WO2014156399A1

WO2014156399A1 - Display device

Info

Publication number: WO2014156399A1
Application number: PCT/JP2014/054134
Authority: WO
Inventors: 慎也森野
Original assignee: シャープ株式会社
Priority date: 2013-03-26
Filing date: 2014-02-21
Publication date: 2014-10-02

Abstract

A liquid-crystal display device (10) comprises: a liquid-crystal panel (11) which is capable of displaying an image; a power button (18) which is capable of activating the liquid-crystal panel (11) by an operation by a user of the liquid-crystal display device (10); a plurality of proximity sensors (19) which are positioned upon at least one outer face in the liquid-crystal device (10), and which are capable of sensing that an object to be sensed is either in proximity thereto or has made contact therewith; a memory (38) which stores a plurality of programs (39) and program binding information (40) which binds one program (39) among the plurality of programs (39) to at least one of the proximity sensors (19) among the plurality of proximity sensors (19); and a primary control unit (33) which, when one of the plurality of proximity sensors (19) senses the object to be sensed, executes the program (39) which is bound to the proximity sensor (19) which senses the object to be sensed by querying the program binding information (40) which is stored in the memory (38).

Description

Display device

The present invention relates to a display device.

In recent years, display devices in electronic devices such as portable information terminals (cell phones, smartphones, tablet notebook computers, etc.) have used liquid crystal panels as display panels for displaying images and supplied illumination light to the liquid crystal panels. A liquid crystal display device using a backlight device is employed. In such a liquid crystal display device, when a user starts an operation, a home screen (menu screen) in which a plurality of icons associated with various applications are arranged on the liquid crystal panel is displayed. When the user selects an icon associated with the application to be used from the home screen, the application corresponding to the icon is executed. In addition, during periods when the user is not using the liquid crystal display device, the liquid crystal display device is put into a sleep mode and the liquid crystal panel screen is not displayed, thereby realizing low power consumption. When returning from the sleep mode, an unlock screen is displayed on the LCD panel to prevent erroneous operation. When the user performs an unlock operation, the home screen is displayed on the LCD panel. It is like that. As an example of this type of liquid crystal display device, one described in Patent Document 1 below is known.

JP 2010-102474 A

(Problems to be solved by the invention)
However, in order for the user to use a desired application in the liquid crystal display device in the sleep mode, it is necessary to perform a predetermined operation on the unlock screen and the home screen, so the desired application can be used immediately. There was a problem that it was not possible and the feeling of use was not good. Moreover, in the portable information terminal equipped with the liquid crystal display device as described above, in recent years, multi-functionalization has been promoted in order to improve the convenience for the user. The number of people is also increasing. For this reason, there are cases where it takes time for the user to search for a target icon from among a large number of icons arranged on the home screen, and there is a problem that the operability is not good.

The present invention has been completed based on the above circumstances, and aims to improve the feeling of use and operability.

(Means for solving the problem)
The display device of the present invention includes a display panel capable of displaying an image, a panel activation operation unit capable of activating the display panel by a user of the display device, and at least one of the display devices. The proximity detection of at least one of a plurality of proximity detection units, a plurality of programs, and a plurality of proximity detection units arranged in a form facing the outer surface and capable of detecting that a detection target is approaching or touching A storage unit that stores program association information that associates one of the plurality of programs with the unit, and when any of the plurality of proximity detection units detects the detection object, the storage A program that executes the program associated with the proximity detection unit that has detected the detection object by referring to the program association information stored in the unit It includes a Gyobu, the.

When the display panel is activated by the user of the display device operating the panel activation operation unit, if a detection target object approaches or contacts the display device, at least one of the display devices It is detected by one of a plurality of proximity detectors arranged so as to face the outer surface. At this time, the program execution unit refers to the program association information stored in the storage unit, so that the program associated with the proximity detection unit that has detected the detection object from among the plurality of programs stored in the storage unit Execute. Therefore, for example, when the user holds the display device in a specific way, the hand (finger) is detected as an object to be detected by the proximity detector, and a program associated with the way of holding is programmed. Since it is automatically executed by the execution unit, an operation performed by the user to execute the target program is omitted or simplified. Thereby, a user's usability and operativity become higher.

The following configuration is preferable as an embodiment of the present invention.
(1) The plurality of proximity detection units include a display surface side proximity detection unit arranged to face an outer surface on the display surface side on which an image of the display panel is displayed among the outer surfaces of the display device, and the display At least a plurality of opposite side proximity detectors arranged so as to face the outer surface opposite to the surface side are included. In this way, it is possible to more appropriately detect how the user has the display device by a plurality of display surface side proximity detection units and opposite side proximity detection units, It is difficult for the user's target program and the program executed by the program execution unit to be inconsistent.

(2) The display panel includes a display unit that displays an image on the display surface, and the display surface side proximity detection unit is arranged outside the display unit. Since no image is displayed outside the display unit on the display surface of the display panel, the user's hand (finger) having the display device is easily arranged. Therefore, by disposing the display surface side proximity detection unit outside the display unit, it is possible to more appropriately detect how the user is holding the display device.

(3) The proximity detector includes an infrared light receiving element that receives at least infrared light. Infrared rays have a higher transmittance in the air than visible rays, etc., so that the proximity detection unit can appropriately detect a detection target that exists at a position slightly away from the outer surface of the display device. The

(4) An infrared transmissive light shielding portion that is disposed so as to cover at least the proximity detector and at least transmits visible light but shields at least visible light is provided. In this way, since the proximity detector transmits at least the infrared rays but is covered by the infrared transmissive light-shielding portion that shields at least visible light, it is difficult for the user to visually recognize from the outside, and the appearance of the display device can be reduced. It can be good.

(5) The plurality of proximity detection units include at least a display surface side proximity detection unit arranged so as to face an outer surface on the display surface side on which an image of the display panel is displayed among the outer surfaces of the display device. On the other hand, a protective panel for protecting the display panel and the display surface side proximity detecting unit from the display surface side is provided by covering the display panel and the display surface side proximity detecting unit, and the infrared transmitting light shielding unit is provided. The protective panel is provided on the inner surface of the protective panel facing the display panel and the display surface side proximity detector. If it does in this way, a protection panel can cover a display panel and a display surface side proximity detection part from a display surface side, and these can be aimed at. Moreover, since the infrared transmissive light shielding portion is provided on the inner surface of the protective panel facing the display panel and the display surface side proximity detecting portion side, the infrared transmissive light shielding portion can be avoided from being exposed to the outside. The light-shielding part is unlikely to deteriorate.

(6) The display panel includes a display unit on which an image is displayed on the display surface, and the infrared transmitting light-shielding unit is provided in a region outside the display unit on the inner surface of the protective panel. Provided over the entire area and provided with a light-shielding part arranged to overlap the infrared-transmissive light-shielding part and shielding light including the infrared light and the visible light, and the light-shielding part includes the display surface An opening is formed at a position overlapping the side proximity detector. As described above, since the infrared transmissive light-shielding portion and the light-shielding portion overlap each other in the region outside the display portion of the inner surface of the protective panel, visible light is more effectively shielded, and thus the display is performed. The appearance of the device can be made better. In addition, since an opening is formed at a position overlapping with the display surface side proximity detection unit in the light shielding unit, it is possible to avoid obstructing irradiation of infrared rays to the display surface side proximity detection unit.

(7) The proximity detector includes an infrared light emitting element that emits the infrared light in addition to the infrared light receiving element. In this way, even if infrared rays are emitted from the infrared light emitting element, the infrared rays do not stimulate the user's vision, so that it is possible to avoid impairing the display quality of the image displayed on the display panel.

(8) A plurality of infrared communication units for performing infrared communication with an external device are provided, and the plurality of infrared communication units are arranged at positions adjacent to the plurality of proximity detection units, respectively. Yes. In this way, infrared communication can be performed with an external device by the infrared communication unit. Since the infrared communication unit is arranged at a position adjacent to the proximity detection unit, the arrangement space of the infrared communication unit and the proximity detection unit is small compared to the case where they are arranged in a form not adjacent to each other. can do. In addition, since a plurality of infrared communication units are arranged adjacent to the plurality of proximity detection units, the communicable range can be easily widened, thereby improving the communication performance.

(9) The plurality of proximity detection units include at least a display surface side proximity detection unit arranged to face an outer surface on the display surface side on which an image of the display panel is displayed among the outer surfaces of the display device. On the other hand, the display panel and the display surface side proximity detector are arranged in a form covering the display surface side to protect them, and the display panel and the display surface in the protection panel A panel support member arranged to face the inner surface facing the side proximity detection unit side and supporting the protection panel, and provided on a surface of the panel support member facing the inner surface of the protection panel. Is provided with a detector accommodating portion for accommodating the display surface side proximity detector. If it does in this way, while protecting a display panel and a display surface side proximity detection part from a display surface side with a protection panel, these can be protected, and the protection panel can be supported by a panel support member. Then, by providing the panel support member that supports the protective panel with a detection unit accommodating unit that accommodates the display surface side proximity detection unit, the arrangement of the display surface side proximity detection unit becomes stable, thereby achieving high detection accuracy. can get.

(10) A linking information update unit capable of updating the program linking information is provided. In this way, when the program association information is updated by the association information update unit, for example, the user holds a plurality of hands (fingers) that are detection objects while holding the display device in a predetermined manner. It is possible to change a program associated with the detected proximity detection unit by causing at least one of the proximity detection units to detect. Thereby, a user's usability and operativity become still higher.

(11) The display panel is a liquid crystal panel in which liquid crystal is sealed between a pair of substrates. Such a display device can be applied as a liquid crystal display device to various uses, for example, a display such as a portable information terminal.

(The invention's effect)
According to the present invention, the feeling of use and operability can be improved.

The perspective view which shows schematic structure which looked at the liquid crystal display device which concerns on Embodiment 1 of this invention from the front side. The perspective view which shows schematic structure which looked at the liquid crystal display device from the back side Sectional view taken along line iii-iii in FIGS. 1 and 2 Sectional view taken along line iv-iv in FIGS. 1 and 2 Block diagram showing electrical configuration of liquid crystal display device and portable information terminal A flowchart showing the main processing procedure for automatically selecting and executing a program using a proximity sensor Flow chart representing proximity sensor detection processing Flow chart showing program selection / execution processing Sectional drawing which cut | disconnected the liquid crystal display device which concerns on Embodiment 2 of this invention in the center position along the short side direction (X-axis direction). The perspective view which shows schematic structure which looked at the liquid crystal display device which concerns on Embodiment 3 of this invention from the front side. The perspective view which shows schematic structure which looked at the liquid crystal display device from the back side Xii-xii sectional view of FIG. The flowchart showing the main process sequence for updating program association information using the proximity sensor which concerns on Embodiment 4 of this invention. Flowchart showing program association information update processing Sectional drawing which cut | disconnected the liquid crystal display device which concerns on Embodiment 5 of this invention in the center position along the short side direction (X-axis direction). Sectional drawing which cut | disconnected the liquid crystal display device which concerns on Embodiment 6 of this invention in the center position along the short side direction (X-axis direction). The perspective view which shows schematic structure which looked at the liquid crystal display device which concerns on Embodiment 7 of this invention from the front side. The perspective view which shows schematic structure which looked at the liquid crystal display device which concerns on Embodiment 8 of this invention from the front side. The perspective view which shows schematic structure which looked at the liquid crystal display device which concerns on Embodiment 9 of this invention from the back side.

