JP2011232190A - Equipment with position detecting function - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an equipment with a position detecting function capable of making the size of an emitting space of detection light variable.SOLUTION: In an optical position detecting device 10A of an equipment 1 with a position detecting function, a photodetector 30 detects detection light reflected from a target object Ob when detection light sources 12 emit detection lights L2 so as to detect a coordinate of the target object Ob. A first detection light source 12A through a fourth detection light source 12D include first light-emitting elements 12A, 12B, 12Cand 12Dthrough third light-emitting elements 12A, 12B, 12Cand 12D. In a case where a detection space 10R for the target object Ob is set to be wide, the number of light-emitting elements to be turned on is increased to widen an emitting space, whereas in a case where the detection space 10R for the target object Ob is set to be narrow, the number of light-emitting elements to be turned on is decreased to narrow the emitting space.

Description

  The present invention relates to a device with a position detection function for optically detecting the position of a target object located on the surface side where information is visually recognized.

  As an optical position detection device that optically detects a target object, for example, detection light is emitted from two detection light source sections toward the target object via a light transmitting member, and the detection light reflected by the target object is detected. There has been proposed one that is transmitted through a translucent member and detected by a light detection unit. In such an optical position detection device, for example, if two detection light source units are differentiated based on the detection result of the light detection unit, one of the two detection light source units and the target The distance between the object and the ratio of the distance between the other light source for detection and the target object can be known. Therefore, the position of the target object can be detected (see Patent Document 1).

Special Table 2003-534554

  However, the configuration described in Patent Document 1 has the following problems because the detection light emission space is fixed. First, even if it is known in advance that the target object exists in a narrow range, it is necessary to emit detection light with a certain level of illuminance over a wide range. There is. In addition, since the detection light emission space is fixed, there is a problem in that even when only a target object in a specific space is detected, the target object is detected from the entire emission space.

  In view of the above problems, an object of the present invention is to provide a device with a position detection function capable of making the size of the detection light emission space variable.

  In order to solve the above-described problems, the present invention provides a visual surface constituent member having a visual recognition surface, and an optical position detection device that detects the position of a target object located on the visual recognition surface side with respect to the visual recognition surface constituent member. The optical position detection device includes a plurality of detection light source units that emit detection light to the viewing surface side, and the viewing surface side from which the detection light is emitted. A light detection unit that receives the detection light reflected by the target object located in the detection light emission space, a light source drive unit that sequentially turns on the plurality of detection light source units, and the plurality of detection light source units. A position detection unit that detects a position of the target object based on a light reception result of the light detection unit when turned on, and the detection light source unit emits the detection light when viewed from the detection light emission space. Center optical axis from the center to the outside of the space Characterized in that it comprises a plurality of light emitting elements arranged.

  In the present invention, the light source driving unit sequentially turns on the plurality of light source units for detection, and during that time, the light detection unit receives the detection light reflected by the target object. Therefore, the position detection unit detects the position of the target object by using the detection result of the light detection unit directly or by using the drive current when the two detection light source units are differentiated via the light detection unit. can do. Here, the detection light source unit includes a plurality of light emitting elements in which the central optical axes are arranged from the center side to the outside of the detection light emitting space when viewed from the detection light emitting space. The size of the detection light emission space can be changed depending on whether the light emitting element is turned on. For this reason, when setting the detection space of the target object wide, for example, increasing the number of light emitting elements to be lit to widen the emission space, whereas when setting the detection space of the target object to be narrow, the light emitting element to be lit It is possible to reduce the number of the light emitting spaces. Therefore, power for turning on the light source is not wasted, and power consumption can be reduced. In addition, since the emission space of the detection light is variable, it is possible to detect only the target object in a specific narrow space.

  In the present invention, the light source driving unit includes a light emitting element different from a first mode in which some of the light emitting elements are turned on and at least the first mode of the light emitting elements. And a second mode in which is turned on.

  In the present invention, the light source driving unit turns on a part of the plurality of light emitting elements in the first mode, and lights up in the first mode in the second mode. It is preferable that the light emitting elements different from those in the first mode are simultaneously turned on to extend the emission space in the direction in which the central optical axes of the light emitting elements are arranged. According to such a configuration, in the first mode, the light emitting elements to be turned on can be reduced and the emission space can be narrowed, so that the power consumed to turn on the light source can be reduced.

  In the present invention, the light source driving unit includes two light emitting elements that turn on one light emitting element of the plurality of light emitting elements in the first mode and turn on in the first mode in the second mode. A configuration in which the above light-emitting elements are turned on at the same time can be employed. According to such a configuration, the number of light emitting elements to be turned on can be reduced to narrow the emission space, so that it is possible to reduce the power consumed to turn on the light source. In addition, since the detection light emission space can be reduced to a minimum, only the target object in a specific narrow space can be detected.

  The present invention can be applied to a first type optical position detection device in which each of the plurality of light source portions for detection emits the detection light in the same direction.

  In the present invention, when viewed from the detection light emission space, the light detection unit is disposed at a position surrounded by the plurality of detection light source units, and the plurality of light emitting elements in the detection light source unit are Arranged linearly in a direction away from a position close to the light detection unit. In the first mode, among the plurality of light emitting elements, the second mode is lit without lighting in the first mode. It is possible to adopt a configuration in which a light emitting element at a position closer to the light detection unit than a light emitting element to be lit is turned on.

  In the present invention, when viewed from the emission side of the detection light, the central optical axes of the plurality of light emitting elements in the detection light source unit are linearly arranged from the inside to the outside of the emission space, In the first mode, among the plurality of light emitting elements, a light emitting element whose central optical axis is directed to the inner side of the emission space is turned on rather than a light emitting element that is not turned on in the first mode but is turned on in the second mode. Can be adopted.

  In the present invention, among the light emitting elements that are turned on in the second mode, the light emitting elements that are turned off in the first mode emit light of the detection light more than the light emitting elements that are turned on in the first mode. Is preferably large. With this configuration, the detection light intensity can be kept continuous in the detection light emission space in the first mode and the detection light emission space after being expanded in the second mode. Even in the two modes, the same detection accuracy as in the first mode can be obtained.

  In the present invention, the plurality of detection light source units include a detection light source unit that emits the detection light in opposite directions on both sides of the emission space. It can also be applied to devices.

  The present invention is the first type and the second type optical position detection device, the position detection unit is based on the light reception result of the light detection unit, among the plurality of detection light source units, It is preferable to detect the position of the target object based on a result obtained by differentiating some of the detection light sources and some of the other detection light source units. If such a differential is used, the influence of ambient light or the like can be automatically corrected.

  In the present invention, a reference light source that emits reference light incident on the light detection unit without passing through the emission space is provided, and the position detection unit is configured to detect the plurality of detection light sources based on light reception results of the light detection unit. A configuration may be adopted in which the position of the target object is detected based on the result of differentially changing a combination of a part of the light source units for detection and the reference light source. If such a differential is used, the influence of ambient light or the like can be automatically corrected.

  In the present invention, the detection light is preferably infrared light. According to such a configuration, since the detection light is not visually recognized, the optical position detection device can be used for various devices, for example, when it is applied to a display device, the display is not hindered.

  A device with a position detection function to which the present invention is applied can be configured as the following devices, for example.

  In the present invention, the viewing surface constituent member can employ a configuration that is a direct-view image generation device that displays an image as information. In this case, the viewing surface displays the image in the direct-view image generation device. This is an image display surface. According to this configuration, the device with a position detection function can be configured as a direct view display device with a position detection function.

  In the present invention, it is possible to adopt a configuration in which the viewing surface constituent member is a screen. In this case, the viewing surface is a screen surface on which information is visually recognized on the screen.

  Here, it is possible to adopt a configuration in which the light source for detection and the light detection unit are arranged on the side opposite to the viewing surface side with respect to the screen. According to such a configuration, the device with a position detection function can be configured as a screen device with a position detection function.

  In the present invention, an image projection device that projects an image toward the screen on the viewing surface side with respect to the screen, and the light source for detection and the light detection unit are arranged in the image projection device Can also be adopted. According to this configuration, the device with a position detection function can be configured as a projection display device with a position detection function.

  In the present invention, the viewing surface constituent member may employ a configuration that is a translucent member that covers the exhibit as the information. In this case, the viewing surface is arranged on the translucent member. This is the surface on which the exhibit is viewed on the opposite side of the display side. According to this configuration, the device with a position detection function can be configured as a window with a position detection function.

  In the present invention, the viewing surface constituent member may employ a configuration that is a base that supports a moving game medium. In this case, the visual surface is formed between the base and the game medium on the base. The relative position is the surface that is visually recognized as the information. According to such a configuration, the device with a position detection function can be configured as an amusement device such as a pachinko machine or a coin game.

It is explanatory drawing which shows typically the principal part of the apparatus with a position detection function which concerns on Embodiment 1 of this invention. It is explanatory drawing which shows the structure of the light source part for a detection in the optical position detection apparatus of the apparatus with a position detection function which concerns on Embodiment 1 of this invention. It is explanatory drawing which shows the whole structure of the optical position detection apparatus of the apparatus with a position detection function which concerns on Embodiment 1 of this invention. It is explanatory drawing which shows the principle which detects the position of a target object using the differential of detection lights in the optical position detection apparatus of the apparatus with a position detection function which concerns on Embodiment 1 of this invention. It is explanatory drawing which shows the principle which detects the position of a target object using the difference of reference light and detection light in the optical position detection apparatus of the apparatus with a position detection function which concerns on Embodiment 1 of this invention. It is explanatory drawing which shows the processing content etc. which are performed in a position detection part in the optical position detection apparatus of the apparatus with a position detection function which concerns on Embodiment 1 of this invention. It is explanatory drawing which shows a mode that the size of a detection space is switched in the optical position detection apparatus of the apparatus with a position detection function which concerns on Embodiment 1 of this invention. It is a disassembled perspective view of the specific example 1 (direct view type display device with a position detection function) of the apparatus with a position detection function according to the first embodiment of the present invention. It is explanatory drawing of the specific example 2 (screen apparatus with a position detection function) of the apparatus with a position detection function of Embodiment 1 of this invention. It is explanatory drawing of the specific example 3 (window with a position detection function) of the apparatus with a position detection function which concerns on Embodiment 1 of this invention. It is explanatory drawing of the specific example 4 (amusement apparatus with a position detection function) of the apparatus with a position detection function which concerns on Embodiment 1 of this invention. It is explanatory drawing of another amusement apparatus with a position detection function (apparatus with a position detection function) to which the present invention is applied. It is explanatory drawing which shows typically the principal part of the apparatus with a position detection function which concerns on Embodiment 2 of this invention. It is explanatory drawing which shows typically the positional relationship of the light source part for detection in the optical position detection apparatus of the apparatus with a position detection function which concerns on Embodiment 2 of this invention, and a detection space. It is explanatory drawing of the specific example (projection type display apparatus with a position detection function) of the apparatus with a position detection function which concerns on Embodiment 2 of this invention. It is explanatory drawing which shows typically the principal part of the apparatus with a position detection function which concerns on Embodiment 3 of this invention. It is explanatory drawing of the specific example (screen apparatus with a position detection function) of the apparatus with a position detection function which concerns on Embodiment 3 of this invention.

  Next, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the following description, the axes intersecting each other will be described as the X axis, the Y axis, and the Z axis, and the emission direction of the detection light will be described as the Z axis direction. In the drawings referred to below, one side in the X-axis direction is the X1 side, the other side is the X2 side, one side in the Y-axis direction is the Y1 side, and the other side is the Y2 side.

[Embodiment 1]
(overall structure)
FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram schematically showing a main part of a device with a position detection function according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram showing a configuration of a light source unit for detection in the optical position detection device for a device with a position detection function according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention, and FIGS. It is explanatory drawing when viewing the light source part for detection from the emission space of detection light, and explanatory drawing when the light source part for detection is seen from the side. FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram showing the overall configuration of the optical position detection device for a device with a position detection function according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

  1, 2, and 3, the device 1 with a position detection function of the present embodiment includes a viewing surface constituting member 40 that includes a viewing surface 41 on which information is visually recognized, and a viewing surface 41 with respect to the viewing surface constituting member 40. And an optical position detection device 10A that detects the position of the target object Ob located on the side (one side Z1 in the Z-axis direction), and is used as a display device with a position detection function to be described later.

  The optical position detection device 10A detects a light source device 11 including a plurality of detection light source units 12 that emit detection light L2 toward one side Z1 in the Z-axis direction, and detection light L3 reflected by the target object Ob. And a light detection unit 30 that performs the above-described operation. The viewing surface constituting member 40 is made of a sheet-like or plate-like light transmissive member located on one side Z1 in the Z-axis direction with respect to the detection light source unit 12 and the light detection unit 30. Accordingly, the detection light source unit 12 emits the detection light L2 from the back surface 42 side opposite to the viewing surface 41 side in the viewing surface component member 40 to the viewing surface 41 side, and the light detection unit 30 is the target object Ob. Detection light L3 reflected and transmitted to the rear surface 42 side of the viewing surface constituent member 40 is detected. For this reason, the light receiving portion 31 of the light detection portion 30 faces the back surface 42 of the member.

  In this embodiment, the light source device 11 includes a first detection light source unit 12A, a second detection light source unit 12B, a third detection light source unit 12C, and a fourth detection light source unit 12D as the plurality of detection light source units 12. These detection light source sections 12 all have the light emitting section directed to the viewing surface constituting member 40. Therefore, the detection light L2 emitted from the light source unit 12 for detection passes through the viewing surface constituent member 40 and is emitted to the viewing surface 41 side (the emission space of the detection light L2 from the light source device 11). The emission space (the space on the viewing surface 41 side) constitutes a detection space 10R in which the position of the target object Ob is detected.

  The first detection light source unit 12A to the fourth detection light source unit 12D are arranged in this order around the central optical axis of the light detection unit 30 when viewed from the detection space 10R (Z-axis direction). 30 is located inside the plurality of light source units 12 for detection. In the plurality of detection light source units 12, the first detection light source unit 12A and the third detection light source unit 12C are separated from each other in the X-axis direction, and the second detection light source unit 12B and the fourth detection light source unit 12D are separated from each other. They are separated in the Y-axis direction. From the viewpoint of the first detection light source unit 12A, the second detection light source unit 12B and the fourth detection light source unit 12D are also separated from the first detection light source unit 12A in the X-axis direction, and the third detection light source unit 12A is separated. From the viewpoint of the light source unit 12C, the second detection light source unit 12B and the fourth detection light source unit 12D are also separated from the third detection light source unit 12C in the X-axis direction. Similarly, when viewed from the second detection light source unit 12B, the first detection light source unit 12A and the third detection light source unit 12C are also separated from the second detection light source unit 12B in the Y-axis direction, and the fourth detection is performed. From the viewpoint of the light source unit 12D, the first detection light source unit 12A and the third detection light source unit 12C are also separated from the fourth detection light source unit 12D in the Y-axis direction.

