JP2010198083A - Position detector, electrooptical device, and electronic equipment - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an optical position detector that has a simple constitution and operates with low power consumption. <P>SOLUTION: This position detector includes a first light source (12A) for position detection for emitting first position detection light to a detecting plane range (10R), a second light source (12B) for position detection that is arranged at a position different from the first light source for position detection in the view from the normal direction of the detecting plane range and emits second position detection light to the detecting plane range, a third light source (12C) for position detection that is arranged at a position shifted from the line passing the first and second light sources for position detection in the view from the normal direction of the detecting plane range and emits third position detection light to the detecting plane range, an photodetector (15) for detecting light produced by reflection of three, first, second and third position detection lights by an object in the detecting plane range, and a first position information acquiring means (251) for acquiring plane position information of the object based on three detected values detected by the photodetector. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2010,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a technical field of, for example, a position detection device that detects a position of a target object, an electro-optical device such as a liquid crystal device including such a position detection device, and an electronic apparatus including such an electro-optical device.

  As this type of position detection device, various types of touch panels such as a resistive film type, an ultrasonic type, a capacitance type, and an optical type are known. For example, Patent Documents 1 and 2 relate to an optical touch panel that is used in an overlapping manner on a display screen of an electro-optical device such as a liquid crystal device, and enables coordinate input without degrading the image quality of the display screen. A technique for reducing the size is disclosed.

JP 2004-295644 A JP 2004-303172 A

  However, in the optical touch panel described above, it is necessary to arrange a large number of light sources and photodetectors or optical switches or light guide structures corresponding to the resolution of position coordinates to be detected in the vicinity of the display screen, and the structure is complicated. There is a technical problem that it becomes. Further, for example, there is a technical problem that the power consumption increases as the number of light sources increases.

  The present invention has been made in view of, for example, the above-described problems, has a simple configuration, can detect a position of a target object with low power consumption, and an electric device including such a position detection apparatus. An object is to provide an optical device and an electronic apparatus including such an electro-optical device.

  In order to solve the above-described problem, a first position detection device according to the present invention is a position detection device that detects the position of a target object within a detection plane range, and the first position detection is performed with respect to the detection plane range. The first position detection light source that emits light and the first position detection light source are disposed at different positions when viewed from the normal direction of the detection plane range, and are second with respect to the detection plane range. A second position detection light source that emits the position detection light, and a position shifted from a straight line passing through the first and second position detection light sources when viewed from the normal direction of the detection plane range, A third position detection light source that emits third position detection light to the detection plane range; and the first, second, and third position detection lights are within the detection plane range and the target object A light detector for detecting light reflected by the light detector, and the light detector Therefore and a first position information obtaining means for obtaining a planar position information of the target object based on the three detection values detected.

  According to the first position detection apparatus of the present invention, the first, second, and third position detection lights are incident on the detection plane range from the first, second, and third position detection light sources during the operation. Is done. The first, second, and third position detection lights may be emitted directly to the detection plane range, or indirectly, for example, emitted to the detection plane range via the light guide plate. Alternatively, the light may be emitted with respect to the detection plane range. For example, when a target object such as a finger or a touch pen is disposed within the detection plane range, the first, second, and third position detection lights incident on the detection plane range are reflected by the target object and reflected Light is detected by a photodetector. The distance that each of the first, second, and third position detection lights reflected by the target object propagates from the position detection light source to the target object (that is, the first position detection light is used for the first position detection). The distance that the light source propagates from the target object, the distance that the second position detection light propagates from the second position detection light source to the target object, and the third position detection light that travels from the third position detection light source to the target object The propagation distance) varies depending on the plane position of the target object within the detection plane range.

  In particular, the present invention includes first position information acquisition means for acquiring planar position information of the target object based on three detection values (for example, the light amount or intensity of each position detection light) detected by the photodetector. The first position information acquisition means, for example, the light quantity for the first and third position detection lights among the first, second and third position detection lights based on the detection value detected by the photodetector. Data such as a ratio and a phase difference is derived, and position information in a first direction (for example, a direction from the first position detection light source to the third position detection light source) within the detection plane range is obtained from this data. To do. Further, the first position information acquisition means, for example, for the second and third position detection lights among the first, second and third position detection lights based on the detection value detected by the photodetector. The position information in the second direction (for example, the direction from the second position detection light source to the third position detection light source) within the detection plane range is derived from this data. To get. Therefore, the plane position of the target object within the detection plane range can be reliably detected. Note that the first position information acquisition unit includes a processor, a memory, and the like, for example. The first position information acquisition unit does not need to be included in the position detection device itself, and is configured by, for example, a control unit including, for example, an MPU (Micro Processing Unit) or an electronic circuit in an electronic device in which the position detection device is mounted. May be. However, since the position detection device itself includes the first position information acquisition unit, there is also an advantage that the acquired planar position information can be output as it is to an electronic device to be mounted.

  Here, particularly in the present invention, the third position detection light source is disposed at a position shifted from a straight line passing through the first and second position detection light sources (in other words, the first, second, and third light sources). The position detection light source is arranged so as not to be in a straight line), so that the plane position of the target object within the detection plane range can be reliably detected. That is, for example, based on the detection values (for example, the light amounts or the intensity of the first and third position detection lights) for the first and third position detection lights detected by the photodetector, Data such as the light amount ratio and phase difference of the third position detection light can be derived. Therefore, these data, the distance that the first position detection light propagates from the first position detection light source to the target object, and the distance that the third position detection light propagates from the third position detection light source to the target object. Based on the above, position information in the first direction (in other words, coordinates in the first direction) along the direction from the first position detection light source to the third position detection light source can be acquired. . Furthermore, based on the detection values (for example, the light amounts or the intensity of the second and third position detection lights) for the second and third position detection lights detected by the photodetector, for example, the second and third positions. It is possible to derive data such as the light amount ratio and phase difference of the position detection light. Therefore, these data, the distance that the second position detection light propagates from the second position detection light source to the target object, and the distance that the third position detection light propagates from the third position detection light source to the target object Based on the position information in the second direction along the direction from the second position detection light source to the third position detection light source (in other words, coordinates in the second direction intersecting the first direction). ) Can be obtained.

  Thus, in the present invention, in particular, the position detection light is emitted from the three position detection light sources (that is, the first, second, and third position detection light sources) to the detection plane range and reflected by the target object. It has a simple configuration in which the detected light is detected by a photodetector. Therefore, compared to the case where a large number of light sources and photodetectors or optical switches or light guide structures corresponding to the resolution are arranged around the detection plane range, the number of light sources and photodetectors is small, Power consumption can be reduced. Further, it can be manufactured at a low cost.