<Embodiment 1>
A first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. In the present embodiment, a liquid crystal display device (display device) 10 including a liquid crystal panel 11 as a display panel is illustrated. In addition, a part of each drawing shows an X axis, a Y axis, and a Z axis, and each axis direction is drawn to be a direction shown in each drawing. Moreover, about the up-down direction, FIG.3 and FIG.4 is made into the reference | standard, and the upper side of the figure is made into the front side, and the lower side of the figure is made into the back side.

As shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, the liquid crystal display device 10 has a vertically long rectangular shape as a whole, and the front side plate surface is used as a display surface 11D for displaying an image, and the back side plate surface is the opposite side. 11O, a liquid crystal panel (display panel) 11, a touch panel 15 disposed on the front side facing the display surface 11D with respect to the liquid crystal panel 11, and a liquid crystal panel 11 side opposite to the touch panel 15 The cover panel 12 disposed on the front side in a facing manner and the liquid crystal panel 11 disposed on the opposite side of the touch panel 15 side, that is, on the back side, facing the liquid crystal panel 11 and supplying light to the liquid crystal panel 11 And a backlight device (illumination device) 13 as an external light source. Furthermore, the liquid crystal display device 10 supports the cover panel 12 and the touch panel 15 from the back side (the liquid crystal panel 11 side), and can hold the liquid crystal panel 11 from the front side (the cover panel 12 and the touch panel 15 side). A panel support member (panel support member) 16, a cover panel 12, a touch panel 15, a liquid crystal panel 11, a backlight device 13, and a casing (housing member, exterior member) 14 that accommodates the first panel support member 16 are provided. Yes. Among the components of the liquid crystal display device 10, the cover panel 12 and the casing 14 constitute the appearance of the liquid crystal display device 10.

The liquid crystal display device 10 according to the present embodiment is used for a portable information terminal such as a smartphone. For this reason, the screen size of the liquid crystal panel 11 constituting the liquid crystal display device 10 is, for example, about 3.5 inches to 5 inches, and is generally a size classified as small. As shown in FIG. 5, a portable information terminal including the liquid crystal display device 10 includes an antenna AN for transmitting and receiving radio waves, and a communication unit COM for transmitting and receiving radio waves to and from a base station via the antenna AN. A microphone MIC for picking up the user's voice and the like, a receiver REC for playing the voice of the other party, and the voice input to the microphone MIC are converted into voice signals, and the voice related to the voice of the other party A communication control unit CC that converts a signal into sound and outputs the signal to the receiver REC, a camera unit CA for taking a digital photograph, and a camera control unit CAC that controls driving of the camera unit CA; Thus, a telephone function (call function), an Internet communication function (web browsing function), an e-mail transmission / reception function, a camera function, and the like can be exhibited.

Subsequently, each component of the liquid crystal display device 10 will be described sequentially. First, the liquid crystal panel 11 will be described in detail. As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the liquid crystal panel 11 includes a pair of

glass substrates

11a and 11b having a rectangular shape in plan view and substantially transparent and having excellent translucency, and both

substrates

11a and 11b. And a liquid crystal layer (not shown) containing liquid crystal molecules that are substances whose optical characteristics change with application of an electric field, and both

substrates

11a and 11b maintain a gap corresponding to the thickness of the liquid crystal layer. In the state, they are bonded together by a sealing agent (not shown). The liquid crystal panel 11 has a display part (active area) AA on which an image is displayed, and a non-display part (non-active area) NAA that has a frame shape (frame shape) surrounding the display part AA and on which no image is displayed. is doing. The short side direction in the liquid crystal panel 11 coincides with the X-axis direction, the long side direction coincides with the Y-axis direction, and the thickness direction coincides with the Z-axis direction.

As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the front side (front side) of both

substrates

11a and 11b constituting the liquid crystal panel 11 is the CF substrate 11a, and the back side (back side) is the array substrate 11b. Among these, the array substrate 11b has a longer side dimension larger than that of the CF substrate 11a, and one end of one long side is aligned with the same end of the CF substrate 11a, whereas the other long side Of the CF substrate 11a protrudes outward from the same end of the CF substrate 11a, and a driver (panel driving unit) 17 for driving the liquid crystal panel 11 is directly mounted on the protruding end by COG (Chip On Glass). ing. The driver 17 is arranged in the non-display portion NAA, and can process various input signals supplied via a flexible substrate (not shown) and supply the input signals to the switching elements described below in the display portion AA. . On the inner surface side (the liquid crystal layer side, the surface facing the CF substrate 11a) of the array substrate 11b, a number of TFTs (Thin Film Transistors) and pixel electrodes, which are switching elements, are provided side by side. A gate wiring and a source wiring having a lattice shape are disposed around the gate. A predetermined image signal is supplied to each wiring from a control circuit (not shown). The pixel electrode disposed in a rectangular region surrounded by the gate wiring and the source wiring is made of a transparent electrode such as ITO (Indium Tin Oxide) or ZnO (Zinc Oxide).

On the other hand, on the CF substrate 11a, a large number of color filters are arranged side by side at positions corresponding to the respective pixels. The color filter is arranged so that three colors of R, G, and B are alternately arranged. A light shielding layer (black matrix) for preventing color mixture is formed between the color filters. On the surface of the color filter and the light shielding layer, a counter electrode facing the pixel electrode on the array substrate 11b side is provided. The CF substrate 11a is slightly smaller than the array substrate 11b. An alignment film for aligning liquid crystal molecules contained in the liquid crystal layer is formed on the inner surfaces of both the

substrates

11a and 11b. Note that

polarizing plates

11c and 11d are attached to the outer surface sides of both the

substrates

11a and 11b, respectively.

Subsequently, the configuration of the backlight device 13 will be described in detail. As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the backlight device 13 has a vertically long and substantially block shape as in the liquid crystal panel 11 as a whole. The backlight device 13 includes an LED (Light Emitting Diode) 22 that is a light source, an LED substrate (light source mounting substrate) 23 on which the LED 22 is mounted, a light guide plate 24 that guides light from the LED 22, and a light guide. An optical sheet (optical member) 25 stacked on the light plate 24, a reflective sheet (reflective member) 26 stacked on the light guide plate 25, and surrounds the light guide plate 24 and the optical sheet 25 and the liquid crystal panel 11 on the back side. And a second panel support member (second panel support member) 27 supported from the side opposite to the cover panel 12 side. The backlight device 13 is a so-called edge light type (side light type) in which the LEDs 22 are unevenly distributed at the outer peripheral end of the liquid crystal panel 11. Hereinafter, the components of the backlight device 13 will be described sequentially.

As shown in FIG. 3, the LED 22 has a configuration in which an LED chip is sealed with a resin material on a substrate portion fixed to the plate surface of the LED substrate 23. The LED chip mounted on the substrate unit has one main emission wavelength, and specifically, one that emits blue light in a single color is used. On the other hand, the resin material that seals the LED chip is dispersed and blended with a phosphor that emits a predetermined color when excited by the blue light emitted from the LED chip, and generally emits white light as a whole. It is said. The LED 22 is a so-called side-emitting type in which a side surface adjacent to the mounting surface with respect to the LED substrate 23 is a light emitting surface.

As shown in FIG. 3, the LED substrate 23 has a flexible film-like (sheet-like) base material made of an insulating material, and the LED 22 described above is surface-mounted on the base material. A wiring pattern for supplying power to the LED 22 is patterned. This LED substrate 23 is disposed only at one end portion on the short side of the backlight device 13 and extends along the short side direction (X-axis direction) of the backlight device 13. A plurality of LEDs 22 are mounted on the LED substrate 23 in an intermittent manner along the extending direction. The LED substrate 23 is arranged in a form sandwiched between the liquid crystal panel 11 and a second panel support member 27 described later in the thickness direction (Z-axis direction) of the backlight device 13. Therefore, the mounting surface of the LED 22 on the LED substrate 23 is a surface facing the back side (the side opposite to the liquid crystal panel 11 side).

As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the light guide plate 24 has a vertically long plate shape having a plate surface parallel to the plate surface of the liquid crystal panel 11, and the left short side shown in FIG. The end face on the side is a light incident surface 24 a that is opposed to the LED 22 and on which light from the LED 22 is incident. Of the light guide plate 24, a plate surface facing the front side (the liquid crystal panel 11 side) is a light emitting surface 24 b that emits light toward the liquid crystal panel 11. Further, three end faces of the outer peripheral end face of the light guide plate 24 excluding the light incident face 24a (specifically, the end face on the short side on the right side shown in FIG. 3 and the end face on the pair of long sides shown in FIG. 4). Are LED non-facing end faces (light source non-facing end faces) that do not face the LEDs 22 respectively.

As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the optical sheet 25 is placed on the light emitting surface 24 b of the light guide plate 24 and disposed between the liquid crystal panel 11 and the light guide plate 24 to guide the optical sheet 25. The light emitted from the light plate 24 is transmitted and emitted toward the liquid crystal panel 11 while giving a predetermined optical action to the transmitted light. A plurality of optical sheets 25 (three in the present embodiment) are laminated together. The optical sheet 25 has a vertically long rectangular shape, similar to the light guide plate 24, and has a size (long side dimension and short side dimension) viewed from the plane larger than the light guide plate 24, and the array substrate of the liquid crystal panel 11. It is assumed to be smaller than 11b. Specific types of the optical sheet 25 include, for example, a diffusion sheet, a lens sheet, a reflective polarizing sheet, and the like, which can be appropriately selected and used.

As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the reflection sheet 26 is disposed so as to cover a plate surface 24 c on the back side (opposite to the light emitting surface 24 b) of the light guide plate 24. Since the reflection sheet 26 is made of a synthetic resin sheet material having a white surface with excellent light reflectivity, the light propagating in the light guide plate 24 is directed toward the front side (light emission surface 24b). It can be launched efficiently. The reflection sheet 26 has a vertically long rectangular shape, similar to the light guide plate 24, and has a size (long side dimension and short side dimension) viewed from the plane larger than the light guide plate 24, and the array substrate of the liquid crystal panel 11. It should be the same as or larger than 11b. The reflection sheet 26 overlaps with almost the entire area of the liquid crystal panel 11 (the display portion AA and the non-display portion NAA) in a plan view, and the inner peripheral side portion of the second panel support member 27 described below also in a plan view. Superimposed.