  When viewed from the detection space 10 </ b> R (Z-axis direction), the first detection light source unit 12 </ b> A to the fourth detection light source unit 12 </ b> D are arranged at equiangular intervals with the light detection unit 30 as the center. Further, when viewed from the detection space 10R (Z-axis direction), the first detection light source unit 12A to the fourth detection light source unit 12D have the same distance from the light detection unit 30.

  The light source device 11 also includes a reference light source 12 </ b> R having a light emitting unit facing the light detection unit 30. The reference light source 12R is configured by an LED (light emitting diode) or the like, and the reference light source 12R emits reference light Lr composed of infrared light having a peak wavelength of 840 to 1000 nm as divergent light. However, the reference light Lr emitted from the reference light source 12R is on the side of the visual recognition surface 41 of the visual recognition surface component 40 due to the orientation of the reference light source 12R, a light shielding cover (not shown) provided on the reference light source 12R, and the like. The light does not enter (detection space 10R) and enters the light detection unit 30 without passing through the detection space 10R.

  The light detection unit 30 includes a photodiode, a phototransistor, or the like with the light receiving unit 31 facing the viewing surface constituting member 40. In this embodiment, the light detection unit 30 is a photodiode having a sensitivity peak in the infrared region.

(Detailed Configuration of Detection Light Source 12)
In the optical position detection device 10A of this embodiment, when viewed from the detection space 10R (Z-axis direction), each of the plurality of detection light source units 12 has a plurality of center optical axes arranged from the center side to the outside of the detection space 10R. In this embodiment, the detection light source unit 12 includes three light emitting elements. More specifically, the first light source unit 12A for detection is located on the innermost first light emitting element 12A ₁ and on the opposite side (outer side) from the first light emitting element 12A ₁ on the side where the light detecting unit 30 is located. A second light emitting element 12A ₂ that is located, and a third light emitting element 12A ₃ that is located on the opposite side (outside) of the second light emitting element 12A ₂ from the side on which the light detection unit 30 is located. The light emitting elements 12A ₁ to the third light emitting element 12A ₃ and the light detection unit 30 are arranged on the same straight line. The central optical axes of the first light emitting element 12A ₁ to the third light emitting element 12A ₃ are parallel to each other. In this embodiment, the central optical axes of the first light emitting element 12A ₁ to the third light emitting element 12A ₃ are They are parallel to each other.

Similarly, the second light source unit 12B for detection is located on the innermost first light emitting element 12B ₁ and on the opposite side (outer side) of the first light emitting element 12B ₁ from the side where the light detecting unit 30 is located. a second light emitting element 12B _2, the side on which the light detector 30 than the second light emitting element 12B ₂ are located and a third light emitting element 12B ₃ located on the opposite side (outside), the first light emitting device 12B ₁ to the third light emitting element 12B ₃ and the light detecting portion 30 is arranged on the same straight line. The central optical axes of the first light emitting element 12B ₁ to the third light emitting element 12B ₃ are parallel to each other. In this embodiment, the central optical axes of the first light emitting element 12B ₁ to the third light emitting element 12B ₃ are They are parallel to each other.

The third light source unit 12C for detection is the innermost first light emitting element 12C ₁ and the second light emitting element located on the opposite side (outer side) of the first light emitting element 12C ₁ from the side on which the light detecting unit 30 is located. and 12C _2, the side on which the light detector 30 than the second light emitting element 12C ₂ is located and a third light emitting element 12C ₃ located on the opposite side (outside), the first light emitting element 12C ₁ ~ No. The three light emitting elements 12C ₃ and the light detection unit 30 are arranged on the same straight line. The central optical axes of the first light emitting element 12C ₁ to the third light emitting element 12C ₃ are parallel to each other. In this embodiment, the central optical axes of the first light emitting element 12C ₁ to the third light emitting element 12C ₃ are They are parallel to each other.

The fourth detection light source unit 12D includes the innermost first light emitting element 12D ₁ and the second light emitting element located on the opposite side (outer side) of the first light emitting element 12D ₁ from the side on which the light detection unit 30 is located. and 12D _2, the side on which the light detector 30 than the second light-emitting element 12D ₂ are located and a third light-emitting element 12D ₃ located on the opposite side (outside), the first light-emitting element 12D ₁ ~ No. The three light emitting elements 12D ₃ and the light detection unit 30 are arranged on the same straight line. The central optical axes of the first light emitting element 12D ₁ to the third light emitting element 12D ₃ are parallel to each other. In this embodiment, the central optical axes of the first light emitting element 12D ₁ to the third light emitting element 12D ₃ are They are parallel to each other.

Here, the first light emitting elements 12A _{1 to} 12D ₁ are all located on the circumference of the radius r ₁ with the light detection unit 30 as the center, and the second light emitting elements 12A _{2 to} 12D ₂ are all optically detected. The third light emitting elements 12A _{3 to} 12D ₃ are located on the circumference of a radius r ₂ (where r ₁ <r ₂ ) centered on the portion 30, and all have a radius r ₃ centered on the light detection portion 30. However, it is located on the circumference of r ₂ <r ₃ . Therefore, the first light emitting elements 12A ₁ , 12B ₁ , 12C ₁ , 12D ₁ , the second light emitting elements 12A ₂ , 12B ₂ , 12C ₂ , 12D ₂ , and the third light emitting elements 12A ₃ , 12B ₃ , 12C ₃ , 12D ₃ , the central optical axis is directed from the inside to the outside of the detection space 10R in this order.

Each of the first light emitting elements 12A _{1 to} 12D ₁ , the second light emitting elements 12A _{2 to} 12D ₂ , and the third light emitting elements 12A _{3 to} 12D ₃ is composed of an LED (light emitting diode) or the like, and has a peak wavelength of 840 to 1000 nm. The detection light L2 (detection light L2a to L2d) made of infrared light located at is emitted as diverging light.

(Configuration of position detector, etc.)
As shown in FIG. 3, the light source device 11 includes a light source driving unit 14 that drives a plurality of light source units 12 for detection. The light source drive unit 14 drives the detection light source unit 12 and the reference light source 12R, and the lighting patterns of the plurality of detection light source units 12 and the reference light source 12R via the light source drive circuit 140. And a light source control unit 145 for controlling. The light source drive circuit 140 includes light source drive circuits 140a to 140d that drive the first detection light source unit 12A to the fourth detection light source unit 12D, and a light source drive circuit 140r that drives the reference light source 12R. The light source driving circuits 140a to 140d individually drive the first light emitting elements 12A _{1 to} 12D ₁ , the second light emitting elements 12A _{2 to} 12D ₂ , and the third light emitting elements 12A _{3 to} 12D ₃ . The light source control unit 145 controls all of the light source driving circuits 140a to 140d and 140r. In addition, about the light source drive circuits 140a-140d, you may employ | adopt the structure which drives the some light source part 12 for a detection with the common light source drive circuit 140 by a switching circuit.

  A position detection unit 50 is electrically connected to the light detection unit 30, and the detection result of the light detection unit 30 is output to the position detection unit 50. The position detection unit 50 includes a signal processing unit 55 for detecting the position of the target object Ob based on the detection result of the light detection unit 30, and the signal processing unit 55 includes an amplifier, a comparator, and the like. ing. Further, the position detection unit 50 includes an XY coordinate detection unit 52 that detects the XY coordinates of the target object Ob, and a Z coordinate detection unit 53 that detects the Z coordinate of the target object Ob. The position detection unit 50 and the light source driving unit 14 configured as described above operate in conjunction with each other and perform position detection described later.

(Basic detection principle of coordinates)
FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram showing the basic principle of coordinate detection used in the optical position detection apparatus 10A of the device 1 with a position detection function according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention, and FIGS. These are explanatory drawings schematically showing the relationship between the position of the target object Ob and the light reception intensity at the light detection unit 30, and how the emission intensity of the detection light L2 is adjusted so that the light reception intensity at the detection unit 30 is equal. It is explanatory drawing which shows this typically.

In the optical position detection apparatus 10A of the present embodiment, as described later with reference to FIGS. 4 and 5, the differential between the detection light source sections 12 or the differential between the detection light source section 12 and the reference light source 12R. Thus, a ratio between the distance between one of the two detection light source units 12 and the target object Ob and the distance between the other detection light source unit 12 and the target object Ob is obtained, and the ratio is obtained. Based on this, the position of the target object Ob is detected. During such differential operation, a part or all of the first light emitting elements 12A _{1 to} 12D ₁ , the second light emitting elements 12A _{2 to} 12D ₂ , and the third light emitting elements 12A _{3 to} 12D ₃ are used. At that time, the driving currents in the first detection light source unit 12A, the second detection light source unit 12B, the third detection light source unit 12C, and the fourth detection light source unit 12D are respectively the first light emitting elements 12A ₁ to 3D. The total driving current value of the light emitting element 12A ₃ , the total driving current value of the first light emitting element 12B ₁ to the third light emitting element 12B ₃ , the total driving current value of the first light emitting element 12C ₁ to the third light emitting element 12C ₃ , the first This is the total drive current value of the light emitting elements 12D ₁ to 12D ₃ .

  Hereinafter, based on the light reception result of the light detection unit 30, two of the first detection light source unit 12A, the second detection light source unit 12B, the third detection light source unit 12C, and the fourth detection light source unit 12D are detected. A basic principle for detecting the X coordinate and the Y coordinate of the target object Ob based on a plurality of results obtained by differentiating the combination of the light sources for use will be described.

  In the optical position detection device 10 of the present embodiment, a detection space 10R is set on the first surface 41 side of the translucent member 40 (space on the emission side of the detection light L2 from the light source device 11). Further, the two detection light source units 12, for example, the first detection light source unit 12A and the third detection light source unit 12C are separated in the X-axis direction and the Y-axis direction. Therefore, when the first detection light source unit 12A is turned on and emits the detection light L2a, the intensity of the detection light L2a monotonously decreases from one side to the other side as shown in FIG. One light intensity distribution L2Ga is formed. When the third detection light source unit 12C is turned on and emits the detection light L2c, the detection light L2c is transmitted through the translucent member 40 to the first surface 41 side (detection space 10R) from one side to the other side. A second light intensity distribution L2Gc whose intensity increases monotonously toward is formed.

  In order to obtain the position information of the target object Ob using the differential between the detection lights L2a and L2c, as shown in FIG. 4A, first, the first detection light source unit 12A is turned on, The third light source unit 12C is turned off, and a first light intensity distribution L2Ga whose intensity monotonously decreases from one side to the other side is formed. Further, the first detection light source unit 12A is turned off, while the third detection light source unit 12C is turned on to form a second light intensity distribution L2Gc in which the intensity monotonously increases from one side to the other side. Therefore, when the target object Ob is arranged in the detection space 10R, the detection light L2 is reflected by the target object Ob, and a part of the reflected light is detected by the light detection unit 30. At that time, the reflection intensity at the target object Ob is proportional to the intensity of the detection light L2 at the position where the target object Ob is located, and the light reception intensity at the light detection unit 30 is proportional to the reflection intensity at the target object Ob. Accordingly, the received light intensity at the light detection unit 30 is a value corresponding to the position of the target object Ob. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 4B, the detection value LGa when the first light intensity distribution L2Ga is formed and the light detection unit 30 when the second light intensity distribution L2Gc is formed. The drive current when adjusting the control amount (drive current) for the first detection light source unit 12A and the control amount (drive current) for the third detection light source unit 12C so that the detected value LGc at If the ratio to the drive current at the time of adjustment, the ratio of the adjustment amount, or the like is used, the target object Ob is positioned at any position between the first detection light source unit 12A and the third detection light source unit 12C in the XY plane. It can detect whether it exists.

  More specifically, as shown in FIG. 4A, the first light intensity distribution L2Ga and the second light intensity distribution L2Gc are formed so that the light intensity distributions are in opposite directions. In this state, if the detection values LGa and LGc in the light detection unit 30 are equal, the target object Ob is located in the center between the first detection light source unit 12A and the third detection light source unit 12C in the XY plane. I understand that. On the other hand, when the detection values LGa and LGc at the light detection unit 30 are different, the detection values LGa and LGc are equal to the first detection light source unit 12A and the third detection light source unit 12C. By adjusting the control amount (drive current), as shown in FIG. 4B, the first light intensity distribution L2Ga and the second light intensity distribution L2Gc are sequentially formed again. As a result, if the detection values LGa and LGc at the light detection unit 30 are equal, the ratio of the drive current to the first detection light source unit 12A and the drive current to the third detection light source unit 12C at that time can be used. For example, it is possible to detect at which position the target object Ob exists between the first detection light source unit 12A and the third detection light source unit 12C in the XY plane.

This detection principle is mathematically explained using an optical path function as follows. First, in the above-described differential, the drive current for the first light source unit 12A for the first detection when the received light intensity at the light detection unit 30 becomes equal is I _A, and the drive current for the third light source unit 12C is I _C. The ratio of the distance function from the first detection light source unit 12A through the target object Ob to the light detection unit 30 and the distance function from the third detection light source unit 12C through the target object Ob to the light detection unit 30 the When P _AC, the ratio P _AC is basically = the formula P _AC for I _C / I _a
It is calculated by. Therefore, it can be seen that the target object Ob is positioned on the isobaric line passing through a position obtained by dividing the line connecting the first detection light source unit 12A and the third detection light source unit 12C by a predetermined ratio.

Such a model will be described mathematically. First, it emitted the parameters from the following T = reflectivity of the target object Ob A _t = the first detection light source unit 12A
Distance function in which detection light L2 is reflected by target object Ob and reaches light detection unit 30 A = first detection light source unit 12A in a state where target object Ob exists in detection space 10R
Detected intensity C _t of the light detection unit 30 when is turned on = emitted from the third light source unit 12C for detection
Distance function in which detection light L2 is reflected by target object Ob and reaches light detection unit 30 C = third detection light source unit 12C in a state where target object Ob exists in detection space 10R
The detection intensity of the light detection unit 30 when is turned on. The light emission intensity of the first detection light source unit 12A and the third detection light source unit 12C is represented by the product of the drive current and the light emission coefficient. In the following description, the light emission coefficient is 1.

