JP2016167252A - Proximity/contact sensor and information terminal - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a proximity/contact sensor capable of highly accurately detecting a position of a measuring object while improving sensitivity in a Z-axis direction.SOLUTION: The proximity/contact sensor includes: an X electrode layer 11 formed by arraying a plurality of first electrodes 22, each of which is formed by connecting rectangular first conductors 21 along one orthogonal line 21a, along the other orthogonal line 21b of the first conductor 21 by matching vertexes 21c, 21d connecting the other orthogonal line 21b; a Y electrode layer 12 formed by arraying a plurality of second electrodes 24, each of which is formed by connecting rectangular second conductors 23, so as to be matched with areas in which the first electrodes 21 are not arrayed; and a detection circuit for detecting electrostatic capacitance between the first conductors 21 and the second conductors 23 by a mutual capacitance measuring method. When the first electrodes 22 and the second electrodes 24 are physically divided into two sections and insulated around the orthogonal lines 21a, 23a and a proximity distance between the detection circuit and a measuring object is far, the two electrodes are electrically connected, and when the proximity distance is near, the two electrodes are respectively disconnected.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

  The present invention relates to a proximity / contact sensor that detects proximity and contact of a measurement object.

  In recent years, touch panels have been used in various fields such as mobile terminals and game machines. Currently, most of the touch panels that are generally used detect contact and position with a measurement object. Under such circumstances, development of sensors capable of measuring the proximity and contact of a measurement object is also progressing. The proximity / contact sensor can be operated in various ways, particularly when a 3D display is used, and development of a proximity / contact sensor with high sensitivity and high accuracy is desired.

  In relation to the above, for example, techniques disclosed in Patent Documents 1 and 2 are disclosed as techniques for measuring the proximity and contact of a measurement object on a touch panel in combination. The technique shown in Patent Document 1 is a sheet-like upper electrode layer 12 having a plurality of upper electrodes 11 that are energized in one direction, and other insulating layers different from the energizing direction of the upper electrode 11. A first detection unit 10 including a sheet-like lower electrode layer 14 having a plurality of lower electrodes 13 that are energized in the direction and arranged to intersect the upper electrode 11, and disposed below the first detection unit 10. The intermediate layer 15 deformed according to the contact or pressure of the object, and the second detection unit 20 disposed below the intermediate layer 15 and detecting an electrical change according to the contact or pressing force of the object. When the object approaches, the approach of the object is determined on the basis of the electrical change between the upper electrode 11 and the lower electrode 14, and the object is contacted or applied with a pressing force. 2 Based on the electrical change detected by the detection unit, contact or pressing of the object And a switching unit that switches circuits at a predetermined interval so that either the first detection unit 10 or the second detection unit 20 is connected to the ground. 40.

  The technique shown in Patent Document 2 is electrically coupled when detecting a detection target existing at a distant position, electrically connecting a plurality of detection electrodes, and detecting a detection target existing at a close position. A detection electrode coupling circuit 5 that separates the plurality of detection electrodes, and the capacitance detection circuit 6 detects the capacitance of the detection electrodes that are electrically coupled by the detection electrode coupling circuit 5. The capacitance of the detection electrode separated by the coupling circuit 5 is detected.

  Further, as a technique related to display control of the touch panel, for example, a technique disclosed in Patent Document 3 is disclosed. In Patent Document 3, the distance from the touch panel 13 based on the Z coordinate value detected by the finger position detection unit with respect to the region centered on the X coordinate value and the Y coordinate value detected by the finger position detection unit 15 is described. It is disclosed that the shorter the size, the larger the magnification.

International Publication No. 2014/080924 JP 2008-153025 A JP 2013-218379 A

  However, although the technique shown in Patent Document 1 can detect the proximity and contact of the measurement object, and the position and strength of the press with high accuracy, there is a trade-off relationship between the sensitivity in the Z-axis direction and the accuracy of position detection. Therefore, when the size of the electrode is specified with an emphasis on accuracy of position detection, there is a problem that it is difficult to increase the sensitivity in the Z-axis direction.

  The technique shown in Patent Document 2 detects the electrostatic capacity in the Z-axis direction by combining a plurality of electrodes, but the other-axis-side electrode (with an electrode in the x-direction) between the combined electrodes. If there is an electrode on the y-axis side), the coupled electrodes are not adjacent to each other. As a result, the area of the coupled electrodes in the Z-axis direction is not There is a problem that the sensitivity cannot be sufficiently increased.

  The technique shown in Patent Literature 3 enlarges the area of the finger position more easily as the distance from the touch panel based on the Z coordinate value is shorter with respect to the area centered on the detected finger position. However, there is a problem in that it is difficult to display the enlarged portion while confirming the entire display content because the information on the surrounding area is hidden accordingly.

  The present invention can detect the position of the measurement object with high accuracy while increasing the sensitivity in the Z-axis direction, and can display a screen with high visibility according to the proximity distance of the measurement object. A contact sensor and an information terminal are provided.

  The proximity / contact sensor according to the present invention includes a first electrode in which a plurality of rectangular first conductors having substantially the same size and shape are connected in parallel along one diagonal line, and another diagonal line of the first electrode. A plurality of X electrode layers formed in a checkered pattern in parallel along the other diagonal line in accordance with the apex connecting the second electrode and a second conductor having the same size and shape as the first electrode. A plurality of electrodes, a Y electrode layer formed so as to match the checkered X electrode region, and the first conductor in the X electrode layer and the Y electrode layer in the Y electrode layer Detecting means for detecting capacitance with a second conductor by a mutual capacitance measurement method, wherein the first electrode and the second electrode are physically divided into two around the one diagonal line And the detection means detects the object to be measured. When the contact distance is long, the two divided electrodes are electrically connected, and when the proximity distance of the measurement object is short, the two divided electrodes are disconnected. is there.

  As described above, in the proximity / contact sensor according to the present invention, the first electrode in which a plurality of rectangular first conductors having substantially the same size and shape are connected in parallel along one diagonal line is connected to the first electrode. A plurality of X electrode layers formed in a checkered pattern in parallel along the other diagonal line in alignment with the vertex connecting the other diagonal line of the electrode, and a second conductive having substantially the same size and shape as the first electrode. A plurality of second electrodes made of a body arranged to match a region where the checkered X electrodes are not arranged, the first conductor in the X electrode layer, and the Detecting means for detecting capacitance by a mutual capacitance measurement method with the second conductor in the Y electrode layer, wherein the first electrode and the second electrode are physically centered on the one diagonal line. It is divided into two and insulated, and the detection The stage electrically connects the two divided electrodes when the proximity distance of the measurement object is long, and the two electrodes divided when the proximity distance of the measurement object is short, respectively. Since it is in a non-connected state, there is an effect that the position of the measurement object can be detected with high accuracy while increasing the sensitivity in the Z-axis direction. In particular, when each of the divided first electrode and second electrode is coupled to be electrically connected, the structure is such that an electrode on the other axis side is interposed between the coupled electrodes. However, the respective coupled electrodes are adjacent to each other, and as a result, the sensitivity in the Z-axis direction can be sufficiently increased corresponding to the area of the coupled electrodes.

  In the proximity / contact sensor according to the present invention, the first electrode layer and the second electrode layer overlap each other in substantially the same polygonal shape, and some or all of the vertexes of the polygonal vertex The portion is provided with a pressure sensor for detecting a pressing force from the measurement object.