The second panel support member 27 is made of synthetic resin. As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the second panel support member 27 has a vertically long, substantially frame shape whose outer shape is substantially the same as that of the cover panel 12, and the liquid crystal panel 11 is disposed inside the second panel support member 27. The light guide plate 24 and the optical sheet 25 are accommodated. The second panel support member 27 includes a pair of short side portions extending along the X-axis direction and a pair of long side portions extending along the Y-axis direction. The second panel support member 27 has a substantially stepped cross-sectional shape, and the relatively high first step portion 27a supports the outer peripheral end portion of the non-display portion NAA of the liquid crystal panel 11 from the back side. The relatively low second step portion 27b supports the outer peripheral end of the optical sheet 25 from the back side. Among these, between the 1st step part 27a of the 2nd panel support member 27, and the liquid crystal panel 11, it arrange | positions in the form in which the adhesive tape 28 for panels (adhesive member for panels) which adheres to both interposes, With this panel adhesive tape 28, the liquid crystal panel 11 and the second panel support member 27 are fixedly attached to each other over almost the entire circumference. The panel adhesive tape 28 has a tape-like base material having flexibility, and an adhesive is applied to both the front and back surfaces of the base material. As a whole, it is formed in a vertically long substantially frame shape according to the shape. In addition, although the 1st step part 27a is provided in the short side part by the side of LED22 among the 2nd panel support members 27, the 2nd step part 27b is not provided, but the LED board 23 is provided in the 1st step part 27a. (Fig. 3). The LED substrate 23 is sandwiched between the first step portion 27 a of the second panel support member 27 and the end portion of the array substrate 11 b of the liquid crystal panel 11.

Next, the first panel support member 16 that sandwiches the liquid crystal panel 11 with the second panel support member 27 and supports the cover panel 12 and the touch panel 15 from the back side will be described. The first panel support member 16 is made of, for example, a synthetic resin, and has a shape that follows each outer peripheral end (outer peripheral portion) of the liquid crystal panel 11, the cover panel 12, and the touch panel 15 as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4. The frame-shaped portion (support base portion, frame-shaped portion) 16a that extends in a plan view and forms a substantially rectangular frame shape (frame shape) when viewed in a plan view, and the liquid crystal panel 11 and the first Each of the two panel support members 27 (backlight device 13) includes an annular portion (tubular portion) 16b that surrounds the outer peripheral side. The frame-shaped part 16a which comprises the 1st panel support member 16 has the board surface along each board surface (X-axis direction and Y-axis direction) of the liquid crystal panel 11, the cover panel 12, and the touch panel 15, This plate surface is opposed to each plate surface of the liquid crystal panel 11, the cover panel 12, and the touch panel 15. The frame-shaped portion 16a holds the outer surface (the surface on the display surface 11D side) of the outer peripheral end of the liquid crystal panel 11 from the front side, and is sandwiched between the second panel support member 27 constituting the backlight device 12. keeping. On the other hand, the frame-like portion 16a receives the inner surfaces (surfaces facing the liquid crystal panel 11) of the outer peripheral end portions of the cover panel 12 and the touch panel 15 from the back side, and a part (the inner peripheral portion 16a1 described below). ) Between the outer peripheral ends of the liquid crystal panel 11 and the touch panel 15. As a result, a predetermined gap is secured between the liquid crystal panel 11 and the touch panel 15, so that, for example, when an external force acts on the cover panel 12, the touch panel 15 follows the cover panel 12 toward the liquid crystal panel 11. Even when it is deformed to be bent, the bent touch panel 15 is less likely to interfere with the liquid crystal panel 11. Specifically, in the frame-like portion 16a, the outer peripheral portion 16a2 is relatively thicker than the inner peripheral portion 16a1, and a step (gap) is formed at the boundary position between the two. Of the frame-like portion 16a, the inner peripheral portion 16a1 is interposed between the outer peripheral end portion of the liquid crystal panel 11 and the outer peripheral end portion of the touch panel 15, whereas the outer peripheral portion 16a2 extends the outer peripheral end portion of the cover panel 12 from the back side. is recieving. Also, a buffer material 29 for pressing the outer peripheral end of the liquid crystal panel 11 from the front side while buffering the outer peripheral end of the liquid crystal panel 11 is fixed to the back surface of the inner peripheral portion 16a1 of the frame-shaped portion 16a, whereas the inner peripheral portion A first fixing member 30 for fixing the outer peripheral end of the touch panel 15 while buffering is fixed to the front plate surface of 16a1. The cushioning material 29 and the first fixing member 30 are arranged at positions overlapping each other in the inner peripheral portion 16a1 when viewed in plan. On the other hand, a second fixing member 31 for fixing the outer peripheral end of the cover panel 12 while buffering the outer peripheral end of the cover panel 12 is fixed to the front plate surface of the outer peripheral portion 16a2 of the frame-shaped portion 16a. The buffer material 29 and the fixing

members

30 and 31 are arranged so as to extend along the side portions of the frame-shaped portion 16a. Moreover, each fixing

member

30 and 31 consists of a double-sided tape in which a base material has cushioning properties, for example. On the other hand, the annular portion 16b has a rectangular short-tube shape as a whole as viewed in plan, and is provided so as to protrude from the outer peripheral edge of the outer peripheral portion 16a2 of the frame-shaped portion 16a toward the back side. The panel 11 and the second panel support member 27 are surrounded over the entire circumference from the outside.

Subsequently, the touch panel 15 supported from the back side by the second panel support member 27 will be described. As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the touch panel 15 is a position input device for a user to input position information in the surface of the display surface 11D of the liquid crystal panel 11, and has a rectangular shape and is almost transparent and excellent. A predetermined touch panel pattern (not shown) is formed on a transparent glass substrate. Specifically, the touch panel 15 has a glass substrate that has a rectangular shape when seen in a plan view like the liquid crystal panel 11, and a so-called projected capacitive touch panel pattern is formed on the plate surface facing the front side. A transparent electrode portion (not shown) for the touch panel is formed, and a large number of the transparent electrode portions for the touch panel are arranged in parallel in a matrix within the surface of the substrate. A terminal portion (not shown) connected to the end portion of the wiring drawn from the transparent electrode portion for the touch panel constituting the touch panel pattern is formed at one end portion on the short side of the touch panel 15. On the other hand, by connecting a flexible substrate (not shown), a potential is supplied from the touch panel drive circuit substrate to the transparent electrode portion for the touch panel forming the touch panel pattern. The touch panel 15 is fixed so that the inner plate surface at the outer peripheral end thereof is opposed to the inner peripheral portion 16a1 of the frame-shaped portion 16a of the first panel support member 16 by the first fixing member 30 described above. Yes.

Subsequently, the cover panel 12 supported from the back side by the second panel support member 27 will be described. As shown in FIGS. 1, 3 and 4, the cover panel 12 is arranged so as to cover the liquid crystal panel 11 and the touch panel 15 from the front side over the entire area, thereby protecting the liquid crystal panel 11 and the touch panel 15. Can do. The cover panel 12 covers the frame-like portion 16a of the first panel support member 16 over the entire area from the front side, and configures the front side appearance of the liquid crystal display device 10. The cover panel 12 is made of a plate-like base material made of glass that is substantially transparent and has excellent translucency, and preferably made of tempered glass. As the tempered glass used for the cover panel 12, it is preferable to use chemically tempered glass having a chemically strengthened layer on the surface, for example, by subjecting the surface of a plate-like glass substrate to chemical tempering treatment. This chemical strengthening treatment refers to, for example, a treatment for strengthening a plate-like glass substrate by replacing alkali metal ions contained in a glass material by ion exchange with alkali metal ions having an ion radius larger than that, The resulting chemically strengthened layer is a compressive stress layer (ion exchange layer) in which compressive stress remains. Thereby, since the cover panel 12 has high mechanical strength and impact resistance, the touch panel 15 and the liquid crystal panel 11 disposed on the back side of the cover panel 12 are more reliably prevented from being damaged or damaged. be able to.

As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the cover panel 12 has a vertically long rectangular shape when viewed in a plane, similar to the liquid crystal panel 11, and the size of the cover panel 12 as viewed in the plane is larger than that of the liquid crystal panel 11 and the touch panel 15. It is supposed to be one size bigger. Accordingly, the outer peripheral portion of the cover panel 12 projects outward from the outer peripheral end of the liquid crystal panel 11 in a bowl shape. The cover panel 12 is formed with a light shielding portion 12a that surrounds the display portion AA of the liquid crystal panel 11 and is arranged so as to overlap with the non-display portion NAA in a plan view so as to block light around the display portion AA. . The light shielding portion 12a is made of a light shielding material such as a paint exhibiting black, for example, and the light shielding material is printed on the back surface of the cover panel 12, that is, the surface of the liquid crystal panel 11 side. It is provided integrally on the plate surface. The light shielding portion 12a is capable of shielding light including visible light, infrared light, and ultraviolet light. In providing the light shielding portion 12a, for example, printing means such as screen printing and ink jet printing can be employed. In addition to the portion of the cover panel 12 that overlaps the entire area of the non-display portion NAA in the liquid crystal panel 11, the light shielding portion 12 a is an outer peripheral portion that protrudes outward from the outer peripheral edge of the liquid crystal panel 11, that is, a region outside the display portion AA. Is formed in a substantially long frame shape (substantially frame shape) when seen in a plan view, so that the light from the backlight device 13 is surrounded by the cover panel 12 around the display unit AA. The light can be shielded by the light shielding part 12a before entering the back side plate surface. That is, the light-shielding portion 12a is formed over almost the entire area of the cover panel 12 that is not superposed with the display portion AA of the liquid crystal panel 11 when viewed in plan. In FIG. 1, the light-shielding portion 12a (region outside the display portion AA) is shown in a shaded shape, and a white square region inside thereof is a region that transmits light from the display portion AA. Yes.

Next, the casing 14 will be described. The casing 14 is made of a synthetic resin material or a metal material, and as shown in FIGS. 1 to 4, has a substantially bowl shape that is open toward the front side. The cover panel 12, the touch panel 15, the liquid crystal panel 11, and the backlight device 13 are completely accommodated in the accommodation space held inside the casing 14. Therefore, the casing 14 covers the backlight device 13 from the back side, and covers the backlight device 13 and the cover panel 12 from the side over the entire circumference, thereby constituting the appearance of the back side and the side surface side of the liquid crystal display device 10. ing. As shown in FIG. 1, a power button (panel activation operation unit) 18 is provided on the side surface of one long side of the casing 14 so as to be exposed to the outside. The power button 18 can be pressed by the user of the liquid crystal display device 10. For example, when the power button 18 is pressed while the power source of the liquid crystal display device 10 is turned off, the power source of the liquid crystal display device 10 is turned on by the main control unit 33 described later. For example, when the power button 18 is pressed while the liquid crystal display device 10 is in the sleep mode and the liquid crystal display device 10 is in the non-display state although the power is turned on, the main control unit 33 described later performs the operation. After returning from the sleep mode, an image is displayed on the screen of the liquid crystal panel 11. The “sleep mode” referred to here is a mode for reducing the power consumption of the liquid crystal display device 10 and stops driving the liquid crystal panel 11 and turns off each LED 22 of the backlight device 13. For example, when the touch panel 15 does not detect position information for a certain period in a normal use state, the process is shifted. Furthermore, the camera unit CA is provided on the outer surface of the back side of the casing 14 so as to be exposed to the outside. The camera unit CA has a configuration in which a lens unit, a shutter unit, an image sensor, and the like are unitized, and can capture an image of a person or landscape on the back side of the liquid crystal display device 10.

