JP7197216B2 - input device - Google Patents

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD The present invention relates to an input device, and more particularly to an input device that performs non-contact input operations.

2. Description of the Related Art There is known an input device capable of recognizing the content of an operator's input operation in a non-contact manner. Such an input device, for example, when an unspecified number of people (operators) use the input device, can perform non-contact input operations without physical contact with the display. Therefore, it is hygienic and effective from the viewpoint of infectious disease prevention. Patent document 1 is given as an example of an input device that enables non-contact input operations in this manner.

Patent Document 1 discloses an operation panel having both a display function and an input function. is obtained in a non-contact state, and an input operation content by the object is recognized based on the obtained three-dimensional position information of the object. ing.

Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2010-12158

The technology described in Patent Literature 1 enables non-contact input operations by acquiring three-dimensional information of an operator's finger or the like using, for example, a non-contact sensor. However, in the technique of performing such a non-contact input operation, the operator cannot visually recognize the detection area of the non-contact sensor, and cannot obtain an operational feeling that accompanies physical contact. Therefore, when performing an input operation, the operator may put his/her finger too close to the display surface (operation panel) of the display beyond the detection area. As a result, there is a possibility that the operator's finger may come into contact with the display surface and the display surface may be soiled.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is an object of the present invention to provide an input device that provides an operational feeling when a non-contact input operation is performed and that can avoid contamination due to contact with a pointing object.

An input device according to one embodiment includes a display unit that displays a user interface on a display surface, and a detection area for performing an input operation in the air separated from the display surface. and outputting a detection signal, an airflow layer generation unit generating an airflow layer by causing gas to flow between the detection area and the display surface, and the content of the input operation by the pointing object based on the detection signal. and a control unit that determines

Advantageous Effects of Invention According to the present invention, it is possible to provide an input device that provides an operational feeling when a non-contact input operation is performed and that can avoid contamination due to contact with a pointing object.

1 is a perspective view showing a state in which the input device according to Embodiment 1 is mounted on a cabinet; FIG. Fig. 2 is a side view showing a state in which the input device according to the first embodiment is mounted on a cabinet; 1 is a side view for explaining an input device according to a first embodiment; FIG. 2A and 2B are a plan view and a side view of a sensor unit included in the input device according to the first embodiment; FIG. FIG. 5 is a bottom view of the sensor unit shown in FIG. 4; It is a side view explaining the input device of a comparative example. It is a bottom view of the sensor unit with which the input device of a comparative example is provided.

Embodiment 1
BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. However, the present invention is not limited to the following embodiments. Also, for clarity of explanation, the following description and drawings are simplified as appropriate. Furthermore, in the following description, the same or equivalent elements are denoted by the same reference numerals, and overlapping descriptions are omitted.

First, an input device 1 according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2. FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a state in which an input device according to a first embodiment is mounted on a cabinet; FIG. FIG. 2 is a side view of the input device mounted on the cabinet according to the first embodiment;

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the input device 1 is mounted on a cabinet 40 formed in a box shape for independent installation. The input device 1 is a device that receives various input operations from an operator. The input device 1 is, for example, a computer integrated with a POS (Point Of Sales) terminal for product registration and product settlement, or a computer connected to the POS terminal. The input device 1 has a body portion 10, a display portion 20, and a sensor unit 30a.

The main unit 10 includes a control unit configured by a processor such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a memory, a communication unit, and the like. The control unit can realize the function of each unit of the input device 1 by reading and executing the program stored in the memory. The control unit comprehensively controls the operation of the input device 1 . For example, the control unit determines the content of the input operation from the operator according to the detection signal acquired from the detection unit, controls each unit of the input device 1, and changes the display content on the display surface 21 as necessary. Let

The memory includes, for example, ROM (Read Only Memory), RAM (Random Access Memory), non-volatile memory, and the like. The ROM stores various programs executed by the input device 1 and various data such as data indicating display positions of operation objects on the display surface 21 . The RAM is used as a temporary storage area when executing the program stored in the ROM, or as a temporary storage area for the position information of the pointing object detected by the detection unit. The communication unit communicates with other computers via a communication network or the like, and transmits and receives signals, data, and the like.