  As described above, in the proximity / contact sensor according to the present invention, the first electrode layer and the second electrode layer overlap with each other in substantially the same polygonal shape, and a part of the polygonal apexes or Since the pressure sensors for detecting the pressing force from the measurement object are provided at all the plurality of apex portions, there is an effect that the contact of the measurement object and the position and strength of the pressure can be detected.

  In addition, since the pressing force is measured by a pressure sensor rather than the amount of pressing of the dielectric, it is not accompanied by mechanical deformation, can suppress deterioration of the element, and, for example, the surface material has high strength such as glass. Even if a thing is utilized, there exists an effect that it becomes possible to measure a pressing force correctly.

  An information terminal according to the present invention is an information terminal using the proximity / contact sensor, and a housing that houses internal components including the X electrode layer, the Y electrode layer, and the detection means, and the housing. Alternatively, a flat plate disposed on the back side or the side of the information terminal separately and a plurality of apexes of some or all of the apexes inside the casing of the flat plate, A pressure sensor for detecting strain.

  As described above, in the information terminal according to the present invention, the information terminal using the proximity / contact sensor, and a housing for housing internal components including the X electrode layer, the Y electrode layer, and the detection means, A flat plate disposed on the back side or the side of the information terminal, which is integral with or separate from the casing, and a part or all of a plurality of apexes of each apex inside the casing of the flat plate Since the pressure sensor for detecting the distortion of the flat plate is provided, it is possible to perform a touch operation from the back side of the information terminal, and it is possible to provide an easy-to-use information terminal.

  The information terminal according to the present invention is an information terminal using the proximity / contact sensor or the information terminal according to claim 3, and displays information on a lower layer side of the X electrode layer and the Y electrode layer. A display screen for displaying and the content displayed on the display screen are sequentially enlarged or reduced with the position of the measurement object as the center and away from the center, and all of the content is displayed. Display control means for controlling the display of the contents so as to be maintained.

  Thus, in the information terminal according to the present invention, the display screen for displaying information on the lower layer side of the X electrode layer and the Y electrode layer, and the content displayed on the display screen are the measurement object. A display control means for controlling the display of the content so that the content is enlarged or reduced sequentially as the object moves away from the center, and all the content is maintained in a displayed state; As a result, the position of the measurement object can be enlarged to make it easy to see, and the entire display content can be visually recognized without hiding the surrounding area, and an easy-to-use information terminal can be realized.

  In the information terminal according to the present invention, as the measurement object approaches the display screen, the display control unit determines that the proximity position of the measurement object corresponds to the distance between the measurement object and the display screen. The information is sequentially reduced according to the distance between the measurement object and the display screen as the distance from the center increases, and the measurement object moves away from the display screen. The proximity position of the measurement object is reduced according to the distance between the measurement object and the display screen, and as the distance from the center increases, the information becomes the distance between the measurement object and the display screen. Accordingly, the images are sequentially enlarged and displayed.

  Thus, in the information terminal according to the present invention, as the measurement object approaches the display screen, the proximity position of the measurement object depends on the distance between the measurement object and the display screen. As the image is enlarged and moved away from the center, the information is sequentially reduced according to the distance between the measurement object and the display screen, and the measurement object is moved away from the display screen. The proximity position of the object is reduced according to the distance between the measurement object and the display screen, and as the distance from the center increases, the information depends on the distance between the measurement object and the display screen. Thus, since the display is sequentially enlarged, the entire display content can be displayed with high visibility by the balance between the enlarged portion and the reduced portion.

  The information terminal according to the present invention includes a plurality of first electrodes, each having a plurality of first conductors having substantially the same size and the same shape connected in parallel in one direction, arranged in parallel in another direction perpendicular to the one direction. A plurality of X electrode layers to be formed and a plurality of second electrodes made of a second conductor having substantially the same size and shape as the first electrode are arranged in the one direction so as not to overlap the first electrode. Self-capacitance measurement between the formed Y electrode layer, the first conductor in the X electrode layer and the measurement object, and between the second conductor and the measurement object in the Y electrode layer Detection means for detecting capacitance by a method, wherein the detection means is configured to detect one or a plurality of the first conductors in the X electrode layer and the Y electrode layer according to a proximity distance of the measurement object. Or one or more of the second conductors in an electrically connected state or It is to a connected state.

  Thus, in the information terminal according to the present invention, the first electrode in which a plurality of first conductors having substantially the same size and the same shape are connected in parallel in one direction is arranged in another direction perpendicular to the one direction. A plurality of X electrode layers formed in parallel to each other and a second electrode made of a second conductor having substantially the same size and shape as the first electrode so as not to overlap the first electrode. A plurality of Y electrode layers formed between the first conductor and the measurement object in the X electrode layer, and between the second conductor and the measurement object in the Y electrode layer. Detecting means for detecting capacitance by a self-capacitance measurement method between the one or more first conductors in the X electrode layer according to the proximity distance of the measurement object. , One or a plurality of the second conductors in the Y electrode layer, To care connected state or unconnected state, while increasing the sensitivity of the Z-axis direction, an effect that the position of the measurement object can be detected with high accuracy.

  A proximity / contact sensor according to the present invention is disposed on the upper surface side of the proximity / contact sensor in a proximity / contact sensor that measures the proximity and contact of an object to be measured by detecting capacitance by a self-capacitance measurement method. An upper electrode connected to either the ground or the capacitance detection circuit by switching, and disposed on the lower surface side of the proximity / contact sensor facing the upper electrode, corresponding to the switching of the upper electrode A lower electrode connected to either a capacitance detection circuit or a voltage having the same phase as the measurement voltage, and an elastic body disposed between the upper electrode and the lower electrode, wherein the upper electrode When connected to the ground, the lower electrode measures the capacitance according to the distance between the lower electrode and the upper electrode, and the upper electrode is connected to the capacitance detection circuit. , The voltage of the measured voltage having the same phase that is applied to the upper electrode is applied to the lower electrode, in which a change in capacitance of the upper electrode due to the proximity of the object to be measured is measured.

  As described above, in the proximity / contact sensor according to the present invention, in the proximity / contact sensor that detects the capacitance by the self-capacitance measurement method and measures the proximity and contact of the measurement object, the upper surface of the proximity / contact sensor is measured. An upper electrode connected to either the ground or the capacitance detection circuit by switching, and disposed on the lower surface side of the proximity / contact sensor so as to face the upper electrode. Corresponding to switching, a lower electrode connected to either a capacitance detection circuit or a voltage in phase with a measurement voltage, and an elastic body disposed between the upper electrode and the lower electrode When the upper electrode is connected to the ground, the lower electrode measures the capacitance according to the distance between the lower electrode and the upper electrode, and the upper electrode detects the capacitance. A voltage having the same phase as the measurement voltage applied to the upper electrode is applied to the lower electrode, and the change in the capacitance of the upper electrode due to the proximity of the measurement object is measured. Therefore, it is possible to accurately detect the proximity, contact, and push-in amount of the measurement object with a simplified structure.

  In the proximity / contact sensor according to the present invention, the upper electrode and / or the lower electrode includes a plurality of electrodes divided in a lattice shape or in parallel.

  As described above, in the proximity / contact sensor according to the present invention, the upper electrode and / or the lower electrode is composed of a plurality of electrodes divided in a lattice shape or in parallel. There is an effect that the position of the push-in can be specified.

  In the proximity / contact sensor according to the present invention, the lower electrode is divided in a finer grid pattern or in parallel than the upper electrode.