As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, between the portion of the casing 14 that faces the second panel support member 27 that constitutes the backlight device 13 and the back surface of the second panel support member 27. The casing 14 and the second panel support member 27 are kept in an attached state by the panel adhesive tape 28, which is provided with a casing adhesive tape (casing adhesive member) 29 that adheres to both. It is supposed to be. Since the adhesive tape 29 for casings is formed in a substantially vertically long frame shape as a whole in accordance with the shape of the second panel support member 27 to be adhered, the casing 14 and the second panel support member 27 are disposed substantially over the entire circumference. It is stuck. Part of the casing adhesive tape 32 is also attached to the outer peripheral end of the reflection sheet 26. Moreover, the adhesive tape 32 for casings has a tape-shaped base material which has flexibility, an adhesive is apply | coated to both the front and back in the base material, and is the same as the above-mentioned adhesive tape 28 for panels. It is a member. In addition, in the housing space of the casing 14, the space remaining on the back side of the backlight device 13 includes a control board for controlling the driving of the liquid crystal panel 11 and an LED driving board for supplying driving power to the LEDs 22. Contains non-performing boards.

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the liquid crystal display device 10 according to the present embodiment includes a plurality of devices mainly for detecting a user's hand (particularly a finger) having the liquid crystal display device 10 as a detection target. The proximity sensor (proximity detection unit) 19 is provided. The proximity sensor 19 includes at least an infrared light receiving element that receives infrared light and an infrared light emitting element that emits infrared light (both infrared light receiving elements are not shown), and is called an “active infrared sensor”. The infrared light receiving element and infrared light emitting element included in the proximity sensor 19 can receive and emit near infrared light having a relatively short wavelength and being close to visible light (for example, light having a wavelength range of 700 nm to 2500 nm). It is possible. The principle by which the proximity sensor 19 detects the detection target will be described. The infrared light emitted from the infrared light emitting element is not reflected unless the detection target exists in the irradiation range. Although infrared rays are not received, if there is a detection target in the irradiation range and the infrared rays are reflected by the detection target, the reflected light (reflected infrared rays) that returns to the proximity sensor 19 side is infrared. Light can be received by the light receiving element. That is, it is possible to detect whether or not the detection target is approaching or in contact with the proximity sensor 19 based on the presence or absence of the infrared light received by the infrared light receiving element and the received light amount.

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the proximity sensor 19 includes an outer surface on the front side (display surface 11D side) and a back side (opposite surface 110 side, display surface 11D side) of the outer peripheral surface of the liquid crystal display device 10. Are arranged on the opposite side of the outer surface. Specifically, the proximity sensor 19 facing the outer surface on the front side of the liquid crystal display device 10 includes three pairs (total of six) of the liquid crystal panel 11 sandwiching the display portion AA in the short side direction (X-axis direction). With respect to the long side direction (Y-axis direction) of the panel 11, the panel 11 is arranged in a form existing in the non-display portion NAA (outside the display portion AA) at approximately the center position of the display portion AA and near both end positions of the display portion AA. That is, it can be said that the proximity sensor 19 facing the outer surface on the front side of the liquid crystal display device 10 is arranged side by side on the outer peripheral portion surrounding the display portion AA in the liquid crystal display device 10. On the other hand, one proximity sensor 19 facing the outer surface on the back side in the liquid crystal display device 10 is arranged at the center position of the outer surface on the back side, and the proximity sensor 19 at this center position is arranged in the short side direction of the liquid crystal display device 10 ( Two pairs (four pieces) are arranged near the outer end position so as to be sandwiched in the X-axis direction) and the long-side direction (Y-axis direction), respectively. That is, the proximity sensors 19 facing the outer surface on the back side of the liquid crystal display device 10 are arranged in a substantially cross shape as viewed in plan as a whole, and the four proximity sensors 19 excluding the proximity sensor 19 arranged at the center position. Is arranged on the outer peripheral portion of the liquid crystal display device 10. Each proximity sensor 19 has a long and narrow rectangular shape along the long side direction of the liquid crystal display device 10 and the display unit AA when seen in a plan view.

In the following, in order to distinguish between proximity sensors, the one facing the outer surface on the front side of the liquid crystal display device 10 is referred to as “front side proximity sensor (display surface side proximity detection unit)”, and the subscript “A” is added to the reference numeral. A device facing the outer surface on the back side of the apparatus 10 is designated as a “back side proximity sensor (opposite side proximity detection unit)” with a subscript “B”. Shall not. Further, in the following description, when distinguishing a total of six front side proximity sensors, the first and leftmost ones shown in FIG. 1 with respect to the display unit AA on the front side outer surface of the liquid crystal display device 10 are referred to as “first”. The subscript “1” is attached to the symbol as the “front side proximity sensor”, and the subscript “2” is attached to the symbol as the “second front side proximity sensor” on the left side and in the middle of the figure. As the “third front side proximity sensor” with the subscript “3” on the right side of the figure and the innermost side as the “fourth front side proximity sensor” with the subscript “4” on the right side of the figure The middle one is the “fifth front side proximity sensor” and the subscript “5” is added to the symbol, and the right side and the frontmost one is the “sixth front side proximity sensor” and the subscript “6” is added to the symbol. If a generic name is given without distinction, no suffix is added to the reference sign. . Further, in the following, when distinguishing a total of five back side proximity sensors, the one arranged at the center position on the outer surface of the back side of the liquid crystal display device 10 is referred to as a “first back side proximity sensor” with a subscript “1”. 2 is arranged at the back side in FIG. 2 in the Y-axis direction with respect to the one arranged at the center position as “second back side proximity sensor”, and the subscript “2” is arranged at the center position. What is arranged on the front side in the figure with respect to the Y-axis direction is referred to as “third back side proximity sensor”, and the suffix “3” is added to the reference, and X-axis direction with respect to the one arranged at the center position What is arranged on the left side of the figure as the “fourth back side proximity sensor”, and the subscript “4” is added to the reference, and what is arranged on the right side in the X-axis direction with respect to the one arranged at the center position A subscript “5” is added to each symbol as “5th backside proximity sensor”. , When collectively without distinction shall bear no subscripts code. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, among the front side proximity sensor 19A and the back side proximity sensor 19B described above, the second front side proximity sensor 19A2 and the fifth back side proximity sensor 19B5 overlap in a plan view, and the fifth front side proximity sensor The sensor 19A5 and the fourth back side proximity sensor 19B4 are in a positional relationship in which they are overlapped when viewed in a plane.

The front side proximity sensor 19A is housed in a front side sensor housing portion (detecting portion housing portion) 20 formed on the first panel support member 16, as shown in FIG. The front side sensor housing portion 20 has a vertically long rectangular shape in plan view (see FIG. 1) following the outer shape of the front side proximity sensor 19A (see FIG. 1), and the front side in the inner peripheral portion 16a1 constituting the first panel support member 16 The plate surface, that is, the plate surface facing the cover panel 12 is partially recessed. More specifically, the front sensor housing portion 20 is arranged in a portion of the inner peripheral portion 16a1 that is relatively on the outer peripheral side than the inner peripheral end portion that supports the touch panel 15 from the back side and presses the liquid crystal panel 11 from the front side. Therefore, the size viewed in a plane is larger than that of the front side proximity sensor 19A to be accommodated. The depth dimension of the front sensor housing portion 20 in the inner peripheral portion 16a1 is substantially the same as or slightly larger than the thickness dimension of the front proximity sensor 19A. On the other hand, the light shielding part 12a formed on the back surface of the cover panel 12 facing the front side proximity sensor 19A is arranged over almost the entire area outside the display part AA of the liquid crystal panel 11, but the front side Only a portion that overlaps the proximity sensor 19A and the front sensor housing portion 20 in a plan view is a non-formed portion, and this is an opening 12a1. The opening 12a1 partially formed in the light shielding part 12a can transmit visible light, infrared light, and ultraviolet light. Accordingly, the front side proximity sensor 19A accommodated in the front side sensor accommodation unit 20 is arranged so as to face the opening 12a1, and the infrared rays emitted from the infrared light emitting element through the opening 12a1 and the base material of the cover panel 12 are arranged. If the reflected light (reflected infrared rays) reflected by the detection object on the front side outside is returned through the opening 12a1 and the base material of the cover panel 12, The reflected light can be received by the infrared light receiving element.

On the other hand, the back side proximity sensor 19B is housed in a back side sensor housing portion 21 formed in the casing 14, as shown in FIGS. The back side sensor accommodating portion 21 has a vertically long rectangular shape (see FIG. 2) in plan view following the outline of the back side proximity sensor 19B (see FIG. 2). It is formed by partially denting the outer surface on the opposite side. The back side sensor accommodating portion 21 is larger in size in plan view than the back side proximity sensor 19B to be accommodated. The depth dimension of the back-side sensor accommodating portion 21 is substantially the same as or slightly larger than the thickness dimension of the back-side proximity sensor 19B. The back side proximity sensor 19B is sealed by filling the back side proximity sensor 19B with a filler 21a so as to cover the accommodated back side proximity sensor 19B. The filler 21a is made of a resin material that is substantially transparent and transmits visible light, infrared light, and ultraviolet light. The front side proximity sensor 19A and the back side proximity sensor 19B described above are all the same parts.

In the liquid crystal display device 10, among the proximity sensors 19 arranged on the front and back surfaces, a detection pattern for which proximity sensor 19 detects the detection target is set in advance, and the detection pattern is specific to the detection pattern. The program 39 is associated, and when the proximity sensor 19 that actually detected the detection object matches the detection pattern, the program 39 associated with the detection pattern is executed. Thus, for example, when the user turns on the liquid crystal display device 10 or returns from the sleep mode, the specific program 39 is automatically executed according to how the user holds the liquid crystal display device 10. Thus, an image corresponding to the image is displayed on the screen of the liquid crystal panel 11. Next, the configuration (electrical configuration) related to the control of the liquid crystal display device 10 that exhibits such a function will be described sequentially with reference to the block diagram shown in FIG. In FIG. 5, only one each of the proximity sensor 19, the program 39, and the program linking information that are originally provided is illustrated.

As shown in FIG. 5, the liquid crystal display device 10 includes a main control unit (program execution unit) 33 that performs control for exerting various functions in the liquid crystal display device 10, and a liquid crystal panel control unit that controls the liquid crystal panel 11. 34, a backlight control unit 35 that controls the backlight device 13, a touch panel detection unit 36 that detects positional information input to the touch panel 15, and a sensor detection unit that detects the proximity sensor 19 that has detected the detection target ( (Proximity detection unit detection unit) 37 and a memory (storage unit) 38 for storing a plurality of programs 39, program association information 40, and the like. Among these, the liquid crystal panel control unit 34 is provided on the control board, for example, and can be connected to the liquid crystal panel 11 via a flexible board (not shown) and transmit various signals to the driver 11e. Thus, the driving of the liquid crystal panel 11 (specifically, the switching element) can be controlled via the driver 11e. The backlight control unit 35 is provided on, for example, an LED drive board (not shown) and is connected to the LED board 23 provided on the backlight device 13 to control driving of each LED 22 on the LED board 23. It is possible. For example, the touch panel detection unit 36 is provided on the control board and is connected to the touch panel 15 to process an output signal from the touch panel 15, thereby detecting position information input to the touch panel 15 by the user. . The sensor detection unit 37 is provided on, for example, a control board and processes a detection signal output from the proximity sensor 19 to detect whether the proximity sensor 19 has detected a detection target. .