  As described above, according to the first position detection device of the present invention, the position of the target object can be detected with a simple configuration and low power consumption.

  In one aspect of the first position detection device according to the present invention, the first, second, and third position detection lights are transmitted from the first, second, and third position detection light sources to the detection plane range. A rectangular light guide plate is provided, and the first, second, and third position detection light sources are located between two sides adjacent to each other among the four sides of the light guide plate, and between the two sides. Arranged adjacent to one of the corners.

  According to this aspect, the first, second, and third position detection light sources are any one of the two sides adjacent to each other among the four sides of the light guide plate, and the corner located between the two sides. It is arrange | positioned adjacent to and is not arrange | positioned at the other two sides among the four sides of a light-guide plate. Therefore, among the four sides of the light guide plate other than the two sides where the first, second, and third position detection light sources are adjacently disposed, the first, second, and third sides It is not necessary to provide a space for arranging the position detection light source around the light guide plate. Therefore, the frame area extending outside the detection plane range can be reduced, and the position detection device can be downsized.

  The first, second, and third position detection light sources described above are adjacent to one of the two sides adjacent to each other among the four sides of the light guide plate and the corner located between the two sides. In this aspect, the light detector includes the first, second, and third position detection light sources among the four sides of the light guide plate when viewed from the normal direction of the detection plane range. Of these, at least one position detection light source is arranged adjacent to the adjacent side.

  In this case, the photodetector is arranged on a side where at least one position detection light source among the first, second and third position detection light sources is adjacent to the four sides of the light guide plate. They are arranged adjacent to each other and are not arranged on the other two sides of the four sides of the light guide plate. Therefore, among the four sides of the light guide plate other than the two sides where the first, second, and third position detection light sources are adjacently disposed, the first, second, and third sides It is not necessary to provide a space for arranging the position detection light source and the photodetector around the light guide plate. Therefore, the frame area extending outside the detection plane range can be more reliably reduced, and the position detection device can be further downsized.

  In order to solve the above-described problem, a second position detection device according to the present invention is a position detection device that detects the position of a target object in a detection space, and the first position detection light is emitted from the detection space. A first position detection light source that emits light and a second position detection light source that is disposed at a position different from the first position detection light source and emits second position detection light to the detection space; A third position detection light source disposed at a position deviated from a straight line passing through the first and second position detection light sources and emitting a third position detection light to the detection space; and the first A fourth position detection light source disposed at a position shifted from a plane passing through the second and third position detection light sources and emitting a fourth position detection light to the detection space; Second, third, and fourth position detection lights are applied to the target object in the detection space. And a photodetector for detecting light reflected me.

  According to the second position detection device of the present invention, the first, second, third, and fourth position detection lights from the first, second, third, and fourth position detection light sources during the operation. Is incident on a detection space defined as a rectangular parallelepiped space, for example. The first, second, third, and fourth position detection lights may be emitted directly to the detection space, for example, emitted to the detection space via a light guide plate, etc. It may be emitted indirectly to the detection space. For example, when a target object such as a finger or a touch pen is arranged in the detection space, the first, second, third, and fourth position detection lights incident on the detection space are reflected by the target object and reflected. The detected light is detected by a photodetector. The distance that each of the first, second, third, and fourth position detection light reflected by the target object propagates from the position detection light source to the target object (that is, the first position detection light is the first The distance that the position detection light source propagates from the target object, the distance that the second position detection light propagates from the second position detection light source to the target object, and the third position detection light that is the target from the third position detection light source The distance propagated to the object and the distance by which the fourth position detection light propagates from the fourth position detection light source to the target object) vary depending on the position of the target object in the detection space. Accordingly, the first, second, third and fourth position detection lights reflected by the target object are detected by the photodetector, thereby detecting the detected value (for example, the light amount or intensity of each position detection light). For example, data such as the light amount ratio and phase difference of the first, second, third and fourth position detection lights can be derived, and the spatial position information of the target object can be obtained from this data ( That is, the position of the target object in the detection space can be detected).

  Here, in the present invention, in particular, the third position detection light source is arranged at a position shifted from a straight line passing through the first and second position detection light sources (in other words, the first, second, and third light sources). The position detection light source is arranged not to be in a straight line), and the fourth position detection light source is arranged at a position shifted from a plane passing through the first, second and third position detection light sources. The In other words, the four position detection light sources (that is, the first, second, third, and fourth position detection light sources) are arranged such that none of the three position detection light sources is on a straight line. Therefore, the position of the target object in the detection space can be reliably detected. That is, for example, based on the detection values (for example, the light amounts or the intensity of the first and third position detection lights) for the first and third position detection lights detected by the photodetector, Data such as the light amount ratio and phase difference of the third position detection light can be derived. Therefore, these data, the distance that the first position detection light propagates from the first position detection light source to the target object, and the distance that the third position detection light propagates from the third position detection light source to the target object. Based on the above, position information in the first direction (in other words, coordinates in the first direction) along the direction from the first position detection light source to the third position detection light source can be acquired. . Furthermore, based on the detection values (for example, the light amounts or the intensity of the second and third position detection lights) for the second and third position detection lights detected by the photodetector, for example, the second and third positions. It is possible to derive data such as the light amount ratio and phase difference of the position detection light. Therefore, these data, the distance that the second position detection light propagates from the second position detection light source to the target object, and the distance that the third position detection light propagates from the third position detection light source to the target object Based on the position information in the second direction along the direction from the second position detection light source to the third position detection light source (in other words, coordinates in the second direction intersecting the first direction). ) Can be obtained. In addition, based on detection values (for example, the light amounts or intensity of the third and fourth position detection lights) for the third and fourth position detection lights detected by the photodetector, for example, the third and fourth positions Thus, it is possible to derive data such as the light quantity ratio and phase difference of the position detection light 4. Therefore, these data, the distance that the third position detection light propagates from the third position detection light source to the target object, and the distance that the fourth position detection light propagates from the fourth position detection light source to the target object. Based on the position information in the third direction along the direction from the third position detection light source to the fourth position detection light source (in other words, the third information intersecting the first and second directions). Coordinate in the direction) can be acquired.

  Thus, in the present invention, in particular, the position detection light is emitted from the four position detection light sources (that is, the first, second, third, and fourth position detection light sources) to the detection space, and the target object is thus obtained. It has a simple configuration in which the light reflected by the light is detected by a photodetector. Therefore, the number of light sources, light detectors, etc. is small and consumed compared to the case where a large number of light sources and light detectors corresponding to the resolution or optical switches or light guide structures are arranged around the detection space. Electric power can be reduced. Further, it can be manufactured at a low cost.