  As described above, in the proximity / contact sensor according to the present invention, since the lower electrode is divided in a fine lattice shape or in parallel with the upper electrode, the position of the upper electrode in contact is improved while increasing the proximity sensitivity. There is an effect that it becomes possible to accurately specify.

  The proximity / contact sensor according to the present invention includes a shield electrode disposed around the lower electrode and a ground electrode disposed around the shield electrode.

  As described above, the proximity / contact sensor according to the present invention includes the shield electrode disposed around the lower electrode and the ground electrode disposed around the shield electrode. It is possible to prevent the electric lines of force from leaking to the outside of the electrode and improve the measurement accuracy.

  The proximity / contact sensor according to the present invention is a proximity / contact sensor that measures the proximity and contact of an object to be measured by detecting capacitance using a self-capacitance measurement method, from one end to the other end. At least one insulating portion in which a linear insulating region is formed in a V shape, and an energizing portion divided into two regions in a state where only a part of the insulating portion is electrically connected by the insulating portion. And a plurality of transparent electrodes arranged in a grid pattern. The transparent electrode includes a transparent electrode and a capacitance detection circuit connected to each region of the energization section divided into two regions.

  As described above, in the proximity / contact sensor according to the present invention, at least one insulating portion in which a linear insulating region is formed in a V shape from one end to the other end, and the insulating A transparent electrode having a current-carrying part divided into two regions in a state where only a part of the region is electrically connected by the part, and a static electricity connected to each region of the current-carrying part divided into two regions. Since a plurality of the transparent electrodes are arranged in a lattice shape, it is possible to measure proximity and contact with only one layer of electrodes and to enable multi-touch measurement. Play.

  In the proximity / contact sensor according to the present invention, the plurality of transparent electrodes are arranged in two rows in the vertical or horizontal direction so that the one end or the other end faces each other, and the capacitance The wiring of a detection circuit is connected to each area | region of the said electricity supply part in the outer peripheral part of the said some transparent electrode arranged in parallel.

  Thus, in the proximity / contact sensor according to the present invention, the plurality of transparent electrodes are arranged in two rows in the vertical or horizontal direction so that the one end or the other end faces each other. In addition, since the wiring of the capacitance detection circuit is connected to the respective areas of the energizing portion at the outer peripheral portions of the plurality of transparent electrodes arranged in parallel, all the wiring can be collected at the outer peripheral portion, There exists an effect that size reduction and thickness reduction are realizable.

  The proximity / contact sensor according to the present invention includes a switch for turning on / off the connection between each divided region of the energization unit and the capacitance detection circuit, and performs proximity measurement of a measurement object. When any one of the switches connected to each region of the energization unit is turned off and the energization unit is set as one energization region to measure contact and press of an object to be measured, each region of the energization unit Both of the switches connected to are turned on to make the energization part two energization regions.

  As described above, the proximity / contact sensor according to the present invention includes a switch for turning on / off the connection between each of the divided areas of the energization unit and the capacitance detection circuit, When performing measurement, when any one of the switches connected to each region of the energization unit is turned off to set the energization unit as one energization region and the contact of the measurement object is measured, the energization unit Since both of the switches connected to each region are turned on to make the energization part two energization regions, the detection sensitivity is improved in the proximity measurement, and the coordinate resolution is increased in the contact and press measurement. And the effect that a press position can be specified correctly is produced.

It is a disassembled perspective view of the proximity / contact sensor which concerns on 1st Embodiment. It is a top view of the X electrode layer and Y electrode layer in the proximity | contact and the contact sensor which concerns on 1st Embodiment. It is a figure which shows the connection circuit of the electrode in the proximity | contact and the contact sensor which concerns on 1st Embodiment. It is an image figure of the measurement in the proximity | contact and the contact sensor which concerns on 1st Embodiment. It is sectional drawing of the information terminal which concerns on 2nd Embodiment. It is a functional block diagram of the part which performs the display control process of the information terminal which concerns on 3rd Embodiment. It is a figure which shows the example of a display at the time of changing the display mode of a screen. It is a flowchart which shows the process which specifies the display mode in the information terminal which concerns on 3rd Embodiment. It is a figure which shows the structure of the proximity | contact and the contact sensor which concerns on 4th Embodiment. It is an image figure of the proximity | contact and the contact sensor which concerns on 5th Embodiment. It is the schematic which shows the structure of the proximity | contact and the contact sensor which concerns on 5th Embodiment. It is an image figure of the measurement of the proximity | contact and the contact sensor which concerns on 5th Embodiment. It is an image figure which shows the function of a shield electrode and a ground electrode. It is a figure which shows an example of the structure of an upper electrode and a lower electrode. It is a figure which shows the structure of the proximity | contact and the contact sensor which concerns on 6th Embodiment. It is a figure which shows the measuring method of the proximity | contact and the contact apparatus which concerns on 6th Embodiment. It is a figure which shows the structure of the sensor made as an experiment for experiment. It is a graph which shows a measurement result. It is a figure which shows the measurement result in the proximity | contact of the proximity | contact and the contact sensor which concerns on 5th Embodiment. It is a figure which shows the measurement result in the press of the proximity | contact and the contact sensor which concerns on 5th Embodiment.

  Embodiments of the present invention will be described below. Also, the same reference numerals are given to the same elements throughout the present embodiment.

(First embodiment of the present invention)
The proximity / contact sensor according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view of a proximity / contact sensor according to the present embodiment. The proximity / contact sensor 1 includes a first detection unit 10 that detects the presence / absence of proximity of the measurement object, a distance, and a position thereof, and a pressure sensor 20 that detects the contact of the measurement object and the position and strength of the press. Is provided. The first detector 10 includes an X electrode layer 11 for detecting the position of the measurement object in the X-axis direction, a Y electrode layer 12 for detecting the position of the measurement object in the Y-axis direction, and the respective electrodes. The outer layer 13 is laminated on the surface of the layer. For the outer layer 13, for example, glass having high strength is used. In addition, as a measurement object, for example, a human finger, a touch pen, or the like is used.

  FIG. 2 is a plan view of the X electrode layer and the Y electrode layer. The X electrode layer 11 shown in FIG. 2 (A) has a first electrode 22 in which a plurality of rectangular first conductors 21 having substantially the same size and the same shape are arranged in parallel along one diagonal line 21a. A plurality of the first electrodes 22 are juxtaposed along the other diagonal lines 21b in alignment with the vertices 21c and 21d connecting the other diagonal lines 21b of the first conductor 21, and are formed in a checkered pattern. The first electrodes 22 in parallel are in an electrically insulated state (not in communication). And this 1st electrode 22 is divided | segmented into two centering on one diagonal line 21a, and each is divided | segmented into the sawtooth-shaped 1st electrode 22a and the 1st electrode 22b. The first electrodes 22a and the first electrodes 22b are adjacently arranged in an insulated state.

  In the Y electrode layer 12 shown in FIG. 2B, a plurality of second conductors 23 having substantially the same size and shape as the first conductors 21 in the X electrode layer 11 are communicated along one diagonal line 23a. It has the 2nd electrode 24 in parallel, and this 2nd electrode 24 is matched with the said other diagonal line 23b according to the vertexes 23c and 23d which connect the other diagonal line 23b of the 2nd conductor 23 similarly to the 1st electrode 22. Are arranged in a checkered pattern. The second electrodes 24 in parallel are in an electrically insulated state (not in communication). The second electrode 24 is also divided into two parts around one diagonal line 23a, each of which is divided into sawtooth-shaped second electrodes 24a and 24b. The second electrodes 24a and the second electrodes 24b are disposed adjacent to each other in an insulated state.