Further, when the above-described differential is performed in a state where the target object Ob exists in the detection space 10R,
A = T × A _t × I _A + Ambient Light ・ ・ Formula (1)
C = T × C _t × I _C + Ambient Light ・ ・ Formula (2)
The relationship is obtained.

Here, since the detection intensities of the light detection unit 30 in the case of differential are equal, from the formulas (1) and (2), the following formula T × A _t × I _A + ambient light = T × C _t × I _C + Ambient light T × A _t × I _A = T × C _t × I _C .. (3)
Is guided.

Further, the ratio P _AC between the distance functions A _t and C _t is expressed by the following equation: P _AC = A _t / C _t ··· (4)
From the formulas (3) and (4), the distance function ratio P _AC is P _AC = I _C / I _A.
It is expressed as In the equation (5), there is no term of ambient light and no term of reflectance of the target object Ob. Therefore, the ambient light and the reflectance of the target object Ob do not affect the ratio P _AC between the optical path coefficients A _t and C _t . In addition, about said mathematical model, you may correct | amend in order to cancel the influence etc. of the detection light L2 which entered without reflecting with the target object Ob.

Here, it is the light source point light source used in the light source unit 12 for detection, and the light intensity at a certain point is inversely proportional to the square of the distance from the light source. Therefore, the ratio of the separation distance P1 between the first detection light source unit 12A and the target object O and the separation distance P2 between the third detection light source unit 12C and the target object Ob is expressed by the following formula: P _AC = (P1) ² : (P2) ²
It is calculated by. Therefore, it can be seen that the target object Ob exists on a contour line passing through a position obtained by dividing the virtual line connecting the detection light source unit 12A and the second detection light source unit 12C by P1: P2.

  Similarly, the second detection light source unit 12B and the fourth detection light source unit 12D are differentiated, the distance between the second detection light source unit 12B and the target object Ob, the fourth detection light source unit 12D, and the target. If the ratio of the distance to the object Ob is obtained, the target object Ob exists on an isoline passing through a position obtained by dividing the virtual line connecting the second detection light source unit 12B and the fourth detection light source unit 12D by a predetermined ratio. I understand that Therefore, the X coordinate and Y coordinate of the target object Ob can be detected. Note that the above method is a geometric explanation of the principle employed in this embodiment, and actually, the calculation is performed using the obtained data.

(Differential between reference light Lr and detection light L2)
FIG. 5 shows the position of the target object Ob using the differential between the reference light Lr and the detection light L2 in the optical position detection apparatus 10A of the device 1 with a position detection function according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. 5A and 5B are explanatory diagrams showing the relationship between the distance from the detection light source unit 12 to the target object Ob and the received light intensity of the detection light L2 and the like, and the light source. It is explanatory drawing which shows a mode after adjusting the drive current to.

  In the optical position detection device 10 of the present embodiment, instead of direct differential between the detection light L2a and the detection light L2c, the differential between the detection light L2a and the reference light Lr, the detection light L2c, and the reference light Lr. Finally, a result similar to the principle described with reference to FIGS. 4A and 4B is derived. Here, the differential between the detection light L2a and the reference light Lr and the differential between the detection light L2c and the reference light Lr are performed as follows.

As shown in FIG. 5A, in the state where the target object Ob exists in the detection space 10R, the distance from the first detection light source unit 12A to the target object Ob, and the light detection unit 30 receives the detection light L2a. the intensity D _a, monotonously changes as indicated by a solid line SA. On the other hand, the detection intensity of the reference light Lr emitted from the reference light source 12R at the light detection unit 30 is constant regardless of the position of the target object Ob as indicated by the solid line SR. Thus, the received light intensity D _a of the detection light L2a in the light detection section 30, and the detection intensity D _r of the reference light Lr of the light detection unit 30 is different.

Next, as shown in FIG. 5B, at least one of the drive current for the first light source unit 12A and the drive current for the reference light source 12R is adjusted to detect the detection light L2a in the light detection unit 30. a light receiving intensity D _a of the reference light Lr to match the detection intensity D _r in the light detection section 30. Such differential is performed between the reference light Lr and the detection light L2a, and is also performed between the reference light Lr and the detection light L2c. Therefore, when the detection results of the detection lights L2a and L2c (detection lights L3a and L3c reflected by the target object Ob) in the light detection unit 30 and the detection results of the reference light Lr in the light detection unit 30 become equal. The ratio of the drive current for the first detection light source unit 12A and the drive current for the third detection light source unit 12C can be obtained. Therefore, it is possible to detect at which position between the first detection light source unit 12A and the third detection light source unit 12C the target object Ob exists.

The above detection principle can be mathematically explained using an optical path function as follows. First, it emitted the parameters from the following T = reflectivity of the target object Ob A _t = the first detection light source unit 12A
Distance function in which detection light L2 is reflected by target object Ob and reaches light detection unit 30 A = first detection light source unit 12A in a state where target object Ob exists in detection space 10R
Detected intensity C _t of the light detection unit 30 when is turned on = emitted from the third light source unit 12C for detection
Distance function in which detection light L2 is reflected by target object Ob and reaches light detection unit 30 C = third detection light source unit 12C in a state where target object Ob exists in detection space 10R
The detection intensity R _s of the light detection unit 30 when is turned on R _s = the optical path coefficient from the reference light source 12R to the light detection unit 30 R = the detection intensity of the light detection unit 30 when only the reference light source 12R is turned on . The light emission intensity of the first detection light source unit 12A, the third detection light source unit 12C, and the reference light source 12R is represented by the product of the drive current and the light emission coefficient. In the following description, the light emission coefficient is 1 And In the above-described differential, the driving current for the first light source unit 12A for the first detection when the received light intensity at the light detection unit 30 becomes equal is I _A, and the driving current for the third light source unit 12C is I _C. And the drive current for the reference light source 12R is I _R. In addition, regarding the detection intensity of the light detection unit 30 when only the reference light source 12R is turned on at the time of differential, the difference between the differential with the first detection light source unit 12A and the third detection light source unit 12C. Are assumed to be the same.

When the above-described differential is performed in a state where the target object Ob exists in the detection space 10R,
A = T × A _t × I _A + Ambient Light ・ ・ Formula (6)
C = T × C _t × I _C + Ambient Light ・ ・ Formula (7)
R = R _s × I _R + Ambient Light ・ ・ Formula (8)
The relationship is obtained.

Here, since the detection intensities of the light detection unit 30 at the time of the differential are equal, from the formulas (6) and (8), the following formula T × A _t × I _A + ambient light = R _s × I _R + ambient light T × A _t × I _A = R _s × I _R
T × A _t = R _s × I _R / I _A ... (9)
From the formulas (7) and (8), the following formula T × C _t × I _C + environment light = R _s × I _R + environment light T × C _t × I _C = R _s × I _R
T × C _t = R _s × I _R / I _C ... (10)
Is guided.
The distance function A _t, the ratio P _AC of C _t is the formula _{P AC = A t / C t} ·· formula (11)
Therefore, from the equations (9) and (10), the ratio P _{AC of the} distance function is P _AC = I _C / I _A ··· Equation (12)
It is expressed as In the formula (12), there is no term of ambient light and no term of reflectance of the target object Ob. Therefore, the ambient light and the reflectance of the target object Ob do not affect the ratio P _AC between the optical path coefficients A _t and C _t . In addition, about said mathematical model, you may correct | amend in order to cancel the influence etc. of the detection light L2 which entered without reflecting with the target object Ob. Further, in the differential with the first detection light source unit 12A and the differential with the third detection light source unit 12C, the detection intensity of the light detection unit 30 when only the reference light source 12R is turned on has a different value. Even if it is set, basically the same principle holds.

Here, it is the light source point light source used in the light source unit 12 for detection, and the light intensity at a certain point is inversely proportional to the square of the distance from the light source. Therefore, the ratio of the separation distance P1 between the first detection light source unit 12A and the target object O and the separation distance P2 between the third detection light source unit 12C and the target object Ob is expressed by the following formula: P _AC = (P1) ² : (P2) ²
It is calculated by. Therefore, it can be seen that the target object Ob exists on a contour line passing through a position obtained by dividing the virtual line connecting the detection light source unit 12A and the second detection light source unit 12C by P1: P2.

  Similarly, using the differential between the second detection light source unit 12B and the reference light source 12R and the differential between the fourth detection light source unit 12D and the reference light source 12R, the second detection light source unit 12B If the ratio of the distance between the target object Ob and the distance between the fourth detection light source unit 12D and the target object Ob is obtained, a virtual line connecting the second detection light source unit 12B and the fourth detection light source unit 12D is predetermined. It can be seen that the target object Ob exists on the contour line passing through the position divided by the ratio. Therefore, the X coordinate and Y coordinate of the target object Ob can be detected. Note that the above method is a geometric explanation of the principle employed in this embodiment, and actually, the calculation is performed using the obtained data.

(Configuration Example of Position Detection Unit 50 for Differential)
FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram showing processing contents and the like performed by the position detection unit in the optical position detection apparatus 10A of the device 1 with a position detection function according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention.

  In carrying out the above-described differential operation, it is possible to employ a configuration in which a microprocessor unit (MPU) is used as the position detection unit 50 and processing is performed by executing predetermined software (operation program). Further, as will be described below with reference to FIG. 6, a configuration in which processing is performed by a signal processing unit using hardware such as a logic circuit may be employed. 6 shows the differential described with reference to FIG. 5. However, if the reference light source 12R is replaced with the detection light source 12, the differential described with reference to FIG. 4 is applied. be able to.

  As shown in FIG. 6A, in the optical position detection device 10A according to the present embodiment, the light source driving circuit 140 applies a driving pulse having a predetermined current value to the first light source unit 12A via the variable resistor 111. On the other hand, a drive pulse having a predetermined current value is applied to the reference light source 12R via the variable resistor 112 and the inverting circuit 113. For this reason, since the driving pulses having opposite phases are applied to the first detection light source unit 12A and the reference light source 12R, the first detection light source unit 12A and the reference light source 12R are alternately turned on. When the first detection light source unit 12A is turned on, the light reflected by the target object Ob in the detection light L2a is received by the light detection unit 30, and when the reference light source 12R is turned on, the reference light Lr is light. Light is received by the detector 30. In the light intensity signal generation circuit 150, a resistor 30r of about 1 kΩ is electrically connected in series to the light detection unit 30, and a bias voltage Vb is applied to both ends thereof.

In the light intensity signal generation circuit 150, the position detection unit 50 is electrically connected to the connection point Q1 between the light detection unit 30 and the resistor 30r. The detection signal Vc output from the connection point Q1 between the light detection unit 30 and the resistor 30r is expressed by the following equation: Vc = V30 / (V30 + resistance value of the resistor 30r)
V30: represented by an equivalent resistance of the light detection unit 30. Therefore, when the environment light Lc is not incident on the light detection unit 30 and the environment light Lc is incident on the light detection unit 30, the environment light Lc is incident on the light detection unit 30. Increases the level and amplitude of the detection signal Vc.

  The position detection unit 50 generally includes a position detection signal extraction circuit 190, a position detection signal separation circuit 170, and a light emission intensity compensation command circuit 180. The position detection signal extraction circuit 190 includes a filter 192 composed of a capacitor of about 1 nF, and the filter 192 removes a DC component from the signal output from the connection point Q1 between the light detection unit 30 and the resistor 30r. Functions as a high-pass filter. Therefore, only the position detection signal Vd from the light detection unit 30 is extracted by the filter 192 from the detection signal Vc output from the connection point Q1 between the light detection unit 30 and the resistor 30r. That is, since the detection light L2a and the reference light Lr are modulated, the ambient light Lc can be considered to have a constant intensity within a certain period, and therefore, the low frequency component or direct current caused by the ambient light Lc. Ingredients are removed by filter 192.

  The position detection signal extraction circuit 190 has an adder circuit 193 provided with a feedback resistor 194 of about 220 kΩ at the subsequent stage of the filter 192. The position detection signal Vd extracted by the filter 192 is a bias voltage Vb. Is output to the position detection signal separation circuit 170 as a position detection signal Vs superimposed on a voltage V / 2 that is ½ of.

  The position detection signal separation circuit 170 is electrically connected to the input lines of the switch 171, the comparator 172, and the comparator 172 that perform a switching operation in synchronization with the drive pulse applied to the first detection light source unit 12A. And a connected capacitor 173. For this reason, when the position detection signal Vs is input to the position detection signal separation circuit 170, the position detection signal separation circuit 170 sends the light emission intensity compensation command circuit 180 when the first detection light source unit 12A is turned on. The effective value Vea of the position detection signal Vs and the effective value Veb of the position detection signal Vs when the reference light source 12R is turned on are alternately output.

  The light emission intensity compensation command circuit 180 compares the effective values Vea and Veb and performs the process shown in FIG. 6B, so that the effective value Vea of the position detection signal Vs and the effective value Veb of the position detection signal Vs are at the same level. The control signal Vf is output to the light source driving circuit 140 so that That is, the light emission intensity compensation command circuit 180 compares the effective value Vea of the position detection signal Vs with the effective value Veb of the position detection signal Vs, and maintains the current driving conditions when they are equal. On the other hand, when the effective value Vea of the position detection signal Vs is lower than the effective value Veb of the position detection signal Vs, the light emission intensity compensation command circuit 180 lowers the resistance value of the variable resistor 111 to reduce the first light source unit for detection. The amount of light emitted from 12A is increased. When the effective value Veb of the position detection signal Vs is lower than the effective value Vea of the position detection signal Vs, the light emission intensity compensation command circuit 180 decreases the resistance value of the variable resistor 112 to reduce the amount of light emitted from the reference light source 12R. Increase.