The display unit 20 is composed of a display device such as a liquid crystal display, a plasma display, an organic EL (Electro Luminescent) display, or the like, and has a substantially rectangular display surface 21 . The display unit 20 has a function of two-dimensionally displaying a user interface including characters, images, operation objects, etc. on the display surface 21 based on data input from the control unit. The display surface 21 is arranged parallel to the XY plane.

The display unit 20 can also be used as a touch panel that detects a contact operation on the display surface 21 by a pointing object and receives the contact operation as an input operation. Various systems such as a resistive film system, a capacitive system, an infrared system, and an ultrasonic system can be adopted for the touch panel.

In this embodiment, the XY plane faces obliquely forward and upward. An operator normally performs an input operation while standing on the front side of the input device 1 . Hereinafter, the direction perpendicular to the XY plane will be defined as the Z direction.

The sensor unit 30a has a detection section and an airflow layer generation section in an elongated polygonal columnar casing extending in the X direction. The sensor unit 30 a is attached to the frame 22 of the display section 20 surrounding the display surface 21 on all four sides. The position where the sensor unit 30a is attached is, for example, the upper end portion of the front side (front side in the Z direction) of the display section 20, which is directly above the upper edge of the display surface 21 extending in the X direction (upper side in the Y direction). ), but the mounting position is not limited to this.

The sensor unit 30 a may be configured integrally with the display section 20 or may be detachable from the display section 20 . If the sensor unit 30a is detachable, the sensor unit 30a is attached to an existing input device using a fixing member or the like, and electrically connected to each other. It is also possible to configure the input device 1 by installing a program for functioning as the input device 1 in the storage section of the existing input device via the communication section. In this case, a detection signal or the like detected by the detection unit is transmitted to the communication unit via a wireless or wired communication medium. In this way, an existing input device can be made touchless and used.

Next, the details of the input device 1 will be described with reference to FIGS. 3 to 5. FIG. 3 is a side view for explaining the input device according to the first embodiment; FIG. 4A and 4B are a plan view and a side view of a sensor unit included in the input device according to the first embodiment; FIG. 5 is a bottom view of the sensor unit shown in FIG. 4. FIG.

As shown in FIGS. 3 to 5, the detection section of the sensor unit 30a is a non-contact sensor that detects the two-dimensional position of a pointing object that performs an input operation. The detection unit generates a detection area D in which the position of the pointing object can be detected.

For example, an infrared sensor having a light-emitting element and a light-receiving element can be used as the detection unit. A light emitting element is a light source that emits infrared light. The light receiving element detects reflected light of the infrared light reflected by the pointing object. A plurality of light-emitting elements and light-receiving elements are alternately arranged along the X direction. The light-emitting element emits infrared light so that each optical axis extends along the Y direction. The light receiving element is arranged so as to be able to receive the reflected light.

Infrared light emitted from the light emitting element through the light emitting surface 31 forms a sheet-like detection area D parallel to the XY plane. The light-emitting surface 31 is a lens capable of transmitting infrared light, and is provided on the bottom surface of the housing, which is the front side of the light-emitting element. The light emitting surface 31 is formed extending in the X direction so as to cover the upper edge of the display surface 21 . Also, the detection area D is formed in the air spaced apart from the display surface 21 in the Z direction. That is, the detection area D is formed closer to the operator than the display surface 21 is. Since the detection area D is formed by invisible infrared light, the operator cannot see the detection area D visually.

The detection unit acquires the XY coordinates of the position physically acted upon by the pointing object within the detection area D, and outputs a detection signal including corresponding position information to the control unit. The detection unit can detect the pointing position of the pointing object without physically contacting the pointing object. Then, the control unit can identify the two-dimensional position of the pointing object based on the acquired detection signal, and determine the details of the input operation performed by the pointing object.