  The electrodes in each electrode layer are arranged so as not to overlap each other in plan view, and the extending direction of the first electrode 22 and the extending direction of the second electrode 24 are perpendicular to each other. . When the measurement object comes close to the surface of the outer layer 13, the capacitance between the first electrode 22 and the second electrode 24 changes. By detecting this change in capacitance, the position of the measurement object can be specified (mutual capacitance method). In the present embodiment, the coupling / disassembly of the sawtooth first electrode 22a and the first electrode 22b and the coupling / disassembly of the sawtooth second electrode 24a and the second electrode 24b according to the proximity distance of the measurement object. Decomposition is controlled. The coupling / disassembly of the first electrode 22 and the second electrode 24 will be described in detail with reference to FIGS.

FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an electrode connection circuit in the proximity / contact sensor according to the present embodiment, and FIG. 4 is an image diagram of measurement in the proximity / contact sensor according to the present embodiment. In FIG. 3, when the measurement object is far away, the first electrode 22a (corresponding to X ₁ , X ₃ and X ₅ ) and the first electrode 22b (corresponding to X ₂ , X ₄ and X ₆ ) are electrically connected respectively. Connected (X ₁ -X ₂ , X ₃ -X ₄ and X ₅ -X ₆ are connected) and combined to form a second electrode 24a (corresponding to Y ₁ and Y ₃ ) and a second electrode 24b (Y ₂ and Y ₄ ) are electrically connected (Y ₁ -Y ₂ and Y ₃ -Y ₄ are connected) and coupled. Then, the capacitance between the electrodes of the combined first electrode 22 and second electrode 24 is measured. An image diagram of the measurement at this time corresponds to FIG. As shown in FIG. 4A, the first electrode 22a and the first electrode 22b (X ₁ -X ₂ , X ₃ -X ₄ and X ₅ -X ₆ ) adjacent to each other are combined to form a second adjacent to each other. The electrode 24a and the second electrode 24b (Y ₁ -Y ₂ and Y ₃ -Y ₄ ) are combined to measure a distance far from the sensor surface by the capacitance C ₁ between the electrodes arranged on the outside. it becomes possible to, the sensitivity of the proximity distance (Z-axis direction) by detecting a change in capacitance C ₁ becomes possible remarkably increased.

When the measurement object approaches, the first electrode 22 (X _{1 to} X ₆ ) and the second electrode 24 (Y _{1 to} Y ₄ ) are separated from each other to be electrically disconnected from each other. The capacitance between the second electrode 24 and the second electrode 24 is measured. An image diagram of the measurement at this time corresponds to FIG. As shown in FIG. 4 (B), each of the electrodes for not coupled to detect the change in capacitance C _2. Since the electrodes are not coupled, the sensitivity in the Z-axis direction is lower than in the case of FIG. 4A, but the detailed position of the measurement object is increased to detect fine changes in the capacitance between the electrodes. It becomes possible to detect with accuracy.

  FIG. 4C is an image diagram when the contact / pressing force of the measurement object is measured, and the pressure sensor 20 is used. As shown in FIG. 1, the pressure sensor 20 is disposed at four corners (each vertex) of the X electrode layer 11 and the Y electrode layer 12, and detects the center position and pressing force of the measurement object. By combining the pressure sensor 20 and the function of the first detection unit 10 described above, the distance and position in the Z direction in the vicinity of the measurement object can be measured with high sensitivity and accuracy, and the contact position, In addition, the pressing position and the pressing force can be measured with high accuracy. In the case of a single tap, its proximity, contact, pressing position and pressure can be accurately measured. In the case of a multi-tap, each of multiple proximity, contact, pressing position and pressure centers are accurately measured. can do. In addition, by the function of the first detection unit 10, each pressure distribution can be calculated based on a plurality of detected contact positions.

  As described above, the proximity / contact sensor according to the present embodiment can detect the position of the measurement object with high accuracy while increasing the sensitivity in the Z-axis direction. In particular, when each of the divided first electrode and second electrode is coupled to be electrically connected, the structure is such that an electrode on the other axis side is interposed between the coupled electrodes. However, the respective coupled electrodes are adjacent to each other, and as a result, the sensitivity in the Z-axis direction can be sufficiently increased corresponding to the area of the coupled electrodes.

  Moreover, since the pressure sensor for detecting the pressing force from the measuring object is provided, the contact of the measuring object and the position and strength of the pressing can be detected. In particular, since the pressing force is measured by a pressure sensor rather than the amount of pressing of the dielectric, it is not accompanied by mechanical deformation, can suppress deterioration of the element, and has high strength such as glass on the surface material, for example. Even if a thing is used, it becomes possible to measure a pressing force correctly.

(Second embodiment of the present invention)
The information terminal according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. The information terminal according to the present embodiment uses the proximity / contact sensor according to the first embodiment. By using the pressure sensor, the information terminal is connected to the lower surface side of the information terminal (the back surface when the display is used as the front surface). Operation corresponding to the side).

  FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the information terminal according to the present embodiment. The information terminal 50 includes a proximity / contact sensor 1, an internal component 51 such as a power source and a control board, and a pressure sensor 52, and the entire internal structure is housed in a housing 53. The bottom surface portion 54 and the side surface portion 55 of the housing 52 may be integrated or separate, but the measurement object inputs and outputs information by operating the bottom surface portion 54 having a flat surface.

  The pressure sensor 52 is arranged at a part or all of the apexes of each apex inside the bottom surface portion 54 or the side surface portion 55, and the bottom surface portion 54 or the side surface due to the pressing force of the measurement object from the surface of the bottom surface portion 54. The distortion of the unit 55 is detected. That is, the distortion of the bottom surface portion 54 and the side surface portion 55 can be obtained based on the measurement value of each pressure sensor 52, and the pressing position of the measurement object can be specified from the distortion. In addition, the pressure sensor 52 can also measure the pressing force. When the bottom surface portion 54 is multi-tapped, a plurality of points cannot be detected by the pressure sensor 52 alone, and therefore the position of the center point of pressing and the pressing force are measured. In addition, by the function of the first detection unit 10, each pressure distribution can be calculated based on a plurality of detected contact positions. Further, by measuring the distortion of the casing applied to the entire information terminal, the distortion caused by the pressing force applied to the display of the information terminal, and the distortion caused by the pressing force applied to the side surface portion 55 and the bottom surface portion 54, the pressing position and the pressing force are specified. You may do it.

  Thus, in the information terminal according to the present embodiment, a touch operation can be performed from the back side, and an easy-to-use information terminal can be provided.

(Third embodiment of the present invention)
The information terminal according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. In the information terminal according to the present embodiment, the content displayed on the display screen is sequentially enlarged or reduced as the position of the measurement object is the center, and as the distance from the center is increased, and all the content is displayed. The display of the content is controlled so as to be maintained in a state, and as the measurement object approaches the display screen, the proximity position of the measurement object corresponds to the distance between the measurement object and the display screen. The information is sequentially reduced according to the distance between the measurement object and the display screen as the distance from the center increases, and the measurement object as the measurement object moves away from the display screen. The proximity position of the object is reduced according to the distance between the measurement object and the display screen, and the information is sequentially enlarged and displayed according to the distance between the measurement object and the display screen as the distance from the center increases. Is a thing

  FIG. 6 is a functional block diagram of a portion that performs display control processing of the information terminal according to the present embodiment. The display control unit 60 in the information terminal 50 acquires the measurement result information 61 measured by the proximity / contact sensor 1 and calculates the position of the measurement object, the proximity distance, and the pressing force, and a position / distance calculation unit 62. A display mode specifying unit 63 that calculates and specifies the display mode of the screen display based on the calculation result of the position / distance calculation unit 62, and a display processing unit that displays the display content on the display 65 in the specified display mode 64.

  FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating a display example when the display mode of the screen is changed by the processing of each processing unit based on the position of the measurement object and the proximity distance. When the measurement object is not detected (when it is at a distance from the touch panel), as shown in FIG. 7A, normal display is performed without performing processing such as enlargement / reduction. When the measurement object (finger in FIG. 7) is brought close to the display as shown in FIGS. 7B and 7C from the state of FIG. In (B) and (C), “K” and a part of the surrounding area thereof are enlarged according to the proximity distance. At the same time, the area other than the area R is reduced according to the proximity distance of the finger. The enlargement ratio and the reduction ratio are sequentially changed according to the proximity distance between the finger and the display, and are sequentially changed according to the distance from the center position of the finger on the display.

  That is, the area R is enlarged and displayed as the proximity distance of the finger approaches, and the other areas are reduced and displayed. In addition, the reduction ratio increases sequentially as the information becomes farther from the center position of the finger. Then, the display mode as shown in FIGS. 7B and 7C is calculated as described above while the entire display content of FIG. 7A is always maintained. When the finger is moved away from the display, the above enlargement and reduction are reversed. When the finger is in contact with the display, the display screen enlargement / reduction mode changes according to the strength of the pressing force. That is, the region R is enlarged as the pressing force is increased, and the region R is reduced as the pressing force is reduced.

  FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing processing for specifying a display mode in the information terminal according to the present embodiment. First, the position / distance information calculation unit 62 acquires the measurement result information 61, and calculates the position and proximity distance (or pressing force when in contact) of the measurement object (S1). The display mode specifying unit 63 calculates the enlargement / reduction ratio of the peripheral region of the finger position according to the proximity distance (or pressing force) (S2). Further, an enlargement / reduction ratio of the display content corresponding to the distance from the finger position is calculated with the finger position as the center (S3). The display processing unit 64 displays the entire display content on the display 65 according to the calculated enlargement / reduction ratio (S4), and ends the process.

  As described above, in the information terminal according to the present embodiment, the display content at the position of the measurement object can be enlarged and easily viewed, and the entire display content can be visually recognized without hiding the surrounding area, which is easy to use. An information terminal can be realized. Further, the entire display content can be displayed with high visibility by the balance between the enlarged portion and the reduced portion.

(Fourth embodiment of the present invention)
The proximity / contact sensor according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. The proximity / contact sensor according to the first embodiment is premised on the measurement by the mutual capacitance measurement method, whereas the proximity / contact sensor according to the present embodiment is based on the self-capacitance measurement method. is there. Further, the structure and arrangement of the electrodes themselves are the same as those in the first embodiment, but their coupling / division methods are different, and the parallel first electrodes 22 and the parallel second electrodes 24 are the same. Are coupled / divided, and are coupled / divided between the first electrode 22 and the second electrode 24. The self-capacitance measurement method is a method for measuring a change in capacitance between the ground and the electrode.

When the first electrode 22 and the second electrode 24 are electrically connected and combined, the electrode area increases in an L shape or a cross shape, and thus the sensitivity in the Z-axis direction can be increased. For example, in FIG. 9, by connecting and combining X ₃ , X ₃ , Y ₃ and Y ₄ , a large capacitance can be created in which the hatched portion in the figure becomes one electrode. That is, even when the measurement object is far away, it can be detected.

In the case of the proximity / contact sensor according to the present embodiment, since the self-capacitance measurement method is used, measurement is performed by sequentially switching ON / OFF of the electrode switch. That is, in the case of FIG. 9, the electrodes X ₁ -X ₂ , X ₃ -X ₄ , and X ₅ -X ₆ are combined and divided for the first electrode 22, and the electrodes Y ₁ -Y ₂ for the second electrode 24. , Y ₃ -Y ₄ , Y ₅ -Y ₆ are combined / divided, and capacitance measurement is sequentially performed for all combinations thereof. As shown in FIG. 9, there are nine combinations. Capacitance measurement is repeatedly performed sequentially with these combinations, and there is an object to be measured in the vicinity of the combination electrode having the largest capacitance change. For example, if the combination of (X ₃ -X ₄ , Y ₃ -Y ₄ ) has the largest change in capacitance, the measurement object exists at the position of the hatched area in FIG.

  When the approximate position of the measurement object is specified from the above nine combinations, the first measurement is performed when the capacitance measurement value exceeds a predetermined threshold (the measurement object approaches the display by a predetermined distance or more). By dividing the electrodes between the electrodes 22, dividing the electrodes between the second electrodes 24, and / or dividing the electrodes between the first electrode 22 and the second electrode 24, detailed positions by smaller electrodes Is identified. As the electrode is subdivided, the number of times the capacity measurement is performed increases. Therefore, after the electrode is subdivided, the area corresponding to the specified approximate position of the measurement object and the electrodes in the surrounding area are measured. Only the capacity measurement may be performed.

  As described above, in the proximity / contact sensor according to the present embodiment, the first electrode and the second electrode are electrically connected and coupled to increase the sensitivity in the Z-axis direction, and the position of the measurement object. Can be detected with high accuracy.

(Fifth embodiment of the present invention)
The proximity / contact sensor according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. The proximity / contact sensor according to the present embodiment is disposed on the surface of a robot, for example, and can ensure safety by detecting proximity or contact to the robot by a self-capacitance measurement method.

  At present, a robot with a motor output of 80 W or less and a robot with appropriate safety measures do not need a safety fence, and it is expected that humans and robots work together in the same environment. Under such circumstances, the tactile sensor plays an important role in order for the robot to perform reliable work. Further, in order to make the robot work safely, it is required to detect the object in advance (non-contact) in advance before contact with the object, to avoid an unexpected collision or to weaken the impact caused by the collision. As a technique for that purpose, for example, a visual sensor (camera) is mainly used, but it is not sufficient due to a problem of blind spots.

  The present embodiment relates to a proximity / contact sensor that can acquire target information by proximity and contact on the surface of a robot, for example. FIG. 10 is an image diagram of the proximity / contact sensor according to the present embodiment. In FIG. 10, the entire robot surface is covered with the proximity / contact sensor according to the present embodiment, and the object is detected by the proximity (FIG. 10B) and the contact state (FIG. 10C) of the entire robot surface. It becomes possible to improve safety.

  A proximity / tactile sensor composed of an upper electrode, a lower electrode, a ground electrode, and an elastic body is disclosed by applying a self-capacitance measurement method (Reference 1: S. Tsuji, T. Kohama: “Development of a Proximity and Tactile Sensor Array Using Self-Capacitance Measurement for Robot Hand ”, Proc. The 3rd International Conference on Industrial Application Engineering 2015, pp.403-407, 2015).

  However, the sensor according to Reference Document 1 has a ground electrode between the upper electrode and the lower electrode, which increases the number of electrodes. Therefore, the proximity / contact sensor according to the present embodiment is composed of two layers of an upper electrode and a lower electrode, and one of them is used as a measurement electrode and the other is used as a ground or a shield, thereby performing proximity and contact measurement. It is performed continuously. In this embodiment, in order to make it possible to cover the robot surface with a sensor, the sensor is enlarged and the detection sensitivity in proximity is increased.

  FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram showing the structure of the proximity / contact sensor according to the present embodiment. The proximity / contact sensor 1 according to this embodiment includes a flat plate-like upper electrode 101 that a measurement object approaches, contacts, and presses, a flat plate-like lower electrode 102 that is disposed to face the upper electrode 101, and an upper portion. An elastic body 103 disposed between the electrode 101 and the lower electrode 102 and having elasticity; a shield electrode 104 disposed around the lower electrode 102; a ground electrode 105 disposed around the shield electrode 104; A switch S1 that switches the connection of the upper electrode 101, a switch S2 that switches the connection of the lower electrode 102, and a detection circuit 106 that detects the capacitance of the upper electrode 101 and the lower electrode 102 are provided. As the elastic body 103, for example, urethane gel (hardness 0) having a thickness of about several millimeters is used. Further, in order to insulate the measurement object from the upper electrode 101, a silicone sheet is installed on the surface of the upper electrode 101 on the side where the measurement object is close to and in contact. Note that the shield electrode 104 and the ground electrode 105 are not necessarily provided.

The operation of the proximity / contact sensor will be described. In FIG. 11, the upper electrode 101 and the lower electrode 102 are switched by the switches S1 and S2, and the capacitance of the upper electrode 101 or the lower electrode 102 is measured. FIG. 12 is an image diagram of the measurement of the proximity / contact sensor according to the present embodiment. FIG. 12 (A) shows a case where the switches S1 and S2 is set to A (connection A), the capacitance was measured _{C 2} of the lower electrode 102. As shown in FIG. 12A, since the upper electrode 101 is connected to the ground, the electrical influence from the upper part of the upper electrode 101 can be removed, and the measurement object comes into contact with the upper electrode 101. up (while proximity) is C ₂ does not change. If the measurement object is brought into contact with the surface of the upper electrode 101, and the distance change between the upper electrode 101 and lower electrode 102 connected to ground, C ₂ is changed with changes in the distance. Thereby, pressing force (push-in amount) can be detected.

In contrast, FIG. 12 (B) shows a case where setting the switches S1 and S2 to B (connection B), was measured capacitances _{C 1} of the upper electrode 101. At this time, the lower electrode 102 is shielded by applying a voltage having the same phase as that of the upper electrode 101. In this state, as shown in FIG. 12 (B), the capacitance C ₁ of the upper electrode 101 is changed when the measurement object approaches. If the type is particular approach and advance measurement object of the measurement object by a change in the C ₁ can detect the distance to the surface of the upper electrode 101.

The switches S1 and S2 are intermittently switched and measured, and proximity, contact, and push-in can be continuously measured. When the switches S1 and S2 are connected to the connection A, when the measurement object is determined to be not in contact with the upper electrode 101, detects the measurement object in proximity by a change in C ₁ as described above it is possible to, when the measurement object is determined to have contact with the upper electrode 101 may determine a degree of the measuring object by a change in C _1. That is, it is possible to advance stores a dielectric constant in the memory for each type of measured object, it identifies the appropriate type from the change in capacitance C _1. Note that this process can be lightened by omitting the measurement object when it is not in contact with the upper electrode 101 or during pressing.

  In the case where the shield electrode 104 and the ground electrode 105 are not provided, the electric lines of force from the lower electrode 102 come out of the upper electrode 101 and the lower electrode 102 as shown in FIG. Influence from the direction will come out. On the other hand, when the shield electrode 104 (a voltage having the same phase as the upper electrode 101 is applied) and the ground electrode 105 are provided, the electric lines of force protrude outside the electrode as shown in FIG. Is mainly from the shield electrode 104, and further, by arranging the ground electrode 105, the potential becomes constant. As a result, the value of the lower electrode 102 can be measured without being influenced by the outside. Further, a ground layer or a shield layer for reducing noise or the like from below may be provided in the lowermost layer.

  Next, another structure of the upper electrode 101 and the lower electrode 102 will be described. FIG. 14 is a diagram illustrating an example of the structure of the upper electrode and the lower electrode. In order to increase the detection sensitivity in the capacitance measurement of the present embodiment, it is necessary to enlarge the electrode. On the other hand, in order to increase the coordinate resolution for specifying the position of the measurement object, the electrode width is reduced. It is necessary to arrange the electrodes finely. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 14, the upper electrode 101 is made larger and the lower electrode 102 is made smaller, so that the coordinate resolution in contact is enhanced while increasing the detection sensitivity in proximity.

  In the case of FIG. 14A, six small lower electrodes 102 are arranged in a lattice pattern with respect to one large upper electrode 101, thereby improving the coordinate resolution in contact while increasing the sensitivity in proximity. ing. In the case of FIG. 14B, the eight lower electrodes 102 are arranged opposite to the four upper electrodes 101 in a lattice shape, thereby increasing the sensitivity in proximity and providing an approximate proximity position. While specifying, the position in contact can be specified to some extent. As described above, the electrodes may be arranged in a lattice shape having a plurality of vertical and horizontal directions. However, the electrodes are arranged in parallel in one vertical column × multiple horizontal rows, or multiple vertical columns × horizontal row. Also good.

(Sixth embodiment of the present invention)
The proximity / contact sensor according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. The proximity / contact sensor according to the present embodiment detects, for example, the proximity or contact of a finger or a touch pen on a touch panel by a self-capacitance measurement method. A technique for detecting the position of a finger on a touch panel is disclosed (Reference 2: Susan Pratt, AD7147 CapTouch controller sensor, application note AN-925, [online], [searched November 1, 2015], Internet <URL: http://www.analog.com/media/jp/technical-documentation/application-notes/AN-925_en.pdf>). In the ratiometric slider technique described in FIG. 6, the finger touches the touch panel to respond to the ratio between the capacitance of the right electrode and the capacitance of the left electrode of the insulating region. The position is specified. FIG. 8.1 also shows a touch screen that can detect simultaneous touches on the y-axis by arranging a plurality of ratiometric sliders.

  However, the technique shown in Reference Document 2 has a problem that it cannot detect multi-touch in the x-axis direction and is not easy to use. Also, it does not support proximity measurement. Therefore, in the present embodiment, a proximity / contact sensor corresponding to multi-touch and proximity measurement is provided by applying the ratiometric slider technology.

  FIG. 15 is a diagram showing the structure of the proximity / contact sensor according to the present embodiment. The proximity / contact sensor according to the present embodiment is configured by arranging a plurality of transparent electrodes (for example, ITO films). In the transparent electrode 151, a linear insulating region 152 is formed in a V shape, and the insulating region 152 is roughly divided into two energized regions 153 and 154. The energized region 153 and the energized region 154 are mostly insulated by the insulating region 152, but are electrically connected only in a part of the connection regions 155. Each energized region 153, 154 is connected to a detection circuit 156 for detecting capacitance.

  As shown in FIG. 15, when considering reduction in size and thickness of the proximity / contact sensor 1, the connection between the energized regions 153 and 154 and the detection circuit 156 is performed on the outer peripheral portion of each arranged transparent electrode 151. It is desirable to be wired with. That is, in order to connect the energization region (in the case of FIG. 15, corresponding to the energization region 153) arranged inside each of the arranged transparent electrodes 151 and the detection circuit 156, as shown in FIG. A narrow wiring region 157 is formed. The wiring region 157 communicates directly with the energization region 153 arranged on the inner side, and can be wired to the detection circuit 156 at the outer peripheral portion of the arranged transparent electrodes 151. In other words, the wiring region 157 plays a role corresponding to wiring routing.