  As described above, according to the second position detection device of the present invention, the position of the target object can be detected with a simple configuration and low power consumption.

  One aspect of the second position detection apparatus according to the present invention includes a second position information acquisition unit that acquires the spatial position information of the target object based on a detection value detected by the photodetector.

  According to this aspect, the second position information acquisition unit, for example, based on the detection value detected by the photodetector, the first and second of the first, second, third, and fourth position detection lights. Data such as a light amount ratio and a phase difference for the third position detection light is derived, and a first direction (for example, from the first position detection light source to the third position detection light source) in the detection space is derived from this data. Position information in the direction of heading). Further, the second position information acquisition means, for example, based on the detection value detected by the photodetector, the second and third positions of the first, second, third and fourth position detection lights. Data such as a light intensity ratio and a phase difference for the detection light is derived, and a second direction in the detection space (for example, a direction from the second position detection light source to the third position detection light source) is obtained from this data. Get location information. In addition, the second position information acquisition means, for example, the third and fourth of the first, second, third, and fourth position detection light based on the detection value detected by the photodetector. Data such as a light intensity ratio and a phase difference for the position detection light is derived, and a third direction in the detection space (for example, a direction from the third position detection light source to the fourth position detection light source) is obtained from this data. Get location information at. Therefore, the position of the target object in the detection space (that is, the coordinates in the three directions intersecting with each other) can be reliably detected. Note that the second position information acquisition unit includes, for example, a processor, a memory, and the like. The second position information acquisition unit does not need to be included in the position detection device itself, and may be configured by, for example, a control unit including, for example, an MPU or an electronic circuit in an electronic device in which the position detection device is mounted. However, since the position detection device itself includes the second position information acquisition unit, there is also an advantage that the acquired planar position information can be output as it is to an electronic device to be mounted.

  The second position detection device according to the present invention can also adopt various aspects similar to the various aspects of the first position detection apparatus according to the present invention described above.

  In order to solve the above problems, a first electro-optical device according to the present invention includes at least a part of the above-described first position detection device according to the present invention (including various aspects thereof) and the detection plane range. And an electro-optical panel having a display area overlapping with the display area.

  According to the first electro-optical device according to the present invention, since the first position detection device according to the present invention described above is provided, the target object in the detection plane range that overlaps the display area of the electro-optical panel with low power consumption can be obtained. The planar position can be detected.

  In one aspect of the first electro-optical device according to the present invention, the electro-optical panel is formed by bonding a pair of first and second substrates to each other, and the first substrate is on at least one side of the first substrate. An overhanging portion projecting from the second substrate; and the first, second, and third position detecting light sources are arranged so as to overlap the overhanging portion when viewed from the normal direction of the first substrate. Is done.

  According to this aspect, the frame area extending outside the display area and the detection plane range can be reduced, and the electro-optical device can be downsized.

  In order to solve the above-described problems, a second electro-optical device according to the present invention includes at least a part of the above-described second position detection device according to the present invention (including various aspects thereof) and the detection space. An electro-optical panel having overlapping display areas.

  According to the second electro-optical device according to the present invention, since the second position detection device according to the present invention described above is provided, the position of the target object in the detection space on the display region of the electro-optical panel with low power consumption. Can be detected.

  In one aspect of the second electro-optical device according to the present invention, the electro-optical panel includes a pair of first and second substrates bonded to each other, and the first substrate is located on at least one side of the first substrate. The first, second, third, and fourth position detection light sources overlap with the projecting portion when viewed from the normal direction of the first substrate. Are arranged as follows.

  According to this aspect, the frame area extending outside the display area and the detection space range can be reduced, and the electro-optical device can be downsized.

  In order to solve the above-described problems, an electronic apparatus according to the present invention includes the first or second electro-optical device according to the present invention described above (including various aspects thereof).

  According to the electronic apparatus of the present invention, since the first or second electro-optical device according to the present invention described above is provided, the car navigation system and the television capable of detecting the position of the target object with low power consumption. Various electronic devices such as mobile phones, electronic notebooks, word processors, viewfinder type or monitor direct-view type video tape recorders, workstations, videophones, POS terminals, and touch panels can be realized. In addition, as an electronic apparatus of the present invention, for example, an electrophoretic device such as electronic paper, an electron emission device (Field Emission Display and Conduction Electron-Emitter Display), and a display device using these electrophoretic device and electron emission device Is also possible.

  The operation and other advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the best mode for carrying out the invention described below.

It is a disassembled perspective view which shows the whole structure of the liquid crystal device which concerns on 1st Embodiment. It is sectional drawing which shows typically the whole structure of the liquid crystal device which concerns on 1st Embodiment. It is a top view which shows typically the structure of the position detection apparatus which concerns on 1st Embodiment. It is a schematic diagram for demonstrating arrangement | positioning of the three position detection light sources in 1st Embodiment. It is a top view which shows the position detection unit which concerns on a comparative example. It is a disassembled perspective view which shows the whole structure of the liquid crystal device which concerns on 2nd Embodiment. It is a top view which shows typically the structure of the position detection apparatus which concerns on 2nd Embodiment. It is a schematic diagram for demonstrating arrangement | positioning of the four position detection light sources in 2nd Embodiment. 1 is a perspective view illustrating a configuration of a car navigation system as an example of an electronic apparatus to which an electro-optical device according to the invention is applied.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In the following embodiments, a liquid crystal device is taken as an example of an electro-optical device including the position detection device of the present invention.

<First Embodiment>
A first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS.

  First, the overall configuration of the liquid crystal device according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 3.

  FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view showing the overall configuration of the liquid crystal device according to the present embodiment. FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing the overall configuration of the liquid crystal device according to the present embodiment. FIG. 3 is a plan view schematically showing the configuration of the position detection apparatus according to the present embodiment.

  1 and 2, the liquid crystal device 100 according to the present embodiment includes a liquid crystal panel 20, an illumination unit 40, a position detection unit 10, a light reflection plate 14, an optical sheet 16, and a photodetector 15. I have. The position detection unit 10 and the light detector 15 constitute an example of the “position detection device” according to the present invention. That is, the position detection device according to the present embodiment includes a position detection unit 10 and a photodetector 15. Further, the position detection device according to the present embodiment is configured to be able to detect the plane position of the target object Ob in the detection plane range 10R that coincides with the display area 20R of the liquid crystal panel 20, as will be described later. However, the detection plane range 10R only needs to overlap with at least a part of the display region 20R in a plane, and may not completely coincide with the display region 20R.

  The liquid crystal panel 20 is an active matrix drive type display panel that drives a liquid crystal element by a switching element such as a TFT (Thin Film Transistor), and is configured to display an image in the display region 20R. The liquid crystal panel 20 is an example of the “electro-optical panel” according to the present invention.