The detection unit may be configured to detect the three-dimensional position (XYZ coordinates) of the pointing object. Also in this case, the three-dimensionally formed detection area D is formed in the air spaced apart from the display surface 21 in the Z direction. Also, the detection unit is not limited to an infrared sensor, and may be a camera, an ultrasonic sensor, or the like. In any case, the operator can perform an input operation within the detection area D while viewing the display on the display surface 21 .

Here, the pointing object is an operator's finger or the like. In this embodiment, the pointing object is the finger 50, and the XY coordinates of the fingertip are acquired by the detection unit. The operator can make an input corresponding to the position of the finger 50 by entering the detection area D with the finger 50 .

The airflow layer generation unit has a function of generating an airflow layer F by causing gas to flow between the display surface 21 and the detection area D. FIG. In this embodiment, the gas forming the airflow layer F is air blown by a fan. For example, a fan is provided inside the housing of the sensor unit 30a.

The airflow layer generator can blow out gas to the outside of the housing of the sensor unit 30a through the plurality of blowout ports 32 . The plurality of outlets 32 are formed on the bottom surface of the housing of the sensor unit 30a, and are arranged so as to face the light emitting surface 31 in the Z direction and extend in the X direction with the same length as the light emitting surface 31. . Also, the plurality of outlets 32 are arranged between the display unit 20 and the light emitting surface 31 in the Z direction.

The airflow layer generation unit receives an instruction from the control unit and blows the gas downward in the Y direction from the blowout port 32 . The gas blown out from the blowout port 32 flows along the display surface 21 (XY plane). The gas flows into the space between the display surface 21 and the detection area D, thereby forming an airflow layer F covering the display surface 21 in the air above the display surface 21 .

Therefore, the detection area D, the airflow layer F, and the display surface 21 overlap in this order when viewed from the direction in which the operator looks directly at the display surface 21 (the front side in the Z direction). Moreover, the detection area D and the airflow layer F are arranged in at least the same area as the area forming the display surface 21 . Therefore, the entire display surface 21 can be used as the detection area D, and the entire display surface 21 is covered with the airflow layer F. Thereby, the possibility that the finger 50 contacts the display surface 21 can be further reduced. Furthermore, when viewed from the X direction, the detection area D, the airflow layer F, and the display surface 21 are arranged substantially parallel, so bringing them closer together can make the operation space compact.

Next, an input device 100 of a comparative example will be described with reference to FIGS. 6 and 7. FIG. FIG. 6 is a side view explaining an input device of a comparative example. FIG. 7 is a bottom view of a sensor unit included in the input device of the comparative example. Since the input device 100 of the comparative example has the same configuration as the input device 1 except that it does not include an airflow layer generation unit, the differences from the input device 1 will be mainly described.

As shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, the sensor unit 30b of the input device 100 has the same external appearance as the sensor unit 30a except that the outlet 32 is not formed. In the input device 100, the position where the sensor unit 30b is attached is also the same as in the case of the sensor unit 30a.

The sensor unit 30b has an infrared sensor similar to that of the input device 1 as a detection section. Infrared light emitted from the light emitting element of the infrared sensor through the light emitting surface 31 forms a sheet-like detection area D parallel to the XY plane. However, unlike the input device 1 , the input device 100 does not have an airflow layer F between the detection area D and the display surface 21 .

When the input device 100 is used, the operator cannot visually recognize the detection area D, and even if the finger 50 is moved into the detection area D, the user cannot feel an operational feeling accompanied by a physical contact until the finger 50 touches the display surface 21. No. If the feeling of operation cannot be obtained, it is difficult for the operator to grasp whether or not the input operation with the finger 50 has been detected by the detection unit.

Therefore, when performing an input operation using the input device 100, the operator does not notice that the input operation has already been detected by the detection unit, and advances the finger 50 toward the display surface 21 as it is to display the input operation. There is a risk that the finger 50 is too close to the surface 21 . Such a non-contact input operation has a problem that the finger 50 may come into contact with the display surface 21 and the display surface 21 may be soiled.