As shown in FIG. 5, the memory 38 includes a plurality of programs 39 for causing the liquid crystal display device 10 to perform various functions, and any one of the plurality of programs 39 for any of the plurality of proximity sensors 19. And at least a threshold value serving as a reference value for determination regarding the amount of infrared light received by the infrared light receiving element of the proximity sensor 19 is stored. Specifically, the program 39 stored in the memory 38 includes at least e-mail software having an e-mail function, a browser for browsing a website on the Internet, and camera software having a camera function, for example. include. The program association information 40 stored in the memory 38 includes mail software association information for associating the detection pattern of the predetermined proximity sensor 19 with the e-mail software, and the detection pattern of the predetermined proximity sensor 19 in the browser (web browsing software). It includes at least browser linking information to be linked and camera software linking information for linking a detection pattern of a predetermined proximity sensor 19 to camera software. Among these, the detection pattern of the proximity sensor 19 associated with the email software in the email software association information causes the user to lie on the plate surface of the liquid crystal display device 10 (the plate surface is closer to the horizontal direction than the vertical direction). In addition, it is set on the assumption that it has a so-called landscape mode in which the long side direction is horizontal, for example, the first front side proximity sensor 19A1, the fourth front side proximity sensor 19A4, and the second back side proximity sensor 19B2 detect both When the object is detected and the other proximity sensors 19 are not detected, the third front side proximity sensor 19A3, the sixth front side proximity sensor 19A6, and the back side third proximity sensor 19B3 together detect the detection target. There are two patterns when the other proximity sensors 19 are not detected. Similarly, the detection pattern of the proximity sensor 19 associated with the browser in the browser association information has a so-called portrait mode in which the user lays the plate surface of the liquid crystal display device 10 and the long side direction is vertical. For example, the second front side proximity sensor 19A2, the third front side proximity sensor 19A3, and the fifth back side proximity sensor 19B5 detect the detection target, and the other proximity sensors 19 do not detect And the case where the fifth front side proximity sensor 19A5, the sixth front side proximity sensor 19A6, and the back side fourth proximity sensor 19B4 both detect the detection target and the other proximity sensors 19 are not detected. There are two patterns. Similarly, the detection pattern of the proximity sensor 19 associated with the camera software in the camera software association information indicates that the user stands the plate surface of the liquid crystal display device 10 (the plate surface is closer to the vertical direction than the horizontal direction). For example, the sixth front side proximity sensor 19A6 and the third back side proximity sensor 19B3 detect the detection target, and other proximity sensors 19 are set. There are two patterns: when the sensor is not detected and when the fourth front side proximity sensor 19A4 and the back side second proximity sensor 19B2 both detect the detection target and the other proximity sensors 19 are not detected. To do. The reason why each of the detection patterns described above is two is that the liquid crystal display device 10 corresponds to any of the two orientations inverted in the long side direction and corresponds to any of the two orientations inverted in the short side direction. This is to cope with a case where a right-handed user has the liquid crystal display device 10 and a case where a left-handed user has the liquid crystal display device 10.

The main control unit 33 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) and the like. As shown in FIG. 5, the operations of the liquid crystal panel control unit 34, the backlight control unit 35, the touch panel detection unit 36, and the sensor detection unit 37 are performed. Can be controlled individually. That is, the main control unit 33 acquires the position information input to the touch panel 15 by the user by controlling the operation of the touch panel detection unit 36, and controls the operation of the liquid crystal panel control unit 34 based on the acquired position information. By controlling, the image associated with the position information is displayed on the screen of the liquid crystal panel 11, and further, by controlling the operation of the backlight control unit 35 based on the image information displayed on the liquid crystal panel 11, Illumination light having a luminance suitable for the image can be supplied to the liquid crystal panel 11. The main control unit 33 is also connected to the power button 18. When the power button 18 is pressed, the liquid crystal panel control unit 34 and backlight control are performed based on a signal output from the power button 18. The operation of the unit 35, the touch panel detection unit 36, and the sensor detection unit 37 is controlled. Specifically, when the power button 18 is pressed from a state where the power of the liquid crystal display device 10 is turned off, the main control unit 33 includes the liquid crystal panel control unit 34, the backlight control unit 35, and the touch panel detection unit. 36 and the sensor detection unit 37, the liquid crystal panel 11, the backlight device 13, the touch panel 15, and the proximity sensor 19 are activated. In addition, for example, when the position information is not input to the touch panel 15 in a use state for a predetermined period, the main control unit 33 displays the liquid crystal via the liquid crystal panel control unit 34 and the backlight control unit 35. The liquid crystal display device 10 can be shifted to the sleep mode by stopping the panel 11 and the backlight device 13 and making the image non-display state on the display unit AA. Further, when the power button 18 is pressed in the sleep mode, the main control unit 33 controls the liquid crystal panel 11 and the backlight device 13 via the liquid crystal panel control unit 34 and the backlight control unit 35. By restarting, the liquid crystal display device 10 is returned to the use state. The main control unit 33 can also control operations of the communication unit COM, the communication control unit CC, and the camera control unit CAC.

In addition, as shown in FIG. 5, the main control unit 33 is connected to the memory 38 and can execute each program 39 stored in the memory 38, and executes each program 39. Accordingly, it is possible to control the operations of the liquid crystal panel control unit 34 and the backlight control unit 35 to display a specific image on the screen (display unit AA) of the liquid crystal panel 11. When the power button 18 is pressed and the power of the liquid crystal display device 10 is turned on, or when the liquid crystal display device 10 is returned from the sleep mode, the main control unit 33 is manually operated by the user. When one of the plurality of proximity sensors 19 detects a hand (particularly a finger) as a detection target, the detection is performed from among the plurality of programs 39 by referring to the program association information stored in the memory 38. It is assumed that a specific program 39 associated with the proximity sensor 19 that has detected the object is executed. Next, the processing procedure of the main control unit 33 will be described in detail with reference to the flowcharts shown in FIGS.

As shown in FIG. 6, the main control unit 33 performs a power button detection process (step S10) for detecting whether or not the power button 18 has been pressed. A proximity sensor detection process (step S11) for detecting whether or not there is a proximity sensor 19 that has detected the detection target exists among all the proximity sensors 19 and there is a proximity sensor 19 that has detected the detection target. If so, it is determined whether or not the sensor detection information related to the proximity sensor 19 that has detected the detection object matches the detection pattern of the program association information, and if it matches, the corresponding program 39 is selected. Then, a program selection / execution process to be executed (step S12) is performed. Subsequently, the proximity sensor detection process and the program selection / execution process will be sequentially described in detail.

In the proximity sensor detection process, as shown in FIG. 7, the main control unit 33 first activates the proximity sensor 19 (step S20) and determines whether or not a detection signal from the activated proximity sensor 19 has been detected. (Step S21). At this time, if a detection signal is detected, the main control unit 33 calculates the amount of infrared light received by the infrared light receiving element of the proximity sensor 19 from the detection signal, and the received light amount of the infrared light is stored in the memory 38. It is determined whether or not a predetermined threshold value (infrared amount serving as a determination criterion) is exceeded (step S22). At this time, if the received light amount of infrared rays exceeds the threshold value, the main control unit 33 determines that the proximity sensor 19 has detected the detection target (step S23), and the received light amount of infrared rays does not exceed the threshold value. If it has been detected, it is determined that the proximity sensor 19 has not detected the detection object (step S24). Next, the main control unit 33 determines whether or not processing (processing for determining presence / absence of detection) has been performed for all the proximity sensors 19 (step S25). Note that step S25 is also performed when no detection signal is detected from the proximity sensor 19 in step S21. If it is determined in step S25 that the process has been performed for all the proximity sensors 19, the main control unit 33 ends the proximity sensor detection process. On the other hand, if it is determined that processing has been performed for all the proximity sensors 19, the main control unit 33 returns to step S 20 and performs processing for the next proximity sensor 19. Thereby, it is determined whether or not the detection object has been detected for all the proximity sensors 19.

In the program selection / execution process, as shown in FIG. 8, the main control unit 33 first acquires information on the proximity sensor 19 determined to detect the detection target (hereinafter referred to as sensor detection information) (step S30). ). Next, the main control unit 33 compares the sensor detection information with the detection pattern included in the program association information in the memory 38 (step 31), and determines whether or not the sensor detection information matches the detection pattern ( Step S32). At this time, if it is determined that the sensor detection information matches the detection pattern, the main control unit 33 selects and executes a program 39 associated with the matching detection pattern ( Step S33), the program selection / execution process is terminated. When the main control unit 33 executes the program 39, the main control unit 33 displays an image corresponding to the program 39 on the display unit AA of the liquid crystal panel 11 of the liquid crystal display device 10. On the other hand, when it is determined that the sensor detection information does not match the detection pattern, the main control unit 33 ends the program selection / execution process without executing the program 39.

The program selection / execution process will be described with a specific example. For example, the sensor detection information acquired in step S30 is detected only by the first front side proximity sensor 19A1, the fourth front side proximity sensor 19A4, and the second back side proximity sensor 19B2. If the object is detected, the main control unit 33 determines in step S31 and step S32 that the sensor detection information matches the detection pattern included in the mail software association information in the program association information. Therefore, in step S33, the electronic mail software associated with the detection pattern included in the mail software association information is selected and executed. The same applies when the sensor detection information is such that only the third front side proximity sensor 19A3, the sixth front side proximity sensor 19A6, and the back side third proximity sensor 19B3 detect the detection target. For example, when the sensor detection information acquired in step S30 is such that only the second front side proximity sensor 19A2, the third front side proximity sensor 19A3, and the fifth back side proximity sensor 19B5 have detected the detection target. Since the main control unit 33 determines in step S31 and step S32 that the sensor detection information matches the detection pattern included in the browser association information in the program association information, the detection included in the browser association information in step S33. Select the browser associated with the pattern and execute it. The same applies when the sensor detection information is such that only the fifth front side proximity sensor 19A5, the sixth front side proximity sensor 19A6, and the back side fourth proximity sensor 19B4 detect the detection target. For example, when the sensor detection information acquired in step S30 is such that only the sixth front side proximity sensor 19A6 and the third back side proximity sensor 19B3 detect the detection target, the main control unit 33 Since it is determined in step S31 and step S32 that the sensor detection information matches the detection pattern included in the camera software linking information in the program linking information, it is linked to the detection pattern included in the camera software linking information in step S33. Select and execute the camera software. The same applies to the case where the sensor detection information indicates that only the fourth front side proximity sensor 19A4 and the back side second proximity sensor 19B2 have detected the detection target.

As described above, in the liquid crystal display device 10 according to the present embodiment, when the power button 18 is pressed to turn on the power or when the user returns from the sleep mode, the liquid crystal display device 10 is held in any way. Is detected by the proximity sensor 19, and the program 39 suitable for the user's holding method derived from the detection result is automatically selected and executed. An annoying operation for executing the target program 39 is omitted. Thereby, a user's usability and operativity become high, and it is excellent in convenience. Moreover, since a plurality of the proximity sensors 19 are arranged so as to face the outer surface on the front side and the outer surface on the back side in the liquid crystal display device 10, the hand (especially a finger) of the user holding the liquid crystal display device 10 is detected. It can be detected more appropriately as an object, and it is difficult for the user's target program 39 and the program 39 executed by the main control unit 33 to conflict with each other.