  The liquid crystal panel 20 is a transmissive liquid crystal panel having a structure in which a liquid crystal layer 24 (see FIG. 2) is sandwiched between a first substrate 21 and a second substrate 22 each formed of a light-transmitting material such as glass, for example. It is configured. The first substrate 21 and the second substrate 22 are bonded to each other by a frame-shaped sealing material 23 (see FIG. 2). A liquid crystal layer 24 is provided in a region defined by the frame-shaped sealing material 23. In the present invention, the liquid crystal panel 20 is not limited to a specific configuration, and may employ various known configurations.

  More specifically, the first substrate 21 of the liquid crystal panel 20 is a second substrate on two sides 21a and 21b adjacent to each other among the four sides 21a, 21b, 21c and 21d (see FIG. 3) of the first substrate 21. A substrate overhang part 21 t that projects from 22 is provided. An electronic component 25 including, for example, a drive circuit for driving the liquid crystal panel 20 or the like, for example, flexible, is provided on the substrate overhanging portion 21t (more precisely, the surface of the substrate overhanging portion 21t on the second substrate 22 side). A wiring member 26 such as a wiring board (FPC: Flexible Printed Circuit) is mounted. However, only the wiring member 26 of the electronic component 25 and the wiring member 26 may be mounted on the board extension portion 21t, or neither the electronic component 25 nor the wiring member 26 may be mounted. . A polarizing plate (not shown) may be disposed on the outer surface side of the first substrate 21 and the second substrate 22 as necessary.

  As shown in FIG. 2, on the viewing side (that is, the operation side) of the liquid crystal panel 20, a surface mount plate 30 having a light transmitting property (or a light transmitting property) is disposed. The photodetector 15 described later is disposed on the outer surface of the front mounting plate 30 (that is, the surface opposite to the liquid crystal panel 20, that is, the surface on the viewing side). Further, on the outer surface side of the cover plate 30, a surface plate 31 (a two-dot chain line in FIG. Is shown). The surface plate 31 is provided with an opening 31 a that exposes the display area 20 </ b> R of the liquid crystal panel 20 (in other words, the detection plane range 10 </ b> R of the position detection device according to the present embodiment) of the front panel 30.

  1 and 2, the illumination unit 40 includes an illumination light source 41 and an illumination light guide plate 43, and can function as a backlight that irradiates the liquid crystal panel 20 with the illumination light L4. It is configured.

  The illumination light source 41 is composed of a light emitting element such as an LED (Light Emitting Diode), for example, and emits, for example, white irradiation light L4 in response to a drive signal output from a drive circuit (not shown). In the present embodiment, a plurality of illumination light sources 41 are arranged along a light incident surface (or light incident end surface) 43 a that is one side surface of the illumination light guide plate 43. During the operation of the liquid crystal device 100, the irradiation light L4 from the illumination light source 41 enters the light incident surface 43a of the illumination light guide plate 43.

  The illumination light guide plate 43 is made of a translucent material, and irradiates light L4 from the illumination light source 41 incident on the light incident surface 43a from the light emitting surface 43s on the side where the liquid crystal panel 20 is disposed. It functions as a light guide that emits light and guides it to the liquid crystal panel 20.

  The position detection unit 10 constitutes a position detection apparatus according to the present embodiment together with a photodetector 15 described later.

  1 to 3, the position detection unit 10 includes three position detection light sources 12A, 12B, and 12C (that is, a first position detection light source 12A, a second position detection light source 12B, and a third position detection). Light source 12 </ b> C) and a light guide plate 13.

  The position detection lights L2a, L2b, and L2c emitted from the three position detection light sources 12A, 12B, and 12C are not particularly limited, but are preferably those that can be detected separately from external light by signal processing or the like, and visible light and wavelength It is preferable that the light emission mode is different by applying a modulation such as different distribution or blinking. Moreover, it is preferable to have a wavelength range that is efficiently reflected by the target object Ob such as a finger or a touch pen. For example, if the target object Ob is a human body such as a finger, it is preferable to use infrared rays with high reflectivity on the surface of the human body (particularly near infrared rays close to the visible light region, for example, near 850 nm in wavelength).

  The first position detection light source 12 </ b> A is disposed so that the light emitting surface thereof faces the side surface 13 a of the light guide plate 13. The second position detection light source 12 </ b> B is disposed such that the light emitting surface thereof faces the side surface 13 b adjacent to the side surface 13 a of the light guide plate 13. The third position detection light source 12 </ b> C is disposed so that the light emitting surface thereof faces the light incident surface 13 v formed at the corner portion located between the side surface 13 a and the side surface 13 b of the light guide plate 13. During the operation of the liquid crystal device 100, the first position detection light L2a from the first position detection light source 12A is incident on the side surface 13a of the light guide plate 13, and the second position detection from the second position detection light source 12B. The light L2b is incident on the side surface 13b of the light guide plate 13, and the third position detection light L2c from the third position detection light source 12C is incident on the light incident surface 13v of the light guide plate 13. Therefore, the first position detection light L2a, the second position detection light L2b, and the third position detection light L2c gradually propagate along the propagation directions while propagating in the light guide plate 13 in different directions. The light exits from the light exit surface 13s.

  The light guide plate 13 is made of a translucent material such as polycarbonate or acrylic resin. In the present embodiment, the light guide plate 13 has a rectangular shape in plan view and is configured in a flat plate shape as a whole. The above-described position detection light sources 12A and 12B are arranged on the side surfaces 13a and 13b adjacent to each other among the four side surfaces 13a to 13d of the light guide plate 13, respectively, and light incident is formed at a corner located between the side surfaces 13a and 13b. The above-described third position detection light source 12C is disposed on the surface 13v.

  The light emitting surface 13s of the light guide plate 13 or the light reflecting surface 13t opposite to the light emitting surface 13 is provided with a surface uneven structure, a prism structure, a scattering layer, etc. (not shown). The light propagating from the side surfaces 13a and 13b and the light incident surface 13v of the light guide plate 13 and propagating through the inside is gradually deflected and emitted from the light emitting surface 13s as it proceeds in the propagation direction. As a result, the position detection lights L2a to L2c are emitted in parallel from the light exit surface 13s of the light guide plate 13 in parallel. For example, the position detection light L2a is gradually emitted from the light emitting surface 13s while propagating through the light guide plate 13 from the side surface 13a toward the side surface 13b.

