiment 4 of the present invention, where (a) shows a perspective view of the operating device 401 and (b) shows a top view of the operating device 401. It is shown. The operation device 401 according to Embodiment 4 is mounted, for example, in the center of the instrument panel of the vehicle (between the driver seat and the passenger seat), and receives an operation on the device mounted on the vehicle from the driver or a passenger. It is. The liquid crystal panel 402 of the operating device 401 has a shape slightly curved in the left-right direction so that the center is convex.

  Further, seven push switches 5 are attached to the display surface 2a of the liquid crystal panel 402 with an adhesive or a double-sided adhesive tape. One of the seven push switches 5 is attached substantially at the center of the display surface 2a. Further, three push switches 5 are vertically arranged on the left end side of the display surface 2a, and three push switches 5 are similarly arranged vertically on the right end side of the display surface 2a. Different identification information is attached to the seven push switches 5 in advance, and the identification information is superimposed on the electromagnetic wave according to the user's push operation and output.

  An operation detection unit 7 that detects an operation on the push switch 5 by detecting an electromagnetic wave output from the push switch 5 is disposed on the back side of the liquid crystal panel 402. The operation detection unit 7 is not curved and has a flat plate shape, and is provided at a distance from the back surface of the liquid crystal panel 402. The distance between the liquid crystal panel 2 and the operation detection unit 7 (the antenna unit 71 thereof) is the electromagnetic wave output from the seven push switches 5 (particularly, the push switch 5 provided in the center of the display surface 2a). It suffices if the distance is within a detectable range of 7. The operation detection unit 7 can determine which push switch 5 has been operated by detecting the electromagnetic wave output from the push switch 5 and acquiring identification information superimposed on the electromagnetic wave.

  In the present invention, the push switch 5 is configured to be attached to the display surface 2a of the liquid crystal panel 402 by an adhesive or a double-sided adhesive tape, so that the liquid crystal panel 402 is curved as in the operation device 401 according to the fourth embodiment. Even in this case, the push switch 5 can be easily provided on the display surface 2a. When the liquid crystal panel 2 curved in a convex shape is mounted at the center of the instrument panel of the vehicle, a driver menu is displayed on the driver seat side of the display surface 2a, and a passenger menu is displayed on the passenger seat side. By displaying, one liquid crystal panel 402 can be used effectively. At this time, as shown in FIG. 10, push switches 5 are provided on the left and right sides of the display surface 2a to provide a driver operation unit and a passenger operation unit, so that both the driver and the passenger can operate. An operation device 401 that is easy to perform can be provided. What is necessary is just to provide the push switch 5 which a driver | operator and a passenger use together in the center of the display surface 2a.

  In addition, since the operation detection unit 7 detects the user's operation by detecting the electromagnetic wave output from the push switch 5, the push switch 5 and the operation detection unit 7 are connected within the reach of the electromagnetic wave. It is possible to arrange them apart. When the operation detection unit 7 including the antenna unit 71 is provided on the circuit board, it is not easy to curve the circuit board according to the shape of the liquid crystal panel 402. However, since the operation device 401 of the present invention can be arranged with the push switch 5 and the operation detection unit 7 separated from each other, even if the liquid crystal display 2 has a curved shape, it is not necessary to bend the operation detection unit 7. . Therefore, the curved liquid crystal panel 402 and the operation unit provided on the display surface 2a can be easily realized.

  In addition, since the other structure of the operating device 401 which concerns on Embodiment 4 is the same as that of the operating device 1 which concerns on Embodiment 1, the same code | symbol is attached | subjected to a corresponding location and description is abbreviate | omitted.

It is a schematic diagram which shows the structure of the operating device which concerns on Embodiment 1 of this invention. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the operating device which concerns on Embodiment 1 of this invention. It is a schematic diagram which shows the structure of the operating device which concerns on the modification 1 of Embodiment 1 of this invention. It is a schematic diagram which shows the structure of the operating device which concerns on the modification 2 of Embodiment 1 of this invention. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the operating device which concerns on the modification 2 of Embodiment 1 of this invention. It is a schematic diagram which shows the structure of the operating device which concerns on Embodiment 2 of this invention. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the operating device which concerns on Embodiment 2 of this invention. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the operating device which concerns on Embodiment 3 of this invention. It is a schematic diagram which shows an example of the display change which the operating device which concerns on Embodiment 3 of this invention performs. It is a schematic diagram which shows the structure of the operating device which concerns on Embodiment 4 of this invention.

Explanation of symbols

1, 1a, 1b Operating device 2 Liquid crystal panel (display unit)
2a Display surface 5 Push switch (operation part)
7, 7b Operation detection unit (detection means)
51 switch mechanism 52 control unit 53 transmission / reception unit 54 antenna 71 antenna unit 72 transmission / reception unit (power supply means)
73, 73b Control unit 201 Operation device 207 Operation detection unit (detection means)
271 Antenna unit 272 Transmission / reception unit (power supply means)
273 Control unit 301 Operation device 305 Push switch (operation unit)
373 Control unit 401 Operating device 402 Liquid crystal panel (display unit)

Claims (8)

A display unit having a display surface for displaying an image;
An operation unit disposed on the display surface and outputting an electromagnetic wave according to an operation;
An operating device comprising: detecting means for detecting an operation on the operation unit by detecting the electromagnetic wave. The operation unit is attached to the display surface,
The operating device according to claim 1, wherein the detection unit is disposed on an opposite surface of the display unit. The detection means is translucent and disposed on the display surface;
The operation device according to claim 1, wherein the operation unit is attached to the detection unit. A plurality of the operation unit and the detection means are provided,
The operating device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the one detecting means is configured to detect only the electromagnetic wave output from the corresponding one operating unit. The operation device according to claim 1, further comprising a power supply unit that wirelessly supplies power to the operation unit. The operation device according to claim 1, wherein a part or all of the operation unit is translucent. Means for detecting contact or approach to the operation unit;
The operation device according to claim 6, wherein when the contact or approach is detected, the display unit changes a display of a portion of the display surface covered with the operation unit. The display surface is convexly curved;
The operation device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the operation unit is provided on each of one end side and the other end side of the display surface.

Images