On the other hand, the input device 1 according to the present embodiment generates a display unit 20 that displays a user interface on the display surface 21 and a detection area D for performing an input operation in the air separated from the display surface 21, and detects a detection unit that detects the position of a pointing object that has entered the area D and outputs a detection signal; an airflow layer generation unit that generates an airflow layer F by causing gas to flow between the detection area D and the display surface 21; and a control unit that determines the content of the input operation by the pointing object based on the detection signal.

According to the input device 1 according to the present embodiment, the operator can recognize the airflow layer F with a fingertip before touching the display surface 21 during an input operation. As a result, the operator can obtain a tactile sense of operation. The operator who has the feeling of operation appropriately grasps that the input operation has already been detected by the detection unit, and realizes that there is no need to bring the finger 50 closer to the display surface 21 than that.

Therefore, it is possible to prevent contact between the finger 50 and the display surface 21 that may occur when the operator brings the finger 50 too close to the display surface 21 . As a result, it is possible to prevent the display surface 21 from being soiled by the contact of the finger 50 . Further, by obtaining a sense of operation, it is possible to suppress input errors such as double-pressing or forgetting to press an operation object, for example.

Further, the input device 1 according to this embodiment has a detection unit that detects the two-dimensional position of the pointing object. With such a configuration, the operation space can be made compact. Further, if an infrared sensor is used as the detection unit, the visibility of the display surface 21 is not impaired by the infrared light or the airflow layer F, and non-contact input operation can be performed with a simple structure.

Further, in the input device 1 according to this embodiment, the detection section and the airflow layer generation section are provided in the same housing. With such a configuration, the apparatus can be made more compact than, for example, the case where the light emitting element and the light receiving element of the detection section are arranged separately, or the detection section and the airflow layer generation section are arranged separately. can be done.

Further, in the input device 1 according to this embodiment, the detection area D, the airflow layer F, and the display surface 21 are arranged in the same area in the direction in which the display surface 21 is viewed directly. As a result, it is possible to effectively prevent contact between the finger 50 and the display surface 21 , thereby avoiding contamination of the display surface 21 due to the contact of the finger 50 .

It should be noted that the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments, and can be modified as appropriate without departing from the scope of the invention. For example, even when the pointing object is a pen or the like, the operator can indirectly obtain a feeling of operation through the pen by adjusting the conditions such as the flow velocity of the gas by the airflow generating section.

Also, the airflow layer generating unit may be an air conditioner that blows out a temperature-controlled gas. According to such a configuration, for example, by blowing heated hot air or cooled cold air to the finger, which is the pointing object, it is possible to give the operator a warm or cold stimulus. is easier to get a sense of operation.

Also, the input device 1 described in the above embodiment can be applied to, for example, automatic teller machines (ATMs), automatic teller machines, vending machines, reception machines, medical equipment, home appliances, and the like. If the input device 1 is applied to equipment that is in contact with an unspecified number of people, the equipment can be operated without contact, which is effective in preventing infectious diseases. In addition, since the display surface 21 is prevented from being soiled, it is possible to reduce the time and effort required for maintenance, cleaning work, and the like by the administrator.

1, 100 Input device 10 Main unit 20 Display unit 21 Display surface 22 Frames 30a, 30b Sensor unit 31 Light-emitting surface 32 Air outlet 40 Cabinet 50 Finger D Detection area F Airflow layer

Claims (4)

a display unit that displays a user interface on the display surface;
a detection unit that generates a detection area for performing an input operation in the air separated from the display surface, detects the position of a pointing object that has entered the detection area, and outputs a detection signal;
an airflow layer generation unit that generates an airflow layer by causing gas to flow between the detection area and the display surface;
a control unit that determines the content of the input operation by the pointing object based on the detection signal;
has
The detection unit and the airflow layer generation unit are provided in one housing arranged outside one side of the edge of the display surface,
The airflow layer generation unit is an input device that blows off the gas in one direction along the display surface through a plurality of blowout ports formed in the housing . The input device according to claim 1, wherein the detection unit detects a two-dimensional position of the pointing object. The input device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the detection unit is an infrared sensor. The input device according to any one of claims 1 to 3 , wherein the detection area, the airflow layer, and the display surface are arranged in the same area in a direction in which the display surface is viewed directly.

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