As described above, the liquid crystal display device (display device) 10 according to this embodiment includes the liquid crystal panel (display panel) 11 capable of displaying an image and the liquid crystal display device 10 operated by the user of the liquid crystal display device 10. A power button (panel activation operation unit) 18 that can be activated, and a plurality of proximity devices that are arranged so as to face at least one outer surface of the liquid crystal display device 10 and that can detect that a detection object is approaching or touching Program association information for associating one of the plurality of programs 39 with the sensor (proximity detection unit) 19, the plurality of programs 39, and at least one of the plurality of proximity sensors 19. 40, when any one of the plurality of proximity sensors 19 detects a detection target, the data is stored in the memory 38. By referring to the program correlating information 40 includes a main control section (program executing section) 33 for executing programs 39 that is linked to the proximity sensor 19 that detects the detection object, the.

When the liquid crystal panel 11 is activated by operating the power button 18 by the user of the liquid crystal display device 10, if the detection target object approaches or contacts the liquid crystal display device 10, the liquid crystal It is detected by one of a plurality of proximity sensors 19 arranged so as to face at least one outer surface of the display device 10. At this time, the main control unit 33 refers to the program association information 40 stored in the memory 38, and associates it with the proximity sensor 19 that has detected the detection object from among the plurality of programs 39 stored in the memory 38. The specified program 39 is executed. Therefore, for example, when the user holds the liquid crystal display device 10 in a specific way, the hand (finger) is detected as a detection target by the proximity sensor 19, so that the program associated with the way of holding the program 39 is automatically executed by the main control unit 33, so that an operation performed by the user for executing the target program 39 is omitted or simplified. Thereby, a user's usability and operativity become higher.

The plurality of proximity sensors 19 include front side proximity sensors (display surface side proximity detection) arranged to face the outer surface of the liquid crystal display device 10 on the display surface 11D side on which the image of the liquid crystal panel 11 is displayed. Part) 19A and at least a plurality of back side proximity sensors (opposite side proximity detection parts) 19B arranged facing the outer surface opposite to the display surface 11D side. In this way, it is possible to more appropriately detect how the user holds the liquid crystal display device 10 by the plurality of front side proximity sensors 19A and back side proximity sensors 19B. It is difficult for a situation in which the program 39 intended by the user and the program 39 executed by the main control unit 33 are different.

The liquid crystal panel 11 has a display part AA on which an image is displayed on the display surface 11D, and the front side proximity sensor 19A is arranged outside the display part AA. Since no image is displayed on the display surface 11D of the liquid crystal panel 11 outside the display unit AA, the user's hand (finger) having the liquid crystal display device 10 is easily arranged. Therefore, by disposing the front side proximity sensor 19A outside the display unit AA, it is possible to more appropriately detect how the liquid crystal display device 10 is held by the user.

Further, the proximity sensor 19 has an infrared light receiving element that receives at least infrared light. Infrared rays have a higher transmittance in the air than visible rays and the like, and the proximity sensor 19 can appropriately detect a detection target that exists at a position slightly away from the outer surface of the liquid crystal display device 10. It is said.

The proximity sensor 19 has an infrared light emitting element that emits infrared light in addition to the infrared light receiving element. In this way, even if infrared rays are emitted from the infrared light emitting element, the infrared rays do not stimulate the user's vision, so that it is possible to avoid impairing the display quality of the image displayed on the liquid crystal panel 11.

Further, the plurality of proximity sensors 19 include at least a front side proximity sensor 19 A arranged so as to face the outer surface on the display surface 11 D side on which the image of the liquid crystal panel 11 is displayed among the outer surfaces of the liquid crystal display device 10. In contrast, the liquid crystal panel 11 and the front side proximity sensor 19 A are arranged so as to cover the display surface 11 D so as to protect them, and the liquid crystal panel 11 and the front side proximity in the cover panel 12 are protected. A first panel support member (panel support member) 16 that is disposed in a form facing the inner surface facing the sensor 19A side and supports the cover panel 12 is provided. The cover panel 12 in the first panel support member 16 is provided. A front-side sensor accommodating portion (detecting portion accommodating portion) 20 that accommodates the front-side proximity sensor 19 A is provided on the surface facing the inner surface. In this way, the cover panel 12 can cover the liquid crystal panel 11 and the front side proximity sensor 19A from the display surface 11D side to protect them, and the cover panel 12 is supported by the first panel support member 16. be able to. Then, by providing the front side sensor accommodating portion 20 for accommodating the front side proximity sensor 19A on the first panel support member 16 that supports the cover panel 12, the arrangement of the front side proximity sensor 19A becomes stable, thereby achieving high detection accuracy. Is obtained.

The display panel is a liquid crystal panel 11 in which liquid crystal is sealed between a pair of

substrates

11a and 11b. Such a display device can be applied to the liquid crystal display device 10 for various uses, for example, a display such as a portable information terminal.

<Embodiment 2>
A second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. In the second embodiment, a cover panel 112 provided with an infrared transmissive light shielding portion 41 is shown. In addition, the overlapping description about the same structure, an effect | action, and effect as above-mentioned Embodiment 1 is abbreviate | omitted.

As shown in FIG. 9, the cover panel 112 according to the present embodiment is provided with an infrared transmissive light shielding portion 41 that selectively transmits infrared light in a form of being laminated on the light shielding portion 112a. The infrared transmissive light shielding unit 41 transmits infrared light but can shield visible light and ultraviolet light. For example, the near-infrared transmittance is about 80%, whereas the visible light and ultraviolet light are transmitted. The rate is almost 0%. In other words, since the infrared transmissive light shielding unit 41 shields visible light in the same manner as the light shielding unit 112a, it appears to humans as “black” in the same manner as the light shielding unit 112a. The infrared transmissive light shielding portion 41 is formed on the back plate surface of the cover panel 112, that is, the inner surface facing the front proximity sensor 119A side. Specifically, the infrared transmissive light-shielding portion 41 has an outer periphery that protrudes outward from the outer peripheral edge of the liquid crystal panel 111 in addition to a portion of the inner surface of the cover panel 112 that overlaps the entire area of the non-display portion NAA in the liquid crystal panel 111. By being formed over almost the entire region, that is, the region outside the display portion AA, it is formed in a vertically long substantially frame shape (substantially frame shape) when seen in a plan view, and the formation range is substantially the same as the light shielding portion 112a. Is done. The infrared transmissive light-shielding part 41 is formed as a solid pattern in the substantially frame-shaped region described above, and does not have the opening 112a1 at a position overlapping the front side proximity sensor 119A unlike the light-shielding part 112a. That is, the infrared transmissive light shielding portion 41 is also disposed on a portion that overlaps the opening 112a1 of the light shielding portion 112a in a plan view. Therefore, when the user looks at the liquid crystal display device 110 from the front side, the portions where the infrared transmissive light-shielding portion 41 and the light-shielding portion 112a are formed in the cover panel 112 all appear black, and the front side is viewed through the opening 112a1. It is assumed that the proximity sensor 119A is not visible. Thereby, the external appearance of the liquid crystal display device 110 becomes favorable, and the design can be improved. The infrared transmissive light shielding unit 41 is directly printed on the inner surface of the cover panel 112 using a printing unit such as screen printing or inkjet printing. On the other hand, the light shielding part 112a is formed so as to be laminated on the back side of the infrared transmissive light shielding part 41.

As described above, according to the present embodiment, the infrared light-shielding light-shielding portion 41 that is disposed so as to cover at least the proximity sensor 119 and shields at least visible light while transmitting at least infrared light is provided. In this way, the proximity sensor 119 transmits at least infrared rays, but at least visible light is covered by the infrared transmissive light shielding unit 41, so that it is difficult for the user to visually recognize from the outside. Appearance can be improved.

In addition, the plurality of proximity sensors 119 include at least a front side proximity sensor 119A arranged to face an outer surface of the liquid crystal display device 110 on the display surface 111D side on which an image of the liquid crystal panel 111 is displayed. On the other hand, a cover panel 112 that protects the liquid crystal panel 111 and the front side proximity sensor 119A from the display surface 111D side is provided by covering the liquid crystal panel 111 and the front side proximity sensor 119A. 112 is provided on the inner surface facing the liquid crystal panel 111 and the front side proximity sensor 119A side. In this way, the cover panel 112 can cover the liquid crystal panel 111 and the front side proximity sensor 119A from the display surface 111D side to protect them. In addition, since the infrared transmissive light shielding portion 41 is provided on the inner surface of the cover panel 112 facing the liquid crystal panel 111 and the front side proximity sensor 119A, the infrared transmissive light shielding portion 41 can be prevented from being exposed to the outside. It is assumed that the infrared transmissive light shielding portion 41 is hardly deteriorated.

Further, the liquid crystal panel 111 has a display portion AA on which an image is displayed on the display surface 111D, and the infrared transmissive light-shielding portion 41 is entirely located on the inner surface of the cover panel 112 outside the display portion AA. And a light shielding portion 112a that is arranged so as to overlap the infrared transmissive light shielding portion 41 and shields light including infrared rays and visible rays. The light shielding portion 112a includes a front side proximity sensor 119A and An opening is formed at the overlapping position. As described above, since the infrared transmissive light shielding portion 41 and the light shielding portion 112a are provided so as to overlap each other on the inner surface of the cover panel 112 outside the display portion AA, visible light is more effectively blocked. Thereby, the appearance of the liquid crystal display device 110 can be improved. In addition, since an opening is formed at a position overlapping the front side proximity sensor 119A in the light shielding part 112a, it is possible to prevent the irradiation of infrared rays to the front side proximity sensor 119A from being hindered.

<Embodiment 3>
A third embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. In this Embodiment 3, what added the infrared communication part 42 to what was described in Embodiment 2 mentioned above is shown. In addition, the overlapping description about the same structure, an effect | action, and effect as above-mentioned Embodiment 2 is abbreviate | omitted.

As shown in FIGS. 10 and 11, the liquid crystal display device 210 according to the present embodiment includes a plurality of infrared communication units 42 for performing communication with an external device using infrared rays. The infrared communication unit 42 includes at least an infrared light receiving element that receives infrared light and an infrared light emitting element that emits infrared light (both of the infrared light receiving elements are not shown). The infrared light receiving element and the infrared light emitting element included in the infrared communication unit 42 receive and emit near-infrared light (for example, light having a wavelength range of 700 nm to 2500 nm) that has a relatively short wavelength and is close to visible light. Is possible. Infrared communication unit 42 is controlled by infrared communication control unit (not shown) whose operation is controlled by the main control unit, and the operation related to the reception and emission of infrared rays is controlled, and based on the IrDA standard which is an international standard. It is possible to perform infrared communication with an external device. The infrared communication unit 42 has a substantially rectangular shape that is vertically long along the Y-axis direction when viewed in a plan view, and has substantially the same outer shape as the proximity sensor 219.