  In this manner, in the optical position detection apparatus 10A, the light detection unit during the lighting operation of the first detection light source unit 12A and the lighting operation of the reference light source 12R is performed by the light emission intensity compensation command circuit 180 of the position detection unit 50. Control amounts (drive currents) of the first detection light source unit 12A and the reference light source 12R are controlled so that the detection amounts by 30 are the same. Therefore, the emission intensity compensation command circuit 180 includes a first detection in which the detection amount by the light detection unit 30 is the same during the lighting operation of the first detection light source unit 12A and during the lighting operation of the reference light source 12R. There is information regarding the drive current for the light source unit 12A and the reference light source 12R, and such information is output to the position detection unit 50 as the position detection signal Vg.

  Similar processing is performed between the other light source units for detection 12 (second detection light source unit 12B to fourth light source unit 12D) and the reference light source 12R.

(Detection of Z coordinate)
In the optical position detection device 10A of the present embodiment, when the first detection light source unit 12A to the fourth detection light source unit 12D are turned on at the same time, the visual recognition surface 41 side (the detection space 10R) of the visual recognition surface component member 40 is visually recognized. A light intensity distribution for Z coordinate detection in which the intensity monotonously decreases in the normal direction to the surface 41 is formed. In such a Z coordinate detection light intensity distribution, the intensity decreases monotonously as the distance from the visual surface 41 of the visual surface component member 40 increases. Therefore, in the Z coordinate detection unit 53 of the position detection unit 50, the light detection unit 30 when the reference light source 12R and all of the first detection light source unit 12A to the fourth detection light source unit 12D are alternately turned on. The Z coordinate of the target object Ob can be detected based on the difference or ratio of the detected values at. Further, the total value of the detection values in the light detection unit 30 when the first detection light source unit 12A to the fourth detection light source unit 12D are sequentially turned on, and the light detection unit when the reference light source 12R is turned on. The Z coordinate of the target object Ob may be detected based on the difference or ratio of the detection values at 30.

  In the Z coordinate detection unit 53 of the position detection unit 50, the light detection unit 30 turns on the reference light source 12R and the first detection light source unit 12A to the fourth detection light source unit 12D alternately. The Z coordinate of the target object Ob is determined based on the difference or ratio between the drive current for the reference light source 12R and the drive current for the first detection light source unit 12A to the fourth detection light source unit 12D. Can be detected. In addition, the difference between the total drive current value when the first detection light source unit 12A to the fourth detection light source unit 12D are sequentially differentiated from the reference light source 12R and the drive current for the reference light source 12R, The Z coordinate of the target object Ob may be detected based on the ratio.

(Switching of detection space 10R)
FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram showing how the size of the detection space 10R is switched in the optical position detection device 10A of the device 1 with a position detection function according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention.

In the optical position detection device 10A of the present embodiment, the first detection light source unit 12A includes _first to third light emitting elements 12A ₁ to 12A ₃ , and the light source driving unit 14 includes the first detection light source unit. In 12A, a first mode in which only the first light emitting element 12A ₁ is turned on and a second mode in which a plurality of light emitting elements including the first light emitting element 12A ₁ are turned on can be executed. Similarly, the second detection light source unit 12B to the fourth detection light source unit 12D include first light emitting elements 12B ₁ , 12C ₁ , 12D ₁ to third light emitting elements 12B ₃ , 12C ₃ , 12D ₃ , light source driving unit 14 is capable of executing a second mode for lighting the plurality of light emitting elements including a first light emitting element 12B ₁ to 12d ₁ only the first mode to turn on the, and the first light-emitting element 12B ₁ to 12d ₁ .

  Therefore, in this embodiment, when it is known that the target object Ob exists in a narrow range, the first mode is performed, and the detection space 10R is set to a narrow range. On the other hand, when the target object Ob exists in a wide range, the second mode is performed to expand the detection space 10R. Here, in the first mode, the light source drive unit 14 turns on some of the light emitting elements, and in the second mode, includes the light emitting elements that are turned on in the first mode. Many light emitting elements are turned on simultaneously. Here, when there is one light emitting element that is turned on in the first mode, in the second mode, two or more light emitting elements including the light emitting element that is turned on in the first mode are turned on simultaneously.

More specifically, when detecting the X coordinate of the target object Ob using the first detection light source unit 12A and the third detection light source unit 12C, it is known that the target object Ob exists in a narrow range. sometimes, as shown in FIG. 7 (a), the light source driver 14, the first light emitting element 12A _1, 12C ₁ only is lit, as the detection light L2 from the first light emitting element 12A _1, 12C _1, the detection light L2a ₁ (L2a) and L2c ₁ (L2c) are emitted (first mode). The size of the detection space 10R (detection space 10R ₁ ) in this state in the X-axis direction is the size indicated by the arrow XS ₁ in FIG. 7A, and the detection space 10R (detection space 10R ₁ ) in the Z-axis direction. The size is the size indicated by the arrow ZS ₁ in FIG.

Next, when there is a possibility that the target object Ob exists in a slightly wide range, as illustrated in FIG. 7B, the light source driving unit 14 includes the first light emitting elements 12A ₁ and 12C ₁ and the second light emitting element 12A. ₂ and 12C ₂ are turned on (second mode). As a result, the first light emitting element 12A _1, 12C ₁ emits a detection light L2a _1, L2c _1, the second light emitting element 12A _2, 12C ₂ emits the detection light L2a _2, L2c _2. The detection lights L2a ₁ and L2a ₂ are emitted as a continuous integral detection light L2a, and the detection lights L2c ₁ and L2c ₂ are emitted as a continuous integral detection light L2c. The size in the X-axis direction of the detection space 10R (detection space 10R ₂ ) in this state is continuously expanded to the range indicated by the arrow XS ₂ in FIG. 7B, and the Z of the detection space 10R (detection space 10R ₂ ) is expanded. The size in the axial direction is expanded to the range indicated by the arrow ZS ₂ in FIG. At that time, the light source driving unit 14 sets the emission intensity of the detection light L2 from the second light emitting elements 12A ₂ and 12C ₂ to be larger than the emission intensity of the detection light L2 from the first light emitting elements 12A ₁ and 12C ₁ . For this reason, before and after expanding the detection space 10R, a large change in the light intensity distribution or the like in the detection space 10R does not occur. In the second detection light source unit 12B and the fourth detection light source unit 12D, the detection space 10R can be expanded in the Y-axis direction by performing similar switching.

Next, when there is a possibility that the target object Ob exists in a wider range, as illustrated in FIG. 7C, the light source driving unit 14 includes the first light emitting elements 12A ₁ , 12C ₁ , and the second light emitting element 12A. ₂ , 12C ₂ and the third light emitting elements 12A ₃ , 12C ₃ are turned on (second mode). As a result, the first light emitting element 12A _1, 12C ₁ emits a detection light L2a _1, L2c _1, the second light emitting element 12A _2, 12C ₂ emits a detection light L2a _2, L2c _2, third light emitting element 12A ₃ and 12C ₃ emit detection lights L2a ₃ and L2c ₃ . The detection lights L2a ₁ , L2a ₂ and L2a ₃ are emitted as a continuous integral detection light L2a, and the detection lights L2c ₁ , L2c ₂ and L2c ₃ are emitted as a continuous integral detection light L2c. The size in the X-axis direction of the detection space 10R (detection space 10R ₃ ) in this state is expanded to the range indicated by the arrow XS ₃ in FIG. 7C, and the detection space 10R (detection space 10R ₃ ) in the Z-axis direction. The size is expanded to the range indicated by the arrow ZS ₃ in FIG. At this time, the light source driving unit 14 sets the emission intensity of the detection light L2 from the second light emitting elements 12A ₂ and 12C ₂ to be larger than the emission intensity of the detection light L2 from the first light emitting elements 12A ₁ and 12C ₁ , The emission intensity of the detection light L2 from the light emitting elements 12A ₃ and 12C ₃ is made larger than the emission intensity of the detection light L2 from the second light emission elements 12A ₂ and 12C ₂ . For this reason, before and after expanding the detection space 10R, a large change in the light intensity distribution or the like in the detection space 10R does not occur. In the second detection light source unit 12B and the fourth detection light source unit 12D, the detection space 10R can be expanded in the Y-axis direction by performing similar switching.

(Main effects of this form)
As described above, in the optical position detection device 10A of the device 1 with a position detection function of the present embodiment, the light source driving unit 14 sequentially turns on the plurality of light source units 12 for detection, and during that time, the light detection unit 30 The detection light L3 reflected by the target object Ob is received. Therefore, if the detection result of the light detection unit 30 is used directly or the drive current when the two detection light source units 12 are differentiated via the light detection unit 30 is used, the position detection unit 50 can detect the target object Ob. Can be detected.

Here, the first detection light source unit 12A to the fourth detection light source unit 12D include the first light emitting elements 12A ₁ , 12B ₁ , 12C ₁ , 12D ₁ to the third light emitting elements 12A ₃ , 12B ₃ , 12C ₃ , 12D. ₃ , the light source drive unit 14 is a first mode in which only the first light emitting elements 12A _{1 to} 12D ₁ are turned on, and a second mode in which a plurality of light emitting elements including the first light emitting elements 12A _{1 to} 12D ₁ are turned on. The mode can be executed. In each of the first detection light source unit 12A to the fourth detection light source unit 12D, the central optical axes of the light emitting elements are arranged in parallel, and the first light emitting elements 12A ₁ , 12B ₁ , 12C ₁ , 12D ₁ , The two light emitting elements 12A ₂ , 12B ₂ , 12C ₂ , 12D ₂ , and the third light emitting elements 12A ₃ , 12B ₃ , 12C ₃ , 12D ₃ have the central optical axis directed from the inside to the outside of the detection space 10R in this order. . Therefore, when the detection space 10R of the target object Ob is set wide, the number of light emitting elements to be lit is increased to widen the emission space, while when the detection space 10R of the target object Ob is set narrow, the light is turned on. The number of light emitting elements can be reduced to narrow the emission space. Therefore, power for turning on the light source is not wasted, and power consumption can be reduced. In particular, in the present embodiment, the light source driving unit 14 can execute the first mode in which one of the plurality of light emitting elements is lit, so that the detection space 10R can be reduced to the minimum. The power consumed for lighting can be greatly reduced. Moreover, since the emission space (detection space 10R) of the detection light L2 is variable, it is possible to detect only the target object Ob in a specific narrow space.

  Further, in this embodiment, since the differential between the two detection light source units 12 or the differential between the detection light source unit 12 and the reference light source 12R is used, the influence of ambient light or the like is automatically corrected. can do. Furthermore, since the detection light L2 is infrared light, it is not visually recognized. Therefore, the optical position detection device 10A can be used for various devices, for example, when the optical position detection device 10A of this embodiment is applied to a display device, the display is not hindered.

[Specific Example 1 of Device 1 with Position Detection Function According to Embodiment 1]
With reference to FIG. 8, an example in which the direct-view image generating device is used as the viewing surface constituent member 40 of the device 1 with position detection function and the device 1 with position detection function is configured as a direct-view display device with position detection function will be described. To do.

  FIG. 8 is an exploded perspective view of a specific example 1 (a direct-view display device with a position detection function) of the device 1 with a position detection function according to the first embodiment of the present invention. In addition, in the apparatus 1 with a position detection function (direct-view display device with a position detection function) of this embodiment, the configuration of the optical position detection apparatus 10A is the same as the configuration described with reference to FIGS. Common parts are denoted by the same reference numerals and description thereof is omitted.

  A direct-view display device 100 with position detection function (device 1 with position detection function) shown in FIG. 8 includes an optical position detection device 10A described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 7 and a liquid crystal device 109 as an image generation device. (A direct-view display device / viewing surface constituting member 40), and a viewing surface 41 on which information is visually recognized is constituted by one surface of the liquid crystal device 109. Also in this embodiment, the optical position detection device 10A detects the position detection light source device 11 that emits the detection light L2 to the detection space 10R that detects the position of the target object Ob, and the detection light L3 reflected by the target object Ob. The light source device 11 includes a plurality of detection light source units 12 (first detection light source unit 12A to fourth detection light source unit 12D) and a reference light source 12R. ing. The liquid crystal device 109 includes an image display area 20R on the viewing surface 41, and the image display area 20R overlaps the detection space 10R when viewed from the Z-axis direction.

  The liquid crystal device 109 includes a liquid crystal panel 109a on the emission side of the detection light L2 with respect to the light source device 11. The liquid crystal panel 109a is a transmissive liquid crystal panel, and has a structure in which two translucent substrates 21 and 22 are bonded together with a sealing material and a liquid crystal layer is filled between the substrates. The liquid crystal panel 109a is an active matrix type liquid crystal panel, and on one side of the two translucent substrates 21 and 22, there are translucent pixel electrodes, data lines, scanning lines, and pixel switching elements (not shown). A translucent common electrode (not shown) is formed on the other side. Note that the pixel electrode and the common electrode may be formed on the same substrate. In the liquid crystal panel 109a, when a scanning signal is output to each pixel via a scanning line and an image signal is output via a data line, the orientation of the liquid crystal layer is controlled in each of the plurality of pixels. An image is formed in the image display area 20R. In the liquid crystal panel 109a, one translucent substrate 21 is provided with a substrate overhanging portion 21t that projects from the outer shape of the other translucent substrate 22 to the periphery. An electronic component 25 constituting a drive circuit or the like is mounted on the surface of the substrate overhanging portion 21t. In addition, a wiring member 26 such as a flexible wiring board (FPC) is connected to the board protruding portion 21t. Note that only the wiring member 26 may be mounted on the substrate overhanging portion 21t.

  In the liquid crystal panel 109a, a first polarizing plate 188 is placed on the side where the light source device 11 is located (incident side of the detection light L2), and is opposite to the side where the light source device 11 is located (the emission of the detection light L2). The second polarizing plate 189 is disposed on the side).

  In the liquid crystal device 109 configured as described above, in order to detect the position of the target object Ob, it is necessary to emit the detection light L2 to the detection space 10R where the target object Ob is located. The liquid crystal panel 109a is disposed on the detection space 10R side with respect to the light intensity distribution converting liquid crystal device 16. Therefore, in the liquid crystal panel 109a, the image display region 20R is configured to transmit the detection light L2.

  The liquid crystal device 109 includes an illumination device 70 for illuminating the liquid crystal panel 109a. In the present embodiment, the illumination device 70 is arranged on the emission side of the detection light L2 from the light source device 11. The illumination device 70 includes an illumination light source 71 and an illumination light guide plate 73 that emits the illumination light emitted from the illumination light source 71 while propagating the illumination light. The illumination light guide plate 73 has a rectangular planar shape. It has. The illumination light source 71 is composed of a light emitting element such as an LED (light emitting diode), for example, and emits, for example, white illumination light L4 in accordance with a drive signal output from a drive circuit (not shown). In this embodiment, a plurality of illumination light sources 71 are arranged along the side portion 73 a of the illumination light guide plate 73.