  The position detection lights L2a to L2c emitted in a planar shape from the light emitting surface 13s of the light guide plate 13 are transmitted through the light guide plate 43 for irradiation, the optical sheet 16, the liquid crystal panel 20, and the cover plate 30 to visually recognize the cover plate 30. The light is emitted from the entire detection plane range 10R on the side (that is, the operation side, that is, the side where the target object Ob is disposed). When the target object Ob such as a finger is arranged on the viewing side of the front panel 30, the position detection lights L2a to L2c emitted from the detection plane range 10R are reflected by the target object Ob, and a part of the reflected light is described later. Detected by the photo detector 15.

  The light reflection plate 14 is made of, for example, a reflection sheet, and is disposed so as to face the light reflection surface 13 t of the light guide plate 13. The light reflecting plate 14 reflects the light emitted from the light reflecting surface 13 t of the light guide plate 13 and returns it to the inside of the light guide plate 13.

  The optical sheet 16 is disposed on the light exit surface 13s side of the light guide plate 13 (in this embodiment, on the light exit surface 43s side of the illumination light guide plate 43). The optical sheet 16 is a light diffusing plate for uniformizing the position detection lights L2a to L2c and the illumination light L4, a light collecting plate such as a prism sheet for enhancing the directivity of the position detection lights L2a to L2c and the illumination light L4, and the like. This is an optical sheet. The optical sheet 16 is refracted so that the exit angles of the position detection lights L2a to L2c emitted from the light exit surface 13s of the light guide plate 13 (angle with respect to the normal direction of the light exit surface 13s) are reduced. It is preferable that the light condensing sheet is used. As a result, the position detection lights L2a to L2c are efficiently emitted to the viewing side (that is, the operation side), and can be configured to enable highly accurate and stable position detection.

  The photodetector 15 is disposed on the outer surface of the above-described cover plate 30. The photodetector 15 is composed of a light receiving element such as a photodiode, for example, and can detect the intensity of the above-described position detection lights L2a to L2c (that is, position detection lights L2a to L2c reflected by the target object Ob). It is configured. For example, if the position detection lights L2a to L2c are infrared rays, the photodetector 15 is also composed of a light receiving element having sensitivity to infrared rays. By selecting the light receiving sensitivity of the photodetector 15 so that the wavelength regions of the position detection lights L2a to L2c can be selectively detected, the influence of other light such as external light can be reduced.

  Next, an acquisition method for acquiring the plane position information (position coordinates) of the target object Ob in the detection plane range 10R based on the detection value detected by the photodetector 15 will be described. There are various methods for obtaining the plane position information. For example, as an example, the ratio of the attenuation coefficients is obtained based on the ratio of the detected light amounts of the two position detection lights. There is a method of obtaining position coordinates in a direction connecting two corresponding light sources by obtaining the propagation distance of both position detection lights from the ratio.

  More specifically, a case where the first position detection light source 12A and the third position detection light source 12C are used as two position detection light sources will be described as an example. The control amount (for example, current amount), the conversion coefficient, and the emitted light amount are set to Ia, k, and Ea, respectively, and the control amount (for example, current amount), the conversion coefficient, and the emitted light amount for the third position detection light source 12C are respectively set to Ic, k, and Ea. Assuming Ec, Ea = k · Ia and Ec = k · Ic. Further, assuming that the attenuation coefficient and the detected light amount of the first position detection light L2a are fa and Ga, respectively, and the attenuation coefficient and the detected light amount of the third position detection light L2c are fc and Gc, respectively, Ga = fa · Ea = fa · k · Ia, Gc = fc · Ec = fc · k · Ic.

  Therefore, if Ga / Gc, which is the ratio of the detected light amounts of the two position detection lights, can be detected by the photodetector 15, Ga / Gc = (fa · Ea) / (fc · Ec) = (fa / fc) · Since (Ia / Ic) is obtained, if the values corresponding to the ratio Ea / Ec of the emitted light quantity and the ratio Ia / Ic of the control amount are known, the ratio fa / fc of the attenuation coefficient can be determined. Since there is a positive correlation between the ratio of the attenuation coefficient and the ratio of the propagation distances of the two position detection lights, by setting this correlation in advance, the plane position information (the first position of the target object Ob) A direction from the position detection light source 12A toward the third position detection light source 12C (for example, position coordinates in the X direction in the drawing) can be obtained.

  As a method for obtaining the above-described attenuation coefficient ratio fa / fc, for example, the first position detection light source 12A and the third position detection light source 12C are blinked in opposite phases (for example, rectangular wave or sine wave drive). The signal is operated so as to have a phase difference of 180 degrees between each other at a frequency at which the phase difference caused by the difference in propagation distance is negligible, and then the waveform of the detected light quantity is analyzed. More realistically, for example, one control amount Ia is fixed (Ia = Im), and the other control is performed so that the detected waveform cannot be observed (that is, the detected light quantity ratio Ga / Gc becomes 0). The amount Ic is controlled, and the damping coefficient ratio (fa / fc) described above is derived from the control amount Ic = Im · (fa / fc) at this time.

  Alternatively, control may be performed so that the sum of both control amounts is always constant Im = Ia + Ic. In this case, since Ic = Im · Ic / (fa + fc), when fc / (fa + fc) = α, the ratio of the attenuation coefficient is obtained by fa / fc = (1−α) / α.

  In the case of the present embodiment, the position information of the target object Ob in the X direction in the drawing is acquired by driving the first position detection light source 12A and the third position detection light source 12C in mutually opposite phases. Can do. Similarly, the position information of the target object Ob in the Y direction in the drawing can be acquired by driving the second position detection light source 12B and the third position detection light source 12C in opposite phases. it can. Therefore, the position coordinates of the target object Ob in the detection plane range 10R can be acquired by sequentially performing the detection operations in the X direction and the Y direction in the control system.

  In FIG. 3, the above-described acquisition of the planar position information of the target object Ob is performed by a position information acquisition unit 251 configured by, for example, a microprocessor included as a part of the electronic component 25. Note that the position information acquisition unit 251 may be configured to acquire planar position information by executing predetermined software (operation program), or to perform predetermined processing using hardware such as a logic circuit, for example. It is good also as a structure which acquires plane position information by. Further, such position information acquisition unit 251 may be incorporated as a part of the liquid crystal device 100 or may be configured inside an electronic device in which the liquid crystal device 100 is mounted.

  In addition to the method based on the light amount ratio corresponding to the propagation distance of the two position detection lights as described above, for example, a phase difference corresponding to the propagation distance of the two position detection lights can be used as a method for acquiring the plane position information. A method based on this is also conceivable. In this case, the plane position information of the target object Ob can be calculated according to the relationship between the magnitude of the phase difference and the difference in the propagation distance.

  Next, the configuration of the position detection device according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 3 and 4.

  FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram for explaining the arrangement of the three position detection light sources in the present embodiment.