And the infrared communication part 42 is distribute | arranged to the position adjacent to the proximity sensor 119, as shown in FIGS. 10-12. Specifically, as shown in FIGS. 10 and 12, the front-side sensor housing portion 220 of the first panel support member 216 in which the front-side proximity sensor 219 A is housed extends the formation range in the inner peripheral portion 216 a 1 along the Y-axis direction. In addition to the front side proximity sensor 219A, the infrared communication unit 42 can be accommodated. The rear side sensor housing portion of the casing 214 in which the back side proximity sensor 219B is housed is expanded in the Y axis direction in the same manner as the front side sensor housing portion 220, and infrared communication is performed in addition to the back side proximity sensor 219B. The portion 42 is large enough to be accommodated (see FIG. 11). The proximity sensor 219 and the infrared communication unit 42 adjacent to each other are accommodated in each sensor accommodating unit 220 in a posture in which the long side direction coincides with the Y-axis direction. The arrangement and the number of installed infrared communication units 42 are the same as the arrangement and the number of installed proximity sensors 219. As described above, the infrared communication units 42 are arranged so as to face the outer surface on the front side and the outer surface on the back side of the liquid crystal display device 210, and are distributed in the outer peripheral surface mainly in the outer surface. In addition, the infrared rays for communication can be emitted almost radially toward the periphery of the liquid crystal display device 210, and the infrared rays for communication emitted from the periphery of the liquid crystal display device 210 can be easily received. Accordingly, infrared communication can be easily performed without strictly positioning the liquid crystal display device 210 and an external device that is an object of infrared communication, which is excellent in convenience. The opening 212a1 formed in the light shielding part 212a of the cover panel 212 is expanded in accordance with the change in the formation range of the front sensor housing part 220 as shown in FIG. The size viewed in a plane is substantially the same as that of the front sensor housing portion 220.

As described above, according to the present embodiment, a plurality of infrared communication units 42 for performing infrared communication with an external device are provided, and the plurality of infrared communication units 42 correspond to a plurality of proximity sensors 219. Are arranged adjacent to each other. In this way, the infrared communication unit 42 can perform infrared communication with an external device. Since the infrared communication unit 42 is arranged at a position adjacent to the proximity sensor 219, the arrangement space of the infrared communication unit 42 and the proximity sensor 219 is small as compared with the case where they are arranged not adjacent to each other. Can be. In addition, since a plurality of infrared communication units 42 are arranged adjacent to the plurality of proximity sensors 219, the communicable range can be easily widened, thereby improving the communication performance.

<Embodiment 4>
A fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. 13 or FIG. In the fourth embodiment, the program association information can be updated from the first embodiment. In addition, the overlapping description about the same structure, an effect | action, and effect as above-mentioned Embodiment 1 is abbreviate | omitted.

In the liquid crystal display device according to the present embodiment, a function for updating the program association information stored in the memory by the user of the liquid crystal display device (hereinafter referred to as a program association information update function) is added. In order to exhibit this program association information update function, an association information update program is stored in the memory. The user can use the program association information update function by operating the touch panel while the power of the liquid crystal display device is turned on and executing the association information update program stored in the memory. A processing procedure performed by the main control unit (association information update unit) in order to exhibit this program association information update function will be described in detail below using the flowcharts shown in FIGS. 13 and 14.

When the association information update program is executed, as shown in FIG. 13, the main control unit detects whether or not there is a proximity sensor that has detected the detection object among all the proximity sensors. When the proximity sensor that has detected the detection target exists (step S40), the sensor detection information related to the proximity sensor that subsequently detected the detection target is converted into a detection pattern of predetermined program linking information. A program linking information update process (step S41) to be replaced and updated is performed. The liquid crystal display device can be used when the user uses the program associated with the program association information to be updated before executing the association information update program (at least before the proximity sensor detection process is performed). It is necessary to have. The proximity sensor detection process is the same as the proximity sensor detection process (see FIG. 7) described in the first embodiment, and a detailed description thereof will be omitted. Next, the program association information update process will be described in detail.

In the program association information update process, as shown in FIG. 14, the main control unit first acquires information on a proximity sensor determined to have detected a detection object in the proximity sensor detection process (hereinafter referred to as sensor detection information). (Step S50). Next, the main control unit causes the liquid crystal panel to display a screen for selecting which program association information in the program association information stored in the memory is registered as the detection pattern of which program association information is registered (Step S1). S51). At this time, a plurality of options representing, for example, registration destination programs are displayed on the display unit of the liquid crystal panel. When the user inputs position information on the touch panel according to this display, the main control unit determines whether or not the input position information matches an option displayed on the liquid crystal panel (step S52). At this time, if it is determined that the input position information matches the option displayed on the liquid crystal panel, the main control unit displays the detection pattern of the program association information related to the program that is the matched option as the sensor detection information. (Step S53), and the program association information update process is completed. On the other hand, if it is determined in step S52 that the position information input does not match the option displayed on the liquid crystal panel, the process returns to step S51.

Thus, by using the program association information update function, it is possible to reflect the user's preference and habit of how to hold the liquid crystal display device in the detection pattern related to the program association information. This makes it possible to automatically execute an appropriate program suitable for each user when the liquid crystal display device is turned on or returned from the sleep mode. Is even higher.

As described above, according to the present embodiment, the main control unit (correlation information update unit) capable of updating the program association information is provided. In this way, when the program association information is updated by the main control unit, for example, the user holds a plurality of hands (fingers) that are detection objects while holding the liquid crystal display device in a predetermined manner. It is possible to change the program associated with the detected proximity sensor by causing at least one of the proximity sensors to detect the proximity sensor. Thereby, a user's usability and operativity become still higher.

<Embodiment 5>
Embodiment 5 of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. In the fifth embodiment, a configuration in which the formation range of the infrared transmissive light-shielding portion 441 is changed from the above-described second embodiment is shown. In addition, the overlapping description about the same structure, an effect | action, and effect as above-mentioned Embodiment 2 is abbreviate | omitted.

As shown in FIG. 15, the infrared transmissive light shielding portion 441 according to the present embodiment is selectively provided in a portion of the inner surface of the cover panel 412 that overlaps the opening 412 a 1 of the light shielding portion 412 a when viewed in plan. Yes. Specifically, the infrared transmissive light shielding portion 441 is partially provided in a region outside the display portion AA on the inner surface of the cover panel 412. Specifically, the infrared transmissive light shielding portion 441 is opposed to the front side proximity sensor 419A and the opening of the light shielding portion 412a. The portion 412a1 and the region overlapping with the plane when viewed in a plane and the region overlapping with the opening edge of the opening 412a1 when viewed in a plane are arranged. That is, the infrared transmissive light shielding portion 441 has a shape that follows the outer shape of the opening 412a1 (front side proximity sensor 419A) in a plan view, that is, has a vertically long rectangular shape, and each opening 412a1 (each front side proximity sensor 419A). A plurality of them are provided intermittently. In this way, the formation range of the infrared transmissive light shielding portion 441 is greatly reduced as compared with the second embodiment described above, which is useful in reducing the material cost of the infrared transmissive light shielding portion 441.

<Embodiment 6>
A sixth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. In the sixth embodiment, the order in which the light shielding portion 512a and the infrared light transmissive light shielding portion 541 are stacked is reversed from that in the second embodiment. In addition, the overlapping description about the same structure, an effect | action, and effect as above-mentioned Embodiment 2 is abbreviate | omitted.

The light shielding part 512a according to the present embodiment is directly printed on the inner surface of the cover panel 512 as shown in FIG. On the other hand, the infrared transmissive light shielding part 541 is formed so as to be laminated on the back side of the light shielding part 512a. In this case, for example, the cover panel 512 provided with only the light-shielding portion 512a on the inner surface is manufactured as a shared product that can be shared by the liquid crystal display device 510 and another liquid crystal display device. Can be used for the liquid crystal display device 510, it is possible to adopt a member management method in which an infrared transmissive light-shielding portion 541 is additionally provided as a common product.

<Embodiment 7>
A seventh embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. In the seventh embodiment, the proximity sensor 619 is disposed so as to face the side surface of the liquid crystal display device 610. In addition, the overlapping description about the same structure, an effect | action, and effect as above-mentioned Embodiment 1 is abbreviate | omitted.

Referring to FIG. 17, the liquid crystal display device 610 according to the present embodiment includes a proximity sensor 619 facing the side surface of the outer peripheral surface. In the following description, the proximity sensor 619 facing the side surface is referred to as a “side surface side proximity sensor” and a suffix “C” is added to the reference numeral. Of the outer peripheral side surfaces of the liquid crystal display device 610, two side surface proximity sensors 619C are provided on each of the pair of long side surfaces and the pair of short side surfaces, for a total of eight. The side surface proximity sensor 619C is disposed near both ends in the length direction on each side surface. Each side surface, which is the outer surface of the casing 614, has a side sensor housing portion (not shown) for housing the side surface proximity sensor 619C, which is recessed at a corresponding position. The filler is filled in the same manner as the back side sensor housing. As the side surface proximity sensor 619C is added, the side surface proximity sensor 619C can be included in addition to the other proximity sensors 619 in the detection pattern related to the program association information associated with each program. . In this way, it is possible to more precisely detect how the user holds the liquid crystal display device, so that a situation in which the user's intended program and the program executed by the main control unit are inconsistent further occurs. It becomes difficult.

<Eighth embodiment>
An eighth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. In the eighth embodiment, the arrangement and the number of installation of the front side proximity sensor 719A are changed. In addition, the overlapping description about the same structure, an effect | action, and effect as above-mentioned Embodiment 1 is abbreviate | omitted.

As shown in FIG. 18, the front side proximity sensor 719 A according to the present embodiment includes, in the liquid crystal display device 710, a frame-like region outside the display unit AA of the liquid crystal panel, near both end positions of each side, A total of 8 are installed near the center position. In this way, the front side proximity sensor 719A has a larger number of installations than those described in the first embodiment and is distributed almost uniformly in the area outside the display unit AA. The holding method of the display device can be detected more precisely.

<Ninth Embodiment>
Embodiment 9 of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. In the ninth embodiment, the rear side proximity sensor 819B is changed in arrangement and number of installations. In addition, the overlapping description about the same structure, an effect | action, and effect as above-mentioned Embodiment 1 is abbreviate | omitted.

As shown in FIG. 19, the back side proximity sensor 819 B according to the present embodiment has, in the outer surface on the back side of the liquid crystal display device 810, the vicinity of both ends of each long side at both ends in the short side direction and the center position of each long side. A total of 6 are installed in the vicinity. In this way, the back side proximity sensor 819B has a larger number of installations than the one described in the first embodiment and is distributed in the area outside the display unit AA. How to hold can be detected more precisely.

<Other embodiments>
The present invention is not limited to the embodiments described with reference to the above description and drawings. For example, the following embodiments are also included in the technical scope of the present invention.
(1) In each of the above-described embodiments, a plurality of pieces of program association information are provided corresponding to a plurality of programs. However, a case in which only one piece of program association information is provided is also included in the present invention. That is, it is possible to adopt a configuration in which the total number of program association information is smaller than the total number of programs. On the contrary, it is of course possible to adopt a configuration in which program association information is provided corresponding to all programs.