  In such an illuminating device 70, the illumination light emitted from the illumination light source 71 enters the illumination light guide plate 73 from the side portion 73 a of the illumination light guide plate 73, and then the inside of the illumination light guide plate 73 on the opposite side. It propagates toward the outer edge portion 73b of the light and is emitted from the light emitting portion 73s which is one surface. Here, the light guide plate 73 for illumination has a light guide structure in which the light amount ratio of the emitted light from the light emitting portion 73s to the internally propagated light monotonously increases from the side portion 73a side to the opposite outer edge portion 73b. ing. Such a light guide structure includes, for example, the area of the light-reflecting surface 73s of the illumination light-guiding plate 73 or the fine concavo-convex refracting surface formed on the back surface 73t for light deflection or light scattering, and the printed scattering layer. This is realized by gradually increasing the formation density and the like toward the internal propagation direction. By providing such a light guide structure, the illumination light L4 incident from the side portion 73a is emitted substantially uniformly from the light emitting portion 73s.

  In the liquid crystal device 16, an optical sheet 60 is disposed between the illumination device 70 and the liquid crystal panel 109a. In this embodiment, as the optical sheet 60, a first prism sheet 61, a second prism sheet 62, and a light scattering plate 63 are laminated in order. The optical sheet 60 is provided with a light shielding sheet 67 having a rectangular frame shape, and the light shielding sheet 67 prevents the detection light L2 from leaking.

  In the direct-view display device 100 with the position detection function configured as described above, the detection light source unit 12 is positioned on the viewing surface 41 side from the side opposite to the viewing surface 41 side in the liquid crystal device 109 (viewing surface constituting member 40). The detection light L2 is emitted to the detection space 10R, and the light detection unit 30 detects the detection light L3 reflected by the target object Ob and transmitted through the liquid crystal device 109. Accordingly, since the direct-view display device 100 with a position detection function can detect the position of the target object Ob, when an image displayed on the liquid crystal device 109 is instructed by the target object Ob such as a fingertip, predetermined information input is performed. Can be done. At this time, if the size of the detection space 10R in the X-axis direction and the Y-axis direction is switched, the input range by the target object Ob (such as a fingertip) can be changed. Further, if the size of the detection space 10R in the Z-axis direction is switched, detection when the target object Ob is in contact with the viewing surface 41 and detection when the target object Ob is separated from the viewing surface 41 are separately performed. Can be done.

[Specific Example 2 of Device 1 with Position Detection Function of Embodiment 1]
With reference to FIG. 9, an example will be described in which a screen is used as the viewing surface constituting member 40 of the device 1 with a position detection function, and the device 1 with a position detection function is configured as a screen device with a position detection function.

  FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram of a specific example 2 (screen device with a position detection function) of the device 1 with a position detection function according to the first embodiment of the present invention, and FIGS. 9 (a) and 9 (b) illustrate the position detection function. It is explanatory drawing which shows a mode that the attached screen apparatus was seen from diagonally upward, and explanatory drawing which shows a mode that it saw from the horizontal direction. In addition, in the apparatus 1 with a position detection function (screen apparatus with a position detection function) of this embodiment, in the apparatus 1 with a position detection function (screen apparatus with a position detection function) of this embodiment, the configuration of the optical position detection apparatus 10A is: Since it is the same as the structure demonstrated with reference to FIGS. 1-7, about the common part, the same code | symbol is attached | subjected and those description is abbreviate | omitted.

  A screen device 8 with a position detection function (device 1 with a position detection function) shown in FIGS. 9A and 9B is an image projection apparatus 250 (image generation apparatus) called a liquid crystal projector or a digital micromirror device. The screen 80 (viewing surface constituent member 40) on which an image is projected and the optical position detection device 10A described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 7 are provided. The image display light Pi is enlarged and projected from the projection lens system 210 provided in the unit 241 toward the screen device 8. Therefore, in the screen device 8 with a position detection function, the screen surface 8a onto which an image is projected on the screen 80 constitutes a viewing surface 41 on which information is visually recognized.

  In the screen device 8 with a position detection function, the optical position detection device 10A includes a light source device 11 for position detection that emits detection light L2 on the back surface 8b side of the screen 80, and detection light reflected by the target object Ob. The light source device 11 includes a plurality of light source units for detection 12 (first detection light source unit 12A to fourth light source unit 12D) and a reference light source 12R. It has. For this reason, the light source unit for detection 12 emits the detection light L2 to the detection space 10R set on the viewing surface 41 side from the side opposite to the viewing surface 41 side in the screen 80 (viewing surface constituting member 40). . The light detection unit 30 detects the detection light L3 that has been reflected by the target object Ob and transmitted through the screen 80. Accordingly, the screen 80 having a light-transmitting property with respect to the detection light L2 is used. More specifically, the screen 80 is composed of a fabric having a white paint applied to the screen surface 8a side or a white screen made of an embossed white vinyl material, and is transparent to the detection light L2 made of infrared light. As the screen 80 having light, a silver screen made of high silver to increase the reflectance of light, a pearl whose resin surface is processed on the fabric surface constituting the screen surface 8a to increase the reflectance of light. A piece screen in which a fine glass powder is applied to the screen and the screen surface 8a side to increase the reflectance of light can be used. In such a case, the screen 80 can detect the detection light L2 made of infrared light. It has translucency. The screen 80 may be provided with a black light-shielding layer on the back surface 8b for the purpose of improving the quality of the displayed image. In such a case, the light-shielding layer has a light-transmitting portion made of a hole. A plurality of are formed.

  In the screen device 8 with the position detection function configured as described above, the detection space 10R is a rectangular region when viewed from the normal direction with respect to the screen device 8, and an area in which an image is projected by the image projection device 250 on the screen device 8. It overlaps with (image display area 20R). For this reason, in the screen device 8 with a position detection function of the present embodiment, for example, if the target object Ob such as a fingertip is brought close to a part of the image projected on the screen 80, the position of the target object Ob is switched. It can be used as input information such as instructions. At this time, if the size of the detection space 10R in the X-axis direction and the Y-axis direction is switched, the input range by the target object Ob (such as a fingertip) can be changed. If the size of the detection space 10R in the Z-axis direction is switched, detection when the target object Ob is in contact with the screen 80 (viewing surface 41) and detection when the target object Ob is separated from the screen 80 are detected. Can be done separately.

  In the present embodiment, the screen device for a projection display device on which an image is projected from the image projection device 250 has been described as the screen device 8 with a position detection function. However, the optical position detection device 10A is used on a screen for an electronic blackboard. May be provided to constitute a screen device with a position detection function for an electronic blackboard.

[Specific Example 3 of Device 1 with Position Detection Function According to Embodiment 1]
Referring to FIG. 10, the device 1 with a position detection function is configured as a window with a position detection function by using a translucent member that covers exhibits as information as the viewing surface constituting member 40 of the device 1 with a position detection function. An example will be described.

  FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram of specific example 3 (window with position detection function) of the device 1 with position detection function according to the first embodiment of the present invention, and FIGS. 10 (a) and 10 (b) illustrate the position detection function. It is explanatory drawing which shows a mode that an attached window was seen from the outer side (viewing surface side), and explanatory drawing which shows the cross section typically. In addition, in the apparatus 1 with a position detection function (window with a position detection function) of this form, since the structure of 10 A of optical position detection apparatuses is the same as that of the structure demonstrated with reference to FIGS. 1-7, it is common. Parts are denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof is omitted.

  A window 400 with a position detection function (device 1 with a position detection function) shown in FIGS. 10A and 10B includes a translucent member 440 (viewing surface constituent member 40) that covers an exhibit 450 as information. The viewing surface (viewing surface 41) of the exhibit 450 is constituted by the outer surface 441 of the translucent member 440. In the window 400 with a position detection function, the exhibit 450 is held by an actuator (not shown) that causes the exhibit 450 to perform operations such as advancing and turning.

  The window 400 with a position detection function includes the light source device 11 and the light detection unit 30 of the optical position detection device 10 </ b> A described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 7 on the inner surface 442 side of the translucent member 440. The plurality of detection light source units 12 (first detection light source unit 12A to fourth detection light source unit 12D) of the light source device 11 detect light from the inner side of the translucent member 440 toward the outer surface 441 (viewing surface 41). L2 is emitted. Further, the light detection unit 30 detects the detection light L3 that has been reflected by the target object Ob and transmitted through the light transmitting member 440.

  In the window 400 with a position detection function configured as described above, a detection space 10R of the optical position detection device 10A is set on the outer surface 441 side of the translucent member 440. Therefore, when the target object Ob such as a fingertip is brought close to the detection space 10R, the position of the target object Ob can be used as input information such as an instruction to switch the direction of the exhibit 450. For example, if the position of the target object Ob such as a fingertip is shifted downward, the display object 450 is moved closer to the translucent member 440, and if the position of the target object Ob such as the fingertip is shifted to the right side, the display object 450 is moved. The direction of the exhibit 450 can be changed, such as turning clockwise. At this time, if the size of the detection space 10R in the X-axis direction and the Y-axis direction is switched, the input range by the target object Ob (such as a fingertip) can be changed. Further, if the size of the detection space 10R in the Z-axis direction is switched, the detection when the target object Ob is in contact with the outer surface 441 (viewing surface 41) of the translucent member 440 and the target object Ob of the translucent member 440 are detected. Detection in the case of being separated from the outer surface 441 can be performed separately.

[Specific Example 4 of Device 1 with Position Detection Function According to Embodiment 1]
Referring to FIG. 11, as the viewing surface constituting member 40 of the device 1 with a position detection function, a base that supports a game medium in an amusement device such as a pachinko machine is used, and the amusement device is configured as an amusement device with a position detection function. An example will be described.

  FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram of a specific example 4 (amusement device with a position detection function) of the device 1 with a position detection function according to the first embodiment of the present invention, and FIGS. It is explanatory drawing which shows a mode that the amusement apparatus with a function was seen from the front (viewing surface side), and explanatory drawing which shows the cross section typically. In addition, in the apparatus 1 with a position detection function (amusement apparatus with a position detection function) of this embodiment, the configuration of the optical position detection device 10A is the same as the configuration described with reference to FIGS. The same reference numerals are assigned to the parts to be described, and the description thereof is omitted.

  The amusement device 500 with position detection function (device 1 with position detection function) shown in FIGS. 11A and 11B is a plate-like base 520 (viewing surface constituting member 40) that supports a game medium 501 such as a pachinko ball. , An outer frame 510 for holding the base 520, a handle 570 for setting a position for feeding the game medium 510 onto the base 520, a tray 560 for receiving the game medium 501, and the like. The surface 521 (viewing surface 41) of the base 520 is covered with a glass plate 530. On the surface 521 of the base 520, the guide rail 525 with respect to the game medium 501 and the movement of the game medium 501 are inside the glass plate 530. Are provided, nails 528 for changing the game, winning openings 580, 590, and the like. In addition, on the surface 521 of the base 520, a liquid crystal device 540 that displays a result of a lottery performed each time the game medium 501 enters the winning opening 580 is provided inside the glass plate 530.

  In such an amusement device 500 with a position detection function, the light source device 11 and the light detection unit 30 of the optical position detection device 10 </ b> A described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 7 are provided on the back surface 522 of the base 520. The plurality of detection light source units 12 of the light source device 11 emit detection light L2 from the back surface 522 side of the base 520 to the detection space 10R set on the front surface 452 (viewing surface 41) side. Further, the light detection unit 30 detects the detection light L3 that has been reflected by the target object Ob and transmitted through the light transmitting member 440.

  In arranging the optical position detection device 10A in this way, in this embodiment, the liquid crystal device 540 is configured as the direct-view display device 100 with a position detection function described with reference to FIG. That is, the light source device 11 and the light detection unit 30 are provided on the back side of the liquid crystal device 540. For this reason, in the amusement device 500 with a position detection function of this embodiment, the detection space 10R is set in a region overlapping the liquid crystal device 540 on the surface 452 side (viewing surface 41 side) of the base 520. In this embodiment, the outer surface side of the glass plate 530 is set as the detection space 10R, and the position of the target object Ob located in the detection space 10R is detected.

  For this reason, if the player brings the target object Ob such as a fingertip close to the detection space 10R in accordance with the content displayed on the liquid crystal device 540 or the game, the position of the target object Ob is displayed on the liquid crystal device 540. It can be used as input information such as an instruction to switch displayed contents. At this time, if the sizes of the detection space 10R in the X-axis direction and the Y-axis direction are switched, the input range by the fingertip (target object Ob) can be changed. Further, if the size of the detection space 10R in the Z-axis direction is switched, the detection when the player's fingertip (target object Ob) is in contact with the glass plate 530 and the player's fingertip (target object Ob) are detected by the glass plate. Detection when separated from 530 can be performed separately.

[Modification of Specific Example 4 of Device 1 with Position Detection Function According to Embodiment 1]
FIG. 12 is an explanatory diagram of another amusement device with position detection function (device 1 with position detection function) to which the present invention is applied, and FIGS. 12A and 12B are front views of the amusement device with position detection function. It is explanatory drawing which shows a mode seen from the (viewing surface side), and explanatory drawing which shows the cross section typically. In addition, in the amusement device with a position detection function of this embodiment, the configuration of the optical position detection device 10A is the same as the configuration described with reference to FIGS. A description thereof will be omitted. Moreover, since the amusement device with a position detection function of this embodiment is the same as the configuration described with reference to FIG. 11, common portions are denoted by the same reference numerals and description thereof is omitted.

  The amusement device 500 with position detection function (device 1 with position detection function) shown in FIGS. 12A and 12B also supports a game medium 501 made of a pachinko ball, similar to the configuration described with reference to FIG. The light source device 11 and the light detection unit 30 of the optical position detection device 10 </ b> A described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 7 are provided on the back surface 522 of the base 520 (viewing surface constituent member 40). The plurality of detection light source units 12 emit detection light L2 from the back surface 522 side of the base 520 to the front surface 452 (viewing surface 41) side. Further, the light detection unit 30 detects the detection light L3 that has been reflected by the target object Ob and transmitted through the light transmitting member 440.