  3 and 4, in the present embodiment, in particular, the third position detection light source 12C is from a straight line 910 (see FIG. 4) passing through the first position detection light source 12A and the second position detection light source 12B. Since they are arranged at shifted positions (in other words, the three position detection light sources 12A, 12B, and 12C are arranged so as not to be in a straight line), the plane position of the target object Ob within the detection plane range 10R. Can be reliably detected.

  That is, since the third position detection light source 12C is arranged at a position shifted from the straight line 910 passing through the first position detection light source 12A and the second position detection light source 12B, as described above, The position coordinates of the target object Ob in the detection plane range 10R can be acquired. That is, the detection values for the first position detection light L2a and the third position detection light L2c detected by the light detector 15 and the first position detection light L2a are obtained from the first position detection light source 12A. Based on the distance propagating to Ob and the distance by which the third position detection light L2c propagates from the third position detection light source 12C to the target object Ob, the first position detection light source 12A to the third position detection Position information (for example, coordinates in the first direction) in a first direction (for example, the X direction in the figure) along the direction toward the light source 12c can be acquired. Further, the detection values of the second position detection light L2b and the third position detection light L2c detected by the light detector 15, and the second position detection light L2b are detected from the second position detection light source 12B. Based on the distance propagating to Ob and the distance by which the third position detection light L2c propagates from the third position detection light source 12C to the target object Ob, the second position detection light source L2b to the third position detection Position information (in other words, coordinates in the second direction intersecting the first direction) in the second direction (for example, the Y direction in the figure) along the direction toward the light source L2c can be acquired.

  Thus, in the present embodiment, in particular, the position detection lights L2a, L2b, and L2c are emitted from the three position detection light sources 12A, 12B, and 12C to the detection plane range 10R, and the light reflected by the target object Ob is reflected. It has a simple configuration in which detection is performed by the photodetector 15. Therefore, the number of light sources, photodetectors, and the like is small compared to a case where a large number of light sources and photodetectors or optical switches or light guide structures corresponding to the resolution are arranged around the detection plane range 10R. , Power consumption can be reduced. Further, it can be manufactured at a low cost.

  Further, in FIG. 3, particularly in the present embodiment, as described above, the first position detection light source 12 </ b> A is disposed such that the light emitting surface thereof faces the side surface 13 a of the light guide plate 13, and the second position detection is performed. The light source 12B for light is disposed so that the light emitting surface thereof faces the side surface 13b adjacent to the side surface 13a of the light guide plate 13, and the light emitting surface of the third position detection light source 12C is the light incident surface of the light guide plate 13. It is arranged to face 13v. In other words, the three position detection light sources 12A, 12B, and 12C include two sides that are adjacent to each other among the four sides of the light guide plate 13 (that is, the sides on which the side surfaces 13a and 13b are formed), and the two sides. It is arranged adjacent to one of the corners located in between, and is not arranged on the other two sides (that is, the side on which the side surfaces 13c and 13d are formed) among the four sides of the light guide plate 13. . Therefore, among the four sides of the light guide plate 13, the other two sides (that is, the sides on which the side surfaces 13c and 13d are formed) other than the two sides where the position detection light sources 12A and 12B are adjacently arranged are positioned. It is not necessary to provide a space for arranging the light source for detection around the light guide plate 13. Accordingly, the frame area surrounding the display area 20R extending outside the detection plane range 10R can be reduced, and the liquid crystal device 100 can be downsized.

  In addition, in the present embodiment, in particular, the three position detection light sources 12A, 12B, and 12C are disposed so as to overlap the substrate overhanging portion 21t when viewed from the normal direction of the first substrate 21. Therefore, the frame area extending outside the detection plane range 10R can be more reliably reduced.

  In addition, in the present embodiment, in particular, the photodetector 15 is formed with a side (that is, a side surface 13a) in which the first position detection light source 12 is adjacently disposed among the four sides of the light guide plate 13. (Adjacent side). Therefore, among the four sides of the light guide plate 13, the other two sides where the position detection light sources 12A, 12B and 12C are not disposed adjacent to each other (that is, the sides where the side surfaces 13c and 13d are formed) are detected by the photodetector 15. It is not necessary to provide a space for arranging the light guide plate 13 around the light guide plate 13. Therefore, the frame area extending outside the detection plane range 10R can be more reliably reduced, and the liquid crystal device 100 can be further downsized.

  Next, a position detection apparatus according to a comparative example will be described with reference to FIG.

  FIG. 5 is a plan view showing a position detection unit according to a comparative example.

  In FIG. 5, the position detection device according to the comparative example includes a position detection unit 800 instead of the position detection unit 10 according to this embodiment described above, and is different from the position detection device according to this embodiment described above. About this point, it is comprised in substantially the same manner as the position detection apparatus which concerns on this embodiment mentioned above.

  As shown in FIG. 5, in the position detection unit 800 according to the comparative example, four position detection light sources 912 </ b> A, 912 </ b> B, 912 </ b> C and 912 </ b> D are provided, one on each of the four corners of the light guide plate 13. It arrange | positions so that the center of the light-guide plate 13 may be faced. In the position detection device according to the comparative example, the position detection light from each of the four position detection light sources 912A, 912B, 912C, and 912D of the position detection unit 800 is reflected by the target object Ob within the detection plane range 10R. By detecting with the photodetector 15, the plane position of the target object Ob in the detection plane range 10R is detected. In the position detection device according to the comparative example configured as described above, the power consumption is likely to increase by one more position detection light source as compared with the position detection device according to the present embodiment. However, according to the present embodiment, only the three position detection light sources 12A, 12B, and 12C that are not in a straight line and that are theoretically minimum are provided to obtain the plane position in the detection plane range 10R. Therefore, power consumption can be reliably reduced as compared with the comparative example described above.

  As described above, according to the liquid crystal device 100 according to the present embodiment, since the position detection unit 10 and the photodetector 15 are provided, the detection plane range 10R that coincides with the display region 20R of the liquid crystal panel 20 with low power consumption. It is possible to detect the planar position of the target object Ob.

<Second Embodiment>
A second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 6 to 8, the same reference numerals are given to the same components as those according to the first embodiment shown in FIGS. 1 to 4, and description thereof will be omitted as appropriate.

  First, the overall configuration of the liquid crystal device according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 6 and 7.

  FIG. 6 is an exploded perspective view showing the overall configuration of the liquid crystal device according to the present embodiment. FIG. 7 is a plan view schematically showing the configuration of the position detection apparatus according to the present embodiment.