  When a measurement object such as a finger comes into contact with the transparent electrode 151, the position of the measurement object can be accurately measured based on the ratio of the contact area between the current-carrying region 153 and the current-carrying region 154. . That is, by using the fact that the areas of the energized region 153 and the energized region 154 are equal in the center portion of the transparent electrode and the areas of the energized region 153 and the energized region 154 are imbalanced toward the end, Is identified.

  Further, in the proximity / contact sensor 1 according to the present embodiment, it is possible to increase detection sensitivity in proximity by combining electrodes. FIG. 16 is a diagram illustrating a measuring method of the proximity / contact device according to the present embodiment. 16A to 16D are enlarged views of one transparent electrode 151 in FIG. FIGS. 16A and 16B are image views of the transparent electrode viewed from the top, and FIGS. 16C and 16D are image views of the transparent electrode viewed from the side. When the measurement object is close, as shown in FIGS. 16A and 16C, either the energized region 153 or 154 (in the energized region 153 in FIG. 16A) side. An AC voltage is applied only to the region, and a change in the capacitance of the entire transparent electrode 151 is detected. In this way, the electrode becomes larger and the detection sensitivity in the Z-axis direction can be increased, and the position of the measurement object on the XY plane can also be determined from the change in the capacitance of each of the transparent electrodes 151 provided. It is possible to detect (in the example of FIG. 15, the position of the measurement object on the XY plane can be detected from the positional relationship of 2 × 8 transparent electrodes 151).

  Furthermore, it is also possible to increase the detection sensitivity in the Z-axis direction by combining the individual transparent electrodes 151 according to the proximity distance of the measurement object. That is, with the transparent electrode 151 as one electrode as shown in FIGS. 16A and 16C, the wiring of the adjacent transparent electrode 151 is further combined to further increase the size of the electrode and detect the sensitivity. Can be increased. The number of transparent electrodes 151 to be combined may be arbitrarily changed according to the distance of the measurement object.

  When the measurement object comes into contact with the transparent electrode 151, as shown in FIGS. 16B and 16D, an AC voltage is applied to both the energized regions 153 and 154, and the extending direction of the insulating region 152 ( In the case of FIG. 15, the position in the vertical (Y-axis) direction is specified, and a plurality of positions arranged in the direction perpendicular to the extending direction of the insulating region 152 (in the case of FIG. 15 in the horizontal (X-axis) direction) are arranged. The measurement results for each transparent electrode 151 are specified. Then, by performing such detection, in the case of multi-touch contact, the detection result for each transparent electrode 151 (in the example of FIG. 15, the X-axis direction is four transparent electrodes 151, and the Y-axis direction is 2). A plurality of touch positions can be specified by using one transparent electrode 151). The number of transparent electrodes 151 arranged in parallel is not limited to the example in FIG. 15 and can be arbitrarily changed.

  The following experiment was conducted on the present invention. FIG. 17 is a diagram illustrating the structure of a sensor prototyped for an experiment. FIG. 17A shows a sensor structure equivalent to the sensor structure in the prior art shown in Patent Document 2, and FIG. 17B shows the sensor structure according to the present invention. The electrode width of the sensor shown in FIG. 17A is 10 mm, whereas the width of the sensor shown in FIG. 17B is 20 mm when combined and 10 mm when divided. The object to be measured was grounded aluminum (GND) as a finger model (see FIG. 17C).

  FIG. 18 is a graph showing the measurement results. FIG. 18A shows the measurement result in FIG. 17A and the measurement result when the electrode in FIG. 17B is divided. FIG. 18B shows the measurement result in FIG. FIG. 18 shows the measurement results when the two electrodes of FIG. 17B and the electrode of FIG. 17B are combined.

  As shown in FIG. 18A, there is almost no difference between the measurement results. This indicates that when the electrode is divided in the present application, the measurement object can be detected with the same accuracy as the conventional fine (thin) electrode structure. On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 18 (B), when the electrode of FIG. 17 (B) is coupled, it can be seen that the change in the value is large when the distance d to the sensor is 30 mm-1 mm. That is, it is apparent that the sensitivity of the Z-axis direction in the proximity is improved in the structure of the present application as compared with the case where the electrodes are simply combined in the structure of FIG.

  From the above experimental results, in the proximity / contact sensor according to the present invention, the sensitivity in the Z-axis direction in the vicinity of the measurement object can be increased, and the measured value in the state where the electrodes are coupled has changed by a predetermined value or more. In some cases (for example, when the measurement object is close to within 3 mm), it has become clear that the accuracy of the position detection of the measurement object can be improved by dividing the electrode. Further, by using the pressure sensor as described above, the center position and the pressing force at the time of contact can be detected, and the measurement object can be measured in a three-dimensional space from proximity to contact.

  Next, the following experiment was conducted on the proximity / contact sensor according to the fifth embodiment. The measurement object was brought close to, brought into contact with, and pressed against the prototype proximity / contact sensor, and the change in capacitance at that time was measured. The prototype proximity / contact sensor 1 is made of urethane gel (hardness 0) having an upper electrode 101 of 70 × 100 mm, a lower electrode 102 of 33 × 32 mm, and an elastic body 103 of 2 mm in thickness to insulate the surface of the upper electrode 101. In order to achieve this, a silicone sheet having a thickness of 0.1 mm was disposed on the sensor surface. The capacitances of the upper electrode 101 and the lower electrode 102 were measured by a capacitance measurement IC (Analog Devices, AD7148), and the data was taken into a personal computer. The measured value is shown as a digital value after A / D conversion. An analog switch was used to connect the upper electrode 101 to the ground. As the measurement object, 30 × 30 mm acrylic and grounded aluminum (GND) were used. The measurement object was attached to the robot arm, and the distance was adjusted by placing the measurement object on the upper electrode 101 (the contact point between the measurement object and the upper electrode 101 was set to 0 mm).

FIG. 19 is a diagram illustrating a measurement result in the proximity of the proximity / contact sensor according to the fifth embodiment. The horizontal axis is the distance to the measurement object, and the vertical axis is the measurement result (capacitance change). 19A shows a change in the capacitance C ₂ in the lower electrode 102, and FIG. 19B shows a change in the capacitance C _{1 in} the upper electrode 101. 19 from (A), in the case where the measurement object is not in contact with the upper electrode 101, [Delta] C ₂ is not changed. In addition, when the measurement object contacts and presses the upper electrode 101 (that is, when the pressure is greater than 0N), ΔC ₂ changes, so that it is detected that the measurement object has contacted the upper electrode 101. can do.

From FIG. 19B, ΔC ₁ changes with respect to the distance between the upper electrode 101 and the measurement object. When it is determined that ΔC ₂ is not in contact with the upper electrode 101 and the measurement object, the approach of the measurement object can be detected by ΔC ₁ . In FIG. 19, when the measurement object is GND, proximity measurement can be performed from about 100 mm, and when acrylic is used, proximity measurement can be performed from about 50 mm.

FIG. 20 is a diagram illustrating a measurement result of pressing by the proximity / contact sensor according to the fifth embodiment. The horizontal axis represents the pressing force from the measurement object to the upper electrode 101, and the vertical axis represents the measurement result (capacitance change). FIG. 20 (A) change in the capacitance _{C 2} against the pressing force, FIG. 20 (B) is the change in the electrostatic capacitance _{C 1} against the pressing force. From FIG. 20A, ΔC ₂ changes with respect to the change of the pressing force. If upper electrode 101 is connected to the ground, because there is no possibility that a change in the [Delta] C ₂ is changed by an electric characteristic of the measurement object, it is possible to detect the press force accurately. As shown in FIG. 20B, ΔC ₁ differs depending on the difference in electrical characteristics (dielectric constant) of the measurement object. Thereby, material identification by the difference in the electrical property of a measurement object is attained.