  In this embodiment, the entire substrate 520 including the liquid crystal device 540 can transmit the detection light L2 made of infrared light. Therefore, in this embodiment, the light source device 11 and the light detection unit 30 are provided using the entire back surface 522 of the base 520. For this reason, in the amusement device 500 with a position detection function of the present embodiment, the detection space 10R is set in the entire region overlapping the base 500 in the surface 452 side (the viewing surface 41 side) of the base 520. In this embodiment, the detection space 10R is set on the outer surface side of the glass plate 530.

  For this reason, if the player brings the target object Ob such as a fingertip close to the detection space 10R in accordance with the content displayed on the liquid crystal device 540 or the game, the position of the target object Ob is displayed on the liquid crystal device 540. It can be used as input information such as an instruction to switch displayed contents. Further, instead of operating the handle 570, if the target object Ob such as a fingertip is brought close to one of the upper sides of the base 520, the strength at the time of sending the game medium 501 onto the base 520 is specified. It can be used as input information such as an instruction to perform. At this time, if the sizes of the detection space 10R in the X-axis direction and the Y-axis direction are switched, the input range by the fingertip (target object Ob) can be changed. Further, if the size of the detection space 10R in the Z-axis direction is switched, the detection when the player's fingertip (target object Ob) is in contact with the glass plate 530 and the player's fingertip (target object Ob) are detected by the glass plate. Detection when separated from 530 can be performed separately. Furthermore, if the size of the detection space 10R in the Z-axis direction is narrowed to the inside of the glass plate 530, the number of game media 501 passing for each region of the base 520 can be detected using the game media 501 as the target object Ob. it can. It should be noted that only a portion of the substrate 520 where the light source unit for detection and the light detection unit are disposed may be used as the light transmitting unit.

[Embodiment 2]
(overall structure)
FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram schematically showing the main part of the device 1 with a position detection function according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention. FIG. 14 is an explanatory diagram schematically showing the positional relationship between the light source unit for detection and the detection space in the optical position detection device of the device 1 with a position detection function according to the second embodiment of the present invention. (a), (b) is explanatory drawing which shows arrangement | positioning of the light emitting element in the light source part for a detection, and explanatory drawing which shows the direction where the center optical axis is extended from the light emitting element. Since the basic configuration of this embodiment is the same as that of Embodiment 1, common portions are denoted by the same reference numerals and description thereof is omitted.

  In FIG. 13, the device 1 with a position detection function of the present embodiment includes a viewing surface constituent member 40 having a viewing surface 41 on which information is visually recognized, and the viewing surface 41 side (in the Z-axis direction) with respect to the viewing surface configuration member 40. And an optical position detection device 10B that detects the position of the target object Ob located on the one side Z1), and is used as a projection display device with a position detection function to be described later.

  The optical position detection device 10B includes a light source device 11 including a plurality of detection light source units 12 that emit detection light L2 from one side Z1 to the other side Z2 in the Z-axis direction, and detection reflected by a target object Ob. A light detection unit 30 that detects the light L3 on the other side Z2 in the Z-axis direction. The viewing surface constituting member 40 is made of a sheet-like or plate-like member located on the other side Z2 in the Z-axis direction with respect to the detection light source unit 12 and the light detection unit 30. Therefore, the detection light source unit 12, the reference light source 12 </ b> R, and the light detection unit 30 are arranged on the viewing surface 41 side of the viewing surface constituent member 40. Note that the optical position detection device 10B of this embodiment also has the electrical configuration described with reference to FIG. 3, and the plurality of light source units 12 for detection are light source driving units described with reference to FIG. 14 to drive.

(Detailed configuration of the detection light source unit 12 and the like)
In this embodiment, the light source device 11 includes a first detection light source unit 12A, a second detection light source unit 12B, a third detection light source unit 12C, and a fourth detection light source unit 12D as the plurality of detection light source units 12. These detection light source sections 12 have the light emitting section directed to the other side Z2 in the Z-axis direction. The first detection light source unit 12A to the fourth detection light source unit 12D have different optical axes, and the detection light L2 (detection light) is directed toward different positions on the other side Z2 in the Z-axis direction. L2a to L2d) are emitted. In the present embodiment, each of the first detection light source unit 12A to the fourth detection light source unit 12D has the optical axes directed to different corner portions among the four corner portions of the quadrangular shape on the viewing surface 41. More specifically, the optical axis of the first detection light source unit 12A and the optical axis of the second detection light source unit 12B are in the same position in the X-axis direction, but are shifted in the Y-axis direction. The optical axis of the light source unit 12C and the optical axis of the fourth detection light source unit 12D are in the same position in the X-axis direction, but are shifted in the Y-axis direction. The optical axis of the first detection light source unit 12A and the optical axis of the fourth detection light source unit 12D are in the same position in the Y-axis direction, but are shifted in the X-axis direction, and the second detection light source unit 12B. And the optical axis of the third detection light source unit 12C are in the same position in the Y-axis direction, but are shifted in the X-axis direction.

  The detection space 10R in which the position of the target object Ob is detected is configured by the emission space from which the detection light L2 is emitted in this manner, and the detection light L3 reflected by the target object Ob in the detection space 10R is detected by light. The light is received by the unit 30.

  The light source device 11 also includes a reference light source 12 </ b> R having a light emitting unit directed to the light detection unit 30. The reference light source 12R is configured by an LED (light emitting diode) or the like, and the reference light source 12R emits reference light Lr composed of infrared light having a peak wavelength of 840 to 1000 nm as divergent light. However, the reference light Lr emitted from the reference light source 12R is not detected through the detection space 10R by the orientation of the reference light source 12R, a light shielding cover (not shown) provided in the reference light source 12R, or the like. 30 is incident. The light detection unit 30 includes a photodiode, a phototransistor, or the like with the light receiving unit facing the detection space 10R. In this embodiment, the light detection unit 30 is a photodiode having a sensitivity peak in the infrared region.

  As shown in FIG. 13 and FIG. 14A, in this embodiment, the first detection light source unit 12A to the fourth detection light source unit 12D are viewed from the detection space 10R (Z-axis direction), and the light detection unit 30. Are arranged in this order around the central optical axis, and the light detection unit 30 is located inside the plurality of light source units 12 for detection.

In the optical position detection device 10B according to the present embodiment, each of the plurality of light source units for detection 12 includes a plurality of light emitting elements whose optical axes are parallel to each other. A light emitting element is provided. More specifically, the first light source unit 12A for detection has a first light emitting element 12A ₁ that directs the central optical axis to the innermost side in the XY plane of the detection space 10R, and the detection space 10R than the first light emitting element 12A _1. A second light emitting element 12A ₂ that directs the central optical axis to the outside, and a third light emitting element 12A ₃ that directs the central optical axis to the outside of the detection space 10R relative to the second light emitting element 12A ₂ . Here, the locations through which the central optical axes of the first light emitting element 12A ₁ to the third light emitting element 12A ₃ pass in the detection space 10R and the viewing surface 41 are aligned in the XY plane of the detection space 10R (on the same viewing surface). Similarly, the second detection light source unit 12B to the fourth detection light source unit 12D include first light emitting elements 12B _{1 to} 12D ₁ that direct the central optical axis to the innermost side in the XY plane of the detection space 10R, The second light emitting elements 12B _{2 to} 12D ₂ that direct the central optical axis to the outside of the detection space 10R than the one light emitting elements 12B _{1 to} 12D ₁ , and the center outside the detection space 10R than the second light emitting elements 12B _{2 to} 12D ₂ The third light emitting elements 12B _{3 to} 12D ₃ are arranged so that the optical axes are directed, and the locations where the central optical axes of the first light emitting elements 12B ₁ to the third light emitting elements 12B ₃ pass in the detection space 10R and the viewing surface 41 are as follows. , X In a plane are arranged on the same straight line. Detection space 10R and location of the viewing surface 41 central optical axis of the first light emitting element 12C ₁ ~ third light emitting element 12C ₃ passes are arranged on the same straight line in the XY plane The locations through which the central optical axes of the first light emitting element 12D ₁ to the third light emitting element 12D ₃ pass in the detection space 10R and the viewing surface 41 are aligned on the same straight line in the XY plane.

Each of the first light emitting elements 12A _{1 to} 12D ₁ , the second light emitting elements 12A _{2 to} 12D ₂ , and the third light emitting elements 12A _{3 to} 12D ₃ is composed of an LED (light emitting diode) or the like, and has a peak wavelength of 840 to 1000 nm. The detection light L2 (detection light L2a to L2d) made of infrared light located at is emitted as diverging light.

Also in this embodiment, as in the first embodiment, the detection light source unit 12 is differentially detected or the detection light source unit 12 and the reference light source 12R are differentially connected. The ratio of the distance between the central optical axis of one detection light source unit 12 and the target object Ob and the distance between the central optical axis of the other light source unit 12 for detection and the target object Ob are obtained. The position of the object Ob is detected. During such differential operation, a part or all of the first light emitting elements 12A _{1 to} 12D ₁ , the second light emitting elements 12A _{2 to} 12D ₂ , and the third light emitting elements 12A _{3 to} 12D ₃ are used.

(Switching of detection space 10R)
Also in the optical position detection device 10B of this embodiment, the first detection light source unit 12A includes the first light emitting element 12A ₁ to the third light emitting element 12A ₃ as in the first embodiment, and refer to FIG. The light source driving unit 14 described above has a first mode in which only the first light emitting element 12A ₁ is lit in the first light source unit 12A and a second mode in which a plurality of light emitting elements including the first light emitting element 12A ₁ are lit. The mode can be executed. Similarly, the second detection light source unit 12B to the fourth detection light source unit 12D include first light emitting elements 12B ₁ , 12C ₁ , 12D ₁ to third light emitting elements 12B ₃ , 12C ₃ , 12D ₃ , The light source driving unit 14 described with reference to FIG. 3 turns on a plurality of light emitting elements including the first mode in which only the first light emitting elements 12B _{1 to} 12D ₁ are turned on and the first light emitting elements 12B _{1 to} 12D ₁ . The second mode can be executed.

  Therefore, in this embodiment, when it is known that the target object Ob exists in a narrow range, the first mode is performed to set the detection space 10R to a narrow range, while the target object Ob exists in a wide range. In such a case, the second mode is performed to expand the detection space 10R.

More specifically, for example, when it is known that the target object Ob exists in a narrow range in the first detection light source unit 12A and the third detection light source unit 12C, as shown in FIG. , the light source driver 14, the first light emitting element 12A _1, 12C ₁ only to light the first light emitting element 12A _1, 12C ₁ from detection light L2a ₁ (L2a), emit L2c ₁ (L2c) (first mode). The size of the detection space 10R (detection space 10R ₁ ) in this state in the X-axis direction and the Y-axis direction is the size indicated by the solid lines in FIGS.

Next, when there is a possibility that the target object Ob exists in a slightly wide range, the light source driving unit 14 turns on the first light emitting elements 12A ₁ and 12C ₁ and the second light emitting elements 12A ₂ and 12C ₂ (second). mode). As a result, the first light emitting element 12A _1, 12C ₁ emits a detection light L2a _1, L2c _1, the second light emitting element 12A _2, 12C ₂ emits the detection light L2a _2, L2c _2. The detection lights L2a ₁ and L2a ₂ are emitted as a continuous integral detection light L2a, and the detection lights L2c ₁ and L2c ₂ are emitted as a continuous integral detection light L2c. The size of the detection space 10R (detection space 10R ₂ ) in this state in the X-axis direction and the Y-axis direction is expanded to the range indicated by the alternate long and short dash line in FIGS. At that time, the light source driving unit 14 sets the emission intensity of the detection light L2 from the second light emitting elements 12A ₂ and 12C ₂ to be larger than the emission intensity of the detection light L2 from the first light emitting elements 12A ₁ and 12C ₁ . For this reason, before and after expanding the detection space 10R, a large change in the light intensity distribution or the like in the detection space 10R does not occur.

Next, when there is a possibility that the target object Ob exists in a wider range, the light source driving unit 14 includes the first light emitting elements 12A ₁ and 12C ₁ , the second light emitting elements 12A ₂ and 12C ₂ , and the third light emitting element. 12A ₃ and 12C ₃ are turned on (second mode). As a result, the first light emitting element 12A _1, 12C ₁ emits a detection light L2a _1, L2c _1, the second light emitting element 12A _2, 12C ₂ emits a detection light L2a _2, L2c _2, third light emitting element 12A ₃ and 12C ₃ emit detection lights L2a ₃ and L2c ₃ . The detection lights L2a ₁ , L2a ₂ and L2a ₃ are emitted as a continuous integral detection light L2a, and the detection lights L2c ₁ , L2c ₂ and L2c ₃ are emitted as a continuous integral detection light L2c. The size of the detection space 10R (detection space 10R ₃ ) in this state in the X-axis direction and the Y-axis direction is expanded to a range indicated by a two-dot chain line in FIGS. At this time, the light source driving unit 14 sets the emission intensity of the detection light L2 from the second light emitting elements 12A ₂ and 12C ₂ to be larger than the emission intensity of the detection light L2 from the first light emitting elements 12A ₁ and 12C ₁ , The emission intensity of the detection light L2 from the light emitting elements 12A ₃ and 12C ₃ is made larger than the emission intensity of the detection light L2 from the second light emission elements 12A ₂ and 12C ₂ . For this reason, before and after expanding the detection space 10R, a large change in the light intensity distribution or the like in the detection space 10R does not occur.

(Detection of Z coordinate)
Also in the optical position detection device 10B of this embodiment, when the first detection light source unit 12A to the fourth detection light source unit 12D are turned on simultaneously, there is a Z coordinate detection light intensity distribution in which the intensity monotonously decreases in the Z-axis direction. It is formed. Therefore, the reference light source 12R and all of the first detection light source unit 12A to the fourth detection light source unit 12D are alternately turned on based on the difference or ratio of the detection values in the light detection unit 30. The Z coordinate of the object Ob can be detected. Further, the total value of the detection values in the light detection unit 30 when the first detection light source unit 12A to the fourth detection light source unit 12D are sequentially turned on, and the light detection unit when the reference light source 12R is turned on. The Z coordinate of the target object Ob may be detected based on the difference or ratio of the detection values at 30.