  In FIG. 6, a liquid crystal device 200 according to the present embodiment includes a liquid crystal panel 20, a position detection unit 10b, and a photodetector 15b. The position detection unit 10b and the light detector 15b constitute an example of the “position detection device” according to the present invention. That is, the position detection device according to the present embodiment includes a position detection unit 10 b and a photodetector 15. In addition, as described later, the position detection device according to the present embodiment indicates the position (three-dimensional coordinates) of the target object Ob in the detection space 10S defined as a rectangular parallelepiped space on the display region 20R of the liquid crystal panel 20, for example. It can be detected.

  Note that the liquid crystal device 200 according to the present embodiment includes the illumination unit 40, the light reflecting plate 14, and the optical sheet 16 in substantially the same manner as the liquid crystal device 100 according to the first embodiment described above with reference to FIG. Also good.

  6 and 7, the position detection unit 10b includes four position detection light sources 12bA, 12bB, 12bC, and 12bD (that is, the first position detection light source 12bA, the second position detection light source 12bB, and the third A position detecting light source 12bC and a fourth position detecting light source 12bD).

  The four position detection light sources 12bA, 12bB, 12bC, and 12bD are configured by light emitting elements such as LEDs, for example, and position detection lights L3a, L3b, and L3c that are, for example, infrared rays according to a drive signal output from a drive circuit (not shown). And L3d (that is, the first position detection light L3a, the second position detection light L3b, the third position detection light L3c, and the fourth position detection light L3d) are emitted to the detection space 10S.

  The first position detection light source 12bA is disposed adjacent to one side of the rectangular display region 20R of the liquid crystal panel 20 when viewed from the normal direction (Z direction in the drawing) of the panel surface of the liquid crystal panel 20. .

  The second position detection light source 12bB is a first position detection light source 12bA in the rectangular display region 20R of the liquid crystal panel 20 as viewed from the normal direction (Z direction in the drawing) of the panel surface of the liquid crystal panel 20. Are arranged adjacent to the sides adjacent to the sides arranged adjacent to each other.

  The third position detection light source 12bC is a first position detection light source 12bA in the rectangular display region 20R of the liquid crystal panel 20 as viewed from the normal direction (Z direction in the drawing) of the panel surface of the liquid crystal panel 20. Are arranged at the corners located between the adjacent side and the first position detection light source 12bA.

  The fourth position detection light source 12bD is disposed so as to overlap the third position detection light source 12bC when viewed from the normal direction of the panel surface of the liquid crystal panel 20 (Z direction in the figure). The fourth position detection light source 12bD is disposed closer to the liquid crystal panel 20 than the third position detection light source 12bC.

  The photodetector 15b is composed of a light receiving element such as a photodiode, for example, and is configured to be able to detect the intensities of the position detection lights L2a to L2d reflected by the target object Ob in the detection space 10S. For example, if the position detection lights L2a to L2d are infrared rays, the photodetector 15b is also composed of a light receiving element having sensitivity to infrared rays. By selecting the light receiving sensitivity of the photodetector 15b so that the wavelength regions of the position detection lights L2a to L2d can be selectively detected, the influence of other light such as external light can be reduced.

  According to the position detection device according to the present embodiment configured as described above, plane position information (for example, in the X direction and the Y direction) of the target object Ob in the detection plane range 10R by the position detection device according to the first embodiment described above. The acquisition method similar to the (coordinate) acquisition method can be applied to the Z direction, for example, and the spatial position information of the target object Ob in the detection space 10S can be acquired.

  That is, in the case of the present embodiment, the position information of the target object Ob in the X direction in the drawing is acquired by driving the first position detection light source 12bA and the third position detection light source 12bC in mutually opposite phases. can do. Similarly, the position information of the target object Ob in the Y direction in the drawing can be acquired by driving the second position detection light source 12bB and the third position detection light source 12bC in mutually opposite phases. it can. Similarly, the position information of the target object Ob in the Y direction in the drawing can be acquired by driving the fourth position detection light source 12bD and the third position detection light source 12bC in mutually opposite phases. it can. Therefore, by sequentially performing the detection operations in the X direction, Y direction, and Z direction in the control system, the spatial position information of the target object Ob in the detection space 10S (that is, the position coordinates in each of the X direction, Y direction, and Z direction). ) Can be obtained.

  In FIG. 7, the above-described acquisition of the spatial position information of the target object Ob is performed by a position information acquisition unit 251 b configured by, for example, a microprocessor included as a part of the electronic component 25.

  Next, the configuration of the position detection apparatus according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS.

  FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram for explaining the arrangement of the four position detection light sources in the present embodiment.

  7 and 8, particularly in the present embodiment, the third position detection light source 12bC is disposed at a position shifted from a straight line 920 passing through the first position detection light source 12bA and the second position detection light source 12bB. (In other words, the three position detection light sources 12bA, 12bB, and 12bC are arranged so as not to be in a straight line), and the fourth position detection light source 12bD includes the first position detection light source 12bA, the first The second position detection light source 12bB and the third position detection light source 12bC are arranged at a position shifted by a distance d1 in the normal direction N1 of the plane 950. In other words, the four position detection light sources 12bA, 12bB, 12bC, and 12bD are arranged such that none of the three position detection light sources is on a straight line. Therefore, the position of the target object Ob in the detection space 10S can be reliably detected.

  That is, the position where the fourth position detection light source 12bD is shifted from the plane 950 passing through the first position detection light source 12bA, the second position detection light source 12bB, and the third position detection light source 12bC which are not in a straight line. Therefore, as described above, the position coordinates of the target object Ob in the detection space 10S can be acquired. That is, the detection values for the first position detection light L3a and the third position detection light L3c detected by the light detector 15b and the first position detection light L3a from the first position detection light source 12bA are the target object. Based on the distance propagating to Ob and the distance by which the third position detection light L3c propagates from the third position detection light source 12bC to the target object, the first position detection light source 12bA to the third position detection light source. Position information (in other words, coordinates in the first direction) in the first direction (for example, the X direction in the figure) along the direction toward 12bC can be acquired. Further, the detection values of the second position detection light L3b and the third position detection light L3c detected by the light detector 15b, and the second position detection light L3b are transmitted from the second position detection light source 12bB to the target object. Based on the distance propagating to Ob and the distance by which the third position detection light L3c propagates from the third position detection light source 12bC to the target object Ob, the second position detection light source 12bB to the third position detection light. Position information (in other words, coordinates in the second direction intersecting the first direction) in the second direction (for example, the Y direction in the drawing) along the direction toward the light source 12bC can be acquired. In addition, the detection values for the third position detection light L3c and the fourth position detection light L3d detected by the light detector 15b and the third position detection light L3c are the targets from the third position detection light source 12bC. Based on the distance propagating to the object Ob and the distance by which the fourth position detection light L3d propagates from the fourth position detection light source 12bD to the target object Ob, the fourth position detection from the third position detection light source 12bC. Position information (in other words, coordinates in the third direction intersecting the first and second directions) in a third direction (for example, the Z direction in the figure) along the direction toward the light source 12bD can be acquired. .