(2) In each of the above-described embodiments, the case where the proximity sensor is provided only for detecting how the user holds the liquid crystal display device has been described. However, the proximity sensor may be used for other purposes. Is possible. For example, while using the call function of the portable information terminal based on the presence / absence of detection by the proximity sensor, the screen of the liquid crystal panel is not displayed or the call function of the portable information terminal is determined based on the presence / absence of the detection by the proximity sensor. The proximity sensor can be used for applications such as disabling the operation of the touch panel while using.

(3) In each of the above-described embodiments, the case where the main control unit functions as a “program execution unit” or “association information update unit” has been described. It is also possible to provide.

(4) In addition to the above-described Embodiments 2 and 5, the specific formation range of the infrared transmissive light-shielding portion in the cover panel can be changed as appropriate.

(5) As a modification of the above-described third embodiment, an infrared communication unit for infrared communication is omitted, and an infrared light emitting element and an infrared light receiving element included in the proximity sensor are combined with a communication function based on the IrDA standard. It is also possible.

(6) In the above-described embodiment 4, the liquid crystal display device having a function of updating the detection pattern included in the program association information has been shown. However, specific program association information is erased from the memory, or conversely new It is also possible to add a function such as adding program association information.

(7) The configuration described in the fifth embodiment (the configuration in which the infrared transmissive light-shielding portion is partially formed) can be combined with the configuration described in the sixth embodiment.

(8) The configurations described in Embodiments 2 to 6 can be combined with the configurations described in Embodiments 7 to 9.

(9) Besides the above-described embodiments, the specific arrangement and the number of installed proximity sensors can be changed as appropriate. For example, all the back side proximity sensors can be omitted.

(10) In addition to the above-described embodiments, it is also possible to detect how the user holds the liquid crystal display device using a touch panel pattern of the touch panel in addition to the proximity sensor.

(11) In each of the above-described embodiments, although the proximity sensor is arranged to face the outer surface of the liquid crystal display device, the proximity sensor is configured to be covered with a cover panel or a filler. It is also possible to adopt a configuration that is arranged so as to be exposed to the outside.

(12) In each of the above-described embodiments, the proximity sensor using an infrared light receiving element and an infrared light emitting element (active infrared sensor) is used. However, the proximity sensor may be changed to another proximity sensor. Is possible. Specifically, a passive infrared sensor having a far-infrared light receiving element that receives far infrared rays without having an infrared light emitting element, an ultrasonic sensor using ultrasonic waves, a microwave sensor using microwaves, and a temperature change Temperature sensor to detect, pressure sensor to detect pressure, electromagnetic induction sensor using the principle of electromagnetic induction, magnetic induction sensor using the principle of magnetic induction, capacitive sensor to detect changes in capacitance, etc. Can be used as a proximity sensor. In particular, if a proximity sensor of a type that does not use visible light or infrared light is used in the configuration described in the first embodiment, it is not necessary to form an opening in the light shielding portion. The appearance of the liquid crystal display device can be improved without using a transmissive light shielding portion.

(13) In each of the embodiments described above, the LED substrate is exemplified by a film-like base material. However, the LED substrate base material may have a plate shape having a certain thickness.

(14) In each of the above-described embodiments, the liquid crystal display device in which the “panel activation operation unit” is configured by the power button is shown. For example, the liquid crystal display device includes a remote control light receiving unit that receives infrared rays emitted from the remote control. It may be provided as a “panel activation operation unit”, and the power of the liquid crystal display device may be turned on or returned from the sleep mode based on the operation of the remote controller.

(15) In each of the embodiments described above, a case where a touch panel is provided separately from the cover panel is shown, but the touch panel is omitted and a touch panel pattern is directly formed on the inner surface of the cover panel facing the liquid crystal panel side. In other words, the cover panel may have a touch panel function.

(16) In each of the above-described embodiments, the projection type capacitive touch panel is exemplified as the touch panel pattern of the touch panel. The present invention can also be applied to those employing patterns.

(17) Instead of the touch panel described in each of the above-described embodiments, for example, an image displayed on the display surface of the liquid crystal panel is separated by parallax, so that a stereoscopic image (3D image, 3D image) is displayed to the observer. It is also possible to use a parallax barrier panel (switch liquid crystal panel) having a parallax barrier pattern for observation. Further, the above-described parallax barrier panel and touch panel can be used in combination.

(18) It is also possible to form a touch panel pattern on the parallax barrier panel described in (17) above, and to have the touch panel function on the parallax barrier panel.

(19) In each of the above-described embodiments, the liquid crystal display device provided with the touch panel is illustrated, but the touch panel may be omitted. Similarly, the cover panel can be omitted.

(20) In the above-described embodiments, the liquid crystal display device used for a portable information terminal such as a smartphone has been exemplified. However, the liquid crystal display device used for a portable information terminal larger than the smartphone, for example, a portable information terminal such as a tablet laptop computer In addition, the present invention is applicable. In that case, the screen size of the liquid crystal panel is preferably about 5 to 20 inches. In addition to the above, the screen size of the liquid crystal panel can be changed as appropriate. In addition to smartphones and tablet notebook computers, the present invention can also be applied to liquid crystal display devices used for in-vehicle information terminals (portable car navigation systems), portable game machines, and the like.

(21) In each of the above-described embodiments, the second panel support member is formed in a frame shape. For example, the second panel support member has a substantially box shape that opens to the front side, and the bottom portion of the light guide plate and It is also possible to support the reflection sheet from the back side. In that case, it is also possible to have a configuration in which the LED substrate is supported from the back side by the bottom of the second panel support member.

(22) In each of the above-described embodiments, the color portion of the color filter included in the liquid crystal panel is exemplified as three colors of R, G, and B. However, the color portion may be four or more colors.

(23) In each of the above-described embodiments, an LED is used as the light source. However, other light sources such as a cold cathode tube may be used.

(24) In each of the above-described embodiments, the case where the tempered glass subjected to the chemical tempering treatment is used as the cover panel is shown. It is.

(25) In each of the above-described embodiments, the cover panel using the tempered glass is shown, but it is of course possible to use a normal glass material (non-tempered glass) or a synthetic resin material that is not tempered glass.

(26) In each of the embodiments described above, the edge light type is exemplified as the backlight device provided in the liquid crystal display device, but the present invention includes a backlight device of a direct type.

(27) In each of the above-described embodiments, a liquid crystal display device having a vertically long display screen is exemplified, but a liquid crystal display device having a horizontally long display screen is also included in the present invention. A liquid crystal display device having a square display screen is also included in the present invention.

(28) In each of the above-described embodiments, the liquid crystal display device using the liquid crystal panel as the display panel has been exemplified. However, the display device using another type of display panel (PDP (plasma display panel), organic EL panel, or the like). In addition, the present invention is applicable. In that case, the backlight device can be omitted.

(29) In each of the above-described embodiments, the TFT is used as a switching element of the liquid crystal display device. In addition to the liquid crystal display device for display, the present invention can also be applied to a liquid crystal display device for monochrome display.

10, 110, 210, 510, 610, 710, 810 ... liquid crystal display device (display device), 11, 111 ... liquid crystal panel (display panel), 11a ... CF substrate (substrate), 11b ... array substrate (substrate), 11D ... Display surface, 12, 112, 212, 412, 512 ... Cover panel (protective panel), 12a, 112a, 212a, 412a, 512a ... Shading part, 12a1, 112a1, 212a1, 412a1 ... Opening part, 16, 216 ... No. 1 panel support member (panel support member), 18 power button (panel activation operation unit), 19, 119, 219, 619 ... proximity sensor (proximity detection unit), 19A, 119A, 219A, 419A, 719A ... front side proximity sensor (Display surface side proximity detector), 19B, 219B, 819B ... Back side proximity sensor (opposite side proximity detector), 2 , 220 ... front side sensor accommodation unit (detection unit accommodation unit), 33 ... main control unit (program execution unit, association information update unit), 38 ... memory (storage unit), 39 ... program, 40 ... program association information, 41, 441, 541 ... Infrared transparent light shielding part, 42 ... Infrared communication part, AA ... Display part

Claims

A display panel capable of displaying images;
A panel activation operation unit capable of activating the display panel by being operated by a user of the display device;
A plurality of proximity detectors arranged so as to face at least one outer surface of the display device and capable of detecting that a detection target object approaches or contacts; and
A storage unit that stores a plurality of programs, and program association information that associates at least one of the plurality of proximity detection units with the program among the plurality of programs. ,
When any one of the plurality of proximity detection units detects the detection target, it is linked to the proximity detection unit that has detected the detection target by referring to the program association information stored in the storage unit And a program execution unit for executing the program.
The plurality of proximity detection units include a display surface side proximity detection unit arranged to face an outer surface on the display surface side on which an image of the display panel is displayed among the outer surfaces of the display device, and the display surface side. 2. The display device according to claim 1, further comprising at least a plurality of opposite-side proximity detectors arranged to face the outer surface on the opposite side.
The display panel has a display unit on which an image is displayed on the display surface,
The display device according to claim 2, wherein the display surface side proximity detection unit is disposed outside the display unit.
The display device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the proximity detection unit includes an infrared light receiving element that receives at least infrared light.
5. The display device according to claim 4, further comprising an infrared transmissive light shielding portion which is arranged so as to cover at least the proximity detecting portion and which at least transmits the infrared light but shields at least visible light.
The plurality of proximity detection units include at least a display surface side proximity detection unit arranged to face an outer surface on the display surface side on which an image of the display panel is displayed among the outer surfaces of the display device. On the other hand, a protective panel for protecting the display panel and the display surface side proximity detector is provided by being arranged in a form covering the display surface side from the display surface side,
The display device according to claim 5, wherein the infrared transmissive light shielding unit is provided on an inner surface of the protective panel facing the display panel and the display surface side proximity detection unit.
The display panel has a display unit on which an image is displayed on the display surface,
The infrared transmissive light shielding portion is provided over the entire area of the inner surface of the protective panel outside the display portion, and is arranged in an overlapping manner with respect to the infrared transmissive light shielding portion. A light-shielding part that shields light including visible light is provided,
The display device according to claim 6, wherein the light shielding portion has an opening formed at a position overlapping the display surface side proximity detecting portion.
The display device according to any one of claims 4 to 7, wherein the proximity detection unit includes an infrared light emitting element that emits the infrared light in addition to the infrared light receiving element.
There are multiple infrared communication units for infrared communication with external devices.
The display device according to claim 4, wherein the plurality of infrared communication units are arranged at positions adjacent to the plurality of proximity detection units, respectively.
The plurality of proximity detection units include at least a display surface side proximity detection unit arranged to face an outer surface on the display surface side on which an image of the display panel is displayed among the outer surfaces of the display device. On the other hand, the display panel and the display surface side proximity detection unit are arranged in a form covering the display surface side to protect them, and the display panel and the display surface side proximity detection in the protection panel A panel support member arranged to face the inner surface facing the part side and supporting the protective panel,
The detection part accommodation part which accommodates the said display surface side proximity detection part is provided in the surface facing the said inner surface of the said protection panel in the said panel support member. The display device described.
The display device according to any one of claims 1 to 10, further comprising a linking information update unit capable of updating the program linking information.
The display device according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the display panel is a liquid crystal panel in which liquid crystal is sealed between a pair of substrates.