  Further, when the reference light source 12R and all of the first detection light source unit 12A to the fourth detection light source unit 12D are alternately turned on, the reference light source when the detection value in the light detection unit 30 becomes equal. The Z coordinate of the target object Ob can be detected based on the difference or ratio between the drive current for 12R and the drive current for the first detection light source unit 12A to the fourth detection light source unit 12D. In addition, the difference between the total drive current value when the first detection light source unit 12A to the fourth detection light source unit 12D are sequentially differentiated from the reference light source 12R and the drive current for the reference light source 12R, The Z coordinate of the target object Ob may be detected based on the ratio.

  Here, in the second mode described with reference to FIG. 14B, the Z coordinate detection light intensity distribution is expanded in the X-axis direction and the Y-axis direction as compared with the first mode.

(Main effects of this form)
As described above, in the optical position detection device 10B of the present embodiment, the light source driving unit 14 sequentially turns on the plurality of light source units 12 for detection, and during that time, the light detection unit 30 detects the light reflected by the target object Ob. The light L3 is received. Therefore, if the detection result of the light detection unit 30 is used directly or the drive current when the two detection light source units 12 are differentiated via the light detection unit 30 is used, the position detection unit 50 can detect the target object Ob. Can be detected.

Here, the first detection light source unit 12A to the fourth detection light source unit 12D include the first light emitting elements 12A ₁ , 12B ₁ , 12C ₁ , 12D ₁ to the third light emitting elements 12A ₃ , 12B ₃ , 12C ₃ , 12D. ₃ , and the light source driving unit 14 includes a first mode in which only the first light emitting elements 12A _{1 to} 12D ₁ that turn the central optical axis toward the innermost side of the detection space 10R, and the first light emitting elements 12A _{1 to} 12D. The second mode in which a plurality of light emitting elements including ₁ are turned on can be executed. In each of the first detection light source unit 12A to the fourth detection light source unit 12D, the central optical axes of the light emitting elements are arranged in parallel, and the first light emitting elements 12A ₁ , 12B ₁ , 12C ₁ , 12D ₁ , The two light emitting elements 12A ₂ , 12B ₂ , 12C ₂ , 12D ₂ , and the third light emitting elements 12A ₃ , 12B ₃ , 12C ₃ , 12D ₃ have the central optical axis directed from the inside to the outside of the detection space 10R in this order. . Therefore, when the detection space 10R of the target object Ob is set wide, the number of light emitting elements to be lit is increased to widen the emission space, while when the detection space 10R of the target object Ob is set narrow, the light is turned on. The number of light emitting elements can be reduced to narrow the emission space. Therefore, power for turning on the light source is not wasted, and power consumption can be reduced. In particular, in the present embodiment, the light source driving unit 14 can execute the first mode in which one of the plurality of light emitting elements is lit, so that the detection space 10R can be reduced to the minimum. The power consumed for lighting can be greatly reduced. Moreover, since the emission space (detection space 10R) of the detection light L2 is variable, it is possible to detect only the target object Ob in a specific narrow space.

  Further, in this embodiment, since the differential between the two detection light source units 12 or the differential between the detection light source unit 12 and the reference light source 12R is used, the influence of ambient light or the like is automatically corrected. can do. Furthermore, since the detection light L2 is infrared light, it is not visually recognized. Therefore, the optical position detection device 10B can be used in various devices, for example, when the optical position detection device 10B of this embodiment is applied to a display device, the display is not hindered.

[Specific Example of Device 1 with Position Detection Function According to Embodiment 2]
With reference to FIG. 15, the example which comprised the projection type display apparatus with a position detection function by the screen and the image projection apparatus using the screen as the visual recognition surface structural member 40 of the apparatus 1 with a position detection function is demonstrated.

  FIG. 15 is an explanatory diagram of a specific example (projection display device with a position detection function) of the device 1 with a position detection function according to the second embodiment of the present invention, and FIGS. It is explanatory drawing which shows a mode that the projection type display apparatus with a detection function was seen from diagonally upward, and explanatory drawing which shows a mode that it saw from the horizontal direction. In addition, in the apparatus 1 with a position detection function (projection type display apparatus with a position detection function) of this embodiment, the configuration of the optical position detection apparatus 10B is the same as the configuration described with reference to FIGS. Common parts are denoted by the same reference numerals and description thereof is omitted.

  A projection display device 200 with a position detection function shown in FIGS. 15A and 15B includes an image projection device 250 (image generation device) called a liquid crystal projector or a digital micromirror device, and an image projection device 250. A screen 80 (viewing surface constituent member 40) on which an image is projected and the optical position detection device 10B described with reference to FIGS. 13 and 14 are provided. The image projection device 250 enlarges and projects the image display light Pi from the projection lens system provided on the front surface portion 241 of the housing 240 toward the screen device 8. In the projection display device 200, the screen surface 8a on which an image is projected on the screen 80 constitutes a viewing surface 41 on which information is visually recognized.

  In the projection display device 200 with a position detection function, the optical position detection device 10B (the light source device 11 and the light detection unit 30) is an image projection device 250 disposed on the screen surface 8a (viewing surface 41) side of the screen 80. It is mounted on. For this reason, the detection light source unit 12 emits the detection light L2 from the image projection device 250 toward the screen surface 8a of the screen 80. In addition, the light detection unit 30 detects the detection light L3 reflected by the target object Ob in the image projection device 250.

  In the projection display device 200 with a position detection function configured as described above, the detection space 10R is a rectangular area when viewed from the normal direction with respect to the screen 80, and an area in which an image is projected by the image projection apparatus 250 on the screen 80. It overlaps with (image display area 20R). For this reason, in the projection display device 200 with a position detection function of the present embodiment, for example, if the target object Ob such as a fingertip is brought close to a part of the image projected on the screen 80, the position of the target object Ob is imaged. It can be used as input information such as a switching instruction. At this time, if the size of the detection space 10R in the X-axis direction and the Y-axis direction is switched, the input range by the target object Ob (such as a fingertip) can be changed.

  Note that the optical position detection device 10B according to the second embodiment may also be used in the window 400 with a position detection function and the amusement device 500 with a position detection function, as in the first embodiment.

[Embodiment 3]
(overall structure)
FIGS. 16A and 16B are explanatory views schematically showing main parts of the device 1 with a position detection function according to Embodiment 3 of the present invention. FIGS. 16A and 16B are light-emitting elements in a light source unit for detection. It is explanatory drawing which shows arrangement | positioning etc., and explanatory drawing which shows a mode that the detection space 10R is switched. Since the basic configuration of this embodiment is the same as that of Embodiment 1, common portions are denoted by the same reference numerals and description thereof is omitted.

  In FIG. 16, the device 1 with a position detection function of the present embodiment includes a viewing surface constituting member 40 having a viewing surface 41 on which information is visually recognized, and the viewing surface 41 side (in the Z-axis direction) with respect to the viewing surface constituting member 40. And an optical position detection device 10C that detects the position of the target object Ob located on the one side Z1), and is used as a screen device with a position detection function to be described later.

  The optical position detection device 10 </ b> C has a plurality of detections that emit detection light L <b> 2 along the viewing surface 41 toward the diagonal from the four corners of the viewing surface 41 on the viewing surface 41 side of the viewing surface constituent member 40. And a light detection unit 30 that detects the detection light L3 reflected by the target object Ob on one side Y1 in the Y-axis direction. The optical position detection device 10C of this embodiment also has the electrical configuration described with reference to FIG. 3, and the plurality of light source units 12 for detection are light source driving units described with reference to FIG. 14 to drive.

(Detailed configuration of the detection light source unit 12 and the like)
In this embodiment, the light source device 11 includes a first detection light source unit 12A to a fourth detection light source unit 12D as the plurality of detection light source units 12, and each of these detection light source units 12 emits light. The part is oriented in the direction along the XY plane. The plurality of detection light source units 12 include detection light source units that emit the detection light L2 in opposite directions on both sides of the detection light L2 emission space (detection space 10R). More specifically, the first detection light source unit 12A, the second detection light source unit 12B, the third detection light source unit 12C, and the fourth detection light source unit 12D each have a rectangular shape when viewed from the Z-axis direction. It arrange | positions at four corner | angular parts, and each has turned the light emission part to the diagonal position. Therefore, the optical axis of the first detection light source unit 12A and the optical axis of the third detection light source unit 12C extend in opposite directions, and the optical axis of the second detection light source unit 12B and the fourth detection light source. The optical axes of the portion 12D extend in opposite directions. Further, the optical axes of the first detection light source unit 12A and the third detection light source unit 12C and the optical axes of the second detection light source unit 12B and the fourth detection light source unit 12D extend in a crossing direction. . Accordingly, the first detection light source unit 12A, the second detection light source unit 12B, the third detection light source unit 12C, and the fourth detection light source unit 12D have different optical axes.

  The detection space 10R in which the position of the target object Ob is detected is configured by the emission space from which the detection light L2 is emitted in this manner, and the detection light L3 reflected by the target object Ob in the detection space 10R is detected by light. The light is received by the unit 30.

  The light source device 11 also includes a reference light source 12 </ b> R having a light emitting unit directed to the light detection unit 30. The reference light source 12R is configured by an LED (light emitting diode) or the like, and the reference light source 12R emits reference light Lr composed of infrared light having a peak wavelength of 840 to 1000 nm as divergent light. However, the reference light Lr emitted from the reference light source 12R is not detected through the detection space 10R by the orientation of the reference light source 12R, a light shielding cover (not shown) provided in the reference light source 12R, or the like. 30 is incident. The light detection unit 30 includes a photodiode, a phototransistor, or the like with the light receiving unit facing the detection space 10R. In this embodiment, the light detection unit 30 is a photodiode having a sensitivity peak in the infrared region.

In the optical position detection device 10 of the present embodiment, each of the plurality of detection light source units 12 includes a plurality of light emitting elements whose optical axes are parallel to each other. In this embodiment, the detection light source unit 12 includes three light source elements. A light emitting element is provided. More specifically, the first light source unit 12A for detection includes a first light emitting element 12A ₁ , a second light emitting element 12A ₂ , and a third light emitting element 12A ₃ arranged from the other side Z2 to the one side Z1 in the Z-axis direction. I have. Therefore, the first light source unit 12A for detection has the first light emitting element 12A ₁ that directs the central optical axis inward in the Z-axis direction of the detection space 10R, and the Z-axis direction of the detection space 10R more than the first light-emitting element 12A ₁ . A second light emitting element 12A ₂ having a central optical axis directed outward, and a third light emitting element 12A ₃ having a central optical axis directed outward of the detection space 10R in the Z-axis direction relative to the second light emitting element 12A ₂ . become. Similarly to the first detection light source unit 12A, the second detection light source unit 12B to the fourth detection light source unit 12D also have first light emitting elements 12B _{1 to} 12D ₁ arranged from the other side Z2 to the one side Z1 in the Z-axis direction. Second light emitting elements 12B _{2 to} 12D ₂ and third light emitting elements 12B _{3 to} 12D ₃ are provided.

Each of the first light emitting elements 12A _{1 to} 12D ₁ , the second light emitting elements 12A _{2 to} 12D ₂ , and the third light emitting elements 12A _{3 to} 12D ₃ is composed of an LED (light emitting diode) or the like, and has a peak wavelength of 840 to 1000 nm. The detection light L2 (detection light L2a to L2d) made of infrared light located at is emitted as diverging light.

  In this embodiment, the X coordinate, the Y coordinate, and the Z coordinate of the target object Ob are obtained by the differential between the detection light source units 12 or the differential between the detection light source unit 12 and the reference light source 12R.

  Further, when the first detection light source unit 12A to the fourth detection light source unit 12D are turned on at the same time, a Z coordinate detection light intensity distribution in which the intensity monotonously decreases in the Z-axis direction is formed. Therefore, the reference light source 12R and all of the first detection light source unit 12A to the fourth detection light source unit 12D are alternately turned on based on the difference or ratio of the detection values in the light detection unit 30. The Z coordinate of the object Ob can be detected. Further, the total value of the detection values in the light detection unit 30 when the first detection light source unit 12A to the fourth detection light source unit 12D are sequentially turned on, and the light detection unit when the reference light source 12R is turned on. The Z coordinate of the target object Ob may be detected based on the difference or ratio of the detection values at 30.

  Further, when the reference light source 12R and all of the first detection light source unit 12A to the fourth detection light source unit 12D are alternately turned on, the reference light source when the detection value in the light detection unit 30 becomes equal. The Z coordinate of the target object Ob can be detected based on the difference or ratio between the drive current for 12R and the drive current for the first detection light source unit 12A to the fourth detection light source unit 12D. In addition, the difference between the total drive current value when the first detection light source unit 12A to the fourth detection light source unit 12D are sequentially differentiated from the reference light source 12R and the drive current for the reference light source 12R, The Z coordinate of the target object Ob may be detected based on the ratio.

During such differential operation, a part or all of the first light emitting elements 12A _{1 to} 12D ₁ , the second light emitting elements 12A _{2 to} 12D ₂ , and the third light emitting elements 12A _{3 to} 12D ₃ are used.

(Switching of detection space 10R)
Also in the optical position detection apparatus 10C of the present embodiment, the first detection light source unit 12A includes the first light emitting element 12A ₁ to the third light emitting element 12A ₃ as in the first embodiment, and refer to FIG. The light source driving unit 14 described above has a first mode in which only the first light emitting element 12A ₁ is lit in the first light source unit 12A and a second mode in which a plurality of light emitting elements including the first light emitting element 12A ₁ are lit. The mode can be executed. Similarly, the second detection light source unit 12B to the fourth detection light source unit 12D include first light emitting elements 12B ₁ , 12C ₁ , 12D ₁ to third light emitting elements 12B ₃ , 12C ₃ , 12D ₃ , The light source driving unit 14 described with reference to FIG. 3 turns on a plurality of light emitting elements including the first mode in which only the first light emitting elements 12B _{1 to} 12D ₁ are turned on and the first light emitting elements 12B _{1 to} 12D ₁ . The second mode can be executed.

  Therefore, in this embodiment, when it is known that the target object Ob exists in a narrow range in the Z-axis direction, the first mode is performed to set the detection space 10R to a narrow range, while the target object Ob is set to Z When it exists in the wide range of an axial direction, 2nd mode is performed and detection space 10R is expanded.