  Thus, in the present embodiment, in particular, the position detection lights L3a, L3b, L3c, and L3d are emitted from the four position detection light sources 12bA, 12bB, 12bC, and 12bD to the detection space 10S and reflected by the target object Ob. It has a simple configuration in which the detected light is detected by the photodetector 15b. Therefore, the number of light sources, photodetectors, etc. is small compared to the case where a large number of light sources and photodetectors or optical switches or light guide structures corresponding to the resolution are arranged around the detection space 10S. Power consumption can be reduced. Further, it can be manufactured at a low cost.

  Further, in FIG. 7, particularly in the present embodiment, the four position detection light sources 12bA, 12bB, 12bC, and 12bD are substrate overhang portions as viewed from the normal direction of the first substrate 21 (that is, the Z direction in the drawing). It is arranged so as to overlap 21t. Therefore, the frame area surrounding the display area 20R extending outside the display area 20R can be reduced, and the liquid crystal device 200 can be downsized.

<Electronic equipment>
Next, a specific example of an electronic apparatus to which the liquid crystal device according to the above-described embodiment can be applied will be described with reference to FIG.

  Here, an example in which the liquid crystal device including the position detection device according to the above-described embodiment is applied to a display unit of an in-vehicle car navigation system will be described. FIG. 9 is a perspective view showing the configuration of the car navigation system.

  As shown in FIG. 9, the car navigation system 1200 includes a main body 1210 and a display unit 1220 connected to the main body 1210. The main body 1210 is provided with an operation surface 1211 provided with operation buttons and the like, and an inlet 1212 for a recording medium such as a DVD. The display unit 1220 stores the liquid crystal device 100 according to the above-described embodiment, and an image formed in the display area 20R of the liquid crystal device 100, that is, a display of a navigation image, is displayed on the display screen 1220a of the display unit 1220. It is comprised so that it may be visually recognized. In addition, by arranging a target object such as a finger or a touch pen on the display screen 1220a, the position detection lights L2a to L2d described above are reflected and detected by the photodetector 15, so that the target on the display screen 1220a is detected. The position information of the object Ob can be input.

  In addition to the electronic device described with reference to FIG. 9, a portable personal computer, a mobile phone, a television, a viewfinder type, a monitor direct view type video tape recorder, a pager, an electronic notebook, a calculator, a word processor, a work A station, a video phone, a POS terminal, etc. are mentioned. Needless to say, the present invention can be applied to these various electronic devices.

  In addition to the liquid crystal device described in the above embodiment, the present invention also includes a reflective liquid crystal device (LCOS) in which elements are formed on a silicon substrate, a plasma display (PDP), a field emission display (FED, SED), The present invention can also be applied to an organic EL display, a digital micromirror device (DMD), an electrophoresis apparatus, and the like.

  The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and can be appropriately changed within a scope not departing from the gist or concept of the invention that can be read from the claims and the entire specification, and a position detection device with such a change. Electro-optical devices and electronic devices are also included in the technical scope of the present invention.

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10, 10b ... Position detection unit, 10R ... Detection plane range, 10S ... Detection space, 12A, 12B, 12C ... Light source for position detection, 12bA, 12bB, 12bC, 12bD ... Light source for position detection, 13 ... Light guide plate, 15, 15b: photodetector, 20 ... liquid crystal panel, 20R ... display area, 100, 200 ... liquid crystal device, 251, 251b ... position information acquisition unit

Claims (10)

A position detection device for detecting the position of a target object within a detection plane range,
A first position detection light source that emits first position detection light with respect to the detection plane range;
A second position detection light is disposed at a position different from the first position detection light source when viewed from the normal direction of the detection plane range, and emits a second position detection light to the detection plane range. A light source;
As viewed from the normal direction of the detection plane range, the third position detection light is emitted to the detection plane range, arranged at a position shifted from a straight line passing through the first and second position detection light sources. A third position detection light source;
A photodetector that detects light reflected by the target object within the detection plane range, the first, second, and third position detection lights;
First position information acquisition means for acquiring plane position information of the target object based on three detection values detected by the photodetector;
A position detection device comprising: A rectangular light guide plate that guides the first, second, and third position detection light beams from the first, second, and third position detection light sources to the detection plane range;
The first, second and third light sources for position detection are adjacent to one of two sides adjacent to each other among the four sides of the light guide plate and a corner located between the two sides. The position detection device according to claim 1, wherein the position detection device is arranged.   The light detector is for detecting the position of at least one of the first, second and third light sources for position detection among the four sides of the light guide plate when viewed from the normal direction of the detection plane range. The position detection device according to claim 2, wherein the light source is disposed adjacent to a side disposed adjacent to the light source. A position detection device for detecting the position of a target object in a detection space,
A first position detection light source for emitting a first position detection light to the detection space;
A second position detection light source arranged at a position different from the first position detection light source and emitting a second position detection light to the detection space;
A third position detection light source arranged at a position deviated from a straight line passing through the first and second position detection light sources and emitting a third position detection light to the detection space;
A fourth position detection light source arranged at a position shifted from a plane passing through the first, second and third position detection light sources and emitting a fourth position detection light to the detection space;
A photodetector for detecting the light reflected by the target object in the detection space, the first, second, third and fourth position detection lights;
A position detection device comprising:   The position detection apparatus according to claim 4, further comprising a second position information acquisition unit configured to acquire spatial position information of the target object based on a detection value detected by the photodetector. The position detection device according to any one of claims 1 to 3,
An electro-optic panel having a display area at least partially overlapping the detection plane range;
An electro-optical device comprising: The electro-optical panel is formed by bonding a pair of first and second substrates to each other.
The first substrate has a protruding portion that protrudes from the second substrate on at least one side of the first substrate;
The electricity according to claim 6, wherein the first, second, and third light sources for position detection are arranged so as to overlap the overhanging portion when viewed from the normal direction of the first substrate. Optical device. The position detection device according to claim 4 or 5,
An electro-optic panel having a display area at least partially overlapping the detection space;
An electro-optical device comprising: The electro-optical panel is formed by bonding a pair of first and second substrates to each other.
The first substrate has a protruding portion that protrudes from the second substrate on at least one side of the first substrate;
The first, second, third, and fourth light sources for position detection are arranged so as to overlap the overhanging portion when viewed from the normal direction of the first substrate. The electro-optical device described.   An electronic apparatus comprising the electro-optical device according to claim 6.

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