  As described above, it has been clarified that the proximity, contact, and push-in amount of the measurement object can be accurately detected with a simplified structure such as the proximity / contact sensor according to the fifth embodiment. Moreover, it became clear that the electrical characteristics of the measurement object do not affect the measurement of the pressing force during pressing. In addition, it became clear that the material can be identified from the electrical characteristics of the measurement object during pressing.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Proximity / contact sensor 10 1st detection part 11 X electrode layer 12 Y electrode layer 13 Outer layer 20 Pressure sensor 21 1st conductor 21a One diagonal line 21b Other diagonal line 21c, 21d Vertex 22,22a, 22b 1st electrode 23 1st Two conductors 23a One diagonal line 23b Other diagonal lines 23c, 23d Vertex 24, 24a, 24b First electrode 50 Information terminal 51 Internal component 52 Pressure sensor 53 Housing 54 Bottom face part 55 Side face part 60 Display control part 61 Measurement result information 62 Position / distance calculation unit 63 Display mode specifying unit 64 Display processing unit 101 Upper electrode 102 Lower electrode 103 Elastic body 104 Shield electrode 105 Ground electrode 106 Detection circuit 151 Transparent electrode 152 Insulation region 153, 154 Current conduction region 155 Connection region 156 Detection circuit 157 Wiring area

Claims (13)

A first electrode in which a plurality of rectangular first conductors having substantially the same size and the same shape are connected in parallel along one diagonal line, and the other diagonal line is aligned with the vertex connecting the other diagonal lines of the first electrode. A plurality of X electrode layers formed in a checkered pattern,
Y formed by arranging a plurality of second electrodes made of a second conductor having substantially the same size and the same shape as the first electrode so as to match a region where the X electrodes of the checkered pattern are not arranged. An electrode layer;
Detecting means for detecting capacitance by a mutual capacitance measurement method between the first conductor in the X electrode layer and the second conductor in the Y electrode layer;
The first electrode and the second electrode are physically divided into two parts around the one diagonal line and insulated;
The detection means electrically connects the two divided electrodes when the proximity distance of the measurement object is long, and the two electrodes divided when the proximity distance of the measurement object is short Proximity / contact sensor characterized in that each is in a disconnected state. The proximity / contact sensor according to claim 1,
The first electrode layer and the second electrode layer overlap with each other in substantially the same polygonal shape,
A proximity / contact sensor comprising a pressure sensor for detecting a pressing force from the measurement object at a part of or a plurality of apexes of the apex of the polygonal shape. An information terminal using the proximity / contact sensor according to claim 1 or 2,
A housing for housing internal components including the X electrode layer, the Y electrode layer, and the detection means;
A flat plate disposed on the back surface side and / or the side surface side of the information terminal integrally or separately from the housing;
An information terminal comprising: a pressure sensor for detecting distortion of the flat plate at some or all of a plurality of apexes of the respective apexes inside the casing of the flat plate. An information terminal using the proximity / contact sensor according to claim 1 or 2, or an information terminal according to claim 3,
A display screen for displaying information on a lower layer side of the X electrode layer and the Y electrode layer;
The content displayed on the display screen is enlarged or reduced sequentially as the position of the measurement object is at the center and away from the center, and all the content is maintained in a displayed state. An information terminal comprising display control means for controlling display of the content. In the information terminal according to claim 4,
The display control means is
As the measurement object approaches the display screen, the proximity position of the measurement object is enlarged according to the distance between the measurement object and the display screen, and as the measurement object moves away from the center, The information is sequentially reduced according to the distance between the measurement object and the display screen,
As the measurement object moves away from the display screen, the proximity position of the measurement object is reduced according to the distance between the measurement object and the display screen, and as the measurement object moves away from the center, An information terminal that sequentially enlarges and displays information according to the distance between the measurement object and the display screen. An X electrode layer formed by paralleling a plurality of first electrodes having a plurality of first conductors having substantially the same size and the same shape connected in parallel in one direction, in another direction perpendicular to the one direction;
A Y electrode layer formed by arranging a plurality of second electrodes made of a second conductor having substantially the same size and shape as the first electrode in the one direction so as not to overlap the first electrode;
Capacitance is detected by a self-capacitance measurement method between the first conductor and the measurement object in the X electrode layer and between the second conductor and the measurement object in the Y electrode layer. Detecting means,
According to the proximity distance of the measurement object, the detection means electrically connects one or more first conductors in the X electrode layer and one or more second conductors in the Y electrode layer. Proximity / contact sensor characterized in that it is in a connected or disconnected state. In proximity / contact sensors that measure the proximity and contact of measurement objects by detecting capacitance using a self-capacitance measurement method,
An upper electrode disposed on the upper surface side of the proximity / contact sensor and connected to either the ground or the capacitance detection circuit by switching;
It is arranged on the lower surface side of the proximity / contact sensor so as to face the upper electrode, and switches to either a capacitance detection circuit or a voltage having the same phase as the measurement voltage in response to the switching of the upper electrode. A lower electrode,
An elastic body disposed between the upper electrode and the lower electrode;
When the upper electrode is connected to the ground, the lower electrode measures the capacitance according to the distance between the lower electrode and the upper electrode, and the upper electrode is connected to the capacitance detection circuit. A voltage having the same phase as the measurement voltage applied to the upper electrode is applied to the lower electrode, and a change in the capacitance of the upper electrode due to the proximity of the measurement object is measured. Proximity / contact sensor. The proximity / contact sensor according to claim 7,
The proximity / contact sensor, wherein the upper electrode and / or the lower electrode comprises a plurality of electrodes divided in a grid or in parallel. The proximity / contact sensor according to claim 8,
The proximity / contact sensor, wherein the lower electrode is divided in a finer grid pattern or in parallel than the upper electrode. The proximity / contact sensor according to any one of claims 7 to 9,
A shield electrode disposed around the lower electrode;
A proximity / contact sensor comprising a ground electrode disposed around the shield electrode. In proximity / contact sensors that measure the proximity and contact of measurement objects by detecting capacitance using a self-capacitance measurement method,
At least one insulating portion in which a linear insulating region is formed in a V shape from one end portion to the other end portion, and only a part of the region is electrically connected by the insulating portion. A transparent electrode having a current-carrying part divided into two regions;
A capacitance detection circuit connected to each region of the energization section divided into two regions,
A proximity / contact sensor, wherein a plurality of the transparent electrodes are arranged in a lattice pattern. The proximity / contact sensor according to claim 11,
The plurality of transparent electrodes are arranged in two rows in the vertical or horizontal direction so that the one end or the other end faces each other, and the wiring of the capacitance detection circuit is arranged in parallel A proximity / contact sensor characterized in that it is connected to each region of the energization portion at the outer peripheral portion of a plurality of transparent electrodes. The proximity / contact sensor according to claim 11 or 12,
A switch for turning on / off the connection between each of the divided areas of the energization unit and the capacitance detection circuit;
When measuring the proximity of a measurement object, one of the switches connected to each region of the current-carrying part is turned off so that the current-carrying part is one current-carrying area, and the measurement object is contacted and pressed. The proximity / contact sensor is characterized in that both of the switches connected to each region of the energization unit are turned on to make the energization unit two energization regions.