More specifically, for example, when it is known in the first detection light source unit 12A and the third detection light source unit 12C that the target object Ob exists in a narrow range in the Z-axis direction, FIG. as shown in, the light source driver 14, the first light emitting element 12A _1, 12C ₁ only to light the first light emitting element 12A _1, detection light L2a ₁ from 12C ₁ (L2a), emits L2c ₁ a (L2c) (First mode). The size of the detection space 10R (detection space 10R ₁ ) in this state in the Z-axis direction is the size indicated by the solid line in FIG.

Next, when there is a possibility that the target object Ob exists in a slightly wide range in the Z-axis direction, the light source driving unit 14 turns on the first light emitting elements 12A ₁ and 12C ₁ and the second light emitting elements 12A ₂ and 12C ₂ . (Second mode). As a result, the first light emitting element 12A _1, 12C ₁ emits a detection light L2a _1, L2c _1, the second light emitting element 12A _2, 12C ₂ emits the detection light L2a _2, L2c _2. The detection lights L2a ₁ and L2a ₂ are emitted as a continuous integral detection light L2a, and the detection lights L2c ₁ and L2c ₂ are emitted as a continuous integral detection light L2c. In this state, the size of the detection space 10R (detection space 10R ₂ ) in the Z-axis direction is expanded to a range indicated by a one-dot chain line in FIG.

Next, when there is a possibility that the target object Ob exists in a wider range in the Z-axis direction, the light source driving unit 14 includes the first light emitting elements 12A ₁ and 12C ₁ , the second light emitting elements 12A ₂ and 12C ₂ , and The third light emitting elements 12A ₃ and 12C ₃ are turned on (second mode). As a result, the first light emitting element 12A _1, 12C ₁ emits a detection light L2a _1, L2c _1, the second light emitting element 12A _2, 12C ₂ emits a detection light L2a _2, L2c _2, third light emitting element 12A ₃ and 12C ₃ emit detection lights L2a ₃ and L2c ₃ . The detection lights L2a ₁ , L2a ₂ and L2a ₃ are emitted as a continuous integral detection light L2a, and the detection lights L2c ₁ , L2c ₂ and L2c ₃ are emitted as a continuous integral detection light L2c. In this state, the size of the detection space 10R (detection space 10R ₃ ) in the Z-axis direction is expanded to a range indicated by a two-dot chain line in FIG.

(Main effects of this form)
As described above, in the optical position detection device 10B of the present embodiment, the light source driving unit 14 sequentially turns on the plurality of light source units 12 for detection, and during that time, the light detection unit 30 detects the light reflected by the target object Ob. The light L3 is received. Therefore, if the detection result of the light detection unit 30 is used directly or the drive current when the two detection light source units 12 are differentiated via the light detection unit 30 is used, the position detection unit 50 can detect the target object Ob. Can be detected.

Here, the first detection light source unit 12A to the fourth detection light source unit 12D include the first light emitting elements 12A ₁ , 12B ₁ , 12C ₁ , 12D ₁ to the third light emitting elements 12A ₃ , 12B ₃ , 12C ₃ , 12D. ₃ , the light source drive unit 14 is a first mode in which only the first light emitting elements 12A _{1 to} 12D ₁ are turned on, and a second mode in which a plurality of light emitting elements including the first light emitting elements 12A _{1 to} 12D ₁ are turned on. The mode can be executed. In each of the first detection light source unit 12A to the fourth detection light source unit 12D, the central optical axes of the light emitting elements are arranged in parallel. Therefore, when the detection space 10R of the target object Ob is set wide, the number of light emitting elements to be lit is increased to widen the emission space, while when the detection space 10R of the target object Ob is set narrow, the light is turned on. The number of light emitting elements can be reduced to narrow the emission space. Therefore, power for turning on the light source is not wasted, and power consumption can be reduced. In particular, in the present embodiment, the light source driving unit 14 can execute the first mode in which one of the plurality of light emitting elements is lit, so that the detection space 10R can be reduced to the minimum. The power consumed for lighting can be greatly reduced. Moreover, since the emission space (detection space 10R) of the detection light L2 is variable, it is possible to detect only the target object Ob in a specific narrow space.

  Further, in this embodiment, since the differential between the two detection light source units 12 or the differential between the detection light source unit 12 and the reference light source 12R is used, the influence of ambient light or the like is automatically corrected. can do. Furthermore, since the detection light L2 is infrared light, it is not visually recognized. Therefore, the optical position detection device 10B can be used in various devices, for example, when the optical position detection device 10B of this embodiment is applied to a display device, the display is not hindered.

[Specific Example of Device 1 with Position Detection Function According to Embodiment 3]
With reference to FIG. 17, an example in which a screen is used as the viewing surface constituting member 40 of the device 1 with a position detection function and the device 1 with a position detection function is configured as a screen device with a position detection function will be described.

  FIG. 17 is an explanatory diagram of a specific example (screen device with a position detection function) of the device 1 with a position detection function according to Embodiment 3 of the present invention, and FIGS. 17 (a) and 17 (b) are with a position detection function. It is explanatory drawing which shows a mode that the screen apparatus was seen from diagonally upward, and explanatory drawing which shows a mode that it saw from the horizontal direction. In addition, in the apparatus 1 with a position detection function (screen apparatus with a position detection function) of this embodiment, the configuration of the optical position detection apparatus 10C is the same as the configuration described with reference to FIG. Are given the same reference numerals and their description is omitted.

  The screen device 8 with position detection function (device 1 with position detection function) shown in FIGS. 17A and 17B is substantially the same as the screen device 8 with position detection function with reference to FIG. A screen 80 (viewing surface constituent member 40) on which an image is projected from the generation device) and the optical position detection device 10C described with reference to FIG. 16 are provided. Therefore, in the screen device 8 with a position detection function, the screen surface 8a onto which an image is projected on the screen 80 constitutes a viewing surface 41 on which information is visually recognized.

  In the screen device 8 with a position detection function, the optical position detection device 10C includes a light source device 11 for position detection that emits detection light L2 to the screen surface 8a side (viewing surface 41 side) of the screen 80; A light detection unit 30 that detects the detection light L3 reflected by the target object Ob. The light source device 11 includes a plurality of detection light source units 12 (first detection light source unit 12A to fourth detection light source unit 12D). ) And a reference light source 12R. Here, the plurality of light source parts for detection 12 are arranged at each of the four corners of the screen 80, and the light source parts for detection 12 are along the visual recognition surface 41 of the screen 80 (visual recognition surface constituting member 40). The detection light L2 is emitted. In addition, the light detection unit 30 detects the detection light L3 reflected by the target object Ob in the detection space 10R on the viewing surface 41 side of the screen 80 (viewing surface constituent member 40).

  In the screen device 8 with the position detection function configured as described above, the detection space 10R is a rectangular region when viewed from the normal direction with respect to the screen device 8, and an area in which an image is projected by the image projection device 250 on the screen device 8. It overlaps with (image display area 20R). For this reason, in the screen device 8 with a position detection function of the present embodiment, for example, if the target object Ob such as a fingertip is brought close to a part of the image projected on the screen 80, the position of the target object Ob is switched. It can be used as input information such as instructions. At this time, if the size of the detection space 10R in the Z-axis direction is switched, detection when the target object Ob (fingertip or the like) is in contact with the screen 80 (viewing surface 41) and the target object Ob are separated from the screen 80. Can be detected separately.

  In the present embodiment, the screen device for a projection display device on which an image is projected from the image projection device 250 has been described as the screen device 8 with a position detection function. However, the optical position detection device 10A is used on a screen for an electronic blackboard. May be provided to constitute a screen device with a position detection function for an electronic blackboard. The optical position detection device 10C according to the third embodiment is also used in the direct-view display device 100 with a position detection function, the window 400 with a position detection function, or the amusement device 500 with a position detection function, as in the first embodiment. May be.

[Other Embodiments]
In the above embodiment, in the first mode, one part of the plurality of light emitting elements is turned on, and in the second mode, the light emitting element that is turned on in the first mode and the light emitting element different from the first mode are used. Are turned on at the same time. In the first mode, a part of the plurality of light emitting elements is turned on. In the second mode, only the light emitting elements different from the light emitting elements turned on in the first mode are turned on. You may let them. Even in such a configuration, the size of the detection space can be switched depending on the position of the light emitting element.

  In the above embodiment, when the position detection light source units 12 are differentiated from each other, one of the plurality of position detection light source units 12 and the other one are alternately turned on. Two of the light source units 12 for use and the other two may be turned on alternately.

  In the above embodiment, when the position detection light source unit 12 and the reference light source 12R are differentiated, one of the plurality of position detection light source units 12 and the reference light source 12R are alternately turned on. However, after two of the plurality of position detection light source units 12 and the reference light source 12R are alternately turned on, the other two and the reference light source 12R may be turned on alternately.

1 ・ ・ Device with position detection function, 8 ・ ・ Screen device (device with position detection function), 10A, 10B, 10C ・ ・ Optical position detection device, 10R ・ ・ Detection space (detection light emission space), 11 ・· Light source device, 12 · · Light source portion for detection, 12A · · Light source portion for first detection, 12A _{1 to} 12D ₁ · · First light emitting element, 12A _{2 to} 12D ₂ · · Second light emitting element, 12A _{3 to} 12D ₃ .. 3rd light emitting element, 12B .. 2nd light source part for detection, 12C .. 3rd light source part for detection, 12D .. 4th light source part for detection, 12R .. Light source for reference, 30. , 40 ..Viewing surface component, 41 ..Viewing surface, 50 ..Position detection unit, 52 ..X coordinate detection unit, 53 ..Z coordinate detection unit, 80 ..screen (viewing surface component), 100 .. Direct view type display device with position detection function (equipment with position detection function), 00 ・ ・ Projection display device with position detection function (device with position detection function), 400 ・ ・ Window with position detection function (device with position detection function), 500 ・ ・ Amusement device with position detection function (device with position detection function) ) 520 ··· Base (viewing surface component), Ob · · · Object

Claims (18)

A device with a position detection function, comprising: a viewing surface component having a viewing surface; and an optical position detection device that detects a position of a target object located on the viewing surface side with respect to the viewing surface component. ,
The optical position detection device includes: a plurality of detection light source units that emit detection light toward the viewing surface; and the detection light reflected by the target object located in a detection light emission space from which the detection light is emitted. A light detection unit that receives light, a light source drive unit that sequentially turns on the plurality of light source units for detection, and a light reception result of the light detection unit when the plurality of light source units for detection are sequentially turned on. A position detection unit for detecting the position,
The detection light source unit includes a plurality of light emitting elements in which a central optical axis is arranged from the center side to the outside of the detection light emission space when viewed from the detection light emission space. machine.   The light source driving unit turns on a first mode in which a part of the plurality of light emitting elements is turned on and a light emitting element that is different from at least the first mode in the plurality of light emitting elements. The apparatus with a position detection function according to claim 1, wherein two modes are executed.   In the first mode, the light source driving unit turns on a part of the plurality of light emitting elements, and in the second mode, the light emitting element that lights in the first mode and the first mode, 3. The device with a position detecting function according to claim 2, wherein other light emitting elements are simultaneously turned on to expand the emission space in a direction in which the central optical axes of the light emitting elements are arranged.   The light source driving unit illuminates one light emitting element of the plurality of light emitting elements in the first mode, and includes two or more light emitting elements including a light emitting element that lights in the first mode in the second mode. The device with a position detection function according to claim 3, wherein the devices are turned on simultaneously.   5. The device with a position detection function according to claim 3, wherein each of the plurality of detection light source units emits the detection light in the same direction. When viewed from the detection light emission space,
The light detection unit is arranged at a position surrounded by the plurality of detection light source units, and the plurality of light emitting elements in the detection light source unit are directed away from positions close to the light detection unit. Arranged in a straight line,
In the first mode, among the plurality of light emitting elements, a light emitting element at a position closer to the light detection unit is lit than a light emitting element that is not lit in the first mode but is lit in the second mode. The device with a position detection function according to claim 5. When viewed from the emission side of the detection light,
In the detection light source unit, the central optical axes of the plurality of light emitting elements are linearly arranged from the inside to the outside of the emission space,
In the first mode, among the plurality of light emitting elements, a light emitting element having a central optical axis directed to the inner side of the emission space is turned on rather than a light emitting element that is turned on in the second mode without being turned on in the first mode. The apparatus with a position detection function according to claim 5.   Of the light emitting elements that are turned on in the second mode, the light emitting elements that are turned off in the first mode have a higher emission intensity of the detection light than the light emitting elements that are turned on in the first mode. The device with a position detection function according to claim 3, wherein the device has a position detection function.   The plurality of detection light source units include a detection light source unit that emits the detection light in directions opposite to each other on both sides of the emission space. Equipment with position detection function.   The position detection unit is based on a result obtained by differentiating a part of the detection light sources from the plurality of detection light source units and another part of the detection light sources based on a light reception result of the light detection unit. 10. The device with a position detection function according to claim 1, wherein the position of the target object is detected. A reference light source that emits reference light incident on the light detection unit without passing through the emission space;
Based on the light reception result of the light detection unit, the position detection unit changes the combination of a part of the plurality of detection light source units and the reference light source to obtain a differential result. The position detection function-equipped device according to claim 1, wherein the position of the target object is detected based on the position detection function.   The apparatus with a position detection function according to claim 1, wherein the detection light is infrared light. The viewing surface constituent member is a direct-view image generating device that displays an image as information,
The device with a position detection function according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the viewing surface is an image display surface on which the image is displayed in the direct-view image generation device. The viewing surface constituting member is a screen,
The device with a position detection function according to claim 1, wherein the viewing surface is a screen surface on which information is visually recognized on the screen.   The apparatus with a position detection function according to claim 14, wherein the light source unit for detection and the light detection unit are disposed on a side opposite to the viewing surface side with respect to the screen. An image projection device that projects an image toward the screen on the viewing surface side with respect to the screen,
The apparatus with a position detection function according to claim 14, wherein the light source unit for detection and the light detection unit are arranged in the image projection apparatus. The viewing surface constituent member is a translucent member that covers the exhibit,
The said visual recognition surface is a surface where the said exhibit is visually recognized on the opposite side to the side by which the said exhibit is arrange | positioned in the said translucent member, It is any one of Claim 1 thru | or 12 characterized by the above-mentioned. Equipment with position detection function. The viewing surface constituting member includes a base for supporting a moving game medium,
13. The position detection function according to claim 1, wherein the visual recognition surface is a surface on a side where a relative position between the base and the game medium is visually recognized on the base. machine.